Guyana times international june 15 2018

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PPP Commissioners lodge complaint with ERC WEEK ENDING JUNE 17, 2018

ISSUE NO. 402

See story on page 3

… as rift deepens over alleged discrimination at GECOM

GECOM Commissioners Robeson Benn, Bibi Shadick and Sase Gunraj at a press conference to discuss the matter earlier this week

NY to implement Vishnu Persaud defends track record ban on single-use Page 14

styrofoam products from Jan 2019 Page 4

Sale of Sanata Complex:

Privatisation was best option

Page 23

Vishnu Persaud

Roxanne Myers

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS 3

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

PPP Commissioners lodge complaint with ERC … as rift deepens over alleged discrimination at GECOM

T

he People’s Progressive P a r t y (PPP) nominated Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Commissioners have officially written to the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) with regards to the recent decision made by the Chairman of GECOM, retired Justice James Patterson to overlook top-ranked candidate Vishnu Persaud in favour of Roxanne Myers in the selection of a new Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) at the entity.

This was confirmed on Thursday during a press conference with Opposition Leader, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo at his Church Street office.

According to Jagdeo, “The Commissioners have already written to the Ethnic Relations Commission and we are going to ensure that there is a fullfledged investigation,” Jagdeo said.

Moreover, he expressed optimism that the matter will be dealt with accordingly, since the Constitution clearly stipulates the mandate of the ERC in matters of discrimination.

“The Constitution makes it very clear what it (ERC) can do and one of which is to provide equality within persons of different ethnic groups…investigate complaints of racial discrimination and make recommendations on measures to be taken if such com-

plaints prove to be valid” he explained.

Probed as to whether he expected any resolution from the ERC before the Elections, Jagdeo said “I hope that the ERC will work expeditiously.”

On Tuesday last, the PPP Commissioners accused Patterson of employment discrimination by using his deciding vote to block the appointment of Persaud, in favour of Myers who was scored less by interviewers and said that they would approach the ERC over the matter.

According to Commissioner, Bibi Shadick, Persaud received the top ranking vote at the end of the interview for the post, however, the position

was handed to the second ranking interviewee, Myers.

Commissioner Robeson Benn had expressed absolute disappointment on behalf of his colleagues, at Patterson’s decision to not appoint Persaud.

Moreover, he maintained that Persaud was the best candidate for the job.

Persaud was serving as the DCEO since 2014 at GECOM, however, when his contract expired at the entity; he was informed that he had to re-apply for the post.

Last week, the Opposition nominated Commissioners walked out of a statutory meeting with the entity’s chairman after being disallowed from prob-

ing the concerns raised that a majority of the staff within GECOM are of one ethnic descent.

Executive member of the PPP, Dr Roger Luncheon had said that the matter was brought to his attention by several sources who indicated their observations that the People’s National Congress (PNC) Commissioners at GECOM are allegedly engaged in a process to eliminate candidates for advertised positions at the GECOM Secretariat.

On the heels of this, Jagdeo had said that his Party intends to continue their monitoring of the ethnic composition at the GECOM and “expose every breach at the entity’s

level, so as to ensure free and fair future elections.”

Moreover, Jagdeo had said that the issue of the ethnic composition of staff at GECOM has nothing to do with race but more to do with ensuring equality.

“This is not about a race issue. This is a fairness issue. This is about equity, this is about rights of Guyanese to be treated fairly, equally, and not have …APNU people in there discriminate against people for political purposes… This is the worry that we have. This is about fairness, about the right to be treated fairly as a Guyanese,” he posited in a press conference prior to this one. (Ramona Luthi)

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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EDITORIAL

Guyana Times: A decade of responsible journalism

O

ne decade ago, the Guyana Times newspaper was launched in the midst of both global and domestic turmoil.

Internationally, the financial crisis in the developed economies had led to a meltdown of such proportions that there were fears of another “Great Depression” rivalling in its effects, the one in the 1930s that had infected every country in the world, including Guyana. Domestically, the Government and State had been under attack since 2002 by an armed gang which had committed one massacre of innocents in January at Lusignan and another the following month in Bartica. Then, there was the revolution in journalism and the press occasioned by the explosive growth of the Internet.

These were uncertain times, but the publisher of Guyana Times, was determined to keep his commitment to introduce another member of the “fourth estate”: one dedicated to the promulgation of news designed to educate the populace so that they could more responsibly perform their roles in a democratic polity as “informed” citizens. Its motto, “The beacon of truth” was taken very seriously: not that it was felt there was one grand “TRUTH” in capital letters, but that the facts were to be reported as accurately as possible and not be confused with opinions.

In journalism, where the product itself is information, change was inevitable. The Internet was perhaps the major catalyst. The instantaneity of this medium had made, for instance, the timehonoured tradition of the overnight scoop almost obsolete. How would the morning papers compete? Guyana Times decided to provide added value to their information: analysis, context, perspective, and narrative. We called this approach “responsible journalism.”

Rather depressingly, some journalistic print outlets, abroad as well as in our country, had taken another road. They resorted to the nastiness and ad hominem attacks that the anonymity of the Internet blogsphere had fostered. While there has long existed what has been labelled, “yellow journalism” and the “tabloid” approach of scurrilous sensationalism, some outlets in Guyana invoked the “free-speech” mantra, to revel in it as if hundreds of years of legal precedence about “responsibility” are for naught. Guyana Times would provide an antidote to this “gutter press” approach.

The golden rule of responsible journalism has to be a very simple one: “just stick to the facts”. There is no law that these facts do not have to be couched in very good prose and delivered from given perspectives. The danger that presents itself is that of the unalloyed partisanship that seems to have become the rule in Guyana. This approach is very disrespectful of the readers: it assumes that they cannot pick sense from nonsense.

The publisher also believed that the vehicle for transmitting the information must also reflect the seriousness with which the reported facts are to be taken. The physical paper was a bright, high-quality bond paper that would not smear the readers’ hands, much as other newspapers smeared the characters of those on their bad books. The full colour paper was maintained for almost all of Guyana Times’ existence, to expose Guyanese to another facet of quality in newspapers. The size of the newspaper was another factor that bucked a simple profit motive: it was not “tabloid” size because it refused to adopt the mores of the tabloid, sensationalist press.

A few years ago, a former Justice of their Supreme Court – Markandey Katju –with impeccable credentials after decisions from the bench redolent of individual freedoms, was made Chairman of Press Council of India. He placed the responsibilities of the press in developing countries such as Guyana, in its historical context: Our societies are in transition from a very backward feudalistic past to modern society. Old values are crumbling, but new modern values have not yet been put in place. “In this transition period the role of ideas, and therefore of the media, becomes extremely important.

At a particular historical juncture, ideas become a material force.”

Guyana Times is in agreement and renews its commitment to practice “responsible journalism”.

Regional delegates at the biodiversity workshop at the CARICOM Secretariat on Thursday (DPI photo)

NY to implement ban on single-use styrofoam products from Jan 2019

M

ayor de Blasio has announced that the City’s styrofoam ban will go into effect by January 1, 2019, following the dismissal of a lawsuit preventing the implementation of the ban. This means that food service establishments, stores, and manufacturers may not possess, sell, or offer for use single service Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam food service articles or loose fill packaging, such as “packing peanuts” in New York City beginning in 2019, a release from the Mayor’s Office stated.

Over the next six months, the de Blasio administration will work with businesses across the City to ensure they understand the law and help them transition to new materials to replace foam products.

“New York City’s ban on styrofoam is long overdue, and New Yorkers are ready to start using recyclable alternatives.

There’s no reason to continue allowing this environmentally unfriendly substance to flood our streets, landfills, and waterways,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Following the dismissal of a lawsuit delaying the ban on Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam food service articles and packing peanuts in New York City, the city is now able to begin the process of implementing the ban. After consultation with corporations, non-profits, vendors, and other stakeholders, the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) determined that EPS Foam cannot be recycled. DSNY also determined that there currently is no recycling market for post-consumer EPS collected in a curbside metal, glass, and plastic recycling program.

As a result of the ban, manufacturers and stores may not sell or offer single-use foam items such as cups, plates, trays, or clamshell containers in the City. The sale of polystyrene loose fill packaging, such as “packing peanuts” is also banned. There is a six month grace period from when the ban goes into effect on January 1, 2019 before fines can be imposed. DSNY, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Department of Consumer Affairs will conduct outreach and education in multiple languages to businesses throughout all five boroughs beginning now and during this period.

Local Law 142, passed by

Mayor de Blasio

the City Council in December 2013, required the DSNY Commissioner to determine whether EPS single service articles can be recycled in an “economically feasible” and “environmentally effective” way. Under the law, if the Commissioner found that EPS was not recyclable, foam food service items and packaging peanuts were then banned.

Non-profits and small businesses with less than US$500,000 in revenue per year may apply for hardship exemptions from the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) if they can prove that the purchase of alternative products not composed of EPS would create undue financial hardship. SBS will begin accepting applications for hardship waivers in the fall.

“As we had previously determined, plain and simple, expanded polystyrene cannot be recycled, and we are pleased that the court decision will allow us to remove this problematic material from our waste stream. This necessary step will help us as we continue to move towards our goal of sending zero waste to landfills,” said Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia. “We will now restart our outreach and education work to ensure all city businesses are aware of the new rule, and prepared for its upcoming implementation.”

Corporation Counsel Zachary W. Carter said, “In dismissing a lawsuit that sought to block this important environmental initiative, the Court recognized that the City’s determination to ban food service foam products was ‘a painstakingly studied decision’ and ‘was in no way rendered arbitrarily or capriciously.’ The Court has

cleared the way for the City to begin its outreach to businesses so they are aware of and can prepare for the law’s specific requirements before any enforcement occurs.”

“This is a pivotal and long-overdue step to protect New York City from the unnecessary damage Styrofoam does to our streets, water, and people,” said Mark Chambers, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability.

“I am thrilled that the Courts have finally determined what many of us have known all along – Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is not recyclable” said Council Member Antonio Reynoso. “If we are going to reach our goal of zero waste to landfill by 2030, we must begin targeting materials like styrofoam that have no post-consumer application and I strongly support the Mayor’s decision to begin implementation of the ban quickly. I want to thank my Council colleagues and all the advocates who fought so hard to throw styrofoam onto the trash heap of history. I’m very much looking forward to a future in which EPS no longer contaminates our City’s waste stream, waterways, and environment.”

"I am thrilled that NYC can finally implement its styrofoam ban, without the Council having to pass new legislation," said Council Member Brad Lander, who introduced a bill to advance a styrofoam ban without having to wait for the decision of the courts.

"Styrofoam is not recyclable, and it doesn't matter how many times that plastic and styrofoam industries claim otherwise. The fact is that styrofoam chokes our oceans, litters our streets and is ultimately sent to landfills where it will remain there, literally, forever. There are simple steps we can take as a city to do our part. This is one of them, and I'm grateful to Mayor de Blasio, Commissioner Garcia, and DSNY for sticking with this issue over the years and for moving forward with implementation as quickly as possible. I also want to give a huge shout out to Sanitation Chair, Council Member Antonio Reynoso, NRDC, NYPLI, Cafeteria Culture, NYC Environmental Justice Alliance, Citizens Campaign for the Environment and so many more tireless advocates and community leaders who have helped make this ban a reality in NYC.”

NEWS 5

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

CJ’s ruling on GECOM Chair reduces Opposition Leader’s role …PPP says as appeal filed in High Court

T

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on Monday filed an appeal against the High Court’s recent decision to uphold President David Granger’s unilateral appointment of Justice James Patterson as head of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), saying that acting Chief Justice (CJ) Roxane George’s ruling has reduced the Opposition Leader’s role.

In court documents seen by this publication, applicant Zulfikar Mustapha’s attorney, Anil Nandlall, stated that Justice Roxane George erred and misdirected herself on interpreting and ruling on Article 161 (2) of the Constitution. The documents observed further that the Chief Justice omitted to properly examine whether or not the President had exercised his power and discretion lawfully and reasonably, and not “irrationally, capriciously, whimsically, influenced by irrelevant and extraneous consider-

Retired Justice James Patterson

ations, and not guided by relevant considerations”.

“Her honour’s interpretation or misinterpretation has reduced the role of the Leader of the Opposition to being merely perfunctory,” a section of the appeal further highlighted.

The applicant, in his appeal, noted that the learned judge also erred when she ruled that reasons are required to be provided by the President for the rejection of the Opposition Leader’s lists after having ruled that the President provided no such reasons.

The PPP, via its applicant, pointed out its belief that Justice George acted in error when she ruled that the President had the power to reject a list of six names that the Opposition Leader presented to him. It further

PPP MP Zulfikar Mustapha

maintained that the trial judge failed to make pronouncement on whether the President has the power to request more than one list of six names.

The applicant is also challenging whether or not the President really is empowered to reject the list as unacceptable, although one or more persons on that list was deemed acceptable. The party feels that Justice George’s ruling was “wrong, misconceived and erroneous in law; having, as it has, destroyed a delicate but fundamental balance of the Constitution, which ensures that the Chairman enjoys the confidence and acceptance of both the Leader of the Opposition and the President”.

The appeal application is calling on the appellate court to reverse the trial judge’s ruling and wholly set it aside.

Mustapha wants judgment to be granted in accordance with the original claim filed on October 23, 2017, which sought to have the court rescind the unilateral appointment of Justice James Patterson as Chairman of the Elections Commission.

The CJ last week ruled that the Opposition could produce no evidence that Patterson was unqualified for the position, while adding that even if she had agreed with the contention that the appointment was unlawful, it would not have been permissible to direct the President choose a nominee from the third or any list.

The PPP, however, noted that Patterson was a religious leader, which is a clear violation of criteria set out. It maintained that he is unfit and improper for the job, since he was a pall bearer at the funeral of People’s National Congress leader Desmond Hoyte, and that

Acting Chief Justice Roxane George

he lied on his CV when he said he was the Chief

Justice of Grenada, having served only in an act-

ing capacity.

The PPP last week had observed that the ruling was in violation of the letter and spirit of the Constitution, noting that it sought to legitimise a unilateral appointment of a GECOM Chairman, which “crushed” the crucial balance in the makeup of the Commission.

“A unilateral appointment is contemplated by the Constitution only in the rare and exceptional circumstance where the Leader of the Opposition fails to provide a list of nominees to the President,” the party noted.

According to the Party,

the ruling may, or has, paved the way for more executive unilateral appointments in situations where the Constitution require agreement between the President and Leader of the Opposition.

Patterson was appointed after President Granger rejected three lists of 18 names submitted by Jagdeo for the post of GECOM Chairman.

He has nominated current Chancellor Yonette Cummings Edwards to serve as Chief Justice, and Caribbean-based Justice Kenneth Benjamin to serve in the position of Chancellor.

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

President should launch inquiry into GECOM hiring process Dear Editor, Having noted the most recent development of what appears to be a controversy over the ethnic composition of the staff and employment practices of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), I believe there should be an immediate public declaration of its list of employees and related information.

I am of the opinion that given the sensitivity of this issue, the national importance of GECOM and the need for it to be fair and unbiased in all aspects of its operations, including employment practices, the onus is for it to make the information public immediately in an effort to prevent a potentially dangerous and divisive situation from escalating.

While I believe that meritocracy must be of primary consideration, I reject any notion perpetuated by those who seem to be peddling a particular agenda for a desired outcome, that Indo-Guyanese are not interested in seeking employment with GECOM or lack the required competency.

Further, I also believe that the issue which was raised by one of the Commissioners representing the Opposition, Robeson Benn, should have been supported by him presenting relevant information being mindful of the national sensitivities. If his assertions are not merely spurious, then his position would have been informed expectedly based upon related information which should have been presented.

Similarly, the statement

by Government represented Commissioner Vincent Alexander that the burden of proof lay with the Opposition, is utterly unacceptable and must be seen as a willful attempt to divert from a very serious accusation. With the allegation of influencing the employment process being levelled against at least one Commissioner representing the Government and the potential for it to aggravate racial tension, that burden cannot escape the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer of GECOM. Given that I, like many others, was not privy to what actually transpired at the meeting during which the issue was officially raised, the expectation would be for all views to be freely articulated with resolution being foremost and corrective mechanisms implements if deemed necessary without delay. GECOM cannot and must not be immune to democratic practices.

This responsibility lies explicitly with the Chairman who must at all times ensure that the Commission remains professional despite disagreements and not appear as trying to suppress an issue, more especially this sensitive one in question.

It is therefore extremely disappointing that GECOM has not

yet presented to the public relevant employment information which could dispute Benn’s assertion. The apparent reluctance thus far opens interpretation for a worrying conclusion of credence to Benn’s statement.

Many are extremely concerned over this issue which alleges deliberate attempts to discriminate against Guyanese Indians and remain mindful of similar accusations levelled against the Administration after it assumed office in 2015.

Many cases of firing allegedly because of their race were reported and to date it appears these have been brushed aside.

Efforts to prevent any Guyanese, in this case Indians, from being considered for employment or have their information deliberately altered for the same purpose, is a transgression of their constitutional rights, a blatant attempt to marginalised, racial discrimination and a potent tool to sow the seeds of disharmony in an already fragile society.

Given the triumphal and racially toned utterances of some who are associated with the current Government and who seem infatuated to impose one group over the others, this recent development at GECOM can further give credibility to the perception that Guyanese Indians are being targeted thereby imposing a belief that they may not necessarily belong.

This action can serve to further frustrate Guyanese Indians, thereby forcing many more to continue to seek solace overseas bringing into question the deliberateness of the said action. Guyanese Indians, like all other groups, have and continue to make invaluable contributions to the building of this nation and any form of discrimination against them will undoubtedly have negative national impact. Beyond GECOM, the Government has a responsibility to intervene, not in piecemeal manner, to address issues such as these.

I was pleased at President David Granger’s comment on the issue that his Government does not influence the employment practices at GECOM. While that is most heartening to know, in the interest of national unity and his commendable action of establishing the Social Cohesion Ministry, he must order an immediate investigation to reveal the truth in keeping with his proclivity for Commissions of Inquiry.

Anything otherwise will convey a frightening message to Guyanese Indians and inflict further damage to the already flagging social cohesion efforts.

In the interim, mechanisms must immediately be implemented to safeguard the interest of Guyanese Indians who have applied and those who are in the process of applying to GECOM. Sincerely, Rajendra Doodnauth

How can we have any confidence in GECOM? Dear Editor, GHK Lall in a recent letter in the media conveys that 46 per cent of Afro-Guyanese versus 21 per cent of Indo-Guyanese does not represent an ethnic imbalance within the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). This is a gross misinterpretation.

Of course, lopsided figures such as these show how Afro-Guyanese are wildly overrepresented. And importantly, they fail to reflect Guyana’s demographic breakdown. Such misinterpretation needs to be corrected because it hides a serious problem which will persist if it goes unaddressed.

Also, in a show of respect for the Guyanese people, the Chairman of GECOM needs to provide the actual statistical evidence to verify these figures. We cannot trust any information coming out from GECOM when considering the level of corruption that goes on there.

Which Guyanese can forget how President Granger hurriedly installed the GECOM Chairman close to midnight? Why was such an important appointment transacted at such a strange time of the night? This is because President Granger was into an unethical and unfair act. Naturally, such a shady appointment triggers widespread fears that President Granger is determined to stifle our voices, like his party had done for 28 years. So how can we have any confidence in GECOM and President Granger? Where is the respect by President Granger for his people?

It is hard to believe that both President Granger and the GECOM Chairman do not understand that Afro-Guyanese are grossly overrepresented at GECOM but such a ra-

cial dynamic works to their advantage and so they will shamelessly resort to immoral tactics to defend such an unfair situation that will enable them to hold onto to power by cruelly stifling our voice. We are concerned that our voice will not be heard at the polls. These people can’t be trusted. And none of this is good for social cohesion and the prosperity of our country. Amid such gross dishonesty by the A Partnership for National Unity/People’s National Congress (PNC) human beings suffer and our country remains poor.

It is also clear that Lall and largely the PNC are ignorant of the fact that Indians are highly intelligent and highly capable people. The reality is that Indians are successful people all over the world. Of course, we possess the requisite qualifications to effectively function at GECOM but we are discriminated against so that the racial dynamics remain in favour of the PNC. Absolutely, like my fellow Indo-Guyanese, I am insulted by how the PNC tramples our rights and then demean us to cover up its immoral behaviours. This is divisive and cruel.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic represents a segment of the population who has been disrespected and mistreated by the PNC in all of our history. And which Guyanese will doubt that the appointment of the GECOM Chairman together with the racial imbalance at GECOM, plus the 28 years of election rigging under the PNC are not examples of abuse by the PNC. Sincerely, Annie Baliram

Setting the facts straight on suicide and mental illness

Dear Editor, Recently, on social media, former Government minister Clement Rohee posited some misinformed views on suicide. Those views need to be addressed.

Mr Rohee stated, “It is difficult to detect in advance someone who is prone to suicide. Somehow, prior to committing the act, they manage to elude by means known only to them, their closest relatives and friends who are incapable of spotting any unusual behavior on their part before they take their own life.”

Suicide ideation/suicidal mindset is really not difficult for anyone to be ‘incapable of spotting’ if that person knows what to look for. Actually, there are even clear and obvious warning signs that are easily discernible by anyone, but are usually ignored or passed off as ‘jokes’. The media is replete with cases of loved ones saying they never took seriously the strange behaviour of suicide victims, or language clearly stating that they would take their lives, especially if such statements were made before. Thus the need for citizens to be sensitised to the seriousness of these warning signs; and the need for immediate action.

Also, the implication that those who attempt suicide ‘elude’ those near and dear to them is an awful attempt to indict people suffering from mental illnesses. The fact is that 90% of people who die by suicide have a mental illness at the time of their death, so they are not thinking clearly or logically. In effect, a normal person cannot apply his/her thinking process to label suicide victims or survivors. As one person who lived through depression posted on Facebook recently, “it is unquestionably THE most misunderstood illness and the one most judged and misjudged by “normal” people”.

Mr. Rohee wrote, “It’s like assuming a Jekyll and Hyde or split personality just for that particular period prior to committing the act. Their transformation is somewhat ‘magi-

cal’ if not amazing!”

Like any other illness, there is nothing ‘magical’ or amazing about the suicidal mindset or suicide ideation, and it is certainly not indicative of any transformation. Thus to describe someone in such a state as assuming a Jekyll-and-Hyde or split personality is to victimise the victim. A suicidal mindset or suicide ideation is not reflective of a personality, but a mental illness, especially depression or anxiety. Mr. Rohee must be aware of the negative connotations of the word commit, but may not be aware that the person attempting or dying by suicide is a victim, not a perpetrator on any sort.

Also this view of suicide as Atmahaty in the Hindu texts is responsible for many suicides in Hindu families going unreported in a nation where there are hundreds of thousands of reported suicides each year –30% of the estimated one million annual suicides globally.

Paradoxically, atmahatya, which means ‘murdering the soul or Self’, is contradicted in the Gita, which emphasises that the soul cannot be harmed in any way whatever. Ironically, suicide has historically been endorsed in India through ‘sati,’ whereby women were forced to jump into the funeral pyre of their dead husbands or collectively burn themselves during an invasion, as exemplified in the recent Bollywood historical dram Padmavati.

With respect to Mr Rohee’s reference to community involvement in helping to address suicide and abuse, may we point out that, next year, TCV plans to launch a lay-counselor training programme trained to detect and act on suicide warning signs, emphatic communication, and measures to help abuse victims or deal with abusive situations. Lay counselors/ gatekeepers in every community can take proactive preventative actions.

Sincerely, The Caribbean Voice

news 7

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Piracy attack Exxon says “tremendous progress” made in increasing …at Magistrate for “insulting, reckless” remark Guyanese workforce

Top Cop fires back

U

ExxonMobil Country Manager Rod Henson

nited States (US) oil giant ExxonMobil said it has made significant progress when it comes to increasing its local workforce, by creating opportunities for more Guyanese to join their team.

ExxonMobil's Country Manager, Rod Henson revealed that his company currently employs 585 or 52 per cent Guyanese. The company’s local office grew to 40 employees, of which 70 per cent are Guyanese, he said on Tuesday.

Henson made this statement while delivering remarks at the Liza Phase 1 Development reception on Tuesday evening, where he noted that things are progressing smoothly as they should.

In addition to that, Henson said Guyanese have joined the Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) team and are serving in several professional capacities.

These include facility engineers, materials management coordinator, management system coordinator, health and safety coordinator, and health and environment coordinator, among others.

Speaking briefly on local content, Henson said over US$14 million was spent on Guyanese suppliers. Together with their contractors, the company has also utilised many local suppliers.

About 50 per cent of ExxonMobil’s employees, contractors, and subcontractors are Guyanese.

That is expected to grow. ExxonMobil has also opened the Centre for Local Business Development here to promote the establishment and growth of small and medium-sized local businesses.

In essence, Henson said his company has been able to grow local business capacity and has made huge investments into the local economy, through a se-

ries of strategic development policies.

Meanwhile, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman recommitted to ensuring that Guyana gets the best out of the nascent oil sector, and will use it to develop the nation further.

The Minister also maintained that the renegotiated oil contract will benefit Guyana tremendously.

Following mounting pressure from the Opposition, the Government through the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported that ExxonMobil utilised the services of 309 companies last year.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo was the most recent person to make calls for Government to release the names of the local companies that ExxonMobil has utilised the services of.

The report said for 2018, the oil giant also utilised the services of approximately 227 local suppliers. However, Government has, so far, only released the list of local suppliers for 2018.

Among other things, ExxonMobil had said it “submits the list of companies to the Government on a quarterly basis,” while outlining that the “Government can verify the list and or attest to the public that we do in fact submit the data to the Government. Or the Government can choose to disclose the list.”

While stakeholders were optimistic that the oil giant was utilising hundreds of local businesses, many had called for the names of the over 300 companies to be divulged.

The Opposition Leader even said he found it “surprising that ExxonMobil has been relaying information to the coalition Government, on a quarterly basis, given the reticence of this Administration when it comes to keeping the Guyanese public informed of the developments in the oil and gas sector.”

Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh

A

Police Commissioner (ag) David Ramnarine

Berbice Magistrate on Wednesday called investigators attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) a “bunch of jokers”, something which did not go down well with acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine.

Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh while presiding over the case of the recent piracy attack criticised the Police, saying they are “behaving like bunch of jokers” as it relates to confusion whether to withdraw or put forward charges for the accused.

The Magistrate told the court that it has to be balanced and therefore cannot take sides.

His comments came as he presided over the murder case emanating from the piracy attack, which left four dead and 11 unaccounted for.

On Wednesday, Premnauth Persaud, called “Sanbad” or “Boy”, 43, of Cromarty Village; and Nakool Manohar, called “Fyah”, 39, of Number 43 Village reappeared at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court where they were jointly charged with two counts of murder.

They were not required to plea to the indictable charge which stated that between April 27 and May 3 at sea, they murdered Tillacknauth Mohabir, called “Caiman”; and Mahesh Sarjoo, called “Koba” during the course of a robbery.

Last month, Manohar appeared before the same Magistrate, charged

Premnauth Persaud, called “Sanbad”

with the murder and was remanded. However, on Wednesday, the Police withdrew that charge and imposed the joint double murder charge on the duo. It was in relation to this that the Magistrate made the aforementioned remarks.

“Insulting, reckless”

However, the Magistrate later came under fire from Police Commissioner (ag) David Ramnarine, who in a brief statement on Wednesday night called the remarks “derogatory”.

“I wish to indicate that those statements or remarks made by the supposedly learned Magistrate are insulting and reckless and certainly should never have been uttered.”

According to the Top Cop, the Force’s Criminal Investigation Department conducted the probe into this matter with the due diligence required. “[The investigators] worked well over and above the normal call of duty, in oftentimes difficult circumstances, finally resulting in the preferment of the charges, which received legal advice. It seems quite clear that the Magistrate probably has an axe to grind against the team of investigators and maybe other Police Officers,” Ramnarine noted.

He added that this can be reasonably deduced from the fact that Magistrate Singh was previously removed from presiding over a very high-profile murder case in which the very investigators were

Nakool Manohar, called “Fyah”

involved.

“I can only conclude that his unfortunate and reckless utterances intended to malign these hardworking Police Officers and our legal advisors are as a result of his youthfulness, inexperience and being unschooled,” the Top Cop posited.

Nevertheless, during the court proceedings earlier in the day, Nakool was represented by Attorney Joel Edmond who asked the court about the readiness of the file, saying the Police seemed to be confused. He noted that the Police were not sure whether to charge the duo along with Alexander Denhearte jointly.

He also noted that the Police had moved the date of the alleged offence from April 27 to April 26.

He also asked that charges against Manohar for 2015 and 2016 be discharged.

Manohar was last month remanded on the two previous charges of robbery on the high seas committed in 2015 and 2016 respectively.

Police Prosecutor Inspector Orin Joseph asked the court for 14 days to return for report and fixture.

Meanwhile, Persaud who was unrepresented, told the Magistrate he was beaten and starved whilst in custody.

They will all have to return to court on June 26. The body of Mahesh Sarjoo was laid to rest last Saturday in Suriname. (Andrew Carmichael)

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

No political interference at UG, says VC C

ontrary to perceptions surrounding the University of Guyana (UG), Vice Chancellor Ivelaw Griffith is maintaining that he and his executives are accountable to various bodies and as such, he is not a ‘runaway Chancellor.’

Professor Griffith made these comments during a media engagement at Herdmanston Lodge on Tuesday where he updated the public on UG’s operations. Griffith also denied that there is any political interference at the university while at the same time noting that the institution has been principally run by Government funding.

The Vice Chancellor noted that a revamp of the University’s governance structure was undertaken with a view to not only overhaul the current operations but to look into the University

of Guyana Act which in many regards is out dated with references to Britain and having academic links to the United States and Canada. The Act’s approval would need bi-partisan parliamentary approval. It was explained that the current UG Council has approved former Vice Chancellor Professor Lawrence Carrington to head a Governance Reform Committee.

Professor Griffith explained that Committee met on several occasions, having hosted several meetings over a year and a half and submitted a report in March 2018 at the University Council. There were consultations at Turkeyen and Tain with students and the union. To this end, operatives met with Attorney General Basil Williams and Education Minister Nicolette Henry which was a move to pro-

UG Vice Chancellor, Ivelaw Griffith

vide stakeholders with updates.

The media was told that an extraordinary meeting of the Council will be held on July 26 whereby the changes to the University Act would be finalised which would then be sent to Parliament for approval. Griffith went on to ex-

plain that the consultative process will seek to address the “daily intrusion” of politics into the University’s operations.

“The Governance Task Force recommending that there should be no partisan, political representation or special interest representation on the University

Council. There should be no ruling party coalition or Opposition party,” the Vice Chancellor observed.

The objective, according to what the media was told, is that a smaller governance structure is being prized with the focus on “competence” as opposed to special interest representation.

University Registrar, Dr Nigel Gravesande added that another implemented measure sought to attain more autonomy of the Vice Chancellor’s office.

“The Vice Chancellor would have to report on the activities of the University with statement of accounts…to the Council,” Dr Gravesande noted.

Professor Griffith meanwhile noted that much of the staff at the 55-year-old institution is being regularised, having moved over 40 persons from month to month contracts which had seen job insecurity.

He praised the improvements to UG’s facilities, highlighting that new campus registry building and air conditioning units to two main lecture theatres as some of the major achievements. He

however cautioned that some challenges abound especially in the area of fulltime lecturers in the school of medicine.

Nevertheless, he hopes that the university could garner more collaboration with the business sector and from alumni especially in the area of funding. This would be aimed at reducing the dependence on State subventions.

In his 2016 report, Auditor General Deodat Sharma found that G$209 million were unaccounted for from the University Science and Technology Support Project. In that year, the sum of G$906 million was allocated this project for curriculum reform; infrastructural design and research; infrastructure rehabilitation; equipping of science laboratories; drainage; Internet network; multimedia equipment; and institutional capacity building at the University of Guyana.

A supplementary provision totalling G$411 million was approved, bringing the total allocation to one thousand, three hundred and seventeen million dollars (G$1.317 billion). (Shemuel Fanfair)

Cosmetologist nabbed with cocaine in suitcase

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Shareefa Tappin

he West Ruimveldt, Georgetown woman who was on Saturday last intercepted at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle with cocaine stashed in her suitcase was on Tuesday remanded to prison.

Twenty-two-yearold Shareefa Tappin denied the offence when she appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It is alleged that the

cosmetologist on June 6, 2018 at Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD), had in her possession 6.99 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

The prosecution’s case stated that the defendant was an outgoing passenger on a Liat flight when her luggage was searched by Customs officers and the drug was found.

Tappin was remanded to prison, and was expected to return June 19, 2018 at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

NEWS 9

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Teen died from blunt trauma to head – post-mortem …Cops detain boyfriend for questioning

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Dead: Sasia Adams

post-mortem examination conducted on the body of 19-year-old Sasia Adams on Wednesday, by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh, has revealed that she died as a result of blunt trauma to the head.

The young woman, formerly of Pomeroon, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) who resided at East Street, Georgetown, was reportedly rushed to the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital about 20:00h on Tuesday by her 21-year-old boyfriend of Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

He reportedly told

nurses that she jumped from his moving car while they were proceeding along Lamaha Street.

Guyana Times International was told that the young woman, who was conscious at the time of admission, later told doctors that she fell at home.

She was admitted into the Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with severe head injuries and succumbed to her injuries about 11:00h on Tuesday.

Police have taken the boyfriend into custody and are investigating the young woman’s death.

‘Nothing untoward happened’

… MovieTowne Guyana boss says transaction for land sale was above board

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fter much controversy and criminal charges against two former Government officials in relation to the sale of a plot of land to MovieTowne Guyana, businessman, Derek Chin said he was informed that the transaction was above board, adding that the issue has since become a nuisance as he tries to complete his project.

The businessman noted that the price he paid was a “good one” and had he not stuck to the terms of the initial arrangement, then the issue should have engaged the attention of the courts. He noted that the investment should be looked at holistically, since he would have expended over US$45 million to date.

“I don’t get involved in anything that is bacchanal and we were given the assurances that everything was above board and we delivered.

We made a commitment.

I think the land then was valued at let’s say US$2 million, we paid US$1 million. For that million US, you get another US$40 million on top of that, plus you get the em-

MovieTowne proprietor Derek Chin

ployment and all that we are going to generate so I told that that shouldn’t be a matter that anybody should want to go to court on. This is how investments work. Some countries give you the land free in return for the investment,” Chin explained.

Chin added that MovieTowne Guyana is a sustainable investment with the intention being to expand and build similar franchises throughout Guyana.

“Nothing untoward happened… at that time I could very well say that I am not interested. This

is going to stimulate more and more economic activities and if the reports are positive then you will have more and more investors coming to Guyana,” Chin said.

Meanwhile, Private Sector Commission Chairman, Eddie Boyer said the land was sold reasonably, adding that the entire valuation system in Guyana needs to be overhauled.

“Our whole valuation process needs to be overhauled. If you look at valuation for properties, there are a lot of inconsistences. We don’t have proper valuation that you can actually get the values. If you go to the Valuation Office and you ask three of them to value, half of them are not qualified and they cannot value what is the actual value so therefore, we used what we will pay and that is what’s happening here,” Boyer noted.

In April, former Finance Minister Ashni Singh and former head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited, Winston Brassington were charged with three counts of misconduct in

PSC Chairman Eddie Boyer

public office.

One of the charges was in relation to the sale of land to Multi-Cinema Guyana. The charge stated that on May 14, 2011, while Singh was the Finance Minister and Brassington was the Chairman of NICIL, they sold a tract of land of 10.002 acres, letter A-A being a portion of Plantation Turkeyen situated in Greater Georgetown and property of Guyana for the sum of G$185,037,000 without procuring a valuation of the said property from a competent valuation officer.

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

AFC Councillor lands in trouble again …to spend 18 months behind bars for wounding cousin

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mbattled Alliance For Change (AFC) Councillor, Abel Seetaram, who was last month found guilty of feloniously wounding his cousin following a drinking spree, was on Wednesday jailed for 18 months.

The 36-year-old of Lot 121 B Woodley Park Village, West Coast Berbice had initially denied the allegation when he appeared before Magistrate Rhondel Weaver at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court in January last.

He was found guilty of wounding Netram Rabindranauth, 54, of Lot 64 Woodley Park Village on January 21, 2018.

The AFC Councillor was said to have used a piece of wood to injure Rabindranauth during an altercation after a drinking spree.

Back in January, the victim of the attack had told Guyana Times International that he had intervened in an argument and a scuffle between Seetaram’s son and his son in order to make peace and part them.

Rabindranauth recalled that it was at this point that Seetaram arrived on the scene and dealt him several blows

Embattled AFC Councillor Abel Seetaram (left) leaving court after being sentenced on Wednesday

with the piece of wood.

Both men took their sons to the Police station and made reports after which the young men were held for questioning and subsequently released.

Rabindranauth also reported that he had to be taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital after he sustained a broken jaw, fractured nose, and suffered internal bleeding which also saw him being transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

At the scene of the confrontation, Seetaram, who was reportedly intoxicated, was heard shouting

and telling persons who had gathered that no one could do him anything, since he knows “Khemraj” and is a “big boy in the Government”.

Following the guilty decision in May, Attorney for Seetaram had begged for leniency and had requested a probation report.

Seetaram was allowed to return to his home instead of being remanded until his sentencing as is with the case of other persons who are found guilty of criminal offences.

On Wednesday, the report was presented by Probation and Welfare

Officer attached to the Social Protection Ministry, Patricia Pompey. In her report, the Probation Officer stated that this is Seetaram’s third matter before the court.

She said residents when asked about Seetaram said he was a quiet person but when under the influence of alcohol, becomes aggressive and outrageous. In her report to the court, the Probation Officer noted resident’s fear of Seetaram when he is drunk, saying that he needs anger management and should act in a more responsible manner.

She said they (the residents) were not surprised that he was in court, noting that on one occasion he exposed his private parts to the public.

Meanwhile, Attorney Horatio Edmonson in a plea of mitigation asked the court to exercise mer-

Victim: Netram Rabindranauth

cy and leniency, noting that Seetaram is a father of six with the youngest being 10-months-old and is the sole breadwinner for the family.

Edmonson argued that the probation report referred to Seetaram as being a hardworking and industrious person, which

are attributes needed in the society and as such asked for a non-custodial sentence. He noted that the Virtual Complainant (VC) and Seetaram are cousins.

However, in handing down the sentence, Magistrate Weaver said Seetaram should have exercised restraint. She noted that Rabindranauth had gone as a peacemaker between his son and Seetaram’s son; however, Seetaram came as an aggressor.

Magistrate Weaver said Seetaram did not consider the consequences of his actions. She noted that he was previously charged and convicted, and the nature of the offences has been escalating.

Considering the facts, she said a custodial sentence is warranted and imposed the 18-month jail term.

Exxon advances Liza Phase 1 development

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he Liza Phase One development continues to progress rapidly, with the commencement of development drilling offshore Guyana, ExxonMobil said on Tuesday.

Development drilling began in May for the first of 17 wells planned for Phase 1, laying the foundation for production startup in 2020. The company and its co-venturers have so far discovered estimated recoverable resources of more than 3.2 billion oil-equivalent barrels on the Stabroek Block.

“The work our teams have done in Guyana is remarkable,” said Liam Mallon, President of ExxonMobil Development Company.

“We are well on our way to producing oil less than five years after our first discovery, which is well ahead of the industry average for similar projects. The Liza development and future projects will provide significant economic benefits to Guyana,” ExxonMobil said in a release.

Liza Phase One is expected to generate over US$7 billion in royalty and profit oil revenues for Guyana over the life of the project.

Additional benefits will accrue from other development projects now being planned. Liza Phase One involves the conversion of an oil tanker into a Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel named Liza Destiny, along with

The Noble Bob Douglas drillship

four undersea drill centres with 17 production wells. Construction of the FPSO vessel and subsea equipment is under way in more than a dozen countries.

Liza Destiny will have a production capacity of 120,000 barrels of oil per day. A second FPSO vessel with a capacity of 220,000 barrels per day is being planned as part of the Liza Phase Two development, and a third is under consideration for the Payara development. Together, these three developments will produce more than 500,000 barrels of oil per day.

“Guyanese businesses, contractors and employees have been an essential element of our exploration, drilling and development progress,” Mallon said. “Our focus is on enabling local workforce and supplier development, and collaborating with the Government to support the growth and success of Guyana’s new energy industry.”

About 50 per cent of ExxonMobil’s employees, contractors, and subcontractors are Guyanese, a number that will continue to grow as operations progress.

ExxonMobil spent about G$24 million with more than 300 local suppliers in 2017, and opened the Centre for Local Business Development in Georgetown, Guyana, to promote the establishment and growth of small and medium-sized local businesses. The Centre has enabled access to training and capacity-building support for more than 275 local businesses.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is the operator and holds a 45 per cent stake. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds a 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds a 25 per cent interest.

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Cops detain 4 Police nab bandits during for shooting supermarket robbery …gun, ammo found GRA officers Caught red-handed:

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The supermarket in which the bandits were caught

hree bandits who were in the process of robbing a supermarket at Grove, East Bank of Demerara (EBD) on Wednesday, were nabbed following swift actions by Police.

Reports are the three men – one of whom was armed with a handgun – stealthily entered the “Number One Supermarket” at about 04:30h on Wednesday.

The men pounced on the lone security guard and bounded his hands with his shoe lace. The bandits then proceeded to the third floor of the building, removed the grill from a window and entered the building.

As the bandits were all inside of the supermarket, the 53-year-old security guard, managed to free himself and immediately alerted neighbours who summoned the Police.

Prompt response from the lawmen resulted in the bandits being caught in the act. When Guyana Times

International visited the supermarket, Andy Lin, whose family owns the business, and who resides in the top flat of the building, said he was asleep and unaware of what was happening.

He said that at about 06:00h, he learnt of what had transpired when a Police Officer went into the upper flat and alerted him. The CCTV footage was also reviewed, which showed the men entering the premises.

When the men were nabbed they had G$70,000 in prepaid phone cards and an undisclosed sum of cash in their possession.

Meanwhile, a .38 revolver with six live matching rounds was also found.

An employee of the business told this publication that the supermarket was only opened about five weeks ago.

Meanwhile, the bandits – two of whom hail from Herstelling Sea Dam and the other from Covent Garden, EBD – are being processed for court.

L

Three of the four suspects: Ravindra Ramdeo, Stephon Motielal and Trevor Motielal

aw enforcement authorities have arrested four suspects who allegedly injured two officers attached to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) during a drive-by shooting one week ago at Bee Hive, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The men have been identified as: Ravindra Ramdeo of Lot 217 Section D, Nonpareil, ECD; Stephon Motielal and Trevor Motielal, both of Lot 30 Green Field, Bee Hive, and Andrew Motielal of Lot 11-12 Helena, Mahaica.

According to the GRA on Wednesday, the arrests were made with assistance from the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

The incident occurred about 21:50h last Thursday. According to reports, three officers from GRA’s Law Enforcement and Investigation

Division (LEID) went to a house at Bee Hive and were enquiring about its owner, when a Toyota Premio and a Toyota Allion approached the officers and their occupants opened fire at them.

The officers adopted tactical positions and returned fire, resulting in the vehicles leaving the scene. Guyana Times had reported that one of the vehicles allegedly carried the registration number PMM 9002.

The two injured officers, who were shot to their right and left hand respectively, were treated at a private medical institution and sent away.

The four suspects are currently being processed and are expected to appear in court shortly to answer to a number of charges.

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyanese teacher to Former SWAT Head to challenge Felix’s ‘special leave’ decision receive Special Award from Queen Elizabeth F

By Michael Younge

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he Queen of England will present Marva Langevine, a 25-yearold teacher from the West Coast of Demerara, Guyana, with a Queen’s Young Leaders Award at a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London, on Tuesday 26th June.

The Awards recognise the work that young people from across the Commonwealth are doing to transform lives in their community and beyond.

Queen and the amazing organising team for the invaluable support and networking opportunity through this prestigious programme. The experience has been revolutionary thus far and I am deeply moved by the increased support for bereaved children in Guyana. I am eager to meet my fellow Queen’s Young Leaders to grow and develop as a strong network committed to making a difference.”

The Queen’s Young Leaders Award win-

Diamond Jubilee Trust said: “Through selfless determination, the Queen’s Young Leaders of 2018 are dedicating their lives to bring positive change to those around them. Their visit to the UK this June provides them with a unique opportunity to connect with each other and gain valuable lessons from experts and leaders from all walks of life which we hope will help transform the reach of their endeavours for many years

ormer SWAT Unit Head Motie Dookie is expected to challenge a decision made

by Citizenship Minister Winston Felix while performing the functions of Public Security Minister to send him on special leave with pay, as he believes the move may be illegal and a breach of his fundamental rights as outlined in the Constitution of Guyana.

This was confirmed by Dookie’s recently retained Attorney, Anil Nandlall, who is also Guyana’s former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister.

Dookie was accused of smuggling 30 cases of whisky in December 2017 and was spared criminal charges after the driver of the vehicle that he was in at the time of the interception took full responsibility for the illegal items.

Following the discovery and the subsequent reportage of the media as well as an initial investigation conducted by his superiors, he was relieved of his duties as SWAT Commander. A decision was also taken to trans-

Former SWAT Unit Head Motie Dookie

authorised Minister or agency can take action against Police ranks using the Public Service Rules after Minister Felix had argued that the action was taken in accordance with the 1987 Public Service Rules.

But Nandlall, speaking with Guyana Times International

Marva Langevine with some of her students

In a statement, The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme announced that Marva Langevine will receive a Queen’s Young Leaders Award for the work she is doing to transform the lives of bereaved, sick and underprivileged children and families in Guyana.

Marva was selected following a competitive process involving thousands of applicants across the Commonwealth.

Together they join a network of 240 powerful young leaders, from 53 Commonwealth countries, who are driving change to make the world a better place.

The 2018 Queen’s Young Leaders are finding solutions to global issues such as climate change, food scarcity, gender-based violence, mental health, and access to education.

In an interview, Marva Langevine, 25, said: “I am beyond excited to set off to London for the Queen’s Young Leaders Programme!

I extend my gratitude to Her Majesty The

ners take part in a yearlong leadership course run by the University of Cambridge and receive bespoke mentoring. They will visit the UK for a programme of high-profile networking opportunities, meetings and training designed to help them develop as leaders and work with ever greater impact.

Later this month, during their time in the UK, Marva will visit 10 Downing Street, take part in masterclasses at the BBC World Service and the UK Headquarters of Facebook. Award winners will then meet with the Commonwealth Secretary-General and High Commissioners from across the Commonwealth, before receiving their Award from Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace. They will also attend workshops at the University of Cambridge and visit projects that are changing the lives of vulnerable people in the UK. Dr Astrid Bonfield CBE, Chief Executive of The Queen Elizabeth

to come. I am delighted that the work they are undertaking is being recognised by Her Majesty The Queen and I look forward to meeting this year’s winners and celebrating the remarkable difference that they have already made all over the Commonwealth.

Now that we are in the fourth and final year of this special programme, we look proudly on the network that is the Queen’s Young Leaders and feel confident that the future will be driven by their courage and commitment towards making the world a better place.”

The Queen’s Young Leaders programme was established in 2014 by The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust in partnership with Comic Relief, The Royal Commonwealth Society and the University of Cambridge’s Institute of Continuing Education, in recognition of The Queen’s lifetime of service to the Commonwealth.

Citizenship Minister Winston Felix

fer him to the Force’s Strategic Planning Unit to facilitate an internal investigation. Soon after, he was then posted to the Police A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) last month but reassigned to Police Headquarters, Eve Leary a few days later. On May 24, the decision to send him on special leave was made by Minister Felix while the performing the duties of the substantive Minister Khemraj Ramjattan who has also refused to rescind the leave instruction.

Also, the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Department of Public Service, Reginald Brotherson defended the move on Friday, saying in the absence of a constituted Police Service Commission (PSC), the

on Tuesday said the Government cannot justify the unlawful decision taken by Minister Felix who gave an unlawful instruction to the acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine that resulted in his client being sent on ‘special leave with pay’.

“Minister Felix has no such power… Mr Ramnarine has no such power. The power to discipline Police Officers above a specific rank lies with the Police Service Commission. A Police Commissioner nor a Minister has no such power whatsoever to direct, to interfere with or to exercise disciplinary power or control over these officers,” he maintained during the interview despite the arguments put forward by Brotherson and Felix.

The attorney said he has noted with grave consternation the positions taken by Felix and Brotherson which he hoped they would advance in a modern court of hope.

“I hope to name him (Felix) as a party in the proceedings and I have that those reasons he has articulated in the press, he will come to the court and articulate those very reasons and the court will rule upon his arguments because I have read them and they amount to absolute nonsense,” he noted.

The lawyer did not say how soon he would take formal action by filing the necessary paper work but he did promise that it would be done with great dispatch given the seriousness of the move by Felix.

“The Constitution places that functional remit exclusively in the Police Service Commission. Article 212 of the Constitution provides that… the power to make appointments to any offices in the Police Force of or above the rank of inspector, the power to exercise disciplinary control [of] persons holding or acting in such offices and the power to remove such persons from office shall vest in the Police Service Commission,” the release continued.

“Clearly, Dookie falls within the ranks provided for and contemplated by this provision.

Additionally, Article 226 (1) provides that ‘…in the exercise of its functions under this Constitution, a Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority,’” Nandlall had argued.

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Vishnu Persaud defends track record

...says he has always acted professionally

BY MICHAEL YOUNGE

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he top-ranked candidate who has been overlooked and passed up by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for appointment as its next Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO), Vishnu Persaud has broken his silence following the revelations and concerns raised by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)-nominated Commissioners that there may be ethnic and employment discrimination occurring at the constitutional entity.

Speaking with Guyana Times International on Wednesday, Persaud, who is currently unemployed, said that he was now contemplating his next step following the GECOM decision to not appoint him to serve a second stint as its DCEO even though he was asked to reapply to be considered for the post as a new applicant.

Persaud held the post of GECOM’s acting DCEO for over three years, but his contract, like several other senior functionaries’, was not renewed and was allowed to expire since GECOM was without a Chairman following the

resignation of Dr Steve Surujbally back in 2016.

Surujbally resigned on the heels of discontentment with his leadership and stewardship of the 2015 General and Regional Elections, which were marred by allegations of electoral fraud and discrepancies. The former DCEO demitted office in August last year.

“I have still not come to any position as to what to do or not to do.

I know that I have to move on, because I have a family to provide for,” Persaud remarked as he explained that he would rather not share his personal thoughts or emotions on the outcome of the process, which is being heavily criticised by several key stakeholders and sections of civil society.

Persaud was adamant that GECOM was constitutionally mandated and authorised to hire the appropriate staff with the right skill set to complete various tasks and fill established vacancies. He said, “Whether the Commission is right or wrong, it has made a decision.”

Asked whether he felt that the decision taken by the Commission was fair or justified, Persaud said that he “will not go

Vishnu Persaud

there”, because he does not believe that adopting a confrontational approach would change the course of what has been decided.

Questioned further as to whether he believes that some of the arguments put forward for his non-selection or reappointment have any merit, the former DCEO defended his track record.

“I have always done my work professionally. I have never had racial or political bias in my work.

I have never showed any … and I would not want to make a comment that would cast a shadow on

my past record,” he insisted.

He also appealed for those who were busy making comments which are false and not factual about his previous stint at GECOM to desist from doing so, as he stoutly defended his performance at every level of assignment.

“I would ask those people who are seeking to cast aspersions on my reputation to refrain from doing so and judge me on the basis of what you know of me and not on what is perceived,” he proffered.

He denied being in-

volved with any political party or skulduggery during his tenure and argued strongly that he was a career professional and someone dedicated to very high standards.

“As far as I am aware, I have never ever been cautioned about a failure to conduct myself in a professional, efficient and disciplined manner…,” he remarked.

In addition, Persaud, who also served as GECOM’s substantive Public Relations Officer for several years, said that he would not willingly go to the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) to file a complaint about GECOM’s alleged discriminatory employment practices.

“No. I am not going there,” he said when quizzed on the matter.

He maintained that he was focused on finding employment that would put him in a better position to meet the needs of his family following this saga.

On Tuesday, for a second time in two weeks, the PPP-nominated GECOM Commissioners walked out of a meeting with the other Commissioners after being disallowed from probing the issue of ethnic composition with GECOM.

The Commissioners urgently called a press conference to address that issue and the non-appointment of the top applicant for the DCEO post, who is also of Indian descent, which struck them as a surprise.

The PPP GECOM Commissioners – Robeson Benn, Bibi Shadick and Sase Gunraj ,expressed dissatisfaction over the manner in which their concerns are being dealt with by the Chairman of the Commission, retired Justice James Patterson.

The GECOM Commissioners also accused the Chairman of the Elections Commission of blatant racial discrimination in the appointment of a DCEO at GECOM. Commissioner Benn has expressed absolute disappointment on behalf of his colleagues at the decision made by the GECOM Chairman to not appoint Vishnu Persaud as the DCEO. Moreover, he maintained that Persaud was the best candidate for the job. In addition, he pointed out that the PPP Commissioners intended to take action and approach the ERC on this issue.

5 remanded for Parika cocaine bust

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he five men who were nabbed last week on the Parika Public Road, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) by Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) ranks with over 12 kilograms (28 pounds) of cocaine and some 35 kg (77.1 pounds) of cannabis were on Tuesday arraigned at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool read the charges of trafficking in narcotics to Doodnauth Chattergoon, 36, and Khemraj Lall, 39, both of Lot 67213 “B” Zeelugt, EBE; Marlon Lawrence,

36, of Felicity, East Coast Demerara (ECD); and Rajendra Persaud, 47, of Liliendaal, ECD. They denied the charges.

However, the fifth defendant, Clive Thornhill, who was reportedly the captain of the boat which transported the drug from Charity, Essequibo to Parika, admitted that he played a part in the narcotics trafficking. He is claiming that the drugs were collected from himself by Lawrence and Persaud.

According to the prosecution’s case, CANU received a tipoff that the

The cocaine found

The five accused

drugs were being transported in two vehicles – PSS 8019 and PVV 7934 – after it arrived via boat at the Parika Stelling.

Motor vehicle PSS 8019 was stopped on the Parika Public Road by CANU ranks and two 15-gallon gasoline barrels were found with their bottoms cut off and reattached with wire and glue.

When the containers were searched, several parcels containing leaves, seeds and stems along with a white powdery substance were discovered.

That car was reportedly being driven by Persaud with Lawrence as a passenger. The sec-

ond vehicle, PVV 7934, was intercepted with Lall and Chattergoon inside along with cell and satellite phones.

Thornhill was intercepted some time later and reportedly immediately confessed to transporting the drugs.

The five men were all taken to the CANU headquarters where the drugs – 12 parcels of cocaine and 42 parcels of cannabis – were weighed.

In court on Tuesday, Thornhill told Magistrate Liverpool that he was

unaware that he was transporting drugs as he was only hired to ‘drop off’ the barrels at Parika.

CANU Prosecutor Konyo Sandiford was in court on Tuesday.

Chattergoon and Lall were represented by Attorney-atLaw Bernard DaSilva.

Thornhill was advised to seek further guidance from an attorney.

The men were all remanded to prison. The case will continue on July 6, 2018.

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“Tallman” gets 10 years jail for hacking reputed wife to death

Russia looks to deepen ties in “common interests”

(from left) State Minister Joseph Harmon, Russian Ambassador Alexander Kurmaz, President David Granger and Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves at the Russia Day reception

Desmond Gordon in court on Monday

Desmond Gordon in court on Monday

A

Rose Hall Town, Berbice man was on Monday jailed for 10 years for hacking to death his reputed wife.

Desmond Gordon, also called “Tallman”, 52, of Lot 196 Mangrove Street, Reef Section, Rose Hall Town, Corentyne received the sentence from Justice Brassington Reynolds after he pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

The cane harvester was charged with killing his wife Bhagmattie Angad, called “Kamini,” following a dispute during a drinking spree on May 16, 2016 at their Rose Hall Town home.

The couple, who had been together for about eight years, reportedly shared a very abusive relationship. They were imbibing during the day when an argument subsequently erupted.

Loud screams were heard coming from the premises following which the 50-year-old woman was seen running from the house with Gordon in hot pursuit. He had in his hand a cutlass with which he reportedly inflicted several incise wounds about her body. The accused was subsequently seen with blood about his body. The Police were contacted and arrived on the scene and arrested him. Gordon was represented by Attorney at Law Sasha

Roberts of the Legal Aid Clinic, while the state’s case was presented by State Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy.

Following the guilty plea, the court ordered a probation report on Gordon.

Probation and Welfare Officer Maisie Sheppard, in her report, told the court that prior to the death of his wife, the early years of their relationship were filled with joy and laughter, but things changed and she became an addictive substance abuser (cocaine and marijuana).

She told the court that when Gordon would rebuke his wife for her misconduct, it frequently resulted in arguments.

Further, it was reported by some residents of Reef Section, Rose Hall Town, Corentyne that while the accused was respectful and loved by many for his general disposition within the community he resided, he and the victim (now deceased) were recognised by residents for their periodic consumption tendencies.

According to the probation officer, residents noted that both the accused and his wife would consume alcoholic beverages and subsequently becoming verbally and physically abusive towards each other.

Justice Reynolds, in handing down the sentence, said the penalty is between life imprisonment and 18 years.

He said that because Gordon did not waste the court’s time, he would give him the smallest sentence. Five years were deducted for the plea, and another two years for the time already spent in prison.

The trial Judge deducted a further year for the killer’s good behaviour in jail based on the probation report, leaving him with ten years to spend in jail.

G

uyana and the Russian Federation are looking forward to deepening cooperation, committing to build on the 48-year-old diplomatic relationship.

This commitment was made on Friday evening during a reception hosted to celebrate Russia Day, which will be observed on June 12.

The day commemorates the establishment of Russia as an independent country after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, officially recognising the day that the Declaration of the Sovereignty of the Russian Federation was signed.

In congratulating Russia and its people on this significant day, President David Granger posited Guyana and Russia have enjoyed cordial relations for decades, from which Guyana has benefited in several fields. Guyana and Russia formally forge diplomatic ties in 1970.

“Guyana and Russia have enjoyed cordial relations and have collaborated in the fields of culture, education, economics, security and science. Guyana takes opportunity to reiterate appreciation of Russians support for debt and disaster relief… We share common concerns about threats of terrorism and other transna-

tional crimes. Our common abhorrence of the negative effects of these threats forms the basis of continuation of cooperation within the global multi-lateral system.

Guyana looks forward to strengthening its friendship with Russia through the pursuit of our common interests in the years ahead,” he noted.

According to the Head of State, the excellent formal and informal relations that the two countries enjoyed for over 50 years are predicated on mutual respect for each other’s’ territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-interference in each other’s’ internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefits, respect for treaties and international laws, and the maintenance of peace and security.

Meanwhile, Russian Ambassador to Guyana, Alexander Kurmaz, told those gathered at the reception that despite the challenges over the past four years, the bond between the two countries has not broken. He pointed out that like Guyana, Russia too is comprised of many different ethnicities, traditions and cultures.

“History has shown that Guyana shares this stance of foreign policy and is willing to forge durable alliances without prejudice to its interest and securi-

ty to other states… We hope that common sense and desire to cooperate will gain the upper hand against ideological bias, geopolitical zero-sum games and financial egocentrism. However, open door policy is an essential part of our foreign relations as long as they are based on fair treatment, mutual understanding and respect,” the Russian Diplomat said.

Ambassador Kurmaz went on to call for more engagements and visits between two countries.

“We are working very hard with the members of the Guyanese Government in order to establish a durable agenda for boosting the inter-ministerial and inter-governmental context to come back, first of all, to the practice of regular visits between the two countries,” he said.

The reception, which was held at the Russian House in Kitty, Georgetown, saw the attendance of Minister of State Joseph Harmon, who is currently performing the functions of Foreign Affairs Minister, and former President Donald Ramotar. Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, was a special guest at last night’s event.

Guyana and St Vincent and the Grenadines share the same Russian envoy.

Berbice man to spend 18 years behind bars for raping teen boy

A

n East Canje, Berbice man was on Monday sentenced to 18 years in jail for raping a teenage boy. The act was committed after the labourer had tied the teen’s hands behind his back.

Mahadeo Ramnarine, also called ‘Dougla,’ 48, of East Canje, committed the act on August 14, 2010. The prosecution contended that on that day, the 13-year-old victim was sent by his mother to collect milk, and on his way home, Ramnarine, who was under a tamarind tree, ran towards him and pulled him into the bushes and told him that he has something to give him.

Ramnarine reportedly then drugged and raped the teen.

Following the incident, the teen was found by an elderly woman who went to pick tamarind. He was taken to the Police station, and reported that Ramnarine and another man had committed the act on him. The teenager reported that he fell unconscious when the second man raped him. The teen, in his testimony, told the court that Ramnarine told him that

since he was bleeding he could not keep him alive because he was going to report the incident.

He said he felt he was going to die, but the elderly woman who found him saved his life.

Ramnarine was found guilty of the act by a mixed Berbice jury. In a probation report on Ramnarine, which was ordered by the court, Probation and Welfare Officer Judith Vankennie told the court that the accused was previously placed before the Reliance Magistrate’s’ Court on an assault charge and was fined G$15,000.

He was also previously charged for abusive language and felonious wounding, but those charges were dismissed.

Speaking about the victim, Vankennie said he admitted that the incident affected him greatly, and he is now unable to think positively.

According to the teen’s parents, since the incident, he has suffered a mental breakdown, and as a result, they took him to the National Psychiatric Hospital to receive treatment.

Mahadeo Ramnarine, also called “Dougla”

In handing down the sentence, Justice Brassington Reynolds said it was a violent and heinous crime.

He noted that the accused showed no remorse, and continued to deny the act; hence the 18year jail term was imposed.

The State’s case was presented by Attorney at Law Tuanna Hardy.

Ramnarine was unrepresented.

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Guyana, Cuba to enhance bilateral relations

P

– President accepts invitation to visit Cuba

resident David Granger and Cuba’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rogelio Sierra Diaz, who is currently on an official visit to Guyana committed to enhancing the relations between the two countries through increased collaboration and cooperation in areas such as health, environmental conservation, disaster management and tourism.

President Granger also accepted an invitation from the President of Cuba, Miguel DiazCanel to visit his country at a date to be determined.

During the meeting held at State House, President Granger said since establishing diplomatic ties on December 8, 1972, Guyana and Cuba have enjoyed a strong friendship based on shared trust, respect and mutual understanding.

In this regard, Minister Diaz said that the two Governments are in discussions to see how best the health cooperation, which exists between the two countries, can be best improved for mutual benefit.

On this note, President Granger said that as Guyana forges ahead with the pursuit of a ‘green’ economy, the country is looking to establish cooperation in the areas of environmental protection and conservation and tourism.

He noted that this level of cooperation is of vital importance to advancing Guyana’s green agenda and overall economic development.

The Minister noted that Cuba is ready to lend whatever assistance it can in this area as they have already implemented stringent environmental conservation and protection measures and policies in their country, which could be used as a study for Guyana.

Following the meeting, the Minister paid homage to the victims of the Cubana Air Disaster with the laying of a wreath at the Monument to the Victims of Terrorism at the University of Guyana campus. He also paid a visit to the Centre for the Stimulation of Children, Adolescents and Youth with Special Educational Needs Associated with Disabilities at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).

In 1972, Guyana led efforts by Caribbean states to break the diplomatic isolation of Cuba in this hemisphere; establishing diplomatic relations with that country.

The Deputy Foreign Minister also paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, the Director-General and other officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo among other officials.

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Constant blackouts plaguing Guyana

…Opposition Leader says power company must generate new power in the grid

T

he Guyana Power and Light (GPL) would usually attribute extended power outages to line maintenance, something that rarely provides comfort for the populace. But according to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, the GPL must find a way to generate new power in the grid… and fast.

GPL ended 2017 with total combined losses of 29.5 per cent, which is a marginal increase from last year; 12.9 per cent technical and 14.7 per cent non-technical.

Jagdeo urged the company to expand its shortterm objectives beyond maintaining transmission and distribution mains.

“We’ve always had commercial and technical losses,” Jagdeo said.

“When we got into office, it was over 40 per cent, then it fell to 20 per cent.

That is people stealing

power, and the line losses because of old lines.

“But they are not going to make any big change in that. You’re not going to save the equal amount from offsetting growth in demand by (only) tackling the transmission and distribution mains. So you have to have – now — short-term, new generating capacity. You have to do that now.”

The fact that GPL is without a board did not escape the former President’s attention.

Jagdeo noted that while GPL is raking in billions in revenue, this is being done while the entity does not have a board of directors. Appointing a board, he noted, is not a time consuming exercise, yet Government has failed to appoint one since January of 2018.

Renewable energy

Government has embarked on a number of

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

renewable energy projects centred on wind, hydro and solar.

However, none of these projects has an individual generating capacity that could rival the 165 megawatts the Amaila Falls Hydro Power (AFHP) project would have brought.

One project on which Government has em-

barked is the Hope Wind Farm, which has faced criticism centred on the actual investor. One of the investors in question is International Pharmaceutical Agency (IPA) proprietor Lloyd Singh, who has been identified as being responsible for the acquisition of the headquarters of the Alliance for

Change (AFC). According to Patterson, there have been some technical issues — such as the size of the development — which had to be ironed out; but there has been progress on that front, and the process of finalising the power purchase agreement is ongoing.

Patterson also spoke of a US$3.8 million solar farm funded by the Inter-American Development Bank, which will be constructed at Bartica. According to the Minister, this will be completed by the end of 2018.

Meanwhile, the update on the Tumatumari hydro project is that the private developer has been given a deadline to reach financial closure with investors; that is, when all agreements have been signed and conditions met, in order to allow the dispensing of funds.

The update on the Kato hydropower project was a more positive one.

According to Patterson, funding has been secured for the US$2 million project, and work will commence when weather permits.

He also spoke of securing funding from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) for Photo Voltaic (PV) farms at Port Kaituma (US$1.8 million), Kwakwani (US$2.6 million), and Matthews Ridge (US$2 million).

“So, by the end of 2018, we would have installed about five megawatts of renewable energy. And that’s a commendable feat, coming from 2015 with zero,” Patterson has boasted.

“And then, by the end of 2020, when all these projects would have been completed, there would be 29 or 30 megawatts.”

‘No problem is too big to solve’

…mourners heard at funeral service of mother and daughter hammered to death in Berbice

T

he two Berbice women who were hammered to death on Wednesday last by their husband and father respectively were on Sunday laid to rest at the Stanleytown Cemetery in New Amsterdam Berbice.

The funeral service, conducted according to Hindu rights, was held a short distance from where they were brutally murdered at Glasgow.

Several close family members of the perpetrator, Jainarine Seetaram, were at the funeral service for the two women.

Hundreds turned up to bid farewell to the two women. Many were inconsolable after viewing the bodies.

Addressing the ceremony in what could be considered a very brief funeral service, former Regional Vice Chairman for Region Six (East

Berbice/Corentyne), Baupaul Jagroo, called on the community to take a lesson from the incident. He said similar instances are occurring too often in society.

“People feel that when they have a problem, it is a big problem.

There is no problem that is too big to solve,” Jagroo said. The perpetrator might have been of the opinion that whatever problem he had, it was too big to be solved.

Jagroo noted that had the perpetrator spoken to someone about his problem, he would have recognised that there are others with bigger problems that his. “Then he might not have committed the act.

“We need to stop this thing, and we are hoping that this is the last; but it is something that we have to work on. We need to reach out to our

people and have conversations in the communi-

ty…” Jagroo offered.

Referring to the perpetrator, Jainarine Seetaram, Jagroo said many who knew him would not have expected such an act from him.

“He was such an easy-going person, and this gives me the impression that women are not safe, because if this guy can commit such an act, then one would think that anyone else can do it. So women, like all of us (do), need to safeguard ourselves and try to do the right thing,” Jagroo posited.

He added that some may err, but there is always correction to any problem.

The couple’s ten-yearold son was also attacked on the day of the tragedy, but he managed to escape.

Recap

Dindamattie Behari, 37, was found lying motionless in a hammock at her Lot 1078 Glasgow New Housing Scheme, Greater New Amsterdam home, while her daughter Surujdai Khan, 20, died on her way to hospital after being assault-

ed with a hammer by her father.

The perpetrator’s lifeless body was found hanging from a beam under an abandoned house about 400 metres away from the scene of the double murder.

About two weeks ago, the perpetrator had accused his wife of having an affair with someone else, leaving investigators to believe that this accusation might have been the motive for the killings.

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PPP challenges DPP’s decision to withdraw charges against APNU/AFC ministers …prepared to take case all the way to CCJ

Attorney Anil Nandlall

By Michael Younge

T

he Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack will soon have to defend her office’s decision to intervene in a matter which saw the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) filing private criminal charges against several Government Ministers, who were implicated in a number of corruption scandals.

This was revealed by former Attorney General and current attorney-at-law for the PPP/C, Anil Nandlall who last Friday confirmed that papers and actions officially challenging the DPP’s intervention have been filed within the Courts.

He said the DPP’s office’s intervention was completely unnecessary and unlawful.

“We believe that the DPP’s office acted in error and acted unlawfully. Also, we are prepared to go all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice on this matter,” Nandlall told Guyana Times International.

He said it is no longer that a number of legal suits and actions brought against the Government of Guyana epitomize the ongoing political struggle. “…Politics has contaminated all of the areas of the State and we have to ensure that the rule of law prevails and is upheld,” he insisted.

The DPP back in August had for the second time in oneweek, discontinued charges of “Misconduct in Public Office, contrary to the Common Law” initiated by Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) against Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson; Finance Minister Winston Jordan; and Public Service Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine.

In the first charge, the court heard that Jordan and Patterson were being accused of “paying to Private Limited Liability company, Homestretch Development Inc (HDI), the sum of G$906 million, being public funds, without any resort to the procurement process as is required by law.”

The additional charge

Public Service Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

against Roopnaraine alleges that “while being a Minister, [he] acted as Director of the Private Limited Liability Company, Homestretch Development Inc (HDI) and accepted G$906 million of public funds without any resort to the procurement process which is prescribed by law.”

However, DPP Ali-Hack said “the private criminal charges for the offence of Misconduct in Public Office, contrary to the Common Law instituted against Ministers Winston Jordan and David Patterson and Rupert Roopnaraine were discontinued by the Director of Public Prosecutions under Article 187 (1) ( c) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.”

She maintained that “these charges concern a grave issue under the criminal law in relation to two serving Ministers.

[As such,] in the interest of good governance in the State of Guyana such allegations ought first to have been reported to the Guyana Police Force for an investigation to be launched and the advice of the DPP sought.”

The G$1 billion D’Urban Park project has been shrouded in secrecy and considered to be a highly corrupt deal since its inception.

Following calls from the parliamentary Opposition, the Office of the Auditor General

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

of Guyana launched a special audit into the shady project. Charges were also brought

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

against other Ministers in relation to the Sussex Street Drug Bond, which is also shrouded in secrecy.

However, when a case was filed in this regard, the DPP also discontinued them on the same grounds as these recent charges.

On April 19, 2018, the Opposition filed a case against Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton – who was former Public Health Minister – and Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence. These charges were in relation to rental of a house in Sussex Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, in the sum of G$12 million to store drugs and the sole sourcing of drugs and pharmaceuticals from private company, ANSA McAL Trading Limited in the sum of G$605 million.

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Sale of Sanata Complex: Privatisation was best option WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

O

n Friday June 8, former PPP Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, and former NICIL CEO, Winston Brassington were further charged on the counts of misconduct in public office, this time for the sale of Sanata Textile Complex to Queens Atlantic Investment Inc (QAII) between October 20, 2010 and December 20, 2010.

The charge asserted they “acted recklessly” when they sold the buildings on the parcel of land of 18.871 acres together for G$697,864,800 plus VAT, (total G$809.5M) even though the valuation came in at G$1,042,403,500.00 and claimed the property was sold at a “grossly undervalued price”, thereby breaching their duties.

However, the public documents released by National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and seen by this publication disputes the charge. The information in the NICIL publications contends that the facts cited were cherry picked to arrive at the charge.

Asbestos wrapped sheets prepared for disposal

NICIL’s efforts to sell the Sanata Complex

In October 2001, a contract was executed with a Chinese company for the leasing of the dyeing and printing sections of Sanata Textiles Limited

but in February 2005, the

then Foreign Trade and

International Cooperation

Minister

Clement

Rohee and then Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Shen Quing signed an agreement for the handing over of the equipment and raw material for textile mill. The company returned the Complex to NICIL and walked away.

It did not take long for the complex to revert to bush.

Even with NICIL providing security, vandals still invaded to steal wires and other moveables.

The financial drain on the Government was considerable with the annual upkeep costs in 2006 being almost G$20 million: G$8 million in security, G$6 million in rates and taxes, and over G$5 million in cleaning and miscellaneous repairs including perimeter lighting. The fees for the shortterm leases for portions of the complex were never sufficient to cover the upkeep.

NICIL began running advertisements for lease of the Complex in the third quarter of 2006 and finally extended its self-imposed January 2007 deadline

by February 28, 2007 by which time they had run 20, without any tenders, as attested by the Auditor General when the Bid Box was opened. In accordance with the Privatisation Policy Framework Paper (PPFP) of July 1993, continued on page 24

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Guyana taking steps to allow citizens to access public services online G

overnment has committed to offering 200 services online to citizens as part of its ICT manifesto promises, while the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is urging more inclusionary policies for youth to advance the sector.

At an IDB-sponsored training summit at the Marriott Hotel on Friday, IDB Regional Head Therese TurnerJones, in addressing the participants, urged Government to avail itself of youth innovators.

It has been pointed out that youths have led the data revolution in other countries, and those countries have gone on to achieve some form of economic prosperity. As such, transforming the sector can be expedited by more involvement of youths.

P u b l i c Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes in addressing stakehold-

Attendees at the summit, which was held at the Marriott Hotel

ers said that ordinary citizens and businesses would, by 2020, be able to access public services online.

“So imagine your driver’s licence application (or) that application for a TIN number; all these services can be done online, and therefore we have to start heading in that direction… And the private

sector, you are going to be left behind also if you continue to do this the old way,” she related, as she stressed that the private sector should therefore avail itself of technological opportunities to improve customer service.

Meanwhile, IDB Country Representative Sophie Makonnen stressed the need for

countries to keep up to date with advancing technologies. With new technology, Makonnen noted, there are new ways to solve old problems, such as with health care.

A few days ago, stakeholders were introduced to the concept of exponential technologies (ET) and their importance in developing small econo-

mies like Guyana’s.

A presentation was made by Dr Nicholas Haan, the Track Chair and Vice President of Impact at Singularity University (SU). SU is a Silicon Valley thinktank that offers educational programmes and serves as a business incubator.

During his presentation, Dr Haan pointed out that, in recent years, there have been major technological transformations which have created opportunities for agencies to rethink the way they serve people.

“Humanity is currently witnessing, at this very time, a major transformation never ever seen before; a transformation into a digital era where every single one of our social systems – our food system, our energy system, our health system, our government system, etc – every single one of those is being transformed by tech-

nology and other global trends.

“This creates incredible opportunities if you’re leading a corporation or if you’re an entrepreneur, and it creates incredible opportunities for Governments around the world to rethink the way to best serve the populace,” Dr Haan posited.

He went on to talk about how exponential technology has advanced and developed over recent years to create new concepts such as artificial intelligence programmes that operate in real time with no human control and 3D printing.

IDB’s Senior Specialist on State Modernisation, Mariko Russell, had said that the idea behind hosting this presentation was to highlight how accessible and beneficial exponential technologies can be for local enterprises.

Man who threatened Sale of Sanata Complex... to bomb stores in Guyana charged for inciting terror

from page 23

Workers dressed in safety gear as they removed asbestos sheets from the derelict Sanata Complex at Industrial Site, Ruimveldt Georgetown

T

Shaim Wazir Nazir being escorted after his court appearance

he Parika, East Bank Essequibo man who had been residing in Venezuela and who had threatened to bomb several stores in Guyana in a Facebook post was on Monday slapped with an inciting public terror charge.

Shaim Wazir Nazir, 23, who at the time of making the post was living at Parika Backdam, stood before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

He denied that between June 1 and June 3, 2018 at Parika Backdam, with intent

to cause public terror, he wrote in a Facebook post: “Essequibo belongs to Venezuela, I will bomb all of your stores one by one.”

Nazir, who worked as a labourer and who returned to Guyana just six months ago, was remanded to prison. According to Chief Magistrate McLennan, the defendant was remanded in the name of public safety.

The case will continue on June 26, 2018 at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

Following the post, hundreds of Guyanese called for his arrest.

where an entity has been advertised and no bids received, direct negotiations could then be held. This was the case with the privatisation of Linmine to Omai in 2003 following the non-receipt of bids to the privatisation offers.

And at this point, according to Geoff Da Silva, head of Go-Invest, they heard that NewGPC was seeking to expand its operations but were constrained at its Farm EBD Location. He contacted NewGPC to solicit their interest for leasing the fast deteriorating Sanata facility.

QAII’s proposal

The New GPC, via its parent QAII, submitted a proposal in April 2007 to the Privatisation Unit to lease the Complex, and after intense negotiations a paper was submitted to the Privatisation Board in May 2007, which unanimously recommended approval. This was then submitted to Cabinet, which gave its approval. It outlined a programme of gutting the buildings, removing the asbestos and the introduction of five business ventures, including a Printing Plant, within five years.

The Privatisation Board approved a 99-year lease at G$50 million per annum, with an option to buy within three years subject to certain conditions. At the time, Da Silva had noted that QAII’s willingness to clear up the hundreds of thousand square feet of carcinogenic asbestos roof sheeting was very attractive

to the Government since this was a very dangerous and expensive proposition.

Upon Cabinet’s approval, QAII immediately embarked on its promised programme and reclamation, cleanup and investment. By 2010, having kept its side of the agreement QAII chose to exercise its option to purchase the property in accordance with the Lease Agreement. On May 30, 2007 QAII had requested and received a valuation of the property from the Government Assistant Valuation Officer, which proposed G$330.375M (Land G$269.200; Improvements G$119.175M).

On June 7, NICIL had commissioned a valuation from the private firm of Rodrigues Architects Ltd, which posited that the property be valued at G$1,042,403.500 (Land G$209,650M; Improvements G$832,753.5M). NICIL also obtained on June 27, 2007 a valuation of the land and its improvements the Government’s Chief Valuation Officer of the Government, which came in at G$245.175M (Land: G$130M; Improvements G$115.175M. QAII was responsible at their expense for the asbestos cleanup and removal of scrap alone, which they incurred at a cost above G$400 million.

In accordance with the lease agreement, QAII had the option to purchase the property based on an

average valuation of a valuator acceptable to QAII (G$330.375M was obtained from QAII, Deputy Government Valuation officer) and one obtained by NICIL (G$1,042,403.5M from Rodriques Architects). This amounted to G$697M plus VAT or G$808 million VAT inclusive. The Government was pleased that Sanata moved from being a drain on the Treasury, to one providing employment, paying rates and taxes; corporate and income taxes and of course removing a haven for vagrants and thieves.

The final price of the property has been determined in accordance with the 2007 Lease contract that details the determination of the price per two valuations. There has been no deviation from this. At the time of the lease and again at the time of the sale, both the Privatisation Board and Cabinet approved the transactions. Numerous press releases and reports have been made public since the lease some 11 years ago and the property sale some 8 years ago. The charges against Singh and Brassington for the sale of Sanata, again cherry-picks information and ignores the facts of the matter.

Similar type charges made against Singh and Brassington have obtained an interim stay in the High Court by Justice Holder. The charges against Singh and Brassington rely on the same Misconduct in Public Office: Contrary to Public Law.

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Caribbean lost 70% of highly-skilled population – CDB rep

tually expected to have less people than it had in 1950,” Dr Ram disclosed.

The CDB official also went on to say that population dynamics are changing rapidly around the world, with the global continental ratio set for dramatic change by the year 2100.

“North America currently has five per cent of the world’s population, and that will decrease to four per cent in 2100.

Director of CDB’s Economic Europe will go from 10 Department, Dr Justin Ram per cent to six per cent, tudies on popula- and Asia will decline tion trends have from 60 per cent to 43 per shown that the cent of global population.

Caribbean region is los- But the real figure I want ing a staggeringly high you to pay attention to is percentage of its skilled Africa, (which) will actually rise from a current population.

This is according to 17 per cent to 40 per cent Director of the Economics of the global population.”

A working paper Department at the Caribbean Development published in June 2017 Bank (CDB), Dr Justin by the International for Ram. He was at the time Organisation Migration details that, addressing a regional stakeholder consultation in 2007, the Caribbean session on the CARICOM emigration rate was four Single Market and times higher than Latin Economy (CSME) ini- America’s overall emitiative that was held in gration rate.

However, it noted that Guyana last week.

“When we look at while the rate has slowed the data, many of the over the years, the region countries [in the re- nevertheless remains an gion] have lost as much area of net emigration. as 70 per cent of labour Guyana has been named force with more than 12 one of two countries years of schooling. That showing the strongest is to say, 70 per cent of emigration movements, our population that we with 9.65 per 1000 perhave schooled to tertia- sons emigrating in 2013. ry education has left our It was cited in a previous shores,” Dr Ram clari- study which stated that at least 40 per cent of the fied.

Moreover, the CDB people in Guyana would official noted that un- migrate permanently if employment rates in the they get the opportunity.

The 2017 working paCaribbean remains exper outlined that, from tremely high.

1992 to the current pe“In many of our memriod, Guyanese out-miber countries, it is as high as 25 per cent, and low as gration averaged about 4.3 per cent. I should add 10,000 people a year, that youth unemploy- with the CSME Treaty to this ment is even higher, and contributing steady outflow of people in some of our member countries (it) is as high as from Guyana.

According to the 40 per cent,” he declared.

World Bank, by 2013, Furthermore, Dr. Ram posited that population Guyana had a total emtrends show an expec- igrant population of tation of many member 463,000. Over half live countries experiencing a in the United States, decline in population as with another significant part living in Canada. the years go by.

“Jamaica’s population The remainder of emiis expected to decline by grants are found in the 50 per cent; Trinidad United Kingdom and and Tobago’s by 28 per in other Caribbean nacent, St Vincent and the tions, as well as in nearGrenadines by 29 per by Venezuela. cent, and Grenada is ac-

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ith the current generation of youths, the main misconception is that they are more centered on their electronic devices but the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN) is dispelling that myth by getting the youths involved in the protection and preservation of the environment.

The CYEN is a nonprofit, civil society or-

The organization was formed in 1993 with members including University of Guyana lecturer Dr. Paulette Bynoe, however, a subsequent constitutional change created national chapters and the Guyana Chapter came into force around 2005/6.

The vision for the organization to become the leading youth environment and development organization in

FLASHBACK: international partners during the CYEN last international cleanup effort

Students of the Bishop’s High School at the recent cleanup

ganization that focuses its resources on empowering young people and their communities to develop programmes and actions to address socio-economic and environmental issues. The CYEN focuses on promoting and facilitating youth engagement and participation through education and awareness, as well as advocacy and lobbying about fundamental issues such as youth employment, sustainable development and the green economy, climate changes, ecosystems conservation and other natural resource management issues.

the Caribbean. It is envisioned that it would be responsible for creating an appropriate space for young people to participate in the design, development, implementation; and promotion of new, progressive, equitable, innovative and sustainable environmental, economic and social development policies and programmes across the wider Caribbean.

Since its establishment, over twenty-five years ago, the organization has been able to move steadily into the fulfillment of this vision.

Across the Region, there are over 800 members

and at the moment there are over 30 members a part of the local chapter The organization is engaged in capacity building sessions on environmental and sustainable development issues while engaging school environmental clubs and participating in coastal cleanups, tree planting exercises among other things. In addition, the CYEN is conducting research on environmental issues and utilizing that information to create a space for its members to partake in national and regional dialogue on the plethora of environmental issues.

According to the organization, their mandate is to engage in efforts to improve the quality of life of Caribbean youths by facilitating their personal development and promoting their full involvement in all matters pertaining to the environment and sustainable development.

The organization also promotes education and training, Caribbean integration and commu-

nity empowerment as tools to develop an ethic amongst young people that assist in the conservation and protection of natural resources within the wider Caribbean.

As a NonG o v e r n m e n t a l Organization, the CYEN

also receive support the Ministry of Environment and the Environment Protection Agency.

In commemoration of World Environment Day 2018, the CYEN collaborated with the Guyana International Volunteer Effort, which cleans the

Management class, Interact club and Science Club, Tucville Secondary School, The Bishop's High School Environmental Club, Mae's Secondary School, Global Technology and Ecotrust Society to remove the debris from

Some members of CYEN during the cleanup exercise

relies heavily on the support and kindness of the business community and the kind patronage of Guyanese. They

Georgetown seawall every Tuesday. They mobilized a group of students from the School of Nations Environmental

Some of the students during the CYEN World Environment Day cleanup

the Georgetown Seawall area. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

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t was the seventh Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, who said, “From creating startups to igniting revolutions, young people have been toppling the old structures and processes that govern our world.

Just imagine what solutions might be found if young people are given the space and encouragement to participate and lead.”

It is with this in mind that the youths of the small village of NonPariel on the East Coast of Demerara are making the change and starting the revolution. The NonPariel Greenhouse Club was formed over two years ago with the sole purpose of converting a plot of land into a space suitable youth engagement. The Club now has over 25 members with a 12 member executive.

The idea came to Romel Putulall one rainy day when he noted that the old “cow pasture”

Trees to be planted

Bottles being cut

was filled to capacity with hundreds of plastic bottles floating around and clogging the drains among other things. He then though of how he could incorporate those bottles and make a difference and then the idea was birthed to use those bottles and tyres to construct a building as well as fence the plot of land so the youths of the community could be mean-

lion. At present, the NonPariel Greenhouse Club is constructing the fence using tyres they cut in half. Those tyres are then stuffed with nondecomposable items from the community and then it is plastered with concrete. The same model would be used in the construction of the building.

However, the work is being hampered due to the lack of support from

a Cow Pasture into a Green Community Park...it will not be an empty Community Ground. We are going to plant trees around (Green Environment), tables and benches will be made around the trees. Also, we wish to create a space that will encourage youths,” he added.

At this time, the Club is appealing for dona-

Non-Pariel Greenhouse Club members cutting tyres

ingfully engaged.

Putulall, who is the Project Coordinator, explained that the project will see them incorporating over a couple thousand of tyres in the construction of a fence and a building to house the youths for activities.

The Club was officially registered in September of 2017 after they would have secured a $4 million grant from the Ministry of Education under the Youth Innovation Project but the overall cost is in the vicinity of $9.5 mil-

the elders in the community since all the work is being done voluntarily.

“We have challenges of getting the adults to come out and help. They are thinking that it is a youth thing but everyone from the community would benefit from his but is the youths we have helping. We are transforming the old pasture into a training centre for youths and create an educational place for programmes,” Putulall noted.

“The idea is to transform what used to be

tion and help to have the fence completed so they can approach the other phase of actually beginning work on the building.

Once completed, it is envisioned that the youths and future generation will have a safe green space to enjoy networking with each other.

Additionally, they centre will serve as a learning ground for youths to take the initiative and execute such projects within their communities.

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

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A sea turtle ingesting a plastic bag

ust imagine how you will feel if you eat something which enters into your digestive system and plugs up your intestines resulting in you being unable to consume anything else forcing you to starve. Just the thought of that gives makes you cringe, right? Well, that is exactly what the sea turtles and other marine animals have to go through when us hu-

kelp, and algal plankton) that live in it. These plants produce oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis, a process that converts carbon dioxide and sunlight into sugars the organism can use for energy. One type of phytoplankton, Prochlorococcus, releases countless tons of oxygen into the atmosphere.

It is so small that millions can fit in a drop of water.

Annette on her first turtle conservation trip

mans indiscriminately use and dump plastics into our waterways.

On an average, it is estimated that approximately eight metric tonnes of our plastic waste enters the oceans, which affects the survival of marine life resulting in more casualties.

This is coupled with the every changing effects of climate change.

While the rainforests are responsible for roughly one-third (28%) of the earth's oxygen, most (70%) of the oxygen in the atmosphere is produced by marine plants hence the reason to protect our marine life.

The ocean produces oxygen through the plants (phytoplankton,

Dr. Sylvia A. Earle, a National Geographic Explorer, has estimated that Prochlorococcus provides the oxygen for one in every five breaths we take.

This year, for World Environment Day the focus was on banning single use plastics as a consorted effort to tackle plastic pollution.

However, for years the Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society (now the Guyana Marine Conservation Society) has been advocating for the curtailing of the use of plastics since they often end up in the ocean. According to long time Conservation Activist, Annette ArjoonMartins when we dump

A recently recued turtle that was found bobbing in the Demerara River

Annette with one of the dead sperm whales that washed up on the Kitty Seawall

our plastics in the ocean, it looks like a jellyfish and the turtles do not know the difference between a plastic bag that looks like a jellyfish and a real jellyfish so they go and feed on them.

When the turtles ingest the plastic bag it basically blocks their intestines and acts as a plug forcing them to starve to death.

“For an animal that lives for almost 100 years they are there with a plastic bag stuck in their stomachs dying a slow death. So what happens there is that they cannot dive either because turtles have to decompress to dive because they have to dive to feed.

When these animals could no longer dive to feed and they are stuck bobbing on the top of the ocean and their capris exposed to sunlight for days and end and they are also cooking there… imagine how horrific it is for them,” ArjoonMartins said.

Over the last 10 years, the Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society noticed an increase in the numbers of turtles being brought to shore by fisher folks after they would have ingested plastics. The Society has a close relationship with the Guyana Zoo and Coast Guards who aid in the recuperation and release of the turtles.

Arjoon-Martins

says when she first started protecting the turtles at Shell Beach over twenty five years ago, the beach would be lined with naturally decomposing debris such as sticks and coconut shells now it is plagued with plastic debris which makes it more dangerous. She noted that they would have had their challenges but in 2007, the Protected Areas Commission took over the Shell Beach and the turtle conservation project, which made it more sustainable since the PAC is supplemented by the government.

After the PAC took over the sea turtle con-

servation project, the Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society then began focusing on general marine conservation. This effort intensified when there were three reported incidents of sperm whales beaching in Guyana without any answers.

“We realized that something is going on in our marine space and that is why we got really energized in getting more and more in it and in January 2016 we changed the name (to Guyana Marine Conservation Society).

What is sad is we don’t have the marine vets and capacity to do forensic in-

vestigation to determine why the whales were washed up. If there were activities going on in our waters (at that time) then we would have to know,” the conservationist noted.

The Society is now focused more on educating the youth population about the dangers of plastics in the ocean, with the hope of them making an impact on the general psyche.

So the next time you buy an item, refuse the plastic bag and start walking with your environmentally friendly bags. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

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38 new Peace Corps ready to Father, son appear in Court serve Guyana over fruit vendor’s murder

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Members of the Peace Corp that arrived in Guyana

hirty-eight Peace Corps trainees arrived in Guyana on Tuesday morning to begin their 27 months of service to the people of Guyana.

The new trainees are part of the 31st group of Peace Corps volunteers to serve in Guyana since 1995, and represent 20 out of the 52 United States.

The volunteers’ age range from 21 to 47, and come from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

For the next 10 weeks of pre-service training, the Peace Corps trainees will live with host families who will teach them the Guyanese way of life as they learn how to cook local food, negotiate in the market place, and participate in community activities.

In addition, their training will include a technical component within the health, education and environment sectors where they will engage in field practicums within Peace Corps’ new

local model school programme. The group will be sworn in as Peace Corps volunteers in August, to begin their two years of service in nine regions of Guyana.

In March of 1961, President John F Kennedy created the Peace Corps to provide human resource and technical assistance to developing countries. The Peace Corps was first active in Guyana from 1966-1971, and later returned in 1995 at the invitation of then-President, Dr Cheddi Jagan. Since its establishment, more than 900 American volunteers have supported numerous communities throughout Guyana.

The volunteers have welcomed the opportunity to work with the people of Guyana and extended their gratitude to the people of Guyana for their hospitality, and for the possibility they offer to the volunteers in working together to advance and develop the country.

father and son were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Wednesday charged for the murder of 20-yearold fruit vendor Richard Noel.

The men – 54-yearold James McKenzie and his son, 20-year-old Timothy McKenzie, both of Lot 126 Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It is being alleged that on June 4, 2018, at Stabroek Market, Georgetown, both men murdered Noel, of Lot 39 William Street, Kitty.

The men were remanded to prison. The case will continue on June 29, 2018.

Reports are the murder reportedly stemmed from an old grievance between the now dead man and the younger McKenzie.

The grievance involved the sister of

Dead: Richard Noel

Noel, who the younger McKenzie had reportedly hit, and that resulted in a fight between the two men.

However, on the day of the murder, the men reportedly crossed paths and McKenzie was heard asking Noel if he “wanted a problem”.

Noel reportedly walked away, which al-

legedly aggravated the father-son pair, who immediately went after him and allegedly stabbed him twice to his chest.

When Noel fell, the men reportedly proceeded to stomp on his chest.

Noel was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries one day later.

“Nasty Man” denies gunning down footballer

T&T serial rapist/killer gets 27 years (Trinidad Express)

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erial rapist Jules John Arjoon has been sentenced to 27 years and one month in prison, for the death of a woman who jumped out the back seat of his moving car while, unknown to her, there was another woman locked in his car trunk.

Arjoon of Point Fortin who had pretended to be a PH driver when he committed offences against three women, has been in custody since July 2005.

He pleaded guilty to the crimes before Justice Hayden St Clair Douglas at the San Fernando Second Criminal Court.

It was on April 28 2005 that Arjoon who is now 36 years old, picked up Mary Baldeo-Waheed. She asked to be dropped at Library Corner, San Fernando and sat in the back seat.

Along the way, to prevent her from panicking as he diverted from the route, Arjoon told her he was going to pick up his daughter.

As he drove along, the woman spoke to Arjoon who did not respond.

While along the M2 Ring Road, BaldeoWaheed opened the door and jumped out the back seat of the moving Ford Laser. It was at 5.40 p.m.

People assisted Baldeo-Waheed while the car drove off. She was taken to the San Fernando General Hospital where she later died from massive blunt force head trauma.

Arjoon was charged with manslaughter.

St Clair Douglas started with a sentence of 21 years for this offence.

Arjoon’s guilty plea and the 12 years and 11 months he spent in custody were deducted. He will serve a remainder of one year and one month in prison for this offence.

Deceased footballer, Dexter Griffith

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Jules John Arjoon

At the time Arjoon picked up Baldeo-Waheed, he had another woman in the trunk. She entered the car at Harris Promenade, San Fernando.

Arjoon took her to a gravel road where he robbed her of a bank card, $35 cash and her cellular phone. Arjoon threatened to blow off her brains if she gave him the wrong number for her bank card. He also showed her a female wallet which contained pictures of children and told her that he had killed the owner of that purse.

Arjoon went to the gravel road where he ordered the woman out the trunk. He blamed her for causing another woman’s death as she had given him the wrong number for her card. He told her she had a choice of either engaging in fellatio or being raped. She told him that she just did not want to die.

He raped her twice and left.

Delon Henry was arraigned at the High Court on Wednesday

elon Henry, called “Nasty Man”, on Wednesday denied he was responsible for the September 29, 2015 killing of footballer Dexter Griffith, who was shot near his mother's East Ruimveldt, Georgetown home. Thirteen witnesses are set to testify before the Judge Sandil Kissoon and jury, at the Demerara High Court; while Henry of Houston, East Bank Demerara, is being represented by Attorney Adrian Thompson.

At Wednesday’s hearing, the deceased man’s mother, Lavern Griffith, was first to testify and recalled running to the Warlock area – some distance from her home – where she and other relatives saw the footballer lying in a drain. She said they rushed him to hospital where doctors later informed that her son had died.

Griffith’s mother told the court that her son was living at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, and would come to her home frequently to take his daughter to and from school. She noted that he also worked as a mason during the day. On that fateful evening, she noted that her son was playing football outside her home and noted that a man she knew only as “Gun-butt” came up on a white motorcycle shouting for “Delon” before he retreated.

Griffith, who broke down in tears at various intervals, said Dexter came into her house after 17:30h and took a bath; thereafter someone called for him and he went down the street after dressing. The emotional woman re-

counted that sometime after she heard the sounds of “by-by-by” which sounded like gunshots.

It was then that several persons started running but she didn’t see her son among the crowd. She said she told the mother of Dexter’s children to go with her and look for him and after going to the road corner, they saw him in the drain. At this point in her testimony, Griffith was given tissue to wipe away her tears. She and other relatives later identified his body at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Police Corporal Rawle Bacchus testified to witnessing the post-mortem examination conducted by Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh and uplifting the said report. According to information, Griffith on the day in question, at the said location at about 19:30h, was sitting on a chair at Genip Street, Ruimveldt when the accused walked towards him and fired several shots in his direction, fatally injuring him in the process.

After being shot, Griffith reportedly managed to stand and walked a short distance in an attempt to escape from Henry but eventually fell unconscious to the ground, while his assailant escaped. Public spirited persons near the scene of the crime eventually took him to a city hospital where he was later pronounced dead on arrival.

Prosecutors Lisa Cave and Orinthia Schmidt are prosecuting the State’s case. The matter continues before Justice Kissoon. (Shemuel Fanfair)

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A nesting hummingbird

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he pleasure calmness of the enviof being ronment. a b l e But this to bring my young man thoughts to not only has life in a physan eye for ical form is spotting something I animals truly treahidden unsure,” say der fally o u n g en leaves Deopaul or trees or Somwaru even a bird when asked high up on about how a tree, he he feels has the eye about his to compose photography. an image in The twenhis head that Future Zoologist ty year old makes whatevDeopaul hails from Parika er he is looking at Somwaru Village on the East the star. He focuses Bank of Essequibo and is on them with his Nikon a first year Biology student D5300 camera-the first one at the University of Guyana. he ever owned, and waits for The shy young man explains the perfect moment to capthat while growing up he has ture the image he envisions. never really had an interest Like most photographers, in photography rather it was Deopaul does not shy away computers and later science from getting down and dirty that fascinated him. to capture the “perfect shot” Deopaul was a student of to tell the story he wants to the Saraswati Vidya Niketan tell. and was introduced to Strange as it may seem, Biology in Form 2 and from the young man only develsince then he has worked to- oped an active interest in wards a career in the field. photography over a year It is his home, that once he ago after continuously obcompletes his degree, that he serving his photographer can begin a career in Zoology friend Subhash Haimraj run since he enjoys spending time around and take photos. He with the animals. explained that this inspired Growing up for him was him and after he acquired his a time he cherished. Like camera, he then started his most children, he had clear- journey. ly outlined chores around the A journey that have rehouse since his father worked sulted in him taking thouon a fuel boat and was not sands of photos and videos around most of the time. His while he spends countless mother ran a small business, hours editing them to tell the which he assisted in running story he his. while she would take care of But what makes his work the home. unique? Well, you see the As time progressed, his photos speak for themselves father would stop working and to be honest, not evon the fuel boat and develop ery photographer can boast their small shop into a gen- of capturing a nesting humeral store. He gained his ear- mingbird. ly education at the Hydronie If he is not out taking Nursery School and then at photos of some couple getting the Greenwich Park Primary. married or the natural landHe has a love for the arts and scape, you can find Deopaul was at one point he placed showing off his talent with second in the Education the Dynamic Tassa Troupe.

Ministry’s National Poetry He says he joined the group Competition. because he wanted a medium Deopaul has always been to display his culture and it interested in nature since he also serves his photography was surrounded by the lush interest since he would meet Bushy Park Beach grow- potential clients while playing up and would spend the ing.

August vacation with his Deopaul hopes to continue grandparents in the river- his photography but notes it ine community of Bonasika is an expensive and time-conwhere they owned farm- suming hobby. (Photos prolands. He would venture into vided by Deopaul) (Guyana the farms with his grandpar- Times Sunday Magazine) ents and always enjoyed the

The classic shot of the St George’s Cathedral

Transformed ‘green’ seawall to be recreational, tourism hub

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Overhead shot of the seawall area.

he seawall from the Kitty pump station to the Pegasus Hotel will be transformed into a world-class waterfront recreational area that also follows government’s green agenda initiative.

This is according to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, who told DPI the area will have commercial spaces but that “it has to be green; so, we have to look at things such as waste management and sewage disposal because it’s right next to the seawall. So, we have to manage a few things before we start.”

The consultancy for the project has already been awarded and a first report is expected by October. Minister Patterson said the report will provide a scope of what is possible and the cost of the project.

Guyana received a £53.2Million ($14B) grant from the United Kingdom’s Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UK CIF) to improve or create new recreational areas between Kingston and Ogle (including an overhead walkway from the seawall to the National Park, Stabroek Market and Vreed-en-Hoop.

Minister Patterson said the aim is to drive economic growth and boost tourism.

“It [the seawall] already is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country and it will become more popular.

So, we didn’t want to rush it, we want to do a bit more studies and then the construction finally. On completion, that will complete the final piece of the puzzle in that area.” The project is expected to be completed by 2019. (DPI)

38 travel & tourism

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T Villagers partaking in a traditional dance

Some residents decked out in their traditional clothing

The Paramakatoi Processing Plant

The traditional homes of Paramakatoi

Residents identifying the village boundaries

The official welcome sign

Kids engaging in a game of football

The Paramakatoi School

he crisp air of the Pakaraimas is just one of the major reasons for living in the picturesque village of Paramakatoi, which is located on the left bank of the Kawa River in the North Pakaraimas. The beautiful settlement is one of the largest and most developed of Amerindian communities in Region 8 and functions as a regional centre for the catchment area.

Paramakatoi consists of the central Village and two satellite communities. A Toshao, two senior councillors and 19 other councillors administer Paramakatoi as a whole. The central Village of Paramakatoi is governed by the Toshao and nine councillors who cover the following positions and areas: deputy Toshao, secretary, treasurer, sport, culture, education, agriculture, health and sanitation, and security.

The satellite community of Bamboo Creek has a council comprising one senior councillor and seven other councillors. The council of the other satellite community, Mountain Foot, is made up of one senior councillor and three other councillors.

The village has just a little over two thousand residents from the Patamona, Makushi and Wapichan tribes and is bordered by Kato, Taruka and Tuseneng villages. The villagers is heavily dependent on subsistence farming, hunting and fishing for their livelihoods. In addition, some are also involved in cattle rearing, smallscale trade in local crafts and mining.

According to the Amerindian Peoples Association’s “Our Land, Our Life” report, the young men would leave the community for months at a time to carry out mining identifying that some mining also occurs within or close to Paramakatoi’s customary land, such as in Siparuni, Arnik and Moruwa.

The people of Paramakatoi go far out of the title to hunt, fish and gather materials. They know that Siparuni is the key area for those activities and is described by the residents as their supermarket.

However, the esidents are worried about the potential threat posed by extractive industries in Siparuni and Tipuru to their future food security.

The Village is a closely knitted one with everyone looking out for each other. Being one of, if not the, largest developed Amerindian settlement, the village of Paramakatoi has schools for their children as well as health care and makes it an ideal place to visit.

So grab a backpack and take a tour, it is worth it. (Photos provided by the Amerindian Peoples

Association) (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

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The Enmore Martyrs: 70 years on Wreaths lain to commemorate the Enmore martyrs at the Enmore Martyrs' Monument

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une 16, 2018 will mark 70 years since the shooting to death of five sugar workers at Enmore, East Coast Demerara. The five – Rambarran, Pooran, Lallabagee, Surajballi and Harry – became known as the Enmore Martyrs following their deaths on June 16, 1948.

Martyrs, by its definition, connotes the ultimate sacrifice that one selflessly makes generally for the betterment of others and country. In this case, these martyrs paid with their dear lives for the cause to better working conditions for sugar workers.

The arduous task of harvesting cane manually is well known. One of the workers’ contentions was the added burden of having to cut the cane, to then loading it into punts some distance away (referred to as the “cut and load” system). This back-breaking method, which was introduced in 1945, was clearly unpopular with the workers who demanded that it be replaced with “cut and drop”; they cut and others load.

At the time, social and economic conditions were less than desirable. That saddled workers with poor wages and living conditions on the estates.

They also wanted, the then Guyana Industrial Workers Union, (GIWU), to be recognised as the union to bargain for them.

In their minds, these were justifiable demands and having been unable to have them met, they naturally resorted to strike action in April of 1948.

The use of scabs to fill the void the strike created did not resolve the sugar producers’ dilemma. As production became seriously affected, they introduced drastic measures in an effort to force the striking workers to comply.

Having felt betrayed by

the union that represented them, the Man Power Citizen’s Association, (MPCA), the situation exacerbated and ultimately led to what transpired on that fateful day of June 16, 1948.

The context of that incident must not be lost.

They were simple workers who unselfishly stood up to the ‘massas’ demanding that their welfare not be ignored. After all, they were contributing significantly to the enrichment of the masters who seemed totally unconcerned of the plight the workers were forced to endure. Had those striking workers been successful through the actions they took, all would have benefited from the much desired improvement of conditions.

Tragically, they paid with their lives and it resonated across the country.

That incident was not just a pivotal moment in our nation’s history for what had happened, but what it eventually led to in the context of our politics. It profoundly impacted a young Dr Cheddi Jagan.

The strikes, prior to the shooting, were supported by the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), which he and his wife, Janet, were founders. They helped to raise funds and operated soup kitchens to assist the striking workers and their families.

The deaths of the five workers touched him in many ways and at the gravesite on the day of their funerals, he silently pledged to dedicate his life to the cause of the Guyanese people; to free them from bondage and exploitation. It was that pledge that propelled and guided him in his relentless struggles for an independent Guyana and championing the rights of workers. He founded the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in 1950 which

led subsequent struggles culminating in the return to democracy in 1992.

While the five workers died during their quest for betterment, their sacrifices further heightened awareness of what they were experiencing, galvanised sentiments, fuelled hope and helped to intensify the struggle not just for improved working conditions for sugar workers, but for all Guyanese.

However, following their struggles for advancement on the sugar belt, 70 years after, one can venture to question the seeming erosion of the value of their sacrifices by the powers that be.

Within the past two years, a number of sugar estates were closed, plunging thousands of workers into unemployment. The callous manner in which it was done without any apparent consideration for impact assessment studies and alternative employment,

was interpreted as been

uncaring to the workers and the dire circumstances it created. As it is, these unemployed workers continue to experience tremendous difficulties to provide for their families including the provision of education for children.

The social impact of this mass termination continues to ripple across and beyond the sugar belt crippling local economies and drastically reversing the gains made in living standards. Many families are hard-pressed to provide three basic but modest meals per day as pressure mounts on the recognised breadwinner.

While the scenarios may be different to what transpired 70 years ago, there are frightening similarities foremost being the struggle for a better life and to adequately provide

for families.

Today, the harsh reality is that thousands of affected sugar workers daily face a monumental task to provide as uncertainty and despondency engulfs to the point of strangulation. Given what is unfolding now, not just for sugar workers, but for all who are further burdened by the continually worsening economic situation and as quality of life declines, the question of whether the Enmore Martyrs’ sacrifices are in vain, seems apt for debate. While such sacrifices are always valued and epitomises a beacon of hope and pillars of strength, the answers of the workers currently affected, may unavoidably be a foregone conclusion.

Déjà vu?

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By Ravi Dev

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Rodney: A prophet of emancipation

hirty-eight years ago, Dr Walter Rodney was assassinated when he was just thirty-eight. While we thought he was too optimistic on the potential for socialism to eradicate racism, and even more so about including Indians in the Caribbean under the banner of “Black Power” in 1969, we still believe the proposal be made the following year on organ-

ising Guyanese Indians and Africans, was most realistic. We published it several times since 1998, hoping for a positive responsive from African Guyanese activists. Without success.

Dr Rodney said: “Let us take the fact that, over the last decade, Indians and Africans, in Guyana, have been at one another’s throats, for a variety of reasons, internal and external,

and that there is a tremendous amount of illwill and suspicion on both sides; let us take that fact. Now some people deny this and talk about racial harmony, but it is not so. It may be submerged, but it is there; it has to be there: the system ensures that.

But what can we do about it? I feel that there are at least two levels at which one must try to organise against the pre-

vailing condition of racial antagonism.

One must organise within the African community, within the Indian community, too, to build different forms of consciousness, different types of social bases, which will ultimately be the form of a new State, and simultaneously, one must begin to find effective revolutionary integrative mechanisms, both organisational and ideological, in terms of people, purely and simply, people, you know, as contributors to the new concept of group consciousness, group power, as for example, like putting six persons. Three Africans, three Indians, not just in form of a symbolic show (they have, of course, to be ideologically consistent and so on), but putting them in a meaningful, nationally-powerful position of leadership, and as a unit.

Now, you have at the second level, to begin to indicate what you would like the society to be like, what that unit should be about, because, if you organise separately, this may well be construed by each group as something exclusive and hostile. So, you have, at the same time, while doing that bringing together,

which is historically necessary, to produce the integrative mechanisms, and act in the kind of fashion, and use the kind of language which makes it clear to the other group (let’s say the African and the Indian are the main groups) what the national aims are, what the country’s Socialism wants to achieve, in spite of race.

We have a number of other people, including the Amerindians, the original inhabitants of the country, who are the most neglected. Our integrative mechanisms must be organised to include that group….(A) s we move towards socialism, we’ll also be, in the process, contributing to the total eradication of racism, in its most violent forms, a racism which has arisen through the slave trade, slavery, indenture, class and colonial oppression.

What we must try to understand (and this is a point I’m always trying to make very clearly) is that there is no contradiction between saying that, at this particular point in time, a man needs to assert his given identity, so that, at another point in time, he won’t need to assert it. It would be taken for granted, the whole busi-

ness of identity, because people will respect that fact, in the changed society, where race will have no marks of identification, whatsoever, on which anybody can lead for support, or for whatever. But it is a respect which no group has, at the moment, at the moment, in the present system, in Guyana.

And I think that within our community of Guyana, different ethnic groups need to assert their identity, need to put themselves together, to pull themselves together, and when they have and when they can operate on the basis of mutual respect, which they are not now doing, now, then I think the way will be clear for building a new society, a society of a mixed unit through socialism. But, first, the various groups must be built up, made conscious of their own potential, their own dignity, their own power, as Guyanese.”

Rodney was a prophet of emancipation.

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elcome to Itabac where you are surrounded by the mighty Pakaraimas. Itabac is located in the Sub-Region 1 of Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and has a population of approximately 280 people from the Makushi and Patamona indigenous tribes.

Kanapang and Kurukabaru borders the village. The exact foundation date of the settlement where Itabac is located today is not entirely clear. The Community Development Plan document states that it was founded in the 1930s, however residents claim that Moses David’s father and fatherin-law were the first to settle in the current location in 1958 (the Amerindian Lands Commission Report says that the Village was established in 1960). After this, when the Village had established health and education services, many families came from Brazil and Venezuela as these services were not available in the communities

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

across the border at that time.

However, during the time of the Rupununi uprising, 1968-69, many of these families moved back over the border again.

The present residents of Itabac claim that people have been living in the area for a very long time – since the tribal wars. They were living in Pacau, Shuea, Sharang and Twede Mountains long before the foundation of the current Village.

Clay pots can be found on Shuea Mountain and around Nopo, a small hill close to Timenawai.

Knowledge has been passed down for generations about how Akawaio, Arekuna and Caribs used to pass through the area and they were called slegung, meaning bad people in Makushi.

The village has a rich history for adventurers to explore and engage in the local cuisine native to the village. (Photos by Micheal McGarell)

Men working together to make passock, tasso ground with farine

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

A typical house in Itabac Village

The Village Church

Scenes from the Village trail

The men roasting their meat with corn

The Trail leading into Itabac Village

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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Thoughts on “Youth Leaders” A

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Finally…

By Ashley Anthony

few days ago, I happened upon a Facebook post, in which, the author (who shall remain unnamed), berated “self-proclaimed youth leaders” for rising to fame at the expense of others who remained disenfranchised. The post further went on to explain that the author had no issue with people wanting the best for themselves, but rather, he took issue with those who had exploited marginalized youth by claiming that they had contributed to development, and used these claims to develop portfolios with which they gained access to ‘big’ positions overseas.

Perhaps, I am detached from this form of society, but it honestly seemed like an incredibly specific circumstance.

However, scrolling through comments it became apparent that many people felt as though they had seen this happen time and time again. My personal thoughts on

this, is if the situation is portrayed accurately, then this is truly despicable.

Let me make my points clear, I take issue with people assuming that ‘intellectuals’, or people who have been given the opportunity to study abroad have to return home and work in Guyana to contribute towards its development.

I think that idea is incredibly selfish, and inconsiderate of the person. Imagine for instance, if I were to pursue theoretical physics, what job could I come home to? What sector could I develop?

And what of my own academic or career ambitions? Should I disregard them and return home to work at UG, so that the physics department can eventually begin to offer an undergraduate degree? Or should I do what fulfills me, i.e. working in a research lab? We speak of the brain drain in length, but we seemingly fail to acknowledge the lack of opportunities that

are available for those who choose to return.

And does it mean if one lives abroad that one cannot contribute to positive development of youth? Of course not. There are many youth developmental programs that I have been apart of that were spearheaded

by Guyanese of the diaspora, for example, the Queen’s College Summer Math Institute, or STEM Guyana.

However, if you were given access to your opportunities because of promises to the youth of Guyana, you subsequently rise to prominence and then later ‘forget’ these promises then I would take issue with that. If you only care about a cause when it is convenient and beneficial to you, then you need to reevaluate yourself. It is almost, if not, deceitful.

It is in some way; difficult to define who constitutes a youth leader. There is no traditional means of identifying them, and therefore no standard

way of holding them accountable. I like to think of youth leaders as people with influence over an audience of young people, and nowadays, with the advent of social media, anyone can rise to the position. If you do become regarded as a leader, you have to take that power seriously. You have to understand what you have the ability to do, and be clear with your intentions.

I think the post specifically takes issue with the disingenuous nature of some people, in that they claim they want development but then they do not use their resources to make an impact. And in some instances, even exploit the poor conditions of youths in Guyana to elevate themselves.

I guess the final takeaway is that you shouldn’t promise what you can’t, or rather won’t deliver. People will notice, and talk.

Cappo the contractor

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atiricus was astounded, to say the least. He had known Cappo from childhood when they literally sat on the same bench in “Lil ABC”. So he was very familiar with Cappo’s “school name” – which the teacher said was his “given name”. And here the name was; staring out at him from the list Vexxon had provided of their local contractors so they could fulfil their “local content’ requirement.

Cappo, a Vexxon contractor?? This Satiricus had to find out about!!

“So how come you didn’t tell us you’re a big-time contractor with Vexxon?

Satiricus demanded of Cappo, as soon as he sat down at their table at the Back Street Bar. “Wha’ dah, yuh seh?” asked Bungi, looking at

Cappo accusingly. “An’’ de maan a still mek abee buy beer fuh am?”

“Where you got that information from, Sato?” asked Hari quietly.

“Yeah, whe’?” said Cappo, somewhat bewildered.

“Right here!” said Satiricus, spreading out the newspaper on the table and pointing. “Aren’t you Kapilram Shamsundar Suchin?”

“Da right, Cappo,” said Bungi. “Nobady else in Guyana na gat wan name like da!”

“We know since you return from New York, you told us you were a “building contractor””, said Hari.

“Did you build a house for Vexxon?”

“Naah!” said Cappo.

“Bungi know abee na get bizness, an’ me start fuh sell

cane juice pan de road.”

“Yes,” confirmed Bungi.

“Me does bring cane fuh ‘e fram de estate wha’ close dong!”

“So you NEVER did any business for Vexxon?” asked Satiricus, staring hard at Cappo.

“Well,” said Cappo, doubtfully, “waan day wan white lady stap fuh buy some cane juice and seh how she a wuk fuh Vexxon.”

“Me remember da day!” shouted Bungi. “And she aks yuh name!!”

“Yuh mean me jus’ sell wan glass cane juice – she na even by de phoulourie – and me tu’n contracta?” asked Cappo in amazement.

“But me vex,” said Bungi.

“Me bin deh when Cappo tu’n cane-juice contracta.

How come dem na call me ‘assistant-contracta’?”

I

…“Dotard” meets “Rocket Man”

f you thought it rather juvenile of Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un to be trading schoolyard namecalling, you’ve got to admit they finally ended up meeting in Singapore without actually sticking their tongues out at each other!! Maybe they got their hostilities out of the way with their infantile antics?

Jagdeo’s been known for his acerbic assessments of opponents….maybe Granger needs to let his hair down and let ‘er rip over this GECOM business?

Like your Eyewitness said, Kim Jong-Un’s already won the game. As a totalitarian regime of long standing – the last one left standing? – N. Korea craves acceptance by the international community more than anything else. With American sanctions imposed after 2006, it’s pretty much totally dependent on China, and that’s a sad state of affairs for any self-respecting totalitarian state!! After all, being “totalitarian” means never having to kow-tow to anyone – which is pretty tough to do when the party across the table is your solitary lifeline.

If you want to get an idea of where N Korea’s at, think of Guyana under Burnham, and then multiply the repression and controls a hundredfold. Don’t forget Burnham got his idea of becoming an “Executive President” from Kim Jong-Un’s grandfather, who changed N Korea’s Constitution to give himself absolute power. As far as the economy’s concerned, N Korea didn’t just nationalise the “commanding heights,” as Burnham did – they took over the entire kit and kaboodle!! Not surprising to anyone who lived through the Burnhamite dictatorship – like your Eyewitness did – the economy’s in shambles, and life is short, nasty and brutish for most citizens.

Burnham allowed Guyanese to emigrate, as we know – mainly because it was a safety valve that prevented an explosion which even his vastly expanded armed forces wouldn’t have been able to control. In N Korea, keeping the natives in place was made easier with the barbed wire and the guarded demilitarised border with S Korea preventing exit south, and the border with China doing the same north.

Apart from the legitimacy conferred by having the American President flying halfway across the globe to meet him, Kim Jong-Un would be hoping the lifting of sanctions would lead to greater development. After all, next door S Korea – literally family – exemplifies the superiority of the capitalist path versus the socialist one. They have K POP!! And while Kim JongUn might be leery about development leading to demands for democracy that would undermine his control, he can be somewhat reassured that S Korea transitioned under a dictatorship!!

So, dear readers, let’s see what tomorrow will bring: a demilitarised N Korea with K POP bands, or just more of the drab conformism that presently prevails? …acknowledging Naipaul’s truth At the CariCom all-expenses paid confab last week at the Princess, the high-flying attendees were informed, among other things, that 70% of West Indians with tertiary education have departed for other shores. And why is this so? Simply because the region cannot offer these skilled persons jobs that are commensurate with their qualification. And why can’t they get such jobs that would pay them good money – apart from those at the CariCom Secretariat?

And why aren’t there such jobs here? Well, as Naipaul said in the sixties — and pissed off the elite of the WI — simply because we haven’t invented a single thing that adds such value to such an extent that its manufacture and distribution would absorb our skilled workers! Instead, we pour ALL our energy “wining” and dancing to buttress our “Bongo Man” image that pleases the foreign tourists!!

The mandarins of CariCom didn’t talk about this, however. They focused on CSME’s “free movement of citizens”.

Free movement to Region 11, that is!! …WI wins one!!

Well, as a cricket fanatic, your Eyewitness got a perk from the WI cricket team taking apart the Sri Lankans so comprehensively!! But he’s not talking about any “turnaround”.

This ain’t happening till Caricom installs a new West Indies Cricket Board!

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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Railroading…

T

…PPP officials

he DPP’s supposed to review all cases the Police – or in this case SOCU – wants to prosecute. In the case of long-trumpeted accusations by the PNC/APNU and AFC of the PPP government “siphoning off billions and billions”, it took them over two years after their “forensic” audits of dozens of agencies to bring charges against two PPP Administration officials – Brassington, CEO of NICIL and Singh, Minister of Finance.

And what charges!! It was as if the mountain strained – and produced a mouse!! Criminal “Misconduct in a public official” – an English medieval charge coterminous with burning folks at the stake! – that was long thrown out there.

And what actions deserve possible “drawing and quartering”? That Singh and Brassington knowingly sold Government land far below the market value. Matters not that “market value” is a very slippery notion, and even if proven, there might’ve been extenuating circumstances for their decision.

Anyhow, SOCU made no accusations that Brassington and Singh took a piece of the action or anything like that – just that they gave away the store. So, even if SOCU’s right, there was no ‘siphoning” from the Treasury, just that the Treasury could’ve been further fattened. But in the latest charges against the PPP’s financial mavens, it’s clear the PNC Government’s clutching at straws to satisfy their constituents, who’d been promised PPP blood.

As your Eyewitness mentioned yesterday, they’ve added the sale of the Sanata Complex — with facts so dodgy they prove someone’s either sleeping at the DPP’s office or else they’re singing for their supper!! That SOCU brought the charges we can understand – they’re directly under POLITICAL control.

The gist of the charge, like your Eyewitness said, is that Brassington and Singh knowingly and deliberately gave away the (Government) store.

Now, in these sales, how’d you determine “fair” value? Well, you go to qualified and certified “valuators” – which both the Government agents and the buyer did. The facts show NICIL first got a valuation of G$245 million; the buyer got one for G$350 million; and then NICIL got another one for G$1 billion!

Right off the bat, this shows NICIL was batting for the Government!! The final agreed price was the average of the buyer’s valuation and the HIGHER NICIL one.

And this was giving away the store? Oi vey!! … CSME Another mountain that rumbled and strained to only produce a mouse was the CariCom “stakeholders” forum, at the Princess last week to consider the status of the CSME. The consensus was it wasn’t the fault of the Secretariat the CSME’s moribund, but of the Heads of Government (HOGS). Well…duh!!…wasn’t this always the case? Do we need a CDB-funded meet to tell us this??

Whatever gap there’s been between the promise and achievement of CariCom has been the handiwork of the Little Caesar HOGS, who won’t concede an iota of their executive authority to a CariCom body to implement their decisions. So what we have is: these HOGS merrily pontificating about “what is to be done” at their “Summits” (which is so named to suggest their elevated statuses!!) but then returning “home” and sitting on their hands! So, what’ll change at the HOGS “special summit” next month?

Absolutely nothing!

The ever-candid St Vincent PM, Gonsalves, however, singled out Barbados and TT for preventing the CSME’s “free movement of peoples”.

But since their economies have collapsed, that’s now moot, ain’t it??!! …G-7 Trump threw a spanner into the G-7 meet when he refused to endorse the final communique, and called Canada’s PM, Justin Trudeau, “dishonest and weak”!!

Petamber Persaud

J

une – the month of weddings (and the month of brides) is here bringing to mind the life changing marriage of pen to paper.

The world of literature is replete with various types of marriages and coloured in with stories of challenges and a mixture of beauty and lamentation.

The literature of Guyana has its own share of stories of weddings and marriages, some strange, others edifying. For instance, when you becomes Of Marriageable Age (by Sharon Maas), there may be The Marriage Match (by Jan Lowe Shinebourne) leading to a Barriat (by Wordsworth McAndrew) and The Wedding ( from ‘The Ventriloquist’s Tale’ by Pauline Melville) and hopefully you may be saved from becoming The Shadow Bride (by Roy Heath).

But long before the long talk amounting to long pages and long books, there were the words of wisdom packages effectively in proverbs selected from The Proverbs of Guyana Explained by Joyce Trotman and A Plate-a Guyana Cook-up by Allan Fenty.

Not all man a-courting, a marrid.

De mout man tek foh courting ooman foh put am a-he house, nah de same mout e tek foh put am a-doo Handsome face gaal, not de besses kin-a gaal Man gat two houses, he sleep hungry Good ooman tek cai-

creolized than the other adding a bit of scepticism to the affair which was overcome by the children (with modern ideas) involved in the marriage match.

B a r r i a t , W o r d s w o r t h McAndrew In Barriat, Wordsworth McAndrew inadvertently gives a glimpse of an Indian wedding ceremony as only ‘the observer from a different race’ instead of describing a baryaat/barrat meaning the groom’s wedding procession going to the bride’s location for the wedding ceremony.

man teet mek suga cake Marrid nah gat baakdoo Wen man of 60 marries girl of 25, is like buying book foh odda people read Talking about book and reading, let's go back to the above mentioned selections that would serve as our wedding reading list for the month of June.

Of Marriageable Age by Sharon Maas.

This is a huge book with its canvas spanning three continents – Guyana, South America; London, Europe; and

India - covering five decades with the story of three lives affected by traditions like arranged marriage, and other challenges like class constraints, oppression, rebellion and liberation (sexual liberation).

The Marriage Match by Jan Lowe Shinebourne This is a story about an arranged marriage between two Chinese families, one of the Punti group who came voluntarily to Guyana and the other of the Hakka group who were mostly indentured to Guyana. One of the families was more

The Shadow Bride

by Roy Heath The Shadow Bride by Roy Heath, set in the late 1920s British Guiana, is a big book in many regards that tackles issues of displacement and adjustment, identity, liberation and independence, among others. This novel is centred around Betta Singh, a medical doctor returning home to a mother who came to Guyana from India and found the situation fertile to assert her influence thus dominating and attempting to dominate everyone thereby stealing the show, so to speak. Literary critic, Ameena Gafoor describes the book as ‘a classic document of psychic devastation and tragic psychological disintegration of an Indian woman shipwrecked on an alien shore’.

‘The Ventriloquist’s Tale’ by Pauline Melville The Wedding ( from ‘The Ventriloquist’s Tale’ by Pauline Melville) may be labelled a shadow wedding for the wedding of Danny and Sylvana is overshadowed by the incestuous marriage of Danny and his sister, Beatrice, which occurred during the 1919 solar eclipse.

Of course this list is not comprehensive; it is like something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue – part of the bride’s retinue. This is a whetting of the appetite, inviting you to add to the conversation.

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

48 Bollywood

Kajol: Would love to do a Hollywood film A

fter dubbing for the Hindi version of Disney Pixar’s Incredibles 2, actor Kajol says she is willing to explore the world of the West and work in a Hollywood film.

“I would love to do a Hollywood film. There is no particular genre in mind, and it depends whether the script appeals to me or not,” Kajol told IANS in a recorded response. “I would ask the same questions that I would ask for a Hindi film before picking the project,” added the mother of two.

Kajol has lent her voice to the character of Helen Parr, Elastigirl. The sequel picks up right after 2004 original, with Craig T. Nelson returning as the voice of Bob Parr, Holly Hunter as Elastigirl and Samuel L. Jackson as Frozone. Brad Bird, who voices fashion designer Edna Mode, is back to direct the project. The sequel again deals with the Parr family attempting balance having a normal life with their superhero powers. The film is slated to release in India on June 22 in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

Kajol says her children were thrilled about her dubbing assignment. “They were the most excited one especially when I told them that we will be the

A

ctor Varun Dhawan says that it is high time Indians stop looking at the West for heroes as there are a number of legends within their own country.

Varun while attending the launch of author Amish’s book “Suheldev and The Battle of Bahraich”, said, “It’s the time when we should celebrate our Indian heroes and not look at the West to look up to heroes.

Around 20 to 25 per cent of our population is made up of tribes and castes and that’s not really been represented in books or our literature as much or in films for that matter.”

He added, “Amish is doing a great job by actually representing it. He is doing a better job than politicians by

first ones to watch the film. It was like a big thing,” she said.

Kajol and Ajay Devgn, who got married in 1999, are parents to two children, daughter Nysa and son Yug. She is known for projects like Karan Arjun, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Ishq, Dushman, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie

Gham.

Kajol, who was a big fan of the superhero while growing up, said, “The popularity of superheroes has increased over time owing to the fact that it is digital age. There is so much flow of information. Everybody has access to the entire international fraternity which they didn’t have earlier. Therefore, they are more familiar with the language, the way people are and all these Hollywood films don’t feel alien as they used to.”

Be it Avengers: Infinity War or Spider-Man series, Iron Man or Wonder Woman superhero movies are performing well at the Indian box office. (Indian Express)

writing about a hero. When you read the book and when you see the landscape of how he describes the world, your imaginations just run wild”.

Amish’s popular novel “The Immortals of Meluha” is being adapted for the big screen. Filmmaker Karan Johar has obtained the rights for an adaption of the popular book. The English rights of the same have gone to an undisclosed American producer.

If “Suheldev and The Battle of Bahraich” is adapted into a film, Varun says he would want to be a part of it. “I thought when can a movie be made out of this. Can I be a part of it or will I be very short for it? I was very fascinated with the backdrop of the book. It tells the story of a hero,” he said.

“Suheldev and The Battle of Bahraich” will release on July 23.

(Indian Express)

The other side of Salman Khan’s ‘Race 3’ family

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alman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Daisy Shah and Saqib

Saleem starrer Race 3 is the big release of the week. However, the film’s cast have mostly stayed away from media glare, and have been putting their time to good use.

The Race 3 team cleared their schedules to spend time with the elderly, cancer patients, women and children at NGO’s and social service institutions.

As per sources, Salman Khan has also slashed the promotional budget of Race 3 and has donated over Rs 2 crore to charity.

In the age where over-the-top film marketing and promotions are a norm, the Race 3 stars have sure opted for a road less travelled.

Race 3 is all set to hit theatres on June 15. (Indian Express)

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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ctor-producer John Abraham, who has been appreciated for his new release Parmanu – The Story of Pokhran, feels he has become an old horse of the film industry when it comes to taking praise and criticism in his stride.

John spoke to the media at a success party for the film here on Tuesday along with director Abhishek Sharma.

The actor’s career spans over 15 years and he has worked in almost 45 movies in Bollywood.

Talking about the industry, audience and media’s changing perception on the ups and downs in his career, John said: “See it’s cyclical. If your one film does good, then people laud you for it and you get a bouquet of flowers for it and if your film doesn’t do well, then you also get brickbats for it.

“So I think I have become an old horse in this industry. Now I understand what works for the film and what runs in the mind of people.”

Generally, films made on issues of national interest get noticed, and John’s Parmanu – The Story of Pokhran is based on the nuclear tests conducted at Pokhran in 1998.

Asked if he is expecting a National Award for his film, he said: “We hope we make it to the National Awards. I think it will be well deserved on the part of our director, Abhishek Sharma.

“It’s a good, commercial, entertaining and content-driven film but it’s too early to talk about our chances of winning a National Award. We are not over-confident people. We think we will deserve whatever the jury will decide for our film but at the same time I think people loved the film and that is important for us.”

John and Akshay Kumar share a really close bond with each other. They have earlier worked in Garam Masala, Desi Boyz, Housefull 2 and Dishoom together. But on this Independence Day,

Akshay’s Gold and John’s “Satyamev Jayate will clash with each other.

On this, John said: “Akshay is an actor in Gold and I am an actor in Satyamev Jayate. It’s a producer’s decision from both sides. It is about Excel Entertainment and T-Series, so I have no say in that at all. As far as competing with Akshay is concerned, I want to make it clear that he is my senior in the industry. I love him and I have always wished the best for him and I am sure he also wants best for me.”

There have been reports that the release of Salman Khan’s Race 3 on June 15 will not affect the screen numbers that have been acquired by Parmanu – The Story of Pokhran.

John said it’s good news as it will help his movie complete 50 days at the box office.

“Personally, I want this film to complete 100 days at the box office… We have a certain target in mind and we want to reach that target. At least 65 days at the box office is what we are looking at and we are hoping for it. We are thankful to the High Court, media, distributors, exhibitors and audience for giving tremendous support for this film.”

The movie was caught in a legal battle prior to its release. (Indian Express)

Disha Patani: I feel lucky to be a part of ‘Bharat’

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ctor Disha Patani says she feels lucky to be a part of the upcoming film Bharat, which stars Salman Khan and Priyanka Chopra in key roles. Disha spoke to the media when Westin Hotels and Resorts appointed her as their well-being brand advocate in India.

“I feel lucky to be a part of Bharat. I think it’s a blessing of God and the love and support of my family and followers that I am getting to do some good and interesting work. Eventually, everything depends on your hard work. So, if you work hard, then everything will be fine in your life,” Disha said on the Ali Abbas Zafar directorial.

The actor’ first two Bollywood films, M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story and Baaghi 2, were successful at the box office.

On her journey, she said: “I feel I am very lucky and blessed that I got an opportunity to become an actor and after that, my films are also doing well.

So, I want to continue doing hard work in future as well.”

Disha currently has over 11.6 million followers on social networking site Instagram and she is very active on it by regularly posting her images and videos. On her popularity on the photo-sharing platform, she said: “It feels really good when people follow you on social media. I am very happy

and thankful and I feel lucky that people appreciate my videos and images which I post on Instagram.”

When asked about what she looks for when she associates herself with a certain brand, Disha said: “I think believing in the brand is really important. You can’t associate yourself with a brand which you don’t believe in.”

Disha Patani would also be seen in Ashutosh Gowariker’s movie Honeymoon alongside Farhan Akhtar.

(Indian Express)

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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he may have been labelled as America’s Sweetheart in the 1990s, but Meg Ryan has revealed she did not set out to become an actor. The 56-year-old star, who last worked in 2016’s Ithaca which was her directorial debut, said she distanced herself from acting as she wanted to “figure out” life, E! News reported.

G w y n e t h Paltrow, who was in conversation with Ryan at her ‘In Goop Health’ event, asked the actor if she was fine with being called America’s Sweetheart – a tag she earned after working in rom-coms such as When Harry Met Sally, French Kiss, Sleepless in Seattle, You’ve Got Mail and Kate & Leopold.

To which Ryan replied, “For the most part, I had a lot of fun. I never wanted to be an actress. The whole idea of being a famous person… I felt like a witness to, I didn’t feel exactly in it, and I think that was a really good thing. I felt like a student of it in a way, or that I was watching it in an anthropological way.”

“When you’re a famous person, there’s a certain degree of blankness that needs to happen so that people can project on you. Despite what you may think, people don’t really want to know all that much about you. They

want to imagine the best or the worst. So when you’re caught in that, it really is interesting because you get reactions that have almost nothing to do with you and some that have everything to do with you…”

The actor added when she was labelled, she did not even know what being ‘America’s Sweetheart’ meant.

“Nora Ephron’s (her frequent collaborator) parents wrote scripts in old Hollywood and there was such a thing as America’s Sweetheart in the ’40s and she decided to say that about me one day and I remember thinking, ‘Is that good?’… It doesn’t necessarily imply that you’re smart or sexual or complicated or anything, it’s a label. And what can a label do but guess at you?” she said.

Ryan said over a period of time she realised she was being “very reactive instead of proactive”.

“I didn’t really aim to be an actor, I was a journalism major at school, and a curious person, and I wanted to go back out into the world and figure out who I was – am – in relationship to other things and other people and other environments,” she said.

The actor duo previously worked together in the 1993 film Flesh and Bone. (Indian Express)

Hollywood 49

Evangeline Lilly: Michelle Pfeiffer is the most beautiful woman on the planet

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ctress Evangeline Lilly admires her Ant-Man and the Wasp costar Michelle Pfeiffer for her beauty, and says she is the most beautiful woman ever. Michelle Pfeiffer, an American actress and producer is considered to be among the most talented actresses of her generation.

“When we first started doing the first Ant-Man film, they referenced Janet van Dyne a lot. I told Marvel four years ago if they ever bring a Janet van Dyne into one of these films, please make it Michelle Pfeiffer. I really wanted Michelle Pfeiffer to play my character’s mom,” Lilly said in a statement to IANS. “Not only is she the most beautiful woman to have ever walked planet Earth and a great actor, she was also Catwoman, and that was the only superhero that when I was in my teens I would lay awake at night and fantasize about. She was so cool.

“When the film was getting going, they broke the news to me that Michelle was, in fact, going to play Hope’s mother. It had nothing to do with my request I’m sure, but they realized one of my dreams by casting her,” Lilly added.

Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and the Wasp is directed by Peyton Reed, who also directed the original. It is intended to be the sequel to 2015’s Ant-Man, and the twentieth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie is set between the events of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. Paul Rudd Scott’s Lang/Ant-Man and Lilly’s Hope van Dyne/The Wasp team up after Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) asks them to battle Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) who has the ability to be invisible and intangible. It is slated to release in India on July 13 in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

(Indian Express)

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas step out for a date night Andy Serkis: Cinema is slipping away, streamers are taking over

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t was yet another date night for Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra and American singing sensation Nick Jonas. While Priyanka was a special guest at Nick’s family wedding recently, the two were seen post an outing on Tuesday night in New York City. The rumoured couple were spotted leaving a restaurant and the photos have gone viral.

Without paying any heed to the relationship rumours, Priyanka and Nick are simply enjoying their time together. The two have been photographed together on multiple occasions in the past few days.

We saw them posting comments on each other’s Instagram handles. They

were also spotted at JFK airport together, and a photo of the two on a day out with friends also surfaced on the internet. Priyanka and Nick’s relationship rumours first started after they attended the 2017 Met Gala together.

They were also seen “cozying up” at Toca Madera restaurant in Los Angeles. “The pair were very affectionate with one another, with Priyanka running her hands through his hair as they cozied up together at their corner table in the garden patio,” the source said. The source also added, “They were cute and seemed to be enjoying each other’s company, laughing and smiling.” (Indian Express)

o discussion about motion capture in movies can be complete without mentioning Andy Serkis. The 54-yearold actor, who has pioneered motion capture in Hollywood, with characters like King Kong, Caesar in Planet of the Apes, Gollum in The Lord of the Rings and Supreme Leader Snoke in Star Wars, believes people mostly come to cinema halls to watch “tent-pole blockbusters”.

In an interview with Independent about how technology will change the future of cinema, Andy said, “We’re entering into a different realm now because entertainment will no longer just be cinemas as we know it. Cinema is slipping away, sadly, apart from tentpole blockbusters. The streamers are taking over.”

Serkis believes that in order to revolutionise the way filmmakers tell the story, the film industry needs to adopt two technological advances: virtual re-

Kanye West gets the Deadpool treatment

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anye West has professed his fandom for the Deadpool movies but it looks like he is yet to get on board with the sarcastic side of Ryan Reynolds.

The Deadpool films have performed phenomenally at the worldwide box office and much credit goes to Reynolds’ witty repartee both on screen as well as off-screen.

Kanye recently tweeted, “I love both Deadpool movies… I heard tracks in it that sound similar to mine… bro I would have cleared my music for Deadpool …”

He followed up the tweet with, “your guys writing and approach is so innovative …

I love how you guys break the 4th wall… thank you for being innovative and please know I’m down to clear next time.”

Celine Dion created Ashes for the soundtrack of Deadpool 2 and it looked like West was referring to the same. To Kanye’s tweet, Ryan responded, “Agree.

I’m having a word with Celine Dion.”

For those who have been following Reynolds’ witty responses on Twitter, this

response was clearly a sarcastic statement.

But for someone who is active as Kanye on social media, we wonder if he ever understood what Reynolds actually meant. The character of Deadpool is known for his sharp one-liners but Reynolds maintains that persona on his social media profiles as well.

Celine then jumped into this conversation and replied, “Hmm, “Ashes (Yeezy Remix)” does have a nice ring to it… – Céline xx…” (Indian Express)

ality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). He further adds that motion capture will also play a big part in building the future of movies.

“There’s just no question.

Over the next ten years, we will see actors playing VR roles.

Now that Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu has made this VR piece, you’re going to see many, many more 360 degree stories that use VR capture.”

Andy further implied, “Everyone has thought of it as ‘How do we bring the film experience to VR?’ What I actually think we need to do is ask ‘How do we bring theatre to VR? VR requires a much more visceral performance. You create these avatar characters, but instead of a film narrative, it’s a play script that is being brought to life.”

Bringing VR to everyone does not seem ideal at the moment as headsets are still expensive. While the technology may be key to cinema’s future, there are still some other dated opinions with regards to modern technology that need addressing. (Indian Express)

50 sport

Bramble to lead Windies ‘B’ Team in Global T20

-Rutherford only other Guyanese in squad

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uyana Jaguars’ wicket-keeper/ Browne, has said, “With our Test and batsman Anthony Bramble will ‘A’ teams currently on tour, the Global lead the West Indies ‘B’ Team T20 presents an opportunity for the for the inaugural Global T20 Canada panel to see some of our developing players in the region. The expoLeague, which bowls off from June 28 to July 15. sure and added development The international tournament is set will assist us with identifying players with the potential to to attract other elite T20 players from across the cricketing spectrum, but develop into international T20 cricketers.”

Windies Director of Cricket, Jimmy The Global T20 Canada Adams, thinks “this is a great opportunity for players, and feeds into the League will see 22 matches beorganisation’s wider high-performance ing played in a round-robin format, followed by playoffs and the programme, which looks to develop championship match to be held all-round skills sets of the players on July 15. All contests will take and officials.” place at Maple Leaf Cricket Club Bramble has been in Toronto.

Guyana’s preMeanwhile, the Windies contingent is set to leave the region mier gloveon June 14. man for the This WINDIES B squad is: past 4 seasons, Anthony Bramble (Captain), and has done well in all formats of Fabian Allen, Alick Athanaze, cricket for his counRoland Cato, Justin Greaves, Derval Green, Kavem Hodge, try. The aggressive Brandon King, Jeremiah Louis, right-hander will be acObed McCoy, Khary Pierre, companied by all-rounder Nicholas Pooran, Sherfane Sherfane Rutherford, who is the only other Guyanese Rutherford and Shamar named in the squad, which Springer. features talents like atThe Team Management Unit intacking keeper/batsman cludes Stuart Williams Nicholas Pooran, spin(Coach), Roderick ner Derval Green, former Windies U19 World Cup Estwick (Coach), Denis winning player Shamar Byam (Physiotherapist), Springer, Jamaica’s Cyril Cox (Strength and Conditioning Trainer) Fabian Allen, and othand Trent Sargeant er talents from across (Analyst). the region.

Anthony Chairman of Bramble Selectors, Courtney

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana’s National Cycling Champ dies

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mother’s worst dread was realised in the wee hours of Monday when her beloved daughter lost the battle with a terminal illness.

Fifteen-year-old Beyonce Ross, a student of the Lower Corentyne Secondary School in Rose Hall Town, East Berbice, possessed a wealth of potential and had excelled at academics and sports.

Most popularly known for her remarkable performance at last year’s National Schools Cycling competition, where she copped three gold medals, the young athlete had been described as determined and jovial.

The life of Beyonce Ross took a tragic turn in February of 2018, when she began visiting doctors to determine the cause of the severe headaches that she was experiencing. On the first occasion, the pain and vomiting was said to be the result of a minor illness, and she was treated and sent home. Just a month later, after the pain continued, Ross was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

It was then that Beyonce’s mother, Yonette Clarke, began pleading with anyone who would listen to her cry to help her daugh-

Beyonce Ross

ter return to her state of normalcy. Meanwhile, Ross’s condition continuously deteriorated over the passing months.

A glimmer of hope arose when doctors determined that the tumour, sitting in the middle of the teen’s brain, was not cancerous and could be removed with surgery done overseas. The teen’s mother, Yonette Clarke, was very optimistic that her daughter would be able to pull through.

Distraught relatives clung tenaciously to their hope even as Beyonce was admitted to hospital on Thursday last for a seizure and fell uncon-

scious. Transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) from Berbice, she was placed on life support.

Most regrettably, she passed away at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where she had been on life support ever since having a seizure and losing unconsciousness on Thursday, June 7, 2018.

Guyana Times International Sport would like to tender sincerest condolences to Yonette Clarke, the mother of the late Beyonce Ross, and to all those left bereaved at the passing of this promising star.

GRFU commences 2018 15s Season

GDF’s Dwayne Schroder receiving the Bounty Farm 15s 2017 Trophy in the presence of his teammates and GRFU representatives on Sunday

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espite the muddy condition of the National Park’s rugby field, the Guyana Rugby Football Union’s (GRFU’s) 2018 season was off to a perfect start.

Pepsi Hornets team held off a strong challenge from the Panthers to win 12 -10 in the season opener of the Bounty Farm 15s tournament on Sunday.

Hornets’ tries came from National player Leon Greaves, along with a conversion from captain Ryan Gonsalves; while Panthers’ Godfrey Broomes scored both tries for his team.

The GRFU also presented the Panthers Club with its second division trophy for winning the GRFU Tens tournament.

Additionally, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were presented with a trophy for winning the GRFU Bounty Farm 15s 2017 tournament, which ended on Saturday.

The final points standing read: GDF – 36 points, Panthers – 31, Police Falcons – 14, Pepsi Hornets – 11 and Yamaha Caribs – 6.

During the next two months, the GRFU will be engaged in three international tournaments for 2018: the CACSO Games Rugby Sevens, Americas Rugby Challenge Championships Fifteens, and RAN Sevens Championships, which will also serve as qualifiers for the 2019 Pan American Games in Peru.

Sport 51

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Newly-commissioned roundabout unveiled as “Clive Lloyd Drive”

Integration and reinvestment – reaping the fruits of North America 2026

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DCC President Roger Harper, Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase Green, sponsors from Top Brandz and others during the official unveiling of the Clive Lloyd roundabout

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he newly-commissioned Vlissengen Road and Carifesta Avenue roundabout was on Monday officially declared the Clive Lloyd Drive following a special unveiling ceremony.

The roundabout, which leads to the Rupert Craig Highway, saw the former Windies skipper and legend being honoured by members of his club, Demerara Cricket Club (DCC); Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency’s Department of Public Service, Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase Green and sponsors from Top Brandz.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency’s Department

of Public Service and Master of Ceremonies, Reginald Brotherson, believed that the move was ideal as it not only recognised the legend, but beautified the city in the process.

Mayor Chase Green said the event was special as it helped to recognise an important figure in Guyana’s cricketing history.

Lloyd, whose first Test was back in 1966 against India, was one of the top tier players of the golden age, winning the first-ever 50-Over World Cup in 1975. DCC President Roger Harper exalted the legendary batsman for his contribution to the sport, Guyana, and the world over.

Dhonie admits age might be changing his game

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S Dhoni, the Chennai Super Kings captain, has admitted that age might be changing his game, necessitating a move up the order in T20 cricket. He has likened batting down the order to the experience of stepping into quicksand.

With 455 runs in 16 matches, Dhoni, 36, was one of the driving forces behind CSK's title win in IPL 2018.

Dhoni's tally was just six runs short of his most productive season ever. He also faced 302 balls - it was only the third time he had faced more than 300 balls in a season.

"I was sure in my mind that I wanted to bat up the order, because with age, me batting down the order was like quicksand," Dhoni said at an event in Mumbai. "I wanted to make sure that I wanted to take the responsibility of winning the game, but I was coming so [far] down the order that I was not giving time to myself.

"So, it was more like quicksand: the

more I flutter, the deeper I would go.

So, I said that I want to make a team where we bat deep, that gives me a chance to bat up the order, and to me up the order doesn't mean I want to bat at three, four or five; it's the number of overs [left in the innings]."

One of the major successes of CSK's 2018 campaign was their death-overs batting - they ended the tournament as the team with the best average and the second-best scoring rate in overs 16-20, with several of their innings characterised by manic late surges. Dhoni had a big part to play in that as he turned the clock back with his big hitting, striking at 12.04 an over and averaging 99 in the last five overs. He also biffed 30 sixes - his most in a single season - with 24 coming in the last five overs. Dhoni felt being part of a team that batted deep, and a team full of in-form batsmen, gave him the license to bat aggressively.

"I said that I want to bat up, so when I go into bat, I would like to bat aggressive, so that even if I get out, it gives others a chance to reinvent themselves about finishing the game, what they need to do, if they are under pressure and all of that," he said. "Fortunately, we did not use our batting order to the full extent in the whole of IPL because [Shane] Watson, [Ambati] Rayudu, [Suresh] Raina, me, [Dwayne] Bravo we all kept scoring runs and that really helped us. But my planning, right from the start, was to make a team which bats deep, where everybody should be able to bat, and that gives me an opportunity to go out there and express myself." (ESPNCricinfo)

uyana Football Federation Forde then stated: “What (GFF) President Wayne I can speak to is that the Forde travelled to Russia President’s vision is to do evto participate in a FIFA congress erything within his power to and the voting process for the not only integrate the con2026 World Cup venue, as North federation but to impact the America – inclusive of the USA, quality of the game within the Canada and Mexico – found CFU region.” itself bidding against This stateMorocco to host one of ment brought the highest-grossing the conversasporting events in the tion to how the world.

Caribbean and Earlier on Guyana could Tuesday, it was benefit from announced that the spoils North America of the 2026 had unanWorld Cup. imously To which won the Forde conbid, a firmed that revelahe has been tion that in talks with w o u l d CONCACAF please the President GFF President.

V i c t o r “If we’re successful Montagliani, in bringing it into our who is “pursuing confederation, it’s goan agenda that will ing to be the most profitsee a lot of reinvestable World Cup in the hisment in the Caribbean”. tory of FIFA World Cups. “ P r e s i d e n t It projected that it’s easily Montagliani has somewhere around 11 and been at the helm of a half to 12 billion [USD] CONCACAF for just GFF President Wayne Forde in profit, so why would over two years and he we not want to do that; has brought in a new of course, we would like to see some of culture of inclusiveness in the operathat good revenue being reinvested in tion of football within the confederinfrastructure in Guyana,” Forde had ation,” he stated, citing the Nations said when questioned about Guyana’s League as one of the initiatives that vote. have been bridging the divide.

However, despite the President’s “And there’re other ideas that will elation at being able to have the World see further integration of the family, Cup hosted within the CONCACAF re- ‘cause he understands how important gion, questions were raised about the it is for you not to have a handful of benefits that Guyana and the wider countries that are doing exceptionally Caribbean would get from the event. well and the bulk of the family is beThose queries were based on the fact low,” Forde concluded. that the North American countries, esThe wait is now on to see how the pecially the USA and Canada, seldom 2026 World Cup will play out; will the engage with the Caribbean Football North American and Caribbean naUnion (CFU) teams. tions engage in more friendlies? Will In reply to those questions, Forde revenue trickle down to the CFU for said, “For you to somehow compare infrastructural development? In eight the fact that Guyana over the past two years, time will tell. In the meantime decades hasn’t had an opportunity to the GFF is focused on seeing the men’s play the USA, we have played Canada; national team (the Golden Jaguars) of course, we played Mexico a couple of qualify for the 2026 World Cup under times. So when you look at the stron- the stewardship of new Head Coach ger nations, we would have come up Michael Johnson. against two of them.”

52 sport

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

West Indies eye successive Test wins after 4 years S

ri Lanka had hoped this would be one of their easier away tours this year. West Indies' home record was modest; Sri Lanka's Test side was picking up some momentum. But the Test in Port-of-Spain wasn't merely a defeat, it was a decimation. Twice West Indies' quicks scythed through the visitors' top order. Although Sri Lanka had fielded five frontline bowlers, they still could not capitalise on having the opposition 147 for 5 on the first day. On a batting track, only Kusal Mendis could muster a score of over 45 - and even that, only having given two clear-cut chances.

When these teams had last met, in Sri Lanka in 2015, West Indies had shown flashes of individual brilliance but had failed to come together as a team. In the first Test, they had no such problems. Commitment to the team cause was visible in the way Devendra Bishoo and Kemar Roach buckled down alongside Shane Dowrich, to haul West Indies to a formidable score. Even with the ball, there were unlikely contributors - Roston Chase running through Sri Lanka's tail on the fifth day, after the quicks had knocked out the top order.

While the hosts surge, Sri Lanka have tactical questions to answer.

Is the five-frontline bowler strategy worth persisting with, given Dilruwan Perera's modest returns with the ball?

Kusal Perera is likely to make way for Dhananjaya de Silva at the top of the innings, but can Sri Lanka accommodate Kusal lower down the order, now that Angelo Mathews has left the tour?

And is the attack dynamic enough? Or does it require the insertion of Akila Dananjaya?

However, Sri Lanka chooses to answer those questions, they will be in flux - Lahiru Gamage also having left the Caribbean, with a fractured finger.

West Indies are in the unusual position of having to follow up a supremely dominant performance.

One fact that may give Sri Lanka some hope is that it has been almost four years, and 31 Tests, since West Indies won back-to-back matches.

es a

staggering 17.69, compared to his average of over 50 in drawn and lost Tests. If Holder gets wickets, West Indies tend to be competitive.

It was a surprise that Lahiru Kumara took twice as many wickets as any other Sri Lanka bowler in Trinidad.

Although he is still hugely indiscipline, the pace and bounce he In the spotlight generated made him efW h i l e fective on a largely unthe opposition responsive track. struggles with balKumara's issue, though, ancing their XI, the man has been consistency. who ensures West Indies He excites on occahave no such issues is sion, but can just as Jason Holder. He was easily go wicketless part of his team's the and leak a hundred first-innings resisruns in the next tance with the bat in match.

W i t h game one, before supGamage out porting the frontline of the side, Sri Lanka bowlers through the reShimron Hetmyer are desperate for Kumara to mainder of the Test. That provide the same intensity in he is growing in confidence St Lucia that he had shown in as a leader was evident from his first-innings declaration - pulling Trinidad. the batsmen out with the score at 414 for 8, in order to bowl at Sri Lanka late Team news on the second day. His batting averDevon Smith's comeback Test did age is on a gentle forward march, but not go well. But it is possible West it is a breakdown of his bowling figures Indies will give him another shot at the that provides the biggest surprise. In top of the order, which will, of course, West Indies victories, Holder averag- keep Shimron Hetmyer out of the XI.

If Hetmyer does play, he will probably bat at No. 3 and Powell will open the innings again. Elsewhere, West Indies are unlikely to make changes.

West Indies (possible): 1 Kraigg Brathwaite, 2 Devon Smith, 3 Kieran Powell, 4 Shai Hope, 5 Roston Chase, 6 Shane Dowrich (wk), 7 Jason Holder (capt), 8 Devendra Bishoo, 9 Miguel Cummins, 10 Kemar Roach, 10 Shannon Gabriel If Dhananjaya de Silva plays, Sri Lanka not only gain a batsman averaging over 45 after 13 Tests (though his best performances have come in Asia), they also have a half-decent offspinner in the top six. Perhaps this will prompt them to return to a 7-4 combination, fielding an extra batsman in place of another bowler. Dilruwan Perera, the most orthodox of Sri Lanka's spinners, also stands to lose his spot to Akila Dananjaya - a far less experienced but more aggressive option.

Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Kusal Mendis, 2 Mahela Udawatte, 3 Dhananjaya de Silva, 4 Roshen Silva, 5 Dinesh Chandimal (capt), 6 Kusal Perera, 7 Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 8 Rangana Herath, 9 Suranga Lakmal, 10 Akila Dananjaya, 11 Lahiru Kumara

Pitch and conditions

The weather is forecast to worsen in Gros Islet over the weekend, possibly causing interruptions.

Seam bowlers had done well in the most-recent Test played at this venue - the India-West Indies Test of 2016.

Given the home quicks' dominance in Trinidad, a lively pitch could be expected. (ESPNCricinfo)

Guyana Open Golf Boxing coach calls for better incentives for Guyanese athletes tourney slated for November A

Christine Sukhram

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olfers from Guyana and overseas will converge at the Lusignan Golf Course over the weekend of November 3-4 to swing off the country’s premier golf event, the Guyana Open Golf Tournament 2018.

According to the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC), a full field of 100 players is expected to compete for top honours at the two-day event. Among the ‘to-do’ list is the inaugural live streaming of the event, as well as creating “a pleasantly memorable, refreshing and captivating experience”.

Apart from the on-

field action, the Club will cater for over 300 persons, including players, diplomats, Ministers of Government and special invitees at an invitationonly cocktail reception on the eve of the tournament.

The Course will be closed for regular play on November 2 to facilitate the smooth hosting of the Guyana Open. It will reopen on November 6.

The Medal Play tournament will be played over 36 holes with action starting at 05:10h on each day. Players will compete in three flights – the A flight (0-9 handicap); B flight (10-18 handicap) and C flight (19-28 handicap).

The first 100 players will be accepted, with the entrance fee set at $25,000 for local members, $30,000 for foreign members and $40,000 for non-members. VIP tickets are also available for $10,000, food and drinks inclusive.

Avinash Persaud is the defending champion of the male division, while Christine Sukhram added the female title to her collection in 2017.

s the 2018 South American Games athletes returned to Guyana, the usual script was followed: a press conference and a photo opportunity. Although this has become the custom in our homeland, Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Technical Director and Boxing Coach Terrence Poole decided that he would take a stand against the unfair treatment that athletes have been receiving over the past years.

After presenting his report on the Cochabamba, Bolivia trip, where both of the Guyanese boxers secured bronze medals, Poole made a passionate plea on his athletes’ behalf.

“We need to look at athletes’ welfare now.

The athletes are willing to perform, but if they don’t have things to go after, they will not perform.”

Poole went on to use Guyanese javelin record holder Leslain Baird’s promotion as an example of what could be offered to sportspersons. “The GDF offered Senior Petty Officer Baird, since before the Commonwealth Games the Chief-ofStaff said ‘you give me

From left: Boxing Coach Terrence Poole, Keevin Allicock, Leslain Baird, Colin Lewis, and Athletics Coach Robert Chisolm

77.5 and I promote you’.

He went to Australia, he didn’t make it, but that projection was still there for him. He went to SA Games and he broke the record and he got a promotion,” the GBA Technical Director noted.

After positing that a benchmark or goal will motivate athletes to do better at international engagements, the Boxing Coach proceeded to question the National Sport Policy draft, which he believes should not hinder Government and the National Sports Commission from dispensing better treatment to their sports personalities. “Why are we just

waiting on a policy to draft?” Poole questioned.

“Let the athletes get tangible things; they must want to go on further. Not just congratulations, we’re fed up with that now; we passed that stage,” an evidently frustrated Poole concluded.

After Poole’s passionate discourse, Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) President KA Juman-Yassin took a stand with the Coach, explaining that his organisation would try its utmost best to reward the athletes, but the Government could offer much more.

“An athlete goes, he comes back – a photo opportunity and that’s

the end. I endorse what Terrence has said and we need something much more tangible from the Government. The GOA cannot do everything,” Juman-Yassin said.

The Guyanese athletes returned home with a total of five medals from the 11-member contingent. Javelin thrower Leslain Baird broke the national record with a throw of 78.65 metres which landed him a silver medal. Boxers Colin Lewis and Keevin Allicock both walked away with bronze medals, while track and field athletes Jenea McCalmon and Winston George also copped bronze medals.

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

T20 star Sammy looks to future ahead of 2018 Hero CPL D

ynamic all-rounder Darren Sammy is looking to his future and a post-cricket career, as he prepares for the 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), which gets underway from August 8.

Sammy will appear for the St Lucia Stars in this year’s CPL, and recently, the former Windies and two-time World T20 Cup-winning Captain, who is still very much in demand and is far from done with playing cricket, has started thinking about what he will do when he does hang up his boots.

The hard-hitting right-hander pointed out that he was weighing all the options regarding a post-cricket career; options which include coaching, commentary, and mentoring.

“A few of the franchises that I’ve played for, they want me to venture into coaching and mentoring. It’s something that I’ve spoken to my manager about, but to be honest with a young family coming up, I’ll probably take a couple years off, raise my kids, enjoy life with my family, because I’ve been on the road for like forever,” he said.

“I’ll watch my kids grow, get to see them take out a tooth and enjoy stuff like that, and in between definitely, probably, mentoring. I don’t want to spend all this time away from home anymore. Commentary – you know I’ll venture. The income acquired over the years, I just have to make sure it’s in the right places and investments that could sustain me and my family for my remainder of my days on this earth.”

It was a difficult year for the St Lucia Stars in 2017, with them failing to win a match, their only points came from an abandoned game at Warner Park, St Kitts. Sammy says they just never got going. This year, there is an almost completely new squad, with

Sammy one of only five players that appeared last season.

Sammy was relieved of the captaincy of the Stars halfway through last season.

“I think we just never gelled as a team out there. To start off, we missed a few key players: Lasith Malinga pulled out, David Miller pulled out, Shane Watson was injured the first three games of the tournament. We just never came out of the blocks. The race was finished, and we still didn’t get out of the blocks,” Sammy reflected.

He continued, “I always say cricket has always been a team sport, but you need individual performances.

We didn’t get that. We probably could bring in some changes to the franchise to make it better. So, I’m actually looking forward for this season and see what it brings.”

He says his focus is solely on his own on-field performance for CPL 2018. “Well, to be honest, this year I’ve taken a backseat in the planning.

Obviously, things didn’t go well for us last year and I won’t be the captain of the franchise. I’m staying away from this entire decision-making.

“I will focus my energy in performing on the field, obviously helping the captain and trying to win games for St Lucia, especially when we are at home playing in the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground,” he added.

As someone who has had a huge amount of success in T20 cricket, not least captaining Windies to two World T20 titles, Sammy is well placed to explain why Caribbean cricketers have done so well in the format.

“Well, I think the style of play, when you see a West Indian you think of flair, you think of excitement, you think of entertainment and that’s what

T20 is about. The brand of cricket that we’ve played, we’ve been playing T20s from way back.

Sir Garfield Sobers and these guys, they batted like T20.

“Sir Viv Richards, the flair in which they played. When everybody was striking at 60-something, Sir Viv was striking at 80 or 90. So, we’ve always played that fast-paced brand of cricket and it’s just that our generation is just blessed that T20 was introduced during that same period.

“I think it’s been for the last decade; it’s been what’s keeping West Indies cricket still as a powerful brand, because we’ve failed at Test matches, we’ve failed at One Days, but we’ve excelled at T20s. Our team get in to the playoffs for so many T20 finals. I think except when we’ve played in the Caribbean, we were in the semifinals for all the T20 competitions that we’ve played. It’s just a format of the game that suits our Caribbean people.”

When asked what makes Hero CPL so special, Sammy says there are so many elements that combine to make it a unique tournament. “CPL is a very great brand – where you get all the West Indians playing at the same time, mix the internationals with that, plus you’re in the Caribbean. I don’t think there’s any other cricketer in the world that would not want to tour the Caribbean. Beautiful place, blue sea, white sand, amazing people, amazing food, it’s like you’re on a vacation and that’s the type of atmosphere CPL brings.

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Darren Sammy

“Plus, the cricket is exciting, the fans won’t enjoy a cricket game like that anywhere else than in the Caribbean. We’re just unique in the things that we do, the way we celebrate, and CPL is a growing brand. I would love for St Lucia to win this one coming. We’ve not really represented ourselves really well, but hopefully this year we can raise the trophy. It’s a competition that keeps on growing, keeps on producing young cricketers and hopefully that could filter into international cricket where we can start producing cricketers that could go on to play well for West Indies,” Sammy ended.

GOA recognises successful SA Games athletes

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Bronze Medal winner Keevin Allicock (right)

he Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) on Tuesday took the time to honour the strides made by the Guyanese contingent who recently returned from the 2018 South American Games, which were held in Cochabamba, Bolivia from May 26 to June 8.

With stellar achievements such as Guyana’s first international javelin medal and Guyana’s first boxing medals at the games, the 11-member contingent was praised for making their homeland proud. Leading the acclamation was GOA President KA Juman Yassin.

“They’ve done extremely well. I’m very proud of them,” he stated, wearing a broad smile.

The Guyanese contingent comprised badminton player Narayan Ramdhani, table tennis players Shemar Britton, Chelsea Edghill, Natalie Cummings and Trenace Lowe; boxers Colin Lewis and Keevin Allicock, and track and field athletes Winston George, Akeem Stewart, Jenea McCalmon and Leslain Baird. Of that team, five athletes returned home with medals, making for a commendable contingent-to-medal ratio.

Keavon Bess was entrusted with the demanding position of Chef de mission, a task that the GOA President said he executed well. “He did an exceeding-

ly good job. His reports were accurate, I think some of them were written at 2am, but every day we got a report from him,” Yassin said.

In his remarks, Bess disclosed that he saw tremendous potential on display from the Guyanese athletes. “Overall, the team was easy to manage. I gained a lot of experience and I look forward to being in a position to help the development of sport in Guyana and more so to help the young ones that I see have a lot of potential in them.”

Leslain Baird’s javelin throw of 78.65 metres landed him a silver medal, while track and field teammates George and McCalmon secured bronze in their disciplines. Competing in the light welterweight and bantamweight categories respectively, Colin Lewis and Keevin Allicock both managed to cop bronze medals.

Citing hindrances such as the altitude, thin air and the extremely cold weather conditions, most of the athletes believed that they could have done better in familiar conditions. As such, Ramdhani noted that if the athletes could be allowed to arrive in host countries earlier, they would have time to adapt to the climate and adjust their game accordingly. This sentiment was echoed by all of the athletes and coaches present.

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING JUNE 17 , 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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