Guyana Times International

INTERNATIONAL

Cheddi’s Legacy Page 4

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

for FRee distribution guyanatimesinternational.com

You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com WEEK ENDING january 7, 2018

ISSUE NO. 378

Renegotiated oil agreement

Contract stacked in Exxon’s favour – Jagdeo See story on page 23

Several CAL flights cancelled due to winter storm in NY Page 8

Cops accused of raping woman in Police Station washroom Page 12

Chief of Staff, Brigadier Patrick West and Inspector General Colonel Nazrul Hussain, on Thursday decorated newly promoted Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Officers with their new badges of rank.

Substantive Major Michael Shahoud (in photo being decorated with his badge) heads the list of the newly promoted Officers. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col). The other newly promoted Lieutenant Colonels are Selwyn Austin, Kester Craig and Sheldon Howell.

Promoted to the rank of Major are Substantive Captains Dominic Shepherd, Cranston France, Kevin Langevine, John Mohanlall and Raymond Archer as well as Reserve Officer Captain Althea Stuart. The Officers were badged during a simple ceremony at the Officers Mess. (DPI photo)

Murdered Guyanese woman was constantly abused – relatives claim

Page 5

…‘He always beat her up when he went home high’

PNCR’s Adams hailed as dedicated public servant and community organiser Page 34

2

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS 3

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Power company promises Guyanese better services in 2018 D espite acknowledging that there has still been no noticeable improvement in its customer relations, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Incorporated has said that it will work harder this year to improve its efficiency, though the company is still faced with several major issues.

GPL Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Technical), Elwyn Marshall, said notwithstanding these challenges; GPL has managed to perform commendable in 2017 and could only improve from thereon. “Credit must be given to the hard-working staff, especially those in the transmission and distribution sections who have been forced to work under extremely adverse condition,� he said.

One of the major challenges is no growth in revenue or consumption. Revenue fell from 103.7 per cent in 2016 to

GPL Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Technical), Elwyn Marshall

93.9 per cent in 2017, with net revenue of G$28.4B last year as opposed to G$29B in 2016.

However, according to Marshall, December settlement of Government bills will lead to improvement in collection rate. Customer growth of less than 2,000 or 50 per cent is also expected this year.

In listing some of the achievements made in 2017, the GPL official pointed to work done to expand the network to provide electricity to unserved areas which include: Yarrowkabra Housing Development, Den Hueval Housing Scheme, New Savannah Housing Scheme, and Friendship Squatting area.

Marshall said projections for 2018 include the commissioning of the Anna Regina (5.4MG), Canefield (5.5MW), and Bartica (3.3MW). Expression of in-

terests has also been accepted and bids evaluated for the establishment of a 50MW generation plant capable of utilising natural gas.

Further, the company will also be working towards establishing solar facilities in Lima Sands, Essequibo Coast; Naartigheid, West Coast Berbice; Kuru Kururu, East Bank Demerara. There will also be, according to Marshall, continued engagement on the establishment of a wind farm at Hope, East Coast Demerara.

Meanwhile, the Power Producers and Distributors Incorporation (PPDI) made a commitment to support GPL with quality and ample power. PPDI Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Arron Fraser said PPDI generated 596,000 megawatts of electricity in 2017, which helped to power several GPL projects.

PPDI had replaced continued on page 7

4 views

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Life... in Guyana's Rupununi 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

Sliding into Dystopia

T

he word “Dystopia” was coined in the mid nineteenth century as an antonym to Sir Thomas Moore’s 16th century “utopia”, that place where everything was perfect. In the intervening three hundred years, history, unfortunately had graphically demonstrated that even with the rationality of the Enlightenment in Europe, the human condition could still be made worse by leaders: dystopian.

With half of its term behind it, the PNC-led APNU/AFC government has made a mockery of all its high sounding promises in their 2015 Manifesto. Rather than the promised “good life”, citizens are staring into the darkness of a dystopian future. These citizens would probably prefer the other word that was proposed as the opposite of utopia – “kakotopia”: it is certainly more evocative of the “nasty and brutish” lives they now have to endure.

The Manifesto had promised to “save” the sugar industry: today, 4000 workers in Berbice and Demerara will join the 1700 workers, thrown onto the streets last year-end. The despair and desolation of these workers is poignantly described in the magazine section of this newspaper: broken homes, hungry children and frenetic attempts to keep body and soul together.

The lives of sugar workers have always been bitter, but in Guyana today, that bitterness has the anger of bile, at their betrayal. The details of the oil contract – signed since June 2016 but kept as a state secret on one of the most surreal of excuses is another sign of the enveloping, stygian dystopia. Only a government that has the most utter contempt for its citizens would try to pull the wool over their eyes on such a patently false pretext. But now that the details are out, one can easily understand the real reason for the stonewalling: the government’s desperate to hide the massive sell out of the patrimony of the people of Guyana.

We do not have to repeat all the one-sided terms against the interests of Guyana which the Government “renegotiated”. That we have to pay the oil companies’ income tax from our share of the profits says it all, especially when the said companies are allowed to deduct up to 75% of total revenues for exploration, development and operating “expenses”, which they have the upper hand in determining.

But more significant is that the unconscionable contract vitiates all the hope that oil revenues will improve the lives of Guyanese in the years ahead. The leaders of a government that negotiated such a contract, when billions of barrels of oil had already been confirmed, cannot possibly have anything but their own interests at heart – and certainly not the country’s.

After all, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Angola etc for instance, signed even more favourable contracts for their oil for decades – and look where their ordinary people are today: still poor and powerless. When everyone is living in shacks, the reality of one’s poverty is not immediately apparent since there is no basis for comparison. But when, as in African and so many other oil-producing third world states, the oil wealth flows into the pockets of those in Government and their cronies, their obscenely luxurious lifestyles the poor are made aware of their dystopian condition every minute of the day.

But people do not voluntarily choose to live in squalor and it is for this reason governments of dystopian societies are also, at the minimum, authoritarian and more often, totalitarian. They are unwilling to accept the social contract with their citizens encompassed in their constitutions as the ultimate and binding law. We have witnessed President Granger actually declaring publicly that his “perception” of the meaning of a constitutional stipulation is as valid as the Judiciary’s. In the dystopia, there can be no mediating institution between the maximum leader and the people: all the institutions of the state, especially the coercive ones such as the police, army and civil service are to be bent to his will.

Welcome to the “brave new world”.

(Photo by Girendra Persaud)

Cheddi’s Legacy

T

he PPP’s announcement that March of this year will mark the 100th birth anniversary of its founder Cheddi Jagan, brings home the reality that change in the order of the world is inevitable.

It was the Greek philosopher Zeno, who remarked that no one can step into the same river twice, as it constantly flows, so does the “moving finger” of fate. Cheddi Jagan was born into tumultuous but momentous times and perhaps, without committing the fallacy of retrospective determinism, we may speculate he was inevitably shaped by those times.

The son of parents who were both brought to Guyana by women who left India as single parents, he would have appreciated the aphorism of the man who would provide the ideology for his adult life: “men make their history, but not in circumstances of their making.” Jagan’s birth, one year after Indentureship from India had ended and in the year that the Great War (WWI) was to finally end, were in circumstances that had to have been very impactful.

With no additional indentured labourers to undercut the bargaining power of those time-expired ones who chose to remain on the sugar plantations, the struggle for better living conditions was being launched in far-away Georgetown where Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow was organising stevedores and would form the British Guiana Labour Union (BGLU) the following year. The sugar barons, with the connivance of the local Colonial State and the British Government, would attempt to recruit new labour for sugar from both India and Africa.

Though unsuccessful, this effort would unleash powerful sentiments that would be fanned into ethnic fears in the succeeding decades.

It is said there are always silver linings behind dark clouds and for British Guiana the dark clouds of WWI provided at least two such linings.

Firstly, it was competition for ships and manpower from India to the war-front in the

Middle East more than anything else that led to the cessation of Indian Indentureship.

Secondly, because of the German U-Boat threat to British ships in the Atlantic, rice shipments from Burma and India had to be curtailed and this gave a massive impetus to the fledgling Guyanese rice industry.

With Berbice having one of the healthiest climes in the colony, even though irrigation was a challenge, the Ancient County fast developed into a major producer of paddy, and with new mills opening up, of rice also. Cattle had also provided an alternative source of employment away from the sugar plantations by 1918.

Cheddi Jagan, then, would grow up when the times were certainly “a changin’”.

His father had to have showed leadership skills to have become the “Head Driver” at Port Mourant Estate, and while he might not have acceded to the formal “junior staff” of the enterprise, would have been one of the most powerful individuals because of his access to the estate managers and his power to allocate field work. His de facto “mid-

dle class” status – at least to the workers in the fields – would have provided the perspective to enrol Cheddi Jagan at Queen’s College in far-away Georgetown, after the boy had completed primary school in Port Mourant.

The father obviously saw a future beyond the sugar fields or factory for his firstborn, but being located in those fields for his entire life, the father would have imparted some knowledge of the exploitative relationships spawned by what Cheddi was to later dub, “Bitter Sugar”.

Jagan, of course, was to launch his political career in the bosom of sugar and those workers were to form the backbone of his struggle for Guyana’s freedom.

In this, the year of Cheddi Jagan’s birth centenary, it is, therefore, very ominous that the industry has been given such short shrift to have dismissed 5700 workers in a year, with no other source of employment in sight.

It would seem that there might be a direct effort to belittle the great man’s legacy, by some who are conversant with Guyana’s history.

NEWS 5

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Murdered Guyanese woman was constantly abused – relatives claim …‘He always beat her up when he went home high’

J

ust hours after a Queens couple rang in the New Year, the wife became the city’s first murder victim of 2018 – and her abusive husband hanged himself from a tree in a city park.

The New York Daily News reported Police sources as saying on Monday that authorities were investigating the deaths as a murder-suicide after the bodies were discovered about three hours apart on New Year’s Day. Stacy Singh, the 26-year-old mother of two small children, was stabbed repeatedly in the back and left face-down in the couple’s Richmond Hill home on 103rd Avenue, near 113th Street, according to Police sources. Singh is a Guyanese who hails from Novar, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

A knife was found near her body when

Police arrived at about 14:00h.

Her hard-partying husband, Vinny Loknath, 46, committed suicide just after 11:00h in Forest Park, about one and a half miles from the murder scene, sources said.

He was found hanging from a tree in the park.

Loknath “was very abusive to her,” the dead woman’s brotherin-law Romain Shaw, told the New York Daily News. “She stayed with him no matter what because they had two kids together. She was hoping for him to change, but he never did.

“He’s such a coward.”

According to Shaw, Loknath was drinking heavily and using cocaine when family members gathered on New Year’s Eve at a Queens restaurant.

“He was so drunk, so very drunk,” said Shaw. “He always beat

Stacy Singh and Vinny Loknath in happier times

her up when he went home high.”

A neighbour said the couple fought constant-

ly, recalling one incident that ended with the battered wife leaving their home in an ambulance.

“The Cops are always there,” the neighbour was quoted by the New York Daily News as saying. “They were always having big fights. But she still came back to him.” The couple has a five-yearold son and a one-yearold daughter now left parentless.

“Stacy was a very sweet person,” said Shaw. “She was a very generous, caring person. She loved her children very much, spent every penny on them.

They were her world.”

The victim’s family went to the house on Monday evening, with the woman’s sister collapsing upon arrival. The neighbour described Loknath as a construction worker often seen sitting on the front step of the house,

smoking cigarettes and drinking beer.

This killing marked the second consecutive year that a Guyanese has been the city’s first murder in the Queens precinct.

On January 1, 2017, 31-year-old Ricky Kalisaran of Klein Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, was shot dead during an attempted robbery on 124th Street, South Richmond Hill, Queens, near Liberty Avenue.

He had travelled to the US to attend his grandmother’s funeral.

Kalisaran was shot once to his back by one of the gun-toting bandits and left to die in front of a nightclub on 124th Street.

Meanwhile, his brother, Michael Kalisaran, 25, a resident of the US, was shot to his abdomen but when the bullet exit his body, it caused severe damage to a lung and kidney.

6

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Exxon contract shows a lack of responsibility and care for the citizens Dear Editor, The recent release of the Exxon contract shows a lack of responsibility and care for the Guyanese people and the environment.

Firstly and most importantly this nonsense about no taxes for Exxon because they stuck by us is the most absurd form of reasoning I have seen in the business world.

We are doing business with them and they came to Guyana with the expectation to do business in an environment that requires taxes to be paid. An extension of 10 years on the agreement is already a great way of saying thank you for sticking by us throughout the years and that would have been enough.

Is the current administration willing to let all Guyanese not pay taxes, corporate, VAT etc, because the citizens of this country have stuck by their side throughout all the hardships over the years? No, of course not, instead they are increasing the amount the common man and woman has to pay, while at the same time reducing job opportunities. I cannot think of a better way for the current administration to shoot itself in the foot.

In addition, they are forgetting that Exxon must recoup its operating costs before reporting any profit that will be shared. The current contract gives up the government’s ability to capture the additional revenue via taxes before reaching the net profit line in the income statement.

This would have provided an opportunity to have a more balanced agreement and would have provided an additional safeguard in terms of funds that could be used to strengthen the environ-

mental agencies while also providing additional funds for any oil spill clean-up work that might occur and funds for any benefit needed for the seafood industry in the event of such a spill.

The only recourse left is the EIA (environmental impact assessment) that is still poorly outlined and urgently needs to be addressed. This needs to be done as soon as possible if we are serious about protecting the Guyanese populace and serious about ensuring they are not taken advantage of.

The US$300,000 that will be provided annually is not earmarked for the purpose of helping in the event of an oil spill and to forego the taxes that are supposed to be paid may be considered in some circles an act against the best interest of the Nation. Now, how is this administration going to face the hardworking citizens of our beautiful country and ask them to pay the taxes they cannot afford, while giving a walkover to one of the wealthiest companies in the world.

According to Forbes, Exxon paid over $100 Billion US dollars in taxes from 2007 to 2016.

The amount they would have had to pay Guyana would have been relatively insignificant to them, while being quite substantial for the improvement of our economy. Instead the APNU/AFC administration has decided to place the burden on the backs of the citizens of Guyana. This, my friends, makes no sense and clearly slows down the journey to the “Good Life for all Guyanese”.

I am disappointed with this clearly preventable walkover.

Sincerely, Jamil Changlee

Wasting Guyana’s scarce resources

Dear Editor, In an article on the above-referenced subject which appeared in the news media on December 29, it was reported that the Minister for Public Infrastructure (MPI), David Patterson, told reporters at his end-of-year press conference that a multi-disciplinary team has been meeting with ExxonMobil to review identifiable onshore sites for the storage and distribution of natural gas expected to be produced as a by-product from oil-fields being developed off Guyana’s Atlantic Coast.

This action is another example of Minister Patterson putting, “the horse before the cart,” with ill-conceived proposals for projects.

Firstly, the MPI should have analysed the data collected by ExxonMobil to determine the estimated quantity of natural gas which could be produced from the oil fields over a given time.

The stated daily availability of natural gas of between 300 to 500 cubic feet

by Minister Patterson is an imaginary quantity and cannot be taken seriously for any meaningful development of the resource.

Secondly, ExxonMobil intends to flare the natural gas produced with the oil and its development strategy seems to be based on this premise. Therefore, if MPI intends to capture the flared natural gas, process it and then pump it to onshore facilities for storage and distribution, it will have to get an agreement from ExxonMobil to do so, since this will involve changes to their existing project design and hence additional development costs to get their oil to world markets.

The natural gas will have to be separated from its impurities before being pumped to onshore facilities for liq-

uefaction and storage in specialized containers for distribution locally and with the excess probably exported after berthing and loading services have been provided for tankers.

This would be a capital intensive and technically challenging project for which Guyana does not have the financial resources nor the technical knowhow for its execution. Hence the need for an investment partner for the development of this segment of Guyana’s natural resource.

Japan, a natural gas-hungry country appears to be interested in developing Guyana’s natural gas. If an agreement could be reached, it will be, “calling the shots” as to how its investment should be deployed. Therefore, MPI is ” jumping the gun,” wasting Guyana’s scarce resources as it prematurely seeks and reviews onshore natural gas storage sites forgetting that old adage, “he who pays the piper calls the tune”. Hence, any onshore site chosen by MPI is unlikely to satisfy the design requirements of any major investor without major modifications.

Minister Patterson should be aware that Guyana cannot develop a natural gas project without a partnership with an outside investor and therefore he should formulate the country’s development needs in this direction. If a natural gas project does indeed come to fruition which seems unlikely given the short life of the present Government, Minister Patterson could nevertheless initiate the next stage of Guyana’s development by using its share of natural gas to power turbines which will generate reliable electricity for Guyana’s entire needs.

Yours truly, Charles Sohan

It would be a noble and prudent act to save Guyana’s sugar industry Dear Editor, I should be grateful if you would kindly re-publish in your newspaper this open letter of appeal to the governing authorities, represented by the Executive Government and the Parliamentary political parties; and to GuySuCo, the recognised Trade Unions in the sugar industry, the Private Sector, the national trade union bodies, and other interested stakeholders and individuals to meet at high level national consultations to confer in good faith on ways to save and revitalise the sugar industry of Guyana to make it a viable and profitable industry again, from the growing of sugar canes to the manufacturing of sugar and its by-products.

This letter supports fully the recent call of the Private Sector Commission to Government to reconsider its decision to contract the sugar industry at this time. This is in keeping also with the recommendations of the APNU–AFC Government’s appointed Commission of Inquiry into the sugar industry in 2015.

The Government, led by President David Granger, has a critical facilitating and enabling role to bring the relevant stakeholders together to arrive at national consensus to save the industry.

It requires commitment, political maturity on all sides, and leadership to forge a mutually agreed way forward. This may also be a confidence building measure for developing high political trust, which can motivate discussion on other pressing matters of concern in the national interest and contributing to national unity.

It is well-known that the sugar industry has survived and provided the livelihood, and contributed massively to the development of our country for centuries. The industry was built and cultivated by the blood, sweat and tears of our forefathers, many martyrs during the degradation and inhumanity meted out to our forefathers of slavery and indentured labour. Today, it is still the largest employer of thousands of workers, and support tens of thousands of people who depend directly or indirectly on the industry for their livelihood, and supports viable communities in and

around the various sugar estates, including cane farmers and suppliers of various inputs for the industry.

The contributions of the sugar industry to the national treasury of foreign currencies over the years have been immense, and the industry is still a significant foreign currency earner. Many knowledgeable and experienced persons of the sugar industry are convinced that the industry can be saved and revived to profitability. This requires determination and the right decisions from the cultivation of sugar canes to producing sugar, and its potential for value added and other revenue earning ventures flowing from the sugar industry.

The industry has the capacity to increase its production by at least one hundred thousand tons (100,000) of sugar annually which can turn around the industry. Why has sugar production dropped to 183,491 tons of sugar in 2016 from 231,076 tons in 2015, from 216,186 tons in 2014? It is to be noted that the industry produced 332,457 in 1976; 156,690 in 1991; 243,010 tons in 1992, and 321,438 tons in 1999 and declining to the 2016 level. What are the critical agricultural causes for the progressive decline in sugar cane cultivation and sugar output from the factories?

The Commission of Inquiry Report into the Guyana Sugar Corporation, October 2015, should be given serious consideration by the proposed national consultations on the way forward for this vital industry. Recent studies and the views and positions of various stakeholders should all be put on the table, and discussed to find a broad-based national consensus approach to restore the viability of the sugar industry In this centenary year of the end of indentureship, and continued existence of the sugar industry which employs thousands who continue to depend on earnings from the industry for their livelihood and that of their families and surrounding communities. It would be a noble and prudent act to save and revitalise the sugar industry.

Yours faithfully, Samuel J Goolsarran

Guyana Govt gets poor approval ratings Dear Editor, Midway through its term in office, the coalition APNU/AFC Government’s approval rating has plummeted to a dismal 27%, according to the findings of the latest opinion poll conducted by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA).

Sixty-four per cent of those polled disapprove of the Government’s performance, with 9% not giving an opinion.

The approval ratings of the President and Prime Minister (PM) and of the Alliance For Change (AFC) party have also seen their numbers plunging.

This is a sharp reversal in fortunes for the President, PM, AFC and Government, which had high rating of around 60% right after coming into office in May 2015. But, as obtained from views of the public, it has been downhill in popularity ever since they awarded themselves a more than 50 per cent increase in salaries right after installation in office.

The Government, AFC, President, and PM have drawn poor marks for handling of the economy, corruption among their own, governance, race relations, and other matters.

Only 39% of respondents said they approve of the way David Granger has handled his job as president; 56% disapprove, and 5% did not give a rating.

For Moses Nagamootoo, 35% ap-

prove of his performance as Prime Minister, with 59% disapproving.

Supporters of the AFC and PPP are most disappointed with Nagamootoo.

Voters said they had expected the PM would have spoken out against the many corruption scandals, blunders, and racist policies of the Government.

But he has been silent; and worse, defending the indefensible.

The AFC has seen its support collapsing, with its approval rating now a mere 21% from a high of 80% in 2011.

Asked if the AFC has betrayed its principles, 71% answered in the affirmative, with 22% saying no. Asked if the AFC should leave the Governing coalition, 59% said yes, with 32% saying no. Many said the AFC should seek to enforce the March 2015 Cummingsburg Accord.

Asked if people would trust (future) third parties, 62% said no, with only 27% saying yes, and 11% not giving an opinion.

The Government, AFC, President and PM have registered discontent even in their own base, because of broken promises. However, supporters of AFC and PPP still hold out hope that the PM and the AFC will reverse course in their behaviour and win back their approval.

Yours truly, Dr Vishnu Bisram

news 7

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com from page 3

Power company promises Guyanese better service...

Wärtsila and has since helped GPL to save US$2.1 million. Fraser hinted that the move to take over from Wärtsila was a good one as it not only helps the main power company, but charges a fixed rate of US$16.87 per megawatt of electricity, less than what was charged before.

PPDI support

According to the PPDI CEO, the company still managed to achieve its projected targets but is still faced with some challenges some of which includes understanding the dynamics of the supply chain and transitioning from private to public corporation, while convincing consumers to get on board.

However, as part of its work programme for 2018, PPDI plans to undertake 10 major engine overhauls; major rehabilitation of plant auxiliary equipment; the implementation of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 9000; and cross plant training with regional utilities by utilising clean technology.

Following continuing countrywide power outages over several months in the last half of 2017, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) had criticised GPL. The Commission was quick to point out that GPL subjected the entire country to a series of unannounced and frequently prolonged power outages.

Shadow Minister of Public Infrastructure Juan Edghill said in a recent letter to the media that Guyanese are yet to be assured of the short-term, medium-term or even a workable long-term solution to ensuring cheap reliable and renewable electricity. “We all suffered the indignities of constant blackouts during the entire year and even during the festive season, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day,” he recalled.

In mid-2017, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson had expressed disappointment at the situation and said he will intervene to find solutions.

Patterson had told the Department of Public Information (DPI) said

he would dedicate the parliamentary recess to intervene and find solutions.

“Over the years our transmission and distribution line has deteriorated. I keep saying this and I don’t want persons to think that we know the problem and should be addressing it.

It’s still functional and can transmit electricity very efficiently but we should be able to isolate the disturbances”, he asserted.

In other instances, he said it is difficult to identify the troubled area bringing the entire system offline. “Often the team may think they found the problem and put on back the system, only to have to take it off back when they realise they haven’t and this has led to the deterioration of the protection system.”

Patterson said however that GPL is currently financially stable, therefore; monies should be invested towards enhanced generation so that issues such as tree trimming and burnt generators will not affect distribution.

US customs agents intercept thousands of pounds of cocaine in Caribbean Sea

M

IAMI, United States (CMC) — The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency says its Air and Marine Operations (AMO) detected multiple drug-smuggling vessels with 4,735 pounds of cocaine as part of Operation Full Court Press in the Caribbean Sea with interagency partners.

On Wednesday CBP said the estimated wholesale value of the drugs is US$61.7 million.

CBP said crews from Miami Air and Marine Branch and Caribbean Air and Marine Branch used “sophisticated maritime surveillance equipment to detect multiple drug-smuggling vessels as part of multi-agency operations around the holidays.”

It's reported that the discovery was made between December 18 and December 22.

CBP said Operation Full Court Press is an Air and Marine Operations Southeast Region led operation leveraging interagency partnerships to target maritime smuggling organisations responsible for cocaine trafficking throughout the Caribbean to the United States and elsewhere for distribution.

“Air and Marine Operations Southeast Region area of responsibility extends eastward from southeast Texas to the US Virgin Islands,

which includes the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and a large portion of the Caribbean Sea,” said Southeast Region Executive Director Eric Rembold.

“It is, therefore, necessary to closely coordinate law enforcement operations with our interagency and international partners to extend the nation's borders further away from the geographic border in order to dramatically increase our detection capabilities and the apprehension of illicit smuggling ventures prior to making landfall,” he added.

In 2017 CBP said AMO enforcement actions resulted in the approximate seizure or disruption of 269,790 pounds of cocaine; 384,230 pounds of marijuana; 5,721 pounds of methamphetamine; 1,089 weapons and US$26.1 million; 2,573 arrests; and 37,009 apprehensions of illegal migrants.

“Air and Marine Operations in Florida and the Caribbean continues to leverage interagency partnerships to disrupt transnational organized crime and drug trafficking,” said Martin Wade, Director of the Miami Air and Marine Branch. “The mission is to serve and protect the American people, and we'll continue to apply advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities preserving America's security interests.”

8 news

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Several CAL flights Husband allegedly cancelled due to sets house on fire winter storm in NY …after accusing wife of having affair

C

aribbean Airlines on Thursday announced that due to the winter storm which is currently pounding several parts of New York and its environs, several flights which were scheduled for January 04, 2018 have been cancelled.

The Airlines said too that affected customers travelling to/from New York during the period January 04th – 06th, 2018 will be permitted to change or cancel their reservations without penalty once passengers have a confirmed ticket issued before January 04th.

The affected flights are: BW 015, January 04th from Norman

Manley International, Kingston, Jamaica to John F. Kennedy, New York, USA BW 014, January 04th from John F. Kennedy, New York, USA to Norman Manley International, Kingston, Jamaica BW 524, January 04th from Piarco International Airport, Trinidad to John F. Kennedy, New York, USA • BW 525, January 04th, from John F. Kennedy, New York, USA to Piarco International Airport, Trinidad All other aspects of the Airlines' services remain unchanged.

O Man confesses to murdering Brazilian national

A

Joshen Essequibo River resident was arrested and is being questioned in relation to the murder of a Brazilian national which occurred at Fish Creek, Cuyuni River, on Tuesday evening. The dead miner

was identified as Naldinho De Costa Souza.

A 25 year-old suspect was arrested after being on the run and would have confessed to the murder while implicating three others including a family member who is serving a sentence for robbery at the Mazaruni Prison.

T h e police are on the hunt for the other suspects.

Shaneeza Persaud and her three children

n New Year’s Day, residents watched helplessly as a man allegedly set fire to the house he and his family lived in. The man’s three children ages nine, four and 18 months are now homeless.

According to Shaneeza Persaud, her husband Shazam Silvanish had accused her of having an affair with one of his cousins. She explained that Silvanish was very abusive and had not been supporting the family as he should.

The 27-year-old woman told this publication that during the

Christmas holidays after the accusations were made, Silvanish called his cousin and informed him of his suspicions. He then allegedly told the cousin to take the woman and her three children.

Persaud said she took her children and went to her husband’s cousin’s home but his aunt took her back to her husband a few days after.

On New Year’s morning, after Persaud invited the cousin for a drink, he sent his wife away again. However, before they left, there was an altercation between Silvansh and his cousin which esca-

lated into a fight.

Persaud told this publication that as they were on their way and she looked back, she saw fire coming from the building and ran back to save her documents but it was too late.

The man, after allegedly setting the house on fire, fled the scene immediately after.

The Police have been on the hunt for the suspect.

M e a n w h i l e , Persaud and her children have since been living with her mother, also in Crabwood Creek.

EBD man placed on G$150,000 bail for scrap metal licence fraud

A

Timehri Hill, East Bank Demerara (EBD) resident appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Wednesday to answer to a fraud charge.

Standing in the prisoner’s dock, Nelson McKenzie denied the charge that between June 20, 2017 and October 7, 2017 in Georgetown, he defrauded and forged a scrap metal export licence purporting it to be a genuine document.

The popular hotel manager was accused of making the document appear as though it was filed on behalf of the Avinash Scrap Metal Dealers.

In court on Wednesday, the prosecution objected to bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the charge.

However, McKenzie’s lawyer, Keoma Griffith highlighted that his client has been cooperating with investigators.

The 33-year-old man was released on G$150,000 bail, and was scheduled

Fraud accused: Nelson McKenzie

to return to court on January 10.

NEWS 9

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Harmon maintains oil bonus will remain in private account …until Cabinet decides otherwise

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

By Samuel Sukhnandan

D

espite numerous calls for Government to transfer the controversial US$18 million signing bonus received from ExxonMobil and placed in a private bank account, to the Consolidated Fund, the Government remains firm on its position to keep the monies in that account for a bit longer.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon told Guyana Times International on Wednesday that Cabinet has not deliberated on whether to have the monies transferred yet, reiterating that there was a purpose for which these monies were not placed into the Consolidated Fund and that has to do with the border dispute with Venezuela.

“So we have to await a ruling from the United Nations (UN) Secretary General (António Guterres) on what he is going to decide. And according to our Minister of Foreign Affairs (Carl Greenidge) that will take place sometime during the month of January. That’s all I can say right now,” Harmon explained.

After admitting that Government had received a signing bonus from ExxonMobil and its partners more than a year ago and never disclosed this to the public, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman said the bonus was intended to be used for legal fees pertaining to the preservation of Guyana’s territorial integrity, should its case with Venezuela reach the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

But when the oil contract was released to the general public, ExxonMobil clarified that the US$18 million bonus paid to the Government was meant to secure a 10-year extension of the renegotiated contract. ExxonMobil Country Manager Rod Henson made this disclosure when

addressing the media at a press conference on the same day that the contract was released.

Harmon noted that until a decision is made by the UN, only then will Cabinet be able to sit and deliberate how the monies will be utilised or whether it should indeed be placed in the Consolidated fund.

Previously, Minister Greenidge had told the National Assembly that Cabinet agreed to collect the bonus in June 2016, stating that the full Cabinet then approved the terms negotiated and the arrangements to receive the funds. He, however, said only those directly involved knew how the monies would be spent.

Greenidge further revealed that not all of the money would go towards paying an “enlarged” legal team to represent Guyana’s interest once the border controversy is referred to the ICJ by the United Nations Secretary General at the end of 2017. The Foreign Affairs Minister said US$15 million would go towards legal fees and the other US$3 million would go towards urgent training for Guyanese in petroleum.

In defending the Government, Minister Greenidge also said that releasing details about the bonus posed a risk to Guyana’s strategy to defend its territorial integrity when the matter is taken before the ICJ. However, it was repeatedly noted that Government’s move to have the monies placed in a private account is considered to be in violation of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMA).

The bonus first came to light in a leaked correspondence dated September 20, 2016, and addressed to the Governor of the Bank of Guyana with this subject: “Signing bonus granted by ExxonMobil – Request to open bank account”.

It shows that Finance Secretary at the Finance Ministry, Hector Butts, had requested that a foreign currency account be opened at the Bank of Guyana in order to receive a deposit in the form of a ‘signing bonus’ to be given

by ExxonMobil.

The letter stated, “This account should not be treated as part of the Bank’s reserves. Instead, the proceeds should be held in the currency of the deposit, that is United States dollars, and invested in secured interest-bearing securities.”

G$150M cemetery restoration project ongoing

I

n what could be called an ongoing project, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown has commenced a G$150M restoration exercise of the Le Repentir Cemetery.

The project which commenced late last year is part of a wider strategy to sustainably restore the city of Georgetown.

According to the Department of Public

tally friendly chemical” to help with the overgrowth and hanging trees. The contractor is also clearing and weeding all canals and waterways in the cemetery.

It is the first time that the Council has hired a contractor to assist with the upkeep of the cemetery. King said previously, persons hired by the Council would simply weed, leaving the

year, and these works will continue until maybe two or three months because there are a number of things we have to do within the cemetery and we are very happy about the support from citizens and stakeholders,” he told DPI. Support has been flowing in from especially religious groups, including Catholics and Muslims that have buri-

when it is announced that those who are concerned that they will cooperate because we need to paint the tombs, we need to have the cemetery looking like a real cemetery… it is really important that we take some time and remember our loved ones and take some time to make this area one that we can be proud of.”

This project runs in

An Overhead view of ongoing works at the Le Repentir Cemetery by the M&CC

Information (DPI), Town Clerk Royston King said that the Council is taking an aggressive approach to ensure the thorough restoration of the area.

“We have hired under the emergency clause of the Act, a contractor with the human competencies and technological capability to clear the cemetery and help us restore it.”

The restoration work includes the removal of overgrown bushes and using an “environmen-

Council with the added responsibility of finding more money to have the cemetery cleaned again.

According to King, the new arrangement with the contractor will not only help to secure the integrity of the cemetery but will also help to Council to save money.

The contractor will work along with the Council’s technical team to ensure a robust maintenance program, which will be ongoing over a threemonth period.

“We started late last

al spaces in the cemetery.

The Town Clerk disclosed that the Council last year, spent in excess of G$80M, while G$60M was expended the previous year on the cemetery.

The Council is also hoping that later this year it could galvanize the support of family members of persons buried in the cemetery, to have them be part of a massive clean-up campaign.

“We are asking that

excess of G$150M, and according to the Town Clerk, much more still needs to be done. In fact, King told DPI that the Council plans to restore the gates and fences of the cemetery and plans are also in the pipeline to construct another crematorium. The development of roads in the cemetery is part of the current work package.

King used the opportunity to call on citizens to pay up their rates to assist in the restoration process.

10 news

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Mixed reviews for Suspect confesses to beating APNU/AFC’s Govt Berbice fisherman to death

Political analyst, Dr David Hinds

By Michael Younge

T

he People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition continues to receive a plethora of mixed reviews about its overall performance and governance of the country since assuming executive office back in May 2015.

Political analyst, Dr David Hinds during an interview with this newspaper said after careful analysis, he is unable to say with a good conscience that the coalition Government has performed exceptionally well since winning those elections.

He said even though there has been no “discernable shift” from the approach of the previous Government as far as the economy is concerned from a large policy standpoint, “there is still the over-emphasis on taxation and wooing foreign capital and less investment in local small businesses and in the development of a competitive labour force.”

Dr Hinds explained too that unemployment, which was pegged at 11.5 per cent at the time the last National Housing and Population Census, was done in 2010 and its attends still haunts the society even after the coalition entered office.

“The overall governance score sheet has also been mixed – strong foreign policy management but too many political errors of judgment in domestic affairs,” he reiterated.

Asked specifically about the APNU/AFC’s track record so far in the area of wealth creation for the masses and their socio-economic performance notwithstanding the controversial measures outlined in their budgets, Dr Hinds responded by saying that “a single budget tells you very little about the possibilities for socio-economic progress.” “… It is unfair to judge a government’s economic ambition on a couple of budgets. What we should pin the Government down on is its overall economic vision – what it wants to do about the systemic economic problems that have long plagued this country. What are the overall macro and micro strategies for development, inclusive of the lifting of the poor and powerless to a state of sustained survival and security,” he argued.

Sugar industry

Hinds, who is a long-standing Executive of the Working People’s Alliance party, which

forms part of the ruling coalition, described Government’s decision to downsize and restructure the sugar industry as “commendable” despite the fact that thousands of sugar workers from all walks of life are now unemployed and without any finances to sustain their livelihoods because of the Government’s incoherent policy position on sugar and its dependent industries.

Such a position may not sit well with critics, who believe that the Government acted in bad faith and did not have a plan for handling the concomitant problems that were facing the industry. Other independent critics have also criticised the Government for not following the recommendations that emanated from the Commission of Inquiry report on the state of the industry. These critics saw nothing “commendable” about how the Government sought to tackle the problem because they feel that the economic consequences both short- and longterm will be disastrous.

Crime

Tackling the issue of crime and criminality, Dr Hinds said the coalition may need more time to get its act together to address this difficult area.

He said, in essence, the coalition Government which boasts a large number of retired Guyana Defence Force officers and ex-Policemen and women, has been underperforming when one looks at the gravity of the situation.

“It has not done as well as it should in the area of crime prevention and reduction, largely because it has not approached the problem from a systemic standpoint – it has adopted more of an eclectic approach,” he remarked.

But Dr Hinds said he believed the coalition Government has performed creditably compared to other Governments in post-colonial Guyana and the contemporary Anglophone Caribbean despite his criticism.

He also claimed that there have been no wide-scale human rights abuses.

Constitutional reform

He also expressed concern about the lack of progress on tackling constitutional reform.

“I am concerned that both the Government and the Opposition are making a mockery of constitutional reform. They are treating it as a partisan matter. It must be seen in a much more nationalist way for it to move forward,” he remarked.

Earlier this month, President David Granger was asked to grade the performance of his Administration which is now nearing its three-year mark. He said while the Government had performed well in some sectors and areas, it had not as well as expected in other areas.

“There is still a lot of work to be done,” he remarked. This signals a U-turn from his earlier position that his Government deserved an A-Grade for its performance when he was quizzed on the Public Interest TV show back in February last year.

was not in front of the shop.

The man is said to have been living in an old car which was parked a short distance from where his body was discovered.

Sister-in-law of the deceased, Shamwattie Suedatt, said often times persons would beat Sankar. According to Suedatt, after the surveillance footage was viewed by the Police, the suspect was arrested.

She said the suspect was taken to the Springlands

Sometimes he would sleep in the boat or just go wherever he could sleep,” she said.

Meanwhile, the suspect who is called “Chatu” gave Police a confession statement admitting to hitting Sankar on Wednesday morning.

The sister-in-law told this publication that she knew the suspect for several years.

“He does go out with them and catch fish too. He is a ‘Junkie’; the two of them is friend and does go all about drinking rum.”

Dead: Sahadeo Sankar, also called “Gojan”

By Andrew Carmichael

T

he battered body of a fisherman was on Wednesday morning found in front of a grocery shop in Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice.

The dead man has been identified as 40-year-old Sahadeo Sankar, also called “Gojan” of Crabwood Creek.

He was allegedly beaten to death before sunrise.

The body was found in a pool of blood in front of Annirude’s Grocery store at Grant, Corentyne. Police were able to arrest the suspect and then showed him the video (surveillance) footage of him committing the act.

Surveillance footage revealed that Sankar ran across the road while being pursued by the suspect, who hit him several times to the upper body. Moments later, he fell to the ground. While details of what may have led to the murder are still sketchy, residents of the community say that at about 05:00h on Wednesday, the man’s body

The car in which the deceased used to live

Police Station and later taken back to see the footage which showed him chasing Sankar and lashing him with what appeared to be a piece of wood.

Suedatt explained that her brother-in-law was a frequent consumer of alcohol and had not been providing for his family. At the time, he was employed as a cane harvester. After the couple separated and the father of one was put out of the home, he started sleeping in abandoned buildings and he started to consume more alcohol. “He turn a ‘junkie’, and then he would go out with his brother, who is my husband, to catch fish.

Meanwhile, residents in the area told this newspaper that on many occasions persons would go pass the car as he slept and lash him with whatever they had in their hand.

Azeez Khan who lives on the same street in which the car is parked, explained that Sankar had moved into the abandoned vehicle about two months ago. According to Khan, he knew Sankar for several years. “He turn a ‘Junkie’ since he and his wife separate,” the man said.

Police are currently making arrangements to have charges implemented against the suspect.

Cane cutter fatally struck down while crossing road A 39-year-old Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice (WCB) man lost his life following an accident on the Bath Settlement Public Road.

Dead is Laikram Ninesingh, of 175 Block D Bath Settlement. He was killed about 18:30h on Old Year’s Day by a minibus.

Eyewitnesses say the man was crossing the road when he was hit and he died on the spot.

According to reports, minibus BVV 2961, driven by a 25-year-old resident of Belladrum Village, WCB, was proceeding west along the Public Road reportedly very fast when Ninesingh, who was alleged to have suddenly begun crossing the road, ended up in the path of the vehicle and was struck down.

The injured man was picked up and rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

According to the dead man’s mother, Rapam Kumiri, there were many persons on the road at the time of the accident.

She explained that there was a barbecue not far away and the area was crowded. The bus, she noted, was at the time travelling at a fast rate.

Singh, a father of one, worked as a cane harvester and during the out-of-crop season, he worked as a security guard.

He had been performing security duties for

Dead: Laikram Ninesingh

the past three months at a site a short distance from where the accident occurred.

Meanwhile, the bus driver has been taken into custody and is assisting with the investigation. Police have since released the bus to its owner.

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Plans being made to take Mashramani T events countrywide

news 11

Parents mourn death of only son in New Year’s Day accident

T

he Social Cohesion Ministry plans to take the 2018 Mashramani events countrywide. Residents stretching from Regions Two to Nine will for the first time witness some of the major Mashramani activities hosted by central government; aside from what is usually undertaken by the regional authorities.

This was disclosed by Mashramani Coordinator Andrew Tyndall and Director of Culture, Tamika Boatswain.

Tyndall said, “This year you would see that a decision has been made to have some of those activities decentralised.”

He further added that “a lot of the events on the national calendar, people will now have an opportunity in addition to what the regions plan, to see these activities within their regions”.

Culture Director Boatswain said this was the first time that the Ministry was hosting Mash activities usually held in Georgetown

Director of Culture, Tamika Boatswain and Mashramani Coordinator Andrew Tyndall

in the various regions.

Boatswain pointed out that the idea was receiving tremendous support.

“The regions have been calling asking for the activities; they have been very insistent in us taking some of our activities there and we welcome it because it gives us a chance to expose our artistes to new audiences and new followings.”

Some of the events slated to be held in the various regions include a steel pan con-

cert in Regions Eight, Seven and Nine; calypso semi-finals in Region Seven; and Chutney Finals in Region Three.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Let’s Cooperate and Celebrate Republic 48.”

Mashramani is an Amerindian word which means celebration after hard work. The festival was introduced following Guyana gaining republican status on February 23, 1970. (DPI)

he Baksh family of La Grange on the West Bank of the Demerara (WBD) was plunged into a state of mourning at the dawn of January 1, 2018, when their only son died following an accident a few metres away from their home.

Dead is 24-year-old Aslam Baksh of Lot 65 La Grange Old Road, West Bank Demerara.

According to the Guyana Police Force, the young wash bay attendant died following a two car smash-up at Meer-Zorgen, at around 02:15h on New Year’s Day. Investigations revealed that the dead man was a passenger of motorcar HC 7477 driven by 42-year-old Vijay Bidoor of Goed Fortuin, WBD. Amanda Rickyram, 28, of Unity Street, La Grange, WBD; Gobin Dannyram, 29, of 225 Goed Fortuin; and Diana Chand, 19, of Cemetery Road, Georgetown were all passengers of the same car proceeding South along the Meer-Zorgen Public Road when HB 4105, proceeding in the opposite direction, drove into their path and collided with them.

They all sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital and later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where Baksh died while receiving medical attention.

The dead man’s father, Karim Baksh told Guyana Times International that the family received a call about the accident at around 05:00h and immediately rushed to the hospital.

“My son was working at a wash bay and he and the boss man and two other friends was coming home when the accident happen. I was made to understand that while they was coming home, a car was coming from the next side towards the (Demerara Harbour) bridge and like the man was drunk or

Dead: Aslam Baksh

something and then he think he turn to go on the bridge, he turn on their car,” the man related.

The elder Baksh further stated that his son died at about 09:00h on January 1. He noted that Aslam sustained severe head injuries along with a broken nose, jaw and half of his tongue was severed.

“He got head injuries, he broke his nose, jaw, tongue cut out, lost all his teeth and his brain damaged, he was semi-conscious when we see he and lil bit after we see he, them tell we that he dead,” the elderly man stated.

When this publication visited the accident scene, several shattered pieces of glass and other car parts lined the side of the road along with bloodstains and motor oil.

Police have Bidoor in custody assisting with investigations while the other driver remains hospitalised.

Investigations are ongoing, and a post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted today.

12 news

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Police Service Commission still to be reconstituted …PPP lashes Govt over ‘another failed promise’

The life of the previous Commission came to an end in September 2017

B

Former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee

ack in 2017, President David Granger had assured that by yearend, the Police Service Commission would be reconstituted. This however, has not happened and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is expressing concerns over the commission being in limbo.

During the PPP’s end of year press conference, the Opposition’s point man on security, Clement Rohee, took the Government to task for its unfulfilled promise.

According to Rohee, the fact that no consultative process has commenced to identify persons for the Commission is significant.

“The President, making a reckless statement, pronounced that he will ensure that by the end of 2017 (December 31), he will have in place a new Police Service Commission. This, of course, is virtually impossible given the consultative process that has to be conducted in order for members of the Commission to be identified to serve,” Rohee said.

“As a result of the absence of a Police Service Commission, there’s not likely to be any (senior) promotions, which is traditional at the end of each year. So promotions will be absent from the leadership of the Police Force at the end of 2017.

In addition, President Granger had announced

that the one-month bonus would not be granted to members of the disciplined forces once again.”

With that in mind, the former Home Affairs Minister classified the pledge to reconstitute the Commission as just another empty promise.

With effect from the last day of the year 2017, 204 junior Police ranks were promoted. No one above the rank of Sergeant was promoted.

The Police Service Commission is tasked with promotions of officers above the rank.

It also handles disciplinary matters for officers. The life of the previous Commission ended in September. Last year, the previous Commission had prepared a list of senior officers to be promoted; that is, until directives were given by Granger to halt the promotions.

In August, former PSC Chairman Omesh Satyanand had made known that after a meeting with the other commissioners it was decided that they were going to adhere to the order to halt all promotions until further notice.

Even the Chairman had expressed concern that halting the entire promotion process would be a blow to senior officers. He had noted that these officers have invested time and energy in building a career at the Guyana Police Force and were expecting their

just reward.

But noting that this was the first time a sitting President had issued such a directive to the Commission, he had called for some clarity and justification as to the circumstances that led to making such a decision.

A perusal of the PSC’s list would show that among those who were scheduled to be promoted were several senior officers who were hauled before the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into an assassination plot against President David Granger.

Some of the chosen ones included Assistant Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken. He was tipped to be promoted to Deputy Commissioner of Police, Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum had been lined up for Assistant Commissioner.

Head of Special Branch, Brian Eastman, was also listed to become a Senior Superintendent of Police, while Head of Major Crimes, Assistant Superintendent Mitchell Caesar had been recommended for Deputy Superintendent.

Over the course of the CoI, a number of officers were summoned and even upbraided for their work during the investigation.

Besides the senior officers, junior officers were also criticised by Assistant Commissioner Paul Slowe, who was appointed by the President.

While the President had justified this move by saying that concerns were expressed about the officers, a court ruling had declared that the intervention was unconstitutional. In the November 22 court ruling on halting the promotion list, the Chief Justice (acting) established that the President did breach the Constitution when he issued a directive to halt promotions.

Cops accused of raping woman in Police Station washroom

T

wo Police Constables have been confirmed to be presently under close arrest as Police probe a rape allegation made against them.

The alleged rape incident occurred on New Year’s Day at the Turkeyen Police Station. This was confirmed

by C Division (East Coast Demerara) Commander Calvin Brutus.

Reports surrounding the incident revealed that the victim, a 22-year-old female, was at the time using the washroom facilities at the Police Station, being there to make a Police report when she was allegedly attacked.

The woman is reporting that she

went to the Station to make a report regarding a squib which was thrown on her son.

However while there, she requested to use the washroom at the Station and while inside the said washroom, the men reportedly pounced on her.

It was also confirmed that the traumatised woman reported the matter to a senior official who directed her as to what procedure should be followed.

The ranks, however, are maintaining their innocence in the matter and have given a different account of what they said actually took place.

The matter is being investigated.

Govt backtracks on promise to present info to National Assembly

W

hile examining the 2018 Budget estimates, the parliamentary Opposition had demanded information from the Government on several line items. As some of this information was not at hand, several Ministers promised to have it laid in the National Assembly at a later date.

Fast forward to 2018 and while some Ministries have presented information to the National Assembly on their spending plans for the New Year, other Ministries were not so transparent.

During the Party’s end-of-year press conference, People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Chief Whip Gail Teixeira identified the Ministries of Public Infrastructure and Communities as the delinquent parties.

“We have only received some of the responses… but mostly from some of the questions we asked at the Ministry of the Presidency,” Teixeira told media operatives. “The ones on Infrastructure, we have not received them.”

“And remember Local Government (Ministry of Communities) was the one where a lot of questions were raised and we also put blame to the Speaker that this is the most delinquent Ministry (pertaining to) laying over information. We still have not received anything from Local Government and Infrastructure.”

Earlier in December, over G$6.5 billion was approved for the Ministry of Communities in Budget 2018. Of this sum, G$1 billion was allocated for subventions to Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) and municipalities.

However, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan was at the time unable to provide all requested information on the budgetary allocations, prompting his request for leave to present the information within 48 hours.

Teixeira had immediately complained to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, about Bulkan’s track record of failing to present information. This had caused

Bulkan to complain to the Speaker about attacks on his character, but Dr Scotland scolded the Minister about the need to present information requested to the House.

In the case of the Public Infrastructure Ministry, commitments were also given by the senior Minister (David Patterson) to provide certain documents. The parliamentary Opposition had acquiesced to this request on the condition that the information would be presented by the following week.

Guyana Times International understands that additional information was provided by the Ministry of Social Cohesion and the Ministry of the Presidency. In the case of the Social Cohesion Ministry, it provided clarifications about financing for the International Decade of People of African Descent (IDPAD).

The Ministry of the Presidency provided information on its contract employees. This, however, led to more questions than answers as these workers were shown to be earning huge sums for jobs, some of which required no tertiary qualifications.

One such instance is whereby contracted cleaners account for a net salary of over G$206,000 per month, inclusive of gratuity and vacation allowance.

A Typist Clerk is paid over G$170,000 per month, inclusive of these benefits as well, while a contracted driver makes a total of G$219,000.

In the case of Administrative Assistants, their net salary range is G$492,000, while an Administrative Officer makes G$551,000 and the Administrative Manager makes almost G$1.5 million, inclusive of gratuity and vacation allowance.

The two highest paid contracted staff within the Ministry are Senior Executive Director of the Public Service College, Retired Colonel Lawrence Paul (G$1.9 million); and Director of Training, Calvin Benn (G$1.8 million).

news 13

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Opposition requests time to do background checks on nominees for Chancellor, CJ posts

T

he Opposition will be conducting background checks on the nominees for the positions of Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice, before it meets to consider these appointments again with President David Granger on February 7.

A meeting held on Wednesday between the President, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and their teams took place at State House at 10:00h.

The Leader of the Opposition was accompanied by Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, and Attorney Priya Manickchand, while the President had Attorney General and Legal Affairs

born Belize Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin. And while Justice Yonnette Cummings-Edwards is the acting Chancellor, the President wants to appoint her as Chief Justice.

That position is currently being held by Justice Roxane George.

This meeting was held in keeping with Article 127 (1) of the Constitution which speaks to the appointment of the Chancellor and Chief Justice.

It states that both the Chancellor and Chief Justice shall be appointed by the President, acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.

The provision was a The two sides during the meeting at State House

President David Granger greets Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo upon his arrival at State House on Wednesday

Minister Basil Williams, and Minister of State Joseph Harmon at his side.

Following that meeting, it was agreed that both parties will meet again on February 7, to follow up on the proposed names for appointment of the Chancellor and Chief Justice.

Minister Harmon informed that the Opposition requested more time to conduct their own due diligence regarding the two nominees. President Granger agreed to the suggestion.

“He [the Opposition Leader] requested a month to do due diligence which the President graciously agreed to…and we expect to meet again on February 7, when we will have that matter finalised,” the Minister said according to the Department of Public Information.

Meanwhile, Teixeira said while the meeting did not discuss much detail about the nominees and the possible appointments, she said the Opposition did make it clear that “we would do our due diligence on the candidates put forward,” noting that the invitation to meet was received during the holidays.

Granger’s favoured candidate for the post of Chancellor is Guyana-

key aspect of the 2001 amendment to the instrument.

The meeting was organised after President Granger announced at his first press conference in two years, that he has accepted a proposal from a committee that had been set up to review and interview applicants interested in the top judicial post after it advertised locally, regionally and internationally.

Granger said he had already contacted the recommended individual who later accepted the nomination. Diligent work by the media revealed that the person the President favoured was Justice Kenneth Benjamin, who currently serves as the Chief Justice of Belize.

Jagdeo has already warned that even though the President has to make the first move to resolve the decade-long failure to appoint a substantive Chancellor and Chief Justice, he would not allow himself to be coerced into accepting nominees just to fix the situation.

Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) President, Sir Dennis Byron, speaking at a Guyana Bar Association event, had severely criticised the non-appointment of a substantive Chief Justice and Chancellor.

14 news

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

CJIA expansion project to be completed in 2018

An artist’s impression of the expanded airport at Timehri

G

overnment had initially announced that the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project would have been completed by 2017, but this deadline has been further extended to the last

quarter of 2018, due to several challenges that were encountered.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CJIA, Ramesh Ghir, made this disclosure at the Public Infrastructure Ministry’s press conference held recently. Ghir said a slippage during the extension of the south-west runway was part of the challenges that caused this deadline to be extended.

“Towards the extreme south-west, where we are transitioning from the built up area to the swamp area, there was a slippage. That was not in the pavement area, as you can see. The aggregate work is still continuing, but it is being addressed,” CJIA Expansion Project Manager Carmichael Thorne said.

Although there is worry that the extension would include an increase in the total sum to be expended on that project, Thorne clarified, stating that this will not be the case. “It is a time-only extension, so there is no cost attached to it…but the other issues are catered for in the contract,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ghir noted that while certain aspects of the initiative will be completed earlier in the year, the airport expansion project will now be fully completed in December 2018.

According to him, the extension of the northeast runway should be completed by July 2018, and the first 500 metres of the south-east runway

by April 2018. The taxiways are set for completion in March 2018, the new arrival terminal by June 2018, while the existing terminal building

by December 2018.

Ghir explained that the new buildings should be constructed by midyear. In addition to that, renovation and rehabilitation works may run until the very end of 2018.

The US$150 million project was scheduled to be completed within 32 months of its commencement in 2013. However,

Thorne noted that the deadline was extended to December 1, 2017, since the project would have experienced several delays.

In 2012, Guyana, under the leadership of former President Donald Ramotar, had secured a US$138 million loan from the China Exim (Export-Import) Bank to fund the expansion and modernisation project, for which the Guyana Government has injected some US$12 million.

However, when the coalition Government came in to power in 2015, the project was put on hold, but following discussions between Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and the contracting company China Harbour Engineering Corporation (CHEC), it was announced that the project would be continued.

Last year, Thorne had been optimistic of the project being completed by 2017. At a project update briefing, Thorne noted that of the US$150 million, only US$37.3 million had been expended to date.

Of this amount, some US$33 million was spent

by CHEC, which included US$1.9 million of local funds put up by the Government of Guyana.

As it relates to the works being done, the Infrastructure Ministry’s project manager told media operatives that while the initial plan was for the northern end of the runway to be extended, because of difficulties with the terrain, a decision was taken to extend the runway from both the northern and southern ends, in order to minimise the cost.

On completion of the expansion project, it is expected to yield two air passenger boarding bridges for passengers’ arrival and departure; a 450-person seating departure area; escalators and elevators, in addition to its extended runway that would cater for larger categories of aircraft.

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

15

16 news

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

SWAT Commander removed from post T

he Guyana Police Force confirmed on Sunday afternoon that Head of the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit (SWAT), Motie Dookie, was still in custody and under close arrest after 30 cases of illegal whiskey were discovered in a vehicle in which he was travelling. He has since been re-

moved from his post.

The discovery was made when officers stopped the minibus on the Whim Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice to conduct a routine search.

The whiskey, reportedly the Johnny Walker brand, was seized and the senior Police rank was taken into custody.

Dookie reportedly told the Police that there were only ten cases of whiskey, but a search later unveiled that there were actually 30 cases.

The Deputy Superintendent of Police is still being questioned

by CID officials and other superior officers about the discovery of the illegal al-

cohol.

“He was not able to provide us with all the necessary documentation, but is insisting that there was no wrongdoing on his part. We have questioned the driver of the minibus too. He said the alcohol was to be used at a party”, a source confirmed.

Reports surfacing

SWAT Unit Head, Motie Dookie

Sunday claimed that the rank had escaped from lawful custody after he was detained, but when

contacted, a senior police rank in ‘B’ Division denied knowledge of any escape, maintaining that the detainee was still in custody. Nevertheless, Guyana Times International understands that the accused should not have been in Berbice in the first place, based on confirmation that his commanding officer never permitted him to leave Police headquarters in Georgetown.

Investigations into the matter are continuing.

news 17

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Psychological effects of closure begin to take toll …as 2 dismissed sugar workers commit suicide

T

wo sugar workers who were issued dismissal letters by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) have committed suicide.

Reports are Ramnarase Bissesar of Inner Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara, ingested a poisonous substance on December 28, 2017, having received his dismissal letter. The second person, Joseph Mohabir, a Field Superintendent, was reportedly found hanging in his bedroom on Old Year’s Day. He too was among the workers who were dismissed

by GuySuCo.

Bissesar reportedly returned home around 14:00h after he visited some friends and told his wife that he was not sure how he was going to live since he did not receive his severance payment.

Shortly afterwards, he went to the upper flat of the house where he ingested the poisonous substance. His wife found him in a foetal position in the floor and rushed him to the West Demerara Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Mohabir, 38, of Lot 51 Reliance Abundant, East Canje, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-

Corentyne), was found hanging by the neck from the ceiling in his bedroom on Old Year’s Day, two days after his service was terminated.

The discovery was made by the dead man’s 17-year-old son, Joshua, around 19:00h.

The dead man’s wife, Bebi Shameeza Mohabir, explained that she had just gone to the lower flat and when she went back upstairs, he was dead.

She explained that it was her son who climbed the wall and made the discovery even as they were preparing to usher in the new year.

According to the grieving wife, over the past 18 years of marriage, she has never noticed her husband acting as he did over the past few days. Two weeks ago, he received the termination letter from the estate.

Bebi spoke of her now deceased husband’s traumatic behaviour after he was served with a termination letter from the Rose Hall Estate, where he worked for over 19 years.

“Since he collect the letter he was totally de-

Joseph Mohabir

pressed, he was not the same person. Every day he keep worrying… it is not only he is out of a job, is everybody, but he take it hard because look what he do to himself.”

On Tuesday, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) called on Government to ensure that GuySuCo facilitates counselling for the dismissed individuals.

“The Government, which has taken these haphazard decisions and the many broken promis-

es that they have made, must be held accountable for this situation which is worsened by denying people their severance pay at Wales and to not setting a date for severance pay for workers from the other estates,” GAWU President Komal Chand told Guyana Times International on Tuesday.

The Union said it was saddened that two former sugar workers, one at Wales and the other at Rose Hall, reportedly ended their lives.

Having expressed condolences to both families, GAWU while highlighting that the incidents are “extreme manifestations”, noted that the laying-off of thousands of sugar workers is having a serious psychological impact and “is pushing some into a depressive, despondent and desperate state”.

D e e m i n g Government’s plans for the sugar industry as “ill-conceived and spiteful”, GAWU feels these actions will “haunt” Guyana for generations to come.

“At this time, it is incumbent for the Government to quickly arrest what, clearly, is a frightening situation.

Without any further delay the Administration needs to advise on the date of payment of the workers’ severance pay and the provision of alternative employment available noting that workers’ expenses have not ceased though their jobs were taken away and bearing in mind too that it is not too late in correcting the closure decision taken. Immediately, continued on page 20

18

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

19

20 news

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Democratic gains were challenged in 2017 - PPP

T

he Parliamentary Opposition has said the dawn of a New Year offers an opportune moment for reflection on successes and failures, an assessment

of strengths and weaknesses, the charting of relevant courses for personal advancement, and the move forward for the collective prosperity as a nation.

In reflecting on 2017, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has said Guyanese faced many challenges as the country’s democratic gains were challenged and the areas where other gains were made saw setbacks. However, the resoluteness of “our people proved unwavering, demonstrating that the spirit of the Guyanese people will not be broken in times of adversity.

This is commendable of our people,” the PPP has said in its New Year’s message to the nation.

Although 2018 may present its own challenges, the party has expressed hope that the New Year would also bring success and joy to all Guyanese. “It is our party’s wish that all Guyanese will remain steadfast in hope, and will assiduously endeavour to work for the betterment of our nation and fellow citizens. May

we all be imbued with a sense of renewal, activism and enthusiasm as we embark on a New Year.”

“As we herald the beginning of a New Year, the People’s Progressive Party takes this opportunity to extend to Guyanese at home and in the Diaspora, and their extended families, best wishes for a peaceful, prosperous and productive 2018. The PPP would also like to take this opportunity to commend and recognise the growing support of our Guyanese brothers and sisters both locally and overseas. This strengthens us and fortifies our resolve, so that together we can confront whatever challenges the New Year can bring,” the party said in its New Year’s message.

“May our humanitarian spirit remain strong as we keep in thoughts and prayers those who have been placed at a disadvantage,” the PPP added.

“Once again, best wishes for a joyous New Year!” the PPP concluded.

Psychological effects of closure begin to... from page 17

in the sugar belt the conduct of suicidal counselling should begin,” the Union body expressed.

GAWU further advised that workers and other family members who may harbour suicidal thoughts should to steer their mind in other directions.

M e a n w h i l e , Opposition Leader and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo expressed similar sentiments, stressing that no one should take their own life.

“I can understand the state of depression in the sugar belt because I have spoken to families and felt the extent of the hurt and uncertainty and worry about them being able to provide for their families,” he noted.

The Opposition Leader further explained that many sugar workers cannot see a future beyond sugar and he deemed Government’s decision to downsize the industry as “political” as opposed to being a technical or economic decision.

news 21

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

DDL expresses interest in purchasing sugar estate

…in effort to keep business interest alive

W

ith the impending downsizing of the sugar industry expecting to impact the operations of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), the company has since submitted an expression of interest (EoI) to Government for the potential purchase of one of the sugar estates.

The company, which produces the international award-winning El Dorado Rum, has raised concerns over Government’s plans to downsize the sugar sector. The company heavily depends on molasses for its production.

Public Relations Representative for DDL, Alex Graham, told Guyana Times International on Wednesday that once the supply of molasses was threatened, it was in the company’s interest to explore options with the intention of finding a solution.

“At the moment, what we are doing is investigating options that we could participate in that would help us to keep our business interest alive…

In that regard, no options are off the table, but there is no specific plan to date,” he stated.

Graham explained that when the Special Purpose Unit (SPU) was established, it had requested interested parties to submit EoIs and DDL submitted same. He went on to note that no formal proposal has been submitted otherwise.

“At the moment, we are looking at all options. Until the SPU comes back to those

Chairman of DDL Komal Samaroo

who have expressed interests and say these are the soft structures that we’re looking at and that kind of thing, then we would be able to make a formal proposal for one or a combination of the options available,” the company representative posited.

The SPU, a sub-body under the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), is tasked with the divestment of the assets of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and has since selected London-based PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to value the assets of the heavily indebted and cashstrapped Corporation.

Last Saturday, DDL said that distillery production for 2017 increased by some 30 per cent over 2016, surpassing pro-

jections last year. To this end, the company noted production for 2018 was now projected to increase by a further 25 per cent over 2017. However, the company is concerned over the effect the downsizing of the sugar industry will have in meeting its projections for this year.

“With the impending closure of sugar estates, there will be a considerable shortfall in molasses’ availability, which is directly related to the reduced projection of sugar production,” the company noted.

It went on to point out that based on production demand for local and international customers, DDL’s molasses requirement for 2018 was 70,000 tonnes. In contrast, GuySuCo has set a sugar production target of 115,000 tonnes at the three estates currently earmarked to remain in operation, with molasses production being pegged at 52,000 tonnes.

“In light of this shortfall, DDL has been actively exploring its potential role in the future of the sugarcane industry, and has executed a high-level technical and economic feasibility study on innovative approaches to use the existing sugar assets to meet the current and future needs for molasses

for an expanding distilling industry,” the company stated.

Last week, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, told a post-Cabinet press briefing that Cabinet engaged GuySuCo for the updated position on the future plans of the Corporation to return it to efficiency and financial viability as well as the SPU that was set up to manage the divestment of the assets of the industry that will fall outside of the reconfigured GuySuCo. Harmon noted that both parties outlined plans and recommendations relating to their respective roles and responsibility, on which Cabinet deliberated. However, those deliberations were incomplete and would be concluded at Cabinet’s next meeting on January 2, 2018.

Nevertheless, DDL Chairman Komal Samaroo

posited that “we are optimistic that the Government of Guyana understands what is at stake, not just for the sugarcane industry, but for all other stakeholders that are a part of the GuySuCo value chain, including the many thousands who are directly and indirectly involved in the production, distribution and sale of DDL’s value-added products, both locally and internationally.”

According to the company, Government’s support is crucial in recognition of the jobs to be created and the significant increase in taxes contributed to the national economy from greater earnings. In 2016, the DDL Group paid G$1.9 billion in taxes, excluding VAT, and was projected to pay in excess of G$2.2 billion for 2017 based on its performance.

Caricom to create world’s 1st climate-resilient region

R

eflecting on the devastation caused by several natural disasters in the Caribbean during 2017, incoming Chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Haitian President Jovenel Moïse says the regional grouping is moving towards creating the world’s first climate-resilient region in the year ahead.

“2018 dawns for the Caribbean Community, with the prospect of seizing an opportunity out of a crisis. As we begin the rebuilding process after the devastating hurricanes of last September, as well as Hurricane Matthew, which pounded the region on October 3-4 , 2016, we do so with the aim of creating the first climate-resilient region in the world,” Moïse said in his New Year’s message.

According to the new Caricom leader, it is an absolute necessity to create a climate-smart region given the effects of climate change which have brought droughts, mega hurricanes, heavy floods and unusual

weather patterns, all of which adversely affect our development.

“The social and economic gains that we have made individually and collectively must be protected against the onslaught of nature. The Caricom Member States’, as well as the Region’s non-Member States’ production of greenhouse gases, is practically nil, even though they bear a disproportionate share of the consequences,” he further stated.

Moïse stated too that the goodwill and pledges which have been forthcoming from the international community at two major global conferences in New York and Paris gave the Region hope that the necessary support to achieve its objective would be forthcoming.

“Our efforts are against the backdrop of the Caribbean Community Strategic Plan for the period 201519, which is our guide towards the economic, social, environmental and technological resilience that is needed to produce sustained growth

Haiti’s President and incoming Chairman of Caricom, Jovenel Moïse

and development for our Community,” he added.

CSME

This year, Moïse said, will increase the Region’s efforts to make the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) more effective at providing the basis for its economic growth.

“Many of the major legislative and administrative measures for the operations of the Single Market are in effect.

Therefore, it is now up to all of the stakeholders in the Public and Private Sectors to ensure we derive the maximum bene-

fit from its provisions.”

He said this would help to increase intra-regional trade, share the best human resources, and encourage entrepreneurs to expand their interests and provide the Region with a platform to move from market access to market presence in those countries with which Member States have trade agreements.

The CSME, undoubtedly, according to Moïse, remains the best vehicle for creating the economic resilience we need. “The reform process underway in our Community

will allow us to conduct our affairs more efficiently and effectively and will also benefit the operations of the CSME. Our Member States, Regional Institutions and the Secretariat have been streamlining their interactions to produce the best possible results from the decisions taken by the Heads of Government and the Ministerial Councils. We are entering the final two years of the Strategic Plan and the results of the three partners’ efforts at implementing it are beginning to bear fruit.”

But Moïse warned that the solidity and efficiency of that partnership would be “tested as never before given the magnitude of the rebuilding task ahead of us. We have to rebuild with resilience now to forestall damage in the future; in other words, to build back better. I am confident that the creativity and determination of our people will allow us to achieve that goal.”

Moïse thanked his predecessor, the Prime Minister of Grenada,

Dr Keith Mitchell, for his “outstanding performance in leading the Community during one of the most difficult periods in our history.

“I look forward to building on his achievements,” he said. “With assistance from all, we shall maintain our Community on a path to sustainable development and a safe, secure, viable and prosperous society.”

Moïse said among issues he intended to advance during his tenure were those related to natural disasters and climate change.

He said Haiti looked forward to welcoming the Community to its shores in February for the 29th Inter-sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government.

“The warmth and hospitality of the Haitian people await you,” he said, while wishing all Caricom citizens “a very happy and productive New Year, as we work together to continue building a resilient Community that advances the interests of all its citizens.”

22 NEWS

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

UK Govt issues travel advisory on Guyana

…citizens warned about dangerous crime situation

D

espite the Guyana Police Force’s announcement that it achieved a 10 per cent reduction in serious crime

by December, the United Kingdom’s Cabinet Office has maintained an unflattering travel advisory to its citizens on Guyana as a tourism destination.

In this advisory, British citizens are warned about the crime situation in Guyana, as well as the “tough” conditions of the prison system, drug trafficking, the “poor road sense” of (other) road users and dangerously driven minibuses.

The advisory was issued by the Government Digital Service; part of the UK’s Cabinet Office. It was updated earlier this year and is current as of December 31, 2017.

Citing the high crime levels and low Police capacity, the advisory warns citizens to take sensible precautions to protect themselves and their The UK advisory warned about the high crime level in Guyana

belongings.

“Muggings have taken place in broad daylight.

Burglary and theft from cars are commonplace. Take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Try to avoid showing obvious signs of wealth,” the authorities warned in the advisory.

Among the precautions the advisory proposes is for persons to “always drive with doors and windows locked”. A warning is also given about travelling to specific areas.

Tourists are told to avoid Tiger Bay and Albouystown, while taking extra care in Sophia, South Georgetown, Buxton and Agricola.

The advisory warns tourists to take special care in the Stabroek Market area, where “robberies are a daily occurrence”. It also recalls the January 2011 incident, when a grenade hurled at a shop killed one person. The advisory also warns tourists to avoid “walk-

ing alone around Georgetown, even in the main areas and don’t walk anywhere at night”.

Warning birding enthusiasts to be particularly vigilant, the UK Cabinet Office noted that several cases of assault have occurred in the Botanical Gardens. As such, it advised these individuals to go with an organised group if possible, and to avoid taking valuables on their person.

“If you walk along the seawall, avoid the more deserted stretches and walk at times when other walkers are most likely to be about, around 5 pm to 6 pm,” the advisory notes.

“There are regular armed and violent robberies against businesses and individuals. There is a risk of passers-by being caught up in such incidents – the Police tend to respond with firearms if shot at or threatened.

“If possible, avoid travel to and from Georgetown Cheddi Jagan International Airport late at night and before dawn.

There have been incidents of violence, fatal accidents caused by erratic driving and incidents of violent theft by gangs, who follow cars travelling from the airport and attack their victims when they reach their final destination,” the advisory states.

Road usage

There is a separate section dealing with driving on Guyana’s roads and throughways. The advisory urges tour-

The UK also warned tourists against using minibuses, affirming that they were responsible for most accidents and were driven by irresponsible drivers

ists to drive defensively and warns against using minibuses. According to the advisory, minibuses are responsible for most accidents in Guyana.

“Driving in Guyana can be dangerous because of poor road sense of road users, frequent hazards, inadequate lighting and poor road conditions in some areas. Drive defensively and limit driving at night as much as possible. The worst incidents have almost inevitably involved minibuses. When driving at night take extra care to avoid cyclists, pedestrians, and animals.

“Avoid using minibuses,” the advisory warns. “They are driven dangerously and are responsible for the majority of road accidents in Guyana.

Although some taxis have been the target for robbers, they remain the safest means for visitors to get around town. Only use taxis from reputable companies. Don’t hail taxis from the roadside.”

Police statistics

According to the Police

Force’s latest statistics at the end of November, there was a six per cent decrease in rape, a 27 per cent decrease in murder, a 16 per cent decrease in robbery under arms where firearms were used and a five per cent decrease in robbery under arms where instruments other than firearms were used There was, however, an 11 per cent increase in robberies where no instruments were used, a 43 per cent increase in robbery with violence and a 47 per cent increase in robbery with aggravation. Larceny from the person increased by 11 per cent, but burglary and break-and-enter decreased by three and 16 per cent respectively.

In terms of traffic cases, the Police had noted that there was a 20 per cent decrease in fatal accidents at the end of November 2017. Serious, minor and damage accidents, the Force noted, were reduced by 10.1, 8.3 and 19 per cent respectively.

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Renegotiated oil agreement

NEWS 23

Contract stacked in Exxon’s favour – Jagdeo G

uyana’s renegotiated contract with ExxonMobil was released only days ago, and analysts and commenters have already expressed concerns over the contract’s content.

One such concern is Guyana agreeing to allow ExxonMobil’s affiliates almost unmitigated access to its natural gas while the company is drilling for crude oil. A part of this contract stipulates that Exxon can use gas produced from any oil field within the contract area for its own operations.

During an end-of-year press conference hosted by the People’s Progressive Party, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo observed that besides all the goodies ExxonMobil got, it also received a commitment to use recoverable natural gas for its own operations, with an option to market the excess. According to Jagdeo, there are considerations that should have been resolved before such commitments should have been given.

“From the first meeting I had with Exxon, I said, ‘Have you done a feasibility study about gas?

What are the incremental benefits to the company and the country to pumping this gas back into the wells? How would it impact recovery of oil versus using the same gas onshore for other value-add-

ed activities?’ ” Jagdeo recalled.

“Until today, that question has not been answered; and until it is answered through a feasibility study, this Government should have never committed us to a position on gas. They gave away the patrimony of our country. Gas, in the future, may be even bigger than oil, like it is in Trinidad and Tobago. We don’t know about subsequent discoveries.”

Jagdeo noted that notwithstanding the company’s utterances that the deal is a fair one, ExxonMobil came out with several advantages.

The former President said that when a comparison is done of what ExxonMobil got to what Guyana received, it would be observed that the renegotiation worked significantly in that company’s favour.

“Who guided them (Government) on gas?”

Jagdeo questioned. “What feasibility study (on) value added (potential) guided their consideration to lock us into an agreement now on gas in this arrangement? So now that the contract has been released, there are hundreds of new issues we have concerns about, that will harm this country in the future.”

Natural Gas

Mined from deep beneath the earth’s sur-

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

face, natural gas is composed of methane as well as both hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases.

Not only is it a fossil fuel, it is also non-renewable.

While there are some concerns about the applicability of the usage of the gas in Guyana, it is a major driver in neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector.

Exxon’s right to use this gas is enshrined in Article 12 of the contract, titled ‘Associated and non-Associated gases’. According to the contract, usage of the gas can include gas injection (a secondary gas production method), lifting and power generation.

Article 12.1 (b) states: “Based on the principle of full utilisation of the

594 GDF ranks, officers promoted

W

hile they may not have gotten their customary year-end bonus, a number of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ranks and officers can go into the new year with smiles, as President David Granger has approved the promotions of 35 officers and 559 other ranks.

The announcement was made by Army Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Patrick West, who noted that the promotions were in accordance with Part III, Section 16 of the Defence Act 15:01 of 1977. He further noted that the promotions are with effect from January 1, 2018, except for two ranks promoted retroactively from January 1 of 2017.

“Heading the list of promotions of officers is 99426 Substantive Major Michael Shahoud, who was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel along with three other Majors. Five Captains

Army Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Patrick West

were promoted to the rank of Major while two acting and 19 Second Lieutenants were promoted to Substantive Lieutenants.”

“Acting Lieutenant (Coast Guard) Travis Morgan was promoted to Substantive Lieutenant (Coast Guard) and headed the Coast Guard promotion list, while 99582 Substantive Captain Althea Stuart, who was promoted to the rank of Major was the only

officer promoted from the Guyana People’s Militia.”

According to the statement, Acting Warrant Officer Class 2 Eteki Stuart heads the list of other ranks promoted, while 18990 Substantive Petty Officer Everette Tudor of the Coast Guard was promoted to Senior Petty Officer and 17615 Acting Staff Sergeant Mark Bovell of the Guyana People’s Militia was confirmed in his rank.

“At the Coast Guard, 62 Ratings were promoted to new ranks while 41 were confirmed in their present ranks totalling 103. The Guyana People’s Militia promoted 58 soldiers to new ranks while conforming 12 in their present ranks. The other 386 [promotions] represented 229 newly-promoted and 157 confirmed in their present ranks in the regular Force,” the GDF announced.

Associated Gas, and with no impediment to normal production of Crude Oil, a plan of utilisation of the Associated Gas shall be included in the Development Plan of each oil field.”

It goes on to state that, “if there is any excess Associated Gas in the oil field after utilisation pursuant to (secondary gas production methods), the contractor shall carry out a feasibility study regarding the utilisation of such excess Associated Gas.

Such a feasibility study, if completed before submitting the development plan of an oil field, shall be included in the plan.”

The contract also states that if the parties come to an agreement that the gas has no commercial value, then it would be disposed of by the contractor “in the most economic manner.”

It notes that this will be done in line with international petroleum industry practice, once it does not interfere with normal

crude oil production.

The contract sets out that Exxon can choose to market the available natural gas both within and outside of Guyana. Exxon will also have the right to process natural gas for conversion to liquids, chemicals or similar products.

It adds that: “In the case of Natural Gas, the contractor and the Minister shall agree on a methodology for valuation of Natural Gas under this Article 13.1 (b) (ii) which represents the fair market value of such Natural Gas at the delivery point, taking into account composition of the Natural Gas.” The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres.

Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (Exxon’s subsidiary) is the operator and hold a 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block.

Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds a 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds a 25 per cent interest.

24 news

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘Guyana is changing for the good’ – President Granger

P

resident David Granger, in his New Year’s message to the nation, said “Guyana is changing for good”, and his Government is “promoting the good life for all”.

“We are reducing divisions and maximising cohesion. We are protecting our patrimony, pursuing economic prosperity, promoting respect for national institutions, and providing better public services and improved human safety.

We are building a country of which everyone can be proud,” the President said in his message.

“We shall continue to work with all sectors and strata of society to improve our political culture and promote inclusiveness. We must repudiate vulgarity. We must rebuke those who abuse our public institutions, and reject the poisonous politics of the past,” he posited.

According to Mr Granger, Guyanese greet the dawn of 2018 feeling good about themselves, their children, their communities, and their country.

“Guyanese have inherited and inhabit a beautiful, bountiful, and

blissful country – a land that is celebrated in the words of our beloved National Anthem as the “Green Land’: …of rivers and plains; made rich by the sunshine, and lush by the rains; set gem-like and fair, between mountains and sea.”

Guyana, indeed, is a gem-like, luxuriant land – of grasslands, highlands, islands, wetlands, lakes, mangroves, mudflats, rainforests, rivers and waterfalls. We are happy in our homeland.

“We shall protect our heritage, which is every citizen’s birthright, and bequeath this endowment to future generations,” the President said.

“We signified in the year 2016 that the year 2017 would be spent in setting the settlement of the unlawful and unreasonable claims to our country’s territory on a definite course.

The United Nations Secretary General, in 2018, is expected to discharge his commitment to setting that course in a manner consistent with justice and international law. We shall continue to defend every ‘blade of grass’ of our homeland. We shall nev-

er cede a centimetre of territory, or compromise (our) sovereignty.”

The President further stated: “We shall continue to work to eradicate the inequalities and disabilities which foster destitution and discrimination. We are creating a more equal society – one with greater opportunities and a higher quality of life for all. We extend open arms of friendship to all political parties, social organisations and religious groups to collaborate in order to contribute to creating a more cohesive society. We shall continue to work to provide greater social protection for everyone, particularly our women, children, the elderly, and persons in difficult circumstances.”

The President also noted that his Administration increased the minimum wage for the lowest-paid State employees by nearly 50 percent. “…we increased oldage pensions by almost 50 per cent; we increased social assistance by 27 per cent, all in only thirty months. We will ensure that the disadvantaged are protected,” he said.

President David Granger

“We shall continue to work to empower local government organs, so that they can bring improvements to communities. Local democracy will be renewed in local and municipal elections in 2018,” the President added.

We declared three new ‘capital towns’ last year, to expedite enterprise and economic development in their respective regions by increasing investment and generating employment.

The surge in agro-processing, artisanal man-

ufacturing and cottage industries seen in the regional agricultural and commercial exhibitions is evidence of the green shoots of healthy grassroot economic growth.

“We shall continue to work towards making the country safer for all by improving citizens’ security. Security sector reform, being undertaken with support from our international partners, aims at creating safer communities and protecting the people from transnational threats, such as illegal narcotics, firearms, and people-trafficking.

We are building a country in which everyone can be safe,” he stated.

“Life is getting better year by year. Guyanese have lots of reasons to feel good about their homeland in 2018! A happy New Year to all!” the President concluded in his New Year’s message.

Lack of confidence in Guyana’s economy slowing investment , says Dookhoo

A

s the year 2018 commences, former Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Ramesh Dookhoo is optimistic that Government will further reduce some of the tax measures implemented on key sectors during 2017.

In a recent interview with Guyana Times International, he noted that investments have slowed owing to a lack of confidence in the economy.

Government has, over the last two years, sought to broaden the tax base to capture wider sections of society, especially those in the manufacturing sector. However, industry members continue to decry challenges from high manufacturing costs and reduced earnings as a result of the hike in taxes. Dookhoo, a prominent stakeholder in the Private Sector, expressed that these measures were especially hurting the forestry, mining and even the retail sector.

He told this publication that with the many engagements that Finance Minister Winston Jordan has had with Private Sector operatives, including the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association

Ramesh Dookhoo

(GMSA), he remains hopeful that the tax measures will be reversed.

“I’m optimistic because the Minister has reversed a number of things from before, having recognised the serious impact that [the taxation] had on businesses,” Dookhoo pointed out.

This newspaper understands that forestry experts have a delegation that has been engaging the Finance Ministry’s technical team in attempting to alter several of these measures.

In fact, when the 2018 Budget was presented to the National Assembly in early December, it included the exemption of Value Added Tax (VAT) on logs and rough lumber which was a reversal of one of several measures implemented in 2017.

Dookhoo is of the view that it is only a matter of time before VAT is removed on other measures, having observed the noted uncertainties that exist in the local economy.

“You saw a cry from the gold miners regarding the levels of productivity in their business – that was also addressed

by Minister Jordan, [but] there’s a lot of uncertainty in the economy.

I heard the head of the banker’s association say recently that G$30 billion of loans have been approved to do projects, but the borrowers are not drawing down the money because of apprehension [towards] the economy,” he asserted.

He further noted that it was this apprehension which was contributing to reduced investments.

Meanwhile, GMSA President Shyam Nokta recently highlighted that the 2017 Budget adversely impacted on the country’s manufacturing sector, saying that it caused a reduction in cash flow for businesses. He further indicated that measures such as the recategorising of zero & standard rated items and the inclusion of VAT on forestry products and electricity have affected the growth of the sector.

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

25

26

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

27

28

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

news 29

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Several activities planned in honour of Teacher trailed from bank, robbed Dr Cheddi Jagan

I

n honour of the late President of Guyana, Dr Cheddi Jagan, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) will be hosting several activities throughout 2018 to mark his 100th birth anniversary. Among those activities is an academic conference and special cultural events across the country.

PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo said on Tuesday that the aim of these activities was to reflect on the life and achievements of the late President and founder of the Party. Jagdeo said the Party also hoped to spread more awareness among the youth population about Jagan.

“Most people are aware that Cheddi Jagan has given a lifetime of dedication to Guyana. That he was one of the key figures against colonialism and struggle for dignity for Guyana and independence,” Jagdeo said, explaining that Jagan’s work meant a lot for Guyanese of all walks of life.

According to Jagdeo, Jagan constantly created policies that whenever he held Government, it brought benefits to the people of Guyana. “We will not approach the celebration in a partisan way, because we want all Guyanese even those who don’t support or voted for the PPP/C to understand a bit more about his life and his struggles and how his ideas and policies led to a better life for all Guyanese.”

It was also noted that much of the progress made in Guyana, especially under the PPP/C Administration, originated from ideas of his. From premier to chief minister and lat-

er President, Jagan is one of the noblest icons in Guyanese and Caribbean political history.

Further, activities to mark Jagan’s birth anniversary will not only be limited to Region Four (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), but would take place in all three counties. Activities are also planned for the Diaspora, while a special edition of the Thunder Newspaper will be published to mark that occasion and reflect on his achievements.

In addition, there will be several sporting events. Jagdeo also made an appeal to people to use social media to explore more about Jagan. A special website will be created soon to allow Guyanese to post comments and thoughts about the late Guyanese Head of State.

“We want young people to know a lot more about Cheddi Jagan.

We want Guyanese to use Cheddi Jagan as their profile picture for days, months or weeks on their social media pages. It would help to draw attention…to him and hopefully it will raise curiosity about Cheddi and what he did for this country. We would be extremely grateful for that,” Jagdeo stated.

Cheddi Berret Jagan was born March 22, 1918, at Plantation Port Mourant, British Guiana. He was a politician and union activist, who in 1953 became the first popularlyelected Prime Minister of British Guiana (now Guyana). He headed the country’s Government again from 1957 to 1964 and from 1992 to 1997.

The son of a foreman on a sugarcane plantation, Jagan studied den-

of over G$1.2M

A

Late President, Dr Cheddi Jagan

tistry in the United States. When he returned to practise dentistry in British Guiana in 1943, he became active in union and political affairs, and was first elected to the British Guiana legislature in 1947.

In 1950, Jagan and his Americaborn wife, Janet, established British Guiana’s first modern political party, the PPP, with himself as its leader. In elections held under the new British-granted Constitution of 1953, the PPP won a majority of the seats in the House of Assembly and Jagan became the country’s Prime Minister.

His subsequent programme of radical socioeconomic reforms, however, along with the strikes and demonstrations encouraged by his Party, prompted the British authorities in late 1953 to dismiss him from office, suspend the new Constitution, and send in troops to prevent the consolidation of a government that they viewed as procommunist.

Before his death in 1997, Jagan wrote several books analysing Guyana’s history and contemporary economic and political problems.

teacher who had just withdrawn some G$1.2 million from Citizen’s Bank was early on Tuesday morning trailed from the said bank and robbed of the cash by armed men.

Fifty-year-old Kathryn Persico of Lot 45 Third Street, Albertown, Georgetown, was attacked and robbed in front of her house at around 10:32h.

According to reports, Persico – who is widely hailed as one of the best Grade Six teachers in Guyana – left her home at around 08:50h and visited the bank on Camp Street, Georgetown using a taxi.

She withdrew the cash and placed it in a bag which already contained some G$50,000 and re-joined the taxi which had waited for her.

This newspaper understand that upon her return to her residence, Persico exited the taxi and was about to walk to her gate when she noticed two men approaching from a north-

Robbed: Kathryn Persico

ern direction on a motorcycle.

The pillion rider jumped off of the motorcycle, whipped out a gun, pointed it at Persico and demanded that she hand over her bag.

The woman reportedly became afraid and complied with the demand, handing over her bag which contained the cash and documents.

The man then hopped back on the motorcycle and his accomplice sped away East on Third Street.

CCTV footage was retrieved and the Police are using it to assist them as they carry out their investigation.

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com 30 feature Sunday Times Magazine ‘Persons of the Year’ The Wales Estate Sugar Workers

After being laid off, this sugar worker had to resort to selling eggs to support his family

By Shemuel Fanfair

T

he end of 2017 saw an uncertain future for thousands of men and women across the sugar belt with the retrenchment of their employment, but as they begin to contemplate what lies ahead, a suitable marker can be taken from the challenges that have befallen the workers formerly attached to the Wales Sugar Estate.

December 31, 2016 was the official date for the cessation of operations at the century old entity. While the circumstances that led to closure of the Estate were principally financial, what holds true is that the lives of thousands of workers, their families and surrounding business owners were catastrophically altered with the end of the main sustenance to the Wales and further West Bank area. It is against this backdrop that Sunday Times Magazine selected Wales workers as the main ‘Persons of the Year 2017’ as no other group of persons in recent times in Guyana have gone through the magnitude of challenges as they have faced, and remain unbowed.

It was unfortunately observed within the past year that workers remain without being paid their severance benefits and have encountered financial challenges since the closure. But what became of the many workers who did re-

A long-standing sugar worker, Albert Vieira, expressing his concerns

ceive the one-off payment? Are they surviving? Can they properly provide for themselves and families? These are some of the many questions this publication asked in recent interviews with the sugar workers.

What was uncovered in speaking with those who are awaiting severance and the others who have already been paid is that they are both facing a lack of consistent employment, which according to them, is putting great strain on their families.

Sugar worker and father of three, Azad Ally, in low-spirit, expressed that he cannot find steady work. Ally, who had worked for 17 years before he was laid off, noted that while he was able get some work for the holidays, when the season is over his source of income will be completely depleted.

“Only my wife working right now; I feeling real odd right now and is holiday time and I ain’t even bring money in the house to be honest,” Ally revealed.

Many of the workers had utilised their pay-out to purchase motor vehicles, which they used to operate hire car and taxi services. However, many did not foresee that they would have to contend with increased competition and fewer passengers traveling to and from the area due to reduced earnings and a lack of economic opportunities in the Wales

Deochand Khan with one of his five children vending at his coconut cart in Patentia

area.

Others meanwhile used their severance pay-out to build their homes and complete other housing projects.

One such individual is Deochan Khan who laboured in the No. 1 Planting Gang with some 15 years of service with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). When this publication caught up with the former employee, he was seen plying his new trade as a coconut water vendor in the blistering sun in the nearby village Patentia, West Bank Demerara. Being a father of five, ages eleven, eight, six, five and four, Khan could not just stay at home and be unproductive. He even tried his hands at masonry. He said that as a coconut water seller he labours for more hours and sometimes makes only GYD$2,000 a day when costs to purchase the coconuts are subtracted.

Just two days before Christmas, Khan only bought gifts for two of his children and remarked that he was doing a “final hustle” to garner enough funds to meet his holiday needs.

Khan remembered earning a good salary from which he was able to save much, but with his spouse being a housewife and the family having less income, all he can hope is for his family to weather this storm.

“Sometimes you got to go

Father of five, Azad Ally

internet for assignments for children; one child traveling to Canal No.1 for school; things getting harder; we not getting it easy,” Khan disclosed.

In the past, he would catch fish and shrimps in the backdam to support his income, but he was forced to discontinue this practice as much of the trenches and waterways have become clogged and filled with weeds after the Estate’s closure.

His former colleague Aseer Bacchus shared similar sentiments, noting that he too would “cast nets” as a side job.

But after 28 years of service with GuySuCo, the cane cutter and father of five said he has no choice than to seek the support of his three working children, one of whom will soon be laid off the sugar corporation. Sunday Times Magazine visited the Bacchus’ home in Vriesland, another nearby community affected by the Wales Estate closure.

Bacchus’ wife Salima noted the mounting expense of having two children in school: 16-year-old Daniel, who is writing CSEC later this year, and eight-year-old Emmanuel, a primary school student.

Salima noted that while her 2017 Christmas was good, she is unsure what will occur in 2018.

“It will be worse because we don’t know if we will get the severance, but we hoping and praying that everything

will be okay,” Salima conveyed.

Bacchus mentioned that he has been faced with great difficulty in finding employment.

“We got bills to pay. It rough, but we does try and pray. We don’t know what will happen in years to come. After the severance, we need jobs because what we gonna do… sit and eat it out? When I sit down here, watch over there [at the canfield] I want to cry, because I don’t have a job,” Bacchus stated.

As Bacchus remains somewhat optimistic, another sugar worker Dairam Lachmana is seemingly beyond the depths of despair following the dismantling of his family. He noted that relations soured with his partner. Lachmana, who worked for 10 years before being laid off, claimed that after seven years together, his spouse moved out, along with their only child. He estimated a bleak outlook for 2018 and is still coping with being abandoned by his family.

“Because I’m not getting money to maintain my family, I gave her the child. She left about two months back. I feel real upset, real corrupted right now,” Lachmana said, looking away to the dusty and desolate road at Patentia.

Another worker, who is awaiting severance, told this publication that his wife is currently the principal breadcontinued on page 46

The Bacchus family is dependent on their eldest son, however he is expected to be laid off by GuySuCo sometime soon

Sadened Gordon Thomas contemplates his future being unemployed

Sugar worker Michael Chootoo with his hamper. Chootoo served the sugar industry for over 28 years before being laid off

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Federalism to end ethnic conflict

I

n the lead-up to our Independence-era ethnic violence, Sir Arthur Lewis considered the Westminster majoritarian political system being bequeathed and asked, “Are we, on counting heads, to conclude that…the Indians of British Guyana may liquidate the Negroes?”

More than most of his peers, Lewis appreciated the qualitative difference of ethnic politics from the premises of Liberalism, and his allusion to “liquidation” refers to the deep-seated fears that can be aroused in such polities.

Fifty years later, in his column last week, “Ending Ethnic Political Conflict”, Dr Henry Jeffrey alluded to the same fears which I had defined thirty years ago as “The African Security Dilemma”. He noted, “Those of African ethnicity consider their not having an opportunity to lead (become president and form the government) based upon the numerical superiority of ethnic voting is an important aspect of political domination.”

In other words, other mechanisms than majoritarian rules of political participation are necessary to deal with the real fears of minorities in ethnically plural societies.

However, to his credit, Lewis, who was about to become Chancellor of UG and architect of our first 5-year development plan, did not only criticise the Liberal arrangements that then favoured the Indian-dominated PPP, but suggested possible avenues out of the ethnic dilemma.

“The democratic problem in a plural society is to create political institutions which give all the various groups the opportunity to participate in decision making…

Each group wants to be represented by its own party, and no single party is accepted everywhere…

(The) solution is not the single party, but Coalition and Federalism.”

Over the last three decades, when I also identified the “Indian Ethnic Security dilemma” — their numerical majority could deliver “office” but not “power,” because of their political opponents’ occupancy of the bureaucracy, police and army, and because of strategic disruptive resources in the capital, Georgetown — I remarked at the studied refusal of African

By Ravi Dev

theorists to follow Lewis’s suggestion and include “Federalism” in their proposals for ending the ethnic security dilemmas.

Disappointingly, Dr Jeffrey floated another “grand coalition” proposal, and ignored political devolution.

So, once again, I propose that Guyana be reconstituted as a Federal Republic, even as a coalition government be formed at such a republic’s centre. In a society where the major ethnic groups each constitute majorities in different areas of the country, political devolution offers the largest number of incentives towards addressing ethnic insecurities. There are several variants of devolution, ranging from strong Local Government to Federalism. The latter arrangement offers the most benefits to Guyana: In a federal structure, “winner takes all politics” would be eliminated, since the central government would be concerned with national issues such as defence and foreign policy. There would be substantial autonomy to the separate states, which would guarantee justice for the inhabitants of each state exercising real power over their lives. Police functions, local development, local taxation and spending are only a few of the functions of the state governments.

When the centre does not monopolise power, the struggle to control it is not as intense. Political competition will be distributed among the states, as groups within attempt to control them.

National politics will cease being a zero-sum game; central “losers” can still secure power at the state level. Coalitions will be encouraged at the centre in situations where different interests represented there will incentivise cooperation to ensure the implementation of common programs.

Fragmentation of the electorate should lessen the possibility of any one majority dominating in all states.

While that possibility would exist within a particular state, intra-ethnic rivalry would develop, since no threat will be perceived to be coming from ‘out groups’, and there will be no pleas for ‘not splitting the vote’.

As the various states manoeuvre for the maximum benefit for their citizens, alliances will

shift depending on the issue, moving the present conflict from its volatile bipolar mode to a more fluid multi-polar balance.

Finally, the closer Government is to the people, the more responsive it ought to be.

The state governments should be the most sensitive to the idiosyncrasies of their citizens and regions. Local courts, for instance, would be most sympathetic to autochthonous needs.

31

32

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

news 33

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Gold Board gets new GM …refuses to renew contract of former GM

T

he Guyana Gold Board (GGB) has a new General Manager, with the announcement being made on Tuesday that acting General Manager Eondrene Thompson has been elevated to the substantive position at the entity.

Thompson, who acted in the position for some eight months, is the former substantive Finance Manager of the Gold Board. Her appointment is effective January 1, 2018. A statement from the GGB said the Board of Directors took a unanimous decision that the organisation needed to proceed in a new direction, under new leadership.

“The Board holds in high regard the integrity, skills, and commitment of Miss Thompson to positioning and leading the organisation forward,” the release said.

According to the Gold Board, Thompson has been at

New General Manager of the Guyana Gold Board, Eondrene Thompson

the Gold Board since March 2010 after a 15-year-stint at the Bank of Guyana.

Non-renewal

Thompson takes over the position held by former General Manager, Lisaveta

Ramotar, who along with her assistant Andrea Seelochan and legal officer Suzanne Bullen, were sent off on administrative leave in April 2017 to facilitate a Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) probe.

While no charges for Ramotar ever came out of that probe, the release stated that the contracts for all three officers were left in an expired state.

“In keeping with its visions of new direction and new leadership, the Board of Directors decided not to renew the contractual relationships,” the Board’s statement noted.

Ramotar had always professed her innocence in the fiasco. In a letter to SOCU, she had denied being involved in the alleged corruption in her entity.

In the letter, Ramotar said: “I wish to assert strongly that I am absolutely innocent of any wrongdoings. I

Lethem businessman released on G$1M bail over illegal airstrip

T

Hutashan Ramsingh

he Lethem businessman who was charged in connection with the construction of an illegal airstrip was on Tuesday granted G$1 million bail after making an application in the High Court.

Hutashan Ramsingh, also called “Seon Singh”, stood before Justice Brassington Reynolds and had his Attorneys Jerome Khan in asso-

ciation with Ian Chung make a petition for bail.

Bail was granted in the sum of G$1 million and he is required to report to the Lethem Police Station every Monday, starting January 8.

The matter was transferred to the Lethem Magistrate’s Court for March 5.

The 44-year-old man was remanded to prison on December 18, 2017, when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It is alleged that on August 10 and August 13, 2017, at Mandacoro Island Savannah (Santa Fe), Lethem, Ramsingh conspired with persons known and unknown to facilitate the illegal landing of an aircraft on an unauthorised port of entry.

Following the discovery of the airstrip, Ramsingh and two other residents of Lethem

– Wazim King, 37 and Nathan Hamilton, 21 – were flown to Georgetown to assist with investigations.

Ramsingh was released on G$50,000 station bail while King and Hamilton were hauled before the courts to be charged for a similar offence of conspiracy to commit a felony.

Following his release in September, the Police had reported that Ramsingh had fled the jurisdiction. In December however, Ramsingh was recaptured. It was reported that his vehicle was frequenting the area where the airstrip was discovered and where an illegal aircraft had landed.

Moreover, reports indicate that he had been also involved in similar cases of illegal aircraft landings in other areas in the region, namely Parabara, Manwar, Mountain Point and Mandakara Airstrip.

The aircraft discovered on the illegal airstrip

Allegations

Former GM Lisaveta Ramotar

have discharged my duties at the Guyana Gold Board professionally and based on the important metric of declaration, it was under my tenure that the Cooperative Republic of Guyana obtained its highest ever declaration to date.”

She also sought to clear up a number of issues that were influencing the probe. One such allegation was that embattled gold dealer Saddiqui Rasul sold gold several times per day using his mining company, indicating a washdown several times per day.

However, Ramotar explained that the Guyana Gold Board was required to buy all gold presented to the organisation, not to verify production.

As it relates to allegations that Rasul’s company did not pay the two per cent tax, Ramotar said under a regulation which she has seen, mining companies are not required to pay the two per cent Withholding Tax. Rasul was himself charged with six counts of obtaining money by false pretence. He was accused of defrauding the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry G$956 million.

Exxon contract ties hands of successive Govts – Ram

hydrocarbon laws, the customs code, or tax code, the Government would have to restore any benefits lost.

“The new Article requires that the foregoing obligation of the Government includes the obligation to resolve promptly by whatever means may be necessary (my emphasis) any conflict or anomaly between the Agreement and any new or amended legislation, including by way of exemption, legislation, decree and/or other authoritative acts.”

The contract

T

Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram

he oil contract Guyana has with ExxonMobil will tie the hands of successive Governments. This is according to Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram, who in his blog noted that the Stability Clause of the renegotiated contract has been increased from just one paragraph (the 1999 agreement) to four. He observed that the increases protect the interest of the operators.

“The Government’s hands are tied, and it is effectively prevented from exercising one of the most fundamental and sovereign duties of any State in relation not only to the oil companies but also to their successors and assignees. Article 32 – Stability of Agreement has been increased from one to four paragraphs, all of considerable consequence.”

He noted that the 2016 changes are designed not only to protect the interests of the oil companies but more importantly, to limit the role of the Government in applying new laws in so far as the oil companies are concerned.

According to Ram if Guyana decides to make any amendments to its laws, whether through the amendment of existing laws; including the

The contract was finalised on October 7, 2016, between the coalition Government, ExxonMobil and its partners in the Stabroek block and released on December 28, 2017.

In Article 15 of the contract, Exxon is exempt from paying Corporation, Excise or Value Added Tax on its earnings from petroleum.

Article 15.4 also provides for the Government itself to pay the company’s Income Tax. To facilitate this, the oil company has to submit tax returns to the Government. Article 32 stipulates that Government cannot modify the contract or increase any fiscal obligation the company has.

This therefore puts a cap on the taxes, royalties, duties, fees or charges outlined in the contract.

Government also has to compensate the operator if a change to existing laws causes loss of revenue for the company.

But there are provisions for Exxon to fulfil its corporate social responsibility. This includes a fund for social and environment projects.

Exxon has to contribute US$300,000 per year to this fund. The sums roll over and the company together with Government will determine which projects to fund.

The contract sets aside another US$300,000 per year to ensure Guyanese personnel are trained at local or overseas universities and conferences. There are also provisions for a continuous review of local content.

34 news

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

PNCR’s Adams hailed as dedicated public servant and community organiser

T

he People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Political Secretary, Sandra Adams, MS, passed away on Tuesday morning at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) following heart related complications.

Adams, who hails from Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) served in various leading capacities over the years, including Deputy Director of Community Development Councils, and Regional Councillor and Region 10 Party Chairman among others. She was also the sister of Minister Valerie AdamsYearwood. Shortly after her passing, Adams-Yearwood posted a photo of Adams lying on a bed to her Facebook profile with the caption “My sister Sandra Adams died this morning at the GPHC”.

Adams was recently hospitalised for heart related complications but was discharged. Shortly after being discharged, she attended the sod turning exercise to mark the construction of the Linden passport office in the town on Saturday, an event which she

The Hezekiah Effect…

N

The late Sandra Adams

chaired.

In a message of condolence

by President David Granger, the Head of State said he was “deeply saddened” at the passing of Adams.

The message went on to state that “Ms Adams was a dedicated public servant, community organiser and political activist. She served as the Assistant National Director of the Community Development Council

in the Ministry of Communities.

She was the Principal Political Secretary and member of the Central Executive Committee of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and also the Regional Chairman of the Party’s Upper Demerara-Berbice Region.”

Adams was a Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2006. The President in his statement also extended sympathy to Adams’s family.

Gun-toting bandit snatches gold chain

P

olice in E Division (LindenKwakwani) are investigating an incident where a male victim was robbed of his gold chain in Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) on Sunday evening.

A video of the incident has since been making rounds on social media, showing a gunman and two other accomplices, all unmasked and casually walking up to a small group of people at Republic Avenue, Mackenzie at approximately 21:42h.

One of the bandits then pulled out a gun, pointed it at the victim who was part of the group, and snatched his chain. After snatching the chain, he and his accomplices calmly walked away from the scene. A Police official has since confirmed the incident.

Investigations are ongoing.

…will now doom us?

ow that Raphael Trotman, the Minister of Natural Resources, has released the Exxon oil contract, Guyana will just have to hold its breath as Guyanese await the “Hezekiah Effect” to kick in. This dreaded doomsday “Effect”, of course, was what Trotman assured us was the reason he hadn’t fessed up when he signed off on the bonus and other financial inducements from the megaoil company, as it obtained the right to exploit the Stabroek field which has 3.2 billion barrels of oil – and counting.

You don’t remember what’s the Hezekiah Effect, dear reader? Shame on you!! Here we are, just finished celebrating the birth of the prophesied One and all that!! Are you still in a haze (daze?) after your spirituous excesses? Either way, you should punish yourself with a “time out” for your transgression! Anyhow, your (virtuous) Eyewitness will refresh your memory about Trotman’s prophesy.

Hezekiah, you see, was an early King of Judah, who scrupulously followed the Lord’s 10 Commandments. He was so favoured that the Lord once killed off 180,000 Assyrians who were Hezekiah’s enemies. (And no! It’s not genocide when the Lord does the mass killing.) Hezekiah even held off the dastardly Babylonians, who were the rising superpower of the day.

But, one day, Hezekiah fell ill and accepted a get-well gift from the Babylonians…and in a fit of bonhomie, “showed all of his treasures, all the silver and gold, and everything in his arsenal”!!

That was it!! The prophet Isaiah said to Hezekiah, ‘Hear the word of the Lord: “Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and what your fathers have accumulated until this day, shall be carried to Babylon; nothing shall be left.” And lo and behold, a century or so later, Judah was conquered and the people taken into slavery into Babylon!!

All (you understand, don’t you, dear reader?) because Hezekiah showed off his wealth. And this is what Trotman, reprising the role of Hezekiah, was warning us against. That rising Empire to the west, Venezuela, has long had its eyes on our territory of Essequibo. We had held them off through deft diplomacy, and were about to inflict the coup de’ grace by taking them to the World Court.

Now the lawyers/warriors that fight battles in the World Court don’t come cheap…and Trotman/ Isaiah didn’t want the dastardly Venezuelans to know we had an US$18 million bonus to pay those lawyers — never mind the discovered oil was worth BILLIONS! So, while some are crowing they forced Trotman to reveal our wealth — they don’t care that in 100 years we’ll be dragged off to Caracas in captivity!!

By the Rivers of Babylon!! …and the gas contract The giveaways on oil pale when compared to the cavalier way in which the gas that’ll be brought up with the petroleum was treated. But as the local head of the Texas-based Exxon said, Guyana’s just a “greenhorn” in the oil business. And if you think the terms of the oil contract were bad – boy, were we fleeced on the gas! It’s clear Trotman was even more full of it than we thought!

Now, there are trillions of cubic feet of gas mixed in with our petroleum – not even mentioning fields containing solely gas. The contract however, says, we’re on our own when it comes to this gas – which could’ve taken care of all our energy needs plus selling the excess in liquified form. The gas will be separated from the oil in the FPSO, and some will be pumped back into those wells that have been determined to need “gas lifts” to bring up the oil. We can then take the excess, or Exxon just burns (“flare”) it off!!

Hence the rush to get a contractor to bring the gas ashore and utilise it!!

If you think being taken into slavery’s bad, imagine what could happen when a govt builds latrines just when it’s about to s’it!!

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

35

36 feature

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

ble but you should lead with honesty and integrity. Take the long-term view of situations and remember that your daily behaviour broadcasts your truest beliefs.

By Dr. Rosh Khan

A

s you turn the chapter on 2017 and leap into 2018, you’re probably filled with breath-taking excitement and purpose!

New resolutions. Bigger goals. Higher targets.

It’s easy (and fun) to get caught up in the thrill of it all. We have a fresh chance for greater success in 2018.

But can I ask that we be brutally honest for a moment? I have zero intentions of bursting the balloon of hope for all that 2018 will do for you, but it’s time to queue a healthy dose of introspection.

When you analyse where you are today, compared to where you set out to be at the beginning of 2017, you’re either smiling or a feeling a little underwhelmed.

If you’re smiling, well done! You’re on the right path. Keep striving, growing, and contributing. Don’t get complacent.

If you’re feeling underwhelmed, that’s okay!

It was Ryan Holiday [an American author, marketer and entrepreneur] who beautifully said that we shouldn’t seek the path without obstacles, for the obstacle is the path – the obstacle is the way. If it’s been a tougher-than-anticipated year, it means opportunities for growth presented themselves and there are merely two questions to ask: 1. What’s the lesson here?

2. What is this preparing me for?

In as much as we orchestrated our triumphs and wins, we were also the ones that generated

See The Tree, Not Just The Seedling

When we look at our potential or the potential of those around us – whether it’s a co-worker, friend, partner, or child – it requires us to see beyond the “seed” and envision the mighty tree it can become. Seeing potential in others doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a function of growth over time.

Discern The Important From The Urgent

our defeats. We may not control all that happens to us but we do control our response. Our personal stories, the narratives we tell ourselves, the paradigms and belief systems we hold onto ultimately dictate our thoughts – whether positive or negative. Those very thoughts influence our decisions, which determine our actions, and thus, enable or create certain results.

Want better results?

Simple. Start at the foundation. If we want to live a life that is inspired, purpose-driven, and full of zest, then we need to upgrade our paradigms. We need to focus on mindset.

Here are eight ‘mindset shifts’ that will empower you through 2018:

Wear Glasses That Work

The late Dr. Stephen Covey, [a renowned leadership authority, family expert, teacher, organizational consultant, and co-founder of FranklinCovey Co.], said, “We see the world not as it is but as we are.” We view not only ourselves but those around us through a set of lenses; and like any lens, they either sharpen or distort reality. Simply choosing how we see ourselves and others has a cascading effect on what we think, feel, and do.

Think about the kind of ‘glasses’ you wear in certain situations or with specific people. It may be holding you back from seeing things as they really are.

Carry Your Own Weather

When we allow darkening clouds to dictate our mood, it’s easy to feel like a victim and surrender to the belief that we’re helplessly subject to the external world.

We forget that we have the power to choose our response to people and situations. We have the ability to carry our own weather – internally.

Behave Your Way To Credibility

You cannot talk your way out of what you behaved yourself into. You must behave your way out of what you behaved yourself into. To behave with credibility, you must demonstrate character and competence. It doesn’t mean you need to be absolutely infalli-

It’s very easy to get caught up in the day to day urgencies but if we’re not careful, we can end up like a cat chasing its tail. It was Coach John Wooden who famously said, “Don’t mistake activity for achievement.” Sit down and be strategic about your productivity. Work more on what’s important than on what’s urgent. The person who tries to do everything often ends up doing nothing.

Struggle Daily

Discomfort is a reflection of growth. It is often that said that success lies outside of your comfort zone. If you’re not carving out time to nurture new skills, assimilate new information, or adopt ‘the beginner’s mindset,’ you are holding your best work hostage from the world. Seek out healthy struggles.

Ask Why

Whether you’re trying to find underlying motives, make a persuasive argument, or sol problems, deploying the 5-Why is a powerful tool.

Just ask, “Why?” five (or more times) until you get to the fundamental issue. It’s unbelievably simple but profoundly powerful. Try it.

Start With Humility

Above all else, humility is foundational. Those who are humble have a secure sense of self; their validation doesn’t come from something external but is based on their true nature. To be humble means to shed one’s ego because your ‘authentic self’ is much greater than looking good, needing to have all the answers or being recognised by one’s peers. As a result, those who have cultivated humility have far greater energy to devote to others. They go from being consumed with themselves (an inner focus) to looking for ways to contribute and help others (an outer focus). Humility is the key to building solid character and strong, meaningful connections.

As you soar through 2018, remind yourself to look within.

Transformation is an inside-out process. The change we want for the world is the change we must first embody.

Here’s to an inspired, victorious and purposedriven 2018!

Dr. Rosh Khan is the president of FranklinCovey Guyana, The Masterclass Institute, and SocialRank Media – Guyana’s Leading Digital Agency. He is also the recipient of GCCI’s Young Business Executive Award for 2017. Khan can be contacted via mobile on 592664-5848, email: rosh@ socialrankmedia.com or Dr Rosh Khan on Facebook.

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Satisfaction…

N

…with oil contract!

obody could possibly confuse Raphael Trotman with Mick Jagger – or any other member of the Rolling Stones, for that matter! But even if they did – in some fevered state! – unlike the Stones, who declared, “I can’t get no satisfaction”, Trotman, looking like the proverbial Cheshire cat, declared he – and his government – were “satisfied” with the oil contract he “renegotiated” with ExxonMobil!!

Of course he’s satisfied!! And why not? He not only got an all-expenses-paid vacation with his wifeto-be, but God knows what other benefits!! As an example, when oil was discovered and produced in Equatorial Guinea by a number of US oil companies at the beginning of the decade, some US$700 millions were deposited in secret bank accounts of Guinean Government officials, plus their children’s educational expenses, houses, land, etc were all being paid by the said oil companies.

Another dodge to look out for — which was used in Guinea — was to fund companies that service the oil industry but were secretly owned by government officials. We’ll just have to look out as to who in the Government will be rolling in dough, won’t we? But then, we did hear about 65 policemen – earning less than G$60,000/monthly — who were pulled in to remove tints from their cars that cost at least G$2million each! And no one thought to ask them where they got the money from!!

Your Eyewitness was also more than a bit taken aback when Trotman very coyly allowed as to how even “though he is a Harvard Law School-trained negotiator,” he didn’t renegotiate the contract all on his own!! Knowing senility could strike without warning, and your Eyewitness might be confused, he rechecked Trotman’s bio-details on the Ministry of Natural Resources’ web site. And there it was: Trotman had obtained a “Post-Graduate Certificate in Mediation from the Harvard Law School”.

And even though this was just a five-day course, it was on “MEDIATION”, NOT “NEGOTIATION”, offered by the Harvard Mediation Programme!

“Mediation”, of course, has to do with “alternate dispute resolution” between parties who don’t want to go to court! While “negotiation” has to do with hard bargaining to make deals, where you don’t give away your store (or oil wealth!!). Just in case you wondered, Harvard Law does have a “Harvard Negotiation Institute” which offers another 5-day course, called the “Secrets of Successful Dealmaking”.

But even if Trotman had taken this five-day course, can you believe he should be in charge of negotiating a contract with lawyers who’d (successfully) taken on the entire US Justice Department??

These lawyers from Exxon can chew up and spit out a hick-lawyer like Trotman – like he was sunflower seeds!! …on Ring Bang?

It would seem that Trotman might have applied about the philosophy of “Ring Bang” music when he dealt with “Ring Fencing” in the oil contract. We’ve been hearing about “Ring Bang” music for decades now – put out by Eddie Grant. Your Eyewitness isn’t that knowledgeable about the genre…but being a patriotic Guyanese, he remembers Ring Bang isn’t just music, but part of a philosophy for Guyana.

Your Eyewitness remembers when Eddie insisted Ring Bang philosophy demanded we change our National Pledge, because that proposed we should “love our fellow citizens” but said nothing about “loving ourselves”. Now “Ring Fencing” is a term in the oil industry, which says an oil company can’t apply exploration expenses from one field to another field so as to reduce the profits which would have to be shared with the country. In this case, Guyana.

So Trotman, loving himself in accordance with Ring Bang philosophy, did not insist on Ring Fencing in the oil contract he renegotiated!!

Wonder how much his self-love delivered! …and Chutney Nermal “Massive” Gosein isn’t satisfied with the powers-that-be in the Chutney industry of TT. Imagine, they had the nerve to ban his song, “Rowley Mudda Count” for the Chutney Competition!

Calypsonian Chalkdust (and your Eyewitness) agrees with him. Says it’s censorship!!

37

38

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

feature 39

Spectacular view of the Harbour Bridge (Photo by Amanda Richards)

A section of Kingston, Georgetown (Tiltshift. Amanda Richards's photo)

Yachts at Baganara Island, Essequibo (Photo by Guyana Tourism Authority)

The Essequibo River as it snakes its way through thick vegetation

Meandering river in Guyana's rainforest (Photo by Elicia Bolton)

40

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Award-winning, thought provoking books to include on your 2018 booklist

By Petamber Persaud

W

e, lovers of literature, can say goodbye to 2017 – the year marking the centennial end to indentureship - with satisfaction, knowing that some of the books published in this year will follow us into 2018 while others will stay with us during 2018 and decades beyond.

From its inception, the book was treated with respect, even with awe, for man valued the book very highly with regards to its potential as a tool of education and instruction, as a repository for storage and retrieval of information, as a custodian of traditions and languages, as a forum for art and entertainment, stimulating the imagination and improving memory, a source of inspiration, among other usages. And the book has lived up to expectations even in its new forms and formats.

Below are some of the books crossing my desk during 2017: The Indentured Servants from Bengal to Bush Lot to Belize

by Karan Chand This historical novel is a family saga covering three generations originating in India moving to Guyana and then Belize, recording the “struggles and resilience in a desperate effort to stay afloat and, for some, to sour”.

This is the inspiring story of Mattai, born in Bengal, kidnapped and transported across the Kala Pani from Calcutta to Bush Lot Village on the Essequibo Coast of Guyana as an indentured labourer where he served three periods of Indentureship lasting fourteen years, surviving to made good in life and live to see many of his descendants making good.

Karma Curry by Jerry K. Durbeej This second novel by the author is about love, lust, betrayal, unrequited love, filial responsibility, revenge, remorse and atonement. “Karma Curry” is about reaping what you sow through how your actions in previous lives affect your current life. “Karma Curry” is, on one hand, about the continuation of tradition and, on the other hand, the challenging and breaking of tradition. This conflict is sustained throughout the

lives of each main player and throughout the novel and it is this conflict that accounts for the novel been a cut above novels exploring similar themes.

Stories set in two Countries by Madan M. Gopal This book of fifteen short stories is a fascinating read where the author “with subtle and overt humour and twists to satisfy different tastes” brings “multiethnic, multi-cultural, multi-national fragrance into the fathomless pit of provocative relationships”. (R. R. Jadoopat) Red Coconut: Bridging the Racial Divide by Habeeb Alli This eighteenth book by the author is a collection of poems, articles and excerpts from his blog speaking to the overarching theme evident in all of the author’s projects: love.

Junta: The Coup is On by Ken Puddicombe This political/romance thriller is set in Saint Anglia, an imaginary island in the Caribbean bearing many similarities to Guyana as people, places and events are invoked in the forms of Ricky Singh, Jim Jones, Rabbi Washington, Father Darke, etc even CARD (Crucial Action for the Restoration of Democracy) is not dissimilar to GUARD. Saint Anglia was a “peaceful place” - sugar plantation economy thriving first on enslaved labour and then indentured labour - until after independence when the ugly head of racism, class and social injustice brought divisions to the surface in a way forcing everyone to take a side.

Guyanese Writers of Indian Ancestry by Petamber Persaud This book was published to mark the centennial end of indentureship in 2017. It captures the life and work of over seventy Guyanese writers of Indian ancestry, paying tribute to our literary ancestors while seeking to correct sin of commission and sin of omission. For the first time, some of the neglected and slighted writers and the writers omitted from the mainstream will see the light of day and breathe again, their voices heard again as more research will fill out the skeleton of data and infuse character into them.

This pocketbook is

small and slim, but covers a lot of ground previously untouched by anyone and contains some of the data in my effort to map Guyanese literature, some data I have been collecting for over two decades.

Part two of this article will feature the following books: “Mahaica Belle Rings” by Collette Jones-Chin; “The Girl from the Sugar Plantation” by Sharon Maas; “Kamarang” by Michael Jordon; “Guyana and the Wider World”

by Sister Noel Menezes; “The Guyanese Culture - Fusion or Diffusion?”

by Rudy Insanally; “The Guyana Contract” by Rosalind McLymont; “Aspects of EuropeanGuyanese Heritage” compiled and edited by the

Guyana Heritage Society et al.; “West Indian history and literature”

by Frank Birbalsingh; “50 Nation Builders of Guyana”; “50 Creative Icons of Guyana”; “National Bibliography of Guyana”.

Responses to this author please telephone 226-0065 of email: oraltradition2002@yahoo. com What’s happening: Over GYD$1,000,000 in prize money up for grabs in the 2018 issue of The Guyana Annual.

New closing date for entries to the various competitions is January 15, 2018. For further information go to The Guyana Annual on Facebook or email: theguyanaannual@gmail.com

feature 41

42

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

43

44 feature

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

GES 2017 Held in Hyderabad, India from November 28-30, 2017, this year’s GES attracted well more than 1700 seasoned and emerging entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders from 140 countries across the world under the theme “Woman First, Prosperity for All”. Major focuses were emerging industries, including energy and infrastructure, health care and life sciences, financial technology and digital economy, and media and entertainment.

“I

magine visiting the doctor without ever leaving your house.” Those are the first words uttered by young tech entrepreneur Arifa Mohamed to describe her start-up company, iMed, which is about to revolutionise the medical

industry in Guyana.

“Imagine your medical prescription being delivered through your phone. Imagine having an on-demand cardiologist, psychiatrist, primary-care physician, or any specialist. This is the power of iMed

– Guyana’s first ‘virtual doctor’ initiative, an app that enables the end consumer to access licensed healthcare practitioners in an affordable way.

“This initiative aims to tackle a few of Guyana’s social issues, including: 1) Inefficient public health systems; 2) our Indigenous communities’ limited access to health care; 3) geographic limitations across the country, and 4) expensive private health care. The second phase of this project aims to use the app as a health tracker, pills reminder, and offline knowledge bank. The third phase of this project aims to develop mobile add-on medical devices that analyse blood, track health, and do ultrasounds.

With two partners and a team of volunteer app developers, the startup’s founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is determined to make the ‘Uber for medicine’ a reality, aiming for a mid-2018 launch. “We’re currently in mobile development and are working to create a network of health-care practitioners,” she says.

Fresh from the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) 2017, in India, a fired-up Mohamed, who was hard at work despite a bad bout of the flu picked aboard, said her experience there has made her even more focused. “GES 2017 was nothing short of amazing and lifechanging…. [it] exposed me to a greater level of understanding of the current trends, and innovative and disruptive industries that are flourishing and making international waves throughout the entrepreneurial community.”

She said one of the major advantages of GES 2017 was its success in bringing entrepreneurs of all ages, experiences and accomplishments from 140 countries around the world into one venue.

“Every true entrepreneur deserves to experience an event like GES 2017. It will quickly propel your business/venture to heights and directions that you didn’t even know possible! I’m now back in Guyana with a wealth of new knowledge, connections, mentors, and a mas-

sive network of exciting entrepreneurs and new business opportunities for myself and other Guyanese…

I must say thank you again to the US Government for sponsoring my trip and thank you to the Government of India for hosting us! Massive kudos for investing in the success of female entrepreneurs around the world,” the East Coast Demerara resident said.

At just 25 years old, Mohamed’s drive and commanding presence belie her years, as she juggles working as a Business Development Manager for a social media marketing company, spearheading iMedGY’s mobile development, her legal studies, and a new engagement. But the University of Guyana law student has long been a go-getter and fearless, moving from the Essequibo Coast to Georgetown at the age of 16 by her lonesome to pursue her tertiary education. A former Anna Regina Multilateral School student, Mohamed says Facebook Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sheryl Sanberg is her dream mentor, explaining that Sanberg, one of US’s most influential female executives, has helped to dramatically boost revenues at Facebook and also founded Lean In, a non-profit to support women’s empowerment.

In reflecting on her own journey into digital business, the millennial said: “You can’t do it alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Starting something is hard, especially something that is a bit out of the norm. There are so many moving pieces and factors to take into account that it can become really overwhelming, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. I’ve been lucky to have reached out to a few persons outside of Guyana who were very helpful!”

Armed with her smartphone and her go-to app Cortana, Mohamed is ready to make Guyana a healthier place virtually.

Contact: 592-225-1842 | +592651-0675 Want to be featured on the business page or know someone who should be or maybe you just have a comment, contact businesspagegy@gmail.com

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

45

46

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Blanhum’s future as Crime Chief uncertain

By Shemuel Fanfair

O

ne month after a transfer that saw him answerable to the Commander of A Division (GeorgetownEast Bank Demerara), the tenure of replaced Substantive Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum remains uncertain as it was indicated that there was no change in his position.

Acting Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine had first tied Blanhum’s transfer to the “arrangements” that were in place for the Christmas season, observing that his “reposting” was not without precedent.

Now that 2018 has commenced, Guyana Times International sought to ascertain whether or not the former Crime Chief’s post was a permanent fixture.

In a brief interview with this newspaper on Tuesday, the acting Commissioner was questioned on the status of Blanhum’s position.

Ramnarine however opted against offering a direct response on the matter but instead indicated that this position will be maintained for the foreseeable future. “That discussion is not for public domain, not for this time at least,” he told this publication.

Deputy Commander of A Division Wendell Blanhum

It was in early December that the acting Top Cop pointed out that Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum was removed from his post, and would act as the Deputy Commander of A Division, under Marlon Chapman.

When Blanhum was on his vacation leave, Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Williams who had been recently elevated to Commander of B Division (Berbice) acted as the interim Crime Chief. Ramnarine had announced that Williams would continue to function in the capacity, at the time noting that the change was done to facilitate the Force’s annual Christmas security programme.

However, media reports had suggested that Blanhum’s demotion was

in keeping with the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the alleged plot to assassinate President David Granger. On these claims, Ramnarine had refused to comment.

On March 29, 2017, Andriff Gillard reported to the Police that his friend and neighbour, Nizam Khan, had offered him G$7 million to assassinate the President.

He said the offer was made during a conversation between Khan and himself after he had approached Khan to borrow G$6 million to purchase a property. Following the allegation, President Granger ordered the CoI to probe the Police investigation of the allegation, and to also make recommendations to address flaws. Retired Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Slowe conduct-

ed the CoI and handed the report to President Granger at the end of August.

However, when Blanhum had taken the stand at the CoI, he clashed with Commissioner Slowe.

It was revealed that Blanhum was the first person to receive information of the alleged plot, and was instructed

by Ramnarine to personally oversee the investigation. The Commission found that Blanhum had failed to properly supervise the investigation, and allegedly lied while under oath when he said it was his decision to send Nizam Khan on bail. It was recommended that Blanhum be disciplined for all those infractions.

“He was insubordinate when he took a rude, argumentative and aggressive posture at the Commission of Inquiry.

He should be disciplined

Commissioner of Police (ag), David Ramnarine

for this. His lack of supervision of this important investigation; his utterances, disrespect and arrogance displayed before the Commission showed that he is incapable of functioning as the Crime Chief, the lead investigator and manager of the major investigating unit of the Guyana Police Force. Blanhum should be replaced as Crime Chief, and reassigned in order to gain

command experience,” Slowe had recommended.

Blanhum had taken up the reigns as Crime Chief in May 2015 and he had reopened several high-profile cases, such as the execution of fashion designer Trevor Rose; the 1993 murder case of Monica Reece; and the robbery/murder of Sheema Mangar.

Resilience in the... from page 30

A section of the defunct Wales Estate

winner. He divulged that at times of arguments, he is subjected to ridicule where he is reminded of his unemployment status.

Sugar worker Nigel Andres said that he worked 16 years at the now closed Diamond Estate before joining Wales Estate.

“When you looking for work, you’re not getting pay. People owing you.

Cane work was the only work we were sure about,” the father and grandfather noted.

Former Tug Captain, Gordon Thomas highlighted the difficulties that sugar workers faced in the past year.

“2016 was bad and 2017 made it worse because people are not earning. People expected to get their severance... no increase for 2016 and 2017; how do you expect the people to survive?” Thomas asked.

Pensioner Albert Vieira, 61, said he received his pension the same year that the Estate ended operations. He noted that the closure, as predicted, has seen wide-reaching effects in the surrounding communities.

“The people not getting work; plenty of them went fisheries, they worked two morning because they had market... now the market suspend, they at home, they not getting jobs. Work not

circulating, money not circulating, we don’t have any factory that the people could go and work,” Vieira said.

He recalled that he was able to build his life from the earnings he obtained from the Estate, having worked there over 40 years ago.

The workers’ union, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), having observed the financial challenges, collaborated with several entities to distribute food hampers to the Estate workers. The hampers, which were distributed days after Christmas, included rice, peas, flour and sugar.

The Wales Estate closure and the firing of 1700 workers were touted as a cost-saving measure due to billions of dollars that were allocated to the entity and sugar industry as a whole.

However, many lower West Bank communities, such as Wales, Bellvue, Good Intent, Sisters, Vriesland, and as far as Vive Le Force, were all impacted from the closure. Additionally, farmers at La Retraite, Bellvue and Canal No. 2 Polder were also affected as they were compelled to transport their cane to Uitvlugt. Nevertheless, the villagers and communities have not given up as many are resilient and have undertaken arduous tasks to ensure that they provide for their families.

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Oil fuh so!!

S

atiricus was looking forward to the Old Year’s Night gyaff. All year round, he’d taken a lot of stick from his friends at the Back Street Bar for his KFC party’s role in the Government. But now that the Oil contract had been released, he felt vindicated. It would be HIS turn to crow about what his party had delivered!

“Well, even though he is a Moses, ‘Nagga Man’ didn’t need to split the waters and deliver us to the Promised Land!” said Satiricus. “Trot Man did it this time!!”

“Promised Land?” asked Hari sceptically, he quaffed his beer.

“Budday!!” exclaimed Satiricus. “We’ll be getting milk and honey every day!! Trot Man negotiated US$1.5billion every year for the first five years for us!!”

“Fuh abee?” asked Bungi sceptically. “An’ how much fuh dem?”

“This is the same thing I always talk about!” exclaimed Satiricus. “You can’t prove Trot Man and the Government got any pay-offs!!”

“An’ afta two-an-a-half year, dem cyaan prove Jagdesh t’ief anyt’ing,” noted Cappo. “But da na stap dem fuh t’row talk!”

“But lemme ask you something, Sato,” said Hari quietly.

“Do you know how much oil Nigeria was shipping for the past 25 years?”

“Nah! How much?” said Satiricus. “And what that has to do with us?”

“They were shipping over 2 million barrels per day every day!!” replied Hari as everyone around the table bent forward listening.

“Da twenty time mo’ dan wha abee guh produce!” exclaimed Cappo.

“An dem bin get mo’ dan two time de price abee guh get!” pointed out Bungi.

“Yes…and so?” asked Satiricus and looked forward expectantly with raised eyebrows.

“Just that the people of Nigeria are just as poor as they ever were!” announced Hari. “None of that money ever got to them.”

“But how can you be so certain the same thing will happen here?” asked Satiricus aggrievedly.

“If Trotman and your government can lie about an US$18 million bonus,” said Hari. “Imagine what they will do about US$5 BILLION!” Satiricus fell silent.

Let them eat cake

S

atiricus was all confused. He and the fellas had visited some friends on Boxing Day at the sugar estate where Bungi and Cappo had worked before it was shut down.

Even though Satiricus had read about what was going on with fired sugar workers, he wasn’t prepared for what he actually saw. They were conducting their post-mortem – and postmortem IT WAS, concluded Satiricus – at the Back Street Bar. “I thought now your friends didn’t have to work, they’d be enjoying themselves for the holidays,” said Satiricus in a puzzled tone.

“Which worl’ yuh live in Sato?” asked Cappo. “Wha’ dem guh enjai demself wid?”

“Well, they did get their severance, didn’t they?” said Satiricus.

“No, they didn’t get their severance, Sato,” said Hari.

“And even if they did, you think they’ll ‘sport” it out?”

“Ah da how yuh t’ink about abee cane-cuttah people?” enquired Bungi sourly.

“Even if they didn’t get their severance,” replied Satiricus.

“At least they could’ve killed a duck and bunjal it for us – like they did last year!”

“Dis year na las’ year, Sato,” said Cappo patiently. “W’en wan man na know whe’ de next payday a come, a hard guava season, Budday!”

“But the Government just trained some of them to find new jobs,” protested Satiricus. “Surely that would give them hope!”

Bungi looked at Satiricus and shook his head, “5000 people get fyaah and dem train 30 people fuh bake cake,” he said sadly. “An’ dem cane-cuttah mus’ feel good?”

“It’s a start, you know,” said Satiricus. “Maybe the fired cane-cutter families could eat the cake.”

“Suh how come Nagga Man an’ Rum Jhaat na guh an’ tell dem cane-cutta who get fyaah, fuh guh bake cake?” asked Cappo.

“He woulda get a good cut-rass!” chuckled Hari. “Where would the 5000 cane cutters get the materials to bake cake!?”

“Da wha’ mek ‘e guh walk about a Bourda Market in tung,” said Bungi. “Lucky nobady na pelt wan baigan pan am!”

Happy New Year

feature 47

By Anu Dev

“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, ‘It will be happier’.” – Alfred Lord Tennyson

N

ew Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are two of my favourite days of the year. It’s probably because of that feeling of freshness that accompanies the thought of a new year. Rather weirdly (I now realise), I also used to be excited about the start of a new school year or term. I think I just really like fresh starts.

Interestingly, though the “New Year” was celebrated more than 4000 years ago, it was celebrated in Western cultures only from about four hundred years ago.

For instance, in India, the New Year is celebrated in the Hindu month of Chaithra (Mid-April), and it’s been observed for many millennia. For instance, the Yuddhistir Shaka started around 5500BC!! I guess before New Year’s, life must have been one long drag. No wonder they

called it the “Dark Ages”!

In fact, even the current date celebrated as “New Year’s Day” in the West was chosen in 153 BC by Julius Caesar. If you’re a fan of Roman and Greek mythology, you’ll be interested to know that the month January was named after the God of Doorways — Janus. He was given 2 faces — one which looked ahead to see what the New Year would bring, and the other looked backward to see what happened during the past year. You really can’t move forward if you completely ignore what happened in your past.

In fact, didn’t that writer William Faulkner say, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past”?

New Year’s Day is that day wherein we can all pat ourselves on the back for making it through yet another year. Some of us may still be resting on our

laurels if it was a successful year. And some may still be battle-scarred if it was a tough year. Survival is a victory! But we all have something in common: we’ve pulled through it all, to be here to ring in the New Year.

The New Year represents a new beginning; a chance to start afresh with new resolutions for the New Year. Unfortunately, I’m as guilty as anyone else of conveniently forgetting those resolutions by the next week! But we’ll still make them, won’t we? Hope beats eternal, doesn’t it?

Everyone has their traditions for the new year.

When we were very young, my father insisted that we be up and outside to see the “Old Year Clouds” move over and be replaced by the “New Year Clouds”.

This year-end, however,

we can be sure there will be dark clouds — and I’m not just referring to the monsoon-type clouds that gather every night to dump their torrents over us the next morning.

Still, there’s a special joy in counting down those last few seconds until you light off the fireworks to usher in the New Year.

And then the invariable hugs, shouting and general pandemonium as everyone celebrates making it through yet another year to another year full of possibilities.

For me, I’m looking forward to finishing up Med School in Trinidad, and starting a new chapter right here in Guyana.

Have a safe and happy New Year!

Serious shortage of experienced personnel to carry out major projects – MPI

I

n discussing several challenges faced in 2017 at the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Coordinator of the Works Services Group (WSG), Geoffrey Vaughn has said that one of the greatest challenges was attracting experienced personnel for most of the major projects.

The WSG Head explained that while there was in excess of 500 plus contractors who would have been prequalified for works to be done by the Ministry, this issue kept arising throughout the year. This, according to him, is also one of the main reasons for many of the public contracts being terminated.

“With that pool, what we have been seeing is with lots of the contractors that have been tendering, there is still a shortage in terms of experienced personnel within their organisations, specifically engineers. Because what we have been seeing basically is a name appearing on the tender document, but after that process would have been completed, we are still looking for that individual once that project would have been awarded to that particular company,” he said.

To correct this issue, Vaughn said the Ministry would recommend implementing a stricter process

Works Services Group Coordinator Geoffrey Vaughn

by which these contractors were chosen. Recommendations will also be made to make provisions for the Ministry to see the individual contractors selected and their staff while tendering.

Another issue faced by the Ministry, according to Vaughn, has to do with project management. He said most contractors were taking on more work than they could handle, and the Ministry has seen many cases of this in 2017. On the other hand, most projects are not being managed effectively and efficiently.

“So you find their ending up with quite a

few projects that we may know of because other agencies would have already awarded contracts to them. So, they come to you at the end and when they ask you when I’m finished with this one, then I’ll start with that one and right away the red flag goes up. And that is because you realise that the capacity is not there for them to execute the project,” he said.

Despite these challenges, the Ministry has managed to execute most of its capital projects for 2017, with fewer rollovers for the new year. However, the deadline for a majority of the Ministry’s major infra-

structural projects have been pushed back or further delayed to another year.

Meanwhile, some of the major projects to be worked on this year include: the Linden- Mabura Road, Kurupukari Bridge, Parika-Goshen road, Sheriff Street-Mandela Road Project, East Bank-East Coast Road Link, Demerara River Crossing, installation of LED lights across the country, LindenSoesdyke Highway Study and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)-financed study for upgrading Lethem Airport into a regional hub.

48 Bollywood

Ranveer Singh on his movies in 2018: My best time is yet to come

R

anveer Singh was last seen on the silver screen in 2016’s Befikre which more or less bombed at the box office. After Befikre, he has been putting his heart and soul into Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus Padmavati which was supposed to hit the theaters on December 1 last year. One can’t imagine the kind of emptiness he m u s t have felt when the film’s release date was deferred to an indefinite period.

But now, Ranveer is ready to bounce back with a bang. He has an amazing line-up of films for 2018 — Zoya Akhtar’s Gully Boy, Rohit Shetty’s Simmba and of course, Padmavati. Talking about his solid calendar, Ranveer says, “I am very excited. I keep saying this to myself and always manifest it as well that my best work — and my best time — is yet to come. Thankfully, with God’s grace, everything that I manifest and attract comes to me, so, I believe deeply in the law of attraction. Whatever you manifest and what you really wish for from the bottom of your heart, you will get it if you work hard enough. So, here I am, in 2018, coming up with diverse roles and collaborating with different filmmakers.”

And considering the stellar perfor-

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

mances that Ranveer has delivered up until now, his upcoming films are definitely going to the year’s biggest releases. In Padmavati, Ranveer is essaying the role of anti-hero Alauddin Khilji.

His look for the film is already being compared to the ones of Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones. For Gully Boy, Ranveer will be getting under the skin of street rapper N a e z y a k a Naved Shaikh. Rohit Shetty’s Simmba, however, will bring Ranveer in a high-energy ‘massy’ role of Inspector Sangram Bhalerao.

So, has it been a particularly fulfilling phase of his life? Ranveer says, “Yes, creatively, it is a very rich period, since the prospects are very exciting. But anyway, I don’t get fettered by the lows. Since BBB happened suddenly, I became a public figure quickly. I did not know how to handle the limelight then. I was confused but when Lootera got immense critical acclaim followed by Ram Leela that became a breakthrough hit, I started realising that it is not about the success or failure of the film. I started to mature and evolve to believe that the process itself is the prize. And I still believe in it.”

Here’s wishing Ranveer an amazing 2018! (Indian Express)

Suhana Khan is a vision in her latest photo with daddy Shah Rukh Khan

N

ot just Shah Rukh Khan’s baby boy AbRam, but his 17-year-old princess Suhana Khan too is a head turner. Be it Bollywood’s big parties, her appearances on the runway with stylish mommy Gauri Khan or her attending a wedding with parents, everything interests the fans of this teenage star kid who is keen on becoming an actor.

A few days back, #SuhanaKhan on Instagram gave the social media users some perfect clicks of Shah Rukh’s beautiful daughter. The youngster owned her every look as she posed for the shutterbugs at an Indian wedding she attended with mommy Gauri and daddy Shah Rukh in Delhi. And now a recent photo of the teenager has been shared by Sohail Khan’s wife Seema Khan who designed Suhana’s floral outfit for one of the many wedding festivities.

Sharing the photo, Seema wrote, “Suhana Khan looking so Gorgeous & Vibrant in our white floral overlay lehenga with pretty flower jewelry

to complete the look… The fan pages of Suhana also has a photo with King Khan who was missing from the pictures that went viral earlier. In the photo, Shah Rukh who thinks of daughter Suhana as the most loving person of his family sits comfortably beside her.

Shah Rukh has earlier said about Suhana in an interview to DNA, “Suhana wants to be an actress. I see that zeal in her. She’s extremely good on stage, I’ve seen her performances. She’s admittedly a cinema fan and wants to be in the industry.” Well, Shabana Azmi echoes Shah Rukh’s thoughts about Suhana’s acting skills as she once tweeted, “Mark my words #SuhanaKhan is going to be a seriously good actor. I’ve watched a short clip of her acting and it was terrific. Bless her.”

Suhana is among the star kids who are stealing all the limelight from their star parents. Others in the list are Taimur Ali Khan, Aaradhya Bachchan, Azad Rao, Misha Kapoor, AbRam Khan and Innaaya Kemmu. (Indian Express)

Hindi adaptation of ‘Ode To My Father’ different: Ali Abbas Zafar

A

fter two successful outings with Salman Khan in Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai, director Ali Abbas Zafar is looking forward to his third collaboration in Bharat. Zafar said the offer to direct the movie, which is a remake of the 2014 South Korean film “Ode To My Father”, came to him from Salman himself.

That film came to me from Salman himself. He gave me the film and said he really likes it

and asked me to watch it. I saw it and really liked it. (But) You can’t make the film exactly how it is in the original.

The socio-political scenario affects your story and the character. But I liked the basic crux of the film. Salman said after ‘Tiger…’, you do this,” Zafar told PTI. Ode to My Father was directed by Yoon Je-kyoon and revolves around a young boy’s promise made during the chaos of the Korean War.

The film’s remake rights have been bought

by Salman’s brother-inlaw Atul Agnihotri. The Hindi film will reportedly be set during IndiaPakistan partition. Ali is, however, tight-lipped about the basic plot.

When asked if anyone apart from Salman has been cast yet, Ali said currently the film is at an early stage. “We will begin March onwards. I want to sleep for a month. We are at the elementary stage,” Zafar said.

Earlier, talking about his rapport with the superstar, Zafar in an interview said, “He is like an elder brother to me.

I am just four films old.

His vast experience makes my work look mature.”

The film will go on floors this year. (Indian Express)

Anushka Sharma is the perfect travel partner for Virat Kohli

A

fter giving couple and marriage goals, Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli are now out with some real travel goals. The newlyweds, who are holidaying in Cape Town, South Africa, seem to be on a photo sharing spree. Just days after the couple rang in the New Year together and broke the internet with a selfie moment which both the actor and cricketer shared on their respective social media handles wishing their fans, Virat has posted a new click from the picturesque location, leaving many skipping a heartbeat again.

Anushka and Virat, fondly called ‘Virushka’ tied the knot in a secret and highly intimate ceremony in Tuscany, Italy on December 11. After honeymooning in the snow-clad mountains of Europe, the two came down to India to throw two lavish receptions in Delhi and Mumbai for their family and friends from the fraternity.

Virat took to Twitter and shared the new selfie with Anushka. But more than appreciating the scenic beauty of Cape Town, it was his adorable words for his wifey dear which caught our eyes. “Cape Town is such a beautiful place anyways, and even more beautiful with my one and only!” the Indian skipper wrote.

Virushka wrapped up their wedding ceremonies before the New Year and left for South Africa to welcome 2018.

Virat will be playing his upcoming matches later this month there. And before he does that, Anushka chose to be with her hubby for few days. The actor will be soon starting her pending Bollywood projects including Sui Dhaga and Pari soon. (Indian Express)

Rani Mukerji to promote ‘Hichki’ on Salman Khan’s show

R

ani Mukerji and Salman Khan have been friends for years.

They have worked together in seven films and they even share an amazing relationship both on and off screen. The two will again be seen together on the latest episode of Bigg Boss 11 where Rani will be promoting her upcoming film Hichki.

Knowing Rani’s fabulous sense of humour and Salman’s super entertaining persona, this episode is certainly going to be a must-watch for everyone.

“Rani and Salman are extremely fond of each other. They create a laughter riot every time they are together and it will be amazing to see their madness on Bigg Boss 11 where Rani will be promoting her upcoming film Hichki.

Salman has seen the promo of Hichki and has loved it. The trailer was also attached to Salman’s blockbuster Tiger Zinda Hai,” says a source.

Rani and Salman will shoot the episode on January 5. Hichki’s trail-

er will also be aired on Bigg Boss as part of this episode. “Salman and Rani are also expected to share some interesting secrets about each other on the episode. Rani will be asking Salman to share his ‘Hichki’s – things that he is afraid of, things that unnerve him and she will tell him to give reasons for his answers. It’s going to be hilarious. We are expecting some mad content to come out of this episode,” adds the source.

Talking about Hichki, Rani plays the role of Naina Mathur who suffers from Tourette Syndrome (a nervous system disorder that forces an individual to make involuntary repetitive movements or sounds). Hichki is based on the outstanding autobiography by Brad Cohen titled Front of the Class that went on to become an acclaimed Hallmark TV film in 2008.

Bankrolled by Yash Raj Films, Hichki is set to release on February 23.

(Indian Express)

Hollywood 49

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Jessica Alba gives birth to a Gal Gadot reflects on her baby boy, names him Hayes incredible last year with

‘best 9 of 2017’ photo

A

ctor Jessica Alba has welcomed her third child with husband Cash Warren. The Sin City: A Dame To Kill For star shared the news on Instagram, posting the first photo of her baby boy, Hayes.

“Hayes Alba Warren. Best gift to ring in the New Year!!,” wrote the actor. “Cash and I feel so blessed. Haven and Honor are already obsessed with their new baby bro,” she added.

Jessica also has two daughters, nine-year-old Honor and six-year-old Haven, with her husband. Warren also posted a photo with his newborn son on Instagram and wrote, “Hayes Alba Warren: You sure know how to ring in the new year! You showed up a few days early but we couldn’t be any happier. Your Mamma is the strongest woman I know… you’re so lucky to have her by your side.”

“You have two amazing sisters who already adore you and I know you’ll be

thankful to have them guide the way.

On your first day of life, I promise to love you, to cherish you, and to provide you with a sandbox full of dreams to explore,” he added.

Jessica has been quite active in sharing pictures on social media flaunting her baby bump. Recently, the actor also shared a family photo on her Instagram handle on Christmas.

She wrote, “Stole this @cash_warren -our last Christmas as a family of four! Feeling so blessed and can’t wait to meet our baby boy. Thankful for our beautiful family that celebrated with us today -our smallest family gathering we’ve had in our 14 years together but it was perfect…”

On the work front, Jessica was last seen as a judge alongside Gwyneth Paltrow, Will.i.am and Gary Vaynerchuk in a relaity TV show titled Planet of the Apps. (Indian Express)

Hollywood biggies Reese Witherspoon, Shonda Rhimes form anti-harassment group

R

eese Witherspoon, Shonda Rhimes and Jennifer Aniston are among hundreds of Hollywood women who have formed an anti-harassment coalition called Time’s Up. The initiative (www.timesupnow. com ) was launched Monday with an open letter vowing support for women in the entertainment business

Taylor Swift to J.J. Abrams and Viola Davis.

Dozens of men have faced harassment and assault allegations in recent months, including Harvey Weinstein, Charlie Rose and Kevin Spacey.

As reported by The New York Times, the initiative includes a legal defense fund to help less privileged

G

al Gadot is really the Hollywood find of 2017. She did appear in a few films before, including a brief appearance in Batman v Superman, but it was in 2017 that she shone. Gal has in a minuscule amount of time risen to become one of the top most actors in Hollywood. Her performance in this summer’s DC blockbuster Wonder Woman helped DC’s cinematic universe get on track and she was adored even in Justice League, which was a failure for Warner Bros and DC. She did only two films this year, but since those films came from a big studio like Warner Bros and were superhero movies that usually earn big bucks, they helped her to become the highest paid actress of 2017, according to Forbes. Oh, and she was pregnant while filming many of her stunts in Justice League. Isn’t she really the Wonder Woman?

Meanwhile, the gorgeous Israeli actor took to social media to reminisce the last year and posted a collage to give her fans glimpses of top moments of the year for her. The first photo is of The Hollywood Reporter’s cover with a photo of she and Wonder Woman’s direc-

tor Patty Jenkins. The collage continues with her photo with the rest of the Justice League cast, Wonder Woman cast, a photo of her with the poster of Wonder Woman, a pregnant Gal Gadot posing with her husband, Gal posing in a Justice League, she hugging a fan, Wonder Woman cast posing with little Wonder Women, and finally Gal Gadot at Saturday Night Live.

She captioned the photo, “Thank you 2017 you’ve been incredible. 2018 I’m ready for you.. wishing you all – happiness, health and luck!! Happy New Year!!!”

It need not be said that these are the high points for many of her fans, not just her. She has been an inspiration for little girls who needed a stirring female superhero figure in a world dominated by masculine superheroes.

Indeed, the immense success of her film showed that there is a huge audience for a well-made female-led superhero movie. Its success also prompted Warner Bros to lighten the tone of Justice League, and that was one of the things about it that were appreciated.

(Indian Express)

Hugh Jackman admits ‘The Greatest Showman’ was a risk

H

and beyond, from janitors to health care workers. Time’s Up will include a legal defense fund and will advocate for legislation combatting workplace harassment.

Time’s Up also is backing the movement for women to wear black, in solidarity with those who have been sexually harassed, at Sunday’s Golden Globes ceremony.

Donators to Time’s Up defense fund range from Meryl Streep and

women like janitors and nurses to protect themselves from any manner of harassment and fallout from reporting it, legalisation to penalise organisations that tolerate sexual misconduct, to achieve the goal of gender disparity, and a request to the women of showbiz to turn up in black to speak out against the prevalent harassment in the industry at prominent award ceremonies. (Indian Express)

ollywood actor Hugh Jackman has admitted his upcoming movie The Greatest Showman involved a great risk. Jackman revealed that bringing a musical to the big screen “is notoriously one of the hardest things to do in Hollywood. I think just the climate of Hollywood was like, ‘There’s just too many risks. There’s too much to do,'” according to Contactmusic.com He added, “I mean, there have been musicals, obviously- Les Miserables, Mamma Mia. But an original movie musical is really hard.”

Jackman has had plenty of experience with musicals, both on screen and on stage.

“A bad musical stinks to high heaven. But when a musical works, people are screaming and cheering. Nothing I’ve found has matched it. By the end, as you take the curtain call, there’s no sense you’re in front of strangers. It’s an intimacy you get that’s more in-

tense than you have with people you’ve known for many years. It’s everyone coming together and opening their heart,” explained Russo.

The actor believed the time was right to tell Barnum’s story.

The Logan actor shared, “He created this world that no one had even thought possible. For me, he really epitomised the idea that your imagination is your limit in a time where things were very rigid and when the social position you were born into was the one you were stuck in.”

The Greatest Showman has received average reviews. It currently holds a 55% score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer. The consensus reads, “The Greatest Showman tries hard to dazzle the audience with a Barnumstyle sense of wonder — but at the expense of its complex subject’s far more intriguing real-life story.” (Indian Express)

50 sport

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

ICC Women’s Twenty20 Cricket World Cup 2018…

“We can likely be one of the 4 to host” – Jones D

irector of Sport Christopher Jones recently confirmed that Guyana was one step closer to becoming one of the hosts for this year’s Women’s Twenty20 Cricket World Cup set for November.

With the Caribbean territories scrambling to fulfill require-

already submitted a bid to have the event held at the National Stadium and is currently awaiting a response as to whether the bid was successful.

Jones further noted that he is confident Guyana will be one of the four hosts countries for the World Cup, saying “I rather suspect because of the fact that the stadium is owned by government and because the stadium has no branding on it, this puts Guyana in a position where we can very likely be one of the four to host the women’s international world cup.”

T h e Director of Sport Christopher Jones National S p o r t s ments in order to be Commission (NSC) boss possible hosts, Jones also stated that there during an interview are some prerequisites with the Department necessary for hosting of Public Information the T20 games, which (DPI) said Guyana has include the stadium

Providence has hosted matches in the 2007 World Cup and the 2010 World T20 successfully

having a replay screen among other things.

While provisions for such were proposed in the 2018 national budget, Jones highlighted that not everything was approved.

Nevertheless, Jones said that steps are being

taken to have Guyana in the position it needs to be so that the country will have the opportunity to host the games.

“We are still engaging the Ministry of Finance with a view of reprioritizing some of those requests from the budget

that would have been made by the various facilities. Those discourses are still ongoing and we are confident we will see the allocations being made available,” he ended.

West Indies, South Africa, England,

Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have already qualified for the games which begin on November 3 to 24, 2018.

West Indies women are the defending champions.

“Sangre Malo” to set alight Sports Hall

T

he battle lines have been drawn as the highly anticipated

March.

Marques will come up against current champion Jay Harris of Wales, United Kingdom in a bout set for March 31, 2018 at the Copper

clash Box Arena, a now officially dubbed, “Sangre fight being promotMalo” hosted by the ed by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions.

Guyana Boxing Board Alongside Marques, is of Control (GBBC) fellow Guyanese boxing star in collaboration with Elton Dharry, a world-class Next Generation Global Marketing, is expected contender with a 16 consecto set alight the Cliff utive wins battling Jesus Vargas while Dexter “Cobra” Anderson Sports Gonsalves, Guyana’s curHall on January rent Lightweight cham20.

The Spanish pion dukes it out with term, “Sangre Felipe Lares, capping Malo” meanoff the three main ing bad blood in fights on the card.

“The Cobra” much English, seems like Marques will also the ideal name be using the battle versus for the mouthwatering bouts Lares as preparation for among three of his upcoming battle with Guyana’s top boxBahamian Lightweight ers and three of champion Meacher Major in the Bahamas later in the Venezuela’s best Dexter Gonzales year. pugilists.

Some seven Both Next Gen and the bouts have been billed for fight night GBBC promised a top card while the which is seen as a patriotic battle for prelude to fight night will see a huge country pride. Current Caribbean and kick-off events along with chances to Guyana Flyweight Champion Dexter meet with fighters leading up to the Marques will prepare to lock horns match. Also it was confirmed that the with Dionis Martinez and will use fighters will have their official weighthis bout to further prepare for his up- in on Friday January 19. (Clifton Ross) coming Commonwealth Title shot in

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Sport 51

Daniel Williams aiming for success in 2018

Blazing trails! Daniel Williams was the poster boy for athletics in Guyana in 2017

By Michelangelo Jacobus

I

f 2017 was the year of athletics in Guyana, then 17-year-old Daniel Williams is the personification of that success.

Born in the mining town of Linden, Williams has already tasted success in a major international competition; his success came in his specialist event, the 400 metres dash.

At the World Under-18 Championships in July, 2017 in Nairobi, Kenya, Williams ran a personal best time of 46.72s to win a silver medal and stun the world.

Daniel started taking part in athletics at the Primary school level where he excelled.

His success was transferred into the secondary level and he became a constant figure at the National Schools Athletic Championships.

In 2017, he became the most decorated athlete at the National Schools Championships, owning records in the High Jump, 100M, 200M and 400M, competing in the U12, U14, U16 and U18 categories.

The young speed ace announced his appetite for big things in April 2017 when he placed second in the 400m at the CARIFTA Games in Curacao. However, his elation was short lived as he was soon after disqualified for lane infringement.

Seemingly unperturbed `Mr. Dynamic’ returned and would make amends in front of his home crowd. Showing a mental fortitude that belied his age, Williams came up against the best from this continent and won a silver medal in the same event at the South America Youth

Championships.

His hard work paid off and he was selected by the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) along with jumper Chantoba Bright to represent Guyana in Kenya.

Williams repaid the association’s faith by capturing only the second World U-18 medal for Guyana at the Championships.

However, Daniel’s talent is not limited to the track. He attends the Mackenzie High School (MHS) in Linden, and in 2015, he found success at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations, gaining a Grade One pass, four Grade Twos and three Grade Threes in his eight subjects.

Williams would later move to Sixth Form at the same institution, where he completed Unit One at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and is now in the process of completing Unit Two and also has an aspiration of studying Mechanical Engineering.

If 2017 has been a revelation, then 2018 promises bigger things for Williams as several colleges on the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) have since come calling, after noticing his growth, especially in the 400M, where his 46.72 seconds was the second fastest in the world.

One can only hope that the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) do their best to ensure that Guyana’s young track star receives all the necessary support to step to the next level and possibly go on to win Guyana’s next Olympic medal.

52 sport

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Hapless Windies end IPL: RCB decide against tour with crushing loss retaining Gayle M

R

oyal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have opted against retaining Windies star batsman Chris Gayle for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

There were serious doubts that the 38-year-old West Indian would be among the three players retained by RCB when the franchises released their list of protected players on Thursday.

When the list was finalised the T20 record run scorer was indeed omitted, with the team opting to keep Indian captain Virat Kohli and South African superstar AB de Villiers along with the uncapped Sarfaraz Khan.

Although the big left-hander will now head to the auction block for the January 27 IPL draft in Bangalore, he could still be retained under the franchise’s Right to Match (RTM) option, but that option also seems unlikely

Chris Gayle

based on the player’s recent form and injury troubles.

Gayle, who was drafted in 2011 by the Bangalore franchise, had a subpar last couple of seasons where he played 19 matches in total and only managed to score 447 runs. The player was shockingly left out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) last year but rebounded with a strong performance in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) where he led Rangpur Riders past Dhaka Dynamites in the final. Gayle scored 146 runs from just 69 balls. It was an innings glittered with 18 sixes, a world record for the number of sixes in a T20 match.

The batsman, however, also failed to spark during the Windies tour of New Zealand, but was afflicted by illness at the start of the tour. (Sportsmax)

OUNT MAUNGANUI, New Zealand (CMC) — Woeful West Indies ended their illfated tour of New Zealand in the same wretched manner in which it started, plummeting to a heavy 119run defeat in the final Twenty20 International here yesterday.

Colin Munro's record-breaking third career T20I hundred of 104 was the catalyst behind the hosts' imperious 243 for five off their 20 overs – their highest-ever total in the shortest format.

Fellow opener Martin Guptill stroked 63 and Tom Bruce, 23, ensuring New Zealand maintained their momentum to gather the seventhhighest total in T20s.

In reply, West Indies produced yet another dismal batting performance, collapsing to a depressing 124 all out in the 17th over.

Only Andre Fletcher with a pol-

Zealand in T20s and joint sixth-fastest of all time.

He also became the first batsman to score three hundreds in T20Is. Guptill, meanwhile, was more than just a spectator, lashing five fours and a pair of sixes in a 38-ball knock — his 11th half-century in this format.

With the Windies bowlers loose, the pair cashed in, plundering 52 off the first five and 118 at the half-way point of the innings.

Debutant medium pacer Rayad Emrit's first two deliveries in T20 cricket were greeted with a couple of leg-side sixes by Munro, in an over which leaked 16 runs and saw the South Africa-born dynamo to his halfcentury.

Guptill eventually edged a wide one from Emrit to fall to a catch at the wicket in the 12th over, but Munro and Bruce kept the pressure

Colin Munro

ished 46 from 32 balls showed any sense of purpose, and was one of only three frontline batsmen to reach double figures and the only one to pass 20.

The Caribbean side's woes were compounded by the unavailabilty of Shai Hope who injured his shoulder while fielding and was unable to bat.

Not for the first time this tour, the Windies were tormented by seamer Tim Southee (3-21) and new-ball partner Trent Boult (2-29), while legspinner Ish Sodhi claimed two for 25, as the Black Caps claimed their biggest-ever win in T20s and the third largest overall.

For West Indies, the defeat was their seventh on tour in internationals, after losing both Tests, all three one-dayers and two T20s. The second T20I was washed out after just nine overs on New Year's Day. The reigning T20 World champions have also now lost six of their last 12 matches in the shortest format.

Opting to bat first at Bay Oval, New Zealand were propelled by a 136run opening stand between Munro and Guptill — the country's thirdhighest stand for any wicket in T20s.

The left-handed Munro was utterly dominant en route to his third score of fifty or more in the series, facing 53 balls and striking three fours and 10 sixes.

No Windies bowler was spared from the 30-year-old's brutal allout assault, as he raced to his halfcentury off 26 balls before reaching three figures off 47 deliveries to mark the fastest-ever hundred for New

on the Windies in a 55-run, secondwicket parnership.

Even when the hosts lost four wickets for 35 runs in 19 deliveries, the runs kept flowing with 60 runs gushing from the last five overs.

The Windies then had a disastrous start to their run chase when Chadwick Walton drove the first ball of the innings from Southee into Munro's lap at cover.

Four balls later, superstar Chris Gayle was surprised by a short ball and gloved a simple catch behind to depart without scoring, leaving the Windies tottering on one run for two wickets.

Fletcher and Rovman Powell (16) then staged the best partnership of the innings, putting on 41 for the third wicket.

The right-handed Fletcher struck four fours and three sixes — two of which were sweetly timed back-toback inside out blows over extra cover in the sixth over by left-arm spinner Anaru Kitchen which went for 20 runs.

Powell holed out to cover off Kitchen in the fourth over and Shimron Hetmyer was tragically run out for seven in the fifth over, leaving West Indies on 49 for four.

Fletcher posted 31 off 20 balls for the fifth wicket with captain Carlos Brathwaite (15) to temporarily stem the flow of wickets, but once the Grenadian missed a heave at a straight one from Sodhi and was bowled off-stump, the last four wickets tumbled for 44 runs.

sport 53

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Hosting World Cup can develop our women’s cricket – Sanasie – GCB aiming for female franchise league

By Akeem Greene

S

ecretary of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Anand Sanasie is hopeful that Guyana can secure the rights to be one of the hosts for this year’s International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Twenty20 World Cup in November.

His quest for the hosting rights stems from him having optimism it will positively

influence the development of female cricket in the country.

“We are looking to promote women issues in the Caribbean and Guyana and most importantly develop our young ladies for the vastly improving international women’s cricket,” the official told Guyana Times International Sport on Wednesday.

In 2017, the under-19 team won the region-

al championships held in Trinidad and Tobago but the senior side has failed to replicate such performances, finishing in the penultimate position in the regional T20 tournament in 2016 held in Guyana and then last year in St Vincent and the Grenadines they finished fourth.

More so, there is a lack of structure domestically which is showcased with the undesirable results

at the inter-county level. However, Sanasie is contending there is light at the end of the tunnel once they can acquire the necessary funds, they can implement a developmental structure.

“It is something we have a workable developmental plan. Financing is always the issue so we are hoping to garner some revenue to push that level. Our plan is to have women’s cricket at the under-19 and senior levels played as franchise level as we are currently doing with male senior cricket”.

Big boost for Guyana

Developing a flourishing women’s franchise league is on the agenda of the Guyana Cricket Board

Since the National Stadium hosted Super Eight matches in the 2007 Cricket World Cup and then group matches at the 2010 Men’s World T20, an ICC event has not come to these shores.

The Cricket West Indies Director felt that since the tournament will for the first time not be held with the men’s tournament running simultaneously, it brings a large international viewership solely to the wom-

en.

“The international viewership can boost the tourism sector significantly and outside of that there will be aggressive marketing strategies to get persons to come. The financial model that was proposed for the hosting would require a gate fee which would be kept a very low cost.”

He added, “It will be first of a standalone ICC women’s tournament and it will beamed live throughout the world which brings international recognition of having probably 150 million viewers. The idea is to have the West Indian type of carnival experience to fill the National Stadium.”

GCB are set to receive substantial support from the government through the National Sports Commission to have a successful leg should they be given the green light by the ICC. “We did put in the bid, myself and [Director of Sport] Christopher Jones attended the bid submit and I subsequently pre-

GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie

pared the bid on behalf of the cricket board and the government which was signed off and was successful at the Cricket West Indies level.”

“The three successful countries would be hosting would be referred to the ICC for conformation on their part. It’s most likely we will be one of the countries but we have to keep our fingers crossed.”

West Indies, South Africa, England, Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have already qualified for the games which will run from November 3 to 24, 2018.

West Indies women are the defending champions.

54

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 7, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

55