Guyana times international may 11 2018

India impressed with success of its Diaspora around the world …India’s State Minister says during visit to Guyana

INTERNATIONAL

Page 8

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‘State bullyism’ was well planned - Jagdeo

WEEK ENDING May 13, 2018

ISSUE NO. 396

...Singh, Brassington confident they will be vindicated

See stories on pages 3 & 10

NY Governor announces results from statewide campaign to curtail underage drinking Page 5

Triangular love affair ends deadly in Linden

Page 7

…man fatally stabs ex-girlfriend’s reputed husband while sleeping

DEAD: Claude Dejonge

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NEWS 3

WEEK ENDING MAY 13, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

A travesty!

C

alling charges against his former Finance Minister and a former top official in his then Government a travesty, former President Bharrat Jagdeo on Tuesday warned of re-

percussions for those responsible should his Party regain power.

During a press conference, the Opposition Leader had harsh words for the prosecution brought against former Finance Minister

Ashni Singh and former National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Winston Brassington.

The former President stressed that Singh and Brassington were not

…Jagdeo says charges against Singh, Brassington meant to satisfy PNC supporters

charged for having a single cent corruptly attained.

Instead, he noted, they are being charged for selling land without a valuation, even though there was a public tender that set the market value. Warning that more charges are likely to come against former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Ministers for varying ulterior motives, Jagdeo noted that the charges were not unexpected.

No evidence

The Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) office

“It was expected. [A Partnership for National Unity] APNU is operating according to plan. So, in the pre-election period, Granger and many others declared their intention and led by the Kaieteur News, that “we

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

must jail Brassington, Singh, Jagdeo, a whole list of people, for acts of corruption. They declared this across country on their platform.

“Almost every speaker routinely got up and spoke about jailing them.

The Government, as soon as it got into office, continued on page 13

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WEEK ENDING MAY 13, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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EDITORIAL

T

Building a resilient and ‘green economy’

he local Private Sector and the Government of Guyana must redouble their efforts to ensure that no stone is left unturned in transforming Guyana into a modern and resilient “green economy” that caters to the socioeconomic needs of its citizenry in an environmentally sustainable manner.

This is critical because Guyana has unparalleled opportunities for green business development and immense potential to be green business leaders, not followers. It is therefore imperative for the Private Sector Commission (PSC) to be active partners in the effort to realise the immense potential of green business opportunities.

This must be done against the backdrop of Guyana’s historic offer of the Iwokrama Rainforest to the Commonwealth as a laboratory for sustainable forest management and its crafting and implementing one of the developing world’s first Low Carbon Development Strategies (LCDS). These are no doubt examples of how it has led the way already in the area of green policy creation, environmental sustainability and the fight against climate change.

Also, the move with the Kingdom of Norway, which saw the setting up of the world’s second largest international partnership on climate change and sustainable forests management, and more recently, Government’s commitment to a green development path through the Green State Development Strategy are other examples of how Guyana has made a reputation for itself across the world as green leaders.

There is still further potential to be grasped from these initiatives – for business, for Government, and for communities across Guyana.

Serious thought must therefore be given to the suggestions made by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association last year at a business dinner as to how this could be done.

It is no secret too that in the manufacturing sector energy efficiency measures and behavioural change were leading to reduced energy costs in other parts of the world and many local businesses were now moving towards hybrid systems utilising solar technology. And while the Private Sector could – and should – make progress on its own initiative, its ability to deliver sustainable development outcomes could be elevated through the right kind of enabling environment, and crucially – through public-private partnerships.

Additionally, At the policy level – to this day, the Guyana-Norway partnership is a model for forest countries across the world because of its central themes – protecting forests; earning revenue; using revenue to diversify and green the economy; building resilience to climate change – which were radical back then are now the goals that are recognised by others.

Many of our country’s most exciting economic development sectors were outlined originally in the National Development Strategy, and subsequently in the National Competitiveness Strategy.

The LCDS drew on the National Competitiveness Strategy to set out several low-carbon growth areas, one of them being business process outsourcing. Through a combination of policy and public-private partnerships, we have seen tremendous growth in the business process outsourcing sector with international operators investing and creating thousands of jobs – recently, one of the pioneer investors in the sector expanded its operation to create more jobs.

This shows that it is possible for key sectors that we recognise today as green growth sectors to be transformed in a relatively short period of time if the enabling environment is in place to encourage investment.

Recall too that the Government has expressed its intention to continue this theme of developing green economic sectors and to support initiatives in this regard.

All Guyanese should be proud of what we have achieved over many years but the Private Sector’s and Government’s challenge in the months ahead was to ask, what do we need to do to further support greening of businesses and achieving this ambition?

Guyana needed to work towards building public-private partnerships for green projects and while Government has already initiated several incentive measures to encourage investments in green technologies, consideration should be given to expanding incentives and to considering performance benefits as a means of encouraging businesses.

We should work together to push for an internationally recognisable Guyana brand to act as a ‘green label’ for Guyanese products which takes on board all our efforts, for example on EITI, EU-FLEGT, having one of the lowest deforestation rates in the world, commitment to renewable energy, etc. Costa Rica and other countries have made progress with this but it must be argued that Guyana has the potential for a worldleading brand.

There is still need for the country to commence a genuine and wellthought out national programme for the greening of businesses which can result in the type of outcomes that we seek.

A scene from this year’s ‘Tassarama’, National Tassa Drumming Competition in Guyana. Tassa drumming invites exploration of how the distinctive nature of the Indian Diaspora and its relationship to its ancestral homeland influenced Indo-Caribbean music culture. It represents survivals, departures, or innovative elaborations of transplanted music forms. In Guyana, Tassa drumming is primarily associated with Indian weddings and political rallies and is mostly enjoyed by the older folks. (DPI photo)

Op-Ed: We must speak out against political victimization

The following is an opinion piece by former Government Minister Dr Lesile Ramsammy:

I

stand with Dr Ashni Singh, I stand with Winston Brassington, I stand with all those who are being victimized, I stand against political victimization. I reject the policy of belittling political opponents. I will not let apathy be my solace. I will raise my voice to say unequivocally, political victimization is wrong.

There can be no dispute, no vacillation, APNU+AFC is on a mission to harass, intimidate, embarrass, humiliate and victimize their political opponents and any citizen who dares to stand up and speak out. The charges of public misconduct against Dr Ashni Singh and Winston Brassington, two dedicated and distinguished Guyanese public servants, are appalling, disgusting and nauseating. Parading them in handcuffs to dehumanize is the stuff of petty despots.

Whatever may be our differences, whatever our political affiliation, our country’s freedom is far more precious than blind loyalty to a group of persons who blatantly disregard the civil liberties of citizens. We must stand up, we must speak out. Our rage must be evident, loud and unbending.

Martin Niemoller, a prominent Protestant Pastor in Germany emerged as a formidable public foe of Adolf Hitler and spent the last seven years of Nazi rule in various concentration camps. He believed that decent Germans, in particular, the leaders of the Protestant churches, had been complicit through their silence in the NAZI imprisonment, prosecution and murders and genocide of people. He wrote these famous words: First, they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did

not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me.

Niemoller’s words were a lyrical manifestation of the evils of apathy, arguing that the only way to stop evil is for the moral connectedness of people. Like it was during those brutal NAZI days in Germany, so it is today in Guyana, no time for decent people to opt for silence. The right thing to do now is to band together in collective rage.

While President Granger and his Cabinet smiled with wicked glee as Dr Ashni Singh and Winston Brassington were handcuffed and paraded through the prisoner’s chute, even after they had voluntarily entered the courtroom, clearly intending to embarrass, humiliate and dehumanize them, the majority of Guyanese people responded with absolute rage. Far from humiliating these distinguished Guyanese public servants, the standings of Ashni and Winston were elevated among their sisters and brothers. Granger and APNU+AFC took joy in treating Ashni Singh and Brassington as hardcore criminals, but in the eyes of a majority of Guyanese, they were heroes, holding high the badge of honor and courage.

They are criminally charged for serving their country well, for doing their jobs. They are not charged for stealing any money or for gaining any benefits. This the prosecution has made clear. They are charged for public misconduct, APNU+AFC claiming they could have sold government properties for higher prices. If what they are charged with has any legitimacy, there are ministers in the present Cabinet even more guilty of public misconduct.

Indeed, if these charges have any legitimacy, Carl Greenidge should be handcuffed and jailed. One example suffices here. Under Greenidge’s tenure, Demerara Woods was

sold to Lord Beaverbrook, in February 1991 for £9.7 million. He also negotiated and obtained a 50-year lease for 1.1 million acres of rain forest.

Just two months later, in April 1991, he sold his interests to United Dutch Company for £61 million worth of equity in that firm. The new entity was renamed Demerara Timbers Ltd. Even though Beaverbrook had up to mid-1992 not finished paying the Guyana government for Demerara Woods, he merged the enterprise into the giant United Dutch Company.

This latter company took control of Demerara Timbers of which Beaverbrook remained a major shareholder. By 1992, United Dutch valued Demerara Timbers at £74 million!…The rainforest concession alone was estimated at between US$160 million to US$206 million.

Between 1992 and 1997, Cheddi Jagan was under intense pressure to scrutinize transactions like the Demerara Woods sale. It was only one of a long list of questionable and obviously corrupt deals that also included the sale of GTT. But Cheddi insisted that we must not follow the example of pettiness and political victimization. He agreed there were pressing concerns and valid reasons to hold his opponents accountable. But his view was that we must turn to a new page, focus on economic and social welfare needs of our people, build a free, democratic state and reduce poverty.

Even for those who may still be strong supporters of APNU+AFC, it is time to draw a line and reject political victimization. For while today is for people like Ashni Singh and others, we do not know whose turn it might be tomorrow. Apathy might seem like a safe thing to many, but apathy only provides encouragement for our tormenters. Remember, evil is not simply because there are evil people, but mostly because good people remain silent.

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NY Governor announces results from statewide campaign to curtail underage drinking

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ew York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced the results of coordinated efforts by the State Liquor Authority, the Department of Motor Vehicles and local law enforcement agencies to crack down on underage drinking throughout the state during the month of April.

According to a report from the Governor’s office, during this enforcement effort, SLA underage decoys visited 756 establishments, 200 of which made illegal sales.

In addition, this April, DMV investigators arrested 48 people under the age of 21 attempting to use false identification to purchase alcohol.

"State and local law enforcement are taking proactive measures to deter underage drinking and to prevent the dangerous and potentially life-altering consequences that can come with it," Governor Cuomo said.

"We are committed to continuing these coordinated efforts to keep young New Yorkers and our communities safe."

The SLA conducted 56 underage details in 45 counties, with investigators sending underage decoys into 756 establishments holding liquor licenses, including bars, restaurants, liquor stores and grocery stores, looking for retailers who sell alcohol to minors. During the investigations, SLA investigators entered the licensed premises separately from the undercover minor to observe and verify when illegal transactions occurred.

The decoys were able to purchase alcohol at 200 businesses listed here.

The 556 businesses that refused to sell to underage decoys are listed here.

As part of DMV's Operation Prevent Initiative, investigators arrested 48 people for possessing false identification and seized 47 fake identifications during the month of April.

Central New York 12 arrests and 12 IDs seized at Alley Cats in Oswego: April 20 2 arrests and 2 IDs seized at The Sting in Oswego: April 20 Finger Lakes 11 arrests and 12 IDs seized at Somerton's Public House in Rochester: April 6 3 arrests and 3 IDs seized at Fazools Casual Kitchen in Brockport: April 21 2 arrests and 1 ID seized at The Red Jug Pub in Brockport: April 21

5 arrests and 5 IDs seized at Beef and Brew in Geneva: April 26 1 arrest 0 IDs seized at Parker's Grille and Tap House in Geneva: April 26 1 arrest and 1 ID seized at Rylie J's in Geneva: April 26 Mid-Hudson 10 arrests, 11 IDs seized at Murphy's Restaurant & Pub in New Paltz: April 27 1 arrest and 0 IDs seized at Oasis CafÊ in New Paltz: April 27 According to the Governor’s office, Operation Prevent is an ongoing enforcement campaign which targets not only bars and drinking establishments, but concerts, events and other underage hot spots. As the summer concert season gets underway, DMV investigators will ramp up enforcement at these events.

The statewide sweeps supplement the SLA and DMV's routine underage enforcement efforts conducted throughout the year and build upon the Governor's successful safety initiatives to deter underage drinking and prevent the purchase and use of false identifications. In January 2018, Governor Cuomo announced the Department of Motor Vehicles charged 843 people with possessing fake identifications in 2017, a new statewide record. So far this year, 133 people have been arrested and 134 false IDs have been seized.

SLA Chairman Vincent Bradley said, "Preventing the sale of alcohol to minors is a priority for the State Liquor Authority and we will continue working with the DMV and local law enforcement to reduce incidences of underage drinking and the use of fake IDs. These largescale enforcement efforts will continue to be part of our proactive efforts to prevent alcohol abuse among our youth."

Terri Egan, DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner and Acting Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, said, "Underage drinking can cause harm in so many ways. It is one of the leading causes of fatal crashes involving teens and young adults. Safety is always our highest priority and it takes a team effort to stop underage drinking and to keep our roads safe for everyone.

DMV and the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee work closely with our colleagues at SLA and law enforcement to make

New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

sure young people know and appreciate the consequences of underage drinking and that establishments know to carefully check identifications to make sure none of their patrons are

drinking illegally."

Persons under the age of 21 found to be using fake IDs or false documents with the intent to purchase alcohol can be arrested and have their license re-

voked for a minimum of 90 days or up to one year. Businesses charged by the SLA with underage sales face civil penalties of up to US$10,000 per violation, and repeat offenders face potential suspension or revocation of their licenses.

Additionally, employees or licensees who sell to minors can be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor.

The SLA recommends that all licensees and employees who serve or sell alcoholic beverages take an Alcohol Training Awareness Program.

These programs for bar, restaurant and tavern owners and their staff focus on the legal responsibilities of selling alcohol and provide training in practical skills to help

licensees and their employees avoid violations, including preventing sales to underage persons.

The SLA also continues to aggressively enforce underage drinking laws and provide education and training to licensees and their staff.

In 2017, the SLA issued 1,031 penalties to licensed retailers for underage sales. The SLA also increased the number of trainings to help reduce underage sales by certifying and promoting the Alcohol Training Awareness Program. In 2017, 18,881 licensees and servers completed the SLA's ATAP, a 225 percent increase from 5,803 trainings in 2011.

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After three years in Government, the Handcuffing of Singh, Brassington an act of unspeakable Coalition’s performance is getting worse cowardice by APNU/AFC The sight of Brassington and Singh in handcuffs on callous and unwarranted charges has left me with a hollow and empty feeling. Vendetta and persecution reign supreme in our land of Guyana. What good does this mean-spirited and vindictive act do?

Does it garner votes or lose votes? Does it appease the racists among us? What

now? Will we see Carl Greenidge in handcuffs? This is a trampling of justice.

The handcuffing of Singh and Brassington is an act of unspeakable cowardice by this APNU/AFC Administration.

Sincerely, Nigel Hinds

The end of the WPA?

Dear Editor, I believe the greatest disappointment for Guyana was the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), joining forces with the People’s National Congress (PNC) in a coalition. I used the term “was” in describing the WPA because that entity is no more, they are a spent force, one which has lost its relevance and importance to society, the greatest casualty to hit national headlines.

Can anyone tell me what importance this political association holds in society? The answer is none, because this ragtag grouping is now groping in the wilderness trying in every which way they can to utter a feeble voice of reasonableness before its deathbed.

The reality behind Guyana’s political coalition was that there was never an Alliance For Change, that party was an appendage or extension of the PNC. With Trotman being the main figure, he was the mover and shaker of everything in that grouping. That left us with the WPA, who was the only stabilising force where educated discussions were concerned, or so we thought.

The WPA is a party made up of educated people who should have lent a sobering balance to the coalition, but we were mistaken in our assessment of the sensibilities of these gentlemen in its midst. Subsequent events did substantiate my claim because that one real voice – the WPA – became no voice at all when the PNC unleashed its bullyism.

So, let us follow the sequence of events: When the WPA joined the coalition, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine was

handpicked by David Granger to represent that party in Government.

What clearer message did the WPA want, than to have their point man in Government fired and put into a humiliating place on the death anniversary of its party’s leader? Further display of dictatorial prowess is the fact that when their party’s representative at the Guyana Elections Commission died and had to be replaced, Granger again picked a successor of his own choosing.

Fantastic! The last straw was the ban on Dr David Hinds from publishing in the State’s newspaper, which is further proof of the domineering attitude of the PNC in forcing the lifeblood out of its subordinates.

All of those atrocities, Dr Hinds is prepared to accept because he, like Moses Nagamootoo, would rather hang on to power no matter the cost.

Finally, this “water-boy” mentality of Hinds was bound to show up sooner rather than later because he is a supremacist, who can do no better than make shameless apologies for his supremacist friends. So, he keeps on churning out these meaningless diatribes of a People’s Progressive Party’s alleged misrule. Although Hinds claims to be a “freed black” and one who speaks his mind, the gist of what he is saying speaks to the contrary.

I hope Hinds and the others in the WPA face the full reality that their party is a colossal failure and needs to carry out a requiem mass.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

WPA Overseas Chapter believes no legislation should deprive citizens of their constitutional rights

Dear Editor, The working Peoples Alliance Overseas Associate adds its voice to those organisations and individuals who have spoken out in opposition to the draconian and archaic Article 18 of the Cybercrimes Bill, 2016.

We accept that with new modes of communication that were not anticipated by laws presently enacted, many countries have gone beyond common law to enact legislation to deal with various forms of Cyber abuse, but this Article 18 seems geared for repression under the guise of combating sedition.

We in Guyana have had our bad experiences at the hands of authoritarian regimes attempting to suppress political dissent, and must condemn any act under any guise that would take away our freedom to express ourselves. No legislation should be employed to deprive citizens of their constitutional rights of freedom of conscience, action, expression, the absolute right of legitimate dissent, and the right to remove a government not lawfully elected or a government lawfully elected that destroys

the foundation of our democracy. The right to agitate for the removal of such governments should not be abridged.

The Declaration of Independence of the United States established this point, which has since become universally accepted that: “when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same objective evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty to throw off such government”. If a government governs fairly and justly, it should have no fear of sedition.

The Working Peoples Alliance Overseas Alliance would continue to uphold its founding principle, and struggle against friend and foe to preserve the people’s freedom. Under the current formulation of Article 18, we will potentially stand guilty of sedition if we attempt to carry out this principle.

Sincerely, Keith Branch Press Secretary, WPAOA.

Dear Editor, Guyana’s economy continues its downward descent with no solutions in sight. More so, even getting the economic forecasts approximately correct continues to be an arduous task for the Finance Ministry headed by Mr Jordan – who, it seems, is just an expert juggler trying to mask the economic decline.

In March 2017, Mr Jordan seemed to have had an epiphany when he declared at a press conference, “Very little manufacturing activity takes place in Guyana…the last number I looked at manufacturing, without sugar and rice milling, contribute a mere five per cent to [gross domestic product] GDP, which is very low.” He said that Guyana cannot continue to borrow, which would, in effect, incur debts on generations to come.

“We have to generate the taxes and income from the economy, even as it is growing,” he had said. Mr Jordan concluded that taxes would boost and stabilize the economy. We have seen that the economy is NOT growing, even as taxes keep on increasing.

This view was severely criticised

by Mr Shyam Nokta, President of the Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association Limited (GMSA), who warned that several measures implemented by the Government would work against the competitiveness of the local manufacturers in both domestic and overseas markets, and this includes the recategorizing of zero- and standard-rated items to exempt. We have seen that the VAT on water and electricity has already escalated the production costs of locally produced goods. This result is now evident as exports constrict and imports expand.

The contradiction of the conclusion

by Mr Jordan, that ‘taxes will boost and stabilize’ the economy, was manifested by the fact that even though taxes account for G$ 171.2 billion, or 87.9% of total revenue, the growth rate of our economy fell to 2.1 % in 2017! Yet, our balance of payments

deficit is getting increasingly bigger.

An important component, which is the Current Account, is showing a deficit increase from US$12.4 million to US$287.4 million. Our imports will continue to increase as we become more dependent of foreign goods and services, while our exports will continue to dwindle because of the harsh taxation on our local manufacturers, making locally manufactured products uncompetitive at home and abroad. Increased taxation has failed to ‘boost and stabilize’ the economy!

In our present situation, increased taxation due to poorly-thought-out strategies has resulted in: insufficient disposal income; increased cost of living; high prices; poor quality products; loss of markets; decline in the productive sector; scarcity and shortages; job losses; foreclosures, and increases in poverty and crime.

The late Sir Winston Churchill, who had been Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, made an astounding statement, which can be quite applicable to our current situation, when he said, “I contend that for a nation to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift it by the handle.”

What we need are sound monetary and fiscal policies, but after three years in Government, the Coalition’s performance is getting worse. Oil revenue will never be able to correct the mismanagement of our economy; from all indications, it will only get worse.

The late Milton Friedman, an American Economist, once said the Great Depression was caused solely by the Government’s mismanagement of the economy. This is quite applicable to the current progressively declining state of our economy!

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councillor, Region 6

British, American diplomats have been very silent on Cyber Crimes Bill Dear Editor, Please allow me to share my thoughts while I am still free to do so! There is no reason for me to outline objections to the monstrous Cyber Crimes Bill of 2106 as presented for passage by the current Administration of Guyana; I think any intelligent person knows that it is intended to suppress any criticism of the Government and its actions as statements in any form that cause “disaffection” will not be allowed. This presumes an ‘affection’ existed which in itself must be legally problematic.

We, the people, must be thankful to the vigilant actions of those who exposed the regressive clause in the Bill and we must also be wary of the disinformation campaign waged immediately after this expose.

Ruel Johnson’s missive suggested that the offending clauses had no place in a “modern liberal democracy” when in fact it has no place in civilised society, was the tip of the stick to stir waters and cloud this very clear issue. This is a Government bill brought by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration and is not a “bipartisan” effort – it saddens me how easily many are misled, no doubt many also believe that Mr Johnson is no longer a member of the Chronicle Board, given his announcement of an April 1 resignation.

Make no mistake, this is the work of a paid propagandist masquerading as a concerned citizen; Mr Johnson should simply follow the example of others in Government employ and have an opinion piece in the Guyana Chronicle, that taxpayer’s burden that keeps on giving.

Editor, the truth of the matter is that it is not statements of others that cause my

disaffection with the APNU/AFC Government.

It is the maladministration of every aspect of our national life that causes my disaffection.

It is the refusal to accept advice from a competent International Monetary Fund (IMF) paid adviser on oil that led to them being hoodwinked. It is the unchecked spending spree that continues to drain the Treasury. It is unilateral appointments contrary to the spirit of agreements between the Administration and Opposition. It is suggesting that the Chief Justice is entitled to her opinion and the President to his, as if she were a private citizen. This dictatorship is not creeping; it is in full flow. Clause 18.1 is simply a revelation of the real intent and purpose of His Excellency David Granger; no Minister would dare insert such a heinous provision without approval at the highest level. I have held my peace for a number of days, hoping that our newly self-appointed overlords at the British High Commission and United States Embassy would put in their “two cents”, but the silence is deafening! Editor, even if the Administration was demonstrating good governance and prudent financial management, I would be disaffected in the extreme by a Government that wanted to muzzle my mouth, one that demands my affection regardless of its actions. Not for me the goosestep or Sieg Heils. I was born in an independent and nontyrannical Guyana. I will not cooperate in any way with that which legitimises the current Administration, for there is much truth in these words from Mahatma Gandhi : “The moment there is suspicion about a person’s motives, everything he does becomes tainted.”

Sincerely, Robin Singh

news 7

WEEK ENDING MAY 13, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Triangular love affair ends deadly in Linden

Rift deepens between Govt, Opposition over top judicial appointments …it’s up to the president to initiate further discussions - Jagdeo

…man fatally stabs exgirlfriend’s reputed husband while sleeping

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hunt has been launched for a 34-year-old Linden resident who allegedly stabbed his ex-girlfriend’s reputed husband to death in Cinderella City, McKenzie, Linden during the wee hours of Thursday morning.

Dead is Claude Dejonge, 40, of South Amelia’s Ward, McKenzie, Linden.

According to information received, the murder occurred at around 00:10hrs while Dejonge was in bed with his reputed wife of 11 eleven years, Tanya Samuels.

The suspect, identified as Corwyn Arthur called “Cross eye”, reportedly visited the woman’s home on Wednesday evening, while her spouse was there.

As such, an argument reportedly en-

Justice Kenneth Benjamin

W Tanya Samuels

Samuels, who was lying next to her now dead spouse, awoke and witnessed the ordeal.

It is alleged that Arthur told her “is you cause that!…I get poison to drink when I done.”

He then reportedly grabbed the dis-

DEAD: Claude Dejonge

sued between Arthur and Dejonge, resulting in the police being contacted and the suspect being forced to leave Samuels’ premises.

However, this seemed to anger Arthur more, who reportedly sent Dejonge a text message threatening to “make his life a living hell.”

Based on information received, the suspect then returned to the house on Thursday morning, and gained entry into the couple’s bedroom through a window.

He then jumped on to the sleeping Dejonge and began stabbing him about his neck, shoulders and abdomen with a knife.

At that time,

traught woman and dragged her out of her home, before warning her against tending to Dejonge’s injuries.

Arthur then fled the scene.

This newspaper was told that the suspect and Samuels’ were involved in a relationship while she was still with Dejonge.

However, in December of last year, the woman allegedly broke things off with the now wanted man but he would often visit her home as a “family friend.”

Dejonge’s body is presently at the Linden Hospital Mortuary, awaiting a post mortem examination.

hen it comes to the appointment of a Chancellor of the Judiciary and a Chief Justice, President David Granger’s recent statement that “the ball is in Jagdeo’s court” is not sitting well with the parliamentary Opposition.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo drew reference to the letter he wrote to Granger since February 2018, when he rejected the President’s nominees. Jagdeo reminded that in his letter, he had committed to continuous engagement with the President.

“He then went to the media and said we will not allow one man to hold this up and I had to subsequently point out that he himself, as Opposition Leader, held it up for nearly six years.

And I had one month. And he said (he) was now seeking legal advice,” Jagdeo recalled.

“He has not said a word to the country about what the legal advice recommended, he has not gotten back to me and he

now woke up and says, because I think he forgot everything in between that the ball is in my court. I believe he still thinks he’s waiting on me for a reply.

This is serious!”

Asked whether he would seek to re-engage the President, Jagdeo made it clear that as the President, Granger would have to re-initiate the discourse. He noted that he was waiting on the President to get back to him on the mode of future discourse.

“He is the President of Guyana. He has to initiate. I have already given my position. I said I am prepared to engage you further. He has to get back to me on the mode of engagement. That is my position,” Granger said.

Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards

A few days ago, President David Granger had said there is nothing left to discuss on the matter. The Head of State had said he had looked forward to a timely settlement of the appointment, which many deem critical to the effective functioning of the Judiciary, but that didn’t happen.

“The ball is in the court of the Leader of the Opposition. I made my proposals, he simply rejected them. He has not made any counter-proposals, so there is nothing to discuss,” President Granger said.

President Granger reminded that the decision is solely dependent on consultations with Jagdeo.

Asked whether he has received legal advice on the way forward in regard to these appointments, Granger said, “I know what needs to be done. I am well advised. But I have to wait on the Leader of the Opposition to respond to my proposal.”

Justice Kenneth Benjamin was nominated for the position of Chancellor of the

Judiciary, while Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, the current acting Chancellor, has been nominated for the position of Chief Justice.

Concerns have been raised by the Bar Association in Belize about Benjamin’s failure, up to recently, to clear a backlog of cases by writing his decisions.

Jagdeo, in a letter addressed to the President, had said that after having duly considered the nominations of Justice Benjamin and Justice Cummings-Edwards under Article 127 (2) of the Constitution, he is unable to offer his agreement for their appointments.

However, the Opposition Leader has since indicated his willingness to further engage the President on substantive appointments to the top judicial positions.

To this end, Minister of State Joseph Harmon subsequently said Government will be going ahead with “meaningful consultations” between the two sides, as provided for in the Constitution.

Nothing to discuss

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India impressed with success of its Diaspora around the world …India’s State Minister says during visit to Guyana

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n efforts to build stronger relationships with leaders and the Diaspora, India’s Minister of State for Human Resources Development, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Dr Satya Pal Singh, is currently on a four-day special outreach to Guyana.

This is an initiative of the Indian Government, which aims to have a Government Minister visit all the countries that are covered by the more than 185 Indian Missions/Consulates around the world before the end of this year to discuss issues of interest regarding bilateral and multilateral devel-

India’s State Minister Satya Pal Singh addressing a Diaspora gathering during a welcome reception at the Pegasus Hotel on Tuesday evening

opment. The Minister is accompanied by his wife.

During the visit, which spans May 8 to 11, Minister Singh will be meeting with key Government and Opposition officials as well as members of the Indian Diaspora in Guyana. A welcome reception was held on Tuesday evening at the Pegasus Hotel, where a meet-and-greet platform was created for the Minister to interact with the Diaspora, including Indian expatriates.

Addressing the gathering at the reception, Minister Singh said that India was impressed with the success of its Diaspora across the world.

The Indian State Minister went on to reflect on the lives of the indentured labourers – most of whom he noted came from his home state of Uttar Pradesh – saying that despite the difficulties and hardships faced, they managed to work and make their adopted land a better place for future generations.

“The Indian Diaspora in Guyana now is the third or fourth generation of Indians who should be certainly proud of the modern Guyana, which their fore-parents have created along with their African descendants and others. The Government of India is certainly proud of you for your achievements in all fields, including business, politics, art, culture, sport, etc,” he stated.

According to Minister Singh, this year will be a special year in the history of diplomatic re-

lations between India and Guyana, which already enjoy excellent relations in both the bilateral and multilateral arenas. He specifically mentioned President David Granger’s visit to India back in March and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s impending visit to Guyana later this year.

“I’m sure that this outreach visit, which is a ministerial visit from India to Guyana after 23 years will be significant as it will help in broadening and deepening the bilateral relations in various fields, as well as enhance cooperation between India and Guyana, particularly in Guyana’s pursuit to become a complete ‘Green Economy’ by 2025,” the Indian Minister posited.

Meanwhile, these sentiments were also expressed by Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, who spoke of the enrichment of cooperation between the two countries in the bilateral and multilateral fields.

Minister Singh kicked off his four-day visit on Tuesday with a cordial visit to Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman. On Wednesday, he also met President Granger as well as Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson.

The Minister is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; Vice President and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, and Minister of State Joseph Harmon, before wrapping up his fourday visit on Friday.

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Cops believe piracy attack was part of revenge …major probes continue in Guyana and Suriname

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s investigations continue both in Suriname and in Guyana regarding the recent attacks on fishermen on the high seas in Dutch waters, the Guyana Police Force has confirmed that they have information which placed one of the three suspects being held in Guyana, over in Suriname just days prior to the attacks.

This was disclosed at a press conference on Wednesday to brief the local press on the recent visit to the neighbouring country by security officials led by Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan.

According to Police Commissioner (ag), David Ramnarine, during the press briefing, the three persons in custody in Guyana were held based on information received from Surinamese law enforcement as well as from fisherfolk on the ground. “…The three persons are in custody as a result of information received and it is not definitive at this point in time as to the nature of any involvement or the extent of any involvement at this point in time. We did receive information from one and two fishermen which seems to have

placed one of the persons in custody at a certain area in Suriname prior to the departure of fishermen and a certain conversation would have unfolded but that is as far as we have in this point in time,” Ramnarine noted.

According to the Commissioner, while a lot more work will have to be done to get to the bottom of the matter, local investigators have since obtained detailed statements and are in constant contact with the Force’s legal advisor.

Moreover, Ramnarine confirmed reports that revenge may have been the cause of the recent attacks on Guyanese fishermen in the Dutch waters.

“There is a lot of work that needs to be done. It seems to be that the basis for this gruesome, heinous and dastardly act had to do with some form of retaliation for one of the persons in custody whose brother was allegedly gun downed in a drive-by shooting on 30th of March [2018] in Suriname… We have, among other things, sought extension (of time to further hold the three suspects in custody) because we have a lot of work to do,” the Top Cop

Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine

stated.

The person who was gunned down in Paramaribo was Somnauth Manohar, a Guyanese fishing boat owner, who was living and working in the neighbouring country. It has been reported that the man’s death stemmed from an ongoing dispute between Guyanese fishermen here and those residing in Suriname over fishing rights in Dutch waters.

Investigators are working on the theory that Manohar’s family may have planned the recent horrific attacks in retaliation of and to avenge his death.

In fact, the man’s son was hauled in for questioning in Suriname, while his brother is

among the three in custody in Guyana.

Currently, law enforcement in Suriname have a total of 15 persons in custody, among whom are two alleged suspects – “Crackhead” and “Dick” – who were identified by survivors as two of sea bandits, all Guyanese, who attacked the fishermen on the high seas in Surinamese waters on April 27 last, during which 20 crew members were chopped and tossed overboard.

Thus far, there have been five survivors and three bodies recovered while 12 fishermen are still missing.

Law enforcements have confirmed that the second attack just days later, which saw a boat

captain killed and his crew missing, is also believed to be linked to the first incident.

A few days after those attacks, fishermen in Surinamese waters captured “Crackhead” at Commewijne and after a sound thrashing, he was handed over to Police. The reports from the neighbouring country say that the suspect allegedly confessed to Dutch investigators that he was involved in the attack which was carried out based on instructions from someone.

During Wednesday’s press briefing, Minister Ramjattan said as Guyana’s and Suriname’s law enforcement agencies continue to collaborate to get to the root cause of what described as a “major disaster, catastrophe and massacre”, and to also get justice for the victims, the Guyana Police Force has requested the case file from its Dutch counterparts.

Meanwhile, the Public Security Minister noted that the Surinamese authorities have indicated that the bodies of those three fishermen that were recovered will only be handed over to relatives after DNA testings are conducted to as-

certain their identities.

While Suriname has the facilities to conduct these tests, the Guyanese officials were told that this process would take some time.

On the other hand, fishermen in the neighbouring country have since docked their boats out of fear of recent events. Some of the fisherfolks including the survivors have complained bitterly about the treatment at the hands of the Dutch authorities, saying that no proper measures are in place to protect fishermen, who are mostly Guyanese, while out at sea.

But Ramjattan said at the press conference on Wednesday that the Surinamese Ministers whom he met during his visit have assured the immediate implementation of regulations to better secure the fishing industry there. These include setting up checkpoints to get detailed information about vessels and crews going out to sea and put monitoring system in place such as transmission systems in the fishing boats so that they can make quick contact with those on the mainland.

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‘State bullyism, political harassment of the worst kind’

– Ashni Singh says of charges

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ne day after being released on G$6 million bail each, former Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and former Chief Executive Officer of the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) Winston Brassington were called in for questioning by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

On Wednesday, the two former Government officials, accompanied by their lawyers – Anil Nandlall, Mark Waldron and Sase Gunraj – arrived at SOCU’s headquarters in Georgetown at about 09:00h and left some four hours later with SOCU officials.

Nandlall told the press, who waited patiently outside SOCU, that the two were questioned about 27 allegations of misconduct in public office, even on matters dating back to 1994.

These transactions involve the following Guyana Stockfeeds; Marilyn Oudho; Clairan’s; Guyana Bank

for Trade and Industry; Duke Lodge; Pritipaul Singh Investments; Hand-in-Hand; National Hardware; Twin’s Manufacturing; Old GPC; Anthony Pierres; Property Holdings Inc; I Ali; Hicks, Linden; Sanata at Industrial Site; Mohabir, Linden and SOL (Guyana).

The lead attorney noted that no allegation of dishonesty was made, nor are there any allegations that the duo has stolen public funds, or profited from these transactions.

These transactions, according to him, had received the approval of Cabinet, and were one on the recommendations of the NICIL Board. “I maintain that these charges are intended to harass, humiliate and persecute these persons,” he asserted.

Nandlall told Guyana Times International that he was advised that the charges were recommended by advice received from Dr Sam Sittlington, who is assisting SOCU. “If these cases are tainted in criminality,

are they now going to charge all the persons who purchased? That would even be more ridiculous.”

He said it amounts to unfairness and unequal treatment meted out to his clients.

In addition to that, Nandlall is arguing that Government distributed over 100,000 house lots which were deliberately sold below market value “Are they going to charge the 100,000 persons who benefited from these housing programme?”

Targeting political opponents

Meanwhile, Dr Singh told the media that the coalition Administration was using SOCU to target its political opponents. “I would say that what we are witnessing is State bullyism, political harassment of the very worst kind,” he said.

Nevertheless, the former Minister said both himself and Brassington are cooperating with SOCU. He reiterated that the charges for which he and his former colleague were granted bail for, are

Dr Ashni Singh and Winston Brassington as they exited SOCU Headquarters in Georgetown on Wednesday afternoon as they made their way to CID Headquarters where they were placed on bail

not only baseless but irrational. Dr Singh again expressed confidence that the matter would be disposed of and promised to remain focused, explaining that he will not be intimidated by the matter before him.

On the other hand, Brassington also told the media that while being questioned, SOCU officials went through tonnes of files totalling over 20. “They are taking every instance where the valuation is above the selling price and calling it misconduct in public office… cases even if we had a public tender,” he said.

The former NICIL head noted that every single transaction received several layers of approval, first by the Privatisation Unit Board, the NICIL Board and then by Cabinet.

“We have produced records showing what we did and there is nothing wrong in what we did.

Everything we did we have a justification and an approval from Boards and Cabinet, so it is a travesty in justice,” he added.

Singh and Brassington were taken to the Criminal Investigations Department of the

Guyana Police Force.

They were fingerprinted and later released on G$200,000 station bail each.

The two former Government officials were charged on Tuesday for allegedly selling several plots of State land on the East Coast of Demerara to National Hardware Guyana Ltd for over G$598 million; Scady Business Corporation at a cost of G$150 million, and to Multi-cinemas Guyana at a cost of G$185 million.

The two will return to SOCU on Monday for further questioning.

Fish Shop fire: Owner’s reputed wife charged for setting fire on business

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lexio Keizer, the reputed wife of the owner of the White Castle Fish Shop, who allegedly torched the hangout spot on April 14, 2018, causing the inside of the building to be destroyed was on Wednesday charged.

Keizer, 30, a manager, denied that she committed the act at the John and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown building, which is owned by Krishnandra Beharry, a pensioner of Camp Street, North Cummingsburg.

Reports are some G$8.8 million was lost in the fire. Keizer and Jermaine Langevine, her reputed husband, are owners of the fish shop.

On Wednesday, Keizer appeared before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore who granted her bail in the sum of

G$250,000. She is scheduled to make her second court appearance on May 30.

Reports are on the day of the fire, Keizer and Langevine had an argument over his whereabouts which reportedly led to her becoming enraged.

Langevine claimed in media reports that his common-law wife reportedly asked several employees to purchase gas-

oline for her.

After asking them (the employees) to leave for the day, Keizer reportedly torched the business establishment.

Langevine disclosed that when he arrived on the scene at about 04:00h, the inside of the lower flat was already destroyed.

Keizer was later arrested and charged with the offence.

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15-yr-old was among notorious gang who carried out Lindo Creek massacre …CoI hears

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he Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the June 2008 massacre at Lindo Creek heard that a then 15-year-old member of the notorious Rondell “Fine Man” Rawlins gang told Police investigators that the gang was responsible for murdering the eight men at their mining camp.

When Special Superintendent of Police Trevor Reid took to the stand on Tuesday, he testified that he was the one who took the caution statement from then 15-year-old gang member, Dwayne ‘Small Friend” Williams.

Despite failing to produce the original statement to the CoI, Reid was allowed to read a photocopy after positively identifying it.

Williams, who is now 25 years old and currently on remand for several murders, in July 2008 told investigators that they (the gang) had escaped the Police in the Ituni area where Otis “Mud Up” Fifee was killed.

The statement re-

lated that after escaping, they walked along the creek after which they made a raft to cross the Berbice River. After crossing, the gang consisting of Williams, Cecil “Magic” Ramcharran, Robin “Chung Boy” Chung and leader Rondel Rawlins stumbled upon the Arokium’s mining camp at Lindo Creek where they encountered miners Cecil Arokium, Dax Arokium, Compton Speirs, Horace Drakes, Clifton Wong, Lancelot Lee, Bonny Harry and Nigel Torres.

“We hold on pon them (the eight miners) and Magic tie them up. We cook a chowmein and we stay deh till next morning. The morning time we mek tea and give them (the miners) to drink, the nighttime rain bin falling. We bin fuh beat out the said night, but we didn’t worry,” the statement said.

“When night done, the next day then night come back again, rain start falling again. About 12 o’clock time me bin sleeping me hear shots start buss. When me look

Special Superintendent of Police, Trevor Reid reading Dwayne Williams’ statement

me see them man (the miners) what them tie up, them shoot up them man…them pull down them blue tarpaulin from one ah dem camp and “Magic” throw gasoline pon them and light them afire,” Williams related to the Police.

Williams’ statement also revealed that following the incident at Lindo Creek, the gang left the site and whilst walking they encountered another Joint Services Checkpoint which they eluded. He further related that the following

night Chung, Rawlins and Ramcharran left him behind after which he was captured while hitching a ride out of the Lindo Creek area.

“Me keep on walking all the time and me see one grader with a trailer, me ask the man fuh give me a drop, he give me and when we a come a truck stick up the road, the grader man give them a pull up. The grader man go way and the truck man give me one drop out. The man stop by one shop and buy channa and drink

then another man come over and ask what this fine man does do with you then he say ‘nobody don’t move Police in plain clothes.’ The Police hold on pon me, me story done deh, them put me in a cell and night time the soldier come and bring me this side (Georgetown CID Headquarters),” Reid testified.

Also during his testimony, Reid told the Commission that based on his investigative experience, he felt that the investigation by the Office for Professional

Responsibility was incomplete and needed much more work to be done.

Reid also testified that he never visited the Lindo Creek area and was also tasked with compiling the case file to be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Additionally, he further related that a post-mortem examination was conducted on the bodies of the eight men by a Jamaican Pathologist at the Georgetown Public continued on page 21

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Where are the missing diamonds? …AG’s Chambers given 2 weeks to produce G$54M in diamonds which vanished from Police hands

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ustice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln has given the Attorney General’s Chambers two weeks to locate some G$54 million in missing diamonds, which vanished from Police hands sometime after a 1994 robbery investigation.

At a hearing before this High Court Judge on Monday, lawyers for the AG’s Chambers claimed being unable to contact several Police officers connected to the probe. This revelation comes in the wake of retired Police Commissioner Floyd McDonald breaking his silence by denying that he had handled the missing diamonds.

The case has garnered increased attention following the AG publishing notices in the press calling for several Police ranks to make contact with his chambers. Some of those called for are now elderly men.

The matter stems from a civil suit that businessman Ronald Khan brought against the State in 2011, seeking to recoup his uncut diamonds that went missing.

In court documents seen by this publication, the Statement of Claim contends that Khan’s Ewang Creek Mining Camp in Region Eight was robbed of the diamonds in 1994.

However, the precious merchandise was recovered by Guyana

Attorney General Basil Williams

Police Force ranks and taken to the Mahdia Police Station, where it was inspected and the quantity was verified.

The stones were then transported to Police in “E” and “F” Division.

The suit also indicated that Khan was disallowed from having the property returned to him, which he says was his “at all material times.”

“The plaintiff was informed that the said diamonds were required as exhibits in the criminal trial of the persons charged with the armed robbery of the plaintiff’s camp.

Despite the passage of several years, the Guyana Police Force was unable to conclude the prosecution of the alleged defendants, as some have [sic] escaped and others (have) subsequently died,” an excerpt of the writ highlighted.

According to court documents, Khan even

wrote the late Police Commissioner Henry Greene in 2010, requesting the return of his diamonds. The businessman said that while his letter was acknowledged, he failed to have his property returned.

As the matter continued at the High Court on Monday, Justice Corbin-Lincoln told both sides that the case will not be dragging on, and she gave Joan Edghill-Stuart of the Attorney General’s Chambers until May 22 to update the court on the status of the criminal case involving the 1994 robbery, and to locate the missing diamonds.

Edghill-Stuart has, however, stressed that the AG has been unable to contact various parties involved in the case. She even noted that their names have been published in official notices in the daily newspapers. Earlier in the day’s proceedings, this attorney had told the court that she is not in receipt of information pertaining to the status of the criminal matter or the diamonds.

This revelation prompted the Judge to query the merit of ascertaining this information. In response, Kezia Williams, a lawyer who appeared in the place of Khan’s attorney, Nigel Hughes, told Justice Corbin-Lincoln that the plaintiff is will-

Man to spend 18 months behind bars for beating wife with rolling pin

Former Police Commissioner Floyd McDonald

ing to settle once the State returns his diamonds. Nevertheless, he is seeking in excess of G$100,000 in damages, interests and court costs.

In the notices published in the daily newspapers, former Police Commissioner Floyd McDonald, who served as Crime Chief in 1994, was named, but on Sunday he responded to an article in the State newspaper, denying he had ever received, seen, examined, or sent to examine, any diamonds in relation to Ronald Khan.

McDonald, who retired in 2004, was also quoted as saying that he was not in the Force when the diamonds supposedly went missing.

Also, that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters did not keep exhibits. His disclosure contradicts claims that diamonds were handed over to him after inspection by a diamond dealer.

Aside from McDonald, those whom the AG asked to make urgent contact are: Harley Davidson, Deputy Crime Chief; Eon Sandy, who had been stationed at the Supreme Criminal Court’s Police Outpost; and Alwyn Wilson, who was stationed at then ‘E’ and ‘F’ Division headquarters at Eve Leary.

Notices were also sent out for Terrence Semple, who was last stationed at Mahdia Police Station; Courtney Ramsey and Desmond Leitch, both last stationed at the CID; Constable Fraser (Reg Number: 10881), and ex-Detective Sergeant Carl Wilson (Reg Number: 7797).

Wife beater: Collin Millington

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he heavy arm of the law came down on domestic violence when jail time was imposed on a man who beat his wife with a rolling pin during a family dispute.

Forty-three-year-old Collin Millington ap-

peared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday charged with unlawful wounding.

He admitted to the court that he beat his wife with a rolling pin on May 5, 2018 at their Austin Street, Campbellville, Georgetown home.

According to Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore, Millington is in the habit of beating his wife when angered.

On the day of the incident, someone told Millington that his wife was allegedly having an affair and as such, he picked up a rolling pin from the kitchen and dealt the woman several blows to her body.

The matter was reported to the Police, and Millington was arrested and charged.

He was jailed for 18 months by Magistrate Latchman.

Former health ministry employee acquitted of raping 14-yr-old boy

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s a u n Abrams, of North R u i m v e l d t , Georgetown, was on Wednesday freed on one count of sexual activity with a 14-yearold boy, who said that the 38-yearold man had sex with him at the National Park, Georgetown between June 21 and June 22, 2015.

Abrahams, who worked as a liaison officer at the Public Health Ministry at the time he was charged, has always maintained that he was innocent.

He was sobbing uncontrollably from the prisoner’s dock when the jury foreman announced the 10-2 verdict in favour of not guilty. However, presiding judge, Justice Jo-Ann Barlow informed the alleged rapist that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) would determine if he would face another trial following the jury be-

Esaun Abrams

ing unable to decide on a second count.

The second charge stated that the defendant engaged in sexual penetration with the teen between July 1 and July 25, 2015 in the county of Demerara.

This newspaper understands that the lad’s testimony was heard by the jury just a few days ago.

The defendant was represented by Attorneyat-Law Nigel Hughes while State Counsel Tiffini Lyken prosecuted the case.

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A travesty! ... General Nursing Council from page 3

embarked on a process that they believed would result in this outcome. The process involved these forensic audits, which are not forensic audits by any standards,” he pointed out.

Jagdeo said that persons from the coalition Government have called him to express regret over the way the forensic audits were carried out. According to Jagdeo, the charges against the duo prove that the audits did not generate the evidence of corruption that was expected.

“The audits, all 50 or so audits, did not generate the evidence they thought was there. But in face of the fact that APNU is losing ground, it is mired in corruption, scandals, a failing economy, loss of jobs, failing to keep its promises; they are now pushing to pursue a promised outcome at all costs,” Jagdeo stressed.

He also had a message for those behind the orchestration of the charges, warning that while public servants performing their jobs responsibly had nothing to fear if the PPP/C returned to power, the corrupted ones would not be so lucky.

Dr Singh and Brassington have been charged for allegedly selling several plots of land on the East Coast of Demerara to National Hardware Guyana Ltd for over G$598 million, to Scady Business Corporation for G$150 million, and to Multi-Cinemas Guyana Inc for G$185 million.

The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) brought the charges against the two former Government officials early last month. Singh and Brassington are due to return to court on June 5, 2018.

On Wednesday, however, the two voluntarily went into SOCU’s office in the company of their lawyers. Speaking with the media afterwards, Attorney-at-Law and former Attorney General Anil Nandlall said that they went through 27 cases with SOCU officers.

board installed as 2,669 nurses registered in Guyana

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Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, junior Minister Dr Karen Cummings and Permanent Secretary, Collette Adams flanked by the new members of the General Nursing Council Board

he fifteen-member General Nursing Council Board, responsible for registration and practising of nurses was inaugurated on Wednesday at the Herdmanston Lodge, Georgetown.

According to a DPI release, Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence reminded the Council of their responsibility to enforce rules and regulations. “I ask that you be satisfied that each candidate is fit and proper to be registered, ensure that each person meets the necessary criteria.”

She noted that among the ministry’s primary focus is the equipping of various health facilities across the country, with competent nurses thereby ensuring the provision of

quality health care to all citizens.

The minister called on the council members to institute change in the organisation by being “innovative” through improved nursing education and better access to remote hinterland areas.

Chairperson of the Council, Nurse Linda Johnson, Chief Nursing Officer (ag) pledged her support and noted her anticipation with her new role.

“I’m looking forward to your support so that we can have a vibrant nursing council that will represent the rights of the nurses and ensure we have examinations and delivering of results in a timely manner and authentic results.”

Registrar, Donette Kellman said of the 12 examinations hosted annu-

ally, three have been completed. “The number of registrants who would have renewed their license for 2018 is 2,669 and registration is ongoing.”

The Nurses Council Board is a semi-autonomous body comprising of 15 members; six nominated and eight elected. The life of the body is three years followed by an election at the end of that period for eight members.

The board comprises a standing committee consisting of all members, and three sub-committees. These are registration committee – three members; education and examination committee – five members; disciplinary and penal committee – three members. The Chairperson and Vice-chairperson are ex-officio to all sub-committees.

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Still no breakthrough in murder of ECD contractor – Crime Chief

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Denis Nandlall

lmost two weeks after 29-year-old Denis Nandlall of Lot 21 Lalchan Street, Better Hope South, East Coast Demerara was shot dead, the Police are yet to make an arrest.

This was according to Crime Chief Paul Williams during a telephone interview on Saturday, who further stated that since there were no eyewitnesses to the shooting, solving the crime could be more challenging.

He nevertheless added that the Police are working with several leads, but none have led to any success thus far.

Williams reiterated that the Police will continue their investigations into the cold-blooded murder.

On the other hand, the parents of the dead contractor are awaiting justice for their son.

They are also yet to ascertain the motive for the murder, claiming that the young man had

no known issues with anyone.

Nandlall was gunned down at about 23:15h on April 28 in front of his home by one of two men on pedal cycles.

It was reported that the young man and a few relatives were having a few drinks in the yard and Nandlall left for the front of the house but soon after he was heard telling someone “Come back tomorrow, the man ain’t deh home.”

This was followed by a loud explosion and as the relatives rushed to enquire, they saw the young man lying on the ground with blood gushing from his back.

Nandlall was rushed to the Woodlands Hospital for emergency medical treatment but later succumbed to his injures. Based on reports received, the two men whose faces were covered with hoodies fled the scene.

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STEM Guyana team gets G$6M Hadfield Street fire leaves

over a dozen homeless

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The aftermath of the fire which left 13 homeless

Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry presents a cheque to First Lady, Mrs Sandra Granger, on behalf of STEM Guyana, to support the team’s participation in the First Global Robotics Championship, which will be held in Mexico.

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irst Lady, Mrs Sandra Granger, on Wednesday received a cheque for G$636,000 from Minister of Education, Ms Nicolette Henry on behalf of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Guyana.

This sum, which is the first installment of a total pledge of G$6,000,000, will assist in purchasing the Robotics kit for the team as they prepare to compete in the First Global Robotics Championship set for Mexico from August 16-18, 2018. The presentation ceremony was held at the Office of the First Lady at State House.

Minister Henry has offered her support to the team and extended her best wishes for their success. “Thank you for giving us the opportunity… to partner with STEM Guyana. We believe it’s a wonderful programme and we are more than excited to provide support and opportunity for our young people… For those of you who are going this year, I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing Guyana shine again,” she said.

Meanwhile, the First Lady said that the Ministry’s support opens doors for the STEM team. “I want to say thank you on behalf of STEM Guyana… It is… through you… that our young people are gearing up for Mexico… The kids have now started looking at the competition robot and I know that they will iron out the kinks by the time [of] the month of [August],” Mrs. Granger said.

Team Mentor, Ms Farnaz Baksh thanked both Minister Henry and Mrs Granger for their support. “We’re very thankful… Last year, they were… one of the first supporters to help us and make the journey successful… and this year they have done that again. So, we do commend them and we do appreciate all that they have done, both financially and [morally],” she said.

This is the second year that STEM Guyana has received support from the Ministry of Education, which provided funds for the team’s participation in last year’s Robotics Olympics competition in Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America.

Harmon invites church leaders to engage Govt on national development issues

wo houses have been gutted and 13 persons have been rendered homeless following a Monday afternoon fire of unknown origin in Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

Guyana Times International understands the fire started in a one-storey wooden house located at Lot 69 Hadfield Street, where one of the occupants of the home – an elderly woman — was at home with her grandchildren. Neighbours say smoke was seen emanating from the house, but its occupants managed to escape unharmed.

Alarmed at the flames, residents immediately called the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), which arrived promptly. While they were unable to save the adjacent houses from destruction, the firemen were able to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading further to the other buildings which were in close proximity to the inferno.

When this publication arrived at the scene, firefighters were battling the blaze in efforts to contain the fire.

A tenant, Patrick Hall, one of ten persons who resided in the house where the fire started, related that he was returning home from work when he saw smoke emanating from what used to be his dwelling. In disbelief, he quickly

made it over to the front of the house, but was unable to save anything from burning. The 40-year-old is now counting his losses and contemplating his next move, as his sister and her seven children, who had been residing with him for the past decade, now have nowhere to stay.

The house to the east of this building was almost flattened. It was occupied by 3 persons, who were inconsolable in their anguish as they counted their losses as well.

GFS officials who were at the scene battling the blaze were unable to state definitively what had caused the fire.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

GFS Divisional Operations Officer Gregory Wickham told this publication that two buildings were completely destroyed.

“We have two buildings that have been completely destroyed, and two others have been slightly scorched.

Upon arrival, the first building was alight and the second one was partially engulfed. We are still investigating.

The second building has been completely destroyed too. That’s how serious it is,” he explained.

He said that an investigation has been launched into the fire.

15-yr-old was...

from page 11

Hospital but never saw the report.

Encounter with “Chung Boy” and “Magic”

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon shares a light moment with Pastor Wade Ridley of Restoration and Life Ministries Church. Also in photo is Minister within the Natural Resources Ministry, Simona Broomes

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inister of State, Joseph Harmon, has urged church leaders to engage the Government on issues concerning Guyana’s development.

He made these remarks on the occasion of the Love and Faith World Outreach Ministry’s 30th Anniversary Service, held in the sanctuary of the church at Dennis Street, Turkeyen on Monday.

“I ask you to pray for our nation; that we grow from strength to strength and administer truth and justice for all our people… Feel free to engage us, the Government, on issues of good governance, national development, and any other matter that you may deem important,” the State Minister said.

Minister Harmon noted the important contributions that religious organisations make to Guyana. “The past three years have not been easy, as efforts to clean up the Augean Stables continue… In these efforts, we have

been truly blessed in many ways; one of the most important of which was the support of the righteous in our society… You, of the Love and Faith World Outreach Ministries, have, along with other religious institutions, continued to reach out, touch and heal, fully understanding that positive change in society has to start with the individual, then the family, then the community, and finally the nation,” he added.

Harmon also spoke of the transformative influence that active churches have on Guyanese society. “Our Government has a vested interest in your success, because your success will result in an increase in goodness and righteousness in our society, in moral re-armament and national development, and in lessening of social ills that affect us,” he said.

The church’s anniversary service, themed ‘Sons of God Arise’, featured multiple artistic performances of song, dance, and drama.

Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Souvenir also testified that he was a part of the Joint Services Taskforce stationed at Kwakwani and on June 16, 2008, they engaged the men in the Goat Farm area.

“During the evening we were doing foot patrol in the area just off the trail and we saw three armed men. We concealed ourselves and called on them to halt because this is the Joint Services the men fired at us, we returned fire. One of the men run away and keep firing at us but because of the angle he run from us it was difficult to keep engaging him and we went forward to the other two. They were motionless on the ground we disarmed them… we loaded the men onto the vehicle, we restocked the ammunition of the remaining ranks and we headed to Kwakwani,” he testified.

After disarming the men, they were taken from the site to Kawkwani where they were identified at “Chung Boy” and “Magic”. They also found a series of ammunition and two AK47s belonging to the Guyana Defence Force, among other items, which included credit cards and frequent flyer cards belonging to then assassinated Agriculture Minister Satyadeo Saw. The items were found in haversacks the men were carrying.

Additionally, Souvenir said he would have accompanied a team of officers that included then head of OPR, Heeralall Makanlall, to the Lindo Creek site. He said when they got there, the camp was destroyed with ev-

Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Souvenir during his testimony

erything scattered.

“There was a group of human bones with flesh falling off. It was nauseating and I started to throw up and went into a corner and allowed the Police to do their investigation,” Souvenir said.

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

The CoI was established to inquire into the circumstances surrounding the killings of eight miners, and to report its findings and recommendations to President David Granger.

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Commonwealth Head underlines Queens-based Guyanese man dies after car crashes, importance of gender equality bursts in flames W …at JFK Airport

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Guyanese who worked as a security officer at the John F Kennedy International Airport, New York was in the wee hours of Sunday killed after the car he was driving flipped several times and then burst into flames.

Universal Security Service was reportedly driving near the intersection of Lefferts Boulevard and PanAm Road in Queens when his SUV careened through a fence and into several parked cars in JFK International Airport’s

Dead: Dayanand Shamsundar

The mangled car driven by Shamsundar after the accident

The dead man has been identified as Dayanand Shamsundar, also called “Nan”, formerly of Newtown, Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The contractor attached to the Allied

parking lot.

The New York Post reported that the vehicle flipped as it struck the other cars and ultimately landed in another section where it went up in flames.

Shamsundar was reportedly pulled

from the burning vehicle and taken to the Jamaica Hospital Medical Centre where he subsequently died.

It is not clear what caused the man to lose control of the vehicle, but it was suggested that he might have suffered cardiac arrest while driving to work.

A post-mortem will ascertain the cause of death.

Shamsundar reportedly left Guyana several years ago with his family to take up residency in the United States of America.

ith gender equality being one of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015 by the United Nations, how a country facilitates equal opportunities for its women is a major indicator of development.

Speaking during a press conference last Friday in Guyana, Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Patricia Scotland alluded to this very subject.

She noted the importance of making gender equality a reality.

“If we are to succeed, then empowering our women and giving our women proper opportunities to make a contribution in all fields — whether it’s political, business, cultural, civil society — it’s going to be very important, and our women’s forum was very successful.”

The 2018 Commonwealth Women’s Forum had addressed the theme of “An empowered future for women and girls”.

It was intended to reflect on some of the global challenges still faced by women, as part of a wider commitment to “leave no one behind” in the Commonwealth journey to achieving gender equality by 2030.

When it comes to providing these women with innovative options to choose from, Scotland spoke of specific initiatives that the Commonwealth Secretariat aimed to support and facilitate personal development of.

“There’s an agreement we made with the Global Innovation Fund to create a Commonwealth Innovation Fund of £25 million; that new innovators who may have great ideas can make an application to the Commonwealth Innovation Fund and have their innovations supported,” Scotland had said.

Recently, over 60 women with small businesses were afforded the opportunity to display their products and services. Under the slogan “Girl Power”, the third annual Women in Business (WIB) Expo opened at the Pegasus Hotel

Commonwealth Secretary General, Baroness Patricia Scotland

in Georgetown last month.

The event was a collaborative effort between the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts (SNFCA) and the Women’s Association for Sustainable Development.

In addition to the expo, there was a health, business and technology forum; a ‘charting your course’ and ‘Inspire You’ events, an evening with Sherry Dixon, a tea party and fashion show, book signing, and a leadership conference.

For the more than 60 women exhibiting their products and services, the WIB has served as a launching pad as they build new bridges and collaborate with each other to further expand their reach.

The entire idea of the two-day exhibition is to empower women to further develop themselves, and not depend on a male counterpart for sustenance.

At the opening ceremony, Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes had urged women to stand up, speak out, and get more involved in the workings of society. She had used the opportunity to urge women to take up more positions in society, since they offer a different perspective on every situation.

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APNU/AFC Govt lacks vision to turn around struggling economy- Opposition Leader N ot only has Guyana’s economic growth rate for the last financial year been poor, it has proved to be extremely disappointing, as the economy has been in a bad state especially over the past three years ever since the coalition took over Government from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic(PPP/C).

This point was underscored by Opposition Leader and PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo, who recently criticised the David Grangerled Government for a lack of policies to support growth, both at the national and regional levels.

Citing the recent statements made by the President about the need to attract investment, Jagdeo, a trained economist, stated that “if there is no vision, then there won’t be any growth”.

The former Head of State said Granger continued to “walk in the clouds”, especially given the statement he made in reference to urging people to be innovative and to get out of the mind-set of mining and producing raw materials only when there is clearly no sound policies to help nurture

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

and support this ‘socalled’ vision.

Jagdeo was referring to statements made by the President at the recent Linden Exhibition & Trade Fair.

Instead of presenting a thought-out approach that could result in greater progress for Lindeners, Jagdeo observed that the President instead went to the event with more platitudes.

He said the 2.1 per cent dismal growth rate gave a clear picture of how incompetent the current Government was at managing the financial and economic affairs of the country.

Jagdeo said the economic growth figure was low by all standards, and was in no way lend-

ing to the growth and development that were required in the country.

He also reminded that the Government had to revise the growth projection three times, and that called into question its presentations to Parliament regarding the economy.

“So now that it is low, all of the ratios they spoke to us about in the last budget in November would have to be recalibrated. And so the size of our fiscal deficit would climb, our balance of payments in relation to [Gross Domestic Production] GDP will climb et cetera … rather than the Minister of Finance (Winston Jordan) seriously addressing the issues to say

what policy-wise can I do to stimulate the economy, he then makes excuses,” he added.

The PPP General Secretary has also taken note of the Government’s intention to collectively borrow approximately G$220 billion (the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) bond of G$30 billion and the Islamic Development Bank loan of US$900 million) which he described as ‘shocking and cause for worry’.

Borrowing

According to the Opposition Leader, “This failed approach to national economic management was tried in the past. It led to a bankrupt country and resulted in devastating consequences for our people. I am sure everyone would recall that the external debt was over 900 per cent of GDP in 1992, which was reduced to 36 per cent of GDP in 2015.”

He said the PPP had predicted that this Government would go this route, since “the massive growth in the size of the national budgets, primarily on consumption, could not be financed by the hefty increase in taxation,

President David Granger

so this hopelessly-misguided [A Partnership for National Unity] APNU Government had to resort to large-scale borrowing.”

With Guyana’s growth rate regressing, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) recently stepped up and compiled a report detailing several recommendations to put the country on a path to greater economic growth. The PSC’s “Action plan for the sustainable development of Guyana” report was handed over to Jagdeo and the Government.

An Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-funded quarterly Labour Force Survey done during the period July to September 2017 has revealed that the un-

employment rate for persons aged 15 and above was 12 per cent. In addition, the situation for women was found to be substantially worse than that for men.

The survey was done on a total population of 550,831 persons aged 15 years and above, with some 72.2 per cent living in urban areas.

Given these figures, only 271,068 persons comprised the total employed population during the time of the quarterly survey – 166,873 males and 104,195 females. Urban workers totalled 188,774, while their rural counterparts numbered 82,294.

Close to 7000 sugar workers were fired by Government last year.

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Guyana Govt collects over G$171.2B in taxes for 2017

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hile a number of indicators point to Guyana’s economic growth declining, one thing that is not declining is tax collection. The statistics show that for the year 2017, tax and non-tax collection rose to G$194.7 billion.

The 2017 end-of-year outcome report states that tax revenues accounted for G$171.2 billion of the overall amount. At the heart of this increase in tax revenues, which account for 87.9 per cent of total revenue, is the Government raking in more taxes than ever.

For instance, there was a G$1 billion or 1.4 per cent increase in the collection of income tax; G$600 million or a 3.5 per cent hike in import duty collection and a G$300 billion or 0.4 per cent hike in Value Added Tax (VAT) and excise tax collection.

“Total non-tax revenues were projected at G$23.6 billion; actual non-tax revenues

for 2017 were, therefore, closely in line with the projections at the time of Budget 2018.

The Guyana Revenue Authority remitted G$49.2 billion,” the report states.

According to the report, this is equivalent to 28.8 per cent of tax revenues, compared to 27.9 per cent in 2016 (G$42.3 billion). It is also G$2.2 billion more than the estimated sum quoted in Budget 2018.

While tax collection is up, however, other aspects of the report indicate some troubling patterns. For instance, the same report shows that the deficit in Guyana’s balance of payments, an important economic indicator, is on the rise.

Balance of Payments is the record of a country’s fiscal transactions, including imports and exports. To therefore record a deficit, Guyana would have had to spend more on imports, among other things, than it gained from exports.

According to the re-

Guyana Revenue Authority building, Georgetown

port, Guyana’s overall balance of payment in the 2017 fiscal year showed a deficit of US$69.5 million. This is a hike when compared to US$53.3 million the previous year. And a breakdown of the figures shows stunning disparities.

On the one hand, the current account shows a deficit of US$287.4 million for the year 2017.

But in the previous fiscal year, the report notes,

this was just US$12.4 million. The report admits that this is because of a negative balance on the merchandise trade account: “The further weakening was due to the negative balance on the merchandise trade account.

Merchandise exports were slightly lower than projected, mainly on account of lower export earnings of gold and other exports in the last two months of the year.”

When Finance Minister Winston Jordan presented the 2018 Budget last year, he had announced that merchandise imports were estimated to grow by 9.6 per cent. This had been attributed to increased imports of mining machinery, chemicals, fuel, and lubricants.

According to the report, imports exceeded the Government’s projections.

“Imports were

slightly more than the US$1.59 billion projected at the time of the presentation of the 2018 Budget. As a result, the merchandise trade deficit of US$196.2 million was considerably higher than the projected deficit of US$147.2 million.”

“Notwithstanding, the deficit on the services account was lower than estimated. The improvement in the services account more than offset the weaker balances on both the non-factor services and unrequited transfers accounts,” the report states.

The parliamentary Opposition had previously expressed concern over the increasing deficit in the country’s balance of payments, which it had said would continue to have serious implications for the local economy.

This is coupled with the revised growth rate of 2.1. The growth rate was attributed to the fact that sugar, bauxite, and gold all underperformed.

Ramjattan urges improved warning systems, information sharing

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Ramjattan further stated he is so far satisfied with the Surinamese investigations. He even noted that authorities in the Dutch-speaking country are pushing for DNA testing to ensure that all bodies are properly identified.

The minister revealed that Police in Guyana have sought extensions of time to further detain

he was on a mission, and that his action was based on orders he had received.

His arrest was possible with the assistance of some fishermen who had known him to be part of a piracy gang. However, several other persons were arrested and are being interrogated in connection with the attacks on the Guyanese

brutalized the occupants then threw them overboard. Two days later, another boat was attacked, and the captain was reportedly killed.

The crew is still missing. Those identified as missing are among those Guyanese who are missing from last weekend’s attack. They include: Ramesh Sanchara; Ganesh Persaud, Vickey

Minister Ramjattan had, in June 2015, expressed support for granting guns and ammunition to fishermen who were willing to combat piracy. He had explained that those fishermen would have had to lodge their firearms at Police stations upon their return from sea.

To date, it is not clear if this policy was ever im-

the three suspects held in Corentyne. The latest information revealed has brought the number of persons in custody to 27, following law enforcement officers in Suriname arresting yet another suspect in the Commewijne on Sunday morning.

Reports suggest the suspect has since confessed to his involvement in the attack, claiming

fishermen.

To date, seven Guyanese who now reside in Suriname have been arrested along with the three others arrested on the Corentyne. Crime Chief Paul Williams has explained that news coming out of Suriname suggests that the attacks are gang-related.

Two Saturdays ago, four boats were attacked by a group of men, who

Persaud, Glenroy Jones, Bharat Heralall, Ralph Anthony and Tiaknauth Mohabir. The bodies that were recovered are yet to be positively identified.

So far, there have been five known survivors.

Ramjattan was accompanied by Deputy Crime Chief Michael Kingston and Deputy Commander, ‘B’ Division, Wayne De Harte.

Guns for fishermen?

plemented.

Meanwhile, Region Six (East-BerbiceCorentyne) Chairman David Armogan has called on Government to provide more assistance to family members of the affected fishermen. He also expressed conviction that had the fishermen been armed, the result could have been different.

The suspect after his arrest on Sunday morning

s authorities in Guyana and Suriname continue the probe into uncovering the horrific spate of recent piracy attacks for which 12 men are still missing and three bodies have been recovered, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has observed the need for improved Coast Guard warning systems and information-sharing.

He made these comments on Sunday in Suriname, where he is leading a team of senior Police officials who are meeting their counterparts with the aim of addressing the recent deadly attacks that occurred some 40 miles off the Surinamese coast in that country’s waters. “[We have] to ensure we have a collaborative effort on solving this crime, and empha-

sise the lessons to be learnt here for application for what might happen in future. Maybe we can help in Coast Guard warning systems; information-sharing must be even better,” Ramjattan highlighted.

At the same time, he stressed that law enforcement authorities must pay more attention to when threats are made to fellow fishermen, so that they would have a better gauge in determining who is involved in such crimes.

Based on information gathered during investigations and the accounts of survivors and relatives of the fishermen, it is believed that the perpetrators are Guyanese.

“It’s basically an enterprise of murder of the most gruesome circumstances,” the minister declared.

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Holding on…

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…to bitter (bauxite) myths

ne of the constants of politics in divided states is the cultivation, nursing and retention of myths of persecution and oppression by the “other”.

This tendency, of course, helps immeasurably to create the divisions in the first place!! Given the opportunity – or creating the opportunity – it becomes a case of “payback time” when the shoe is on the other foot, or the cutlass is in the other hand!!

Like all myths, there’s always at least a grain of truth at the centre, but that truth is always burnished and augmented to bring home the “point” in a way that even the most “hard-headed” can understand; and be aroused.

Take the case of the bauxite industry, and, more to the point, the bauxite workers. Marxists talk about the “working class” of the developed countries being a “labour aristocracy” because of their vastly better wages and working conditions than those in the Third World.

In Guyana, up to the time when Burnham nationalised the Bauxite Industry in 1970, Bauxite workers were our very own “labour aristocracy” – compared to all other Guyanese workers – but especially sugar workers. They were all African, after the 1964 ethnic cleansing. However, a decade after nationalisation, the PNC, under Burnham’s direct involvement, had brought the industry to its knees.

By 1992, when the PPP took over, the Industry was producing just one-third of its optimum production.

The Alumina Plant – which added value to the bauxite and justified free electricity to all of Linden – had long been shuttered, and its workers sent into the streets by the PNC. When Desmond Hoyte called in the IMF to bail out Guyana from the debt albatross bequeathed by the PNC, one of that entity’s demands was that the Bauxite Industry be privatised. Hoyte had already given away the Berbice bauxite operations to ALCOA for a song, without even the need to pay taxes or shipping fees etc. It was a blueprint for Trotman’s Exxon oil contract!!

Inheriting this snafu in 1992– especially with ALCOA playing hardball and threatening to walk away — the PPP obviously had to make some hard decisions based on the triage principle: sacrificing some parts for the survival of the whole.

And that’s the kernel of truth African-Guyanese activists like Lincoln Lewis and David Hinds have stubbornly nurtured to beat the PPP over the head as “racists” – especially when they contrapose the PPP’s supposed pandering to the sugar industry and sugar workers who’re their supporters and Indian to boot. It is rarely, if ever, mentioned that the PPP kept the PNCimposed draconian sugar levy that sucked all profits from the sugar industry.

During the same years, they kept bauxite alive on life support funded by that levy. …to old shibboleths There are some interesting economic statistics this newspaper’s been mining from the year-end reports the Finance Ministry has to issue. Dragged, kicking and screaming, Minister Jordan’s been forced to concede the economy’s growth has been inexorably shrinking, contrary to the rosy projections he appears impelled to issue at Budget Time.

But that, of course, is more tragic than interesting.

What’s interesting is the revelation that there are even more taxes being collected – especially from individual and corporate income taxes — even as economic growth is headed south!! Why that’s interesting is because it’s contrary to the advice of economists from every school out there – from the Keynesians to the New Monetary Theorists! Very simply put, one way to revive the economy is to place more money in the pockets of consumers and businesses – who can then inject it directly into the economy!!

Now the Finance Minister will say the increased revenues are due to better tax collections. But duh!!

Why hasn’t he proposed and implemented income tax cuts?? …to Marx It’s Karl Marx’s 200th birthday. Your Eyewitness thinks it’s rather serendipitous that Cheddi Jagan, his most faithful follower, just had his 100th birthday commemorated.

Marx had a statue donated by China to his home town, while Jagan has some stamps issued by the PNC Government to his relatives.

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CCJ orders NBS to pay ECD road expansion works progressing – MPI local architectural firm outstanding G$15M

…for design of head office

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Construction workers at Mon Repos on Saturday

xpansion works ongoing along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) Public Road are progressing well, according to Head of the Works Services Group (WSG) of the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Geoffrey Vaughn.

In recent interview with Guyana Times International, Vaughn explained that the ongoing works are approximately 20 to 21 per cent complete to date. He noted that currently, focus is being placed on the expansion between Better Hope and Beterverwagting (BV).

“The contractors are working on the expansion half of the road, as you would realise, on both sides and we’re already started putting our sub-grades and our base materials; soon you will see paving commence in terms of those works,” he stated.

The WSG head noted too that works are also ongoing on the drainage system, with the drains being expanded to ensure that the elevations are correct so that the roads can be drained properly and there would not be ‘ponds of water’ when the construction works are completed.

Meanwhile, Vaughn went on to say that while efforts are concentrated between Better Hope and BV, works have commenced in communities such as Mon Repos and will be moving down further the East Coast.

“So, as much as there’s focus on BV and Better Hope, they’ve already commenced some preliminary works on the other areas in terms of grubbing and so forth,” he said.

According to the WSG head, while the sand-filling aspect of the project was completed some over three years ago, some of it would have been contaminated over time when it was left there.

“So (the contractors) would have to take off some of those sandfill and refill it, which is always necessary once you have a project of that nature, because you couldn’t leave the area open once you’ve started the expansion,” he

noted.

The East Coast Road expansion project, which commenced late last year, has a timeline of two years.

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

Initially, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government had tried to secure financing for the road expansion project, but the money was not readily available; hence, the Administration decided to use local funds for preliminary works while it awaited the release of funds from the Chinese to complete the works.

The East Coast Road Expansion Project entails a four-lane extension from Better Hope to Annandale and two-lane upgrade from Annandale to Belfield with a total length of 16,998 kilometres of roads and 33,996 kilometres of drains to be built.

Apart from the road expansion, the residents were also going to benefit from the project which included improved drainage since the East Coast is usually susceptible to floods.

The preliminary works for the fourlane upgrade were completed at the end of 2014. This included the widening of the roads and installation of drainage facilities. The project was divided into seven lots which were awarded to different contractors.

With the China Exim Bank putting up most of the finances for the road expansion, Guyana had awarded the contract to China Railway First Group for some US$42.7 million. The Chinese construction company reportedly put in the lowest bid of US$46.994 million.

The PPP/C Administration had stated that it is saving some G$2.8 billion by giving the contract to China Railway First Group. Upon completing the widening and improvement of the East Coast Demerara Highway, citizens travelling along the East Coast will benefit from reduced travel time and less traffic congestion.

ocal financial institution – New Building Society Ltd (NBS) – was on Friday ordered by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to pay over G$15 million to a local architect for works done on its new head office building located on Avenue of the Republic and North Road, Georgetown.

The CCJ discharged a stay of execution that had been granted in a lower court, thus enabling the company, Rodrigues Architects Ltd, to recover the balance of monies due.

In 2015, High Court Judge, Justice Rishi Persaud ordered the building society to pay Rodrigues Architects Ltd the sum of GY$15,897,625, plus six per cent interest per annum from November 27, 2008 to September 29, 2015, and thereafter at the rate of four per cent per annum until fully paid. Additionally, the court had ordered G$100,000 for costs. He further ordered that there be a stay of execution for a period of six months from the date of the order.

No judgment, however, has yet been delivered to provide reasons for the order.

New Building Society Ltd applied for a stay of execution of the judgment pending the appeal.

Justice of Appeal BS Roy granted the stay until the determination of the appeal but ordered that the judgment sum due to Rodrigues Architects Ltd be deposited with the Registrar to be put in an interest-bearing account to await the outcome of the appeal. Rodrigues Architects Ltd failed to get Guyana’s Court of Appeal to overturn Justice Roy’s decision. The company then applied to the CCJ to discharge the stay of execution and obtain the deposited sum.

The CCJ, after reviewing the affidavit evidence, found that Justice Roy had erred in making his orders and the Court of Appeal had erred in reviewing those orders and letting them stand.

“No stay should have been granted because it had not been shown that there was a good prospect of the appeal suc-

ceeding nor that there was no reasonable probability that the company would be able to repay the money received from the building society if the latter’s appeal succeeded,” the CCJ said in a statement on Friday.

Further to that, Rodrigues, a Director of the company who has been in business for over 35 years, had been prepared to guarantee that he would personally repay the judgment sum paid to Rodrigues Architects Ltd if the society’s appeal succeeded.

As security, he agreed that he would not encumber or dispose of a particular property of his worth over G$50 million.

In explaining the principles to be considered when a stay of execution of a judgment involving money is sought, the CCJ emphasised that a stay of execution is the exception rather than the rule and that the onus is on the applicant to make out a case for a stay which required the court to answer the “essential question whether, in all the circumstances, there was a risk of injustice to one party or the other of the parties if it grants or refuses a stay”.

In answering this question, the Court required four issues to be considered. First, whether the defendant applying for a stay can satisfy the court that the appeal has a good prospect of success.

Second, whether the defendant could establish that he would be ruined or his appeal stifled if forced to pay out the judgment sum immediately, instead of after an unsuccessful appeal. Third, whether there was no reasonable probability, if an appeal was successful, that the claimant would be in a position to repay the monies paid by the defendant to satisfy the judgment. Fourth, as a last resort, whether there is a risk that the claimant will be unable to enforce the judgment if a stay is granted and the defendant’s appeal fails, when a payment of all or part of the judgment sum into court may be appropriate. For ease of reference, a checklist was added to the judgment which explained how the question about stay of execution should be dealt with where there is a money judgment.

The CCJ, with the consent of both parties at the end of the hearing, made various orders discharging the stay of execution, enabling the sum deposited with the court in Guyana to be released to Rodrigues Architects Ltd and enabling it to execute the judgment against New Building Society Ltd for the balance of monies remaining due under the judgment.

Timehri Film Festival announces 2018 film line-up

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he third annual Timehri Film Festival (TFF), which will commence later this month, has announced its 2018 line-up of films and activities which will be featured at the series of events to highlight local Guyanese filmmakers.

The Festival, which is presented by the Caribbean Film Academy (CaFA) and Rewind and Come Again (RACA), will be focusing this year on the celebration of regional Diaspora and storytelling and will be primarily hosted in the capital city, Georgetown. It is expected to last from May 30 to June 3.

The festivities will comprise 40 feature-length and short films from 15 different countries around the world.

Festival Director, Romola Lucas, explained that even more so than in the past two years, this year’s festival reflects on the maturation of

the filmmaking talent in the Region.

The activities will commence on May 30 with a cocktail party and musical performance by Gavin Mendonca, after which attendees will witness the screening of a slate of Guyanese films at Moray

House. In celebration of Guyana’s Pride Week, TFF and the Guyana Rainbow Foundation (GuyBow) will copresent Pride Cinema Night, screening queer-themed films.

For the second consecutive year, TFF will partner with Trinidad and Tobago’s Green Screen Environmental Film Festival to present the Environmental Film Festival, a special one-day screening of films highlighting environmental issues of particular concern to the Region.

As part of TFF’s community outreach, it will be working with several local schools

and prisons to present private screenings to their students and populations.

The line-up that is scheduled for screening includes ‘Play the Devil’, ‘Brown Girl Begins’, ‘Bad Lucky Goat’, ‘Kafou’, and ‘Amsterdam: Traces of Sugar and many more’.

The Timehri Film Festival is an annual festival with a mission of showcasing the work of Guyanese and Caribbean filmmakers. The films will be screened at various locations in Georgetown from May 30 to June 3.

34 feature

By Petamber Persaud

I

n order to get to his Ph. D. investiture ceremony, Churaumanie

Bissundyal made an overland trip covering some 700 miles in 11 hours (first leg of a round trip made up of 1400 miles and 22 hours). The trip from New

WEEK ENDING MAY 13, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

York to Ohio was made in a mini van driven in turns by friends. This is how he described that first leg of the trip which started on a Saturday morning at 1 a.m., ‘At night, sandwiched between opaque, lilac heavens and phosphorescent, galloping road signs, I fell into a reverie of our travelling in a celestial chariot to a pilgrimage where angels and deities have chosen to bestow benedictions upon humans achieving the best with humility, hard work, perseverance, pains, gratitude and excellence. In daylight, I felt the ecstasy of tunnels through mountains, sunshine washing rocky barrens, the golden hue of corn and wheat fields, and of brilliant, rich towns granting mercies to pastoral shanties shrouded by jungle or rocks’.

That journey started more than half a century ago in the ‘Cinderella County’ where he spent his formative days on Leguan, a green windswept island at the mouth of the Essequibo River, British Guiana. As in

Churaumanie Bissundyal

the story of Cinderella, Bissundyal went to the ball but couldn’t stay all night for the festivity.

It’s the story of his life – so near yet so far away.

On the day of his investiture, he declared, ‘I sat in stunned silence, waiting, torn in an ambivalence between weeping and laughing, aware that I was far away from everything yet so near. It occurred to me in floods and flashes that my anxieties of classrooms, introspection, books, seminars, peer days, research, essays, travelling, organization, and doctoral meetings were yielding for the first time to a rich savour of relief and serenity’.

After completing his formal education, Bissundyal was sent (city positions were reserved) to teach at Good Shepherd Anglican School, a missionary school deep in the hinterland of the country.

It was a blessing in disguise for he was charmed by the innocence of the Indigenous People - their customs, the virginity of the flora and fauna, by purity of the waterways which in turn occasioned the Muse to visit him.

It was the start of a versatile and prolific writing career, a career that was recently truncated by death. Recalling that moment, Bissundyal said, ‘I wrote my first piece, a long poem Glorianna.

After that I couldn’t stop writing’.

So far he has written more than five novels including Whom The Kiskadees Call, Peepal Tree Press, England, 1994, Labaria Puraan, Paddy Sheaves Books, Guyana, 1995, and Game of Kassaku, Geica, New York, 2002. A prolific playwright, he has writ-

ten more than a dozen plays. Those produced include The Trick and the Raajah, Theatre Guild, Guyana, 1987, From Ganges to Demerary, Samuell Beckett’s Theatre, Canada, 1988, and the National Culture Centre, Guyana, 1990, The Jaguar and the Flute, Theatre Guild, Guyana, 1991 and Epilepsia National Cultural Centre, Guyana, May 2005. His books of poems include Glorianna, self-published, 1976, The Presence, published by Roopnandan Singh, 1996, and Lotus in the Mud, published, Paddy Sheaves Books, New York, 2000. He also wrote more than four screenplays. Out of his first effort, his fervor for writing grew stronger despite bits of successes and daunting failures. From the interior of Guyana, he moved to the Hindu College, on the East Coast of Demerara where ‘within three months I completed another long poem, The Stream of Red Tears; then I started writing my first novel, The Blossoms of Love. My long poem won a Certificate of Excellence at Guyfesta, a Guyanese festival of creative arts, but my novel had received more than thirty rejection slips: it was never published’.

Encouraged by an actor, Godfrey Rocke, Bissundayl turned his attention to writing plays.

After some minor successes at the community level, he got a major breakthrough The Trick and The Raajah was staged at the Theatre Guild in Georgetown. The following year the play, From Ganges to Demerary, was accepted at York University, Toronto. This opened many doors to

him, regionally and internationally.

But back on the local scene, he experimented with drama - how to get it to the people. He successfully staged many ‘dinner & street theatre’ events which included his play like Mad No Hell, I is a Jumbie, The Jaguar and The Flute, and Migrant Error.

Always experimenting, Bissundyal turned to fiction writing but found he needed to devote more time to a novel. No problem, he resigned his job at the National Insurance Scheme. But this move led down to road to abject poverty; living on the streets.

His contemporary and fellow writer, Doodnauth Singh, said, ‘I can remember the times he slept on a stall at Bourda Market although he was a Literary Editor for one of our weekly newspapers. He wrote Labaria Puraan spending many days at the St. George’s Cathedral, eating little or nothing for days’.

But then it was from the bottommost to the uttermost. In 1996, lo and behold, he had to choose between a fellowship in creative writing at Miami University and the Vera Rubin Residency Award at Yaddo, Saratoga Springs. He went down the Yaddo road, completing his MFA in 2003.

Then he did a Ph. D. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at Union Institute & University, Ohio. At the investiture ceremony, Churaumanie Bissundyal recorded his feeling thus, ‘My moment of investiture met me in a world of stupor, yet I was aware of everything: my brothers snapping cameras at me, the audience applauding, music blaring, the rising fever of excitement.

When Dr. Larry Preston dropped the doctoral hood around me, I remembered at once my struggle and pains …to reach where I am today. Sometimes I thought I was riding a horse to reach the moon’.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 2260065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com What’s happening: Check out Guyana Book Foundation, 66 New Garden & Anaira Streets, ‘Matching Fund Project’ between May 2 and July 20, 2018, for all levels of books at concessionary price. For further information, please call 2274942. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

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Importance of Press Freedom in Guyana

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cross the globe, World Press Freedom Day is observed on May 3 , annually . This year, the observances were held under the theme “Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and the Rule of Law”. The Guyana Press Association (GPA) used the occasion to urge all media practitioners to take a stand against those in authority as they see to wield influence on content disbursement.

“The GPA is cognisant that in our society, lines of power, authority and decision-making in the media are blurred by shared interests, goals and objectives. In this regard, the Association is of the firm position that editors and other media managers need to stand up to those in authority and influence who seek to impose restrictions on freedom of expression because of their dislike of the opinions of others,” the GPA said in a statement.

The GPA pointed to the recent silencing action by the Government when the decision was taken to fire columnists Lincoln Lewis and David Hinds from the Guyana Chronicle. Additionally, the Association said it has observed the increasing frequency in the manipulation of stories to fit political agenda of the behind the scenes actors while pointing to the recent actions of Government attempting to interfere in the free press.

“Over the months we have had reports of Government officials calling media houses to demand sources from reporters, to demand that media outlets refrain from providing coverage to other public officials and threatening to call the Police to remove re-

World Press Freedom Day lecture , held at Moray House on Thursday in observance of World Press Freedom Day

porters from public meetings,” the GPA noted.

The GPA believes truly independent media is vitally necessary to guard against human rights abuses, electoral malpractices, lack of transparency and accountability and gender-based inequalities.

The Association also urged the Government and Opposition to discuss and arrive at a consensus to delete from the proposed Cybercrime legislation provisions that will amount to institutionalisation of criminal defamation.

“Those provisions, we contend, must be removed because they are not in accordance with the global shift towards the removal of criminal defamation from the law books of several countries including a number of them in the Caribbean.

Guyana will be retrogressing instead of progressing by entrenching the criminalisation of freedom of expression if certain sections in the Cyber Crimes Bill are enacted into law,” the statement said.

The GPA noted that World Press Freedom Day 2018 also allows them the opportunity to call on media workers and Guyanese of all walks of life to zealously

guard against fake news operations, especially on the Internet.

The GPA’s statement concluded that it will seriously consider whether, in the interest of the promotion of high quality journalism, they shall have to name fake news outlets in an effort to protect unsuspecting members of the public from being duped or adversely influenced by fabricated content.

Meanwhile, Guyana has been elevated five places up on the Reporters With Borders World Press Freedom Index. Guyana is now at 55 compared to 60 in 2017. The GPA said it welcomes the improved ranking with some reservations, pointing out that there are still significant hurdles to be crossed before Guyanese can feel that an improved ranking really matters.

Additionally, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said a free press is essential for peace, justice and human rights for all adding that it is crucial to building transparent and democratic societies and keeping those in power accountable.

“It is vital for sustainable development.

Journalists and media workers shine a light

on local and global challenges and tell the stories that need to be told.

Their service to the public is invaluable. Laws that protect independent journalism, freedom of expression and the right to information need to be adopted, implemented and enforced. Crimes against journalists must be prosecuted. On World Press Freedom Day 2018, I call on governments to

strengthen press freedom and to protect journalists. Promoting a free press is standing up for our right to truth,” the Secretary General said.

According to the UN, the theme of the 2018 celebration highlights the importance of an enabling legal environment for press freedom, and gives special attention to the role of an independent Judiciary in ensur-

ing legal guarantees for press freedom and the prosecution of crimes against journalists.

At the same time, the theme addresses the role of the media in sustainable development, especially during elections – as a watchdog fostering transparency, accountability and the rule of law. The theme also aims to explore legislative gaps with regard to freedom of expression and information online, and the risks of regulating online speech.

Within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the contribution of journalists and media workers is most associated with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 of peace, justice and strong institutions. In order to reach this goal, effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels must be developed, and press freedom is essential for this.

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WEEK ENDING MAY 13, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Ms. Manickchand during her visit to India

Questions: How long have you been a journalist?

How did your career unfold?

It is now three months shy of seven

years since I joined the media. When I was in secondary school, I had a teacher whom I admired a lot and I saw myself being like her when I got older. At the time, she was study-

ing Communications at the University of Guyana and would tell us about her classes from the day before, so I gradually began taking a liking to the idea of Communications.

However, about a year before, what was then CXC exams, my teacher had left the job and I kind of put the whole Communications thing behind my head as I prepare for exams. But then about a year after I finished school, I found out that she was working in the media and again my interest was sparked. So after contacting her and relating my interest, she advised that I apply for a job and I did, at several media entities. At the time though, I was interested in broadcast media, but I ended up sending my applications to mostly print media houses. Luckily, I ended up working for a company, the same my teacher was working for, which has both a television station and a newspaper, so I’ve had the opportunity to do both.

Who were the biggest inspirations for your career?

Well prior to me joining the media, it was my teacher Venessa Low-A-Chee (oops I forgot to mention her name).

Afterwards

inspirations and supporters.

What has been your personal key to success?

I’m not sure but I would like to believe that dedication, commitment, stability and an apparent unhindered love for what I do have been the core of what I have achieved thus far, and the driving force to get me where I am today. Because, initially, I was only going to work in the media for about a year or two just to get the experience but I fell in love and I’ve never been able to leave.

Although sometimes the urge to do that has been extremely strong, I was never able to find anything else that grab my interest like the media did and still does.

What are some of your personal and/or professional goals for the future?

At this point, I don’t see myself doing journalism as a lifetime career but I will continue to do it because I love it and for as long as I could, until maybe something [should] spark whatever it was within me that the me-

sponsibility and one that should be taken seriously since it shapes the mindset and the thinking of the public.

What have been the rewards and/or challenges thus far?

Like with any job, there would always be good days and bad ones, and I’ve experienced some really terrible days but my love for the job allowed me to persevere and continue moving forward instead of giving up and moving on to something else. And luckily, I did because I was able to fulfill one of my dreams – visit India. That has definitely been the highlight of my career.

Another reward I get from this job is meeting people from different walks of life, whether its influential people I admire and look up to or just an ordinary man or woman or even a child, and that broadens your perspective a lot.

Do you feel that is important for someone to be passionate about the journalism profe sion to be successful?

For sure! I believe the saying: “Do what

Vahnu hard at work (second from left) during the World Press Freedom Day seminar

I’ve meet a lot of persons who pushed me to bounds I didn’t know I had in me and who believed in me, so I was immensely inspired by a few of them – all of whom I had the opportunity to work with.

Persons like my former editor, Nigel Williams (now Editor-in-Chief at the Guyana Chronicle); Assistant Editor at the Guyana Times, Bhisham Mohamed; Avenash Ramzan, one of the renowned sport journalists in Guyana; a good friend and former media colleague, Pushpa Balgobin, and most recently, my current Editor at the Guyana Times, Tusika Martin, to name a few, have been my biggest

dia did. But I think I would like to broaden by abilities and go into production because that was where my interest was initially (in broadcast media) before I was swooned by print media.

What are some common myths about the journalism profession?

Perhaps, that it is a “glamorous job” that allows you to look good in front the camera, meet important/popular/influential people, and gets you into all the events free. I always tell new/young reporters when they join that while those are some of the perks you enjoy on the job, it’s much more.

Journalism is a big re-

you love, and it will never feel like a job.”

Journalism should not be done by persons who just want a job to pass time or earn money because it takes away a lot from you and you have to make a lot of sacrifices – give up things that are important to you.

And the only way you would be able to constantly make those sacrifices is if you love you what you’re doing, and so if you are not committed to journalism as a career, then it you won’t be able to do the job to the best of your ability and it will be reflective in the work you put out. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

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A view of the tourist site

By Utamu Bell

T

his year, instead of travelling overseas for vacation as he usually does, Lindener, Deon Anderson, after rediscovering the perfect, natural, calm and relaxing getaway right in his hometown, has decided that he will be "bringing the vacation home" in-

visit, Anderson and his crew have turned this particular lake into a nature lover's paradise, with water sporting activities such as kayaking and a haven for getaways, parties, weddings and celebrations or just the perfect place to relax. Having travelled to different tourist destinations outside of Guyana,

free of toxic chemicals.

"Actually, this is an area that has evolved into a lake as a result of bauxite mining, which is one of the safest mining practices...no harmful chemicals are used.

It's just excavation and because of what was left, there is a lot of rainfall and as such water coming out of the ground.

Safety First- visitors are encouraged to walk with the necessary safety gear

stead. After stumbling across one of the beautiful, picturesque, naturally occurring blue lakes in the mining town of Linden during one of his outdoor voyages, Anderson along with his family, fiancé and friends are on a mission to spread awareness about the potential tourist attraction, to draw as many visitors as possible to the pristine lake situated at Kara Kara, MacKenzie.

For years, the blue lakes were considered dangerous, known only for sightseeing extravaganzas, but with each

including Antigua and Barcelona for vacation, Anderson, who is a Chemical Engineer by profession, has decided to take a page from his overseas trips, and ventured to create the perfect setting at the Lakes.

He believes that the picturesque beauty of the lake is comparible with the beaches in other Caribbean islands and are definitely worth showcasing! Having consulted with local and international entities mandated to test recreational facilities, Anderson says it was found to be a fairly safe area to swim and

So, most of what you see here is just ground water. Contrary to popular belief, this area is actually free of any toxic chemicals, there are no heavy metals", he mused. Nevertheless, he recommends that visitors put safety first. "The only precaution here is the depths of the water, it's very deep. Safety is number one priority. So come with life vests, professional swimmers and you're good to go", he advises. Anderson said he visits the lakes every chance he gets with family and friends, taking professional swim-

mers and lifeguards to the area. He said he has come to the realization that it is a pristine area away from all the hustle and bustle. Just a week ago, his stepfather Roy Murray celebrated his 70th birthday at the blue lake in exquisite style.

It featured a cake sticking exercise by the lake, with a touch of decoration and a performance by the winning dance group at this year's Linden costume competition, ‘Iswe’. Family and friends flocked the location for an afternoon of fun, food and music.

For persons who might be interested in visiting the lake, boats are available through local tourist agencies in Linden such as Kara kayaking and tours, which Anderson has collaborated with. "I was able to do some packages in collaboration with them, so that persons who want to have the experience can rent the kayak boats or request a guided tour of Linden. They can have kayaking as part of their tour. They can kayak down the Kara Kara creek and have tours over the hills; see the history of bauxite mining, see some of the plants; the hills give a Birdseye view of Linden. They can have a fully booked day, with lunch included by just contacting these tourist companies", he said.

Adorable decorations used to enhance the lake on different occasions are done by Anderson's fiance Schenelle Johnson.

She uses various decorative themes to suit the occasion. "If you come on a normal day it looks just simply beautiful. When we enhance it with vari-

ous colours to go along with the water or a holiday theme, you find that it looks even more beau-

ist attractions", he said.

After posting images of his experiences on social media, he said he has re-

Deon Anderson enjoys the getaway

tiful. People don't actually realize that Linden has such beauty. We're thinking about promoting here for photos and the 'beach wedding' idea also. One time we even tried out the Hawaiian and Valentine's Day setting", Johnson related.

Anderson believes that Linden is one of the best destinations for nature

ceived positive reviews from persons who never thought that kayaking was even possible at the lakes in Linden or that it possessed such beauty.

He now aims to highlight, reflect, and showcase the natural beauty of Linden as he shared his belief noting that "Life is a vacation" and we all should “celebrate it every day,

Kayaking in the Blue Lake

lovers. "Everyone should visit Linden. This is just one of the many tour-

with a touch of class and finesse". (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

38 Feature

WEEK ENDING MAY 13, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

A picturesque view from the island (Leguan Blog photo)

Leguan is home to the tallest statue of the Hindu god, Hanuman, in the country.

Journey to "Land of the Iguanas" L

eguan Island is one of the over 300 islands found in the mighty Essequibo River.

With 18 square miles in size and a population of approximately 3000 residents, it is but one of the few found in the river's delta, just as it flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

First occupied predominantly by the Dutch before Britain

took over, the Island’s population currently stands at a proportion of 80% East Indians and 15% of African descent; the remainder is mixed. Just about 30 years ago however, the island had a population of over 8000 with 36 villages but due to continuous migration, some of the villages were abandoned and only about 27 remain

to date.

History has it that when the Dutch first settled there, they say such a large amount of iguanas that they decided to name the island Leguan which literally translates to "Land of the Iguanas."

Some things don't change, nor has the abundance of iguanas on the island; for they can still be found

St. Peters Anglican Church

sometimes on the roads, some as long as 5 feet.

The main economic activity on this peaceful island is agriculture, which first started with the Dutch who used the lands to cultivate cotton. When the cotton industry failed, attention was turned to sugar and when that was phased out, rice cultivation became dominant. Even so, to this day, rice remains the main crop, among others. Residents who do not engage in rice cultivation also take part in cattlerearing, livestock and cash crops cultivation, as well as the hunting of iguanas which are in abundance on the island, to sustain their livelihoods.

Sure enough there are Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools but if residents want to continue at a tertiary level, they are forced to leave and some choose to stay on the mainland even after.

Leguan is one of the very unique places in Guyana when it comes to security. Thefts and robberies are practically non-existent on the island and many residents sleep with the doors of their homes open. At about 05:00 hrs, residents on the island are in their farms, working until 09:00 hrs before returning home for a rest. At 15:00 hrs they return to the field and work until 18:00hrs. During the downtime, farmers usually meet to socialise under a big tree or in a nearby bar.

While most of the historical buildings on the island have been consumed by the elements, the St. Peter’s Anglican Church still stands but is in need of urgent repairs. Along the beaches and foreshore of the islands, Dutch bottles, seals, coins and other artifacts can be found. Leguan has a police station, a cottage hospital, nursery, primary and secondary schools, a Magistrates court, a guesthouse, a plantain chip factory, rice mills and religious places of worship. It also houses the tallest statue of the Hindu god, Hanuman, in the country.

Quite recently, the delegates of the 2018 Miss Earth Pageant ventured to the fascinating island as part of an Eco Tour. (Guyana Premier )

news 39

WEEK ENDING MAY 13, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana a very attractive investment destination - Swiss Ambassador

Sedition…

W …in AFC ranks

ell…well…well!! What’s going on here IN THE AFC’s top tier? Chairman Ramjattan says he’s FOR the sedition clause, and Leader Trotman says he ISN’T?? Ramjattan tried to pass off his retrograde stance by claiming some sort of misguided pragmatism: sedition’s already on the books, so Clause 18 in the Cybercrime Bill is just putting in in the “stratosphere” (sic) of the internet!!

Can you believe this fella?

Well, your Eyewitness doesn’t!!” Ramjattan’s just playing to the PNC gallery – which is where the drive for the draconian law to silence the PPP is coming from. As Jagdeo pointed out, Clause 18 is the PNC’s 21st century version of the National Security Act, which it inherited from the British but extended after Independence to jail several PPP activists. Ramjattan fully well knows this, but, unlike Trotman, has to prove his loyalty to the PNC. More to the point, he has to sing for his supper!! Trotman’s already PNC, so he can play to the liberal gallery of the younger PNCites.

But coming back to Ramjattan: as a lawyer who presumably doesn’t leave all research to his legal clerks, he’d know there’re all kind of arcane common laws “received” from England at Independence.

While maybe Guyana doesn’t have the resources to do a complete makeover of our laws to bring them up to date, surely when one of them comes up on his radar, he should recommend that Guyana be brought into the modern age?

Look what has happened to the common law on sedition in the land where it originated 700 years ago: THEY TOOK IT OFF THEIR BOOKS in 2009!! Then Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice, Claire Ward, explained: “Sedition and seditious and defamatory libel are arcane offences – from a bygone era, when freedom of expression wasn’t seen as the right it is today… Freedom of speech is now seen as the touchstone of democracy, and the ability of individuals to criticise the state is crucial to maintaining freedom”.

Why do you keep a law that was meant to prevent citizens from criticising their kings at a time when they were supposed to have been appointed

by GOD?? To criticise the king was to criticise God – which was BLASPHEMY, and was punishable by death, if need be. Sedition is the secular version of blasphemy against the king!! Imagine publication of Tom Paine’s “Rights of Man” was suppressed under the sedition laws? Is this where the PNC wants to take us back??

Ramjattan is once again shamelessly supporting the PNC Govt drive to fulfil the legacy of Burnham, as he promised.

In no uncertain terms, he should be told: Haul yuh ass!! …and PNC-Portuguese relations But it would appear in one area of national life that Granger’s striking out on a different path from both of his PNC Presidential predecessors (PPP???!!)

–niceing up relations with our Portuguese citizens.

Some may remember Hoyte’s outburst against “the Portuguese Mafia” when the Stabroek News – owned by the Portuguese David De Caires – was critical of some of his positions. Who knows…if he were in power then, maybe he’d have charged De Caires with seditious libel??!!

But Burnham was even more bitter against the Portuguese when he said D’Aguiar was trying to buy the PNC like a “case of used drink bottles”!! Before the CIA-arranged union, D’Aguiar had proposed funding the campaign if Burnham would concede half of the positions to the UF!! Burnham, whose motto was “tek first licks but not last licks”, actually dashed a “last lash” on D’Aguiar and his pretentions when he was effectively thrown out of the coalition before the 1968 elections and Burnham bought his MPs like used drinks bottles!!

What’s neutered Granger? Family? …against PPP supporters There’s a line which even a satirical column shouldn’t cross in a divided society like ours. And it’s up to the Press Association to monitor that line.

How come they haven’t pulled up Dem Boys for saying the murderous pirates are “Jagdeo’s supporters””??

N

on-resident Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Guyana, Mr. Didier Chassot, yesterday, said that Guyana is becoming the ‘land of opportunities’ as he noted that with the development of an oil and gas sector and the pursuit of the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), the nation is an attractive destination for investment.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), following a meeting with President David Granger, the Swiss Ambassador, who is based in Venezuela, said that in addition to his meeting with the Head of State, he is also in Guyana to explore and expand on areas of collaboration between the two countries as well as opportunities for investment for Swiss and Guyanese investors in both countries.

“We… know that Guyana is going through or about to go through a transformative period thanks to the oil findings and this could have a tremendous impact on the whole country and Guyana is becoming a land of opportunities so we are also very keen to develop the cooperation on the economic aspect”.

“This morning, I had a meeting with GoInvest [Guyana Office for Investment] precisely to have a briefing on what the opportunities would be for Swiss investors and for the business community to come to Switzerland. Very recently, an agreement on the promotion and protection of the investments between Guyana and Switzerland came into effect so this gives the

business communities in Guyana and Switzerland a good legal framework so we want to develop the cooperation,” he was quoted as saying by DPI. A m b a s s a d o r Chassot also noted that Switzerland acknowledges the strident efforts Guyana has been making in its pursuit of ‘green’ development.

During a meeting between President Granger and former President of

the Swiss Confederation, Ms. Doris Leuthard on the side-lines of the Minamata Convention on Mercury in Geneva in 2017, strengthening of the cooperation between the two countries in matters of the environment were discussed.

In this regard, the Swiss Ambassador said that the country looks forward to the transfer of its expertise and experiences to Guyana as it has a com-

mon ‘green’ vision to combat the effects of climate change and global warming and create a more sustainable planet.

Ambassador Chassot has also met with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat to discuss areas of collaboration and cooperation particularly in the area of disaster risk management and building resilience to natural disasters, DPI said.

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Jamaica's lack of competitiveness could blight future with CARICOM — Golding

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INGSTON, Jamaica — Former prime minister Bruce Golding says Jamaica's trade imbalance could be one of the factors that hinder their future with the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM).

Golding made the assertion during his ad-

dress at the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) exclusive Breakfast Conversation on April 26 at the Knutsford Court Hotel, where he spoke to private sector businesses about the critical consideration that must be given to determine the extent and nature of Jamaica's fu-

ture involvement with CARICOM. According to a release from the JCC today, Golding said Jamaica has failed to develop and implement the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) which has contributed to a lack of competitiveness and diversification from the

Bruce Golding

country.

"Too many companies are producing the same products and we are unable to sell those same products to each other,” the former prime minister was quoted as saying.

The CSME is an initiative currently being explored by CARICOM that would integrate all of its member-states into a single economic unit.

“Essentially, Golding is saying, is that countries within CARICOM need to produce enough products that can sus-

tain themselves and create trade opportunities with the world so that more foreign exchange can be earned to pay effectively for things these countries do not produce,” said the JCC. According to JCC, Golding said he believed "Jamaica is better off being a part of CARICOM because CARICOM could be a benefit to Jamaica.

"In Haiti, it is 11 million people and they have a demand for goods and services that is enormous. 17 million persons is a huge difference from

the 2.7 million we have in Jamaica, five times the Jamaican market".

He reportedly cited Digicel and Jamaica Broilers, as they were among the first two companies to be in the Haitian market to supply products and services.

"CARICOM imports 35 billion US dollars of goods such as merchandise imports, only 13 per cent of that Jamaica imports from each other, so in terms of intra-regional trade it's over a little over 3 billion out of 35 billion dollars of imports" said Golding.

He ended by saying, "Jamaica has to seriously contemplate & decide if it wants to be part of CARICOM and engage on the terms it demands".

The JCC agreed that Jamaica could carry far greater weight economically if it gets its house in order because our economic crisis is not CARICOM's making but rather, CARICOM can impact positively our economic growth.

(Jamaica Observer)

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Berbice cane cutter among Guyana’s latest road fatality

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Dead: Lalta Jagmohan

The car that struck down Lalta Jagmohan

teenager is in custody assisting with the investigation into the death of a pedal cyclist, who was struck down on the Corentyne Highway, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The dead man has been identified as Lalta Jagmohan, also called “Puta Low”, 30, a cane cutter of Sand Reef, Albion.

The accident occurred at Nigg Village about 19:10h on Tuesday.

According to the Police, motor car PRR 9091, driven by a teenager of Fyrish, Corentyne, was proceeding east along the northern driveway when the cyclist, who was also proceeding in the same direction, but on the southern side of the road, allegedly rode from south to north into the path of the vehicle.

After the resultant collision, the injured man was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the Port Mourant Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

According to the Police, the driver who passed a breathalyser test is in custody assisting with the investiga-

tion.

Meanwhile, a post-mortem examination conducted on the body on Wednesday gave the cause of death as a fractured skull and brain haemorrhage.

Guyana Times International understands that Jagmohan and his wife separated about three weeks ago. Since then the cane harvester had been receiving his meals from an aunt, who lives in the same village.

According to his cousin Vanie, on Tuesday, Jagmohan came and asked her mother for some food. She said after he ate, he left.

She said about 15 minutes later, they received a telephone call stating that he might have been involved in an accident. She said the pictures were posted on social media which prompted her parents to go to the Corentyne Highway.

According to Vanie, Jagmohan was at the Port Mourant Hospital when her parents arrived. She said the Police informed them that Jagmohan was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Hospital. (Andrew Carmichael)

Trinidad: School footballer killed on his 16th birthday

(TRINIDAD EXPRESS) – Noah Simmons got up on his 16th birthday, stepped outside his home, and was shot dead.

The killing happened in a squatting settlement along an old train line at Union Park East Marabella at around 8a.m on Tuesday.

Simmons was a fourth form pupil of the Shiva Boys College at Clarke Road Penal, and a member of the school’s successful football team.

He played in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Under 16 competition in 2017 and was a member of the school’s Under 14 SSFL national championship team.

However, the Express was told he had only attended school a few times since the start of the new term because of the family’s financial difficulties.

Simmons and his brother lived with their grandmother Lystra Simmons.

She told the Express that he got out of bed at around 8a.m and she wished him a happy birthday.

The grandmother said Simmons went out the front door and sat on the steps.

There was an explosion and when

Noah Simmons

the woman checked, Simmons was found bleeding from a wound to the chest.

The Express was told that Simmons frequent visited the Marabella Family Crisis Centre located nearby and was there up to 9p.m on Monday.

Family say he was also attempting to raise funds to go to Brazil as part of a football team.

There was no immediate motive for the killing.

Elderly T&T rapist gets 19 years (Trinidad Express)

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A TROUBLED PAST’: Allison Paul is escorted to the San Fernando High Court last month.

apist Allison Paul has been sentenced to more than 19 years in prison for the sexual assault of an elderly woman, and burglary with intent to rape. Paul, 68, who is also known as Allison Ramsingh and “Blacks”, was sentenced by Justice Maria Wilson yesterday.

A jury found him guilty of the two offences at the end of a trial last March in the San Fernando Third Criminal Court. The victim died last September, months before Paul was convicted of the 2006 offences which were committed at her home.

Man accused of murdering wife in 2012 to know fate soon

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nthony Morrison, the man who was accused of murdering his common-law wife, Donna Thomas between May 25 and 26 2012, is expected to soon know his fate as the defence and prosecution concluded their closing arguments on Wednesday.

On Monday, a 12-member jury was empanelled at the Demerara High Court before Justice Sandhill Kissoon to hear the retrial of Morrison’s case.

At Wednesday’s hearing, the accused led his own defence via an unsworn statement from the prisoner’s dock, which meant that he could not be questioned, or crossexamined. He however told the 12-member jury that on May 25, 2012, Donna woke him up and told him she was going out sometime in the day.

He however admitted that sometime before she left, they argued.

Morrison further informed the jury that sometime after 16:00h, he left home to go to the market and when he supposedly returned the following morning, he heard about the woman’s murder. The accused man did not call any witnesses in his defence. The State is being represented by Prosecutors Lisa Cave and Mandell Moore while Attorney Maxwell McKay is defending Morrison.

Donna Thomas’ body was found in a pool of blood with several stab wounds at the Lot 65 Cross and D’Urban Streets, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown apartment she shared with Morrison. Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh had given the cause of Thomas’ death as asphyxiation due to compression to the neck, compounded by blunt force trauma to the head.

According to Dr Singh, the deceased had

Anthony Morrison

16 incised wounds to one hand, while the other hand had six. These, he said, were considered to be defensive wounds, which were not fatal but contributed to significant bleeding. Thomas died as a result of being deprived of oxygen and the heart stopping, Singh had explained.

Justice Kissoon is expected to sum up the case soon. After this, the matter will be put to the jury which will deliberate for at least two hours and make a determination of innocence or guilt.

WEEK ENDING MAY 13, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

45

46

Newfound respect for teachers

By Ashley Anthony

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y relationship to the education sector has always been that of a recipient- a student. I have upon many occasions criticized the way that our students are taught, and whilst I do believe that these complaints are still very valid and need to be addressed, I have developed a newfound respect for teachers.

Let me be clear, in this instance, I mean teachers who honestly try their best. The kind who don’t tell you that you have to attend their lessons to pass, and who are dedicated to the wellbeing of their students. It is honestly such a demanding job. I cannot pretend to understand what it is like for permanent teachers, who have far more responsibilities than I do, but from the little I have experienced, I have been left exhausted. As it stands, I teach four classes, CAPE Physics unit one and two, and CSEC Biology for fifth and fourth forms. The time it takes to prepare for each class, to set and mark assignments, tests and IAs/ SBAs is unbelievable. For any teacher who turns up to almost all their classes prepared, I commend you. For any teacher who is timely in their marking, I commend you as well. It is tough work.

I have, tried for the most part to be the type of teacher that I wanted in high school. Going to school was a largely frustrating experience for me. There were many teachers who simply did not seem to care about their students.

I understand that sometimes we can become dissatisfied with our jobs, and feel demotivated to perform, but when teachers act like this, students are the ones who suffer. They are the ones who are forced (due to the syllabus never being finished) to have to go to lessons outside of school. This is a problem that I think feeds itself.

Students, unhappy with how they are being taught seek classes outside of school. These lessons, obviously cost students hours of sleep and recreation time, thus making them tired in school. Tired students are less responsive to teachers, and see school as a place to relax, rather than learn. Thus, when someone

WEEK ENDING MAY 13, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

is actually dedicated, and wants to teach, although students will attend the class, they do so somewhat grudgingly because they have come to see school time as time to destress. Something else that happens is I think students value their in-school classes far less than their lessons; they don’t need to pay for them, and they know that if they miss something in class they’ll cover it in lessons. This response from students can serve to demotivate the teacher, and thus continue the cycle.

To remain motivated is incredibly challenging. I don’t blame my students (especially those in fifth and sixth forms) who don’t come to school that regularly. I was once in that position. Do you stay home and work, or do you come to school and not be taught? Is it worth it to come to school solely for one class? Most times, I decided it wasn’t. However, being on the end of the teacher, it is tough when you prepare to teach a topic and then less than half the class shows up. Most times I chose to go ahead and work with those who had come, but ended up having to reteach the topic to the other students in the next class. Another issue that I had when I went to school was with the spontaneous school activities that would disrupt classes. As a teacher, I still face these problems. I understand that you are trying to provide students with a rounded education, but I don’t believe that the development of one part of a student’s life should come at the expense of another. I think with proper scheduling, it could be possible to have school events without setting students back in their learning.

However, despite how difficult the job is, and the challenges teachers face, I really don’t think you should be a teacher unless you are willing to deal with these problems. We should be able to provide students with a good education despite them, whilst simultaneously working to fix the issues. It is a lot to ask of a person, but I think that you shouldn’t be in the profession if you don’t have that type of dedication to education.

Different (arrival) strokes

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atiricus was in an upbeat mood. Yesterday, he and the family had sauntered over to the local ground where his villagers were celebrating Indian Arrival Day. He always went for the traditional foods his wife didn’t cook nowadays at home.

It wasn’t that she didn’t like to cook…but with the internet at her beck and call, she preferred to whip up the “Indian” food from India.

“And it’s not that I don’t like them, but I just get a kick from the food my grandmother used to make!” Satiricus reported to the fellas at the Back Street Bar. “Me know wha’ yuh mean,” said Bungi wryly.

“Me wife a mek mutt’n biryani from wan bax…but me still like Bigan-Choka wid Sada Roti now and den!”

“Alyuh lucky!” chuckled Hari wryly. “For me is chowmein and fry rice, down the line!!”

“Suh like only me a get roti and curry ev’ry marnin’!!” said Cappo. “Jus’ like abee ole people who bin come fram India!”

“Cappo, ole friend, you know why you eat ‘tea, breakfast and dinner’?” asked Satiricus.

“Well me gat fuh eat t’ree time a day,” replied

Cappo.

“When our fore-parents came from India, they left so early for the backdam they couldn’t eat anything,” said Satiricus. “They just drank some tea – no roti and curry!!”

“Suh da wha’ mek abee ah eat “break-fuss” midday!!” exclaimed Bungi!! “Rice an’ dhall!!”

“That’s right,” chimed in Hari. “Their first real meal was at midday, when the sun ‘stand up’!!”

“Suh if abee ah eat diffren’ fram de ole people,” said Cappo, “abee ah drink diffren’ too?”

“Damn right!” said Satiricus. “They didn’t drink alcohol!”

“No rum an’ beer?” asked Bungi incredulously.

“Nope!” said Satiricus. “That was introduced right here in Guyana.”

“Suh wha’ dem bin do fuh fun?” asked Cappo.

“They smoked grass, which they called “ganja”!!” said Hari.

“Really?” asked Bungi in awe. “Dem ole people bin bad fuh days!!”

“Fram nex’ year, leh abee smoke some ganja fuh Arrival Day!!” said Cappo.

They all clinked bottles to that suggestion.

Belated…

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…Security reaction to water-bandits

rime’s always been around – including violent crime. But in the first decade of this millennium, it took a whole new dimension with the entry of armed criminal gangs. Mass killings became routine. The denouement came in early 2008, when the Lusignan Massacre took 13 lives; the Bartica Massacre took 15. But Guyanese demanded action to stop Guyanese lives from being snuffed out by criminal gangs which had absolutely no regard for human lives. Within months, the PPP govt-directed Joint Forces had tracked down the killer gang through the jungles and into the coast and executed all its members. The swift response obviously sent such a salutary message to wannabe gang-killer miscreants that none have raised their heads since.

So what’s going to be the response to the “piracy” massacre of 16 fishermen last week?? When this PNC-led Government slid into office in 2015, “piracy” had been a persistent problem on the Corentyne Coast. Unlike the pirates of old, like Captain Morgan — who’ve been romanticised through the ages for robbing the bullion-loaded Spanish Galleons on behalf of his country — these Guyanese “pirates” can be better described as “water-bandits”. They’re lowlife bottom feeders who prey on poor fishermen grubbing for a living. Their families depend on them, as they take grave risks to bring in their catch from the wild Atlantic at nights.

Generally, the water-bandits brandish cutlasses as they intercept fishing boats laden with catch at the mouth of the Corentyne River. It might not be widely known, but Suriname owns the River all the way to our bank – to where the water reaches at low tide, all the way to 61 Village. That’s right…when you swim out beyond that mark at 63 Beach, you’re in Suriname!! Anyhow all over the Corentyne, fisher folks were at risk from these water-bandits.

The PNC coalition Government – ensconced into office on the backs of the Khemraj Ramjattan AFC, with votes from Berbice, including those from the fearful fishermen – appointed him as Minister of Public Security. Being from 43 Village, he assured the Corentyne fisher folks he’d eliminate the problem. In June 2015 – only a month after being in office — he went down to Berbice with a phalanx of Policemen and informed the Upper Corentyne Chamber that the most effective solution would be to give the fishermen guns to protect themselves.

He claimed patrols by ship or helicopters would be too expensive to upkeep in what he called a “Wild West” situation in the fishing grounds. Like the cowboys of yore, the fishermen had to be armed.

Well, we understand Ramjattan’s finally decided to visit the Corentyne.

Where are the guns that could’ve prevented the massacre?? Blood might be on Ramjattan’s hands. …top Judicial appointments Asked what he’s doing about making permanent appointments to the two top Judicial positions – the Chancellor and the Chief Justice – PNC Leader and President of Guyana, David Granger, said, “The ball’s in Jagdeo’s court”!! Imagine that!! Clearly, Granger doesn’t accept that, being President of Guyana, that role trumps being the Leader of the PNC. Because to treat the top judicial appointments as a “game” of tennis — wherein one just lob balls to get the advantage over the opponent — is to miss the central point of being president: to do the right thing for Guyana, NOT the PNC! And what’s the “right thing” for Guyana, rather than crass gamesmanship?? Suggest Judicial nominees to the Leader of the Opposition, who’s not prima facie objectionable.

Honestly, after packing every possible state position with old (and we mean ooollllddd!!) army buddies, how can Granger think another ex-officer – who imbibed his personal teachings on Burnham’s supremacy doctrine in the army – can be acceptable as Chancellor??

But then it’s all a game, isn’t it? Politrics!! …amends??

Granger’s bigging up of Indian contribution had to’ve been as PNC leader – with one eye on 2020.

If he was being President of Guyana, he would’ve offered some hope of employment for the workers at Highbury — fired with Rose Hall’s closure.

FEATURE 47

WEEK ENDING MAY 13, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Mangrove seedlings, Mon Repos, Guyana. Photo source:

©© Amanda Richards

Christell Chesney

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Govindra Punu

hristell Chesney from the Centre for the Study of Biological Diversity (CSBD), University of Guyana (UG), has been selected as a 2017/2018 Conservation Leadership in the Caribbean (CLiC) Fellow. This fully funded and highly competitive selection process yielded candidates from 14 countries and Christell is the first fellow for CLiC from Guyana.

“I am extremely honored to be among those participating in this program,” said Christell Chesney. “CLiC will definitely help me to improve my skills in conservation planning and leadership. These particular skills will be used at the CSBD, UG, to guide students’ research as well as, to contribute to the conservation efforts, of the CSBD, through various workshops, courses, etc.”

The goal of the Conservation Leadership in the Caribbean (CLiC) fellows programme is to have an established, sustainable Caribbean leadership-training program enabling effective regional networking and action to achieve sustain-

Josué Céliscar

Tanja Lieuw

able conservation.

“This program directly addresses a succession crevasse across the Caribbean and Latin America by empowering a new generation of wildlife and conservation leaders who as today’s young leaders do not have adequate access to opportunities to experience and practice conservation in areas such as development, communications or grassroots activities,” said Kelvin Alie, CLiC Director and Vice President of Conservation and Animal Welfare at IFAW. Now in its second iteration, the strongly oversubscribed program funded in part by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) with the support of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW; www.ifaw.org), St. George’s University (SGU) and the Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation (WINDREF), CLiC creates an opportunity for up-and-coming Caribbean conservation professionals to gain invaluable first-hand skills and experience working with proven conservation leaders.

60-year-old cancer patient remanded on narco trafficking charge

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Haslington, East Coast Demerara (ECD) man, who alleged that he is a cancer patient, found himself slapped with a narcotics trafficking charge when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday morning.

Sixty-year-old Edgar Bollers of Lot 949 Haslington, ECD, denied he had 27 kilograms 170 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking on May 7, 2018 at Haslington.

Reports are the man was arrested after the cannabis was found hidden in a freezer at his ECD home.

Reports are an intelligence-led operation saw members of the Police Narcotics Branch visiting the man’s home at Haslington, where a search was conducted, and five well taped parcels of the compressed marijuana were unearthed.

In court on Tuesday, Police Prosecutor Gordan Mansfield stated that the case file has been completed.

As such, Chief Magistrate Ann

In addition to three in-depth training sessions over an 18 - month period which commenced May 2017 and concludes October 2018, fellows are working in teams to design, implement and evaluate cuttingedge projects in biodiversity conservation in support of sustainable development in the Caribbean. Ms. Chesney’s team, CLiC Mangrove Guyana, comprises of team members; Guyanese; Govindra Punu, from Vector Control Services, Ministry of Health, Surinamese; Tanja Lieuw from Inter-American Development Bank and Haitian; Josué Céliscar from Foundation por la Protection de la Biodiversité Marine (FoProBiM).

This team is working closely with the Ms. Kene Moseley and her team at the

Conservation Leadership in the Caribbean (CLiC) Fellows 2017/2018 at St. George’s University (SGU), Grenada, May, 2017 for their first Batch of in person training

Three Cubans remanded for forging US visas T

hree Cubans, who all forged United States visas, found themselves before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Rafeal Rodriguez Baroso, 41; Elinese Esperaso, 20; and 35-year-old George Alleyne Ortega – all of Cuba – denied the charges brought before them.

It is alleged that Baroso and Esperaso with intent to defraud on May 5, 2018, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), ut-

The compressed marijuana found in the freezer

McLennan remanded the 60-year-old to prison. The case will continue on May 29 at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court.

Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project (GMRP-NAREI) to conserve the mangrove forest at Hope, East Coast, Demerara.

The project includes biodiversity surveys, stakeholder interviews, clean up campaign and education and awareness programs. During their projects, these fellows also have access to a qualified training expert; Dr. Tsitsi Mcpherson, from the State University of New York College at Oneonta, who guides them on this journey and provides one-on-one mentoring, networking opportunities and career development. Ms. Chesney’s local supervisor is Director of the CSBD, Dr. Gyanpriya Maharaj (Centre for the Study of Biological Diversity, University of Guyana)

tered to Sachin Ram, a Customer Service Agent attached to the Timehri Handling Service Incorporation, their Republic of Cuban passports in favour of themselves with a forge US visa inserted, knowing same to be false.

It is also alleged that between April 22, and May 5, 2018, they conspired with persons to forge the said visas.

Ortega was slapped with the same two offences which he reportedly committed on April 28, 2018.

When questioned, Esperaso revealed that she was told that she would be able to obtain her US visa easier from Guyana. She however noted that she was unaware that her visa was forged.

Magistrate McLennan remanded the trio to prison. The case will continue at the Providence Magistrate’s Court on May 15.

48 Bollywood

Ekta Kapoor: I want to grow with regional content

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ilm and TV producer Ekta Kapoor says big budgets and busy schedules of actors have kept her away from working with big stars and instead concentrate on “eclectic” films that have earned critical acclaim. “It is not about the access to the stars.

We have not made films with Salman (Khan) or Shah Rukh (Khan) because at this point if I have to spend half a year in planning a film with a big star, it would require certain effort.”

“We have got into an eclectic mix of films. Access doesn’t always mean…

You could have picked up a phone and called them. It is not that we are making a big star Rs 100 crore proposal,” Ekta told PTI in an interview. Instead, the producer’s banner Balaji Motion Pictures has backed a number of unconventional films such as Love, Sex Aur Dhoka and Lipstick Under My Burkha.

Ekta started her production journey with TV and soon became the soap opera queen with hits such as Hum Paanch, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki, Kasauti Zindagi Ki and Kahiin To Hoga. She soon moved to the big screen with films such as Shootout at Lokhandwala, The Dirty Picture and Ek Thi Daayan.

There have been failures along the way but Ekta says she does not dwell on them too much.

“Either you win or you learn. I don’t like to live a delusional life, which is an easy thing. We all have dreams

but we have to understand where the dream becomes delusional,” Ekta says. As a producer, she says she might feel the content she is churning out is great, but the audience may not appreciate it and one has to be open to rejection. “If I am making something for others, I have to take their opinion into consideration — be it bouquets or brickbats; TRPs or criticism. I try to keep an open mind,” she says.

From TV to films to digital medium with ALTBalaji, Ekta has successfully moved through different mediums and the producer says it helps her cater to different sensibilities. “When you are alone, the kind of content you will consume will be very individualistic, when you go to a theatre it is community viewing as you go with friends and family in a closed room with hundreds of unknown people and at home it is family viewing, you have to be less radical at home and watch things that are more subtle.”

Asked if she is looking to tap into regional markets, Ekta says, “I feel we have a huge local market. I want to grow with regional content but that would be three years later. I have done two shows – one is a Bengali and other is a South Indian show. I had a huge wing that made lot of South Indian shows, not many people know we had a south show called ‘Kudumbam’. I am a firm believer that as the content gets local there will be more identification.”

(Indian Express)

Sanya Malhotra: I would love to work with Aamir again

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anya Malhotra, who shot to fame with her debut 2016’s Dangal, says the feeling that she is an actor is yet to sink in. Today, Sanya has her hands full with three films – Ritesh Batra’s Photograph, Badhai Ho with Ayushmann Khurrana and Vishal Bharadwaj’s Churiyan.

“I am satisfied with whatever I am doing. I can’t believe I am an actor, I think it will take some time for this to sink in.

I am glad I am getting to work with brilliant directors and actors, which I had not imagined. I am enjoying each and every day of being an actor,” she told PTI. Sanya says she does not know if she is a natural at acting. “Acting is very new to me. With every film that I am doing I am learning new things either about myself or about filmmaking,” she says.

The actor does not come from a film background but she feels making a mark in the industry is difficult – for both an outsider and a person with connections.

Everyone has to go through their fair share of ups and downs, she asserts.

“When I came to Mumbai to audition for a dance reality show, I was in top 100.

I doubted myself and did not get through. It was a lesson for me… After that day, whenever I used to go for auditions, I never doubted myself,” she says.

Long before Dangal, there was a period of three-four months that Sanya had no work but the actor says

her family stood by her like a rock. She kept herself busy through ad films and soon things changed when casting director Mukesh Chhabra called her to audition for the hit sports drama.

Post the stupendous success of the film, in which she played the role of wrestler Babita Kumari Phogat, Sanya was flooded with offers but somehow, nothing materialised. “After doing a film like Dangal, people would assume things are easy for me. When I had nothing (in my hand) I had my own journey. I don’t like to call it as a struggle period because I enjoyed that time as well. I learnt how to be patient, worked on my craft…

“A lot of good things came my way, but sometimes dates did not match and lot of things did not happen. When I pick up a script I imagine myself in the character, if it excites me, I do it. There are no second thoughts about it,” she says.

Sanya has names such as Hansal Mehta, Dangal helmer Nitesh Tiwari and former co-star Aamir on her list of directors she wants to work with.

“I would love to work with Aamir sir again if he is directing something. I hope he calls me for it (Mahabharat, reportedly Khan’s next directorial project),” she adds.

She says is grateful to have both Nitesh and Aamir as mentors. “After ‘Dangal’, we interned for sixseven months under Aamir sir and saw he is so passionate about his films. Whatever he does he is completely into it. (Indian Express)

WEEK ENDING MAY 13, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Sonam Kapoor’s wedding reception: Shah Rukh Khan, Arjun Kapoor and Anil Kapoor match steps at the bash

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onam Kapoor’s wedding reception saw the biggest stars of Bollywood in attendance. From Shah Rukh Khan to Akshay Kumar, everyone who is anyone was seen at the bash. The stars of the night danced and made merry with Anand Ahuja and Sonam Kapoor. The mega bash saw the presence of Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Rishi Kapoor, Boney Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Karan Johar, Jackie Shroff and Akshay Kumar among others.

While Shahid Kapoor attended the bash with wife Mira Rajput, Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt made a grand entry at the reception. Both stars, who are busy promoting Sanju and Raazi respectively, made their way to the party looking like a million bucks. Ranveer Singh, on the other hand, posed for a picture with Padmaavat director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Akshay Kumar was seen with wife Twinkle Khanna, while Ayushmann Khurrana posed with wife Tahira Kashyap. Sonam’s Veerey Di Wedding stars Swara Bhasker, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shikha Talsania were also snapped at the event.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who had not made it to the wedding earlier in the day, was seen with husband Abhishek Bachchan at the party. Sonam and Anand, who had cut a cake at the wedding, also cut a delicious-looking cake at the reception. Salman Khan’s

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ctor Sanjay Dutt says his debut film Rocky, which was released on May 8, 1981, gave him a real sense of being an actor.

“A film which gave me a real sense of being an actor is Rocky. Today marks 37 years of it and when I look back, my heart fills with gratitude for all the love and appreciation I have received over the years,” Sanjay tweeted on Tuesday.

Rocky was directed by Sanjay’s father Sunil Dutt. It also starred Reena Roy, Tina Munim, Amjad Khan, Raakhee, Shakti Kapoor and Aruna Irani. Sanjay has had a tumultuous personal and professional life.

brother-in-law Aayush Sharma, who will soon be making his Bollywood debut, stepped out into the night holding hands of wife Arpita Khan.

Designers Masaba Gupta and Anaita Shroff Adajania also made a pretty picture at the bash with their partners Madhu Mantena and Homi Adajania. Celebrities like Madhuri Dixit, Varun Dhawan, Amrita Arora and Athiya Shetty also made their presence felt at the reception.

Anil Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan were seen shaking a leg to the Dil Dhadkne Do number Gallan Goodiyaan. Karan Johar, never to miss out on the fun, danced to Saajan Ji Ghar Aaye from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Whereas, father of the bride Anil Kapoor performed to My Name is Lakhan and then the evergreen star matched steps with nephew Arjun Kapoor on the latter’s hit track from Gunday, Tune Maari Entriyaan. Later, Ranveer Singh was also seen joining the fun. Shah Rukh Khan shook a leg with the Kapoor family on Kangana Ranaut’s London Thumakda.

Sonam Kapoor tied the knot with Delhi-based businessman Anand Ahuja on Tuesday afternoon. The Bollywood star looked like the perfect bride as she exchanged vows with groom Anand in a traditional Sikh ceremony at the actor’s aunt’s heritage mansion Rockdale in Mumbai. (Indian Express)

He has been loved in films like Khalnayak, Sadak, Saajan Vaastav: The Reality and Dhamaal, but it was his role in the Munna Bhai series that won him several fans in what could be called his second innings in Bollywood. The actor made a comeback to films in 2017 with Bhoomi after serving a jail term in a case related to the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts.

Sanjay currently has four films in his kitty — Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster 3, Kalank, Torbaaz and Panipat.

Meanwhile, a biopic on his life is also set to make it to the silver screen, with Ranbir Kapoor essaying Sanjay.

The film which will showcase the various ups and downs of Sanjay’s life is set to hit the screens on June 29. Helmed

by Rajkumar Hirani, the film also stars Manisha Koirala, Paresh Rawal, Sonam Kapoor and Anushka Sharma in pivotal roles. (Indian Express)

WEEK ENDING MAY 13, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Marvel’s original Avengers celebrate Infinity War by getting matching tattoos

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arvel and Avengers: Infinity War is not something that only its fans will swear by.

For its original cast, it is equally memorable and emotional. We know how half of the Avengers turned into dust at the snap of Thanos’ finger and we still wait to see who will get resurrected in Avengers 4. While the concluding big movie is in its post-production, gearing up to release in May next year, five out of the six original Avengers – Robert Downey Jr (Iron Man), Chris

Hollywood 49

Disney CEO teases more Avengers movies: There’s certainly a lot more stories to tell

Their tattoo artist Joshua Lord then flew to LA and inked the others too.

Only Mark Ruffalo aka Hulk stayed away from the plan. That’s not all.

Each one of them tried to draw the same symbol on Joshua too, only that it was completely out of shape!

Robert Downey Jr also left a message for fellow Avengers Chris Evans in one of the videos. Even Joshua posted a photo with the caption, “Oh man!!!

I can finally post this!!! It’s revealed by the man himself! Avengers Assemble!!!

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Hemsworth (Thor), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Chris Evans (Captain America) and Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye) have got matching tattoos of the superhero team’s logo as a mark of memory and to celebrate the latest blockbuster.

These actors are the original Avengers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, who have been associated with the studio for almost a decade, depending on the time they debuted in the MCU. All of them first appeared together in 2012 film The Avengers and continued to be cast together in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America: Civil America and the latest Avengers: Infinity War, apart from making individual appearances in their standalone films.

RDJ and Jeremy shared loads of photos and videos from the tattoo parlour revealing the group inking plan.

Reportedly, it was Scarlett’s idea and she persuaded others to join in. She already got the Avengers’ logo inked along with Chris Evans in New York.

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ctor Angelina Jolie will be producing the film based on the life of legendary Native American athlete Jim Thorpe. Martin Sensmeier will portray the world-renowned athlete in the film, titled Bright Path: The Jim Thorpe Story, reported Deadline.

Jolie, 42, will produce the project along with Steve Tisch, Abraham Taylor and Todd Black of Escape Artists Productions. Sensmeier, 32, will also serve as the executive produc-

Thank you all for the best time ever.”

Revealing more on their new body art, Robert Downey Jr told Entertainment Weekly, “Five of the original six Avengers got a tattoo.

And the sixth was the tattoo artist, who gave it to five of us, the one who opted out being Mark Ruffalo. It was (Scarlett) Johansson’s idea, and she and (Chris) Evans did it in New York.

Then, their New York guy, Josh Lord, who is amazing, flew out to LA, he did me, did (Jeremy) Renner, and then we just bullied (Chris) Hemsworth into doing it, and he got it. And each one of us drew a line on the artist with his own tattoo gun and it was a total massacre. Each of us contributed to giving the tattoo artist the sixth tattoo that he designed for us. By the way, he’s got another one on him that Scarlett did, which is beautiful, which is crazy, because the line she drew on him, which was just supposed to be a straight line, looked like a lightning bolt. It was a mess.” (Indian Express)

er on the project.

“I’m honoured to be working on this project. I have had the privilege of spending time with Bill Thorpe, and will be listening to and guided by the Tribes and the Thorpe family in the making of this film,” said Jolie in a statement.

The film’s script has been written

by Taylor along with Alex Nibley and Sterlin Harjo.

In 1912, Thorpe won two Olympic gold medals representing the United States while his citizenship went unrecognized during a period of cultural genocide for Native Americans.

He went on to play Major League Baseball, professional football and eventually founded the organization that became the NFL. According to a re-

he yet-untitled Avengers 4 might mark the culmination of 19 Marvel Cinematic Universe films, but Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger has hinted that there will be more Avengers films in the coming years. The 67-year-old Disney honcho said his ‘Marvel team’ is exploring the future of MCU after Avengers 4, which he said would “have a significant conclusion” to the Marvel comic book franchise.

“We meet on a regular basis with our Marvel team, and we’ve plotted out Marvel movies that will take us well into the next decade. I’m guessing we will try our hand at what I’ll call a new franchise beyond Avengers, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t see more Avengers down the road. We just haven’t made any announcements about that,” Iger said, according to The

Hollywood Reporter.

Iger was speaking at the Disney’s quarterly conference call with investors. “Given the popularity of the characters and given the popularity of the franchise, I don’t think people should conclude there will never be another Avengers movie,” Iger said.

“There’s certainly a lot more stories to tell, a lot more characters to populate those stories with,” he added.

Avengers: Infinity War, which was released worldwide on April 27, has become the fastest film to reach USD 1 billion worldwide at the box office last week, after pulling in a record-setting USD 250 million opening weekend.

The film’s follow-up Avengers 4, which filmmakers Joe and Anthony Russo shot back-to-back with Infinity War, is scheduled to release on May 3, 2019. (Indian Express)

‘Sherlock Holmes 3’ to hit theatres Christmas 2020

early seven years after Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows hit theatres, Warner Bros.

Pictures says a third installment of the Sherlock Holmes franchise is coming in 2020. The studio said on Monday that Robert Downey Jr will reprise his role as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famed detective alongside Jude Law as his counterpart Watson.

Sherlock Homes was a box office hit for the studio when it was released in 2009, just one year after Downey Jr. also made his debut as Iron Man. A sequel quickly followed in 2011.

Combined, the first two films grossed net worth of 1 billion dollars. Both were directed by Guy Ritchie.

For 7 years now, there had been no solid news of the third iteration until Robert Downey Jr revealed in an interview to the Entertainment Weekly

magazine in March. As he was asked what is next for him, Downey Jr said, “First of all the missus is front and center with Joe Roth producing Doolittle. I’m having a good time, though I decided to give myself, like, 40 additional challenges, like a Welsh accent — which even Welsh people say is hard to do. Then there’s all this stuff down the pike. We’re looking at another Sherlock Holmes, we’re developing Perry Mason for HBO. I still want to do Pinocchio.”

While the first film found Sherlock and John battling it out against Mark Strong’s noble serial killer Lord Henry Blackwood, it was the second film which featured Sherlock’s archvillain Professor James Moriarty, played

by Jared Harris. Sherlock Holmes is the most portrayed literary character ever and has seen numerous adaptations over the decades. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman star in the BBC series titled simply Sherlock, and it has been a big success.

A director is yet to be announced for Sherlock Holmes 3, however. The film is dated for a Christmas 2020 release.

(Indian Express)

port in Variety, Thorpe’s family will be involved in the feature. Son of Jim Thrope, Bill Thorpe said, “My brother Richard and I are the only surviving children of Jim Thorpe. Our father’s accomplishments in life are a great source of pride to us. In the more than six decades since Burt Lancaster’s ‘Jim Thorpe: All American,’ our family has heard of dozens of attempts to bring this story to modern audiences, but we have never shared the vision of a movie

until the authentic portrayal in Bright Path: The Jim Thorpe Story.”

Angelina Jolie’s last film as a producer was the animated drama film titled, The Breadwinner that released in November 2017. The film was based on a novel by Deborah Ellis and revolved around the life of a young girl in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. It was also nominated at the 90th Academy Awards in the Best Animated Film category. (Indian Express)

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WEEK ENDING MAY 13, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Independence Track and Field Meet set for May 19-20 – 85 athletes already booked for intense competition

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he track and field competition, which is being organised by the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG); the Guyana Overseas Based Sports Association and the Social Cohesion Department, was first hosted to commemo-

tition is open to athletes as young as eight years of age.

AAG President Aubrey Hutson revealed that there was a US$10,000 budget, so accommodation, transportation and meals would be provided for the athletes with the help of

Coordinator James Cole disclosed the number of registered athletes thus far, who hailed from 13 clubs.

“Our preparations are on stream in terms of clubs sending in their entry forms; to date we have 85 persons who would have regis-

Some big names are expected to be at the starting line at the National Track and Field facility (Orlando Charles photo)

AAG President Aubrey Hutson, Guyana Overseas Based Sports Association President David Thomas and AAG Administrative Coordinator James Cole

rate Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary in 2016.

The third edition is expected to be hosted at the Leonora Track and Field Centre on the West Coast of Demerara on May 19-20. The compe-

the Social Cohesion Department.

The track and field meet is expected to be larger than previous years and the AAG is anticipating participation from over 100 athletes.

AAG Administrative

tered and registration is opened until the 17th,” he said.

Over the years, the parties involved have strived to better the competition so as to provide a better platform for the local athletes. Last

year’s games saw the introduction of hurdles and steeple chase, two races that are not popular locally.

Guyana Overseas Based Sports Association President David Thomas disclosed that next year’s event would be improved upon by inviting international athletes to participate.

“Next year, we will

try to make this an international event. As Mr Hutson rightfully said competition is the key to success, but international competition always makes us better,” he stated.

The former athlete explained that inviting competitors from Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and other countries improved

the level of competition for local athletes. “We have a nice programme planned for next year for our athletes and those we intend to invite.”

The action begins at 10:00h and there will be an entrance fee of G$300 for those who wish to visit the event. Aside from medals, the professional athletes will receive cash prizes.

Record entries anticipated for Caribbean School Boys boxing championships

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uyana Boxing Association (GBA) President Steve Ninvalle is confident a record number of entries will make their way to Guyana for the third edition of the highly successful

the overall title with six gold medals and two silvers while Trinidad and Tobago claimed four gold medals and four silvers.

Success of novices

The action-packed Caribbean School Boys boxing championships return in August with an anticipated nine countries participating

Caribbean School Boys boxing championships slated for August 17-19.

Ninvalle foresees the number of teams will grow exponentially from four in 2017 to nine, with countries such as Jamaica, St Lucia, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Cayman Islands, and French Guiana also slated to make the trip to the Land of Many Waters.

The GBA further highlighted the championships have shifted from its usual April-May timeline to August which allows a greater number of competitors to travel, on account of the school break.

Regarding preparations, he revealed that the locals would be encamped prior to the event to ensure they were in position to perform at their best and defend the “homeland”.

In 2017, the locals stuck to the script and dominated the event by retaining

Over the weekend, the Association held its Andrew Lewis National Novices Championship, which was rated as a “success”.

“I think the Novices was highly successfully; we are happy that the Republican Gym (prison gym) could have joined us back into the fold, although they would have not had a lot to prepare.” The immediate agenda for the GBA will be the preparation of Keevin Allicock and Colin “Superman” Lewis for the May 28-June 8 South American Games in Cochabamba, Bolivia. The duo would have just returned from a commendable showing at the 21st Commonwealth Games held in Australia and also from the Central American and Caribbean Games qualifiers in Mexico, which sealed their passage to the games in Colombia in July. (Akeem Greene)

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WEEK ENDING MAY 13, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Mumbai Indians Vieira confident ahead power into IPL's top of CMRC championship 4 for the first time

By Akeem Greene

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016 is a year etched deeply into the memory of young motor biker Matthew Vieira since he had many solo rides around various tracks, savouring the winning feeling with the chequered flag, and knowing ultimate-

Mumbai Indians 210 for 6 (Kishan 62, Rohit 36, Chawla 3-48) beat Kolkata Knight Riders 108 (Lynn 21, Krunal 2-12, Hardik 2-16) by 102 runs

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t has been 1128 days since Kolkata Knight Riders last beat Mumbai Indians, and that streak could continue until 2019 after the visitors destroyed their hosts by 102 runs at Eden Gardens.

The result took Mumbai into the top four for the first time this IPL season, in firm contention for a playoff spot. KKR, on the other hand, slid to fifth after spending considerable time in the top half of the league.

Mumbai were pow-

and three fours off wristspinners Kuldeep Yadav and Piyush Chawla. With Kishan racing to 21 off 9 balls, Mumbai were suddenly not dependent on Rohit Sharma for acceleration.

Kishan spared neither pace nor spin, but he took particular liking to Kuldeep's loopy left-arm.

In the 14th over, Kishan played different shots to send four consecutive balls over the boundary, and brought up his half-century off 17 balls, the joint quickest for a Mumbai batsman.

In the next over, Kishan fell in the most Kishan-like manner.

After sending Sunil Narine into the stands at midwicket, he swept once again - looking for his sev-

Jasprit Bumrah is ecstatic after dismissing Rinku Singh, (BCCI photo)

ered by Ishan Kishan's blazing half-century before their bowlers applied an age-old tactic of bowling short to dismember the KKR batting line-up.

Chasing 211, KKR were all out for their lowest total at home - 108; while Mumbai completed their second largest victory in terms of runs.

For the third year in a row, Mumbai beat KKR both home and away during the league phase of the IPL. Kishan changes the game He walked in during the first time-out, with Mumbai 62 for 2 in nine overs, and soon hit a six

enth six - but found Robin Uthappa at deep backward square-leg. By the time Kishan fell for a 21ball 62, Mumbai's score had swollen by 82 runs in just 5.4 overs.

With a platform for a big total, Ben Cutting came out to bat in the 19th over and carried on from where Kishan had left off. He smacked his second ball for six over long-on before taking 16 off the final over's first three balls. Krunal Pandya ended Mumbai's innings with a six - making it 22 runs off Chawla's last over - and took the score to 210.

KKR's top order

self-destructs Narine was back opening for KKR and he smashed Mitchell McClenaghan over his head first ball. But McClenaghan got his revenge immediately, with a short and fast delivery that cramped Narine for room.

A brief recovery followed, with Chris Lynn and Uthappa making use of Powerplay restrictions, but KKR were derailed in the fourth over when Lynn attempted a suicidal run. Uthappa had sliced the ball to cover point off the front foot, but Lynn thought he wanted the run. Lynn sprinted halfway down the pitch only to be sent back - and with that, KKR had lost both openers.

KKR could not afford to slow down and that approach had Uthappa holing out to deep midwicket. Andre Russell slapped Hardik Pandya straight to cover in the eighth over, but it was the two wickets in the tenth over, also from Hardik, that all but ended KKR's challenge.

The first ball of that over was steered by Nitish Rana to point, but a miscommunication with his captain sent Dinesh Karthik back for 5. Rana sliced the next ball to deep midwicket and KKR were reeling at 67 for 6 before the 10th over had ended.

Mumbai's short-ball plan In their previous game against KKR, Mumbai's quicks bowled 69% of their deliveries either short or back of a length, and earned three wickets at an economy of 7.75.

So, why change a winning tactic?

They used more short stuff at Eden Gardens and earned four wickets to those lengths. Narine, Russell, Rana and Rinku Singh were all troubled and dismissed either fending or slogging at such deliveries. In all, Mumbai bowled 46 short balls out of 109 deliveries in KKR's innings, at an economy of just 6.91.

In contrast, KKR's short balls went for 10 per over and earned them no wickets. (ESPNCricinfo)

competition” that Vieira came to dominate.

Based on reports, Prince will not be making the trip to Jamaica for the first round CMRC at the Jamwest Circuit in Jamaica from May 1213, which opens the door marginally for Vieira to stage a challenge for the title, albeit Truelove will

due to longer straightaways, and the 20 yearold is banking on his previous knowledge to bring the desired results.

“I’ve been looking at a lot of Jamwest race videos and training to get into physical shape for the race and I think I’m ready. I was in Jamaica in 2016 and didn’t re-

Matthew Vieira wants to take an early lead in his fight to regain CMRC Super Stock supremacy (GT Ridez photo)

ly he would be crowned Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) Super Stock champion.

Well, in 2017, his fortunes changed vastly. An accident impeded much of his participation for the year and then former MotoAmerica Champion Bryce Prince, who rides under the Team Mohamed’s banner for Guyana, unleashed a beastly performance to win the title.

Prince, along with British teammate Matt Truelove, who rode a Super Biker but is understood to be making a switch to the 600cc action, were simply a step above the annual “local

be in action.

“I was actually looking forward to racing with Bryce in Jamaica.

I would’ve learned a lot from a professional rider. I’m confident that my chances are really good to win a race there, but there are other skilled racers and you know it’s racing, anything could happen,” he conveyed to Guyana Times International Sport on Tuesday.

He went on to state, “It feels great to get back into my suit and also to race on a different track.

I plan to fight hard for the championship.”

Jamwest is known for more high-speed action

ally get a lot of practice there, but I’m sure we’ll be fine,” the son of veteran car racer Mark Vieira declared while expressing gratitude for the support of Houston Industrial Services and Company (HISCo) and Fly Jamaica.

Close to 20 bikers are expected to take the grid for this weekend’s test of speed, which will also see Guyana being represented by Paul Yearwood, Raveiro Tucker, John Bennett, and the recent addition of LeRoy Cort; Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club President Ramez Mohamed is the lone driver on the team.

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WEEK ENDING MAY 13, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Bravo signs up for FICA raises concerns Middlesex in T20 Blast over PCB's player

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ONDON, England (CMC) — Indemand West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo will ply his trade for Middlesex in the upcoming England T20 Blast, the club announced yesterday.

The 34-year-old, currently playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League, will turn out for Middlesex in their first six matches of the season.

Bravo boasts an impressive short format resumé with titles in the Indian P r e m i e r League with CSK, the Caribbean Premier League w i t h Trinbago Knight Riders, and in the

Bangladeshi P r e m i e r L e a g u e with Dhaka Dynamites.

He has also twice helped West Indies win the T20 World Cup and Middlesex managing director of cricket, Angus Fraser, said the club knew it was acquiring a match-winner.

“Dwayne is one of the most exciting and best T20 players in the world.

He can win games of cricket with bat or ball,” Fraser said.

“He may only be available for six games, but I expect him to have an impact in a number of these matches. I'm sure he is a player the huge Lord's crowds will enjoy watching.”

Bravo is one of the world's most experienced T20 cricketers, with 5,635 runs and 420 wickets in 385 matches. In fact, the Trinidadian remains the only bowler with more than 400 wickets in the format.

The former West Indies oneday captain said he was looking forward to the short stint with the Lord's-based outfit.

“I've been fortunate enough throughout my career to have played all round the world, and Lord's in London is a place that really excites me,” he said. “ I have no hesitation c o m m i t ting to Middlesex for six games of the Vitality Blast and am looking forward to joining Dan Vettori's squad at the start of July.”

Following the Blast, Bravo will lead TKR in the defence of their CPL title starting August.

restrictions

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estricting players to two T20 leagues a year, as the PCB has done, could amount to "unlawful restraints of trade", according to FICA (the Federation of International C r i c k e t e r s ' Associations), the global players' body. And even as the PCB finally sought to explain the rationale behind the policy, the restriction has also raised concerns among a number of player agents, who believe this could hurt the national side's

national cricket.

"They are then lost to the international game. Once players are out of contract there is no legal basis to restrict them, even under ICC regulation, and such restrictions are likely to constitute unlawful restraints of trade under the laws of most countries."

Pakistan's players do not have a players' association so FICA has no jurisdiction in the matter as such.

And recent history between the two organisations is not especial-

"To deal with special cases not covered under the rules, i.e for exceptions, a four-member committee will decide to issue NOC for players' participation in any additional league."

Though the exceptions clause suggests a way out of a blanket restriction - it could effectively mean continuing with a policy of NOCs issued on a case-bycase basis - agents who represent Pakistani players have expressed concern. After their Champions Trophy win and a rise to the top of

cause.

The PCB's policy, announced yesterday restricts their centrally-contracted players to playing only two leagues per season including the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

On paper, it means indemand cricketers such as Shadab Khan and Rumman Raees can only play in one league other than the PSL in a year.

"Blanket restrictions on players from playing in T20 leagues, which limit their ability to earn a living as professional cricketers, is not the answer to fundamental issues with the structure of the game," Tony Irish, FICA's executive chairman, told ESPNcricinfo.

"Structural change is needed. Although one needs to respect a country's right to manage workload of its contracted players this isn't achieved by one blanket restriction applying to all players. As we have seen in other countries this type of arbitrary restriction is more likely to result in players electing not to sign national contracts, or to retire from inter-

ly cordial. But, as FICA recognised, apart from Pakistan players not having a united voice, they are among the lowest paid international cricketers (as a survey

by The Cricket Monthly showed.)

The PCB explained that the policy was a result of an especially busy international season of cricket.

"If we look at our calendar year until 2019 World Cup we are going to play 28 ODIs, 14 T20s, 8 Tests and for this we need to manage the workload," Haroon Rasheed, director cricket operations, said in Karachi. "We all thought that in terms of workload we have to limit our players in foreign leagues because you already have limited resources available in ODI and T20 so God forbid if anyone got out injured for a longer period of time then our World Cup campaign would be affected."

Rasheed acknowledged, however, that the policy would be reviewed on a regular basis. "We have an exception or rule as well for those who only play T20 format," he added.

the T20I rankings, a number of Pakistani players were in demand in most leagues other than the IPL last year.

But even then, the PCB suddenly revoked NOCs of 13 Pakistan players participating in the CPL and the English domestic circuit, to participate in the National T20 Cup. That was slotted to take place in August but eventually did not go ahead then, leaving all stakeholders frustrated.

"Pakistan players are prominent in T20 leagues around the world and this limit is going to hurt both players and PCB," one player agent told ESPNcricinfo. "Other countries all have the option of the IPL. I can understand there's a lot of cricket happening these days and players have a human limit. But a blanket approach of limiting 35 guys is harsh.

If there's no national duty and it's possible to play three leagues, why would we limit it?

Unless our first-class competes with world level, which is not the case." (ESPNCricinfo)

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