Guyana Times International September 15 2018

INTERNATIONAL

CPL a powerful platform to project Guyana to the world – Stewart Page 52

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

‘Political harassment’

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You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com WEEK ENDING september 16, 2018

ISSUE NO. 415

…PPP accuses SOCU of following political directions

NY Governor announces nearly US$3M in grants for breast cancer research Page 5

See story on page 3

Guyanese hairdresser jailed, fined G$2.3M for trafficking cocaine in vagina, stomach

Page 11

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NEWS 3

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 16 , 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘Political harassment’ …PPP accuses SOCU of following political directions

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ormer members of Cabinet under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) were called in for renewed questioning by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) regarding the sale and transfer of lands located in Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, popularly known as “Pradoville 2” under the former Administration’s tenure.

On Wednesday morning, former Public Works Minister Robeson Benn and former Labour Minister Manzoor Nadir found themselves the latest to be questioned at SOCU’s headquarters.

The duo was represented by former Education Minister Priya Manickchand, who disclosed that she too was called in for questioning regarding the matter on Tuesday.

Speaking to media operatives after being questioned, Benn revealed that he explained to the SOCU investigators that the period surrounding the sale of the lands,

The former PPP Government Ministers making their way into SOCU headquarters and being led by their Attorney Anil Nandlall

a Minister had been murdered and so Government did what

“needed to be done” at the time.

He was referring to the assassination of former

Agriculture Minister Satyadeo Sawh, his family and security personnel. Sawh and two of his siblings were gunned down in April 2006 shortly after they had returned to the Minister’s La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara home.

Benn, who does not own property at the Sparendaam location, told media reporters that the overriding issue had to do with the stability of the country to make sure that the President (Bharrat Jagdeo) and other members of the Cabinet get a home in a secure and safe environment away from criminal activities.

Meanwhile, Manickchand deems the prolonged investigation as a “distraction” expressing her belief that it is being politically directed. She contended that “Pradoville 2” was being targeted because the Opposition Leader lives there. The former Minister said too that the move comes continued on page 9

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 16 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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EDITORIAL

Trade unions and the struggle

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he 9-day strike by the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) — for the Government to implement the recommendation of its own task force to award a 40 percent salary increase in a multi-year agreement — has now gone to arbitration. This represents a victory for the GTU, since the PNC-led Government had insisted that its “ballpark” offer of G$700 million as a oneoff payout was final.

But the victory is not complete, since much depends on the specific arbitrators who would be chosen jointly by the two sides. The GTU will have to continue to insist – as it has done up to now — that only “neutral” arbitrators would be accepted.

But the victory should remind other unions in Guyana that if the Government could be so obdurate against the GTU, which has members mostly favourable to it and helped vote it into office in 2015, it means President David Granger is extending the field in which he intends to consummate Burnham’s legacy — brook no challenge to the PNC’s rule by trade unions.

Unions were the incubators for the nationalist movement during the 1950s. They provided the most important institutional links to the lower classes. Unions can serve as powerful mobilisers of opposition when the interests of their members are threatened.

Burnham fully appreciated their potential after being swept up by the urban-based, Creole-and-African-dominated TUC into violent opposition against the PPP Government in 1962. The racial riots in the 1960s, amounting almost to a civil war, found the trade unions as the main foot soldiers. In 1962 and 1963, the urban-based, African-dominated unions such as the GPSU, assisted Mr Burnham’s PNC’s collaboration with the CIA to oust the “communist” PPP. These unions were rewarded handsomely with Government positions; influence on policy formation; a tremendously increased membership base (with the increase in the bureaucracy); and a close working relationship with the Government — soon the dominant employer in the country.

But once safely ensconced in office, Burnham moved to curb the powers of this group, as with every other. He achieved this through several stratagems, all of which the GTU ought to be aware will be deployed against them imminently. First, there was co-opting of the leadership of key unions, such as the Guyana Bauxite Union, and rigging their elections to ensure compliant leadership. Unions became “company unions”, with Government being the “company”. New unions, such as the “Association of Masters and Mistresses,” were launched to provide competition to the GTU via its compliant, overtly pro-PNC executive.

Collective bargaining was placed in the hands of the umbrella TUC. The Government controlled this body through its control of union leadership, as above, and by the creation of “paper” unions; paying their dues and granting them voting rights far out of proportion to their membership. The fact that this administration has already raised the possibility of “collective bargaining” is a very ominous sign.

The militancy of the Linden Teachers would be very worrying indeed, and we can expect reprisals sooner rather than later.

There have already been attempts to label the teachers’ strike as “political” – and the GTU leader as “PPP — and using scabs in an attempt to break the strike. If history is anything to go by, some of the more militant teachers will be dismissed through one stratagem or another.

The entire Trade Union Movement – especially its two “wings” — must be vigilant to protect the GTU in the coming months from the depredations of a Government that does not appreciate independence of thought, much less opposition.

In 1979, at the PNC’s Biennial Congress, Burnham joked about dangling Gordon Todd, head of the CCWU, after he stood up for his workers against the Government.

He told the delegates: “The trouble with us, comrades, is that we don’t know to read between the lines; we are always reading on top of the lines; we are more democratic than the people who teach us democracy.”

Karasabai is a Makushi village located in the South Pakaraimas district of Guyana and it is one of the largest communities in the area. (Photo by Girendra Persaud)

Establishing our own law school

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n January 2017, the Government of Guyana, through its Attorney General, Basil Williams, made an important announcement, much to the delight of many Guyanese; especially law students, that Guyana will establish its own law school by 2018.

The law school was to be named the JOF Haynes Law School.

For many years our law students have been faced with very difficult times due to the many hurdles they had to cross in gaining admission to the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS).

Many had reached frustration point and even had to quit their dreams of becoming certified in the field of law; since not only are the costs associated with studying at HWLS very high, but the process to gain entry was burdensome and not even guaranteed.

There were many calls from various stakeholders, especially University of Guyana students themselves, for the government to move in this direction; and it was indeed pleasing to have learnt that the nation was one step closer to seeing this project become a reality.

However, we are almost to the last quarter of 2018 and since then many questions have been raised as to the level of progress made so far in ensuring this project becomes a reality. Infact so far we have been hearing conflicting reports coming from various quarters regarding the setting up of the school. For its part, the government has been say-

ing that the logistical arrangements are being worked out to set up the law school.

Infact, just a few days ago, AG Williams gave all assurances that the path has been cleared for the establishment of the school. But former Attorney General Anil Nandlall had told sections of the media that Guyana has not received the necessary permission to set up the law school and had accused the government of proverbially putting the cart before the horse.

AG Williams on the other hand is claiming that Guyana has “gone past” the stage of receiving permission, and that the go-ahead has been ‘recommended’. Williams revealed that the feasibility study has been received, and many of the issues surrounding the school’s establishment would be brought up for discussion by Cabinet.

Our view is that this is regarded as a national project and a bipartisan approach should have been taken in the first place towards its implementation. It would be to our country’s benefit if our leaders pool their talents and resources and work towards ensuring that a law school that is of very high grade and well recognized and respected is established.

No one can underestimate the level of preparation needed and the time and resources required before such a project finally comes on stream. There are two main issues that must be considered and would need much effort from key personnel

involved to ensure all arrangements are adequately in place.

First, the law school must be given the necessary accreditation and recognition so that all graduates are properly licensed to practice law in Guyana and elsewhere in the Caribbean.

At the moment only graduates from the HWLS are legally recognised to practise at the bar.

Secondly, the school must be equipped with the necessary facilities and personnel such as a library and a qualified staff to deliver the curriculum. It could be recalled that AG Williams had given the necessary assurances that the law school will be accredited and its programme recognised throughout the Region. Assurances were also given that the lecturers contracted will be of high standards to ensure that the students are offered quality legal education. As mentioned earlier, while all of this sounded good on paper, we are not certain as to what progress has been made in relation to achieving these key requirements.

Many of our students are eagerly awaiting the establishment of our own law school. We had stated before that establishing a law school in Guyana will not only ease the level of frustration our students face in gaining admission at HWLS, but it will show the rest of the region that Guyana can also be a leader as it relates to the study of various areas of the law.

NEWS 5

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 16 , 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

NY Governor announces nearly US$3M in grants for breast cancer research G

overnor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced nearly US$3 million in funding will be awarded to projects across New York for breast cancer research.

These grants will encourage innovative research into the causes of breast cancer, as well as prevention, detection or screening, treatment, survivorship and cure, along with the design of new educational strategies to help people reduce specific risk factors associated with developing breast cancer, the Governor’s Office said.

"New York will continue to take action and make investments that help advance breast cancer research, raise public awareness, and ensure access to early detection and prevention services," Governor Cuomo said. "Breast cancer affects thousands of people across this state and in order to provide New Yorkers with the best care, these investments will support the brilliant minds studying, teaching and researching at our colleges, universities and medical schools."

"Breast cancer is the second leading can-

cer death among women in New York, and these grants will help to protect women by studying and expanding detection and prevention services," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul.

"We are committed to promoting research and raising awareness about breast cancer across the state that affects thousands of individuals and their families. These awards will further aid in our efforts to provide quality treatment and help to save lives."

The Department of Health approved seven applications with a total funding recommendation of US$2,460,662 for the Peter T. Rowley Breast Cancer Scientific Research Projects, as well as two applications with a total funding recommendation of US$513,601 for the Patricia S. Brown Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Education Research Projects.

The awardees are: Peter T. Rowley Breast Cancer Scientific Research Projects Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Cristina Montagna, PhD - US$360,000

NY Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Stony Brook University, Jun Lin, MD, PhD - US$360,000 University at Buffalo, Jo Feudenheim, PhD US$359,024 Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Jose Silva, PhD US$360,000 Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Harry Ostrer, MD US$326,910 Cornell University, Scott Coonrod, PhD US$358,832 University at Albany, Jonathan Petruccelli,

PhD - US$335,905 Patricia S. Brown Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Education Research Projects Hunter College CUNY, Jin Young Seo, PhD - US$245,002 Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Lina Jandorf, MA - US$268,599 These awards build on Governor Cuomo's significant commitment to increasing public awareness and availability of resources for breast cancer screening and treat-

ment, including the successful "Get Screened, No Excuses" initiatives currently in place and available to all New Yorkers regardless of insurance status. These efforts include legislation requiring hospitals and hospital extension clinics to offer extended hours for mammography screening; legislation that prohibits insurers subject to New York State law from requiring cost-sharing for screening mammograms and diagnostic testing; expanded paid leave for public employees to receive breast cancer screening; and a public awareness campaign to encourage screening.

According to the Governor’s Office, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among women in New York State. Each year, over 15,000 women in New York State are newly diagnosed with breast cancer, and approximately 2,500 die from the disease. Screening for breast cancer can increase the likelihood of identifying cancer at an early stage when treatment is most successful.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, "New York State is leading the way in the fight against breast cancer, thanks to the Governor's commitment to this issue. Continued funding for research is critical in these efforts and will ultimately help save lives."

Senate Health Committee Chair Kemp Hannon said, "This state is investing in the health and well-being of all New Yorkers, and these awards are critical in our efforts to make the very best prevention and treatment services available. I thank the Governor for his commitment to help ensure our residents have access to top-notch health care, and look forward to new and innovate research helping us better understand the causes of breast cancer."

Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried said, "New York is a leader in the fight against breast cancer. These grants will support vital research at our leading medical centers and academic institutions across the state."

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 16 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

After all the campaign promises, the AFC has failed its supporters Dear Editors, When the APNU/ AFC coalition won the general elections of May 2015, the country had voted for, and had high hopes for change. Even Guyanese who did not vote in the elections gave the new Government their support, and a chance to prove themselves.

However, as events unfolded, and the new Government settled into office, slowly, the people of this country began to realise that a hoax had been played on us.

The range of condemnation and accusations that were levelled against the PPP/C turned out to be hype, and suspicion, and excessive noise. All the AFC did to get into power was capitalise on the disenchantment of the people.

The AFC has turned out to be the biggest hoax played on the people of Guyana. After all the campaign promises made immediately upon getting the power the people gave to them, the AFC supported a 5 percent raise in salary for public servants and a 50 percent raise in salary for Cabinet. Rates and taxes were increased across the board, and cost of living immediately increased after the coalition went into office. A minister is quoted in sections of the media on October 7, 2015 as asking why he should work for the same salary in public office that he paid one of his attorneys when he was in private practice.

Beyond salary issues, more signs of an unjust and incompetent administration that was misusing its power to pursue its own agenda began to emerge. Carifesta Avenue is now a monument to secret military involvement in civilian Police operations.

The military invasion of Kaieteur National Park and the detaining of a cameraman who wanted to verify the boundaries that were the source of contention were other acts of aggression against the people of this nation, and an assault on the media. The parking meter fiasco and subsequent protest action in the city of Georgetown, as well as the teachers being forced into taking to the streets while the Government Ministers were on holiday have helped the People of this nation to become aware that the agenda of the political elite – a NEW

Government — is not in alignment with the agenda of their campaign promises. One can only wonder as to the causes for a NEW Government to be so insensitive to the needs of the people.

Beyond insensitivity, we find contempt from no less a person than the President of the nation. If we carefully analyse the behaviour, utterances and actions of the President, we will find that a pattern has begun to emerge that can support a theory that the President is pursuing an agenda beyond the responsibilities given to him by the people of the nation when the coalition was elected into office. Firstly, the President had a candidate earmarked to be the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission.

He condemned over a dozen Guyanese as not ‘fit and proper’, nor possessing the ‘integrity, impartiality and independence’ required for the role. The only suitable person for the role was the President’s personal choice. The pattern is to attack the character of the citizens involved, arrogate to himself the higher morality, and then appoint his choice, even outside of the constitution.

This pattern was repeated once again after the GECOM fiasco, and allowed the President to interfere directly in the operations of the Guyana Police Force.

It began with “an alleged plot to assassinate the President,” and a series of activities and events followed that led to the removal of Seelall Persaud and David Ramnarine and the selection of a candidate whom the President found to be suitable and having the ‘integrity’ and being ‘intelligent and impartial’.

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall advised the nation that a Commissioner of Police cannot be forced to take leave; nor can he, according to Article 225 of the Guyana Constitution, be removed from office for misbehaviour, unless a special tribunal is convened. Once again, in the removal of Mr Seelall Persaud, we have the Government of Guyana operating outside of the Constitution, interfering in the operations of the Guyana Public Service.

Sincerely, Sandra Khan

The PM’s statement is an insult to Guyanese

Dear Editor, Responding to the suggestion by Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, that Guyana should ask for an international agency to take over the running of the local government elections, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said an “international agency running local elections would be an insult to Guyana”.

Really, Mr Nagamootoo?

While I certainly do not support Mr Jagdeo’s idea, the Prime Minister’s statement is the real in-

sult – an insult to the intelligence of the people of this country.

Where was Mr Nagamootoo when, in 2015, at the last general elections, the representatives of the so-called ABC countries were busily administering the elections to shape the outcome?

Based on his utterance, Mr Nagamootoo would certainly believe it to be an insult to Guyana if foreign agencies and governments constantly interfere in our internal affairs. Well, then unfortunately, Mr Nagamootoo, we stand in-

sulted. The coalition Government that you represent takes constant direction from the ABC countries and their agencies. This is what ensures that the APNU+AFC coalition will remain in place. Who better to manage our much-vaunted flag and anthem so-called independence?

If it were up to us, the people… well, it would be a different story!

Sincerely, Gerald A Perreira

Guyana Govt lacks political will to save sugar industry

Dear Editor, The Skeldon Estate is much touted to be a dismal failure engineered by the PPP Government, and has been used ad lib by many politicians as the proverbial ‘whipping boy’. This is done until now, whenever GuySuCo is being discussed.

However, the CoI commissioned by this Government gave detailed capital expenditures which can transform the entire GuySuCo, making it viable and profitable by 2020. This is the same argument proposed by the Leader of the Opposition, Dr Jagdeo, who has said that the G$30 billion syndicated loan can be utilised to keep all the estates going.

The more I analyse the scenario, the more I am convinced that GuySuCo can be saved from the guillotine; but the political will to do so is unabashedly lacking by this Government!

Let us put this into perspective. The vendetta against the sugar industry is historical, and was aborted in 1991 when there was a massive privatisation drive by the PNC to sell and enrich. However, the opportunity presented itself again in 2015, and the Coalition Government lost no time in getting back on track to sound the death knell of the industry.

The mantra that “GuySuCo is too big to fail” sounds hollow, weak, and misleading to the extent of being deceptive.

It is an accepted and undisputed fact that Skeldon Estate is capable of producing 75 tons per hectare, 1,000,000 tons per annum, 110,000 tons of sugar, 40,000 tons of molasses and a tc/ ts of around 9 tons of cane to produce a ton of sugar. In addition, the co-generation plant has the capability of generating 40mWh of power.

In the years 2015 and 2016, even though it had not reached this potential, Skeldon Estate was producing in excess of 30,000 tons of sugar per annum. The CoI had recommended that US$5.2 million budgeted for Skeldon from 2016 to 2020 could bring the estate to realise its true potential.

The CoI had concluded that Gy $21 billion, or US$102 million, can restore and secure (all) the estates in satisfactory operating condition. It must be borne in mind that the SPU has now secured G$30

billion, which is more than was recommended for the entire sugar industry!

The CoI has made it clear that “mechanisation is increasingly important to sugar cane production in Guyana”, and can improve cost efficiencies to such an extent as would make the industry viable and profitable.

Why did the Government fail to go this route, a recommendation for which it had paid in excess of G$52 million?

The CoI had estimated that with the recommended capital injection, by the end of 2017, Skeldon would have produced 61,745 tons of sugar, Rose Hall 37,836 tons of sugar, and Wales 29,243 tons of sugar, for a total of 128,827 tons of sugar. At the current moment, the entire industry would barely eke out 100,000 tons of sugar. With the recommendation of the CoI, the entire industry would have produced 300,386 tons of sugar!

This is again evidence that Dr Jagdeo is absolutely correct! It is still not too late to use the G$30 billion syndicated loan and make the entire industry operable again.

The CoI had recommended that each estate be involved in co-generation and the processing of refined sugar, for which there is a demand of 200,000 tons within Caricom. It must be noted that the SPU is regurgitating the same recommendation. The CoI had specifically recommended: the installation of high- and mediumpressure boilers, and to perform the necessary modifications to the drives and process that would reduce power requirements. A boiler and turbine alternator cost only US$11 million. The excess electricity would have been sold to the

national grid.

It must further be noted that the CoI had recommended that Skeldon factory be retained and made reliable by remedying the faults and narrowing the mismatch between field and factory; and that a sugar refinery should be built at Skeldon to brand and sell molasses. However, the CoI noted that no capital expenditure was done at Skeldon in 2015. This would seem to suggest that the factory was deliberately allowed to deteriorate, so that it can be placed under the guillotine!

It is evident that this Coalition Government conveniently followed the recommendations of the CoI, and disregarded some recommendations because that course of action suited its vindictiveness.

Government deliberately exacerbated the debilitating conditions which exist in the industry as a prelude and an excuse to sell. Furthermore, it deliberately took the ‘wrong turn’ to magnify the sufferings of the sugar workers and their families (perceived as PPP supporters), who did not get a wage increase since 2015; have had many benefits snatched from them; and are still anxiously awaiting receipt of their severance payments.

However, the Coalition contradicted itself in more ways than one; as is manifested in the fact that on one hand it says that Skeldon, Rose Hall, Wales and Enmore are not viable, but is yet claiming to the investors that those estates can be made viable and profitable. If that is so, then why are we selling those estates?

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councillor, Region 6

news 7

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 16 , 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Father charged for Exxon’s second exploration allegedly murdering son vessel to arrive in Guyana in Oct. -Minister Harmon advocates for more investments in environment, sport and capacity building

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Mohan Sookdeo being escorted to court on Wednesday

he 44-year-old man who allegedly stabbed his 21-year-old son to death was on Wednesday hauled before the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court after he was slapped with the capital offence of murder.

Mohan Sookdeo, called “Wire”, of Lot 217 Fifth Street Foulis, Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD), appeared before Magistrate Wanda Fortune. The charge stated that on September 8, 2018, at Foulis, ECD, he murdered Satesh Kevin Sookdeo. He was remanded to prison until October 2.

Reports are on September 8, 2018, at about 20:35h, the 44-year-old man and his wife had an argument during which he grabbed her by the neck and began choking her. The couple’s 21-year-old son, Satesh Sookdeo, along with another sibling attempted to part the cou-

Dead: Satesh Kevin Sookdeo

ple but his father allegedly became enraged and broke a louvre pane and stabbed him to his chest.

Neighbours rushed to the family’s aid after hearing screams, but by then the younger Sookdeo had already succumbed to the injuries. A post-mortem examination performed on his body proved that he died from perforation to the lung as a result of the stab wound to his chest.

Non-custodial sentences for small quantities of ganja welcomed – Samuels …will reduce overcrowding, spending

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he recent announcement by President David Granger on the removal of custodial sentences for small amounts of marijuana has been welcomed

by Director of Prisons (ag), Gladwin Samuels, who said the move will not only serve to reduce the overcrowding within the local prison system but also cutback on expenses.

At a press conference two weeks ago, the Head of State said that Government will be moving to abolish custodial sentences for small amounts of marijuana.

He assured that when the National Assembly returns from recess, the necessary legislation will be presented.

This move has been welcomed by Samuels, who explained in a recent interview with Guyana Times International that this would tackle the is-

sue of overcrowding within the local prison system.

“Yes, it is a welcomed move and it could contribute to the reduction of our population based on what is finally determined as small quantities…

We have an average of 345 prisoners who were charged for narcotic-related offences and this specifically marijuana related offences and several of them are charged for quantities that I do believe that if they’re given an opportunity to take part in community service or some other activity, it would be more beneficial to them, more so taking into consideration the fact that the budgetary constraint has always been an issue,” the Prison Director noted.

In fact, Samuels went on to posit that apart from the fact that the State would save money continued on page 9

xxon Mobil is bringing to Guyana, a second exploration vessel, the Noble Tom Madden, which is due to arrive in October. This vessel will focus primarily on exploration of high potential areas and will commence drilling at the ‘Pluma’ prospect approximately 17 miles or 27 kilometres from Turbot well. This announcement was made during a meeting between Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon and the company’s Executive Vice-President, Mr. Mike Cousins and Country Manager, Mr. Rod Henson at the Ministry of the Presidency (MotP) on Wednesday.

According to the MotP, during the meeting, the Minister said that the Guyana Government welcomes this new development and is extremely pleased at the success of the new oil find at the Hammerhead-1 Well, which was announced on August 30, 2018.

He told the team that as Guyana continues to prepare itself for the oil and gas sector and that the Government is looking to build and strengthen its capacity, particularly in the technical areas, which will see many more Guyanese involved in the industry.

Minister Harmon told the visiting team that the Government would welcome support and assistance to make this a reality.

“In the oil and gas sector, we want to look at the technical skills

From left: Country Manager of ExxonMobil Guyana, Mr. Rod Henson, Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon and Executive Vice President at Exxon Mobil Exploration Corporation, Mr. Mike Cousins.

that can be absorbed.

It is something we are paying attention to as a Government. We are going to focus on our technical institutes and restructure them. It is an area in which we are going to focus heavily in the coming days. We need to re-equip them and expand them so that we can get back young people into the workforce and we would like assistance in this area.

We currently have about 3,770 persons in the various technical institutes and it is our intention to double or triple that number. We need to have about 10,000 young people enrolled in technical institutes. We have to ensure that our young people are prepared and can enjoy a better life.

We need to help them and we are looking for-

ward to continuing that cooperation,” he was quoted by the MotP as saying.

Additionally, the Minister of State placed on record, the Government’s appreciation for the cooperation that currently exists between the Civil Defence Commission and ExxonMobil Guyana.

However, he noted that there are various other environmental projects in which he would welcome the support of the company.

“I have seen the work done with the CDC through the company and I think we need to continue to strengthen these processes and redouble our efforts.

Personally, I believe that Georgetown can do with some help in terms of our physical environment, to

the extent where we can bring Georgetown back and to a pristine state.

We need to recapture the clean-up spirit and emphasise and encourage solid waste management and such things,” he said.

Minister Harmon also used the opportunity to thank the company for its sponsorship and support to the Guyana Amazon Warriors team, which has secured its place in the finals of the much-loved Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Mr. Cousins expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnership with the Government and the country and reaffirmed his company’s commitment to working collaboratively in building capacity now and in the years to come.

8 news

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 16 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

President says Ministry of Petroleum to come on stream by 2020

…team of Int’l experts being assembled

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President David Granger

resident David Granger, on Wednesday, said a Ministry of Petroleum is likely to come on stream in 2020 when oil production starts.

Speaking on the sidelines of the swearing-in of the Police Complaints Authority, the President said at this stage the Government does not want to establish a new ministry, owing to the

fact that the Department of Energy is now being operationalised.

“In terms of its organisation, administration, legislation, it has a lot of work to do. So, it probably will not be before 2020 that a full-blown ministry could be established. I think it would be a rush job, it would be hasty,” the President told media operatives.

The President said

the Department of Energy is currently assembling a team of international experts. He believes that a two-year period is adequate before establishing an effective and efficient ministry to manage the petroleum sector.

President Granger at his August 31 press conference had announced his administration’s plan to have the new ministry established to manage the sector.

The Head of State said the Department of Energy is an interim measure since the small unit within the Ministry of Natural Resources did not have the capacity to bear the burden of a world-class petroleum industry.

The Department was established on August 1 and is headed by Dr. Mark Bynoe, an Environment and Resource Economist.

24 trainees ready for careers in Guyana’s emerging Oil & Gas Industry

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A section of trainees currently in the Third Program – Safety & Operational Oilfield Training Program

wenty-four young men, on Wednesday, graduated from the TOTALTEC Academy armed with certificates that equip them to join Guyana’s emerging oil and gas industry.

Delivering remarks at the graduation ceremony Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo noted that with the petroleum industry coming on stream, persons have to be prepared to meet international standards.

“As a pioneer, TOTALTEC is lighting the fire on top of the mountain.

Through its programmes, it is saying training is the means by which you will reach higher standards”, the Prime Minister stated.

Following a familiarisation tour of the company’s facilities the Prime Minister opined that the company is preparing its students not only for the actual retrieval of oil but also for a new world of opportunities.

Graduates Fabian Roberts, Rodcliffe Melville, Shemroy Cox described the course as a challenging one but noted the training was beneficial for their future careers.

The Academy began its third training programme in August with the addition of the first Guyanese assistant instructor. As the Academy continues its efforts to increase the participa-

tion of women in the local oil industry, among its latest batch, are four female recruits. According to Prime Minister Nagamootoo this, “shows a new dimension to the opportunities in the industry. It is not no-longer male-dominated.”

One of the new recruits, Mvarisia James saw an advertisement in the newspapers and decided to apply, “I received the call in March for an interview. I was successful and accepted the challenge.”

Her fellow classmate Colleen Moore said she was encouraged to enroll by colleagues who recently graduated.

She added whilst the training has been tough she is enjoying meeting that challenge. “I encourage young women everywhere to join, the rewards will be huge”, Moore enthused.

President and CEO of TOTALTEC, Lars Mangal said the academy is on track to have over 100 trainees successfully graduate by end of 2018. “When we started the programme in March, we could not predict the demand”. He added that with the imminent arrival of a third ExxonMobil rig, first oil less than two years away and other operators planning exploration wells, the service industry is recognising the importance of a well- trained Guyanese workforce.

Guyana Govt buckles to pressure …agrees to make T&T oil MoU public

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fter much public pressure from various sections of society, Government will move to release a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it hopes to sign with neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago (T&T).

President David Granger told media operatives on Wednesday at the sidelines of a swearing in ceremony, that his Government has no problem in releasing the document and will seek to do so soon.

“It’s just a MoU… It is just an agreement to cooperate. It is not a secret document. In fact, it was vetted by the Department of Energy and the Foreign Affairs Ministry and I will ask that the document to be released,” he stated.

The Head of State said the MoU could be signed soon. According to him, T&T Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley was expected to arrive in Guyana on Wednesday morning but did not.

He said whenever another date is set for the Prime Minister of that country to come to Guyana, they will move ahead with the signing of the agreement that will see shared mutual cooperation being enhanced.

It was only recently reported that a MoU on energy cooperation between Guyana and Trinidad is expected to be signed in the coming weeks.

Sections of the media reported that T&T Energy Minister, Franklin Khan confirmed this. While he did not go into details of the agreement, he said that would be disclosed after the signing. Khan said Trinidad is willing to provide assistance to the Guyana Government as the country prepares for first oil.

Since 2016, discussions commenced between Guyana and Trinidad on a MoU under which T&T would provide various forms of support to the oil and gas sector in Guyana.

Initiated during a visit in 2016 by a Trinidad and Tobago delegation led by then Energy Minister, Nicole Olivierre, the MoU was expected to be signed at the end of that year, but that did not happen.

At the time, Natural Resources Minister

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley

Raphael Trotman had said the pact would see Guyana receiving support in a range of areas, including advanced technical training for local personnel in the industry.

Petrotrin

Unconfirmed reports suggest that T&T is seeking to get the Guyana Government to take a stake in the Petrotrin refinery, and in this way acquire a strategic asset.

The proposal is to ensure that Guyana gets its share of oil from ExxonMobil closer to home, and in this way employment would be provided to people of both countries.

Earlier this week, Petrotrin’s Board confirmed plans to close the company’s refinery in October in a move which will cause the loss of 1700 permanent jobs.

It was following this announcement that former Prime Minister and current Opposition Leader of T&T, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, said her country should attempt to partner with Guyana to save Petrotrin.

Persad-Bissessar had said she hopes good sense will prevail with Dr Rowley. She said T&T could find a way to encourage the Guyana Government to have their oil refined in the twin-island republic.

But following this suggestion, members of civil society had come out encouraging Government, the Private Sector and citizens at large to guard against what is being described as a clear attempt by that Caribbean country to monopolise opportunities in Guyana’s emerging oil and gas sector.

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) subsequently came out asking Government to hold off on signing the MoU with T&T, asking that its members be consulted first, as they fear that this could possibly open the flood gates for foreign companies to take over the oil industry.

President of the GCCI, Deodat Indar said Guyanese businesses are already being sidestepped and instead contracts have been awarded to foreign-based companies to benefit from the local oil sector. But the GCCI wants the local Private Sector to get its “piece of the pie.”

Outspoken social activist and chartered accountant Christopher Ram has said that company’s history must first be studied. Ram said both countries belong to the same common economic area and have a vested interest in ensuring growth in the entire bloc. As such, he thinks the David Granger-led Administration can cooperatively work with not only Trinidad, but other countries, to the benefit of Guyana.

However, the chartered accountant said his major concern is what led to the failure of Petrotrin. This, he opined, had to do partly with corruption and partly with inefficiencies.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge said the idea is good in principle, but would need to be discussed further. Greenidge had also noted that the two Governments would sign the MoU soon.

NEWS 9

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 16 , 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Berbice man gets 23 years for ‘Political harassment’... killing East Canje ‘bad man’

from page 3

Jailed: Davenand Dhandhari

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former aspiring lawyer who has been found guilty of manslaughter committed in April 2016 was on Wednesday jailed for 23 years.

Twenty-year-old Davenand Dhandhari of Lot 27 Betsy Ground, East Canje Berbice was found guilty by a mixed jury in the Berbice Assizes two weeks ago, but returned to court on Wednesday for sentencing. It has been legally established that Dhandhari unlawfully killed Omesh Seelall, called “Rovin” and “Short Neck”, also of Betsy Ground, in a wedding house brawl during April 2016. The 21-yearold Seelall was hit to the head with a piece of wood Dhandhari had removed from an animal cart.

The youths had been among other persons when an argument ensued between them.

The accused reportedly grabbed the wood and hit

Seelall on the head, rendering him unconscious.

Dhandhari told the court that Seelall was attacking him with a knife and he got hold of the wood to defend himself, and he lashed the now dead man to his head with it. Seelall, a labourer, sustained injuries to his head, resulting in his death six days after he was hit.

Dhandhari was found guilty of manslaughter, and Justice Joann Barlow had ordered a probation report on him.

Probation and Welfare Officer Maisie Sheppard, in presenting that report, told the court that an interview with Dhandhri’s father revealed that he is very remorseful and has regretted the loss of the life of someone with whom he had grown up.

Sheppard also told the court that an interview with the deputy headteacher of one of the schools Dhandhari had attended revealed that during his tenure at the school, he was periodically disrespectful to most teachers, but yet adhered to all the school rules and instructions given to him by teachers.

She also reported that during his incarceration he was involved in a fight in the New Amsterdam Prison.

Sheppard said he experienced conflicts at school with both his teachers and peers because he was unable to

Dead: Omesh Seelall

control his anger during conflicts; and this had eventually led to his action and the subsequent offence of manslaughter.

Defense Attorney Mursaline Bacchus explained that at the time of the offence his client was a student. In mitigating for leniency, Bacchus said no dangerous weapon had been used.

Noting that Dhandhari wanted to attend University and become a lawyer, Bacchus asked the court to give him an opportunity to realise his dreams.

However, Justice Joann Barlow pointed out that the wood which was used is just as lethal as a gun or cutlass if sufficient force is used.

She said he seems to have difficulty maintaining his cool, and ordered that while in prison he be exposed to anger management sessions, as she handed down a 23-year sentence.

Non-custodial sentences...

from page 7

that would otherwise be spent on maintaining a large prison population, this will also allow for other avenues to reform persons.

“I do believe that someone who is found with possession of small quantities of marijuana, more so for smoking, they should be more geared or directed to an institution that is more tailored to meeting their needs so that they would move away from the bad habit as it is deemed and hopefully be more productive.

The fact is, if you bring them to prison, even their ability to contribute to the upkeep of their families would be removed and if that person is the only breadwinner, then the entire family is placed on the breadline,” the Prison Director explained.

The issue of non-custodial sentences for small amounts of marijuana gained momentum back in March 2016 when inmates at the Camp Street Prison started a fire which eventually killed 17 prisoners while several

others along with prison staff were injured. A subsequent probe had found, among other issues, significant overcrowding at the facility contributed to the events and as such, considerations were re-ignited to reduce custodial sentences for certain offences such as possession of small amounts of marijuana.

More recent, however, Government has also come under fire for failure to act on the matter after a 27-year-old poultry farmer, who was charged for possession of 8.4 grams of marijuana, was sentenced to three years imprisonment back in May. According to Guyana’s law, possession of any amount of cannabis over 15 grams is considered trafficking.

M e a n w h i l e , Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has announced his support for custodial sentences for small quantities of marijuana being removed from the law books in their entirety, but maintained that he is not in favour of

the legalisation of marijuana for commercial purposes.

The decriminalisation/ legalisation of marijuana movement is gaining much momentum worldwide with several countries taking steps to decriminalise and legalise the drug.

In fact, a Caribbean Community (Caricom) Commission on Marijuana has made recommendation for the decriminalisation of marijuana across member states, saying the substance can be controlled and regulated as in the case of alcohol. This recommendation was placed before the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community which was held in Jamaica in July. During the conference, it was recognised that Member States would need to review the report in more detail to determine action at the national level in relation to law reform models as proposed by the Commission.

days after meetings were held in Berbice.

“This has only to do with an attempt to decapitate the PPP and pull down its leaders and interfere with its ability to lead and that’s all it is, it’s a political persecution,” she said.

The PPP has started its campaign for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) that is set for November 11.

Manickchand dubbed SOCU’s action as a “constant harassment” of former Government officials aimed at diverting the public’s attention away from serious issues facing the country which the Government has failed to address.

A few hours later, former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; former Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali; former Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran; former Amerindian Affairs Minister; Pauline Sukhai and former Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Kelawan Lall were also called in for questioning. They were represented by former Attorney General Anil Nandlall.

Nandlall, who spoke with the media after hours long interviews said the former Ministers were interviewed about a

Former Education Minister Priya Manickchand

particular Cabinet meeting and were asked a number of questions in relation to “Pradoville 2”, which was subject of the Cabinet meeting.

“Nobody could remember. The Cabinet meeting took place 10 years ago or thereabout and therefore hardly can anyone remember what transpired at that meeting,” he said.

But Nandlall contended that what is discussed at Cabinet is confidential and members of Cabinet cannot disclose confidential information to anymore. He said he finds it shocking that the current Government is now removing the confidentiality principle that governs all Cabinet decisions.

He said, “They seem

to forget that someday they will be out of Government and someday they may be interrogated about things they did at Cabinet. But I think it is principle that matters; [what is] discussed at Cabinet is absolutely a confidential matter. I don’t know how Police now can question that.”

Nandlall said very specific questions were asked. He said his clients were shown what purports to be a document that has a Cabinet format. But the document seems to be appeared unsigned.

“I believe all of this is designed to culminate in some set of charges which we are being told likely to come. So I suppose they are building a case and accumulating what they consider to be relevant evidence towards the establishment of a case,” he explained.

Further to that, the attorney said his clients have refused to sign the documents that contain answers to questions to ask, because they were refused a copy of the document. He said, “If at a subsequent stage, their signature is required, well I suppose SOCU will make contact and they’ll be handed those documents.”

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 16 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Omar Shariff granted New PCA head challenged to improve permission by Court to public trust of Police complete studies abroad

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ewly-appointed Chairman of Police C o m p l a i n t s Authority (PCA), retired Justice William Ramlall, was officially sworn in on Wednesday before President David Granger at State House.

R a m l a l l , during a brief interview with the local press following the swearing in ceremony, said he is committed to ensuring that the Authority is brought up to speed.

He said he will use the first few weeks on the job to familiarise himself with the staff Retired Justice William Ramlall with his instrument of appointment in hand and President David Granger of the PCA and (left) following his official swearing in at State plans to look into House on Wednesday (Dexter Ceres photo) the backlog of cases, to bring the current spect for human rights, “unbribable.” number down. including the right to Retired Justices BS While he could not life and liberty, rights.

Roy, William Ramlall put a figure to this, he Granger said, “The and Claudette La said he is quite sure Authority, to effectively Bennett were first recthe numbers could be discharge its mandate, ommended to head the “enormous”, especial- will be expected to ex- PCA which has been ly given the fact that hibit the qualities of im- without a chairperson the Authority has man- partiality, integrity and for more than a year. aged without a chair for independence. In so do- However, after consulsome time. ing, it can rely on the tation with Leader of In delivering re- Executive Branch sup- the Opposition, Bharrat marks, President port in discharging its Jagdeo, a statement Granger reminded that lawful mandate.” was issued declaring the appointment of a However, the Ramlall as successful.

Chairman of the PCA President said the exisLast February, is in compliance with tence of a commission, Justice (retired) Cecil the provisions of the however, is not enough Kennard, who had been laws of Guyana. He to guarantee that the Chairman since 2002, also said the appoint- Police Force would be was forced to step down ment is consistent with officered by persons who by Granger because of Government’s commit- are competent, commit- his age. At the time, he ment to increasing pub- ted and uncorrupted. was almost 80 years old. lic trust in the Guyana “A Force, which is Kennard was iniPolice Force. contaminated by cor- tially given 36 hours to “The Authority can ruption cannot safe- demit office, however, help to improve the lev- guard the security of he was given an extenel of public trust be- our citizens. Service in sion after the interventween the Police and the the Force must be based tion of Public Security public. The Authority is on the values of com- Minister Khemraj a critical link between mitment, competence Ramjattan. the Police and the pub- and incorruptibility.”

President Granger lic,” he explained.

The Police Force, if has faced criticism According to the it is to maintain pub- over the decision to Guyanese Head of lic safety, Granger said, force Kennard to step State, it provides a must ensure that it en- down and then failing means through which joys public trust. The to fill the vacancy. But the public can have idea of public trust aris- he said Kennard’s reits grievances against es out of the relation- moval was part of his Police malpractices ad- ship between the Police Administration’s move dressed in an impartial and the public. to establish an age limmanner by an indepen“All politics is about it for membership of dent person. people. It follows that State boards, agencies The Authority is a whatever trust the peo- and commissions, in orpublic defence against ple place in the Police der to pave the way for the Force’s abuse of must be respected. younger persons to take citizens’ rights. The Bribery is regarded as a the lead.

Authority allows citi- notorious crime because Granger, howevzens to hold the Force’s it contributes to corrup- er, subsequently did members accountable tion and, thereby, un- an about face on the for their actions. dermines, public trust. claimed age policy when Moreover, the PCA That is the reason when he appointed Justice can engender great- I was asked what quali- James Patterson, 84, er public trust in the ties I sought in appoint- to head the Guyana Force by ensuring that ing a Commissioner of Elections Commission the Force’s actions are Police I did not hesitate (GECOM). in conformity with re- to say that he must be

O

mar Shariff, former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Presidency, who was in 2017 charged for non-compliance of a production order issued by the High Court, was on Tuesday placed on G$1 million surety

by Magistrate Fabayo Azore, which enabled him to retrieve his travel documents in order that he could complete his law studies at the Hugh

Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago.

Shariff’s attorney, Sanjeev Datadin, in a bail application, told the court of his client’s willingness to lodge his passport and other travel documents after completion of studies overseas.

Shariff was, however, ordered to lodge his passport at the court when he returns to Guyana. The case has been adjourned to September 17, 2018.

Recap

Shariff, who allegedly had amassed some G$20 billion in business funds between 2005 and 2015, was arrested in July 2016 in connection with allegations relating to one of the largest money laundering and tax evasion schemes in the history of Guyana.

Shariff was sent on annual leave on July 1, 2016 by Minister of State Joseph Harmon following investigations launched by SOCU, and his services were terminated with effect from December 31, 2016.

The court had, in 2016, issued an order which required Shariff to provide certain documents to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), but he had violated that order.

He was released on self-bail after pleading not guilty to the charge.

A condition attached to his being placed on bail required him to report to SOCU every other Monday.

Man crushed after jumping off moving truck in Mazaruni

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Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), resident is now dead after he was pulled under the wheel of a truck that was uncontrollably descending a hill in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The incident occurred sometime around 18:30h on Sunday last at the Kumung Kumung Trail, Mazaruni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The dead man has been identified as Phillip Arthur, 35, of Lot 38 Section B Block X, Diamond Housing Scheme, EBD. He was a senior operator attached to the mining company owned by the Alphonsos.

Police preliminary investigations revealed that Arthur was seated in the cabin of motor lorry GPP 8748 with trailer TPP 9380 attached, which was going up a hill along the trail.

However, the lorry reportedly developed mechanical problems and began to descend during which, Arthur allegedly jumped out of the vehicle resulting in the front right wheel running over him.

The dead man’s reputed wife, Veronica Johnson, told Guyana Times International that they received news of Arthur’s death on

Dead: Phillip Arthur

Monday when the owner called and informed her brother.

Johnson related that they were told that at the time of the accident, the trailer attached to the truck was carrying an excavator.

“This is nothing strange though because he always does work like this… but we hearing all sorts of rumours about how the accident happened but I wasn’t there so I don’t know what really happened. They sent my brothers some photos and that’s all we have,” the woman said.

According to Johnson, her reputed husband left

for the interior about two weeks ago but the truck was giving them issues so they were forced to stop in Itaballi, Mazaruni, to have it repaired.

“He used to call and update me on what happening so I does know where he is and so on,” she noted.

Arthur’s body is presently at the Bartica Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Meanwhile, the 42-year-old lorry driver, a resident of Itaballi, is in custody assisting with the investigation.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 16 , 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Jamaican named among 63 Guyanese hairdresser scholars for White House jailed, fined G$2.3M Initiative on HBCUs for trafficking cocaine

Chevel Powell (Jamaica Observer)

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EW ORLEANS, Jamaica — A 19-yearold Jamaican girl has been selected among 63 students for the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the United States, for the 2018/19 academic year.

Dillard University, in a release today, said political major Chevel Powell, who hails from Westmoreland, Jamaica, has been named a 2018 HBCU Competitiveness Scholar, the initiative's highest student recognition. She is a gradu-

ate of Montego Bay High School for Girls and completed sixth form at the Manning's School.

Dillard said Powell is only one of two scholars selected from New Orleans and the fifth Dillard student selected since 2014.

Selected from a roster of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, Competitiveness Scholars are nominated and endorsed by their respective institution's presidents based on academic achievement, campus and civic involvement and entrepreneurial ethos or “go-getter” spirit, the release said.

In the release, Dillard

University President Walter M Kimbrough, PhD said Powell has had “a stellar career” at the university.

“From serving as a resident assistant to being a member of our nationally ranked mock trial team, she has been consistently excellent,” Kimbrough said.

The 63 Competitiveness Scholars will assemble September 16-18, at the 2018 National HBCU Week Conference held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, in Washington DC, and will receive their recognition during the conference on the evening of September 17, at the Initiative's Excellence in Innovation and Competitiveness Awards.

Powell describes herself as someone who prides themselves on academics, the university said.

“I hope that this experience will enhance my leadership skills and allow me to make connections that will not only be personally beneficial but beneficial for Dillard as well,” the Westmoreland native said.

in vagina, stomach

T

Karen Stuffle

he East Ruimveldt hairdresser who was on Sunday last intercepted with 100 cocaine pellets stashed in her vagina and stomach appeared before the Chief Magistrate on Thursday and was jailed for four years.

Karen Stuffle, 46, who accepted ownership of her actions, told Magistrate Ann McLennan that she was paid some $US400 and given an airline ticket to traffic the illicit drugs.

The woman begged for mercy stating that her actions would not

be repeated.

However, in handing down the four years sentence Magistrate McLennan also slapped a hefty fine of $2.3M upon Stuffle.

The charge against her alleged that on September 9, 2018, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) she had in her possession 1.42kg of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

The accused was stopped and searched by ranks attached to the Custom AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) when the drugs were discovered.

A quantity of the drugs was found in a package in her vaginal cavity and during interrogation, Stuffle also admitted to swallowing another quantity of the pellets.

She was subsequently transported to the hospital where she excreted the substance.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 16 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana facing huge Father of 3 sentenced to life raping 13-yr-old boy challenge monitoring for …ordered to serve 45 years Venezuelan migrants before parole eligibility J

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Some of the Venezuelan refugees in Region One

lthough Government has managed to put certain mechanisms in place to prepare for Venezuelans seeking refuge in Guyana, one of the most major challenges faced right now by Government is being able to monitor the influx of those persons due to the length of the border between the two countries.

This is according to Vice President and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge who told the media that the challenges lie in that fact that it is difficult to locate these refugees and establish their status. This is important so that they can get the necessary healthcare and treatment if necessary.

He disclosed that local authorities have been working collaboratively with the various regional health agencies, and neighbouring Brazil to help locate persons for health screenings.

“If you get 12 people or 15 moving and they are ill; malaria, measles and these types of afflictions, then there is a danger posed, especially to our Indigenous people by personal pandemics,” he noted.

The Minister said if not properly managed, this could lead to something much larger. As such, he said there is a need for special help to monitor and to ensure that the refugees are vaccinated and immunised.

In addition to working with Brazil, Greenidge said Guyana has also been working with international agencies to help locate persons for health screenings.

“We would like to be able to work with all of our neighbours to ensure that health aspect is covered, because to me that poses a bigger threat immediately, than anything else,” Greenidge stated.

When asked to provide more detailed information, he could not provide statistics on the persons crossing the border into Guyana, but warned that the numbers from international agencies may be slightly higher.

At the Mabaruma Regional Hospital, between January and July, some 499 Venezuelans were screened.

According to the statistics obtained by this publication, this included 27 skin infections; 45 with respiratory diseases; 234 with malaria; two with tuberculosis; and one HIV case.

There are growing health concerns throughout South America about the movement of people fleeing Venezuela.

Last week, Brazil said Venezuela was doing nothing to stop the spread of an outbreak of measles in their country.

This was sparked by a migration of

Venezuelans fleeing economic collapse.

According to international media reports, since February, four people, three of them Venezuelans, have died of measles in the remote Brazilian border state of Roraima where health authorities have confirmed 281 cases of the disease, mostly among children.

The outbreak has also prompted the Brazilian Government to launch a nationwide campaign to vaccinate 11 million children, plus adults who request it. Although many Brazilian children are already vaccinated against the disease, the vaccination rate has dropped since Brazil was declared free of measles in 2016.

Only recently, Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) Head Mike McCormack said while the numbers here might not be as many as those in other countries, they will continue to come.

“It is possible that the numbers will increase here, particularly now that this crisis is getting worst,” he told Guyana Times International, explaining that the Government must do everything to prepare for such an event.

McCormack noted that countries in the Andean region seem to be reaching their capacity and they have also made life a bit more difficult than it was before for Venezuelans, by placing visa restrictions, among other things. This, he said, could lend to more Venezuelans coming to Guyana.

“We will see more people coming.

My sense is, we won’t see this massive number marching down roads. But I think we need to make a modest effort to try to get early warnings,” he said.

While Colombia has received far more Venezuelans than other countries so far, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said they are spreading out to other countries.

At least 40,000 Venezuelan migrants arrived in Peru in the first two months of this year. Thousands more have emigrated to Panama, Ecuador, Chile, Spain, the United States and beyond.

It has been reported also that boats carrying Venezuelan migrants have landed on some islands in the Caribbean. In January, one capsized off Curaçao, killing at least four people.

The number of Venezuelans seeking asylum abroad has rocketed by 2000 per cent since 2014. Brazil is another of the countries to have received a huge influx. There is about 600 Venezuelans in Region One (Barima-Waini).

ustice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Tuesday sentenced a former suicide/HIV counsellor, Milton Kewley, to life imprisonment for the rape of a 13-year-old boy that was left in his care. The Judge ordered that the offender serves 45 years imprisonment before being eligible for parole.

The Sexual Offences Court Judge told the father of three that his acts were abominable and also found him unremorseful. In computing the 45 years he was give; 10 years were given for the child’s age, 10 years for his breach of trust, 10 years for the violation imposed, 10 years for the physical, psychological and emotional trauma the boy faced and five years for his lack of remorse. Justice Sewnarine-Beharry considered the prevalence of such acts in society and said the offender at the time he committed the act was 45 – 32 years older than the teenager.

“This court noted that the accused was a former Policeman and a Suicide/ AIDS counsellor; your responsibility entailed the spiritual upliftment and development of the child,” the Judge told Kewley.

The case’s evidence found that he lured the boy to try on some clothes in a bedroom and thereafter kissed the young boy, put him on the bed and then committed the penetrative acts for five minutes on August 22, 2013.

It was related that the young boy did not say anything at that point and Kewley was said to have attempted a similar attack three months later in October but the teenager fled and reported him. The lad had testified that the rape is as vivid now as it was five years ago.

Convicted child rapist Milton Kewley

The offender nevertheless maintained his innocence, saying that the entire case was a fabrication. When he addressed the court on Monday, he claimed that the boy’s mother threatened him several times.

Despite these claims, the Judge revealed that Kewley’s defence, led by attorney Maxwell McKay, never put forward during trial that the lad’s mother threatened to set him up.

Kewley was found guilty by a 12-member jury on Monday and after Justice Sewnarine-Beharry passed sentence on Tuesday, his relatives said the outcome was unfair. The offender was earlier allowed to shield his face but he was handcuffed.

The victim and his mother were present at the sentencing. State Counsels Lisa Cave and Orinthia Schmidt prosecuted the case.

50% of children in Guyana’s hinterland access secondary education – UNICEF

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uyana celebrated the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) World Literacy Day on Saturday under the theme “Literacy and Skills Development”. In this process, many urges were made for reading to be implemented throughout the metamorphosis of a person’s lifetime.

This comes in light of the fact that many persons in Guyana do not access a secondary education and literacy is the only way to liberate them from the stigma of being illiterate.

Speaking at a workshop, which was held at Grand Coastal and organised by the Rights of the Child Commission (RCC), United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) Representative Sylvie Fouet, gave an analysis of the education sector in Guyana, which highlighted the fact that only half of the children in the hinterland communities attend secondary school after they would’ve graduated from the primary education programme.

Additionally, only 75 per cent of children on the coastland are provided with the opportunity to complete their secondary education. As such, literacy is important to sharpen their reading and writing skills.

“Literacy is a child’s right that is very important to a right to quality education but overall, literacy also empowers and develops a young person to become an adult. In Guyana, it’s very critical to overcome the fact that there are a couple of challenges that are part of school. Data states that 75 per cent of teenagers will access secondary

school in Guyana and maybe outside the coastal area, actually its 50 per cent,” said Fouet.

She added, “Some may not have the chance and others may not continue along the study path. That’s why we need to study literature and literacy is a really good foundation. Also, maybe to give a second chance to teenage mothers or those who have come into contact with the law, literacy is powerful for empowerment.”

A policy was recently introduced to reintegrate teenage mothers back into the school system. The UN representative requested that the policy be implemented at the soonest to prove its effectiveness.

In attendance was also Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who linked the presence of literacy with the establishment of good leadership.

Chairperson of the RCC, Aleema Nasir also made her contributions towards the discussions which were facilitated stating, “This sustained engagement of the children and youth of Guyana is to provide a beneficial reshaping and reorientation in the thinking, approaches, attitudes and self-confidence of Guyana’s adolescent children.”

In the general world population, it is estimated that more than 750 million adults are illiterate, and twothirds of this figure are women. Adding to that, some 250 million primary-aged children do not have a grasp of basic literacy skills, while 124 million children and adolescents are out of school.

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Eco Atlantic finds 2.9B barrels of oil and gas offshore Guyana – company confirms plans to start drilling next year B y J arryl B ryan

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Chief Operating Officer of Eco Atlantic, Colin Kinley

co Atlantic, one of several companies drilling for oil offshore Guyana, has announced a gross figure of approximately 2.9 billion barrels of oil and gas equivalents in its Orinduik block, verified by the first ever independent assessment done on the field.

According to a Competent Persons Report (CBR) done by Gustavson Associates, the oil was found in 10 prospects within the block. It is believed to include 2.505 billion barrels of recoverable oil and 2.449 trillion cubic feet of associated gas.

Those are, however, gross estimates.

According to the company, the total net figure is 1.165 billion barrels. The CBR adds that the risk, or probability of success when extracting the oil, is a 16.8 to 22.4 per cent range.

In a statement on the find, Chief Operating Officer of Eco Atlantic Colin Kinley expressed pleasure at the findings and noted that the first well is expected to be

Hammerhead-1 that is on our 3D survey, enables us to see the formations ramp up onto Orinduik. These have greatly helped us to further understand the play. The partners will carefully consider in the coming months the prioritisation of the leads for drilling as we continue work on the drilling engineering and the environmental permitting.”

Kinley noted that three of the targets that were iden-

gas, and mining consulting firm with a staff of professional geologists, engineers, economists, and appraisers. It is understood that a major reason for ordering CBR’s is to provide an independent technical report on oil and gas assets that investors can appraise. It is usually prepared in the context of the London Stock Exchange and other exchange markets in Europe.

The Orinduik oil

Request for Hospitality Institute will be given priority – Minister Sharma

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he Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) has asked that Government work towards the establishment of the Tourism Hospitality Institute; a request which would be reviewed according to Minister within the Finance Ministry, Jaipaul Sharma.

The request was made on Thursday last during the first round of consultations for the 2019 National Budget.

Minister Sharma had met with the group of THAG officials, headed by its President, Mitra Ramkumar.

According to Minister Sharma, the Administration would seek to prioritise the request as it will be an asset to Guyana’s tourism industry.

“It is something we may have to prioritise, I will have to address it and see how we could speed it up,” Sharma is quoted by the Department of Public Information as telling the team.

The Tourism Institute is aimed at ensuring that the country improves its human resource capabilities within the tourism sector and produces world-class personnel to meet the kind of demands that the growing industry requires.

While funding has already been approved by the Caribbean

The Orinduik block

Minister within the Finance Ministry, Jaipaul Sharma

Development Bank (CDB) and a plot of land identified, there are still some minor issues to be ironed out.

According to the THAG President, the “world-class hospitality institute” will shape future hospitality professionals. He said this will especially be helpful for single parents and other vulnerable groups that are seeking employment.

“They can actually get in there. Right now, the tourism industry provides jobs for all of these people. The challenge, however, is actually the training of per-

sons and it takes a while to train them in order for them to be productive,” he told the Minister.

Persons will be taught housekeeping and front desk services among many others.

“If we have an institute, it sends a message that we are serious about tourism. We want your support on that.”

Ramkumar continued, “there are people who come to hotels simply because of their housekeeping service.”

The THAG President emphasised that the Institute will be self-sustained.

drilled early in 2019.

He described it as a major development for both the shareholders and the people of Guyana.

“Today’s CPR confirms the high prospectivity of our Orinduik Block. We are delighted by the identification of at least 10 exploration leads with close to three billion barrels of recoverable oil potential, confirmed

by Gustavson. We are very pleased with the current interpretation work that has been completed at Tullow, Gustavson and within Eco and have a great deal of confidence in our joint efforts to date.”

“The additional discovery on Exxon’s Stabroek Block, including the most recent

tified have estimated Probability of Success rates calculated at 22.4 per cent. The executive described these figures as “extremely good” for any company on a single lead, let alone three.

“As noted in the previous announcement, we continue to de-risk the play and are approaching this with a conservative and focused approach. As our partner Tullow announced, we are planning to drill our first well early Q3 2019 and we are in the process of permitting and engineering in parallel with continuing geophysical and geological assessments,” Kinley stated.

G u s t a v s o n Associates, for its part, is an international oil,

block is just a few kilometres from Exxon’s discoveries in the Liza and Payara fields.

It is under the administration of Eco Guyana and Tullow, who signed a 10-year Petroleum Prospecting licence and Production Sharing Agreement with Guyana in 2016.

French firm Total E&P Activities Petrolieres entered the fray last year; partnering with Eco with the option to get a 25 per cent share in the block.

A 3D seismic survey on the block is being finalised. It is understood that Total has up to 120 days to acquire its working stake through payment of US$12.5 million, after getting the survey data.

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Berbice man struck by fire tender while attempting to cross road Dead: Mahendra Haricharran

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unit of the Guyana Fire Service on a fire report collided with a pedestrian resulting in his death.

Dead is Mahendra Haricharran of Number 71 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) According to the Police, enquiries disclosed that the fire tender bearing registration number PVV 2027, which is based at the Skeldon Fire Station and driven by a 33-year-old fireman of Budhan Housing Scheme, West Canje, Berbice was responding to a fire at Number 51 Village when it collided with the pedestrian, who was crossing the road from West to East.

The pedestrian was rushed to the Skeldon Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. According to Police, the driver, who passed a breathalyser test, is in custody assisting with the investigation.

When Guyana Times International visited the area, an eyewitness related that Haricharran walked across the road and into the path of the fire tender which was

approaching with siren blazing. Another eyewitness related that the now dead man is the second person to have crossed the Corentyne Highway as the siren approached. “He walk straight into the fire truck,� a resident told Guyana Times International. According to the eyewitness, the 33-year-old man was tossed into the air and landed some distance away from impact.

The speeding fire tender was stopped a short distance away. The man was picked up and taken to the Skeldon Hospital but had to wait for a while before receiving medical attention. He later died as a result of his injuries.

Meanwhile, the dead man’s mother, Kamla Katwaru, said the accident took place moments after her son walked out of the house following an argument.

She further related that Haricharran returned to Guyana about a year ago and was taking care of sheep, goats, fouls and ducks.

Meanwhile, the Police are continuing their investigation.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 16 , 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

PPP takes Govt to court over added Local Authority Areas

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Attorney Anil Nandlall

ollowing complaints that the Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan is involved in the gerrymandering of Local Authority Areas (LLA) in Opposition strongholds, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on Monday filed a legal challenge in the High Court to halt the Minister’s move even as Bulkan maintained that everything he did was above board.

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall filed the Fixed Date Application (FDA) on behalf of People’s Progressive Party Guyana Elections Commissioner (GECOM) Commissioner, Bibi Shadick.

The Applicant filed judicial review proceedings in the High Court against decisions of named respondents, Communities Minister Bulkan and Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield.

Nandlall told reporters on Monday that the PPP’s action is not geared at delaying the entire Local Government Elections set for November 12 but rather; elections in the contested Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) could be rescheduled until the outcome of the court case.

In the writ seen by Guyana

Times International, the Applicant is seeking a several orders which seek to bring the Communities Minister’s alterations into the conformity with Local Democratic Organs Act, Chapter 28:09. In so doing, the Applicant is petitioning the court to have Bulkan’s orders declared null and void.

The Applicant made an application for an Order or Writ of Certiorari to quash Bulkan’s order of holding elections of seven NDCs without first issuing an Order under the Local Democratic Organs Act, to identify the NDCs by name, boundaries, and number of members. These NDCs are Moruka/Phoenix Park; Kitty/Providence; Nile/ Cozier; Lamaha/Yarrowkabra; Hauraruni/Yarrowkabra; Plegt Anker/Kortberaad; and Wyburg/Caracas.

The Applicant is also seeking two Orders of Certiorari against GECOM CEO Lowenfield. The first moves to quash the Commission CEO’s decision to fix the exterior boundaries in respect to the said seven NDCs, adding that the move was an abuse of power, illegal and constitutes a “usurpation of the statutory functions” of Minister Bulkan. A second Certiorari order wants to quash his decision to demarcate constituency boundaries within the said seven NDCs on grounds that his actions did not first involve the consultations of electors and stakeholders which include political parties. In this regard, Shadick views Lowenfield’s actions as irregular or improper exercise of discretion, in bad faith, or having cited irregular consideration, adding that it has no legal effect since this would be a violation of Article 13 of Guyana’s Constitution.

More than that, Shadick is seeking an Order or Writ of Mandamus to compel

GECOM Commissioner and Applicant, Bibi Shadick

Minister Bulkan, under the Local Democratic Organs Act, to establish the boundaries and number of members in respect to the Municipality of Mahdia and eight other LLAs so that elections could be held by November 12. These would be Aranaputa/Upper Burro-Burro; Moruka/Phoenix Park; Kitty/Providence; Nile/ Cozier; Lamaha/Yarrowkabra; Hauraruni/Yarrowkabra; Plegt Anker/Kortberaad; Wyburg/Caracas. With regard to the aforementioned NDCs, the Applicant is seeking another Order of Mandamus for Lowenfield for him to hold consultations with stakeholders on the establishment of constituency boundaries within the said Local Authority Areas.

The Applicant’s final Order or Writ of Mandamus wants Lowenfield to also hold consultations in relation to the re-demarcation of constituency boundaries in Rose Hall and Rose Hall and 13 NDCs. These are Evergreen/Paradise; Aberdeen/Zorg-en-Vlygt; Malgre Tout/Meerzorgen; La Grange/Nismes; Toevlugt/ Patentia; Caledonia/Good Success; Woodlands/Farm;

Mahaicony/Abary; Zeelust/ Rosignol; Blairmont/ Gelderland; Ordnance Fortlands/Number 38 Village; Adventure/Bushlot; and Numbers 52-74.

Shadick is also seeking the State to pay her court costs in addition to seeking other orders, directions or writs as the court sees fit. Her grounds are that Bulkan failed to issue an order to identify the said boundaries under the Local Democratic Organs Act, making his actions null and void. She meanwhile said that Lowenfield went beyond his exercise of discretion re-demarcating the existing constituency boundaries as outlined in the orders sought before the court.

The writ also outlines that the purported establishment of seven NDCs without complying with the provisions of the Local Democratic Organs Act is unlawful, ultra vires, null, void and of no effect. She said too that Lowenfield acted with authorisation in this regard, while adding that Minister Bulkan unilaterally made changes to the number of seats in 14 Local Authority Areas.

The PPP has expressed its concern over the recent decision to declare Mahdia in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) a new town. In fact, the party believes that the changes might be a ploy by the coalition Government to have a stronger showing at Local Government Elections.

All actions above board

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan however said on Monday afternoon that he was not fazed by the PPP’s legal suit. He told reporters that everything that was executed was done lawfully and above board, signalling that he was not too concerned about the PPP filing its motion.

“They’re on record saying

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

that the Minister has the authority to determine the size of Councils and that is all I did. I don’t see why I should be fazed because I’m acting lawfully and legally,” he said.

The Minister also rejected the PPP’s claims that he violated Article 13 of the Constitution as outlined in Shadick’s suit. This section speaks to inclusionary democracy.

“What I do know is that the PPP by their actions and track record have demonstrated to the Guyanese people that they have no interest in local democracy. They do not believe in the system of Local Government, but we are forging ahead… we are following the democratic traditions and are empowering people and the PPP will either conform or step aside,” he asserted.

The increase of nine LAAs brings the total Local Authority Areas to 80. The PPP said in the past that it captured more than 60 per cent of the Local Democratic Organs at the last LGEs in 2016.

10 Indigenous persons honoured for contribution to community development

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en Indigenous leaders were honoured for their invaluable contributions to community development, at an event on the reflection on the life of Stephen Campbell on Monday, at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown.

Among those honoured for their contribution in the area of education, health and community development were Johnathan Jarvis, Edwards Anthony Jarvis and Olga Chacon, all of Region One (BarimaWaini); Morris Leyland Jeffery of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Lloyd Andrews and Amanda Mahadeo of Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); Sylvie Henry of Region Five (Mahaica-

Berbice); Rudolph Peneux of Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); Dianna Abraham of Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and John Medas Alfred and Janet Rema Yaymochi of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) were also honoured.

The late Stephen Campbell, Guyana’s first Indigenous Member of Parliament, is widely regarded as a hero by the Indigenous communities, and his achievements are celebrated on September 10 every year as a part of activities to commemorate Amerindian Heritage Month.

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock described

Campbell as a “Jack of all Trades and Master for the representation of land rights for the Indigenous peoples.” He said Campbell was a visionary and most of what he represented is still relevant today.

The Minister encouraged the Indigenous population to use the opportunity to remember all those who would have fought for their rights and contributed to the development of Guyana.

Also noting the importance of celebration was Minister within the Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe.

The Minister described Stephen Campbell as a “strong man and a fighter for the rights of the Indigenous peoples”.

Among his achieve-

First Lady Sandra Granger; Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock; Minister within the Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe; Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman; and Minister within the Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings, along with the awardees at the reflection on the life of Stephen Campbell at the Umana Yana

ments were his efforts towards crafting an Amerindian Act, and improving access to health and education services, and agriculture development. Minister GarridoLowe underscored the importance of Campbell’s role in ensuring that the Indigenous peoples were

given legal rights of their lands.

“Indigenous peoples must remember that their lands are valuable to them… We take for granted that somebody had to make representation for us to have our lands and that person was Stephen Campbell.”

Also in attendance of the event were First Lady Sandra Granger; Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman; Public Affairs Minister Dawn Hastings-Williams; and Minister with within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 16 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana Govt to pick up slack due to int’l funding cuts to HIV/AIDS programmes W

hile cuts in funding from foreign organisations have hampered the drive to sensitise the public on Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), Government is working on innovative ways around this set back.

This is according to Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence, who explained during a recent interview with the media that this is a scenario being faced not only

by Guyana but by other countries in the region.

Additionally, non-governmental organisations (NGO) previously on the frontlines of spreading awareness have been hit hard.

“With regards to expanding those programmes, the programme for 2018 has been rolled out. There’s a second phase that starts very soon and that is some more public awareness. With regards what happened previously, you would not see (awareness) on that scale because it was foreign funded.”

“There was a lot of foreign funding in the

HIV in Guyana

The National AIDS Programme Secretariat

Caribbean and Guyana.

What is happening is not only Guyana, it’s throughout the Caribbean. The funds have dried up. So many of the NGOs who were gatekeepers no longer exist or they’re not working in a wide area as they use to do before. But the Ministry, I can assure you, we will do whatever we can with the budget we have to ensure that we come up with some new strategies.”

Asked for more details on measures to enhance public information, Lawrence noted that they have been working with the

Ministries of Education and Social Protection to reach as much adolescents as possible. It has been reported that there has been a rise in new HIV cases among this group.

“We’ve been sharing thousands of condoms out there. We will continue to collaborate, not only with the sister Ministries but with NGOs. It is the responsibility of the Ministry of Public Health to ensure that we keep our population safe from any disease. And we have been doing so. With regards to the rise, it is not something new. We have been

looking at the trend, since last year we saw an increase in the younger age group.”

“And we did put some other measures in place.

Let me say that that number is not confirmed.

And so they are working on it. Very soon they’ll be putting out the CMO (Chief Medical Officer’s) report, which has not been published for several years. I had a preliminary meeting and that’s why I can say to you those numbers had not been confirmed. I was made to understand there are some changes in the way the reporting is done now.”

It was reported previously that Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) had recorded the highest number of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases for 2017, with 650. The figures were displayed during the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) consultation for faith leaders, hosted at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown in August.

The country has also seen an overall increase in HIV cases, owing to the fact that 705 were recorded in 2015, 855 in 2016, and a whopping 961 cases were confirmed in 2017. And according to statistics presented, Region Four’s place as most populated with HIV affected persons is due to the fact that it is evidently the most populated region in the country.

Trailing Region Four was Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), with 130 cases of HIV in 2017. For the same year, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) was documented as the region with the least number of cases, since a mere three persons were

diagnosed with the virus there.

Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings had said there are many gaps in AIDS responses, which deserve some attention. The Minister had also encouraged the use of treatment, as she noted that neither HIV nor AIDS is a death sentence.

“There are still major gaps in the AIDS response, and then there are barriers that still stop people from accessing quality healthcare services. Too often, stigma and discrimination prevent people from accessing the much-needed healthcare… this situation needs to be promptly addressed, in order to ensure equitable and equal access to treatment is universal among those living with HIV,” the Minister had related.

There are a number of voluntary counselling and testing sites throughout Guyana. For those in Region four, services including treatment, are offered at the Georgetown Public Hospital and health centres around the region.

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Energy Dept to fully brief media on oil and gas sector in Oct – President Granger

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new policy has seemingly emerged with President David Granger now deferring all questions posed to him on Guyana’s oil and gas sector to the newly formed Energy Department under the Ministry of the Presidency.

The President articulated this policy when he was asked by the media about his views on direct cash transfers to households. Since this proposal was made

by Economist, Dr Clive Thomas, the topic has generated much discussion from the man in the street to politicians.

When asked about the subject, the President had this to say: “As I said, all matters! All matters concerning oil and gas have been referred to the Department of Energy, including that proposal,” he said.

“No, it hasn’t been discussed (at Cabinet) and it won’t be discussed until recommendations are made by the Department of Energy.”

The President was also asked about the Government’s local content legisla-

tive agenda. It was pointed out that the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) had been critical of the delay in enacting local content legislation.

In addition, the Chamber took it upon itself to submit model local content legislation to the Government.

When asked about this, the President referred all such questions to the Energy Department.

Granger also said that the Department was asked to engage the media next month.

“Last Friday I pointed out that all matters concerning oil and gas, all matters concerning (it), have been referred to the Department of Energy. And I’ve asked the Department of Energy to have an engagement with the media during the month of October, so we can respond to all the questions.”

“But I don’t want to deal with oil and gas in a piecemeal manner.

And the Department of Energy and Dr Mark Bynoe will respond to

Energy Department head Dr Mark Bynoe

those queries,” Granger explained to the media operatives.

It was only in July that environment and resource economist, Dr Mark Bynoe was appointed to head the department. He will have much to oversee; ranging from the local content policy to ring fencing and cost recovery claims.

Local content and what it will do for Guyana has been a

burning question since the announcement of oil in the Stabroek block in 2015. After Exxon first tempered expectations by saying that few job opportunities will be created by oil, it has since said that it will help with local content delivery.

Criticisms

A contract was inked on October 7, 2016, between the coalition

Government, Exxon Mobil and its partners in the Stabroek block. In the renegotiated contract, which has come in for some criticism, Guyana agreed to a two per cent royalty for every barrel of oil, a 50 per cent share of profit oil and a US$18 million signing bonus.

Out of the contract, Guyana also secured the company’s agreement to set up a fund for social and environment projects.

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

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

A draft local content policy created by the Government has meanwhile been criticised in recent months for lacking provisions

which would safeguard against exploitation by companies, especially since there have been intensified reports of the local companies being bypassed for contracts and services with foreign companies being favoured.

The document does not cater for issues such as how to avoid procurement fraud, conflict of interest and favouritism, among others. According to the draft local content framework document, the policy seeks to address the suite of opportunities that may arise.

It also addresses the approaches to be taken in selecting and developing opportunities related to enhancing the capabilities of Guyanese nationals and businesses through training and well-tailored social contributions for greater impact and benefits among others.

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin had announced recently that the second review of the local content policy is expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 16 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Citizens crying out for Volda Lawrence hoping to clarity on oil and gas sector breathe “fresh air” into PNCR

…Govt needs to come clean, says Jagdeo

B y J arryl B ryan

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ith the dust of her historic election as Chairperson of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) settling, Volda Lawrence has an eye to the future. According to the Public Health Minister, a significant task will include nurturing the youths to take over the party.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana

G

overnment’s failure to establish a framework for the predictable oil and gas sector has not gone unnoticed. In fact, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said with the continued absence of such a framework for this sector, it should be a major cause for concern.

Jagdeo speaking at the Commissioning of Mohamed’s Enterprise Laydown Facility on Sunday said this framework for which Government had promised to work on, includes an independent petroleum commission, a Sovereign Wealth Fund, auctioning of future oil blocks and also Local Content Legislation.

The former President said he thinks the whole country is crying out for clarity on several issues regarding this sector. He also feels Government has to take the lead to provide an environment that will be predictable and conducive to investment from local and international companies.

“All I’m doing is making a case to plea for more investments of this nature…that we have greater clarity in defining the framework within which we are going to develop this industry because that is essential for ordinary Guyanese.

They need a clear vision of how they will benefit from this, as well as our business community,” he stated.

In making reference to the controversy surrounding the ExxonMobil contract, he said assuming that it is a done deal, Government has said future contracts will not share or enjoy the same terms that was concluded in that deal with the United States (US) oil major.

“So, almost two years down the road, we are yet to see a framework that will define what future contracts would look like. What is it that ExxonMobil got that future investors will not, and what they did not get that we may want to give?” he questioned.

Further, Jagdeo said in the absence of that information, not only could it affect investments here, but people coming to negotiate new deals now, “they will cry out for that clarity because they are unsure of what future negotiations would be like.”

Another important issue that needs greater clarity is how the role and function of the

tured to take over the party. And to continue to work with our women, to ensure that they have knowledge that they can be what they want to be and to show them how to do it.”

“So I’m looking to work with those three categories of people.

Leadership, youths, and women to ensure that we do all the things we’re supposed to be doing, on a wider scale,” she stated.

History

with 242 votes.

There has been much discussion about potential presidential candidates for the main political parties come 2020 elections.

While the People’s Progressive Party has indicated that its presidential candidate will be announced by year end, Lawrence’s election as Chairperson puts her in a strong position within the party should President and PNCR leader David

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Energy Department differs from that of the Petroleum Commission.

“What are the Terms of Reference for the Energy Department versus the Commission?

And would there be an overlap? Would one just be policy making, and the other be the functional, technical arm for oil and gas dealers? Or would the Energy Department have an operational role?

I hope that they will bring some clarity to this too,” Jagdeo added.

Unsettling

Speaking to another issue, Jagdeo said there were talks that Government is preparing to invest in shore-based facilities. It was touted that there would be an investment just North of the Berbice River Bridge, and at other times, there were talks about other locations.

According him, investors would need clarity on whether Government will take shares or be co-owners of shore-based facilities in the future.

He said, “If the Government decides to do this, this might be to the exclusion of the Private Sector and if it does, where it could be located… because the worst thing that could happen is if that is located elsewhere and leave all these investments stranded that are being made here in the Demerara River.”

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary also made reference to Government’s failure to establish a Sovereign Wealth Fund. He said there is need for clarity on how it will be managed, shielding it from political control and the use of the resources.

Importantly also is the establishing of a

Local Content Policy for the sector. Jagdeo said although President David Granger has promised that his Government will put forward legislation in relation to this soon, he said it would be worthwhile to know about the nature of the legislation.

“How much premium will it give to Guyanese investments and how will it define Guyanese investments? What position will we give if we do to regional investors… that are important too, particularly from Government,” he further added.

Jagdeo said although there have been discussions surrounding plans for the remaining oil blocks; Government still needs to state its own position. “Are we going to be bidding or are we negotiate on the first come first serve basis when it comes the oil blocks?”

Most importantly, however, the Opposition Leader said clarity is needed on taxes for the oil and gas sector.

Having met with several people in the local business community, Jagdeo said there seems to be some new interpretation of what are the tax laws in that regard.

“And if we don’t have clarity about that, then you create an unsettling environment for Private Sector development…

Because again there is not that element of predictability.”

Jagdeo said too that while the PPP feels that Government must make use of the opportunity of the oil industry to improve Guyana and its people, it must not be forgotten that oil is a wasting resource and it has a finite life. He said Government must also bear in mind that a plan for the future is needed.

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence

Times International, she spoke about her ambitions for the party and what her election represents for the party. According to Lawrence, who won by 346 votes at the 20th Biennial congress, her election represents a resurrection of the PNCR. “In terms of the base, I think this is PNC alive, where you start at the group level and can work your way up to the chairmanship of the party.

I think this is bringing back some nostalgia to them. I can say for the Georgetown environment, people have been meeting me and saying, oh I feel so good, I remember this congress and so. I think that something has come alive in our party. And I want to keep that going.”

On the matter of her short and longterm goals, Lawrence explained that this includes improving the accessibility of the electorate to its leaders. The party chair explained that this must therefore include not only herself but the entire leadership.

“Also, I want to ensure that our youths are trained and nur-

Lawrence, a chartered accountant by profession, has a long history with the PNCR. While in Opposition, she served as the Shadow Minister of Human Services and Social Protection.

In fact, that was her ministerial designation during the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) initial tenure in Government, before being moved to public health.

She clinched victory at the Congress in front of former Chairman, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams; and fellow contender, Minister of State Joseph Harmon.

Harmon got 287 votes while Williams secured 183.

The election was a historic one within the PNCR since not only was a female chairperson elected for the first time but the party is also voted for a female Vice Chairperson in Junior Public Infrastructure Minister, Annette Ferguson, who secured 260 votes. On the other hand, Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton was elected the 2nd Vice Chairman

Granger not seek re-election.

For his part, President Granger hinted that he would not refuse the offer if called upon to run as the presidential candidate for the upcoming 2020 General and Regional Elections.

During a press conference last week, Granger shied away from directly answering whether he would accept a nomination to run as the presidential candidate at the upcoming national polls, which is expected to be a critical election for the country.

“I cannot answer that question at this point in time, it is speculative, but I am a servant of my party, I’m a servant of the partnership, I’m a servant of the coalition and my duty is to serve and I will not run away from service; that is as much as I say,” he said.

The Head of State went on to outline that he became the presidential candidate for both the APNU and then the APNU/AFC (Alliance For Change) coalition via a democratic process and several steps, which he will have to abide by in the future.

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Ramjattan says no resignation received from Ramnarine

By Michael Younge

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he Government of Guyana has denied that it is in receipt of a formal resignation from former Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine, who was not confirmed in that post by Commander of the armed forces, President David Granger, last month when he made a substantive appointment after a one-year hiatus.

Vice President and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, speaking with Guyana Times International last Friday during an invited comment, confirmed that no official resignation has been received from the Assistant Commissioner from by his office or the Police Service Commission.

He described as “false” reports in some sections of the media which suggested that the senior law enforcement officer had resigned, but did not venture to make any other statements beyond that, even though he confirmed in the process that Ramnarine had proceeded on annual leave and other outstanding leave entitlements.

Asked to confirm whether he has resigned or has plans of doing so

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

last Friday, Ramnarine declined to answer the question, explaining only that he wished to enjoy “privacy” while he was on his leave.

“Haven’t I given enough to public service in this country and in the Force?,” he asked before declining to answer any questions about his plans after failing to win the president’s support to remain in the post of Police Commissioner, and the chance to be promoted to the post of Deputy Commissioner.

He would only say that he stands by everything he has said in the media on the subject

matter, and wished to be allowed to live a quiet life.

Last week, reports surfaced that Ramnarine felt he was slighted and had been a victim of the system, having not been chosen to serve as the country’s new top cop, despite the fact that he was senior to all those who were appointed and promoted. He had even served as the country’s acting commissioner for over a year after Seelall Persaud had retired from the job.

President Granger has insisted that he followed the Constitution and the advice of the Police

Service Commission when he appointed Leslie James to the post of Police Commissioner.

He said he relied heavily on the advice of the Chairman, Paul Slowe, before any decision was taken, and he insisted that James was the best choice. Before making his pick and ahead of meeting Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, Granger had outlined that the candidate he would select must be someone who is “unbribable”.

Slowe, last week, was quoted in another section of the media as saying that Ramnarine was not chosen because of the details contained in his personal and service file, which had some worrying trends about his performance within the Guyana Police Force.

He insisted that he had recused himself from the process somewhat at the level of the PSC because he was head of a Commission of Inquiry which had criticised Ramnarine and others for their handling of an alleged plot to assassinate President David Granger.

Blame game

Also, reports on an online news agency and social media also

Former Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine

sought to blame the political Opposition, the People’s Progress Party, and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo for Ramnarine’s non-appointment.

But Jagdeo pushed back on Saturday, explaining that any entity peddling that view point was engaged in misinformation and lies.

Jagdeo, speaking exclusively with Guyana Times International, even reminded that he had enquired why Ramnarine was sidestepped and his name not included on the list of persons to be appointed

to various posts.

He noted that his party, the Peoples Progressive Party, has not made any public objections to Ramnarine’s appointment, nor has it endorsed Ramnarine or any other candidate.

Jagdeo said any other PPP Members who have done so were expressing their opinions, and have no authority to speak on behalf of the PPP as a collective.

Ramnarine joined the Guyana Police Force in April 1991. He became an Assistant Police Commissioner at the age of 40. He is 49 years old.

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Recess…

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…in September

he Opposition Leader revealed that the Cabinet’s taking a “recess”. He allowed he knows it’s the tradition of Parliament to go into recess…but never Cabinet!! Now, this had some logic to it: after all, Parliament’s supposed to pass laws and debate budgets and such like… all of which have designated timelines. And, then again, after eating G$700,000 of food, and (mostly) liquour, at EVERY sitting (which might’ve induced some “lying” – down!!) MPs HAVE to take a break.

From all that rich food, there’s the everpresent danger of them contracting that “rich man’s disease” – gout, which can be excruciatingly painful – and also cirrhosis of the liver from overconsumption of alcohol. It could very well be that the parliamentary recess – which can last from August to October — might have resulted from medical recommendations!!

But what’s the story on the Cabinet recess?

Unlike the timeline-driven agenda of the National Legislators, Cabinet is the Executive, consisting of the President and his Ministers. They make decisions on running the country. Whatever else might be happening with MPs over at the Public Buildings, the demands of the country’s business never stop! Every week, decisions on all sorts of matters having national import must be reviewed; like, for instance, the Opposition’s claim that there are all sorts of boondoggles in the Budget that could take care of the GTU’s demands for schoolteachers. What happens during the Cabinet recess? The country goes on “auto pilot”??

But when you think about it, there’s probably a good reason for Cabinet taking it easy. And no!… it’s not because President Granger’s battery needs recharging. Janet Jagan was years ahead of him, and weekly cabinet meetings never fazed her.

And he’s supposed to be keeping up his old army regimen! Naah…it’s not creeping senility either, even though Keith Scott’s outburst on teachers might’ve suggested he suffers from that condition.

But then, Scott’s no vital cog for Cabinet (or ANY!) decision-making, that’s for sure!!

The real reason is that there’s really nothing for Cabinet to do, since President Granger has unleashed his doctrine of “unilateralism” in decision-making. He started with making decisions he was supposed to make AFTER consulting MEANINGFULLY with the Opposition Leader.

But that was thrown out…like on GECOM, legal appointments, etc. He’s obviously now extended his unilateral decision-making to the Cabinet!!

After all, the Ministers of the Cabinet are all CREATURES of the President, whom he handpicks to run Ministries AND advise him on decisions. From all indications, Granger doesn’t take advice from ANYBODY…least of all from him PRIME Minister, who was supposed to be his PRIME advisor!!

So Cabinet might now be in PERMANENT recess?? No wonder Guyana’s crashing and burning! …on stiffing T&T The unilateral decision-making being extended to Cabinet thesis was given further support by the announcement that the President will be meeting TT’s PM, Keith Rowley, next Wednesday to sign that MoU on Oil and Gas cooperation. You might understand President Granger bypassing the Opposition Leader and the GCCI from having some more transparency on the MoU; but wouldn’t he want to be advised by such heavyweight energy mavens like Raphael Trotman on Tuesday’s Cabinet Meeting before meeting Rowley? Wouldn’t you?!

Since he wouldn’t get any opportunity to have an input, Greenidge, as Foreign Minister, offered some gratuitous advice via the press. However, he put his foot in his mouth by confirming the Opposition’s suspicions of a giveaway in the making. He reminded the nation that TT had given oil free to the PNC regime during the 1970s and 80s, when Burnham crashed our economy.

Presumably it’s now (literally) paying back time — not “payback”!! — for Guyana!!

And maybe this is why Granger doesn’t need Cabinet??!!

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B y L akhram B hagirat

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t was sometime around 13:15h on Saturday, March 29, 2014, when our mutual friend, Sarah, received the call informing her that Christine had taken ill and is being rushed to the hospital. We were at work about to commence a new shift and Sarah rushed to be with Christine’s family, while I stayed back and held down the fort but my world shattered a few hours after.

To this day, I remember how that conversation went after Sarah reached the hospital.

“Trev, Chrissy…”

Sarah said while sobbing. I heard the wailing behind her and I became paralysed with fear as I braced myself for what was coming.

Still silent, she went on “Chrissy is dead.

We mama gone.”

I don’t remember anything that happened after that, but remember feeling my insides collapsing and needing air. I rushed out of the supermarket where we worked.

I tried to process what I had just heard and the involuntary tears began streaming down my cheeks. I had questions that kept pounding in my head. Why? How? Why? Her name was Christine Peters. She was just 21 years old, full of life and warmth.

She was my closest friend. What devastated me was that she committed suicide, one day after we had so much fun. We nev-

er knew why and may never know but we do know how.

Chrissy died a few hours after she ingested a poisonous substance at her Lopinot Road, Arouca, Trinidad home. Her death is not something I talk about

and very few people know of the amount of pain I felt. It was the first time someone close to me committed suicide and I did not know how to process it.

I began blaming myself, as so did Sarah, because we were her

closest friends and we failed to recognise she was in grave peril. Her eyes were crying for help but we were deceived by the smile on her face and her constant jokes about our weight and lack of sense of humour.

feature 33

Those who knew Chrissy would tell you she had the kindest soul and was ever willing. She had a wicked sense of humour and was hardworking.

But she had always had trouble expressing what she felt inside and at some point it because so overbearing that she began cutting her skin.

Chrissy and I met in 2013 and we immediately hit it off. We would see each other almost every day and our bond became strong. We shared mutual admiration for each other and the work we did. She was dubbed ‘the fastest cashier’ in the supermarket chain we worked in.

But she was also a hero among our monthly senior citizen customers. She would arrive hours before her shift (if she was on late) or stayed hours after (if she was on early) and push the senior citizens’ trollies around as they did their shopping. She was respectful and never accepted a tip from them.

It was that level of care and unselfish service that made her well-loved. It is that way I choose to remember Chrissy but what haunts me is the way she died and to this day, my heart remains broken because we did not see the signs. I had asked Chrissy about the almost 100 lines across her arms and she would brush it off as her being young and stupid.

It was one day while we were hanging out that she related the reasons that led

to her scars and made me promise not to talk about it with anyone.

She said “is only you and Sarah know eh, so don’t talk about it or I go beat yuh up.”

After Chrissy died, Sarah and I never got over the fact that she had to go, that she got consumed by the hurt that surrounded her picture-perfect life; that our trio had moved from to two. Eventually, we fell apart but would always bond on her memories.

Every May 8, I say a prayer for her and hope we meet in the after life.

April 3, 2014, was the last day I saw Chrissy’s body but only this time she did not have a quirky comeback or a fancy nickname for me but she was still, in a casket about to be placed six feet under. I remember eulogising her, talking about our bond and how it killed me inside to know that it was broken, that she did not wait for me, and that she left without a final good bye.

The overwhelming feeling of guilt is still with me, but I am trying to get rid of it.

Four years is still too short an amount of time to get over losing some who meant so much to you. Maybe one day I will get over it or maybe I won’t but I do know that it will get better. For now, I listen to her favourite song, Christina Perri’s “Human”, on repeat whenever I miss her. (Times Sunday Magazine)

34 FEATURE

By Lakhram Bhagirat

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esearch by various organisations has found that attempted suicide rates and suicidal ideation among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth is significantly higher than among the general population. This is so because of a number of factors but mainly because they are quite often confused by their emotions, coupled with the fact that most of them are worried about society’s perception of them.

In many cases, parents often shun their

LGBT children, leaving them without a place to go and that is exactly the story of Jennifer (not her real name). Jennifer is now 32 years old and she is a Marketing Executive. Because of her job and the fact that she is still somewhat closeted, Jennifer asked us to change her name but her story remains the same.

She hails from Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, and is the only daughter her parents had. But from a very young age, she knew she was different. One may say it is stereotypical but Jennifer enjoyed ac-

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tivities that are not traditionally considered feminine. She would prefer to fish in the nearby trench or beat the boys in a game of cricket as opposed to having a tea party, as most girls did back then.

She was often dubbed the “Tom Girl” and went through her life doing what she considered normal things. Jennifer explained that she really started feeling uncomfortable in her skin at the age of 14 when most of her female friends started to talk about boys, whereas she only envisioned her future with another girl.

“I was now entering Form Four and in our class there was this girl in the neighbourhood that had my attention. She dominated my thoughts and I knew it was different for me because I could not, no matter how hard I try, get her out of my thoughts,” she recounted.

However, she could not relate her feelings to anyone close to her because she could not trust them. Her parents were deeply religious and she knew if they found out, then the Jehovah’s Witness Church, which they are a part of, would mandate them to cut all ties with her unless she repents for her sin. It was a price she was not willing to pay at that age.

She tried to suppress her feelings and did so for the next three years but when she started her studies at the University of Guyana, it all went downhill. She met someone whom she fell deeply in love with and who convinced her to reveal her “true self” to her parents.

Filled with the euphoria of her newfound love, Jennifer sat her parents down and told them her truth.

“I can remember clearly, it was a Wednesday night and I had just come home from class and my parents were watching TV. I said to them that I have something to share with them and I then began to tell them about my sexuality and that I met this girl and so on,” she said candidly.

After her parents got the news, Jennifer got the shock of her life when her only brother began telling their parents that they cannot have her in their home.

However, her parents simply asked her to go to her room and they retired for the night. The next day, they sat her down and told her that she cannot continue the

relationship and that she would have to pray that God forgive her sins. She refused because she felt that she was not committing any sins and her parents asked her to leave their home.

“I was barely 17 years old and never worked a day in life. I was always in my parents’ home and now they just threw me out and disowned me. I had nowhere to go and no one to turn to. The girl I was in love with could not accommodate me. It was shattered,” she related.

However, one of her cousins took her in but she was in shambles.

“I was shattered. The very next day after I moved in with my cousin, she left me home and went to work and I don’t remember anything else but I do know that the last memory I had was drinking a whole bottle of her pills.”

Jennifer’s cousin discovered her unconscious at about 16:30h that day and rushed her to hospital. She was treated and kept overnight. After that, she became a patient of the Georgetown

Public Hospital’s Psychiatric Clinic where she was treated for depression.

But that did not stop her from attempting to take her life two more times. She would not tell me why she made two more attempts but said she felt it was necessary.

She lived with her cousin for four years after which she moved into her own apartment.

When I asked her about the state of her mental health, Jennifer says she is in therapy and overcoming her demons. I asked if she would ever attempt suicide again and she just shrugged and said, “The pain of losing your family, the very people who brought you into this world is one that I can never get over.

I am never truly happy but I am trying.”

For now she is focused on advancing her career and possibly settling down as she hinted.

But she would not say if she’s dating anyone but did say that she is in a better place now. (Times Sunday Magazine)

FEATURE 35

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Krishna Persaud with the Jamaica Tallawahs management team

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Krishna Persaud with cricket legend Rohan Khanai

rishna ‘Kris’ Persaud is a Guyanese/ American entrepreneur and is the largest individual owner of B class apartment complexes in Broward County, Florida but his passion for the game of cricket has led him to acquire ownership of the Jamaica Tallawahs in 2017.

Persaud came from humble beginnings in Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara and achieved towering success at an incredible pace.

This achievement is mostly attributed to his unique ability to identify and capitalize on market inefficiencies

across industries. Taking us back to his early days, Persaud said that growing up was a challenge and his parents always encouraged him to think outside of the proverbial box.

He is the youngest of seven children parented by Dhanwantie and Shivpaul Persaud. He attended the Indian Education Trust College (now the Richard Ismael Secondary School) and later moved to the United States to pursue a degree in Engineering.

“From a young age, my dad said that Guyana is a very difficult place to make a

life and I should think about going to North America and further my studies and try to help the family…I was 19 when I left for the US and I didn’t know anyone there. I didn’t even have any friends just a slight acquaintance,” he recounted.

Persaud said he worked his way up and eventually earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from City College of the City University of New York.

Persaud spent ten years working with several consulting firms and municipalities providing design and construction management services for a wide variety of building systems and public works projects.

After 10 years in the Engineering field, Persaud picked up his family and moved to Florida and began trading stocks in 1995. His would soon find enormous success in this field which made life easier.

However, he then took a break, ventured into the Real Estate world, and began dabbling in apartment complexes. Over the last few years, he bought and sold over 5,000 apartments in Florida, making spectacular profits.

During this time, he also created two companies, Home Owners Choice and Oxbridge Reinsurance Company, and took them public, listing at the NASDAQ and NY Stock Exchange. For this and other achievements, he received awards from the Tampa Bay INDOUS Chamber of Commerce as one of the most successful businessmen of the year. He holds licenses as a Professional Engineer

in the States of Florida, New York and California Following his passion for cricket, Persaud eventually acquired full control of all international cricket events at the only ICC approved cricket stadium in America.

He said that he has always been a fan of thinking outside of the box and while others saw the Stadium as a white elephant he saw an opportunity.

He approached the authorities and signed an agreement to control all international events in exchange for annual guarantees to the County. Since acquiring the stadium, there have been two international cricket tournaments there as he hopes to have a lot more in the coming years.

When asked about the decision to acquire the Jamaican Caribbean Premier League Team, Persaud said that it has always been a dream to own a cricket team.

He related that while growing up, cricket played an integral role in his life and the love for the game never died.

“I chose Jamaica because Jamaica has the largest economy in the Caribbean and the market was large and a larger market is a hedge for the growth and you have more underlying forces to push it in the direction of growth,” he said.

“Jamaica has an excellent pool of talent to draw from and I think my management team know how to integrate the pool of talent from Jamaica with the special players in an excellent combination to make a winning team.

I think you’ll be seeing that this year and going for-

Krishna Persaud

ward. As a team, I think Jamaica is a force to be reckoned with. We won two tournaments so far and that is great and we may have one on our hand here this year,” Persaud added.

His advice to young people out there is to never forget their roots and do not follow the crowd. He said that Guyana will forever be home for him no matter where he lives.

“My philosophy is live and let live. Three words. I believe that I should not be curtailed in any unreasonable way to do what I want to do providing that its legal and I am not interested in stepping in anybody’s way in their pursuit of happiness in whatever way they choose,” he concludes. (Times

Sunday Magazine)

36 NEWS

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Authorities in Guyana facing huge challenge dealing with corrupt prison officers – scanner expected by year-end to beef up security

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he apparent collision between prison and Police Officers continues to be a deterrent to ongoing efforts by authorities to curb the smuggling of contraband into prison facilities across the country.

In a recent interview with Guyana Times International, Director of Prisons (ag), Gladwin Samuels, lamented and admitted to the struggles authorities are facing in detecting and weeding out corrupt officers from within the system.

According to the Prison Director, efforts are constantly being made to rid the prisons of contraband but every time exercises such as raids are carried out and items seized, it creates the demand for more illicit items which some officers take advantage of and capitalise on.

“We have been putting systems in place.

There are standard operational procedures that guide the steps that must be followed when persons are entering the prison. But what is clear, there seems to be established syndicates – these are officers who are working in collusion

ness”.

Back in May, five prison officers were in hot water for smuggling marijuana into the Lusignan P r i s o n , while only last week a Policeman was caught attemptPrisons Director (ag) Galdwin Samuels ing to throw more contraband into the with each other to facilitate the movement of holding area of the same these [contraband] items facility.

The Prison Director into the prison. We do not have the luxury of explained to this publibeing able to have a ga- cation that this behavzette rank on every shift iour by these corrupt and in the absence of officers highlights the these persons who lend need for a lot of work to oversight, the persons on be done, not only within the ground tend to capi- the security services but talise on these opportu- also at the level of the nities to carry out their community and in the illegal acts,” Samuels homes to put out morally conscious and ethical citnoted.

It is believed that izens into society.

However, he did note the smuggling of contrabands into the pris- that there are officers on system remains a pe- within the service who rennial problem because possess these qualities of the involvement of and are eager to see the both prison and Police upliftment of the prison Officers in facilitating service.

Nevertheless, the the illegal trade, which is said to be a “big busi- Prison Director went on

to outline that while several methods are there to gather intelligence in the prison environment, these efforts are hindered by the practice of officers who witness or are aware of such acts by their colleagues but chose to remain mum instead of reporting to higher authorities.

Samuels further posited that because of this, it is difficult for authorities to identify these rogue officers and so they go on with their corrupt acts.

Barbados: Opposition leader calls for resumption of death penalty

Scanners

In efforts to further beef up security and prevent the smuggling of contraband into prison facilities, it was previously announced that steps are being taken to acquire scanners for the various penitentiary facilities across the country. In fact, Samuels told this newspaper that the first scanner is expected to be here sometime in December, while three others have been included in the 2019 Budget.

The Prison Director explained the agency has been very specific in terms of the type of scanner it wanted based on detailed research conducted. However, he noted that they are currently ironing out some issues regarding it procurement.

The scanner that is expected later this year will be installed at the Camp Street Prison.

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Opposition Leader Bishop Joseph Atherley (BARBADOS NATION)

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t is time to resume hanging people in Barbados when all their appeals have been exhausted.

That’s the view of Opposition Leader Bishop Joseph Atherley, who on Tuesday maintained the death penalty could be a deterrent to some potential murderers.

Speaking in the House of Assembly during debate on the Offences Against the Person (Amendment) Bill, 2018, he stressed the death penalty should be executed expeditious-

atiricus was quite amused after he read about the businessman who turned the tables on the gunman who tried to rob him.

Even though his leader Rum Jhaat was Security Minister, Satiricus had to admit gun-related violence was increasing, and no amount of fiddling with the figures and closing bars at 2am would change that. He was still chuckling when he joined the fellas at the Back Street Bar. “Eh! Eh! Like yuh get some scab money fuh do teacha wuk?” said Bungi as Satiricus took a seat and grabbed a beer.

“Naah! I wouldn’t do that to our teachers!” Satiricus replied. “I was thinking about that businessman who shot at the bandit who tried to rob him!”

“Yeah! Me read ‘bout da,” said Cappo. “’E musse mo’ fas’ dan Billy de Kid, since de bandit bin done gat ‘e gun out!”

“What I found funny was the paper said the bandit ran away ‘crying like a girl’ and peed up on himself!” said Satiricus, bursting into another round of chuckles.

“Maybe the bandit thought it

ly in instances where the courts have ultimately determined it to be the appropriate punishment for people convicted of murder.

The bill, in the name of Attorney General Dale Marshall, was piloted by Member of Parliament for Christ Church East, Wilfred Abrahams. He said it was intended to bring Barbados’ laws into conformity with human rights conventions and to accord with decisions of the Privy Council, the Inter-American Court on Human Rights, and the Caribbean Court of Justice. (GC)

“Crying like a little girl”

was a Jumbie, since it was near Le Repentir cemetery,” smiled Hari.

“But hol’ it right deh!” declared Bungi. “Wha’ yuh mean “the bandit cry like wan lil gyaal and pee up ‘eself?

“Well, that’s what the paper said,” said Satiricus, somewhat surprised.

“An’ yuh na t’ink da ‘raang’? demanded Cappo. “Ah only lil gyaal a cry and pee up dem-self when bullet a fly pan dem?”

“Hey! You have a good point,” observed Hari. “I have a daughter and she’s tougher than Sato’s son any day!”

“Leave my son out of this,” said Satiricus. “He’s a sensitive boy.”

“Well, maybe the bandit was a sensitive fella,” said Hari.

“But de Police shoulda fin’ ‘e rass right away an’ jail am!” said Bungi, without any sympathy.

“Why?” asked Satiricus.

“If de bandit pee up ‘eself, de Police jus’ gat fuh falla ‘e pee trail!!” said Cappo.

“Just like Hansel and Gretel with their bread crumbs!” said Hari, as he raised his beer bottle for a clink.

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Barbados: Police search for four wanted men

From top left : Dwayne Carlo Griffith, Dexter Lashley, Shaquan Mascoll, Kamali Ward

By Barbados Today

(BARBADOS TODAY) – Police are on the hunt for four men wanted in connection with serious criminal matters.

They are Shaquan Ramario Mascoll, Dwayne Carlo Griffith and Dexter Rohan Lashley, all of Stroud Bay, St Lucy and Kamali Jabari Jawaine Ward

of 24B, Haynesville, St James.

Twenty-year-old Shaquan Mascoll is approximately five feet, eight inches tall and has a dark complexion. He is slim, has thick lips and wears a low Afro hairstyle.

Forty-year-old Dwayne Carlo Griffith is about five feet, eight inches tall and has a dark complexion.

He is slim and has a small nose; small eyes and has locs.

Twenty-year-old Dexter Lashley is approximately five feet, six inches tall and has a dark complexion. He is slim and has a small nose, small eyes and has locs.

Twenty-five-year-old Kamali Ward is approximately five feet, 11 inches tall and has a dark complexion. He has a small nose; small eyes and wears a low haircut.

Police warn that Ward is considered armed and dangerous.

The men are asked to present themselves to the District E Police Station, Speighstown, St Peter accompanied by an attorney-at-law of their choice.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of these men is asked to contact the District ‘E’ Police Station at 419-1730 or 419-1707, Police Emergency 211, Crime Stoppers at 1-8008477 or the nearest police station.

Police remind the public that it is a serious offence to harbour or assist wanted people.

Anyone caught committing this offence can be prosecuted.

Antigua: Bail granted to LIAT supervisor in drug matter Daren Leslie Dunnah

By Antigua Observer

( A N T I G U A OBSERVER) – Bail was granted in the sum of $10,000 for the LIAT fight operations supervisor accused of smuggling cannabis into the country.

Daren Leslie Dunnah, 35, was taken before Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh in the St. John’s Magistrates Court yesterday where he was asked to pay a bond of $5,000 to facilitate his release from police custody.

He was further asked to have two Antiguan sureties sign on his behalf and report to Police Headquarters, three times weekly.

The airline worker is charged with importation of two pounds of cannabis, possession, intent to transfer, being concerned in the supply of the drug and making a false decla-

ration to Customs.

The Cassada Gardens man, who is well known for his private courier business which is operated from his home, was arrested on September 6, a day after the controlled drug was found inside a microwave that had been brought into the country and was in the warehouse at the Deep Water Harbour.

A day later, the police, along with specially trained dogs from the K-9 Unit, went to Dunnah’s home armed with a warrant to search for additional contraband.

Nothing was found.

The flight operations supervisor, who has been working with LIAT for almost 12 years, was represented by attorney, Dane Hamilton Jr. The accused is scheduled to reappear in court on November 15.

Former Roman Catholic Bishop Benedict Ganesh Singh dies

The late Bishop Emeritus Benedict Ganesh Singh

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he Roman Catholic Church in Guyana on Wednesday announced the death of the former Bishop Emeritus Benedict Ganesh Singh, who passed away after suffering from an illness.

Born on December 2, 1927, Bishop Singh was 90 years old at the time of his death. He had served the church for over three decades.

His ordination to the priesthood took place in Rome on December 7, 1954; and in 1957, he obtained his Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Propaganda College in Rome. His thesis was “The Theory of Revelation in Hindu Philosophy and Religion”.

He returned to serve the church in Guyana in December 1957, and his first appointment was to the Meadow Bank Church in Greater Georgetown. In 1958, Bishop Benedict Singh was placed in charge of the long coastal strip from Malgre Tout to the Essequibo Islands, and he served for over 10 years.

In 1968, he was named the first Guyanese-born Chancellor of the Diocese. In that capacity, he acted as Vicar General, and administered the diocese on several occasions during the absence of Bishop Guilly from the country.

On February 18, 1971, Pope Paul VI appointed Father Benedict Singh the Auxiliary Bishop of Georgetown.

Bishop Singh inherited the leadership of the church in Guyana at a time when everything in it seemed to revolve around the clergy. He, however, recognised the important role of not only the Guyanese clergy, but also of lay people in the work of spreading the good news of salvation.

To this end, he was responsible for the introduction of the Parish Lay Assistants (PLA) training programme very soon after he took over as Bishop.

This took place not only on the coastland, but also in the vast interior regions, where lay people assumed more responsibility in the work of the church, taking on tasks of instructing and organising the local communities, even in the management of parishes and specialist areas such as heading the diocesan office for youth and religious education.

His tenure will be most remembered for the courage and zeal he showed in the struggle for democracy, justice, and peace in Guyana during the country’s more turbulent years.

He was a recipient of the Cacique Crown of Honour from the Government of Guyana in 1993.

The funeral service for the late Bishop Emeritus Benedict Ganesh Singh will take place on Monday at the Brickdam Cathedral.

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44 FEATURE

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uyana’s capital city is filled with wonderful architecture as well as a rich history. It is situated on the Atlantic Ocean coast at the mouth of the Demerara River and was nicknamed ‘Garden City of the Caribbean. This year the City celebrates its 175th Anniversary so let us take a look at some of its wonders…(Photos by Subhash Haimraj)

The 1823 Monument is a commemorative monument located on Seawall Road and opposite the Guyana Defence Force’s Camp Ayanganna headquarters, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown. The monument pays tribute to the slaves and heroes of the 1823 Demerara Revolt, which is considered the largest uprising in Guyana’s history. It was unveiled by former President Donald Ramotar on August 5, 2013 and was sculpted by Guyanese sculptor Ivor Thom.

RED HOUSE (KAMANA COURT) is located at Lot 65-67 High Street, Kingston, Georgetown is the building known as Red House. Red House is also known as Kamana Court and is commonly referred to as the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC) which is currently housed at the location. The building is a 19th century colonial structure. The edifice housed the colonial secretaries from 1925-1953. One of its former residents was Sir. Eustace Woolford, a Speaker of the Legislature of British Guiana.

Georgetown City Hall is a nineteenth-century Gothic Revival building located on the corner of Regent Street and Avenue of the Republic in Georgetown, Guyana. The building was designed by architect Reverend Ignatius Scoles in 1887, and was completed in June 1889. The building houses the offices of the Mayor, the City Council, and the City Engineer. Georgetown City Hall was often described as “the most picturesque structure” and “the most handsome building in Georgetown”, as well as “one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the Caribbean”.

Stabroek Market Clock, Georgetown

The Georgetown Lighthouse was first built by the Dutch in 1817 and then rebuilt in 1830 to help guide ships into the Demerara River from the Atlantic Ocean. The 31 m (103 feet) high octagonal structure is a famous Georgetown, Guyana landmark with its distinct vertical red and white stripes. The Lighthouse, located on Water Street, is a National Monument.

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 16 , 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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46 Feature

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 16 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Preserving our literary heritage

By Petamber Persaud

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t the mention of the name Edgar Mittelholzer, the Kaywana Trilogy readily comes to mind, especially those titles with erotic cover designs.

The Kaywana Trilogy comprising of the Children of Kaywana, Kaywana Stock and The Old Blood is an uninhibited family saga covering more three hundred years of Guyana’s history from earliest times – colonization and slavery - to the advent of Independence and democracy. But those titles are only three in an oeuvre of novels numbering twenty-three, published and known; there is a sense of anticipation that there is more to unearth about Mittelholzer.

Also at the mention of the name Edgar Mittelholzer, other novels may readily come to mind depending on taste in literature and affinity to places; titles like Corentyne Thunder, My Bones and my Flute & The Life and Death of Silvia (set in Guyana), A Morning at the Office (set in Trinidad), The Weather Family, Of Tree and the Sea and The Mad McMullochs (set in Barbados) and Uncle Paul and The Jilkington Drama (England).

Apart from the novels, Mittelholzer has written an autobiography of his formative days in Guyana - A Swarthy Boy - a travelogue, numerous short sketches, short sto-

ries, poems and essays.

When he died by suicide at age 56 in 1965, he left an impressive array of writings, an achievement far ahead of any of his contemporaries in Guyana and in the Caribbean at that time and to date.

In this body of work, he explored themes of class, race, sex, identity, freedom, speaking eloquently to a wide cross section of humanity as his books of which many were translated into Dutch, French, Italian and German, the honesty and eloquence of his writing inviting a bittersweet relationship with the critic who made him and eventually wore him down and broke him, truncating an exceptional and spectacular career. Today, it is a known truth that his life and work has suffered insufficient

scholarship and critical perception and critical appreciation, robbing the writer his fair dues and the reader full enjoyment of one of the most significant names in Guyanese and Caribbean literature.

The publication of Creole Chips And Other Writings of Edgar Mittelholzer edited by Juanita Cox, the acknowledged authority on Mittelholzer, is an attempt to right many wrongs in the life and work and the perception and misconception of that Guyanese pioneering writer, sporting many firsts in Anglophone Caribbean literature.

Frank Birbalsingh commented that at the time of Mittelholzer’s death, ‘when no Guyanese writer had yet gained international recognition, he had already established basic genres

of Guyanese or West Indian fiction: the novel of manners, the historical novel, the ghost story, science fiction, and what he calls comedy-fantasy’.

Creole Chips and Other Writings contains twenty-five sketches, twenty-four short stories, thirteen essays & personal writings, five dramatic pieces, twenty-two poems, a novel The Adding Machine, and a well-

crafted and beautiful children story labeled ‘Poolwana’s Orchid: A Tale for Juveniles’ running into fourteen pages of reading delight.

Cox in her introduction declares that the material for this came to her attention ‘as the result of background research for a PhD thesis: Edgar Mittelholzer 1909 – 1965) and the Shaping of his Novels’, confessing that her ‘initial interest in these pieces was thus on the usefulness of their content rather than their literary qualities’, later discovering that these shorter pieces offer ‘useful insights into the emergence and development of the novelist’s key but complexly interlinked and often abstruse themes (e.g. religion/oriental occultism, sex death, crime); his literary, philosophical and other influences, and sociological preoccupation with dynamics of race, colour and class’.

That this is a first attempt to collect the shorter pieces in one volume is commendable for more than one reason; this would now serve a primary source

material for researcher, offer better understanding and appreciation of the life and work of Mittelholzer and stimulate further research.

In conclusion, it is prudent to give Dr. Cox the final word on her magisterial work by quoting the final sentence in her introduction: ‘…my hope is that this collection will be enjoyed by a wide range of readers, add to the already diverse range of Caribbean short stories, poetry and plays, and be recognized as an important contribution to the canon of Caribbean literature’.

W H A T ’ S HAPPENING: New Arrivals: Monsoon on the Fingers of God (poetry)

by Sasenarine Persaud; Red Hibiscus (novel)

by Scott Ting-A-Kee; Aftermath of Empire: The Novels of Roy A. K. Heath (literary criticism) by Ameena Gafoor.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com (Times Sunday Magazine)

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 16 , 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

United Hindu Diaspora: The challenge

By Ravi Dev

By Ravi Dev

Moving on… A

Y

…with teaching reforms

our Eyewitness has repeated the caution of the strong possibility of “a slip between the cup and the lip” on the matter of teachers’ salaries, now that they’ve accepted going to binding arbitration.

But he feels it’s as good a time as any to talk a bit about other matters that have to be cleaned up in the education sector, whether or not teachers get their fair shake.

We’ve got to accept we’ve been caught with our pants (and skirts) down on being educated in the oil and gas sector. Now, we can’t blame anyone on this matter specifically. But because of our lack of stress on technical education on the whole, it looks like we’ll be screwed royally for a long time. In our education curricula, we retained the colonial emphasis on academic qualifications, even the rest of the world has shown that working with our hands to create and maintain is just as important for development.

Technical subjects were presented as being suitable only for those who were “failures”, by the criteria of the academic curriculum. So even if a bright student wanted to get into the technical, applied areas, they were turned off by the associated stigma. At our stage of development, the Government should’ve long established secondary schools that emphasised technical subjects and ensured that some of our brightest students were streamed into them through available inducements. For instance, guaranteed employment in manufacturing operations.

Take the matter of scholarships from primary schools. Presently, the best and brightest are sent to Queens College where hands-on learning is looked down upon. They teach, for instance, Agricultural Science as a “double major”…but it would be shocking to know the figure on how many of the “Agri” passers went on to careers in agriculture in the past two decades. You can literally count them on the fingers of one hand. Ditto agri mechanics.

Even the specific technical schools have become dumping ground for our secondary school “failures”.

Compare them to the record of the GuySuCo Training School, going back all the way to the late 1950s when it was established by Bookers. The school had qualified instructors – initially from England – who established the curriculum in electrical, mechanical and other relevant areas relevant to the sugar industry.

It’s student body – ‘apprentices” – were culled by a competitive examination that drew applications from the very brightest children of sugar workers, who knew they were guaranteed employment at their graduation.

These apprentices returned to the sugar estates to work under “journeymen” to complete their applied training.

After the first PNC regime’s depredations, most of those former apprentices migrated to North America where they’ve achieved spectacular successes.

Let’s get technical in education! …to local content OK…so we’ve established we don’t have the manpower to fill a whole lotta technical jobs in the oil industry at this stage. But apart from establishing our own technical schools, how about legislation to compel foreign companies that have the required competencies to hire say, at least 60 per cent locals within a reasonable time frame – depending on the competency – by giving them hands on training?? They have a fancy name for this – local content – but this isn’t new.

Even before Guyana’s independence, the same Bookers mentioned above, started a programme they called “Guyanisation” that was intended to replace the senior staff with locals. Local content!! Those selected individuals were trained abroad – like two present prolific letter writers EB John and Nowrang Persaud – and then given positions in management. The Apprenticeship Training School was intended to train the junior technical staff.

And we can continue in this vein in every other area for the oil and gas industry.

But evidently, the Government can’t!! …not fired?

Ramjattan says Ramnarine hasn’t resigned as Top Cop (ag). Why should he? According to the law – which Ramjattan should know – hasn’t he been “constructively dismissed”?

He should sue them for damages…unless Granger’s “specific reason” is related to his job performance.

t the World Hindu Conference held this weekend in Chicago to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Swami Vivenananda’s address to the World Congress on Religion, I discussed the challenge of internal differences among the Hindu Diaspora.

The term “Diaspora” itself signals a challenge to united action – one that is more contextual and historically contingent and arises ultimately from the fact we are very fragmented. The Hindu Diaspora, which now number at least 20 million, was formed by migrations during four distinct eras: 1) pre-colonial trade Diaspora; 2) 19th century indentured Diaspora; 3) post-1965 Diaspora from India to the West (modern indentureship) and 4) twice migrants – post 1970s expulsions from the 19th century Diaspora to the West.

We need to unpack the term “Diaspora” to appreciate the challenge it presents to united action.

“Diaspora” has only been recently linked with migrants originating from Bharat; starting only in the late 1980s, and was closely identified with Jews.

But the experience suggested a typology from the basic characteristics that define the term, literally meaning “to disperse”. These were primarily the memory of

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the land from where the dispersal emanated and the longing for return to this “motherland”. There conditions were satisfied in the early Hindu migrants and there was also the rejection by the new host society for being different which paradoxically caused a valorisation of the differences even as changes in practiced were engendered in the negotiation to survive.

These contingencies created differences in the perspectives, practices and material products in the Hindu Diaspora.

The challenge is to have the Hindus in the Diaspora see each other as one without being seen as “disloyal” to their present nationstates or in their adaptations to local conditions.

In each of these countries, the “persistence” of Indian/Hindu culture created plural societies which challenged the unitary premises of political Liberalism – but for each wave of the Diaspora and in each new society there would be carrying action and reaction. The Europeans – especially the British and French – insisted on assimilation of the various groups in each country to the universalised European culture. This creates several hurdles that must be cleared.

The last three waves that left at different times, also did so from different parts of Bharat and from different sociological circumstances;

atiricus was thinking about his heritage.

It was “Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month” and he’d been told everyone should celebrate everyone else’s heritage.

Wasn’t it great that Guyana was a “land of six peoples”?? Now he and the fellas at the Back Street Bar had the opportunity to sample the spiritous contribution of every one of those six peoples in Heritage month!!

“Suh which waan abee guh start wid?” asked Cappo, to the other fellas. The Owner of the bar had been forewarned and had all the different drinks on hand.

“Bring de Paiwari!” said Bungi to the waitress. “An’ bring some Pepsi fuh wash am dong!”

“I know one of the old Governor Light said it was a “filthy drink” said Hari, “But do you have to further desecrate it with Pepsi?”

“I think Cappo’s worried about who and who chewed up the cassava to ferment the Paiwiri!!” said Satiricus, as the waitress poured out the bottle into their four glasses.

The fellas downed their Paiwiri in a single go, then washed it down with a chaser of their choice, as the waitress brought a bottle of

all of which complicate a common perspective.

Analytically and objectively, they may all be members of the Indian Diaspora (a “group in itself”) but do not identify as a unitary body (a “group for itself”). The experience of the fourth wave, which brought members of the other waves in contact in metropolitan Western countries highlight the challenge.

In NY, for instance, the post-1965 “Indian” Hindus and the post1970s Caribbean Hindus, have kept a wary distance from each other, even though they are dubbed “Indians” by most of the other New Yorkers”. Most notably, they hold distinct stereotypes of each other and for instance do not attend each other’s Mandirs or celebrations of festivals.

The Caribbean Hindus are struck by the insistence of the Indian Hindus to define themselves by regional labels, such a Gujaratis or Tamils, or more subtly, by caste. Calling themselves Caribbean or Guyanese Indians, they have jettisoned regional and caste divisions. The latter complain that the former presume they are not the “real deal” and do not mix extensively, individually or institutionally and may even evaluate them negatively.

The above challenge can be addressed – and then extended to the

new host societies – by demonstrating through our practices that there is a Hindu alternative to dead end that Liberal “multiculturalism” has found itself in both Europe and the US and in other plural societies that thought it was a “solution”. Unlike the West that tries to fit democracy into the Procrustean motto of E Pluribus unum – out of many, one, Sanaathan Dharma envisages creation as the Divinity declaring, “Eko’ham bahusyaam” – I am one; let there be many.

We therefore accept differences as a fundamental feature of creation, and we therefore accept that it is our civilisational task to deal with them positively rather than seek to obliterate them as “divisions”. We can start practicing this value within the Hindu Diaspora and then spread it outwards to other groups in our specific societies. In the accommodation of diversities, I am proud that on Friday, Bharat legalised LGBT sexual relations.

Heritage Spirits

wine and new glasses.

“This is the Ogogoro palm Wine from West Africa, where most of our African brothers came from you know,” pointed out Hari.

After they downed the Ogogogo, Bungi, exclaimed to the waitress who’d brought another bottle of wine, “Daa was good stuff gyaal!”

“Ahhh…de Putagee drink!” said Cappo as the waitress did the honours and poured it out.

“Aren’t you worried the grapes were mashed by the feet of the women in the vineyard?” asked Satiricus with a smile.

“Naah…de wine wou’da clean dem foot!” said Cappo as he clinked his glass with the fellas and drained the wine in a single gulp.

As the waitress brought the Bhang – ganja boiled in milk – Satiricus said, “Could I pass on this fellas? I’m feeling woozy!”

“But this is your own Heritage,” said Hari.

“You have to take it down!”

But it was the Bhang that took Satiricus down. And he didn’t get to sample the Chinese Baijiu, which floored them all!!

48 Bollywood

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 16 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Manmarziyaan actors Vicky, Taapsee cannot hold their happiness after receiving Big B’s handwritten letter

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t seems even before the audience gave its verdict, the cast of Manmarziyaan has got its reward, that too from the Shehenshah of Bollywood. Taapsee Pannu and Vicky Kaushal were in for a surprise when they received the handwritten letter of appreciation and a bouquet from Amitabh Bachchan. Both Taapsee

Vicky followed suit on Tuesday when he tweeted the photo of the letter he received along with the similar bouquet of flowers. He wrote along, “This means the world to me! Thank You @ SrBachchan Sir for this hand written letter of appreciation and bouquet #Manmarziyaan” Vicky Kaushal’s letter written

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and Vicky shared their gratitude on their respective social media handles. Interestingly, both the actors are sharing screen space for the first time with Amitabh’s son, actor Abhishek Bachchan in Anurag Kashyap directorial Manmarziyaan, which hit screens this weekend.

Taapsee was the first one to take to Instagram on Monday night, as she posted an adorable click. She is seen lying on the ground, holding the letter in her hand, as the bunch of flowers lay next to her. The picture looks like the culmination of her exuberant reaction when she was jumping all around her house holding the letter and the bouquet, a glimpse of which we saw as a clip in one of her Instagram stories. Taapsee captioned the photo as, “Finally ! THIS LETTER ! A milestone achieved!”

by Amitabh Bachchan read, “Vicky, I’ve always admired your work, but your presence and versatility in Manmarziyaan is exceptional. To find such performance, qualities in one such as you, with your limited years in the profession is beyond words. My admiration, love and blessings.”

While Taapsee Pannu has worked with Amitabh Bachchan in the awardwinning film Pink, Vicky is yet to share screen space with Big B. Three years back, the legendary actor had sent a congratulatory note to Vicky’s father Sham Kaushal, lauding his work in Masaan.

Getting Amitabh Bachchan’s handwritten letter has surely become an achievement in Bollywood.

Previously, actors Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao have also received it. (Indian Express)

Karan Johar: If I make Kuch Kuch Hota Hai 2, I will cast Ranbir, Alia and Janhvi

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ilmmaker Karan Johar says if he ever makes Kuch Kuch Hota Hai 2, he would cast actors Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Janhvi Kapoor in it. His directorial debut Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) had featured Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukerji.

acting debut with Dhadak, which again was backed by Karan. Ranbir, on the other hand, has worked with the filmmaker in films like Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and has collaborated with K Jo for Brahmastra, an Ayan Mukerji directorial also featuring Alia and

While hosting radio show Calling Karan Season 2, one of the listeners asked him about the remake of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and the actors he would choose for the movie.

Karan replied saying: “If I made Kuch Kuch Hota Hai 2, I would cast Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Janhvi Kapoor in it.”

Alia was launched in Bollywood

by Karan with his film Student of the Year in 2012. Janhvi made her

Amitabh Bachchan.

In fact, Karan will be working with Janhvi Kapoor in his next directorial, Takht, which also stars Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal and Kareena Kapoor Khan among others.

On the television front, Karan Johar will be seen as a judge on India’s Got Talent’s upcoming edition. He has also shot for Koffee With Karan’s season 6, which will go on air soon. (Indian Express)

V actor Kritika Kamra is all set to kick off her Bollywood journey with Mitron. The film, also starring Jackky Bhagnani, will release this Friday. Helmed by National Awardwinning filmmaker Nitin Kakkar, Mitron is based in Ahmedabad and talks about friendship, relationship and millennials. Kritika recently sat down for an exclusive chat with indianexpress.com and shared that the wait to see herself on the 70mm screen has been worthwhile.

Talking about playing Avni in Mitron, Kritika shared, “It is a very relatable character. Also, I could connect to Avni and her relationships. So that way it was fun. But the challenge was to be completely real all the time. Our director Nitin Kakkar’s signature style

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alki Koechlin doesn’t follow any set rules or plans to reach where she wants to be in the years to come as she believes in improvising and trying something new with different mediums. For her, staying relevant is more important as she feels a journey is more about the process than the final product. “In the beginning, I was very stubborn and always wanted to be just an actor. I was told by a lot of people to try my hand at writing or directing, but I always thought I am an actor and this is what I want to do. But today, I feel all these roles are so interlinked.

“Many times I write, rewrite scenes with my director or with my co-actor, and we collaborate on a piece and I realise the roles are so interchangeable,” Kalki told IANS in an email when asked that her journey as an actor.

Do you want youngsters to take this as an inspiration?

“It is enough if I can be relevant. It is more about me keeping up with youngsters than influencing youngsters. So I just want to stay relevant, really.”

The National Award-winning actor made her Bollywood debut with Anurag Kashyap’s Dev.D and went on to do some unconventional roles in films like That Girl in Yellow Boots, Margarita with a Straw and Waiting.

She is now a part of one of the stories of wine-maker Chandon’s The Party Starter 2.0 campaign, that will launch in October. The brand has taken a digital leap with the launch of the next edition of The Party Starter(tm) 2.0 campaign — The Party Starter

is to have a very realistic approach to everything. So, we did not have sets or elaborate costumes. He doesn’t take anything otherwise. You need to be honest and real throughout. It was a learning and enriching experience.”

The 29-year-old actor has enjoyed a successful stint on television with shows like Kitani Mohabbat Hai, Reporters and Kucch Th Log Kahenge among others. Further sharing that she had been in talks with other filmmakers before Mitron, Kritika said, “I have been in junctures where I had almost signed films but it never worked out. There would be times when I asked myself, why is this happening to me. But now it all makes sense. I don’t think I could have had a better film to start my Bollywood journey. It has been worth the wait. I don’t think I could have got such a fantastic team to work with. Also, when I heard the script, I became a fan. I am really happy about Mitron. I can’t wait to share this new chapter of my life with everyone.”

From the time Mitron was announced, there had been a buzz that she has started dating her co-star Jackky Bhagnani. Laughing at our queries about the same, Kritika said, “These things are done and dusted now. I think the audience has become smart to know what’s the reality.”

Mitron will hit screens on September 14. (Indian Express)

Stories. The series salutes people across various genres who have made a difference in their respective fields by delving deep into each achiever’s personal and professional journey, and educating the viewer on how Chandon is the perfect partner for every “party” moment.

Do you consider yourself as a gamechanger?

“It’s a lot of pressure to keep changing the game. I also think we have to take these things with a pinch of salt because the minute you try to make a change or try to make something viral, it doesn’t work. It’s because of its authenticity that it stands out. You are therefore not here to change the game but to create.”

She feels that it’s a label that other people put on you.

“I consider myself as a human being with lots of ups and downs and learning from a lot of failures before I can succeed.

Rehearsing is a process which is very important to get a final product. For me, it is about the process more than the final product,” said Kalki.

How do you see your journey in Bollywood as different from that of other actresses in the industry?

“It is for other people to judge. I don’t think I have had any set way or plan that I want to reach here or there in the next two to three years. I improvise a lot and try something new every couple of years. I have worked on a documentary, ‘Azmaish’, on a podcast — ‘My Indian Life’. I do theatre and am also working on poetry. I feel like there is no limit on how you create and always finding a different medium to put the point across.” (Indian Express)

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 16 , 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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ady Gaga was moved to tears after she received a standing ovation among resounding applause to her Hollywood debut, A Star is Born. The film, which is being touted as an Oscar contender, has been directed by Bradley Cooper, who also co-stars with the singer.

“I watched (Cooper) work tirelessly on this film, giving it everything, and you never stopped.

Nobody here did,” she said.

When Lukas Nelson, son of music icon Willie Nelson and co-writer of songs on the film, told her, “You just destroyed every single scene you were in”, Gaga broke into tears. Nelson’s praise made the audience to break into applause which instantly drew a standing ovation.

Gaga was seen getting over-

whelmed and gradually breaking into tears as she covered her face with her hands. She then mouthed “Please stop, thank you” as the audience began to cheer louder. The singer-actor has received critical acclaim for her performance as Ally, a music protege trying to make it big in showbiz to Cooper’s Jackson, a rocker struggling with alcoholism and drug addiction who falls in love with her.

C o o p e r spoke about the experience of working with Gaga. He said, “It was the most artistically fulfilling experience that I’ve ever had, and it was the most at home I’ve ever felt ever as an artiste.” Asked if he plans to direct again, Cooper replied, “If someone will fund it, yeah, I’ll do it.”

A Star is Born hits the theatres October 5. (Indian Express)

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evin Feige has said that there are more women-fronted superhero films in work at the Marvel Studios. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Feige, 45, confirmed that female superheroes are a

well at the box office. “I think there are a lot of reasons not the least of which was fighting for many years the erroneous notion that audiences did not want to see a female-led hero (film) because of a slew of films 15 years ago

big part of the plan for phase four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“With (Ant-Man and The Wasp) and now with Captain Marvel and many movies to be announced in the near future, I’m anxious for the time where it’s not a novelty that there is a female-led superhero movie, but it is a norm,” the Marvel honcho said.

“And it is less a story of, ‘Oh, look, a female hero’, and it’s more a story of, ‘Oh, what’s this about? Who’s this character? I’m excited to see that.’ And I think we can get there,” he added.

When asked why it took Marvel ten years to produce a female-led superhero film, Feige said earlier studio bosses were scared and not confident whether women-centric films will be able to do

that didn’t work.

“And my belief was always that they didn’t work not because they were female-led stories. They didn’t work because they were not particularly good movies,” he said. Feige admitted that Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman gave Marvel the confidence to move forward with Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel.

“The success of Wonder Woman made me very happy because as I’ve said before in the press, I’d much rather the question be, ‘Oh gosh, what did you think about that successful female-led hero that came out a few years ago?’ Rather than the question I used to get, which was, ‘Are you afraid that people don’t want to see a female hero?'” (Indian Express)

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e it movies or television shows, Marvel has formed a huge fan following in India in the past few years so much so that Avengers Infinity War is still the biggest earner in 2018 so far, despite all the big Bollywood releases. The movies are loved and the TV shows, most of them streaming on Netflix, have a huge fan base. So, what is it about this comic book universe that appeals to the Indian sensibilities so much despite the stark cultural differences?

In a candid chat with indianexpress. com, Stephen Wacker (VP – Creative Development, Marvel) spoke about the plans that Marvel has for its Indian audience and the appeal of the Marvel content. Stephen shared that the content that Marvel makes has a universal appeal as it’s aspirational in nature.

He said, “It’s the belief that there is a hero inside all of us. Within each of us is the belief that we can be better than who we are. I think that’s exciting for everybody.”

Since Marvel has done excellent business in India in 2018 with Avengers Infinity War and Black Panther, Marvel has plans to please their Indian fan base. Stephen shared, “I think in the next few years Marvel is going to try to create characters with a real toehold

in Indian culture. Try for authenticity that can go as far as finding Indian talent. We want to find a way to create characters that have a home in this world so we can bring Indian culture to the core North American Marvel fan.

Let them understand a different part of the world too. I think that’s going to be an exciting thing for Marvel. My hope is that the fan in India feels just as much part of the Marvel universe as some kid in New York.”

Nothing could be more exciting for an Indian fan to watch their favourite superheroes finding their way in our neighbourhood. If Marvel plans to make content in India, is there a chance of them collaborating with popular Indian actors? To this, Stephen laughed and said, “If we make Indian content, we have to put Shah Rukh Khan. He has to be in it.” On a serious note, Stephen further said, “I can’t speak for the movies. If we have stories set in different countries, the goal is always to use actors from that part of the world.”

Stephen further said that Black Panther opened up a lot of the world for Marvel fans but the film still felt like a regular superhero story. “We need a Black Panther for India for sure,” he said. (Indian Express)

Hollywood 49

ndy Serkis promised his Mowgli will be closest to Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, which was set in the dark forests of India, and now actor Freida Pinto has revealed that the home audience will be treated with a “surprise” once the film releases. The 33-year-old actor, who plays Messua in the movie, says the way Serkis has shot the film is “phenomenal” and Indian-origin actor Rohan Chand has done an excellent job as Mowgli.

“I have been waiting for Mowgli to come out. It has been a long wait. It has been three years since we shot for it. So, it is going to be absolutely phenomenal.

In terms of performances, Rohan Chand is going to blow everyone’s mind. He is a perfect Mowgli.

“Everyone in the team, including Andy Serkis, are on top of their game. Specifically for Indian audience, there is a little surprise, which I don’t want to ruin right now. We need to wait just a bit more.

Indian audience is going to love it,” Freida told PTI in an interview.

In the film, the audience will see Mowgli try and assimilate himself into the world of humans in an Indian village.

Serkis also voice stars as the funloving bear, Baloo and Christian Bale lends his voice to the sombre panther, Bagheera – the man-cub’s friends.

The voice cast also includes Cate Blanchett as Kaa, Benedict Cumberbatch as Shere Khan, Naomie Harris as Nisha, Peter Mullan as

Akela, Jack Reynor as Mowgli’s brother Wolf, Eddie Marsan as Vihaan, Tom Hollander as Tabaqui and Matthew Rhys as Lockwood.

Freida is working on two more projects, which are expected to release next year. Both the films revolve around love and relationships, and the actor says she has decided to focus her energy on stories dealing with human emotions.

“My next two films are beautiful romantic stories. They are about love and certain hard decisions people have to take in relationships. Of late, I have been enjoying working on films which deal with human relationships.

‘Mowgli’ also has this side.

“When you are always thinking of number game or commercial aspect, you forget to focus on the most important part and that is the humane element. Without this human connection none of us could survive. We will be a lonely, dead world,” she said. (Indian Express)

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 16 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

golfers to represent ‘I’m having 22 Guyana in Suriname Open the best time A of my life’ - Hetmeyer

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uyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) star batsman Shimron Hetmyer was one of the happiest persons after last night’s qualifying match between the franchise for which he plays and the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR).

In the match-up, winning of which has launched the Guyana Amazon Warriors into Sunday’s final, Hetmyer completed another heroic feat in the 2018 season of the Hero Caribbean

Premiere League.

Having led the Guyana Amazon Warriors to their most critical win of the tournament, the left-handed Hetmyer, batsman extraordinaire, revealed that he is having the time of his life.

He described the 122-run chase by which the TKR succumbed as “a bit of a task”.

Hetmyer eventually smashed 39 runs after getting off to a slow start.

He showcased pure brilliance to revive the chase alongside countryman Sherfane Rutherford.

Speaking to the media afterwards, the 21-yearold Berbician idol noted that this CPL season has been the best batting experience of his life. “I’ve found some form coming into the Bangladesh series to now, and I think it’s the best I’ve felt batting all my life. I will just try to keep on, and keep this form going from now on,” he proudly stated.

The youngster also disclosed that he is happy with the support of the home crowd at Providence, noting that

the team strives to put on a show just for the fans.

“The crowd support is fantastic here. I’ve always loved playing in Guyana in front of this crowd; they always come out and support us. This year, we tried to take it one step further just for them,” the batsman disclosed. The Warriors have just one more game to win -- on Sunday, September 16 -- to bring the CPL Cup home for the first time.

To this end, Hetmyer noted that the team has no preferred opponent for Sunday’s encounter.

“No, I don’t! Actually, we don’t think too much about the opposition. We just look at our game and where we could improve, and then just play the game how we see it,” he calmly stated.

Guyana’s opponent in the 2018 final will be decided on Friday, September 14 when the Trinbago Knight Riders clash with the winners of eliminator one at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad & Tobago.

head of the upcoming sented by ANSA McAL executive Guyana Open Golf tournaTroy Cadogan, Dino Bissessar, Dr Philbert London and Eon ment, local pros will get Blue. ideal preparation in the rivalry between Guiana Shield counThe Suriname tournament is tries, which is slated to run on an invitational event, whereOctober 6-7th in Suriname. as the Guyana Open is the grandest of all Twenty-two of Guyana’s best are set to wing out events, as 100 players from more than to Suriname to partic12 countries are exipate in this tournament. pected to show up Guyana will be in attempting to wrest the title hosting its major from Guyanese tournament of the hands. year on November Several ma3-4, followed by French Guiana comjor companies pleting the tour on have already expressed support November 10-11. for the Guyana The Lusignan Golf Club Open, among which has a proud history of sendare Builders Lumber ing its best players to represent Guyana; and this year Yard, Giftland is no different, as the seOfficeMax, Banks lected 22 players will take DIH, ANSA McAL, their talents to Suriname in Kissoon’s Furniture, the hope of bringing home as AR Printery, DDL El many honours as possible.

Dorado, 2017 main Avinash In the ‘A’ Division, cursponsor Ganesh Parts, Persaud rent 8-time Guyana Open Assuria General, Champion Avinash Persaud Hand-in Hand Mutual, will be joined by a seasoned bunch that Chetsons, Foodtown Restaurant, would include Munaf Arjune, Kalyan New Trend Auto, and Trans Guyana Tiwari, Alfred Mentore and Club Airways/Baganara Resorts.

President Aleem Hussain.

It is expected that more than 65 The ‘B’ Division will feature anoth- companies would support the Guyana er crop of pros, namely Pur Persaud, Open tournament, and fans would be Max Persaud, Lakeram Ramsundar eligible to win more than G$500,000 in (Panko), Videsh Persaud, Brian giveaways on tournament days.

Hackett, Patrick Prasad, Jax Harry, The activities kick off next weekend Aasroodeen Shaw, Jerome Khan, at the Giftland Mall, where persons Paton George, and John Tracey. will have a chance to try their hand at Former Guyana Open Women's pulling to win free tickets and beverchampions Joann Deo and Shanella ages courtesy of Banks DIH, or simply Webster will represent the female by shopping at any Giftland Mall store. team.

The ‘C’ Division would be repre-

First Lady to be Patron of David Miller gives up Test Women’s World T20 Tournament dream to focus on World Cup

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F

From left, First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, Tournament Director, Ms. Jennifer Nero and Venue Director, Guyana, Ms. Sabrina Panday.

irst Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, at the request of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has accepted the role of Patron of the first ever stand-alone Women’s World Twenty20 Tournament to be hosted from November 9-24, 2018.

The First Lady, on Wednesday, met with the Tournament Director, Ms. Jennifer Nero and the Venue Manager, Ms. Sabrina Panday.

The ICC, in a letter to the First Lady, said that it is keen on using the tournament to promote the participation of women in sports for development in partnership with along with Cricket West Indies (CWI) and with the support at the country level.

The First Lady, a big fan of the game, said that she would be very happy to assist the ICC through the Women’s World Cup, to achieve its ob-

jectives. The ICC, in its letter, said it recognises her as an avid cricket fan and someone who continuously seeks to empower young people in making life decisions that positively impact their growth.

Similar sentiments were expressed

by Ms. Nero, who said that “The work the First Lady has been doing with women is absolutely awesome and that is exactly the type of legacy that we also want this tournament to be associated with in terms of the development of youth and the development of women.”

This is the first time that the Women’s World Twenty20 Cricket will have its own tournament and not be in the shadows of the men’s league.

Guyana will be joining St. Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda as host countries.

atsman David Miller has made himself unavailable to play firstclass cricket in South Africa, a decision that means he has effectively given up on representing the country in Test cricket.

The 29-year-old Miller, who remains available for all forms of limited-overs cricket for South Africa and the Dolphins, said that giving up redball cricket was "a tough decision", but he wanted to concentrate on maximising his chances of international cricket with the white ball, especially with the 2019 World Cup a few months away.

"It was a tough decision to make," Miller said. "I have always loved playing red-ball cricket but I have decided that I would, in future, like to concentrate on white-ball cricket t o make sure that I am in a position to give myself the best opportunity to play for the Proteas in the format that I love. This is an important decision for me, especially with the World Cup looming next year. I will also be available to play for the Dolphins in all limited-overs competitions and will give it my all to help them win trophies this season."

Miller has played 109 ODIs and 61 T20Is for

South Africa, but hasn't played any Test cricket. In 63 first-class matches, he has scored 3342 runs at an average of 36.32, with six centuries.

A year ago, Miller had made a clear statement of his ambition to play Test cricket when he opted out of the 2017 CPL to play for South Africa A against India A in August 2017. He made scores of 78, 27, 13 and 18 but he was not considered for the Test squad to play against Bangladesh.

Cricket South Africa chief executive Thabang Moroe said it was disappointing to lose Miller as a potential Test cricketer, but hoped he would reconsider his decision in the future.

"At the age of 29, he still has many years of good cricket left in him in all formats but at the same time, we have to understand that he wants to throw his full weight into helping the Proteas to win the ICC World Cup," Moroe said. "He has time on his hands to resume his first-class career in due course and I sincerely hope that we have not seen the last of him in redball cricket where he has shown his undeniable talents in the past."

Miller has struggled for form in ODIs this year, with only one halfcentury in nine matches in 2018, and a total of 192 runs at just 21.33. His strike-rate of 89.71 is also much lower than his career figure of 101.21. Overall, Miller has scored 2588 runs in ODIs at an average of 36.97.

David Miller

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 16 , 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Cutting's 6 seals epic finish for Patriots at Providence

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– Patriots beat Tallawahs by 2 wickets in nail-biter

t was another thriller which ended with a six as Ben Cutting smashed the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots past a spirited Jamaica Tallawahs and Glenn Phillip’s maiden ton, by 2 wickets in the second nail-biting eliminator played at the

per Chris Gayle with 26, Rassie Van Der Dussen with 20, Fabian Allen (23) and Brandon King (21), who all played a key role in the win.

Tallawahs were close to a win especially with pacer Oshane Thomas and New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi grabbing

a dejected Gayle looked on.

Earlier, Tallawahs opener Glenn Phillips was the 8th player to score a CPL century and the 2nd overseas player after Colin Munro.

Gayle three times, Andre Russell twice and now Phillips. Account

Fabian Allen (left) of St Kitts & Nevis Patriots disappointed Glenn Phillips of Jamaica Tallawahs got runs

Ben Cutting (centre) and Hayden Walsh Jr (right) of St Kitts & Nevis Patriots celebrate as Rovman Powell of Jamaica Tallawahs look sad

Providence National three wickets apiece.

Stadium.

Powell who ended with Not as sold out as 1-16 had a torrid last previous matches due to over plagued with 4 the home team Guyana wides and the losing A m a z o n six, off the penultimate Warriors hav- delivery. ing already Devcich was the anq u a l i f i e d chor of the innings as for the fi- the others played minals in nor roles, but his fifty t h e f i r s t came at a fast pace and elimwith the contributions i n a t o r from the other batv e r s u s ters; the scene was set Trinbago for Cutting who earlier K n i g h t Riders, the decent-sized crowd was treated to some more tense action as Ben Cutting calmly hit a wayward Rovman Powell into the midwicket region to seal a breath-taking finish with a ball remaining. picked The record up 2-45, chase saw to calmly the Patriots neglect a degun down livery bring191 to end ing the defion 193-8 in cit to 2 from 19.5 overs 2, which he with MVP then stole Anton Devcich the show by steering the chase punishing a with 50 off 23 includfull-toss with ing five fours and two a massive sweetly timed sixheave which es. There was followed w e r e by the dugChris Gayle of g o o d out flocking St Kitts & Nevis contritheir hero Patriots hits a 6 butions on the from skipfield as

for 6 of the 14 centuries to come from Tallawahs players over the years.

His pugnacious knock of 103 from just 63 balls was littered with nine fours and six big sixes and set the tone for the Tallawahs who eventually racked up an imposing total of 191-5 in their 20 overs, the highest T20 total at Providence. Kiwi Ross

Taylor struck the ball sweetly in his brisk knock of 33 from 23.

Phillips opened his account with a couple of crisp fours before losing his partner Johnson Charles (3) to Allen (123). He then smacked a full toss in Devcich’s second over for the Tallawahs first six of the innings, before finishing the over with a four.

Tallawahs fifty came up in the 7th over with Taylor joining the set opener to keep the scorecard ticking over.

Cutting’s introduction immediately reaped rewards as the Aussie allrounder knocked over the stumps of a dangerous-looking Taylor who attempted a wild heave across the line.

Rovman Powell (15) walked to the middle and hit Cutting for back-to-back fours while Phillips raised his fifty with a six over long-on off the Aussies deliveries later, as his second

over went for 20 runs.

Shamsi (1-38) then had Powell caught shortly after but Phillips continued the find the ropes and beyond as he crept into the 70’s.

and was removed by Brathwaite (1-25).

Phillips continued to smack around the bowlers as he crept into the 90s and soon got to his milestone with a shot Tabraiz Shamsi of St Kitts & Nevis Patriots celebrates the dismissal of Rovman Powell of Jamaica Tallawahs

Russell joined in on the fun and clobbered the legspinner over longon for a flat six, sadly he failed to carry on CH Gayle (c) c Powell b Sodhi 26

SCOREBOARD Jamaica Tallawahs Innings (20 overs maximum) GD Phillips † b Cutting 103 J Charles c Devcich b Allen 3 LRPL Taylor b Cutting 33 R Powell c Cutting b Shamsi 15 AD Russell (c) c Walsh b Brathwaite 10 DA Miller not out 19 Extras (lb 3, nb 1, w 4) 8 TOTAL (20 Overs, RR: 9.55) 191-5 Did not bat: C de Grandhomme, S Badree, IS Sodhi, SA Jacobs, O Thomas Fall of wickets: 1-9 (J Charles, 2.2 ov), 2-79 (LRPL Taylor, 10.4 ov), 3-118 (R Powell, 13.5 ov), 4-149 (AD Russell, 16.1 ov), 5-191 (GD Phillips, 19.6 ov) BOWLING: FA Allen (4-0-231), AP Devcich (2-0-21-0), CR Brathwaite (3-0-25-1), HR Walsh (4-0-36-0), T Shamsi (4-0-381), BCJ Cutting (3-0-45-2) St Kitts and Nevis Patriots Innings (target: 192 runs from 20 overs) DC Thomas † c de Grandhomme b Jacobs 13

HE van der Dussen c †Phillips b Sodhi 20 AP Devcich c †Phillips b Thomas 50 FA Allen c Russell b Sodhi 23 BA King b Thomas 21 BCJ Cutting not out 17 E Lewis c Russell b Thomas 8 CR Brathwaite c Russell b Powell 6 HR Walsh not out 0 Extras (lb 3, w 6) 9 TOTAL (19.5 Overs, RR: 9.73) 193-8 Yet to bat: T Shamsi Fall of wickets: 1-16 (DC Thomas, 1.5 ov), 2-62 (HE van der Dussen, 9.2 ov), 3-62 (CH Gayle, 9.4 ov), 4-118 (FA Allen, 13.4 ov), 5-157 (BA King, 16.2 ov), 6-158 (AP Devcich, 16.4 ov), 7-177 (E Lewis, 18.6 ov), 8-183 (CR Brathwaite, 19.3 ov) BOWLING: O Thomas (4-0-433), SA Jacobs (4-0-31-1), AD Russell (4-0-28-0), IS Sodhi (40-36-3), C de Grandhomme (2-0-21-0), S Badree (1-0-150), R Powell (0.5-0-16-1)

square of the wicket which sped to the boundary, to which he celebrated with much elation.

The last over saw a few boundaries being hit before Cutting wrecked the stumps of Phillips to end the innings.

TKR will now face the Patriots in Friday’s encounter with the winner playing the Warriors in the finals this weekend.

Glenn Phillips of Jamaica Tallawahs hits a 6

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 16 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

CPL a powerful platform to project Guyana to the world – Stewart

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ver the six years of its existence, the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has done well for various sectors in Guyana and across the Caribbean.

One such sector has been tourism and hospitality. The Hero CPL and Sport Tourism in Guyana can go handin-hand. This belief was stressed across the board on Tuesday as the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana hosted the CPL sponsor, Hero MotoCorp, and representatives from CPL. Speaking at the event, Commercial Organiser of CPL, James Stewart, expressed his pleasure with the strides CPL has made to showcase Guyana.

“In that respect, I think the way that CPL has been able to showcase Guyana –because it is a stunningly beautiful country you have here, and it deserves to be showcased to the world (because it has) some of the most beautiful and unspoiled landscapes on the planet — CPL has been a powerful platform to project Guyana to the world,” Stewart proudly declared.

Detailing some of the statistics based on the 2017 season,

Commercial organiser of CPL, James Stewart; Hero representative Joshua Ramdehol; Director of Sport Christopher Jones; and Guyana Amazon Warriors Captain Chris Green

Stewart showed that total revenue coming into the Caribbean from that CPL season was US$95 million, of which Guyana received US$40 million.

In addition, there were more than 190 million viewers worldwide witnessing the biggest party in sport; and that number continues to grow, Stewart revealed.

For Hero representative Joshua Ramdehol, the CPL is more than just a sponsorship opportunity; it is also an occasion to see social cohesion played out before our very eyes.

“I would like to

touch a bit on the way sports tourism can help to achieve social cohesion. Cricket is the beloved sport of our nation. Even if there’s street cricket going on, you can see an audience watching on. I’m elated to see, at the games in Guyana, sold-out crowds of 15,000 in attendance from all social classes, races and diversity, jumping and celebrating together,” Ramdehol said.

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, urged that the hospitality sector do more than just accommodate tourists. He urged that a lasting impression

be left with the tourists.

“Essentially, we want to see our hotel owners and persons that provide tours not only see an opportunity to fill the hotel rooms, but we want persons from the outside world to explore Guyana. When Guyana boasts about having the largest single-drop waterfall, we want people to not only hear about Kaieteur, but go and visit,” he said.

Giving reasons for his statement, Jones noted that this will pave the way for tourists to return, even when large sporting events are not happen-

ing.

“Because, after the sporting events are done, we want those persons to return to Guyana on their own, invite persons, and of course promote Guyana through those mediums”, he reasoned.

Captain of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Chris Green, also made an appearance at the event, detailing his time spent in Guyana. He noted that between the hectic team schedules, the little he has been able to see has been an amazing experience.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in

Guyana. I guess it’s very relevant for me to talk, coming here as a tourist myself. I think the work being done by the Tourism Board, the CPL and Hero together to promote not only cricket in Guyana, but Guyana itself, has been really commendable”, Green opined.

The Caribbean Premier League has amassed some 95 million viewers all across the world, which does well for the promotion of Guyana as a tourist destination. In Guyana alone, some 4097 hotel rooms have been booked and 492 job opportunities created for citizens.

DRS possible in 2019 season – CPL COO F

ans have been thrilled and excited at the revelation that the Umpire Decision Review System (DRS) will be used for the final two matches of the Hero Caribbean Premiere League 2018.

However, that promise has now broadened to include the 2019 season of the biggest party in sport.

The announcement was made by Chief Operating Officer (COO) of CPL, Pete Russell, who disclosed that the investment into such an initiative is definitely on the cards for 2019.

COO of CPL, Pete Miller, has disclosed that the system would make work a lot lighter for those involved.

“We haven’t given them the tools that they’re used to on the international scene.

Obviously DRS is coming in for the last two games, which I think will make their job a little easier.”

Based on how this

CPL’s Chief Operating Officer Pete Russell makes the disclosure alongside Chief Executive Officer Damien O’Donohoe

weekend’s trial goes, the COO and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Damien O’ Donohoe revealed, provision will be made to have the review system available throughout the 2019 season.

“That’s what we’ve

been discussing.

Bringing that sort of technology is a big investment, but the tournament and the expectation is now at such a level that you have to make sure that every angle is covered.”

COO Russell went on to confirm the move, stating, “For us, we just want the players to be able to go out and play without having the fear of being out by bad decisions. So it’s very likely that we’ll have it next

year.”

After a few unfortunate decisions during the 2018 season, the management of the Hero Caribbean Premier League thought it best to implement the system for the remaining

matches. This initiative was welcomed by the captains of the top four teams, who responded in smiles and nods when they were questioned about the new system.

Captain of the Trinbago Knight Riders, Dwayne Bravo, speaking on behalf of his cricketing colleagues, expressed his contentment with the decision.

“Throughout the season, there were some really poor decisions (made) by the umpires, and it cost some teams.

So I think it’s only fair that the right thing is being used, especially in playoffs, cause those simple mistakes can really cost a team the title”, DJ Bravo stated.

The review system is expected to come into play during the second eliminator and finale of the Hero CPL in Trinidad and Tobago on Friday and Sunday respectively.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 16 , 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Hero Caribbean Premier League Play-offs...

Warriors sink TKR to seal spot in finals

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he Guyana Amazon Warriors stormed into the finals of the 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with a six off the penultimate delivery, after producing some brilliant allround cricket to hand the Trinbago Knight Riders a 2-wicket loss in Tuesday night’s first of two mouthwatering eliminators played at the Providence National Stadium.

It all came down to the last over, when Sohail Tanvir (10*) smashed TKR skipper Dwayne Bravo for a six to seal an emphatic win in front a vocal sold-out crowd.

Before Tanvir’s heroics, Bravo had removed Rayad Emrit for one run, as Romario Shepherd, who ended with 13 off 6 not-out, announced himself with a booming six back over Bravo’s head, to take the deficit to 12 runs from two balls.

It was a dismal batting performance from the star-studded TKR, who again fell victim to some brilliant bowling and fielding from the Warriors. Warriors skipper Chris Green grabbed dream figures of 2-8 from his quota of four overs; Tanvir had 2-38; leg-break bowler Imran Tahir claimed 1-22, and a refreshed Rayad Emrit 2-22.

TKR’s top-scorers were Colin Ingram, who whipped a pair of fours in his 25 off 26 balls; Darren Bravo, who chipped in

with an uncharacteristically slow 24 off 33; and his brother Dwayne, who produced a run-a-ball 22.

Those aside, the defending champs were kept to a paltry 122-7 in 20 overs.

(14) off Khan, which signalled a no-nonsense approach by the Warriors; but Ahmed’s class was too much for Cameron Delport, who fell for 2 to the leg-spinner.

get a couple of fours off Pierre, before the spinner got his revenge after some brilliant fielding off his own bowling resulted in the batsman being run out.

Green also fell at the hands of Pierre, caught in slip by Dwayne Bravo; and the Warriors’ small chase seemed to get a bit tough.

Heroes from the last game, Hetmyer and Rutherford, were again in the spotlight, and they executed a few eye-catching strokes that took the Warriors closer to their Goal.

Rutherford raced into double figures with some lusty blows, one of which disappeared into the stands off Bravo.

A bit of ball watching saw the end of the half-century partner-

Shimron Hetmyer (R) of Guyana Amazon Warriors receives the Man-of-the-match prize from Joseph Harmon (L) Minister of State

Despite a few hiccups, the Warriors ended on 128-8 with a ball to spare. They are indebted to Shimron Hetmyer, who hit two fours and two sixes in his 39; and Sherfane Rutherford, who continued from his last match by smashing 30 off 17, with four fours and a six in a 50 partnership with Hetmyer which lifted the Warriors after a shaky start.

The simple chase got underway with a thumping six from Luke Ronchi

Crowd-favourite Hetmyer walked out to a rockstar reception, but soon lost his partner, who was caught by Sunil Narine off Khary Pierre.

Jason Mohammed succumbed to a good delivery from Narine, trapped lbw in front of his stumps, to reduce the Warriors to 37-3 at the end of the first 10 overs.

Hetmyer then launched Ahmed for a six over mid-wicket, while Chadwick Walton (13) played a few cute dabs to

Sherfane Rutherford of Guyana Amazon Warriors fielding

ship, which came up with a six as Ingram had Hetmyer run out by a few inches.

Rutherford departed the next ball, removed by Cooper.

The Warriors were rampant up front, a repeat of a few nights ago, when they sliced through TKR’s top-order, with Kiwis Brendon McCullum and Colin Munro both going back to the dressing room without scoring, after Tanvir trapped the former LBW and the Warriors Captain removed Munro, all inside three overs.

Denesh Ramdin crunched three fours in his 15 off 11, before Tahir joined in on the fun and had

Chris Green

the wicket-keeper pinned leg-before-wicket (LBW).

Narine’s experiment at the top of the order failed again when Green had him easily caught on the ring by Shepherd.

The left-handers Bravo and Ingram consolidated and dug in, playing a more gritty form of cricket as the champs raised their 50 in the 12th over, having lost their toporder in the power-play stages for just 26 runs.

Bravo was given a life when Tanvir attempted a brilliant catch but floored it, leaving Emrit to halt his already in-progress celebrations.

Warriors would soon see the back of Bravo, as he edged Tanvir into the waiting gloves of Ronchi to end the 48-run partnership. Emrit was repaid in full when Ingram

smashed one straight into the clutches of Rutherford in the deep, as TKR slipped further into the abyss.

The 100 came for TKR in the 18th over, with the first six of the innings also coming off the bat of Cooper, who nailed Tanvir over mid-wicket.

The final ball of the innings saw Emrit removing Bravo for the second time in a few days, caught by Tahir to end the innings and the lower-order 36-run partnership between himself and Cooper, who was left not out on 15. Already in the finals, the Amazon Warriors will now relax as they wait to see who would be their ultimate opponents: TKR, Jamaica Tallawahs, or the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

SCOREBOARD Trinbago Knight Riders Innings (20 overs maximum) SP Narine c Shepherd b Green 8 BB McCullum lbw b Sohail Tanvir 0 C Munro c Mohammed b Green 0 D Ramdin † lbw b Imran Tahir 15 CA Ingram c Shepherd b Emrit 25 DM Bravo c †Ronchi b Sohail Tanvir 24 DJ Bravo (c) c Imran Tahir b Emrit 22 KK Cooper not out 15 Extras (b 2, nb 2, w 9) 13 TOTAL (20 Overs, RR: 6.1) 122-7 Did not bat: Fawad Ahmed, K Pierre, Ali Khan Fall of wickets: 1-5 (BB McCullum, 0.6 ov), 2-6 (C Munro, 1.5 ov), 3-24 (D Ramdin, 4.2 ov), 4-26 (SP Narine, 5.3 ov), 5-74 (DM Bravo, 14.2 ov), 6-86 (CA Ingram, 15.6 ov), 7-122 (DJ Bravo, 19.6 ov) BOWLING: Sohail Tanvir (4-038-2), CJ Green (4-1-8-2), Imran Tahir (4-0-22-1), R Shepherd (4-0-30-0), RR Emrit (4-0-22-2) Guyana Amazon Warriors Innings (target: 123 runs from 20 overs)

CS Delport c Pierre b Fawad Ahmed 2 L Ronchi † c Narine b Pierre 13 SO Hetmyer run out (Ingram) 39 JN Mohammed lbw b Narine 3 CAK Walton run out (Pierre/†Ramdin) 13 CJ Green (c) c DJ Bravo b Pierre 0 SE Rutherford c DJ Bravo b Cooper 30 Sohail Tanvir not out 10 RR Emrit c †Ramdin b DJ Bravo 1 R Shepherd not out 13 Extras (lb 2) 2 TOTAL (19.5 Overs, RR: 6.35) 126-8 Yet to bat: Imran Tahir Fall of wickets: 1-10 (CS Delport, 2.3 ov), 2-23 (L Ronchi, 5.5 ov), 3-29 (JN Mohammed, 8.2 ov), 4-52 (CAK Walton, 11.4 ov), 5-52 (CJ Green, 11.6 ov), 6-102 (SO Hetmyer, 16.5 ov), 7-102 (SE Rutherford, 16.6 ov), 8-105 (RR Emrit, 17.5 ov) BOWLING: Ali Khan (2-0-18 -0), SP Narine (4-0-9-1), Fawad Ahmed (4-0-19-1), K Pierre (4-0-18-2), DJ Bravo (3.5-039-1), KK Cooper (2-0-21-1)

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