Guyana times International

From left seated: Chief Medical Officer Dr Shamdeo Persaud; Head of the Cuban Medical Brigade in Guyana Dr Maria Del Carmen; Cuban embassy representative Praxedes Lovit Nardet; and Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran with the new doctors

Businessman

opens three new fast food franchises in Georgetown

- including Canada’s Dixie Lee Chicken and Sea Foods, Papa Pete’s Pizzeria

The bottom flat of the 704 Food and Entertainment Bar

Fast food lovers in Guyana are now afforded the option of choosing from three new fast food franchises that opened last Friday at Lamaha and Albert streets in Georgetown.

The three new franchises are owned by Guyanese businessman Alfro Alphonso and are housed on the ground floor of his 704 Food and Entertainment Bar. The franchises, all foreign, are Dixie Lee Chicken and Sea Foods (a Canadian franchise); Papa Pete’s Pizzeria (a

Canadian franchise), and Miami Subs and Grill (an American franchise) and have created some 90 jobs thus far.

Upon completion, the multimillion-dollar building will also house a sports bar, which is expected to be completed by year-end, as well as a nightclub and a sky lounge that are expected to be completed a few months after.

Additional jobs will be created with the opening of the sports bar, nightclub and sky lounge.

continued on page 8

New airlines will boost Guyana’s tourism sector - Ali

BY SAMUEL SUKHNANDAN

Acting Tourism

Minister Irfaan Ali said the introduction of two new air carriers this year is a significant boost to the local air transportation sector. Speaking with Guyana Times International, Ali said the government has been working hard to build and maintain capacity in the air transport sector.

The acting tourism minister noted that with the introduction of Fly Jamaica and the return of TravelSpan later in the year, there will be a further boost to the existing capacity.

“This is indeed a very important development for the tourism sector and it will have tremendous benefit for us. We have also been focusing heavily on Suriname, as a result of the lack of capacity,” Minister Ali stated.

Additionally, the acting tourism minister revealed plans to work with St Lucia and Barbados, to create a

combined tourism package, to promote travel between these countries.

Increase

“During the peak season, we will still have our numbers up,” he said. Further, Minister Ali stated that the ministry, through its tourism drive, has been able to fill many small hotels.

According to him, more than 500 persons have visited Guyana this month from Suriname.

He contended that these and other plans will ensure that the local air transportation sector remains competitive, al-

lowing for cheaper flights and quality services for the travelling public.

The minister also disclosed that the ministry is in discussion with at least three other international airlines to enhance operations in Guyana. Challenges Guyana, since the beginning of the year, has been facing some challenges in the air transportation sector, notably unfair competition and high ticket prices.

Government in the past had said that the price implemented by

Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) was “outrageous”, even though the airline was granted flag carrier status.

The administration had accused the airline of trying to rake in profits from the high demand in the Guyana market. The Trinidad and Tobago-based CAL, which is carrying a significant debt burden, has taken up the slack and has added flights to its Guyana route since the exit of EZjet and Delta Airlines.

Delta Airlines pulled out earlier this year, saying it was not financially sustainable to operate the Guyana route, a claim that has been debunked by government. CAL has been serving Guyana for decades.

Several airlines have established offices in Guyana, but left for various reasons. These include the EZjet, REDjet, among several others.

Government wants additional airlines to boost the New York route. For CAL, the Georgetown route is one of its busiest.

acting tourism minister irfaan ali

week ending september 29, 2013 | guyanatimesinternational.com

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EDITORIAL

By any standard, Guyana’s housing drive could be regarded as the best model in the Caribbean Community (Caricom) region. Of course this is not the view of local stakeholders alone, it is the view of a well-respected Caribbean statesman, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves.

A housing model Caribbean making big strides in fighting HIV/AIDS – UNAIDS

Dr Gonsalves, who was in Guyana on a recent visit, was quoted in the Guyana Times newspaper as saying that our housing development is an “extraordinary” one and should be shared with the rest of the region. The Vincentian leader was taken on a tour by the Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali along the East Bank Demerara (EBD) corridor to witness firsthand what this country is doing in various sectors of development, especially in the area of housing.

In applauding the policies and initiatives undertaken by the government to make access to housing affordable for its citizens, Prime Minister Gonsalves said he does not know of any programme of this magnitude anywhere else in the Caribbean.

Testimony to his confidence and belief in the model, Dr Gonsalves even extended an invitation for local private developers to travel to St Vincent and to work towards further enhancing the housing development there.

Considering the fact that he is an outsider who has no political interest in Guyana, we are certain that these comments would serve to silence the critics, both local and overseas, especially those who are bent on seeing everything from a negative perspective. To these persons, nothing good can come out of Guyana, so we are pleased that someone of such caliber would give such positive reviews about an important area of development in the country.

As echoed by Dr Gonsalves, there is a lot that the rest of the Caricom region could take from Guyana’s experiences, especially as it relates to housing development. The current administration has boasted, and indeed it has a right to be proud of the transformations that are taking place in the housing drive.

A number of new housing schemes are being developed across the country, while those that are already in place are being expanded or upgraded. The Housing Ministry has hosted a number of one-stop-shops where persons’ applications for house lots are fast tracked.

This is quite commendable, as Guyanese have become wary of waiting extremely long periods to access important services offered by the state.

Also, the criteria for land ownership were greatly relaxed. Now there is provision for every citizen, irrespective of social class or political or religious affiliation, once they satisfy the basic criteria to be given a house lot.

Additionally, the commercial banks have made it easier for persons to access loans for construction. Prior to this, one had to satisfy a number of criteria before he/ she could have accessed a loan to build a house.

Of note too is that when the government decided to develop large tracts of land for housing purposes, the demand for construction materials and other goods and services increased. As expected, this demand for construction material led to an increase in prices. Here again the government was cognizant of the impact this would have on low-income earners and as a result it took a number of steps to ensure that the impact was minimised as much as possible.

In all of this, we believe that the high level of development the country is currently experiencing, especially in the housing sector, is as a result of the excellent partnership between government and private sector. Kudos should therefore be given to both parties for the strenuous efforts they have made in ensuring that Guyana’s success story is now considered a model for others to follow.

While there are still many challenges to overcome, Guyana has indeed travelled a long road since 1992 when there was a return to democracy. Citizens must not take these achievements lightly.

UNAIDS on Monday reported that the Caribbean has made significant progress towards meeting several targets that were set to reduce the spread of HIV/ AIDS.

According to a UNAIDS report, in 2000, the global community agreed to work towards meeting several health and development objectives by 2015.

Through Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Six, countries aimed to halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/ AIDS, as well as to achieve universal access to treatment for HIV/ AIDS for all those who need it.

Ten 2015 targets were also set by United Nations member states in the 2011 UN Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS. These include reducing sexual transmission, eliminating new infections in children, increasing treatment access, eliminating gender inequalities, eliminating stigma and discrimination, and closing the resource gap for HIV.

New infections

According to UNAIDS, the annual number of new infections continues to decline. In fact, the Caribbean has experienced the sharpest reduction in new infections since 2001 (49 per cent).

“Caribbean coverage of services to prevent HIV transmission from pregnant women to their children is among the highest in the world at more than 90 per cent. Additionally, the region continues to have one of the highest rates of antiretroviral treatment coverage (72 per cent). However, in order to accelerate progress to 2015 and beyond, certain issues require urgent attention,” the UNAIDS report stated.

The report finds that progress has been slow in ensuring the respect of human rights, securing access to HIV servic-

es for people most at risk of infection and in preventing violence against women and girls – a key factor in vulnerability to HIV. Gender inequality, punitive laws, and discriminatory actions are continuing to hamper national responses to HIV and concerted efforts are needed to address these persistent obstacles to the scaleup of HIV services for people most in need.

“We can get to zero new cases of HIV, zero AIDSrelated deaths and zero stigma and discrimination, if we learn to talk about sex and sexuality and refuse to discriminate because of difference,” said UNAIDS Caribbean Regional Support Team Director, Dr Ernest Massiah.

Another key challenge is how prevention, care, and treatment services will be funded in the future, given widespread slowdowns in economic growth and an overall reduction in donor funding.

The report stated that concerted efforts are needed to address these persistent obstacles.

Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, The Dominican Republic, Guyana, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Vincent and the Grenadines are among the countries with high dependency on external financing for treatment.

Dramatic acceleration

UNAIDS said as world leaders prepare to meet at the UN General Assembly to review progress towards the MDGs, its new report shows dramatic acceleration towards 2015 global targets on HIV. In 2012, an estimated 35.3 million people globally were living with HIV. New HIV infections were estimated at 2.3 million in 2012, a 33 per cent reduction since 2001.

New HIV infections among children have been reduced to

260,000 in 2012, a reduction of 52 per cent since 2001.

AIDS-related deaths have also dropped by 30 per cent since the peak in 2005 as access to antiretroviral treatment expands.

By the end of 2012, some 9.7 million people in low- and middle-income countries were accessing antiretroviral therapy, an increase of nearly 20 per cent in just one year.

In 2011, UN member states agreed to a 2015 target of 15 million people accessing HIV treatment.

However, as countries scaled up their treatment coverage and as new evidence emerged showing the HIV prevention benefits of antiretroviral therapy, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has set new HIV treatment guidelines, expanding the total number of people estimated to be in need of treatment by more than 10 million.

Go beyond

“Not only can we meet the 2015 target of 15 million people on HIV treatment – we must also go beyond and have the vision and commitment to ensure no one is left behind,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS.

Significant results have also been achieved towards meeting the needs of tuberculosis (TB) patients living with HIV, as TB-related deaths among people living with HIV have declined by 36 per cent since 2004.

Despite a flattening in donor funding for HIV, which has remained around the same as 2008 levels, domestic spending has increased, accounting for 53 per cent of resources in 2012.

The total global resources available for HIV in 2012 was estimated at US$ 18.9 billion, US$ 3-5 billion short of the US$ 22-24 billion estimated to be needed annually by 2015.

wide-eyed with wonder, these students, along with culture, youth and sport minister dr Frank Anthony and Guyana National Trust Chief Executive Officer Nirvana Persaud, were among persons viewing the annual Heritage exhibition at the national library (GINA photo)

Guyana-China relations at important period for fast development – Chinese ambassador

Prime Minister

Samuels Hinds, who is performing the duties of president and acting Foreign Affairs Minister, Culture Youth and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony, were among other government officials at a reception at the Chinese embassy, Mandela Avenue on Wednesday evening to mark the 64th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Since the origin of the People’s Republic of China, notably the embracing of reorganisation and the opening-up of policy 35 years ago, China has been forging ahead and has made significant achievements in their modernisation, which has attracted the attention of the world.

During brief remarks, Prime Minister Hinds acknowledged China’s achievements and its continued investments in Guyana and its people since diplomatic relations between the two countries were established 41 years ago.

The prime minister highlighted that the bilateral relations between

the two countries have grown from strength to strength. Both countries, he said, have made great strides for the past several years, and despite the recent financial and economic crises in many parts of the world, their economies continue to grow.

China is considered the second largest growing economy in the world. Prime Minister Hinds pointed out that like China; Guyana continues to strive for eco-

nomic advancement to enable its people to live lives that are fulfilling.

Significant strides

He said that Guyana has made significant strides in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and recalled the country’s recent Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) award for reducing hunger and improving nutrition.

China has made momentous contributions to

The devices for the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) programme were also supplied by the Chinese-owned Haier Electrical Appliance Limited and approximately 34 Guyanese products are exported to China on a yearly basis.

Guyana received two new roll-on/ roll-off ferry vessels and benefited from military air corps pilot and engineer training from that country.

“China and Guyana are time-honoured friends with a very long history of amicable interaction dating back to the 19th century… since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the relations between our two countries are getting closer and are in an important period of opportunities of fast development,” Ambassador Zhang highlighted.

and special em-

Training and scholarships in several fields of specialisation were also granted, a co-generation facility at the Skeldon Sugar Estate was established, and the 20.7MW Kingston Power Plant was built by Chinese.

Prime Minister Hinds said that Guyana val-

In June this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Donald Ramotar held their first summit in Trinidad, which has set the direction for the future enhancement of China-Guyana relations in the new situation.

medical missions have been visiting Guyana over the last two decades to assist in enhancing the local health care system.

ues these exchanges and stated that he is optimistic that the countries will continue to work closely to further develop the economy.

Ambassador Zhang reiterated that through the countries’ concerted efforts, the friendly relations and cooperation between China and Guyana will enjoy a brighter future.

Caribbean lagging in wireless broadband use — UN report

With nearly two out of every five people in the world expected to be online by the end of the year, more than twothirds of those living in developing countries, including the Caribbean, will not have access to the Internet, says the United Nations in a global survey of broadband access.

The report, the second produced by the UN Broadband Commission for Digital Development, surveyed broadband access in 160 economies around the world. It reviewed progress on price, household and individual access, government broadband policy and gender, and access to

high-speed technology.

According to the report, while Internet penetration globally will reach 38.8 per cent by the end of 2013, more than two-thirds of people in developing countries will still remain unconnected.

The findings also reveal that more than 90 per cent of people in the 49 least developed countries, including the Caribbean, are without broadband access.

Mobile broadband subscriptions, which allow users to access the web via smartphones, tablets and WiFiconnected laptops, are growing at a rate of 30 per cent per year, according to the report.

By the end of 2013,

there will be more than three times as many mobile broadband connections as there are conventional fixed broadband subscriptions, making mobile broadband the "fastest growing technology in human history."

The top 10 countries in the world for Internet use are all located in Europe, with the exception of New Zealand in 8th place and Qatar in 10th, the top seven— headed by Iceland and Norway—have Internet access of over 90 per cent, the report says.

The ITU figures confirm that women worldwide are less likely to have access to technology than their male counterparts. (CMC)

Guyana

phasis has been placed on health care. Chinese

prime minister samuel Hinds, who is performing the duties of president, and chinese ambassador to guyana Zhang limin toast to relations between guyana and china at the 64th anniversary of the founding of the people’s republic of china. also in photo are mrs Hinds and mrs Zhang

acting president samuel Hinds interacting with opposition leader david granger and other guests at the 64th anniversary observance of the founding of the people’s republic of china

Guyana extends condolences to Kenyans on shopping mall killings

President Donald Ramotar has extended condolences to Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and the people of that country on the killing of scores of persons at the Kenya Westgate Shopping Mall by militants.

Ramotar in a message said, “I wish to convey sincere condolences to the government and people of Kenya for the loss of innocent lives as a result of the siege at the Westgate Shopping Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.

"We express our full solidarity with the Kenyan authorities in their efforts to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice while ensuring the safety and swift rescue of those still held captive. “During this painful time, I would also like to convey my sympathy to the families of the innocent victims of this despicable attack and to you too Excellency, for

Child protection cases need to be

BY SABATINI DANIELS

Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) Director

Ann Greene said “the wheels of justice turn too slowly” in Guyana when it comes to dealing justly with persons who sexually abuse children.

Speaking with Guyana Times International in an exclusive interview on Monday, the director disclosed that there is a great amount of backlog in sexual abuse cases, noting that investigations into some are still

pending.

Greene said by the time some cases go through the court system, some children who were abused become adults, and they have to relive the horror.

“For us, we would like it to move quicker, so the child can start to recover… the wheels must turn faster,” she said, pointing out some cases are as old and might get cold.

Greene said child abuse cases need to be looked at with more urgency so as to send a strong message to per-

your personal loss,” the message said.

Ramotar said the government of Guyana unequivocally condemns this atrocious terrorist act and will continue to support the initiatives of the international community to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

The Somali Islamist al-Shabab movement has said it carried out the attack in retaliation for Kenyan military operations in Somalia.

dealt with in a timely manner, says CCPA

petrators, that “if you abuse a child, its trouble”.

She disclosed that for the period June to August this year, 282

girls and 42 boys were sexually abused, but noted that this might be the tip of the iceberg as many incidents are not reported.

Greene revealed that helping boys who are sexually abused is a challenge since it is an attack on their manhood.

The CCPA director is also urging parents to pay serious attention to their children when they complain of sexual abuse.

“Children do not lie. It’s not in there DNA to lie that someone sexually abused them, so when

children tell of them being abused sexually, a parent needs to believe that child, you start out with believing that child… until you get another reason not believe a child,” she said.

Maintain close relationship Greene said too that parents must instil in their children what is inappropriate touching and must always maintain a close relationship so that their children would feel comfortable confiding in them.

Greene is strengthening CCPA programmes to prevent child abuse,

director

and contended that for maximum success to be achieved, it would require the full cooperation of all stakeholders.

The CCPA director also disclosed that for the period January to June of this year, 432 girls and 411 boys suffered neglect while 134 girls and 163 boys suffered physical abuse.

The Human Services and Social Security Ministry on Sunday officially launched Child Protection Week under the theme “Community Partnerships for Child Protection”.

ccpa director ann greene

kenyan president uhuru kenyatta

Courts hails customer support at 20th anniversary celebrations

Courts Guyana Inc on Wednesday celebrated its 20th anniversary in Guyana, crediting much of its success to the many loyal customers over the years.

Managing Director Clyde De Haas said the furniture giant has always been grateful for the welcome that it has received from the Guyanese population and will continue to make sure that its customers are always its top priority.

The celebrations included grand giveaways of cash and other prizes to customers who have shopped and will be shopping on the day of the birth anniversary as well as throughout the weekend.

Also speaking with this newspaper was Operations Director Laverne Bakker, who emphasised that during this period, the company will be giving away more offers to persons who will be shopping at the centre and have been loyal customers.

The celebration was held at the company’s Main Street head office in Georgetown.

“As one of the prominent furniture and household appliances retailers in Guyana, we want to give back to Guyanese and we have offers running, that if you shop Gy$ 200,000 and over, you will have the chance to use your smartphone and play the flash game

only at the Main Street branch,” said Bakker.

Opened on Sunday

She noted that the store will also be open on Sunday to facilitate the 20th anniversary celebrations.

Guyana Times International understands that six loyal customers: Roypen Mootain, Sajjid Islam, Verian Forte, Enid Payne, Rajdai Churaman and Carmen Rambaran were awarded with over one million dollars in cash and prizes.

Some customers at the anniversary celebrations said Courts has become a household name.

“I purchase almost all my furniture and appliances from here, especially

Professionalism

By Anu Dev

with the hire purchase, it makes it easier and affordable,” one customer, who gave her name only as Singh said.

Another customer, Doreen Ali, emphasised that the company has been good to the Guyanese population.

“I am glad that they are investing in Guyana and continue to aid in our country’s development, with all the offers and deals, it makes life a lot easier for the working class people to afford the comforts of life.”

The Courts chain remains the largest furniture retailer in Guyana and falls under the Unicomer brand, which is one of the largest retailers in the Caribbean.

Businessman opens three new...

At a special sampling event for media operatives and special invitees earlier last week, Alphonso noted that the selections available at the bottom floor are not necessarily fast food, but food with a difference–food that was never available in the city before.

“We offer something for the vegetarians, meat lovers, for the workout addicts who want something extremely healthy…so that’s what we are trying to accomplish here and offer the Guyanese public a franchise service with a difference,” he said.

Customer service

Customer service, he added, will be key to the success of the new establishment.

“Our motto is customer satisfaction; it is our best asset…so we will pay special interest through the service.”

Meanwhile, Chief Operations Manager Kurt Taylor praised the policies of the administration, noting that the

704 Food and entertainment bar owner alfro alphonso and chief operations manager

economy is progressing in the right direction.

He said it was because of the expanding economy that the Alphonso Group has invested heavily in the business. The property when completed will be worth some US$3 million.

“With regards to these franchises, we also have other properties in Georgetown that we are hoping to develop so by the end of next year,

there is probably going to be a few more of these outlets throughout the Georgetown area.”

Dixie Lee Chief Operations Manager Noele Murano said the company has been in existence since 1964 in Canada, while disclosing that two years ago the food franchise opened an outlet in Charity, Essequibo Coast. Since then, it has opened other franchises in Dubai,

Ukraine, and Jamaica. He stated that all items on the company’s menu are seasoned with secret spices from Canada.

Miami Subs and Grill Chief Operations Manager Ambrose Whyms promised that Guyanese will enjoy eating at the establishment.

Guyana’s Prime Minister Samuel Hinds was also present at the media event.

We’ve all had those experiences: going to the doctor’s office, shopping in some store or visiting a travel agency where we probably went through the worst ordeal of our lives because of the way we were treated.

It sucks to go somewhere to do whatever chore you’re on and you end up being treated as some lesser being.

Call me “melodramatic” but after some jarring encounter with a sales clerk I started paraphrasing Shylock’s speech from Merchant of Venice to myself: “Hath not an Anu eyes? Hath not Anu fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases?” As I rise up in righteous indignation, vowing never return to that store (at least not until next week!).

It can really leave a bad taste in your mouth (as bad as Karilla) and makes you wonder if that offensive person had an over abundance of bile. But the thing I don’t understand is it’s not like they’re doing you a favour. You’re paying them for the service. If it’s a doctor, it’s not like he/ she is diagnosing you for free. You’ve already had to wait an hour in the waiting room inhaling everybody else’s germs and now the doctor is treating you like you’re an errant threeyear- old? What? That’s not being a professional.

And professionalism goes beyond treating your patrons like they’re actual human beings. It includes things like punctuality, accountability and being able to carry out your tasks efficiently. We really need to break the mould of things always starting half of an hour late in Guyana (and the rest of the “Third World”). Sure it’s a running joke that always manages to get a few laughs, but in reality, it’s a sad reflection of how we’ve accepted our tardiness and aren’t prepared to do anything to change.

In whatever profession we choose, we must always also have accountability. And not just being able to account for finances – we should be able to account for our actions. We’re not living in our own personal vacuums. Our actions and decisions affect the people around us, sometimes more than we could ever imagine.

Nothing has disproved Aristotle’s dictum that we’re social beings. (Incorrectly interpreted nowadays as “political beings”) But it can be difficult; sometimes you’re just having an “off day”. Some days you can’t be all bright-eyed and bushytailed. But in some professions, that’s exactly what’s expected of you.

To be a true professional, you have to be professional in the way you dress, the way you carry yourself, the way you relate to the people around you. It could’ve been that little girl in the bank who came in with her mom might’ve gotten inspired by the way you carried yourself and now she wants to work in a bank when she grows up to be just like you.

As professionals, you’re representing your profession. You’re the ones who either inspire us to want to do what you do, or who make us swear never to touch, for instance, law with a 10-foot pole. And in some professions, you only ever meet some of your patrons for once in your life. Do you really want to be remembered as the late, scruffy, sales clerk? Or like Dr J, who can still soar and dunk the ball at 63?

members of the courts team at the 20th anniversary celebrations held at the main street branch, georgetown

kurt taylor with managers of the three outlets

The airport expansion project must go ahead

Dear Editor,

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project will be going ahead as planned. This is the kind of spirit we need in Guyana. We have been stagnated for such a long time that many people just cannot get out of their inertia.

Guyana has changed over the last decade. As a boy, the sight of an aircraft used to fascinate me. Now it is the norm. I remember too, airport visits used to be quite novel – now it is a hassle.

We all know that the political opposition voted down the entire transport section budgetary

allocation of Gy$ 5.6 billion for the Public Works Ministry. What this now means is more duress for areas such as the Ogle International Airport expansion project, the purchasing of key equipment for the CJIA and the CJIA expansion project, along with repairs and maintenance to hinter-

The forensic laboratory takes Guyana one step further in solving crimes

Dear Editor,

The past decade has seen great advances in a powerful criminal justice tool: deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA. DNA can be used to identify criminals with incredible accuracy when biological evidence exists. By the same token, DNA can be used to clear suspects and exonerate persons mistakenly accused or convicted of crimes. In all, DNA technology is increasingly vital to ensuring accuracy and fairness in the criminal justice system.

In 1999, New York authorities linked a man through DNA evidence to at least 22 sexual assaults and robberies that had terrorised the city. In 2002, authorities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Fort Collins, Colorado used DNA evidence to link

and solve a series of crimes, including rapes and a murder, perpetrated by the same individual.

In the 2001 “Green River” killings, DNA evidence provided a major breakthrough in a series of crimes that had remained unsolved for years despite a large law enforcement taskforce and a US$ 15 million investigation.

Our forensic laboratory is very necessary and a team from Barbados has been contracted to install the equipment to facilitate the smooth running of the laboratory in Guyana. If all goes well, then operation can begin by year-end.

This has huge implications for crime-fighting in Guyana. It will definitely mean that potential criminals will think long and hard be-

fore going on any kind of illegal activity. Even though a lot of time has elapsed since the birth of this forensic institution, it is going to pay off.

Also, the time in preparing for its opening has been well used. According to the Home Affairs Ministry, it has already hired staff members and they will soon sign their contracts for employment.

I trust that rape cases will soon be fast tracked. In recent times, too many people got off because of a lack of DNA evidence. The same principle goes for murder. I applaud this great leap in our country. Now all that is needed is professionalism in the exercising of duties and maintaining of the facilities.

Yours sincerely, Hazel Harris

GuyExpo is expected to be bigger and more exciting this year

Dear Editor,

I was pleased to learn that the perennial traffic build-up and struggle to get in and out of the Sophia Exhibition Centre, during GuyExpo will now be a thing of the past. The acting tourism minister announced that plans are in place to open up two new pedestrian entrances to the site. This is great. It will mean an ease in vehicu-

lar traffic. I see also that there will be specially designed access for the differently-able.

Well if this should be realised, then I can see that the place will be packed even more than in the previous years, and maybe an extension can very well be in the making. In the past, most of the differently-able relied on media coverage, and the blind were virtually shut out, as radio re-

ports have been shorter and fewer of late.

Time is running out so the people in charge must get on the ball even more.

This year is expected to surpass the previous ones, as it will have a number of new features, so as to assist participating companies in expanding their businesses and modernising their plans.

Sincerely, Florence King

Inter-county cricket should be pushed more

Dear Editor, Cricket fever is still with us and we have a lot to look forward to. I think that we should build on the momentum created by the Limacol Caribbean Premiere League (LCPL) that just came to an end. Guyana did well even though they came out the losing finalist. Already, the selection committee of the Berbice Cricket Board has called up 30 cricketers for three trial matches for the upcoming

senior Inter-County 50over competition, which started on September 11.

Years ago, the intercounty cricket was a really big thing. Radio coverage was the norm, and I am hoping that this can be arranged once again. If the cost factor is too much and there is not enough sponsorship, then we need a couple of reports per day, and maybe with the end-of-the-day summary. This will really generate a lot of interest.

land airstrips that would be adversely affected.

In this point of air travel, gone are the days when Ogle used to be remote and agrarian. The place is just like any other airport, just teeming with activities.

It was reported that the transport minister indicated that there is

some money from last year’s Gy$ 20 million that was approved and advanced by the National Assembly. The minister also explained that the project, in many ways has started – the contractor is on the ground and loads of equipment are already arriving. How can we stop now or

even wait? It is vital that Guyana’s capacity to accommodate larger categories of aircraft be on board. This will result in the country’s potential as a hub for flights to and from North and South America and further afield.

Yours sincerely, Rajendra Paul

Thoughts for the booming rice industry

Dear Editor, I say forget about talking in regards to rice production. We have fought off inclement weather, paddy bugs and even a few financial matters. We have broken all the records. My idea is for us to work on utilising all of our excess rice.

After all, if we produce more then we should use more. Rice has immense benefits, irrespective of what form it is used in. We need to experiment.

Rice is a typical example of a staple food. Today, rice fulfils the dietary needs of millions of people around the globe.

More than 40,000 variations of rice are cultivated and sold. Each one has its own unique benefits to offer.

As for our popular brown rice, it retains much of its nutritional value because it does not undergo a whole lot of processing, milling and polishing. Fibre contents in the bran are retained. The body feels naturally fuller and invigorated for a longer period of time after the intake.

Brown rice is as equally available as white rice. It falls short on the taste which is quite ordinary but it blends perfectly well with many common rec-

ipes. Many locals just will not make fried rice or cook-up without the white rice.

From all indications, the rice industry is set to exceed the 2013 target of 450,000 tonnes by approximately 80,000 tonnes. So we have to go the next step – do something and move towards more consumption.

I have heard talks about utilising our vegetables and fruits in other forms too, say like we must preserve them or turn them into drinks, juices and syrups.

Yours truly, Small rice farmer, Name withheld by request

If we go radio coverage, commentators will be able to get some training and pick up good practice and experience. We need to remind ourselves that it is from these games, the intercounty matches, that we get our best national team. I hope that the bigger names will see this as another occasion to sharpen their skills and to stay fit.

Yours truly, Shameer Hussein

Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy

In the previous article, we discussed Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) – one of the biggest steps taken in Guyana to address climate change and national development. This week we will continue to explore the LCDS and the major projects that are being implemented.

LCDS priority projects

In 2009, the LCDS identified a number of priority projects to support Guyana’s transition to a low carbon economy. Since that time to now, many of these projects have been developed and implementation commenced. These are identified below:

Amerindian development

The LCDS is supporting Amerindian development through several strategic initiatives: Hinterland renewable energy: To support the energy needs of households without access to the national electricity grid, solar photovoltaic systems were distributed to Amerindian and other hinterland households.

As of March 2013, approximately 11,000 solar panels were installed in almost 200 communities.

Investments are also being made into small-scale hydropower resources in the hinterland.

Socio-economic development : An Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) has been set- up to support the socio-economic and livelihood development of Amerindian communities through the implementation of their Community Development Plans (CDPs), which identify the communities’ own priorities to meet social and economic development objectives.

Amerindian land titling (ALT): In excess of 14 per cent of Guyana’s territory is owned by Amerindians. This project aims to facilitate and fast track the ALT process.

Expanding the digital economy and avoiding a digital divide

Fibre-optic cable:

Investments are being made into enhancing broadband connectivity between the coast and the hinterland, as well as connections to Brazil’s telecommunications network.

One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) project: The project is providing

Internet-connected mobile computers to families throughout Guyana who otherwise might be excluded from the opportunities presented by the modern ICT sector. As of March 2013, 26,832 laptops were distributed, supported by on-going training.

Telecommunications Bill.

Support for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), and vulnerable groups low- carbon livelihoods

This project aims to address two of the major bottlenecks that constrain the development

Several initiatives have been targeted to improve Guyana’s resilience to climate change and its capacity to adapt. One of the first priorities addressed was the rehabilitation of canals to improve the management of water in the East Demerara Water

es and new D& I systems will be constructed, with a focus on particularly vulnerable areas.

Adaptation readiness programme: This could include significantly revamping Guyana’s early warning system and improving the timely and accurate collection

the lcds is supporting amerindian development through several strategic initiatives

Telecommunications liberalisation: In an effort to modernise the sector, several pieces of legislation have been tabled in the National Assembly including a

of MSEs and the ability of vulnerable groups to build alternative livelihoods in Guyana, which are i) limited access to finance and ii) limited technical and business skills.

Access to finance will be addressed through a credit guarantee facility which will be used to guarantee part of the collateral of a loan, thereby enabling a MSE to obtain a loan at an affordable rate. In addition, an interest support facility will help with interest payments and a low carbon grant scheme will be established to assist vulnerable persons with viable business propositions.

The lack of skills will be addressed through a training voucher scheme which will enable MSEs to obtain the skills they require at existing training institutions. Sector specific training will also be provided.

Centre for biodiversity research and curriculum development

Centre for Biodiversity Research: The international centre for biodiversity research and low carbon development will be dedicated to researching Guyana’s biodiversity and assessing its economic value and how this can be maximised.

Curriculum development: Steps are being taken to integrate low carbon development concepts into the primary school curriculum.

Climate resilience and adaptation

Conservancy (EDWC).

The next stage in the low carbon transition (2013-2015). During this period to the end of 2015, the priority projects are expected to continue utilising resources already allocated. In parallel, and subject to revenues from climate services and other sources continuing as planned, the government of Guyana intends to address a further five priorities in the period to 2015:

Climate resilience, adaptation and water management

This will include initiatives to improve Guyana’s ability to cope with climate change and will likely include some or all of the following measures: Upgrading infrastructure and assets to protect against flooding through urgent, nearterm measures . This will include maintaining and upgrading Guyana’s drainage and irrigation (D& I) system, empoldering as well as dredging and de-silting major rivers, expansion of the use of mangroves as natural sea defences, and significant upgrades to the EDWC. Hinterland adaptation: This will include the development, reproduction and distribution of plant varieties and crop management techniques that are suitable for hinterland communities, thereby ensuring the sustainability and further development of their livelihoods.

In addition, allweather roads and bridg-

and dissemination of data and information on weather-related events and their impacts on the ground. Supporting high potential low-carbon sectors

This will involve the development of priority low carbon sectors. It is expected that the priorities to 2015 will be business process outsourcing, aquaculture, ecotourism, and fruits and vegetables. In parallel, work to strengthen the sustainable forestry and mining sectors will continue.

Hinterland and Amerindian development: Much of the work that has started, including land titling initiatives, will continue up to 2015. The ADF will continue to be capitalised to provide financing for all CDPs. Alongside the existing programmes; further measures will also receive investment to support the following: Hinterland adaptation measures; improving Information and Communication Technology (ICT) access and facilitating Hinterland Distance Learning through ICT. For additional information, please contact the Office of Climate Change, Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown, Tel: 2235205, email: info@lcds. gov.gy, website: www. lcds.gov.gy.Next week we will continue to further explore Guyana’s LCDS. (Office of Climate Change)

Former poet laureate of Ottawa pens ‘My Multi-ethnic Friends & Other Stories’

‘My Multi-Ethnic Friends & Other Stories’

is Cyril Dabydeen’s latest volume, which spans a range of narratives set in Canada and other parts of the world reflecting lived experiences. The Guyana-born Canadian writer, who lives in Ottawa, has been publishing for many years; his work has appeared internationally in numerous literary magazines and anthologies.

Here in this new volume, shifting spaces and changing lives form the core of Dabydeen’s stories. Tropical places with verdant greenery are subverted; his sometimes stark images supplant the traditionally exotic.

In Canada’s northern hemisphere, Dabydeen’s immigrant and nonimmigrant characters delve into memories –

whether Greek, Italian, Russian or West Indian, for them new situations resonate in north-western Ontario, Toronto, or Detroit. They are even active in a mayoralty race heating up in Ottawa. It’s also a Muslim’s faith tested in Vancouver.

Stories such as “Bearing Gifts”, “Believers”, “Look Who’s Coming”, and “In Transit” reflect ironic twists and styles.

Critics have described Dabydeen’s work as: “narratives that often contain the lyrical consolidations of images that are the mark of a poet” (Books in Canada); and, “His stories are seamless between past and present, fantasy and reality…. a significant post- colonial writer” (World Literature Today).

A former poet laure-

“Cobra”

By Vahnu Manikchand

Notorious criminal

Tyrone "Cobra" Rowe was on Tuesday jailed for 78 years after a jury found him guilty of murdering a Plaisance resident in August 2010. Rowe, 21, of Lot 268 Independence Boulevard, Albouystown, Georgetown, was indicted with the murder of Troy Collymore, called “Collie” and “Nelly” on August 7, 2010 during the robbery of a business at Plaisance Railway and Embankment, East Coast Demerara.

He was represented by Attorney Hukumchand Parag.

The trial of Rowe began last Wednesday before Justice Navindra Singh and a 12- member jury. State Counsel Teshana Lake prosecuted the case and presented nine witnesses, including two eyewitnesses.

The first witness, Constable Neil Thornhill testified that he was off duty and at the business place on the night in question when three armed men attacked.

The officer said he recognised “Cobra”, who was standing outside the premises with another accomplice, since he was a known character to the police. The accused was 17 years old at the time.

The other eyewitness, Chandrika Datt, the owner of the business, testified that after the robbery, he was called to pick out the perpetra-

ate of Ottawa (1984-87), Dabydeen has published more than 15 books, including eight collections of poetry.

Some of his previous titles include My Brahmin Days, Play a Song Somebody: Selected Stories, Black Jesus and Other Stories, and North of the Equator.

Dabydeen’s last novel, Drums of My Flesh,

had been nominated for the prestigious IMPAC/ Dublin Prize and won the top Guyana Prize for fiction in 2007. He was also shortlisted for the City of Ottawa Book’s Prize. His poetry titles include Imaginary Origins: Selected Poems and Unanimous Night. Cyril recently edited Beyond Sangre Grande: Caribbean Writing Today. He has done more than 300 readings from his books.

Dabydeen teaches creative writing at the University of Ottawa. He has twice juried for Canada’s Governor General’s Award.

His varied career also includes extensive travel as a race relations/ diversity specialist aligned to the federal and municipal governments.

He holds post-graduate degrees from Queen’s University.

gets 78 years for 2010 murder

tors during an identification parade; however, the person that he pointed out was not Rowe.

He stated that the person he picked out was the one who held him at gunpoint in his pharmacy and took away a quantity of cash and eight laptop computers.

Closing addresses

The prosecutor initially had 13 witnesses; however, she only managed to call nine and closed her case on Monday after which the accused was called upon to lead his defence.

The young man elected to give an unsworn statement from the dock, declaring that he is innocent of the offence and knows nothing about it.

Afterwards, both the defence attorney and the prosecutor made their closing addresses to the jury.

Then on Tuesday, Justice Singh summed up the evidence presented during the trial before the jury panel retired to the jury room to deliberate on a verdict. Some three hours later, the panel returned with

a unanimous verdict of guilty.

Before the sentence was imposed, the defence attorney made a plea for mitigation, asking the court to be lenient to his client.

However, the prosecutor requested the maximum sentence to be imposed, since the accused has other matters pending in court.

The trial judge, in delivering the sentence, started with a standard 60 years and added an additional 18 years taking all the aggravating factors into consideration.

When Justice Singh informed the accused that he was being sentenced to 78 years, the entire courtroom was stunned and wails from the accused’s family filled the air.

Rowe’s initial reaction was one of shock and disbelief. He was heard saying “Jah father” from the dock. He was asked whether he wanted to say anything before he was sent to prison, and he confidently said that he wanted to be freed from the charge, reiterating that he did not know anything about it.

As he was escorted to

the prison’s holding area at the court, he was overheard telling his mother “it hit me to my heart”.

Killed According to reports, during the robbery, on August 5, 2010 about 21: 45h, Datt’s friends, Noel Phillips, 48, and Troy Collymore, 35, were outside and had been held up by two other armed men, who took a quantity of jewellery and cash from Phillips, an overseas-based Guyanese.

Rounds were discharged resulting in the death of one of the perpetrators, Anthony “Bow Wow” Taylor.

Collymore and Phillips, along with 23-year-old Clyde Harris, were all injured and were admitted to the hospital for medical treatment.

Phillips was shot to his right arm and chest, while Harris received gunshot wounds to his left jaw, and Collymore was shot to his head.

Collymore was placed on a ventilator; however, he was already considered “brain dead” by doctors. Two days later on August 7, he was taken off the ventilator and was clinically pronounced dead at 12:00h.

tyrone “cobra” rowe

cyril dabydeen

cyril dabydeen takes us into shifting spaces in his new work pictured above

PPP/C says ready for local govt elections

The ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C) said on Tuesday that it has been readying itself for the “impending” poll. In a statement arising out of its recent Central Committee’s meeting, the PPP/ C said much emphasis was placed on putting the party into an election mode, especially in view of impending local government elections.

Local government elections were last held in 1994, but the recent passage of a suite of legislation critical to the holding of the elections under a reformed system has given citizens some hope.

However, since its passage in the National Assembly, the bills have been stuck at the attorney general’s office and up to last week, they had not reached the president for his assent.

Only last week, junior Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker said the holding of local government elections remains top on the PPP/ C’s agenda.

He pointed out that the Municipal and District Council’s Bill, the Fiscal Transfers Bill, the Local Government Commission Bill and the Local Government (Amendment) Bill, which were passed in the National Assembly, have been sent to the attorney general’s chambers by the clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs.

It is currently unclear how long the attorney general’s chambers will take to scrutinise the bills before they are sent to the president for his assent.

Guyana Elections Commission Chairman (GECOM) Dr Steve Surujbally had also said the commission is fully equipped and ready to stage the long-anticipated local government elections.

According to Dr Surujbally, elections can be held within the next six months, once the president assents to the bills.

Currently, the continuous registration exercise is ongoing and will aid in bringing the voters’ list to perfection. GECOM has already demarcated the various boundaries and constituencies – 71 districts.

History created Meanwhile, the PPP/C

National Geographic Explorer comes to Guyana

BY SABATINI DANIELS

The National Geographic Explorer cruise ship on Tuesday docked in Guyana for a two-day tour of the country, enhancing the growing profile of the local tourism sector. The 110 visitors on board the state-of-theart, 148-passenger vessel will visit sites such as the Kaieteur Falls, Georgetown, and the Essequibo and Mazaruni rivers.

During a visit to the ship anchored in the Essequibo River, Captain Oliver Kruess disclosed that the cruiser visited Guyana more than 18 years ago, when it passed through the Orinoco River, but could not have stopped in the country as it had lacked the infrastructure to host guests and entertainment activities.

“Traditionally, we would sail by, the ships would visit the Orinoco

and en route to the Amazon, they would only visit French Guiana’s Devil Island, they always looked along Guyana’s coast and it was always, gosh! One day we would really like to come and explore! And this year, it became a reality,” he said.

Captain Kruess said the massive infrastructural development the country has experienced during the past 20 years prompted the visit, noting that Guyana is a prime destination for

cruisers.

Wilderness Explores

Director Shaun Mc Grath said after years of lobbying the cruise ship, the company finally assented to come to Guyana, adding that one of the major challenges of bringing ships into the country is that the rivers are not deep or large enough to facilitate big vessels.

He disclosed that the tour company is constantly at trade shows pushing for persons to visit Guyana, and said with

the National Geographic Explorer’s visit, it will be able to market Guyana as a prime destination.

Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali encouraged the tourists to enjoy the beautiful country which is known for its breathtaking and abundant flora and fauna. The journey is part of a 38-day cruise, visiting eight countries, including Guyana.

Onboard the National Geographic Explorer is a team of experts, including resident explorer Wade David and pioneering conservationist and National Geographic fellow Thomas Love Joy.

The ship carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac motorised landing craft, as well as sophisticated video equipment that allows access to the underwater world. The public areas include a lounge and bar, a spa, a fitness centre, a sauna and a selection of dining options.

Minister Ali and Captain Kruess also exchanged tokens of appreciations during the brief tour of the cruiser.

said history was created when for the first time the Central Committee met outside of Georgetown. The meeting was held at Enmore, East Coast Demerara.

The party said immediately after the conclusion of the meeting, Central Committee members broke up into groups and went on house to house visits in Enmore and the adjoining villages with a view of obtaining firsthand information on issues and concerns faced by residents in the various communities.

The party statement said the committee reviewed the situation, both at the international level and locally.

The Central Committee also discussed plans to observe the 21st anniversary since the restoration of democratic rule in Guyana and the assumption of the PPP/ C to the seat of government.

Several activities are planned throughout the country, including three big rallies in Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice.

Police say prostitution major problem in St. Lucia

Less than 48 hours after the authorities in St Lucia warned of an increase number of people, including children, were now engaged in prostitution, Police Commissioner Vernon Francois said the issue remains a major challenge for the island’s Police force.

“It is not easy, it is a serious challenge for us, but we remain committed to dealing with it. We are hoping that we can work with government agencies, which must be involved in dealing with prostitution,” Francois said.

Earlier last week, Head of the Human Services Department, Antoinette Joseph, said high unemployment, a lack of job opportunities and rising commodity prices have forced many women into the sex trade.

She said that prostitution and child sexual abuse have become significant issues on the island, warning that the situation was getting worse.

“We are aware of reports of children of both sexes being pushed to the edge, these incidents are most common in low income homes primarily in the capital, but it’s now commonplace across the island.

We have made several reports to the police, so that they are well aware of the situation,” she said.

But Francois said

measures have been put in place to deal with the problem, which may involve human trafficking. However, he said obtaining evidence remains a problem.

“This is an issue that has to be evidence based; we have to make sure we come up with the evidence.

As a result, we have put intelligent systems in place so as to infiltrate any prostitution that may be present in the country.

Francois said there was also the issue of white collar prostitution, where business people bring persons into the country for purposes of prostitution.

He said there have been several cases where individuals went into the country posing as entertainers, dancers, and tourism workers.

“We need to be able to separate the two, there are those who genuinely enter for purposes of work while others do work, but their activity is linked to prostitution, at the moment that is still a crime on our books so we need to stamp it out,” he said.

However Commissioner Francois said that prostitution “is not your everyday crime, but requires monitoring and gathering of information, as there are many technicalities involved in making a case that will stand up in court”. (Excerpted from CMC)

gecom chairman dr steve surujbally

ppp/c general secretary clement rohee

Junior local government minister norman whittaker

the national geographic explorer docked in the essequibo river

Legal barriers to women in business decreasing – World Bank

Anew World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC) report finds legal and regulatory barriers to women’s economic inclusion have decreased over the past 50 years globally, but many laws still hinder women’s participation in the economy.

According to a recent World Bank publication, laws restricting women’s economic activity are currently most prevalent in the Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

decision-making ability since 1960 and expands coverage to examine legal protections addressing violence against women.

“The ideal of equality before the law and equality of economic opportunity isn’t just wise social policy: It’s smart economic policy,” said World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim.

“When women and men participate in economic life on an equal footing, they can contribute their energies to building a more cohesive society and a more resil-

The third in a series; Women, Business and the Law 2014: Removing Restrictions to Enhance Gender Equality monitors regulations affecting women entrepreneurs and employees in 143 economies.

Reforms

This edition which highlights reforms carried out over the past two years, examines the evolution of women’s property rights and legal

ient economy,” he said.

The report finds 44 economies have made 48 legal changes, thus increasing women’s economic opportunities over the past two years. Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, the Philippines and the Slovak Republic had the most reforms.

Among the reforms, husbands can no longer unilaterally stop their wives from working in Côte d’Ivoire and Mali,

the Philippines has lifted restrictions on night work for women, and the Slovak Republic increased the percentage of wages paid during maternity leave.

Restrictions

The report finds economies in Eastern Europe and Central Asia have the most extensive lists of jobs women cannot do. For example, in the Russian Federation, women cannot drive trucks in the agricultural sector, in Belarus, they cannot be carpenters, and in Kazakhstan, they cannot be welders.

These restrictions may have arisen from a desire to protect women, but can limit their employment options.

The report shows economies with the most job restrictions on women have lower female participation in the formal labour force.

“Progress on gender equality under the law is accelerating,” said World Bank Group, Global Indicators and Analysis Director Augusto LopezClaros.

“Our data shows that over the past 50 years, countries everywhere have started removing long-standing restrictions on women’s ability to participate more fully in the economy,” he said.

Between 1960 and 2010, more than half the restrictions on women’s property rights and ability to conduct legal transactions were removed in the 100 economies examined. Restrictions in three re-

gions – Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and East Asia and the Pacific – were cut in half. While some restrictions were removed in South Asia and in the Middle East and North Africa, these two regions reformed the least.

Major innovation

Another major innovation in the report is new data on the existence and scope of laws on two areas of violence against women: sexual harassment and domestic violence.

Covering 100 economies, the data shows that prohibitions against sexual harassment in the workplace are wide-

spread – 78 economies have legislation and over half of these criminalise the behaviour. Legislation on domestic violence is also widespread – 76 economies have laws prohibiting domestic violence.

The region with the fewest laws on domestic violence is the Middle East and North Africa.

The report shows lower gender legal parity is associated with fewer women participating in firm ownership, while policies encouraging women to join and remain in the labour force are associated with greater income equality.

Even though the report offers signs of improvement for women’s economic opportunities globally, it shows economies can do more to ensure women’s participation in economic life.

Women, business and the law measures how laws, regulations and institutions differentiate between women and men in ways that may affect women’s incentives or capacity to work or to set up and run a business.

It analyses legal differences on the basis of gender in 143 economies, covering six areas: gaining access to institutions, using property, getting a job, providing incentives to work, building credit and going to court.

The project provides a clear picture of gender gaps based on legal differences in each economy, but it does not capture the full extent of the gender gap, nor does it indicate the relative importance of each aspect covered.

This year’s report was published by Bloomsbury Publishing.

11 Georgetown schools to benefit from Maths and Science interactive programme

Eleven schools in Georgetown will benefit from an interactive programme as the Volunteer Youth Corps Inc (VYC) has launched the second instalment of its “Afterschool Interactive Maths and Science Project” funded by American company Exxon Mobil. This programme will see some 100 students from secondary schools in South Georgetown participating.

VYC launched the pilot project of the programme in June 2012, with a US$ 10,000 grant from Exxon Mobil. The project ran from June of last year to May 2013, and saw the participation of 60 students from Grades Nine and 10.

The “Afterschool Interactive Maths and Science Project” was endorsed by the education ministry, and permission was granted for the selected schools to participate in the programme.

After success was seen in the pilot initiative, Exxon Mobil pledged some US$ 20,000 for the second year of

the project, which commenced two weeks ago at the start of the 20132014 academic year.

A simple ceremony was held on Monday at Regency Suites Hotel to celebrate the launch of the programme’s second year.

Attending the ceremony were students and teachers of the participating schools; representatives of the education ministry, Exxon

Mobil, and the American embassy, including U. S. Ambassador D Brent Hardt; as well as members from the VYC.

Keynote speaker Exxon Mobil’s Senior Research Associate Jaime Buitrago told the gathering that Exxon Mobil was pleased to be partnering with VYC in making the programme possible.

He noted that Science, Technology, Engineering

and Mathematics (STEM) are the lifeline of the company, which employs more than 70,000 persons worldwide –most of them engineers and scientists.

“As a high-tech company we are committed to improving science and math education around the world; however, we place special emphasis on the communities where we operate,” he stated.

Buitrago highlighted that society faces a huge challenge worldwide as it relates to providing affordable energy and focusing on the development of young people in STEM is the best way to beat this problem.

Science learning

Deputy Chief Education Officer Donna Chapman commended VYC for its foresight and efforts in implementing this programme, which

will empower and stimulate the drive for improved performance. She extended the ministry’s continuous support towards the programme and applauded teachers for their involvement.

She pointed out that the ministry has been working effortlessly to improve the teaching of Mathematics and Science, and has placed emphasis on literacy, numeracy and science education in the ministry’s 2008-2013 strategic plan.

Chapman continued that this initiative is timely as it relates to education delivery in Guyana and will complement and supplement classroom teaching. She hopes at some point the lessons taught to these students will spill over to other schools so that they too can benefit.

The 11 participating schools are: Tucville, East Ruimveldt, North Ruimveldt, South Ruimveldt, Lodge, Charlestown, Dolphin, Richard Ishmael, and Kingston secondary schools; St John’s College and Central High School.

Some of the participating students from St John’s College, along with officials, who attended the launch of the “afterschool interactive maths and science project”

Jagan’s Dental Centre to revolutionise dental care in Guyana

By Whitney Persaud

Guyana now boasts a new multi-million dollar stateof-the-art dental facility – Jagan’s Dental Centre (JDC), which offers world-class services to the Guyanese public.

Dr Clive Jagan and his sons, Drs Kyle, Shane, and Ian, are bringing a new dental culture and a number of new servic-

es.

During an exclusive interview with Guyana Times International, Dr Jagan and his three sons, who all specialise in the different areas of dentistry, reassured patients of their commitment to them even with the opening of the new centre.

“I have been serving the Guyanese public for more than 35 years,

it was sad moving away from my Medical Arts office, but I have three sons who are specialising in various areas of dentistry and I want to start up something that would render new services to people and also accommodate their work,” he explained.

New services

Dr Jagan said a wide range of new services will be offered right in

Guyana, and the new facility will be a hub for medical tourism. “We will be offering a wide range of services basically in all the fields possible: we will be doing general extraction, cleaning, filling, implants and laser dentistry, cosmetics dentistry, root canals, whitening of teeth, crowns and bridges,” he added.

Dr Kyle, who specialises in laser and implant surgery, noted that this is one of the least painful forms of dentistry.

“Laser is a special kind of dentistry used in this field, and you can do mostly oral surgery with it, it is good for root canals and whitening and the beauty about it is that it is performing a bloodless surgery and it is also painless,” he said.

Lasers have been used for many years in oral surgery and implant dentistry, becoming standard for some surgeries.

Dr Shane, the eldest of the brothers, said his area of specialty is cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry is any dental work that improves the appearance of a person’s teeth and gums.

“Cosmetics dentistry is giving someone a smile they are looking for or maybe a slight rotation, it is all about fixing and achieving the desired results that patients want,” he said.

Dr Ian, who is one of the youngest dentists in Guyana, said he has always had a love for oral surgery. He said before providing this kind of

service to the populace, he will be pursuing another year of study in this field.

The young professional said that there was no better feeling than having achieved so much at a young age. He noted that it was always his desire to be a dentist one day.

The Jagans

The family acknowledged that the Jagans is a household name in dentistry but wanted to clarify that they are in no way part of the Cheddi Jagan Dental School (CJDS) or attached to the office of Dr Joey Jagan, who is another family member.

He noted that the best way to practise dentistry is to always be compassionate and loving to patients.

drs kyle, shane, clive and ian Jagan

the state-of-the-art Jagan’s dental centre on lamaha and light streets

Political consensus needed for constitutional appointments, says Justice Kennard

The appointment and confirmation of personnel for a number of top constitutional positions in Guyana is still on the cards and depends on consensus between the government and the combined opposition. In this regard, Justice Cecil Kennard and Opposition Leader David Granger have acknowledged the need for confirmed persons to fill these critical positions.

Speaking with Guyana Times International on Monday, former Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Kennard said there is a need for long-outstanding constitutional offices to be occupied by confirmed personnel.

There are currently a number of positions which are filled with persons only acting in those capacities. Persons currently in acting positions include Justice Ian Chang as chief justice, Justice Carl Singh as the chancellor of the judiciary and Leroy Brumell as commissioner of police.

However, there are also other vacant constitutional positions that exist such as that of the ombudsman and chairman of the Integrity Commission.

Justice Kennard noted that consensus between the opposition and government is important in reaching a decision for confirmation of persons to

these offices.

However, Kennard said he does not see any agreement materialising between the two sides soon, but hoped that it would not take too long.

“I hope that the president and the opposition leader would be able to resolve whatever difficulties surrounding the outstanding appointment of these critical positions. They should be able to sit and discuss such matters as mature politicians to determine who gets the positions,” he stressed.

He stressed that those currently in acting positions “ought to know where they stand”.

Best candidates

Referring specifically to the chief justice and chancellor of the judiciary, Kennard said justices Chang and Singh are most suited and should therefore be confirmed.

“Currently, the High Court has a lot of young people practicing the profession and so I believe acting Chief Justice Ian

Chang is well suited for the position, he has many years of experience. The acting chancellor of the judiciary should also be confirmed,” he stated, adding that “These people must know where they stand after acting in their positions for such long periods.”

Meanwhile, Granger said he has responded to every request from the president relating to the appointment of persons to constitutional positions.

As it relates to that of acting Police Commissioner Brumell, Granger said he has already agreed to discuss his appointment with the president.

However, Granger declined to comment as it relates to his views on possible candidates for other positions.

He noted that when he is invited by President Donald Ramotar to discuss appointments, he will reveal his recommendations.

Guyana has been without an ombudsman for a number of years. An ombudsman is usually appointed by the government or by Parliament, but with a significant degree of in dependence.

The person holding that office is charged with representing the interests of the public by investigating and addressing complaints of maladministration or violation of rights.

Elderly woman perishes in New Amsterdam fire

By Andrew CArmiChAel

An elderly woman died Wednesday evening when fire destroyed her home at Islington, New Amsterdam, Berbice. Dead is Margaret London of Seventh Cross Street, Islington, Greater New Amsterdam. London died a day before her 86th birthday.

At the time of the fire, London and her 93-yearold elder sister, Olive, were both at home.

According to the elder London, she was preparing something for her sis-

ter to eat when she saw a bright light coming from somewhere between the two bedrooms. According to her, she then went to check on Margaret, who is bedridden.

“As I was passing I felt a heat and so I looked around and saw the fire.” She told Guyana Times International that at that time she went for a bucket of water. “When I throw the water, the fire blaze up and so I went into the kitchen to get another bucket of water but I fell down. Then I decided to go downstairs to get another bucket. As

soon as I opened the door and come outside, all I feel is somebody grab me and carry me and carried me away. I wanted to go back for Margaret, but they wouldn’t allow me.”

“Fire fire!”

Pastor Ryan Manpowan of the Overwinning Bible Church said he was doing his usual exercise when he heard shouts of ‘fire fire!’ “I saw the building on fire and Sister London was underneath the house, so I lifted her away from the building.”

continued on page 26

Former chancellor of the Judiciary Justice cecil kennard

the blazing house at islington, new amsterdam, berbice, which took the life of an elderly woman after her sister was rescued by a neighbour

Guyana ranked high in youth development index

Guyana has been ranked 10th among 107 countries for youth well-being in the first Commonwealth Youth Development Index (YDI), which was recently released. The YDI was designed to measure the development of youths between the ages of 15 and 24 based on: education, health and well-being, employment, and political and civic participation in Commonwealth countries.

Guyana was ranked 31 overall in the development index.

In the other sub-cat-

egories, Guyana was ranked 21 (education), 18 (employment) and 27 (political participation).

Australia, Canada and New Zealand topped the YDI. Guyana’s ranking has placed it in the medium category of youth development, making the country one of the highest-ranked nations in the Caribbean region.

The report stated that youth development is related to, but not heavily dependent on income per capita. This means that low-income countries can make significant advances in youth development by providing young peo-

ple with opportunities to seek quality education and training, and to participate in their country’s social, political, and economic life.

Significant strides Guyana has been making significant strides in this area, and has recorded many success stories, where hundreds of youths are trained annually in various fields.

The Board of Industrial Training (BIT) is one institution that has been involved in the training of young people.

Government also con-

tinues to invest in many other youth-related projects that have seen optimum participation.

Additionally, many Guyanese youths have been sent overseas to study in various fields at the post-graduate, master’s and doctorate levels, improving the country’s human resource capacity.

The Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, with the support of international agencies, is also currently looking to redraft a new youth policy that will help to further strengthen youth development.

TT importing agoutis, wild hogs from Guyana

Wild animals, including agoutis and wild hogs, will be imported from Guyana to stock a model wildfarm at Brigand Hill, Manzanilla.

Environment and Water Resources Minister Ganga Singh on Sunday paid a visit to the facility which belongs to

governmental organisations reported in the media as being strongly supportive of the recently announced two-year moratorium on hunting made by Singh.

President of the society, Gupte Lutchmedial confirmed that this is their official position indicating that it must

the Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago (ZSTT). The wildfarm will be a joint exercise with the Environment and Water Resources Ministry.

The ZSTT has been one of the first among the environmental non-

be understood that this viewpoint is in fact representative of the board and the general membership.

Lutchmedial explained that the society was extremely pleased that the minister took

Youth leaders urged to continue struggle for world peace

Youth leaders were urged to continue their fight for world peace through compassion, as Guyana joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Peace Day on Saturday. These were the sentiments expressed by First Lady Deolatchmie Ramotar speaking at the Global Shapers Community’s (Georgetown Hub) International Peace Day awareness event held at the Theatre Guild, Kingston, Georgetown.

“Guyanese must be concerned about what happens around us and we cannot consider ourselves humanitarians, if we turn a blind eye to what is happening in the world,” said Ramotar.

Diverse culture

Alluding to the diverse culture of Guyana, she continued, “We cannot speak of peace without being sensitive to multi-ethnicity and providing equal opportunities for all despite re-

ligion, race, gender… providing equal opportunities is eradicating poverty and bringing education… peace is also vital to child protection.”

The event was planned to advance Guyana’s role in the promotion of peace education.

During the session, the audience was treated to emotive speeches and short films on struggles towards achieving peace and establishing a ceasefire strategy through the United Nations resolution on establishing September 21 as International Peace Day.

The branch made a one-minute video asking Guyanese how they could contribute to peace and peace education.

The “I Am Peace” video will be viewed along with the 2008 Documentary “A Day After Peace”, which chronicles Director Jeremy Gilley’s 10-year process to make the film and establish the day of

peace observed globally. Panacea

Also present at the session, delivering a heartwarming speech was United Nations Association of Guyana Chairman, Justice Donald Trotman, who emphasised that peace is the panacea for all forms of violence while human rights is fundamental to peace.

“All forms of violence

need to be eliminated if peace is to come and put in practice what we teach and preach,” he said, adding: “We need to come to terms with racial injustice and inequalities of justice, gender, social and economic status,” he said.

Meanwhile, member of the Global Shapers Georgetown Hub Imarah Radix said, “the day is to promote peace locally

and globally, we are encouraging people to become local ambassadors for peace”.

Radix said women’s issues could be the larger Guyanese focus, noting that domestic violence in Guyana make headlines on a daily basis.

Raising awareness

Radix noted that raising awareness had to be the first goal, but the follow-through was also important and that the panel would address how to keep the momentum going.

The gathering consisted of various nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) such as the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), Youth Media Guyana, Food For The Poor, Peace Corps Guyana and Sisterhood, along with representatives from the United Nations Association of Guyana, Habitat for Humanity and the Justice Institute of

Guyana, who participated in the panel discussion and provided feedback on how to create opportunities for youths to become more involved in ending domestic violence.

Ideals of peace

The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981 for “commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace within and among all nations and people”.

Twenty years later, the General Assembly set September 21 as the date to observe the occasion annually as a “day of global ceasefire and nonviolence… through education and public awareness, and to cooperate in the establishment of a global ceasefire”.

This year commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as the 60th anniversary of UN peacekeeping.

First lady deolatchmie ramotar speaking at the international peace day awareness event held at the theatre guild, kingston, georgetown on saturday

culture, youth and sport minister dr Frank anthony, permanent secretary alfred king and assistant youth director devanand ramdat with the sophia training centre 2013 graduating class

trinidad and tobago plans to import wild animals, including agoutis and wild hogs, from guyana

Ramotar to meet Guyanese Diaspora while

President Donald Ramotar who is currently in New York attending the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly is expected to meet with Guyanese communities in Brooklyn, Queens and other areas to update them on the developments taking place in Guyana and to listen to some of their concerns. Guyanese are expected to turn out in their numbers to interact with the president.

Meanwhile, the Guyanese Head of State during his address at the UN on Thursday chided sections of the West for displaying doublestandards in political upheavals in Egypt and Syria, saying that those actions all amounted to terrorism.

Ramotar also expressed concern about the military overthrow

in New York

of the Egypt’s first democratically elected government in July led by President Mohamed Morsy, saying “a blow was struck against democracy when the coup took place” there.

“The major world powers, instead of condemning the use of such means to change governments chose to remain silent. This gave tacit support to the coup which has led to the violation of human rights and the loss of innocent lives and may lead to more protest and possibly violence and death,” he said in his 16-minute long address.

Syria’s ongoing civil war, which has claimed thousands of lives and included the use of deadly chemical weapons, almost triggered a US military attack on that country. With the Barack Obama administration finding it al-

President

With graduate and undergraduate scholarship offers and major private investments in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector, Mexico has been hailed for supporting Guyana’s efforts at improving the quality of its most valued resources, its people.

During a reception to mark the 203rd anniversary of Mexico’s Independence, President Donald Ramotar on Friday evening at the Georgetown Club, said he was pleased to see the growing collaboration between Guyana and Mexico in tertiary level training.

Recently, the Mexican embassy announced a new scholarship programme whereby 600 graduate scholarships in engineering and science will be allocated to the Organisation of American States’ member countries. Of this number, 50 will be reserved for the Caribbean.

In the recent past, a significant number of Guyanese students received scholarships under the Bicentennial Scholarships for Professional Technicians offered to the Caribbean Community (Caricom) by the Mexican government.

The scholarship offer

most impossible to muster sufficient domestic political support for a military strike, the US and Russia have agreed to find a way out of conflict- a move that the Guyanese leader has welcomed.

“We welcome the agreement between Russia and the United States which will facilitate the destruction of chemical weapons held in Syria,” he said, adding that all countries possessing such arsenals should do the same.

President Ramotar cautioned that lasting peace in the Middle East would remain a dream unless the Palestinian homeland crisis was resolved. "The Palestinian people have a right to their own country. We support them in their right to live in peace and in an independent viable Palestinian State," he added.

21 Cuban-trained Guyanese doctors graduate

Anew batch of Cuban-trained Guyanese doctors graduated on Friday, boosting the pool of doctors that are providing health care services to citizens in Guyana. The 21 young doctors received their certificates from Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran during a simple ceremony held at the Grand Coastal Inn, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara.

The new doctors underwent eight years of training before they were formally certified as doctors. Seven of those years were spent in Cuba.

The occasion was graced by Chief Medical Officer Dr Shamdeo Persaud; head of the Cuban Medical Brigade in Guyana, Dr Maria Del Carmen; Cuban embassy representative Praxedes Lovit Nardet; the professors who trained the new doctors, along with the proud parents of the graduates.

lauds Mexico’s

Dr Persaud congrat-

ulated the young doctors for realising their dreams of becoming medical practitioners and urged them to move onto higher heights in field of medicine.

“Medicine is always a learning environment, you never stop learning,” Dr Persaud said as he encouraged the new doctors to give of their best in healthcare delivery.

Proud

Dr Carmen said she is very proud and satisfied with the “humane scientific” qualities of the graduates. “We are providing the government and Ministry of Health of Guyana with 21 new interior doctors who exceeded a high humane sensitivity, a solid science preparation, capable of solving more than 800 health problems.”

She said the doctors, who received trainings at the prestigious Cuban School of Medicine, are assuming a high level of responsibility and social commitment to the people of Guyana, and must

investments

live up to their expectations.

She also urged the doctors to not only serve Guyana, but also other underdeveloped countries around the world.

Dreams Meanwhile, Minister Ramsaran applauded the parents for supporting their children in fulfilling their dreams of becoming doctors, noting that arrangements have already been made with regard to the locations where the new doctors would be stationed.

He also urged the young doctors to remain in Guyana and serve their country, noting that they should take advantage of some of the benefits available to them, such as the “Young Professional Housing Scheme” initiative of the Housing and Water Ministry.

Of the 21 graduates, two received gold certificates, including Best Performing Student and valedictorian Keridesh Persaud.

in Guyana

came with a full package that entailed waived enrolment fees, monthly allowance of US$ 400, a four-month Spanish course prior to the beginning of the studies, full medical insurance coverage from the Mexican Social Security Institute, and international air transportation at the beginning and end of the scholarship. Single largest employer

al provider of call centre back-office and business process out sourcing services.

Qualfon Guyana has employed in excess of over 2000 and intends to create 6000 more jobs with plans to con-

ership with unwavering dedication to economic growth.

Diplomacy has been cordial and growing with the establishment of an embassy in 2009, adding impetus to the two countries’

nism that focused on all aspects of bilateral relations, including political, economic, scientific, technical and cultural.

The abolition of visas for holders of diplomatic and service passports has also been agreed.

struct the world’s largest multi-building campus at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

In the business arena, the single largest employer in Guyana is the Mexican company Qualfon, a private glob-

Company officials said the decision to invest in Guyana was influenced by the country’s high calibre workforce, diverse culture and a strong government lead-

40-year relationship, and partnerships at the level of the CaricomMexico Cooperation Programme.

In 2011, the two countries inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), for the establishment of a consultative mecha-

Mexican Ambassador to Guyana Francisco Olguin, who toasted with President Ramotar on the anniversary occasion, spoke of the country’s efforts to promote bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

He chronicled his country’s journey to in-

dependence and the significant changes that have been made in the political landscape.

“On December 1, 2012, the new government and the main opposition parties were able to reach an accord. A political pact was signed which identified the many reforms which Mexico needed. Both government and opposition parties committed themselves to negotiate the approval of reforms,” Ambassador Olguin said.

Optimism

But in the midst of optimism, the officials took time out to sympathise with the Mexican government and people who are at present grappling with devastation from a tropical storm and hurricane.

President Ramotar said the scenario further emphasises the need to increase efforts by the international community in combating the effects of climate change, especially on small island developing countries.

With Mexico’s advocacy role at the level of the Association of Caribbean States in highlighting the effects of natural disasters, President Ramotar said Guyana will continue to support Mexico in this endeavour, both regionally and internationally.

president donald ramotar and mexican ambassador to guyana Francisco olguin toast on the occasion of mexico’s 203rd independence anniversary reception at the georgetown club

Nothing vindictive about AFC trio coming over to APNU, says Granger

BY: SABATINI DANIELS

APartnership for National Unity (APNU)

Chairman David Granger said there is nothing vindictive about the recent move by three Alliance For Change (AFC) members to defect to his party. “These are serious academics who want to make a contribution to national unity and national development, and they felt that their opinions and advice were not being adhered to where they were before,” said Granger.

Granger said he does not envisage the three AFC members who recently defected to APNU causing any challenges or rifts between the two parties.

were not offered any executive positions within the coalition.

Exclusion Khemraj told Guyana Times International last week that it was the AFC that left him and not he who left the party, pointing out that since the 2011 general election to now, the party did not seek his advice on any issue or decision it made.

Responding to questions posed at APNU’s weekly press conference

The three who crossed over to APNU are economist Dr Tarron Khemraj, Political Science Professor, Dr Asquith Rose and businessman Rab Mukraj.

at his office at Hadfield Street, Georgetown last Friday, Granger stated that he does not see the trio shifting towards APNU as opposing the AFC, but rather as “advancing the agenda for

Eight charged for Metenmeer-zorg, Wakenaam crimes

Pandemonium broke out at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts last Friday when eight persons arrived in handcuffs in the presence of heavily armed ranks of the Guyana Police Force. They were charged for the murder of MetenMeer-Zorg businessman Zulfikar Namdar and an armed robbery at Wakenaam recently.

The eight men were jointly charged for murder; five of them were charged for the Wakenaam robbery and two were also slapped with conspiracy charges.

Alan Doset of Lot 610 Zeelugt; Derwyn Croft of Lot 589 Tuchen Housing Scheme; Essan Lawrence of Vreeden-Hoop; Jermaine Williams of Anna Catherina and Khyran Khan of Parika were not required to plead to the charge which stated that on September 7 at Good

Success, Wakenaam they entered the house of Rohan Dananayshore.

They discharged several rounds and robbed the family of Gy$ 3.5 million in jewellery and Gy$ 2.2 million in cash.

On September 10, armed gunmen invade the home of Zulfikar Namdar at Meten-MeerZorg, where they shot and killed him.

They also robbed Fazeela Namdar of Gy$ 320,000 in items along with one million dollars in cash.

Again the suspects Doset, Croft, Lawrence, Williams and Khan, along with Andrew Chandler of West Meten-Meer-Zorg, Samuel Bacchus of East Ruimveldt Squatting Area and Cassandra Singh of Lot 610 Zeelugt were not required to plead to the indictable charge.

Police were acting on information relating

to a robbery at MetenMeer-Zorg committed on Sharriff Ahmad on September 16, when it is alleged that the accused confronted the now deceased Kirk Bacchus and Keefa Small also known as “Frog eye”. Peter Christian and Samuel Bacchus, who is the brother of the late Kirk Bacchus, were in control of two cars when they were arrested in the area. The men were questioned and admitted to transporting Small and Kirk and were waiting on them.

Attorney Melville Duke represented Williams.

Cassandra Singh was unrepresented and told the court that her rights were denied by the police officers.

The chief magistrate denied all of the defendants bail and they were remanded to prison. The matter is set to return to court on October 28.

national unity and human development”.

“We are not a hunting party, we are simply building a momentum and a movement so that like-minded people from civil society or any oth-

er organisation are free to come onboard and advance these two aims,” said Granger.

The AFC defectors, he disclosed, will now join APNU’s American group, noting that they

He said during the pre-election period, the party regularly obtained his input, but even with regard to the Amaila Falls hydropower project, it did not seek his advice.

The crossover of these three members followed the resignation of Dr Shamir Andrew Ally, who was a member of the New York Chapter.

Gov’t to press opposition on passage of antimoney laundering bill

Presidential Adviser on Governance Gail Teixeira said government is cautiously optimistic that the combined opposition, the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) will see the importance of passing the amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Financing Terrorism Act (CFT) before the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force’s (CFTAF) November meeting.

During a post-Cabinet news conference last Thursday, Teixeira said she will be convening a meeting at the end of Parliament’s recess to see if the parties can come to a tripartite agreement on the matter.

“We would just have to taste the pudding and see what happens, or as they say, test the waters,” Teixeira said.

"Bogus deadlines"

But APNU’s leader David Granger on Friday during his coalition’s weekly press briefing said they will not be moved by government’s “bogus deadlines”. He said APNU has already stated its position and the party will continue to strive to ensure that the AML/ CFT is properly scrutinised before clearing the House.

“APNU has already stated that it is not bound by bogus deadlines, but by the precepts of good governance and we want to ensure that the errors in the existing Financial Intelligence Unit and the existing act do not repeat in the future,” Granger maintained.

He argued that his party has an obligation to the people of Guyana to ensure that amendments are made, all loopholes are plugged and a water proof is drawn up.

“The current act is porous and that is why we are taking our time and listening to civil society so that we could get the best advice and incorporate best practices,” Granger said.

Meanwhile, Teixeira recalled that even after missing the deadline given by the CFATF for the second time, Guyana still

submitted its report. But the taskforce deemed it as incomplete, to which end, the country will be faced with a series of financial challenges from the international community.

Sanctions

“Despite being aware of Guyana’s position with regards to sanctions and submission of the final report to CFATF, the Parliamentary Select Committee went ahead and postponed deliberations until October. Yet CFATF still insisted on a definitive date of enactment by the time officials again meet in November,” she said.

However, the taskforce commended Guyana for the implementation of the nonlegislative interventions by the government, and urged further progress in this regard.

apnu chairman david granger (fourth left) and executive Joseph Harmon (right) with the three aFc defectors: rab mukraj (left), dr asquith rose and tarron khemraj

One of the suspects resisting police officers

presidential adviser on governance gail teixeira

360 Essequibo residents receive house lots

Some 360 house lots were distributed to Region Two residents when the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH& PA) of the Housing and Water Ministry held yet another One Stop Shop exercise on Friday.

The beneficiaries received house lots at the Onderneeming Housing Scheme on the Essequibo Coast. Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali said the exercise was one of several held this year.

He reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring equal access for all to proper housing, pointing out that not only has the housing programme helped to increase home ownership, but it has also aided in the social and economic transformation of Guyana.

The ministry has already dealt with all applications from Region Two before 2013.

Applications this year are now being looked at, and once a person meets the requirements, a house lot will be awarded.

Open governance

Minister Ali explained that the One Stop Shop is a demonstration of the ministry’s, and to a wider extent the government’s

focus on open governance.

“Whatever we do, must be open to public scrutiny, dialogue and public criticisms,” he asserted. On that note, Ali urged the residents to report any case of fraud in the region, notably persons receiving house lots when they already own one.

Agreement

He said because of the successes of the One Stop Shop, the ministry has now placed a clause in the agreement of sale for land that states that anyone who misrepresents information in the application, especially when the person may be the owner of a land, advance payments will be forfeited.

Meanwhile, Ali noted that the One Stop Shop provides integrated services, whereby the new homeowners have access to banks, and hardware companies where they can get discounted prices. He encouraged the beneficiaries to make optimum use of these and other offers.

The minister also reminded the allottees about the first time homeowner policy that government recently introduced.

This policy provides rebates on taxes on interest paid on loans of-

fered by various banking institutions.

Government has spent more than Gy$ 182 million on infrastructure at the Onderneeming Housing Scheme. This adds to the more than Gy$ 400 million spent between 2003 and 2011 in Region Two.

Together, these investments have created approximately 3500 house lots, benefiting more than 14,350 persons. Additionally, Gy$ 60 million was spent to upgrade roads in the old Onderneeming Housing Scheme.

Government has also set aside Gy$ 22 million for the provision of electricity, which will become effective once the occupancy rate reaches 60 per cent.

Investment per household

When the investment is broken down, it amounts to government investing Gy$ 536, 000 for every household, with a total expenditure of Gy$ 182 million, with only Gy$ 49 million in revenue.

This indicates that the scheme is subsidised to the tune of Gy$ 132.3 million or at a 72 per cent subsidy ratio.

Government spends some Gy$ 1.2 billion in the Region Two water sector.

Guyanese doctor protests over TT immigration treatment

Cuban-trained Guyanese doctor Ruackel Easton has expressed concerns over the alleged inhumane treatment meted out to his fiancée and eight-month-old daughter, who are both Cuban nationals, at the hands of Trinidad and Tobago’s immigration officers.

Easton is demanding justice from the Trinidadian authorities for the alleged ‘disgraceful’ treatment his family had to endure while intransit in that country from Cuba to Guyana.

He noted that his fiancée Laritza Ortiz and daughter Zaralinda Easton Ortiz arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on September 17 around 16: 30h and were made to wait for hours without being told why by immigration officials.

Easton said his wife told officers that she was going to Guyana to attend a wedding engagement and will return to Cuba on October 7.

After being told to wait for one hour, both Laritza, her eightmonth-old baby, along with other Cubans were told they would be sent back to Cuba and were asked to fill out some immigration forms around 19:00h.

"Please note that all this time my eightmonth-old child didn’t receive a glass of water or food even though the mother was offering money for someone to go buy it, they said that this is immigration and that can’t happen, more hours passed reaching around 22: 00h when they took them to customs and told them

that their documents, including passports will be given back to them when they reached Cuba,” he added.

Easton said that they were told by the officials that Cubans are usually involved in illegal matters. He said about midnight, the officials took them to a hotel where they were locked in a room until morning.

He said too that their passports were not stamped by the immigration officials.

Easton added that his family was relieved only when Foreign Ministry Director General “Elisabeth Harper and Mr Beepat of Giftland Office Max” intervened. Easton and his family are demanding compensation of some sort and justice for the inhumane treatment they suffered.

New methods identified to enhance mangrove growth

The Agriculture Ministry has invested in several new innovations to enhance the growth of mangroves along the country’s coastland. During a tour along the East Coast of Demerara last Thursday, Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy visited some of the mangrove planting sites at Mon Repos, Buxton, Victoria and from Le Ressouvenir to La Bonne Intention (LBI).

From Le Ressouvenir, luscious mangroves were seen along the coast all the way to LBI, where a new species of mangroves is growing.

The new species of mangrove is called “white mangroves” and its leaves are different from “black mangroves”, which is the dominant vegetation found on the coast.

Minister Ramsammy explained that the white mangroves grow naturally and are a recessive mutation of the black mangroves.

At Mon Repos, the ‘rubble mound’ had been set up. The mound is a

layer of bricks used to reduce the force of the waves from the ocean. At this site, spartina grass is being used to prevent the mud, facilitating the growth of mangroves.

Several such structures have been built at sites across the country.

The minster told media operatives that spartina grass is found mostly in West Berbice and plays a major role in the growth of mangroves in areas where they have failed to take root in the past.

According to the engineers working on the mangrove programme, the grass has grown significantly over the past three months and is assisting with the natural regeneration of mangroves.

Scientific methods

Minister Ramsammy noted that growing mangroves is not an easy task, as it requires a lot of science and that is where the engineers come in. They experiment on different innovations to find what works.

The tour culminated at Victoria where the geotextile project is located. This project functions like the ‘bushwood dam’ whereby tubes have been inserted into the mud to break the force of the waves, encouraging sedimentation.

The agriculture minister detailed that the combination of the geotextile project and the usage of the spartina grass will encourage the growth of mangroves.

Young mangroves were already sprouting from the ground at the site.

Minister Ramsammy said there were some 14 sites across Guyana where mangroves were being grown, but only 50 per cent of them are successful, hence the implementation of these innovations.

He noted that these innovations form part of the coastal engineering work in Guyana, along with the seawall and other structures.

The programme falls under the government of Guyana in an effort to promote and sustain mangroves along the country’s coastlands.

Housing minister irfaan ali with some of the house lot recipients during the one stop shop exercise in region two last week

region two residents making their payments to staff of the Housing and water ministry for their new house lots

the geotextile project at Victoria, east coast demerara. also visible is some of the spartina grass

Guyana accredits new Cuban ambassador

The Guyana government sees Cuba’s pro-tempore chairmanship of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) as the means by which advocacy for integration can be further strengthened.

President Donald Ramotar conveyed this aspiration to new Cuban Ambassador to Guyana Julio Cesar Gonzales Marchante after he presented his letter of credence to the Guyanese head-of-state at the

Office of the President on Monday.

Marchante replaces Raul Gortázar Marrero.

“I am convinced that it is only through integration and cooperation that our people would be able to address the many challenges of surviving and enhancing in an increasingly hostile and unpredictable international environment,” President Ramotar said.

Shortly after winning the November 2011 general elections, President Ramotar sent

a message to the fourth Caricom-Cuba Summit in Trinidad and Tobago, lobbying Cuba’s chairmanship of CELAC, a Government Information Agency (GINA) release said.

Cuban President Raul Castro assumed the protempore chairmanship of CELAC in January this year after it was formally handed over by Chilean President Sebastian Pinera at the end of a two-day summit focusing on the region’s association with the European

TT importing...

this landmark decision, which he saw as a winwin for conservation.

Lutchmedial added that “Trinidad and Tobago has been known to have a more than generous hunting season of five months, where game species are easy target for the thousands of legal and illegal hunters, and it is time that we put the animals first and give them refuge and peace all-year round.”

ZSTT board member Sundar Seecharan, with over 40 years of experience in the agricultural sector, took the opportunity to provide information on the tangible means of support the society would be providing to ensure the moratorium achieves a successful outcome.

“The society is engaging in a partnership with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources to establish a model wildlife farm that would be used for demonstration purposes to others interested in setting up their own wildlife farms,” he said.

Details provided on this initiative reveal that establishment of this

model wildlife farm has already started at the society’s 360-acre offsite facility at Brigand Hill, Manzanilla and farming of agouti, deer, lappe and wild hog will take place there on a large-scale basis.

Seecharan was able to confirm that the society is currently engaged in negotiations with wildlife suppliers in Guyana for stock, which if approved for importation by the regulatory bodies, would avoid further pressures on diminishing wild populations with the added value of introducing new gene pools.

When asked to respond to the views of several persons that during the moratorium, the government is not obliged to provide alternative sources of wildmeat, Lutchmedial indicated that availability of wildmeat is only one of the benefits to come out from such an initiative.

In his response, he added, “We are looking at the longer term benefits of having animals to replenish populations where they are in decline, making the progeny available to farm-

Union (EU).

Castro had vowed to perform the duty of chairing CELAC in accordance with international law, the United Nations’ charter and the fundamental principles that govern the development of ties among nations.

Support for an end to the U. S.’s long blockade against Cuba continues to be the clarion call including from Guyana. It was again reiterated as Ambassador Marchante presented his letter of credence.

“We thank the consolidated vote in favour to the Cuban resolution calling for an end of this genocide and policy… during the speech delivered at the last United Nations General

Assembly,” the ambassador conveyed to President Ramotar.

Guyana and three other Caribbean Community (Caricom) member states, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados established diplomatic relations with Cuba shortly after the island gained independence in 1972.

It was described as an historic moment and a divergence from the status quo of diplomatic and trade relations considering that there was tremendous pressure from other countries.

Over those 21 years, the relationship between Guyana and Cuba has been built on the solid foundation of dynamic political dialogue, warm mutual respect and pro-

ductive cooperation.

President Ramotar made reference to the Cuban scholarship programme which is today responsible for numerous Guyanese returning as trained doctors, computer and electrical engineers, agriculturists and architectural specialists.

The Guyana-Cuba partnership has also made possible the diagnostic and treatment centres at Diamond, Mahaicony, Suddie and Leonora, and the stateof-the-art ophthalmology hospital in Berbice.

At the multilateral level, the two countries share common positions on climate change and the environment, crime and international terrorism.

from page 21

ers out there looking for stock enhancement and hopefully, to reduce hunting pressures brought upon the animals by those commercial hunters who profit all-year round from their illegal spoils.

president donald ramotar exchanges a handshake with new cuban ambassador to guyana Julio cesar gonzales marchante

Three sites being looked at for new harbour bridge

– pre-feasibility study completed

AAgencies selected to interface with OAS anti-corruption body

A“We have looked at locations, one being the existing location where the bridge is, or at New Hope on the East Bank of Demerara and that is behind Patentia, and the third site is at Versailles in Houston,” Adams disclosed.

pre-feasibility study has been completed for the construction of a new Harbour Bridge which would assist greatly in the reduction of traffic congestion in that area of the East Bank corridor.

According to Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) General Manager Rolston

Adams, a general study was conducted which looked at all the different types of bridges that could be constructed, but government is looking to build a fixed structure.

He explained that suggestions in relation to the study were given to a consultant and feedback should be available by month-end.

This report will then be handed over to Public Works Minister Robeson Benn after which it will be sent to Cabinet for approval.

team of anticorruption experts from the Organisation of American States (OAS) will be conducting an onsite visit in Guyana next month to fine-tune and iron out corruption matters. The team will arrive on October 6 and 7 but the actual review process will be carried out on October 8-10. This was announced by Presidential Adviser on Governance Gail Teixeira.

At the end of the visit, a report will be completed and Guyana will have an opportunity to know of areas of shortcomings to be addressed.

“The OAS technician secretariat and translation team as well as the three experts from Haiti and one from Trinidad will be here… for the review and for each country lots are pulled at the beginning of the review cycle to determine which country will review which country,” she said.

The morning of October 8 will be exclusively reserved for civil society organisations; 12 of which from Guyana have been invited to participate.

“Four of these organisations have agreed and submitted the names of their representatives

and we are following up with the other eight since we would want a broad support from them,” Teixeira explained.

Some of the topics that will be up for discussion include conflict of interest, systems for registering, registering income assets and liabilities, public information and mechanisms to encourage participation of civil society to prevent corruption.

“Oversight bodies will be included in the agenda with set times, the organisations have been named by the OAS already.”

Agencies

The Audit Office of Guyana, the Public Service Commission (PSC), the National Procurement and Tender Administration, the director of public prosecution (DPP), the Judicial Services Commission, the Integrity Commission and the commissioner of information will all be part of those meetings in October.

“Thus far, five have responded and submitted their representatives’ names,” Teixeira said.

Guyana in 2001 singed onto and ratified the Inter-American Convention against Corruption (MESICIC).

Some neighbours tried to enter the burning building, but were prevented from doing so by the intense heat.

Eyewitnesses said shortly after 19:00h, they saw fire coming from the Londons’ house.

According to Mark Clark, he was looking at the house from his steps when he saw a bright light.

Lamp lit

According to Olive, at the time of the fire all of the electrical lights in the house were off, and she had a lamp lit in her sister’s room and a candle lit in hers. She said the bucket of water was nearby, so it did not take

her long to attempt to extinguish the fire. The Guyana Fire Service arrived on the scene and was able to contain the fire.

Moments later, the badly burnt body of Margaret was removed. The body is currently at the Arokium Funeral Parlour awaiting an autopsy.

The sisters have been living alone in the house for more than 75 years. Margaret leaves to mourn her eldest sibling – a brother who lives in Georgetown; Olive; and another sister who has been in a coma in the United States since last year.

demerara Habour bridge general manager rolston adams and his technical team that will be handling rehabilitation works on the bridge

Olive London was rescued from the fire

The Guyana Institute of Historical Research was founded to preserve and disseminate vital information on the history of Guyana, and to help with awareness of the importance of the country’s past.

GIHR was founded in July 11, 1994 and formally commissioned Sept. 1, 2000, when an application for registration under the Funeral and Burials Act was submitted. The signatories were GIHR Director Hazel Woolford, Tota Mangar, Arlene Munroe, Cecelia McAlmont and Dr. Melissa Ifill. It was registered on February 8, 2010 and is managed by a board of directors.

The institute was established with the aim of disseminating historical information, considered vital for researchers, historians, civil society, politicians, the electorate and those persons who need to be educated about the historical background of the politicians, political parties, as well as the local history of Guyana. It also promotes higher education for development through research.

It publishes a newsletter three times a year, and the GIHR Historical Journal. It also publishes works of reference, and undertakes a number of research projects.

The institute runs a research programme on labour,

School’, a five-day school programme that introduces children to Guyana’s history. Children are exposed to history through online research. There are also exhibitions, child art and creative writing on history.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, current director Hazel Woolford said the institute plays a pivotal role in the preservation and recording of Guyana’s history, which gives

social, women and presidential history. It acts as a vehicle of exchanging information. GIHR concentrates on the main printed primary sources for modern history, in particular the history of Guyana and the Caribbean.

Public Events to Raise Awareness

As part of its public events programme, the institute holds exhibitions in observance of Amerindians, the arrival of Indian immigrants to Guyana, political independence and African emancipation. There is one public lecture during the year.

Additionally, GIHR holds

an annual conference on the last Saturday in June, at which presentations are made by historians, academics, researchers and prominent civil society activists.

There is also the Montrose Academy, which is the junior division of the GIHR. It holds the annual ‘Kids Vacation History

us an identity as a unified nation.

She also stated that GIHR will be offering a certificate in historical studies on September 30, with the aim of encouraging students to do more research on their history and build appreciation for it.

“There are still places, and students can apply online at hazelwoolford@gmail.com. The institute has also planned a one day workshop for History/ Social Studies teachers at NCERD. Teachers who are interested may contact me via email. The annual tea party and fashion show will be held on October 26 at the Critchlow Labour College. This year we will also feature the jewellery of UNESCO awardee Juliana Hughes. The models were trained by Negla Brandis and Sonia Noel. The tea plate is $1,000. There will be face painting, plant and a book exhibition,” she outlined.

GIHR successfully held its Sixth Annual Research Conference in June, under the theme, “The 1763 Berbice Revolution”. Woolford said this year’s theme signals the importance of preserving the country’s history.

“In 1763, psychologically, the slaves had successfully overcome abuse, neglect, shame and fear in their attempt to create a republic hemisphere. This is a major achievement and one we should never forget.”

The next notable event would be GIHR’s annual public lecture, to be held on November 28. The speaker is Eldon McRae, and the topic relates to the church and the 1823 Demerara rebellion.

mutual cultural Heritage national archives of the netherlands director, dr roelof Hol makes notable presentation to giHr director Hazel woolford at the sixth annual research conference

giHr's exhibition at the 2012 inter guianas Festival

wpo general secretary sheila Veerasammy talks about a program designed to help women gain financial independence, especially as the holiday season approaches

Focused on empowerment, the Women Progressive Organisation (WPO) has held a vital training programme to equip women with necessary skills and the earning power to come out of poverty and get on the path of self-development.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Sheila Veerasammy, WPO’s general secretary, said a group of 25 women who are wives, mothers, single parents, teenage girls, and women, all victims and survivors of domestic violence, were provided with skills training in areas that empowered them to save and to earn. They all received a certificate of participation upon completion. The awardees hail from Georgetown, East Coast, East Bank and West Coast Demerara.

Veerasammy added that the strategy behind the training programme was in preparation for the upcoming Christmas holidays. The skills learnt will allow beneficiaries of the training programme to sell their individual creations to earn for themselves and families.

“Those earnings will go a far way to reduce poverty in their families. This programme was held as part of WPO celebrations of its 60th anniversary. Through this skills training programme for women, we aim to help them subsidize and economize. We are also providing training for women groups at grassroots levels. Those classes are kept under bottom houses and at schools; we are providing re-

sources so that they can teach other women to empower themselves. We hope the women who participated in this programme take what they learnt back to their communities and help to empower other women,” she explained.

At the end of the training programme, an exhibition was organised to showcase the women’s creations.

The exhibition was held September 10 at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (Red House) High Street.

“The conference room at the centre was transformed into a flurry of activities that corresponded with the bright faces and smiles of the women who proudly displayed their products for viewing by guests and visitors. The feelings of achievement among stu-

dents were reflected in their demands for such training programmes to be taken around the country so that women who are WPO members can benefit from the skills taught to them. Several of the students indicated that they will be pursuing courses to enhance what they have already learnt at other institutions such as the Board of Industrial Training and the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute,” Veerasammy recalled.

Curtain making, nail artistry, floral arrangements, handicraft (decorative dolls, clothes pin arrangements, fabric painting) and cake decoration were taught, with facilitators Padmini Singh, Nandani Singh and Sharon Singh.

WPO was founded in May 27, 1953, and has more than 150 groups across the country. The organisation boasts more than 5,000 women members, with membership expanding across all administrative regions. The current president of the group is women’s activist Indra Chandarpal.

At a recent press conference to outline the activities to mark the 60th anniversary of WPO, Chandarpal said Guyanese women had much to celebrate, given the social, economic and political gains made in Guyana during the past 60 years.

She also mentioned that WPO has also made a significant contribution through various initiatives in empowering women while equipping them with the necessary skills to face the world. Additionally, she stated that the organisation provides training to professional and grassroots women in information technology and works with them on an individual basis to meet specific needs.

For its anniversary, WPO is coordinating a number of outreaches and other activities across the country. It also plans to utilise the opportunity to mobilise women in response to calls for assistance and work on completing a book on the history of the organisation.

WPO’s central committee congratulates all the women who participated in the recently concluded empowerment programme on their achievements and wishes them many more successes in the future.

some of the women who participated in the skills training programme

By Vishnu Bisram

Iwas in London last month and was privileged to visit the Maha Lakshmi Vidya Bhavan (MLVB) temple led by Guyanese Bankim Gossai, brother of the late popular pandit, Prakash Goosai. One gets a heavenly, inspirational feeling when entering the mandir, a divine feeling that is hard to describe. Others who visited the mandir revealed similar experiences.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles were impressed with the mandir and its spiritual leader. They were intrigued about the mandir and wanted to know more about how such a wonderful atmosphere had been developed, explained one of the executives.

Pandit Bankim is loved by worshipers who come from diverse places in Africa, India, and the Caribbean.

At the mandir, Pandit Bankim sets the stage for utmost devotion. As in New York, where Prakash-ji was called “guru-ji”, in London Bankim is also fondly called “guru-ji” (meaning teacher).

Religious leader

Pandit Bankim is highly respected. This is hardly surprising as Bankim-ji is an outstanding, effective religious leader who exemplifies simplicity and who does not demonstrate any arrogant traits. Similar to his late brother

he goes all out to help people in distress. In fact, he feels a heightened need to help people who are experiencing a personal problem or a crisis in life. And as a spiritual leader, he demands high standards and ethics from followers.

Bankim Gossai is an outstanding pandit who is a joy to listen to. He is very knowledgeable about the scriptures just like his late brother, and he interprets the scriptures with utmost simplicity applying the teachings to real life and for the modern age.

True in form

The mandir’s mission statement is, “Working to enhance, serve and preserve”, and based on my observation, Bankim- ji is true to form (either through himself or getting others) ad-

dressing people's needs and helping them overcome emotional problems.

The mandir was founded on the eve of Diwali 1982 by a small group of devoted Hindus from various countries who felt the need for a Hindu organisation to address their religious yearnings.

They felt a need for an organisation to propagate, practise, enhance and preserve Hinduism in the UK. In 1982, four resolute devotees Shri Bankim Gossai, Shri Ramesh Charan, Shri Moti Sukhlal, and Shri Y N Singh formed what they called a “cottage service” as it was a small and informal fellowship.

The format included a pooja and reading from the Ramayana. The moving man-

dir functioned at temporary locations under the name Maha Lakshmi Satsang (MLS) performing services at peoples’ homes and at rented spaces. The members held discourses in their homes on the first Saturday of every month and travelled to different counties in Scotland, Ireland, Wales and throughout England. Permanent location

In 1991, the Satsang was registered as a charity in the UK with four trustees to conduct and manage its affairs. On the eve of Diwali 1994, a building fund was launched.

In 1999, the organisation acquired a building as its permanent location in Forest Hills, just outside of London proper and changed its name to Maha Lakshmi Vidya Bhavan.

The organisers held several fundraisers to pay for the cost of acquiring the building as well as to cover its operating costs.

That building was gradually transformed to a lovely mandir attracting a lot of worshippers of varied ethnic backgrounds. It has been holding regular services on Sundays as well as on auspicious days in the Hindu calendar and on special occasions as desired by members.

Through MLVB, Hindus who migrated to the UK have a religious home where they can worship. The mandir also serves as a building for wed-

dings and other events in keeping with the faith of its members.

The MLVB is offering a variety of social services to Hindus and non-Hindus alike – such as supporting women’s concerns and issues, dealing with youth emergencies and family situations, assisting the aged and needy, and helping those with legal, financial and medical issues, among others.

Worldwide recognition

The MLVB is enjoying worldwide recognition earning kudos for its humanitarian activities.

In 2005, Bankim and then President of the Mandir Ramesh Charan conducted Ramayana Satsang and pooja as part of Diwali celebrations in the House of Commons. Shri Bankim Gossai himself was decorated with the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by the Queen.

The founders of MLVB are to be applauded for their hard work, dedication, sacrifices and service in the UK. They willingly gave of their time and deserve the highest recognition.

It is with great devotion and the steadfast efforts and zeal of the trustees and the congregation that the mandir is achieving its goal. Bankim and the members are to be commended for their efforts at trying to uplift lives in UK.

pandit bankim gossai (second left) with worshippers at the maha lakshmi Vidya bhavan mandir

A‘Youth Activity Week’, a regular event organised by the Catholic Church in the village of St Ignatius, near Lethem, Rupununi, has become a vital programme for many youths as it offers vital skills for empowerment.

During August 1219, the event was attended by more than 20 boys and girls from ages 8 to 16. The activity week was organised by parish priest, Fr. Tim Curtis who, sadly, has since returned to the UK after completing his term of service. However, handson supervision was provided by Brother Edwin

and Brother Leonardo.

“We were able to put on three activities this year. These included hymn singing, use of computers, and carpentry skills,” said Brother Edwin in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

The Catholic Church compound at St Ignatius has a recently upgraded library and resource centre, with a number of computers available for use for adults and children, and the centre was used specifically to promote computer learning during this event.

“This (computer) is very popular with children who do not nor-

St Ignatius Youth Activity Week a success

mally have access to this kind of technology, and we are here to make sure they learn to use some of the features as well as play games,” Brother Leonardo mentioned.

Hymn-singing is a regular feature of the church’s Youth Activity Week but remains very popular with the children as the Brothers try to incorporate more modern approaches to traditional singing.

Sixteen-year-old Sylvia Alexander, a participant, said she enjoyed learning new hymns, but most of all she liked the spiritual sessions when she and other youths were encouraged to use their imagination to gain better understanding of some of the stories in the Bible; when Jesus fed the 5,000 and when he healed the paralyzed man, for instance.

A new feature this year was the sessions on carpentry skills training under the supervision of CUSO volunteer Eddie Doyle, a carpentry skills instructor at the Cary Elwes Woodwork Training Centre located at the Catholic Church compound.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to capture the enthusiasm of young children at an early age, so the interest stays with them as they grow older,” Doyle commented.

The children were instructed in the use of basic tools and simple machinery, and given projects to make chopping boards. But because they were such quick learners, Doyle had to give them another project, this time to make two pairs of cricket bats for the church and, if there was still time, they could each make one for themselves.

“It was lovely to see their enthusiasm and the look of concentration on their faces as they work,” Doyle recalled.

Cheryl Hernandez, the only girl who attended the carpentry sessions, was delighted to take the chopping board home for her mother. Her 9-year-old brother Ezekiel was so small that he sometimes had to stand on a platform to reach the work table, but he proudly walked away with his own cricket bat.

Fifteen-year-old

Theodore Alexander said he really enjoyed learning to use proper tools and creating things, while Leandra Ny-A-Fook and Waidan Hernandez said they loved the sessions so much they wished it could go on longer so that they could learn more.

The ‘Youth Activity Week’ is not a one-off event. The Catholic Church normally holds a couple of these events every year, and at least one of them is held during the school holidays in August. (By Behi Barzegar, Development Management Consultant/Enterprise Development Specialist, Lethem, Region Nine)

cheryl working on the chopping board

little ezekiel sanding his bat

waidan Hernandez concentrating on his bat

From left are cheryl Hernandez, waidan Hernandez, ezekile Hernandez, theodore alexander and leandra ny-a-Fook with their self-made cricket bats and wickets)

Hoping

to develop local communities, the new, one-of-a-kind Shulinab Industrial Arts Centre in Rupununi is ready to tap into growing construction markets

The recent establishment of the Shulinab Industrial Arts Centre, financed by the New Zealand government, focuses on carpentry and joinery at Shulinab in South Central Rupununi, and enables community members to tap into the construction industry and capitalise on the growing market at Lethem and in Brazil.

The centre, formally presented to the community by the New Zealand High Commission Head of Mission Fund on July 4, boasts a new purposemade building and wood storage facility, with electrical power tools as well as other necessary equipment, tools and accessories that will allow it to operate efficiently and competitively with other professional carpentry enterprises in the region.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Alfred Fredericks, community development

officer in Region Nine, Lethem SubDistrict, said the centre is the only one of its kind in central and southern Rupununi.

“The centre caters for persons who need to learn much more about carpentry, and equips them with the necessary tools to do so. The village council is looking at school leavers to get them involved and keep them occupied at the centre. We want to help them learn a new skill so that they can have that earning power. School children have also expressed interest in learning at the centre and we are looking into facilitating them,” Fredericks disclosed.

Shulinab Industrial Arts Centre is the nearest workshop to Lethem, where construction activity is booming since the opening of the Takutu Bridge between Brazil and Guyana. The residents of Shulinab are cognizant that the centre has provided a unique opportunity for them to tap into the growing market.

Fredericks said that the project builds on the success of a previous industrial arts training centre built near the school in 1991 as part of an education initiative facilitated by a local NGO.

“That was a small initiative at the school. This new facility is more established and has modernized equip-

ment, which is vital for the people of Shulinab to develop their skills in carpentry. They are producing chairs, tables, doors and other furniture to sell back. It is a timely facility as it benefits the entire community,” he noted.

The training centre in Shulinab has been a popular and successful operating unit, accommodating some six to 10 primary school students on weekdays (during and after school hours) and, partly due to the efforts of a skilled instructor, it now has an above average number of youths with basic carpentry skills.

“The goal of the project is to try and stop our young people leaving our community. The new centre will provide high quality vocational training and income generation opportunities, but also allow them to participate and contribute to the development of their own community,” Toshao Vibert Ignace said in an earlier press release.

The Toshao described Shulinab as a progressive community that is always looking for development opportunities that would benefit its members.

Nick Fredericks, treasurer for the council, explained in the press release

that the community used this project as an opportunity to learn project management with the support of the volunteer technical advisor Eddie Doyle.

In his statement, Nick Fredericks pointed out that he hopes this initiative will be a model for community development in the future. However, he added, the correct level of technical support is essential for communities to execute and manage these programmes in a sustainable way.

According to the press release, Roddy Rebeiro and Jason Larose were the two senior project team members who were involved in all aspects of the project design, construction and equipment selection. Both men are looking forward to the challenge of operating the centre.

Rebeiro mentioned the first thing that must be done is to win a contract for supplying school furniture for the community of Shulinab and other villages. He cited that residents must prove that they are better than other professional businesses.

Check out Shulinab Village - The Heart of the Rupununi on Facebook for more information and photos.

Ceremonial cutting of the ribbon to officially open the doors of the centre

Shulinab Industrial Arts Centre

‘I am safe, I am hiding’

“Iam safe...I am hiding in a supermarket.”

Those words, sent to a friend via a cellular phone text message, were the last from Trinidadian Ravindra ‘Ravi’ Ramrattan shortly before he was killed by terrorists who invaded a mall in Nairobi, Kenya on the weekend.

Ramrattan, 30, sent this text message believing he had given the terrorists the slip as he tried to hide inside a store. This was revealed Monday by Ramrattan’s sister Rishma, 24, during an interview at the Ramrattan family home in Chaguanas.

She spoke of her brother’s last text message as she recalled how her brother, the 2002 President’s Gold medal national scholarship winner, tried to escape from the terrorists who went on a shooting rampage.

Ramrattan, who had been working as a financial economist in Nairobi for the past four years,

had last visited his parents at their Munroe Road, Cunupia home in June, 2012.

Rishma said that her brother was at the mall with friends when the terrorists stormed the building. While his friends all managed to scamper to safety, Ramrattan fled into a supermarket, where it is believed he remained hidden for three hours

before being discovered and executed.

“Three hours after the attack on Saturday, Ravi text messaged a friend in Kenya, to say that he was hiding safely in the supermarket. So everyone over there thought he was safe. I was receiving updates from friends who were circulating his information from the ground in Kenya,” Rishma said.

Rishma, an attorney who works in the office of the Attorney General, said that her brother’s friends contacted her on Saturday night. They kept her abreast about her brother’s fate via telephone calls as well as live chats on Facebook.

Rishma said the family kept their hopes high that Ravindra would survive the ordeal. On Sunday night, Rishma

Trinidadian scholar’s last words before being killed in Kenyan mall attack

said, Ramrattan’s friend in Nairobi telephoned and said that there was a photograph of Ramrattan, which had been circulating on the Internet.

The terrorist attack began on Saturday when gunmen stormed the Westgate shopping mall and took shoppers hostage. The Somali based armed group Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack, and a group from the militant outfit remained in the mall searching and killing shoppers. A total of 68 people were killed.

Rishma recalled that on Sunday, her mother Parbatee, telephoned her son, but the calls went unanswered. Rishma said, normally, she would write on Ramrattan’s Facebook page, such posts as, “Brother where are you?”

“On Saturday I wrote on his Facebook page but he never responded. I received the initial phone call that he was missing at the mall. His friends

were checking hospitals and mortuaries between Saturday and Sunday,” Rishma said. Ramrattan was a research economist with Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) Kenya, an independent trust established to support the development of inclusive financial markets in the African nation. Ramrattan, the eldest of three siblings, had been living there for the last four years.

“I kept watching the BBC news, checking Facebook, Twitter...anything I could have possibly did online to get news about my brother”. In the end it was her brother’s friends in Kenya who got in contact with her with the jarring news that Ravindra was indeed dead.

The family said that officials from FSD in Kenya, where Ramrattan worked, are footing the bill to have his body flown back to Trinidad for final rites. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

Mother of mixed up baby seeking TT$5 million in compensation

Lawyers representing the family of a baby who had been switched at birth are seeking TT$5 million in compensation from the Trinidad and Tobago government.

In a letter sent to Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan, attorney Ingrid Melville said her clients experienced emotional trauma and great shame when they took home a baby of Indian descent believed to be theirs.

The mix-up occurred at the Mount Hope Women’s Hospital on March 10, 2013, when two women--one of African descent and the

other of Indian descent-underwent Caesarean section operations. They were later discharged from the hospital and it took five months later for the mix-up to be discovered after DNA tests.

Melville, who wrote to Dr Khan on behalf of the parents and paternal grandmother of the African woman, said “our client instructs that following the operation, when she woke up after the effects of the anaesthetic began to wear off, she was shown the baby girl that she had given birth to. This baby was in a cot next to her bed and tagged with her name”.

The letter said that the mother and her family “noticed that the infant’s hair did not show any signs of developing

small curls as is normal with children of African descent”.

It added that this raised a number of

questions, particularly among the extended family of the baby on the paternal side—including suspicion of infidelity. The attorney said that the mother was interrogated with regards to her friendships with East Indian families.

“Our instructions are that even during the christening, the godparents, friends and other family members kept commenting that the baby looked like an East Indian, only to the embarrassment and dismay of the parents.”

The letter outlined a number of other concerns suffered by the client and requested an ex-

The final report on the Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) plane crash, which occurred in Guyana back in July 2011, has laid the blame for the incident squarely at the feet of the pilot. The final report, which was completed after a thorough investigation into the Flight 523 crash, shows that the incident occurred as a result of the pilot’s own negligence.

Presidential Adviser on Governance in Guyana, Gail Teixeira last week read the report to the media during Cabinet’s weekly

press briefing. She said the report was similar to the conclusion that was drawn by officials at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) sometime after the accident.

“And I quote, causes for the crash was because the aircraft landed far beyond the touching down zone due to the captain maintaining excess power during the flight,” Teixeira shared. “Not using the airplane’s full deceleration capacity, resulting in the airplane over running the pavement....,” she stated.

The investigation was

conducted by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Trinidad’s Civil Aviation Authority, Bowen Aircraft Company, and Caribbean Airlines itself.

Airport not a factor

“This is exactly what initial investigations had revealed, which claimed that the pilot mis-averaged and could not bring the plane to a halt on time,” she informed.

Teixeira said the full report on the crash will be made public soon.

On July 30, 2011, the plane crashed and broke

into two on landing at Guyana’s main airport, causing several passengers injuries, but no deaths.

The Boeing 737-800 from New York had 163 people aboard.

During the incident, a few passengers sustained bruises, with one suffering a broken leg.

The plane halted near a 61-metre (200 ft) ravine that could have resulted in dozens of deaths.

There were 157 passengers and six crew members aboard the plane when the accident occurred at 01:32 local time.

gratia compensation of TT$5 million plus legal fees to cover a range of matters including exemplary damages due to organisational failure by Mount Hope Women’s Hospital as evidenced by the mix-up of the babies; emotional distress, pain, humiliation and suffering caused to the mother, father and paternal grandmother since the birth of the baby and baptism-related expenses. The babies were returned to their biological parents in August 10. The parents of the other baby are also said to be seeking compensation.

(Jamaica Observer)

Pilot’s error caused CAL plane crash at CJIA – final report

trinidadian ravindra ‘ravi’ ramrattan (at right) and his siblings in happier times. (TT Newsday photo)

the mix-up occurred at the mount Hope women’s Hospital on march 10, 2013

The final report has dismissed allegations made by Trinidadian offi-

cials that the airport was the root cause of the accident. (Guyana Times)

Flashback: an aerial view of the crashed cal aircraft, which over shot the runway at the cheddi Jagan international airport in July 2011

This week's Crossword

This week's Puzzle

J kes

Riddles for kids

Q: What do calendars eat?

A: Dates

Q: How does an octopus go to war?

A: Well-Armed

Q: What did the traffic light say to the car?

A: Don't look, I'm changing.

Q: What kind of horses go out after dusk?

A: Nightmares.

Q: Why did the student eat his homework?

A: The teacher told him it was a piece of cake.

Old brain, young brawn

The strong young man at the construction site was bragging that he could outdo anyone in a feat of strength. He made a special case of making fun of one of the older workmen. After several minutes, the older worker had had enough.

“Why don’t you put your money where your mouth is,” he said. “I will bet a week’s wages that I can haul something in a wheelbarrow over to that outbuilding that you won’t be able to wheel back.”

“You’re on, old man,” the braggart replied. “Let’s see what you got.”

The old man reached out and grabbed the wheelbarrow by the handles. Then, nodding to the young man, he said, “All right, get in.”

World’s most dangerous food

A dietician was once addressing a large audience in Chicago.

“The material we put into our stomachs is enough to have killed most of us sitting here, years ago. Red meat is awful. Vegetables can be disastrous, and none of us realizes the germs in our drinking water. But there is one thing that is the most dangerous of all and we all of us eat it. Can anyone here tell me what lethal product I’m referring to? You, sir, in the first row, please give us your idea.”

The man lowered his head and said, “Wedding cake.”

Making money

A young man asked an old rich man how he made his money.

The old guy fingered his worsted wool vest and said, “Well, son, it was 1932, the depth of the Great Depression. I was down to my last nickel. I invested that nickel in an apple. I spent the entire day polishing the apple and, at the end of the day, I sold the apple for ten cents. The next morning, I invested those ten cents in two apples. I spent the entire day polishing them and sold them at 5:00 pm for 20 cents. I continued this system for a month, by the end of which I’d accumulated a fortune of $1.37.”

“And that’s how you built an empire?” the boy asked.

“Heavens, no!” the man replied. “Then my wife’s father died and left us two million dollars.”

Oxymorons

1. Why is the third hand on the watch called the second hand?

2. Why does "fat chance" and "slim chance" mean the same thing?

3. Why are they called "stands" when they are made for sitting?

4. Why are a "wise man" and a “wise guy” opposites?

5. Why is it called "after dark" when it really is "after light"?

Children’s writings about the ocean:

1. If you are surrounded by ocean you are an Island. If you don't have ocean all round you, you are incontinent. (Wayne, age 7)

2. My uncle goes out in his boat with two other men, and a woman and pots come back with crabs. (Millie, age 6)

3. Some fish are dangerous. Jellyfish can sting. Electric eels can give you a shock. They have to live in caves under the sea where I think they have to plug themselves into chargers. (Christopher, age 7)

4. My dad was a sailor on the ocean. He knows all about the ocean. What he doesn't know is why he quit being a sailor and married my mom. (James, age 7)

Jamaican singer Tessanne Chin blew away the four celebrity coaches on America's top vocal competition show, ‘The Voice’, with a powerful rendition of US singer Pink's hit song ‘Try’.

The audience at the blind audition show, aired Tuesday night on NBC, erupted in wild cheers and applause when coach Christina Aguilera hit her power button to turn her chair around, signalling her interest in having Chin on her team, approximately five seconds after she started singing.

The audience erupted again when fellow coaches CeeLo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton turned their chairs around before Chin had even finished the first verse of the song.

At the end of her performance, Chin was praised by the coaches, all of whom are top musicians.

"You could easily win ‘The Voice’ this year, I don't have a doubt in my mind," said Levine, the lead singer of pop rock band Maroon 5.

Tessanne Chin sCores on ‘The VoiCe’

Shelton, a country music singer, in his bid to woo Chin to join his team of competitors, said: "I won't lie to you like Adam and tell you, you could easily win... it's very hard to win this. It takes a lot of hard work, but you're so far ahead of the game."

Aguilera, in her attempt to get Chin on her team, told the Jamaican: "We're all pretty desperate to have you on our team... What I'm getting from you is just so much passion and so much heart for what you do, and you're such a powerhouse and unbelievably talented vocalist; but you have such a kind, warm sense about you and I just want to be given a chance to bond with you, work with you and help you in any way that I can."

Blake, in his sales pitch, told Chin that he was fascinated by her. However, when he asked her whom she would pick as her coach, Chin chose Levine.

"I'm a fan of music, period," she said, "and I just want to be the best vocalist, and I'm very

interested in learning how I can better evolve, and for me I think I'm gonna go with Adam."

Chin, in her post-audition interview, said "I

tried to just give a good show, but when I saw those chairs turn, boy, I had to remain in the show, and not go oohh."

Chin will now go

into the battle rounds, getting advice from Levine.

The competition gets more difficult with each round, leading up to the

final live performance. The eventual winner is named 'The Voice' and rewarded with a recording contract. (Jamaica Observer)

tessanne chin (left), her sister, tami and their father, richard, celebrate in kingston tuesday night after watching tessanne’s performance on ‘the Voice’ on nbc television. (Jamaica Observer photo)

ADHD Awareness

By Tisha BosTon

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This developmental disorder falls into three major groups: inattentiveness in which the individual cannot remain focused, hyperactivity where the individual tends to be extremely active, and impulsivity which describes the individual’s inability to control his or her behavior. Some people may have symptoms related to just one of these groups of ADHD or they may have symptoms related to all three groups. Those with inattentive symptoms are said to have attention deficit disorder (ADD).

Although ADHD is common in children, it is also present in adults. This is due to the fact that there is currently no cure for ADHD, since the causes of this condition still remain unknown. Nevertheless, studies have shown that a combination of genes and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. These developments have led to the successful management of the disorder for some symptoms can improve as the child ages.

Treatment for ADHD usually involves a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. When it comes to children, in addition to consulting a health professional, parents and teachers are also needed and included in the evaluation and treatment processes. ADHD affects all aspects of a person’s life and therefore requires a collective effort. If left untreated or treated incorrectly, ADHD can lead to other problems in life such as not doing well in school, not being able to keep a job,

trouble with the law, and even drug abuse.

As with any illness, the road to recovery begins by identifying the problem. Early detection gives children with ADHD a greater chance of reaching their full potential all the way through adulthood. This is why it is important to be aware of changes in your child’s daily life and take notice of long lasting signs of poor concentration, over-activity, and impulsivity. The next step towards recovery is seeking help. This is a very difficult task for most people because of the stigmatism associated with ADHD. Some of the myths and misconceptions that influence the public’s perception of ADHD include:

• ADHD is not a real disorder

• ADHD is a disorder of childhood

• ADHD is over diagnosed

Children with ADHD are overmedicated

• Poor parenting causes ADHD

You should not allow such misunderstandings of ADHD to deter you or your child from seeking treatment. Consult a specialist, and more than one if necessary, to learn more about the symptoms of ADHD and what can be done about it.

Coping with people with ADHD may be difficult, but always remember that these people have strengths also, and what we need to do is try to help them to use those strengths to their advantage.

Arts & Culture

Rich artistic talent was evident in the recently concluded visual arts exhibition held at the National Library by the Ministry of Education as part of its activities for Education Month 2013.

‘Mexico, Country of Colours’ photo exhibition at Castellani House

‘Mexico, Country of Colours’, a photo exhibition by Ricardo Espinosa, opened Friday at the National Gallery, Vlissengen Road.

Presented by the Embassy of Mexico in conjunction with the National Gallery, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico and the Mexican Agency for International Cooperation, the exhibition of 30 photographs celebrates the landscapes, people, architecture and cultural practices of Mexico, and marks the country’s celebration of its 203rd independence anniversary celebrated September 16 each year.

The photographs, many of rich colour detailing indigenous and folk costumes, others of wide vistas or studies of nature, are accompanied by excerpts from the verses of celebrated Mexican poets from pre-Hispanic times of the 15th century to the present day, which capture the mood of the images.

This exhibition has been seen in several other parts of the world including Bangkok, Shanghai, Sydney, and Singapore, as well as the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Jamaica and Barbados.

‘Mexico, Country of Colours’ opened to the public September 20 and continues until October 12. The gallery is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm, and on Saturday from 2pm to 6pm; it is closed on Sundays and holidays. Admission is free.

Under this year’s education month’s theme “Transforming classrooms for the 21st century”, the Allied Arts Unit of the Ministry of Education launched a four-day visual arts exhibition (September 17-20), exhibiting work by CSEC students and differently-abled children.

The exhibition displayed a variety of visual art pieces in a range of media including printmaking, textile design and manipulation, painting and mixed media, leather craft, fibre and decorative art, graphics and communication design, ceramics and sculpture.

There was also a section for items such as floral arrangements, pillowcases and jewellery made by the children from Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre’s Special Education Unit.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine Visual Arts Coordinator, Rawle Franklin stated that compared with last year, the work by students this year has significantly improved, with a higher rate of passes in Art at CSEC.

“There was also a wider variety this year. The pieces were produced through the skill, talent, enthusiasm, patience and inspiration of students, and good tutoring by teachers. Visual art is the vehicle through which students can improve their concentration, reasoning ability, better understand life and their environment, and interact socially. I encourage students to reflect on art as being a component of every other subject. They can use it to become a rounded individual,” he declared.

Check out Ministry of Education – Guyana on Facebook for upcoming activities as ‘Education Month’ celebrations continue.

two of the thirty photos by ricardo espinosa

creative ceramic pieces by students from cotton Field secondary and tutorial High

"macaw on a limb" by rafael estwick from linden Foundation secondary

"Freedom spirit" by staffon williams of patentia secondary

"survival of black birds" by Hazran rodriguez from waramadong secondary

"the dream" by candace rogers of bishops' High school

Guyanese designer Carol Fraser received accolades for her recent collection ‘Fresh’, displayed with great splendour at this year’s Carifesta XI in Suriname.

The veteran designer showcased her collection on six occasions at the Grand Market. She was also responsible for expertly leading a team of local designers to the gala event in Suriname.

“I was privileged to showcase two fashion lines. The collections caught the eyes and touched the hearts of many. My fashion and accessories received much applause from the audience. Even the former Foreign Affairs Minister of Haiti was overwhelmed and immediately extended an invitation for Haiti Fashion Week. She told me that Haiti would welcome my ecofriendly fashion as we share the same passion for our fashion,” Fraser said in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine

Additionally, Guyanese model Shineefa Collins also felt honoured to have showcased her country on an international stage. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for affording her the opportunity to display her rich Guyanese culture in Suriname.

Notably, Fraser revealed she was honoured to have met the Surinamese president, and was able to share her passion for the arts with him.

“My networking is wider and I am still receiving encouragements. It was a rewarding experience at Carifesta. I am very happy to be a culture ambassador for my country. My plan is to educate an international audience of Guyana’s rich and diverse culture while at the same time promoting our low carbon development drive. This ‘green’ initiative will give innovators from around the world an opportunity to view some of Guyana’s natural fibres and creations,” she declared. (Photos by Helio Phoeli)

designer carol Fraser modelling one of her designs on the catwalk in suriname

The Shaping of guyaneSe LiTeraTure

Chaitram Singh, 'The February 23rd Coup'

Petamber Persaud shares a review done by Professor Emeritus Birbalsingh who is an anthologist and author of many scholarly publications, including “From Pillar to Post: The Indo Caribbean Diaspora”, “Passion and Exile: Essays in Caribbean Literature”, “The Rise of West Indian Cricket: From Colony to Nation”, and two anthologies of Indo-Caribbean writing “Jahaji” and “Jahaji Bhai”. Birbalsingh is an acknowledged book reviewer.

Chaitram Singh won the 2012 Guyana Prize for Literature (awarded September 2013) in the category of Best First Book of Fiction with his first novel, “The Flour Convoy”. The book under review was shortlisted in the Best Book of Fiction category.

“The February 23rd Coup” is the second nov-

Guyanese characters express dissatisfaction with the Burnham regime by emigrating, “The February 23rd Coup” highlights an attempted military coup by members of the Guyanese Defence Force on February 23rd 1980. A successful coup would be improbable since it conflicts with historical accuracy, whereas failure of the coup conveys the truth, as expressed by another American official, “suffering would continue, and every lowlevel official would exact, without impunity, bribes and other favours from people too destitute to pay but too powerless to resist.” (p.246)

Singh’s novel acknowledges the role of the US as one of two super-powers in the second half of the twentieth century when the Caribbean Sea was (and still is) regarded as a privately owned American lake, and territories within or bordering this sea treat-

were paramount, and in 1980 aimed: “to prevent the spread of communism.” (p.156)

When the action of the novel opens in 1979, Guyana is firmly in the grip of a corrupt government run by the Kabaka Party (alias the People’s National Congress led by Burnham) while the Opposition is the People’s Party (alias the People’s Progressive Party led Dr Cheddi Jagan).

Both parties are socialist, as is a third party, the Workers’ Party (alias the Working People’s Alliance of Walter Rodney) which is led by Dr Nelson, a true Marxist of whom the Americans are most afraid. To the US: “the president was an opportunist whose only concern was to maintain himself in power,” (p.155) while the Opposition leader was toothless because he supported the govern-

el – after “The Flour Convoy” – by Chaitram Singh, a Guyanese graduate of West Pointan American military academy, and former officer in the Guyana Defence Force. Singh is also author of a nonfiction work, “Politics in Plantation Society”, (1988) and teaches political science at Berry College, Georgia in the U.S.A.

Singh’s second novel focuses on the dictatorial regime of Forbes Burnham which, by the late 1970s had, in the words of one of the novel’s American characters, turned Guyana into, “a refugee encampment for people desperately seeking to flee the punishing conditions of life created by the mismanagement and corruption of a self-perpetuating clique.” (p.246)

While many

ed largely as the personal effects of Americans.

So it is not surprising that, despite the novel’s fictional coup being planned by Guyanese, every move is monitored, controlled and eventually derailed by the CIA in cahoots with the US embassy in Guyana.

History repeats itself when the CIA Station Chief Colonel Fred Hitchcock reminds the Guyanese president after his brief capture: “Surely you remember from your days in the opposition back in the 60’s that we [Americans] have friends in the [Guyanese] trade union movement. It worked to your advantage back then.” (p.180) Hitchcock also reminds another American Stephen Erikson, assistant military attaché at the US embassy in Guyana that “American interests”

ment ideologically. But Dr. Nelson was a real threat; according to Hitchcock, “we couldn’t have a government under a diehard Marxist like Donald Nelson.” (p. 204).

Thus no one worries later when, like the historical Walter Rodney, Nelson’s car explodes under mysterious circumstances and he is killed.

The coup itself is meticulously planned in strict secrecy by Colonel Ralph Spooner, Capt. Malcolm Felix, Capt. Anthony Cassius McGowan, and Colonel Franchette Taylor. A fifth officer – Capt. Andrew Rambarran –joins only after much

persuasion. The author revels in the professionalism of his West Point expertise in presenting this plan, carefully tailored down to the last detail.

The date – Saturday, February 23, 1980 – is carefully selected. It is the day of the official Republic Day parade which will involve servicemen from all three services – the Army, National Service and police. After the parade, the weapons of all servicemen will be deposited in two armouries, ex-

chaitram singh continued on page 47

cept for a group that is controlled by one of the conspirators. Supporters of the coup will be strategically placed, and the whole operation set to

singh’s most recent novels

TT’s President warns Caribbean students against cyber-bullying

TT’s President Anthony Carmona

has urged university students to desist from cyber-bullying by using social media on the internet to harass or degrade persons with whom they have a dispute, but to use information communication technology (ICT) a tool, which will make their studies pleasant and productive.

“Websites such as Facebook, Twitter and You Tube,” Carmona, who was himself a graduate of the Mona, Jamaica and Cave Hill Barbados campuses, said last Thursday evening at the Matriculation ceremony of first year students at University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, “should not be used to harass, degrade and denigrate others with whom you have a dispute, or with whom you disagree.”

Some 5,000 new students, including one third of whom were post graduates, were matriculated at the UWI St Augustine Campus bringing the student population to 17,000

add to this generation of cowards,” he said relating examples in the USA and in England where students, who were victims of cyber-bullying, committed suicide.

In a wide ranging address he called on Caribbean leaders to make a plug for studentsparticularly for students of the University of the West Indies—with the region’s local and regional airlines, to be given students airfare as is done in Europe and other parts of the world.

He also called on the university students to look out for each other, and not watch others stumble and fail, because they were not immune from the challenges of life.

according to Campus Principal Professor, Clement Sankat. In the feature address Carmona said that ICT was a tool of great benefit to students, but like any other tool, it can

be abused. While technology was a tool to enhance their education, he said that some students under the cloak of anonymity were using the tool on the Internet through social media

to bully other students. And this, he said, results in emotional psychological harm.

“Where have our manhood gone? Where have our womanhood gone? You must come out

of the shadows, look the other person in the eye, and discuss your beef,” he advised as the students acknowledged his cautions with a round of applause.

“I ask of you, don’t

On the issue of students’ airfares, Carmona said the airlines should make it affordable for students to go to Barbados, Jamaica, or one of the other islands for long weekends. During his stay at Mona Campus, he said he could not travel home on holidays, because the airfare was unaffordable. (TT Newsday)

Jehue gordon, right, winner of the men's 400-metres hurdles at the world athletics championships, 2013, strikes his winning pose as he is presented a portrait of himself by uwi pro Vice chancellor and campus principal clement sankat at the uwi matriculation and welcoming ceremony last thursday. president anthony carmona at extreme left, applauds, while prof. rhoda reddock, deputy campus principal, centre, looks on with a smile. Jehue is a second-year student at uwi (TT Newsday photo)

nohar singh

St Andrew’s Kirk

From Dutch Reformed to Scots Presbyterian Church

Nearly one hundred and ninety-five years ago, on September 27, 1818, a new church was opened in Georgetown, finally satisfying the spiritual needs of the growing number of Scottish inhabitants and signalling the beginning of the Scots Presbyterian

ing laid with much pomp and ceremony on August 12, 1811, but for a Dutch Reformed Church (Kerk).

With the restoration of Demerara to the Dutch in 1784 and the renaming of the new town to Stabroek, the Dutch Reformed Kerk established itself. Though the Dutch finally lost the col-

Unfortunately for the Dutch, they experienced financial difficulties, and the unfinished building was sold under the Marshall’s hammer on May 4, 1813. The structure was bought by two members of the Consistory, the Hon F P van Berckel and Mr V A Heyliger, the for-

come together and finish the building, but it was not then taken up. With some resolve from the Scotsmen, there was eventually an agreement with van Berckel and Heyliger about the transfer of the shares and in June 1816 the transport was passed.

Following its open-

Church community in the country. This new church was St Andrew’s Kirk, currently the oldest religious building (and probably the oldest building) still in use in Georgetown. The commencement of the construction of the building itself was much earlier, however, the first foundation sill be-

ony in 1803, the Dutch Reformed Kerk acquired the present site in 1810 - a gift from the government - for the building of a church. Funding for the proposed building was achieved mainly through public subscription and the building –framework only – was opened for service in 1812.

mer purchasing all the shares save one and the latter the remaining share. Nothing further was done to complete the building, however, the timber framework left exposed to the weather for over two years.

About the middle of 1815, a suggestion was made that the Dutch and Scottish populations

ing in September 1818, the Dutch remained cousers of the building for many years afterwards, but their numbers began waning, some joining the Scots congregation. Eventually, in April 1871, the Scottish Minister, Rev Thomas Slater, reported that the Sacramental Service of the Dutch Reformed

Preserving our heritage through pictures

Kerk was handed over to him, making St Andrew’s Presbyterian sole owner of the building.

The architecture of St Andrew’s was achieved by numerous changes over the years. The original building was at about 15 percent smaller than present, and it was planned along the lines of the Romanesque Revival architectural style (called Norman in England) rather than the Gothic Revival Architecture we now see.

From its early days, St Andrew’s played an important part in the social and cultural life of the community. As early as 1819, for example, slaves were admitted as members, and during the period 1819-1821 fiftyfive slaves were admitted

to the congregation.

The Church held the first sacred concert in the Colony, when on December 11, 1822, music from the choir accompanied by a new organ and the 21st Fusiliers band, filled the church hall at a well-attended public concert.

The building also saw “military service” when in late 1823, during a major slave uprising, it was requisitioned as the barracks for the Provisional Battalion of the Demerara Militia because of the church’s close proximity to the Guard House opposite. This “occupation” lasted for about five months.

(LJ Hernandez, Senior Lecturer, Department of Architecture, University of Guyana)

the architecture of st andrew’s was achieved by numerous changes over the years

Georgetown Club and Assembly Rooms, British Guiana. Nd

gothic revival architecture of st andrew's

st andrew's kirk (2000)

New documentary puts focus on Grenada revolution

It is almost 30 years since a bloody coup in Grenada saw the assassination of the leader of the People’s Revolutionary Government, Maurice Bishop, along with his colleagues.

As that island readies itself to observe the 30th anniversary of the coup next month, director and producer Bruce Paddington has focused his lens on that island with ‘Forward Ever: The Killing of a Revolution’—a 2 1/2 hour long epic documentary, which highlights the revolutionary government of Grenada that came to power by a coup in 1979, and its demise with the bloody killings of October 19, 1983.

The documentary tells the story of the Grenada revolution as never before. ‘Forward Ever: The Killing of a Revolution’ 2013), is a feature length documentary (150 minutes) directed and produced by Paddington. It explores the achievements and shortcomings of the People’s Revolutionary Government (19791983) as it attempted to

forge a new revolutionary society.

It focuses on the year 1983 through use of archival footage and first hand recollections of persons who witnessed the events of October 19;

the execution of prime minister Bishop and his close colleagues whose bodies were never recovered. This was followed by the American invasion and over twenty years later the gradual release of the prisoners from jail.

The film, with it’s multiple perspectives and different narratives, explores this key event in the history of the Caribbean. The eloquence and passion of Maurice Bishop is apparent as he defends the revolution on such critical issues as human rights and the need for a true peoples’ democracy.

The film also includes excerpts from a feature address by George Lamming at a memorial service for Bishop in 1983 as well as the music of calypsonian Brother Valentino.

by United Nations on Science and Technology.

He met with Jacqueline Creft, who was Grenada’s Minister of Education. Creft was killed alongside Bishop

with the Minister of Education Jacqueline Creft, and there seemed to be a type of feeling of hope and the building of a new society. The minister was confident and hopeful. She wanted to promote what was happening with Grenada. This was in August. There were major problems, but she wasn’t discussing the government. There was no threat of anything in the air. Two months after my meeting with Jacqueline Creft she was machinegunned down. I was shocked to find out what happened,” Paddington said.

Chaitram Singh, 'The February 23rd ...

begin at 23.00 hours.

This precise planning is executed to perfection and the president arrested; but the coup fails because of unexpected collaboration between the CIA Station Chief Colonel Hitchcock and one conspirator, Capt. McGowan, whose brother Joe Henry is head of the Public Service Union.

After the president’s arrest, Hitchcock virtually orders the president to treat Capt. McGowan’s collaboration in the coup attempt leniently since his betrayal of his fellow plotters restored power to the president. On top of that, leniency would promote good relations with the Public Service Union.

It is almost an exact repeat of 1964 when similar “American interests” were first covertly imposed on Guyana.

Not that “The February 23rd Coup” is anti-American. On the contrary, each chapter opens with a date and place in the form of a diary, for example, “February 23, 1980: Georgetown, Guyana,” accompanied by a style that includes American military idioms, forms of address and speech, and technical discussions of tactics and strategy which give the impression of a professional, (West Point) military briefing.

But this stiff formality is relieved by the warmth of a love story between Andrew Rambarran and Lena, the sister of Colonel Ralph Spooner, and more so by another (more challenging) relationship between Steve Erikson and Anita - Rambarran’s sister.

Yet the real appeal of the novel is in its concluding chapters when Rambarran is imprisoned in Suriname, and is rescued in a series of daring, and exciting, action-packed exploits,

from page 43

both on land and sea, in the style of American Western films where beleaguered but good heroes win against overwhelming odds.

At the end of the novel, these exploits are seen in terms of virtue by Erikson and Rambarran who agree on their sanction by Hindu religious texts, the Ramayana and Mahabharata: “That’s what we stand for, isn’t it? Virtue?” (p.317) But if American interests in preserving the regime of a corrupt Guyanese dictator are virtuous, where do they leave poor, little Guyana, or us poor, Guyanese wretches?

Chaitram Singh, “The February 23rd Coup”; Bloomington, Indiana, iUniverse, Inc. 2011, pp. 338. ISBN: 978-1-4620-2052-2 (e)

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

What’s happening:

• The Guyana Annual 20122013 magazine is now available at Guyenterprise Ltd, at Austin’s bookstore and from the editor at the above contacts. This issue of the magazine is dedicated to E. R. Braithwaite. The magazine also features articles on copyright, law of intellectual property, creative industries, oral traditions of Guyana, the future of West Indian cricket and the future of books.

• Coming soon “Coolie Woman: The Odyssey of Indenture,” by Gaiutra Bahadur

• Now available “Selected Fictions” by Ruel Johnson, winner of the 2012 Guyana Prize for Literature.

• Coming soon: “An Introduction to Guyanese Literature” by Petamber Persaud.

Paddington felt compelled to create this documentary. He was in Grenada just two months before the coup working on a documentary commissioned

at the confrontation at Fort Rupert. At the time, Paddington was impressed with what he saw in Grenada. He described the island as a “different type of Grenada”.

“They wanted democracy. I had dinner

Three decades later, Paddington has completed the film, which he hopes will be a tool for healing and education. The world premiere of ‘Forward Ever: The Killing of a Revolution’ was screened at the University of the West Indies during the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival last week. (Excerpted from TT Express)

leader of the people’s revolutionary government maurice bishop, who was assassinated along with his colleagues

director and producer bruce paddington (TT Express photo)

The people of Pakistan have always been fascinated with Bollywood and its many stars. And the latest actor to catch their fancy is Sonakshi Sinha, who, apparently, has been receiving a lot of fan mail from the neighbouring country.

In fact, a journalist flew down to Mumbai to interview the actress for a Pakistani television channel. "Sonakshi is the third Indian artiste after Gulzar and Lata Mangeshkar to be interviewed on that programme," a source informed Indian media. (TOI)

Amitabh Bachchan reveals his love for pets

Amitabh Bachchan has revealed that dogs and pets are an essential part of his family.

Speaking at Pawsitive People's Awards for dog lovers in Mumbai recently, the ‘Zanjeer’ star said that he has had a whole series of pets in his life, but unfortunately they all left him at some point.

"It was a very sad occasion when I lost my dog Shanouk a few months ago. But there is always space time and occasion to get another one and make them a part of your family," the veteran actor said. (TOI)

Karisma not ready for another film right now

After an unsuccessful comeback with 'Dangerous Ishq' in 2012, Karisma Kapoor is not ready for another film, but doesn't deny the possibility of signing a project in future.

"I have not decided anything yet. I have just released my book, and I enjoy doing different things. I like doing new things," the 39-year-old said, when asked about her next big screen project.

"My children are still very small, but you nev-

er know, I will definitely do something, but I don't know when," Karisma told reporters at an award event.

A mother of two,

Karisma recently released ‘My Yummy Mummy Guide’, a book that doles out tips to pregnant women and new mothers. (TOI)

‘Saif advises me to get married at 40’ - Soha Ali Khan

Actress Soha Ali Khan, who has been in a relationship with actor Kunal Khemu for quite some time, says though her mother keeps asking her to settle down, brother

Saif advised to take the plunge at the age of 40. Soha and Kunal recently moved into a new house and are living together, but it seems marriage is not on cards yet. "My mother tells me ev-

Hrithik Roshan appreciates Priyanka Chopra's honesty

The trailer for ‘Krrish 3’ has got the highest hits that any Bollwood film has got ever. And Hrithik Roshan surprised the public when he said, 'Priyanka's honesty lead to this trailer.'

According to Hrithik, “We made the trailer and were getting great reactions, but there was one person who had seen the film and was honest enough to

say she did not like it as much, and her reaction was very unsettling. She was sure that it could be and would be better if we made the changes.

“At first, I brushed it off, but she persisted and was jumping very animatedly. The trailer was to be launched the next day and we had no time. But, it ignited thoughts in my head. I quickly went to the edit room, as I believe that nothing can be perfect and why should I not give it a try, if there is something left that can make it as good, as it is destined to be.”

The actor further stated that “I recut the trailer without telling anything to my dad. He would have hit the roof had he known I was changing it. I managed to change it and showed him the finished product. The trailer was late by 15 minutes, but that is the trailer we see. I appreciate honesty and listen to people and you can't really say how much the change would have impacted, but we are even more happier with it now and the numbers speak for themselves.” (TOI)

Anushka talks about her ‘kiss’ with Aamir Khan

While the media is going frantic about AamirAnushka's "longest kiss" in Rajkumar Hirani' 'P.K.', the pretty actress denies it. At a promotional event, Anushka rubbished reports that she will be locking lips with her ‘P.K.’ co-star Aamir. She said that these are just rumours and the movie will have

many more things to watch, but not this socalled kiss.

The actress also ridiculed gossipmongers and said that to make such a record, the filmmakers would have to first watch all Bollywood films that have kissing scenes, record the time of the kiss and shoot accordingly. That's a smart answer Anushka! (TOI)

‘I am not against nudity’ - Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra

ery day I should get married and if I would have gone by her way, then by now I should have had 20 children. She tells me all the time ‘get married, get married’ but now she has resigned, she is tired, fed up of telling and is like, do whatever you want," Soha said.

On the other hand, brother Saif feels people should get married at 40. "He says marriage is very serious commitment and you are genuinely not ready for it until you are 40. He advised me to do it. When my mother called him and told him to talk to us why we are not getting married this is what he told her," she said. (TOI)

R"I don't see art there," Mehra said while talking about the current trend of raunchy item songs.

"I am not against nudity. If that's a part of the story, please go ahead. It's beautiful...our bodies are beautiful. But exploitation for money and exploitation on the part of the audience and society for titillation...," added the filmmaker.

"Filmmakers and performers are a part of the society. There is no reason to objectify. The only reason as I can think of is the lust for glamour, and greed for money, and you also get eyeballs. That has to be discouraged," said the 50-year-old. (TOI)

Ranbir Kapoor prefers to stay away from Twitter

Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has revealed that he isn't a big fan of the popular micro blogging site, Twitter.

The 30-year old grandson of Raj Kapoor said, "There is too much negativity on Twitter and I want to stay from it. I don't have anything intelligent to say. Whatever I want to say, I will say it through my movies and interviews".

"Half the time people will be abusing me on Twitter and half the time somebody will be praising me. So either it will go to my head or I will take it to my heart. So better I stay away from it", the ‘Besharam’ actor added. (TOI)

akeysh Omprakash Mehra says he is not against nudity in films, but he has strong views against exploitation of women.

Actress Jennifer Aniston says she cannot pull off a red lipstick, whereas she believes that actresses like Gwen Stefani can flaunt it with panache.

"Super bleached blondes-like Gwen Stefani-can get away with it, but it's tough to pull off with my colour," showbizspy.com quoted Aniston, 44, as saying.

Aniston, who is engaged to Justin Theroux, was recently caught amid rumours that she is pregnant. The rumours followed her appearance in a fitting dress to her movie premiere. It showed off her belly, but she laughed off the rumours of the baby bump.

While on the "The Kyle and Jackie O Show", a popular Australian breakfast radio show, she said the belly may have been showing because she has gained a couple of pounds.

"There's nothing to announce. That's just a couple of lbs (pounds)," she said. (TOI)

Jada Pinkett Smith battled addiction

Jada Pinkett Smith once battled with addiction.

The 42-year-old actress, who has a son, Jaden, 15, and daughter Willow, 12, with her husband Will Smith, has revealed she developed a problem and began relying on ''many addictions, of several kinds'' to help her deal with her emotional issues when she was younger.

The 'Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted' star opened up about her past struggles in a new post on her Facebook

page to celebrate her birthday on September 18, writing: ''What I learned about myself is this, when I was younger I was not a good problem solver, meaning I had a very difficult time with

dealing with my problems in life.

''I had many addictions, of several kinds, to deal with my life issues, but today, at 42, I have my wisdom, my heart and my conscience as the only tools to overcome life's inevitable obstacles. I have become a good problem solver with those tools, and I am damn proud.''

Jada did not say whether she was addicted to alcohol or drugs, but she said she is now strong enough to overcome her problems. (TOI)

Kim K "bored" of new life post baby with Kanye West

Kim Kardashian has reportedly been missing the media attention post the birth of her baby North West.

Sources revealed that though the 32-year old American television personality loves being a mom and spending time with her baby, she is missing her old life and is "bored" without the attention, Radar Online reported.

Sources added that the new mom who has changed her look with blonde hair and is trying to shed her baby weight "really likes the attention she gets from people, but since her boyfriend Kanye West wants her to be more selective about what she's doing, it isn't as interactive for her and she misses her old life". (TOI)

Hugh Jackman values family more than career

Hugh Jackman has revealed that his family means more to him than anything else, while insisting that fame and fortune aren't important to him.

The 44-year-old actor, who is married to actress Deborra-Lee Furness, told a UK publication that his family "is what matters", giving him stability while his career, fame and fortune remain unpredictable, Contactmusic reported.

He appreciated his wife, saying that Furness has strength and a lot of courage. He said that there'll be time when he is flavour of the month and times when he is not, but his wife and kids are what matters to him. (TOI)

Friends worried about Jim Carrey

Hollywood actor Jim Carrey has left his friends worried. They feel that he is heading towards a breakdown.

Sources feel that the 51-year-old is feeling down about his career and love life, reported showbizspy.com.

"Jim has suffered from severe depression in the past, and you have to worry those fearful days are coming back again," said a source.

"When you talk to him, he's not as animated as he used to be. He seems at a low point-like a ship without a rudder," the source added.

They also said that the ‘Dumb and Dumber’ star still longs for the love of his life, former Playboy girl Jenny McCarthy.

"Jim thought he and Jenny were going to be together for a lifetime. He was like a father to her autistic son Evan and even hoped to have a child with her someday," the source said. (TOI)

‘I made all my mistakes before I was famous’ - Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks, who was a victim of a broken home, has revealed that the reason behind his untarnished reputation in Hollywood, is the fact that he made all his mistakes out of public view before he was known.

The 'Forrest Gump' star told the Daily Express that he does not want to admit to the world that he is a bad

person nor does he want anyone to have false expectations from him.

The 57-year-old actor, who was involved in a nasty divorce with his former wife and mother of his two children, Samantha Lewes, added that he wasn't caught up in any fallout from early fame, simply because he was not famous. (TOI)

‘I would eventually forgive infidelity’ - Gwyneth Paltrow

Actress

eventually she would forgive.

The 40-year-old and Martin have been married for almost a decade. Paltrow said that cases of infidelity can raise questions on an individual's existence, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"I think it would be hard for me to be one of those wives who finds out there's been something going on behind my back 20 years in. I'd imagine you'd begin to question your life," said Paltrow.

"It would definitely make things harder, but I believe that if there's authenticity and honesty right off the bat things will be okay," she added.

The actress believes that every couple faced different kinds of challenges.

"I think that if the idea of being committed to someone is important to you, you begin to value certain parts of your social life over another. No couple is the same, and as such, every couple takes on different challenges," Paltrow said. (TOI)

Mila Kunis' 'first kiss was with Ashton Kutcher'

Laura Prepon has revealed that Mila Kunis' first kiss was with her current boyfriend and their former co-star, Ashton Kutcher.

The 'That '70's Show' star also asserted to Us magazine that she wasn't surprised when she heard that Kunis and Kutcher were dating.

The redheaded beauty, who starred on the comedy with the couple for eight seasons from 1998 to 2006, insisted that the duo is like her family.

The 33-year-old actress added that the pair is incredible together. (TOI)

Gwyneth Paltrow, who is happily married to Chris Martin, says dealing with a cheating partner won't be easy, but

East Coast emerge as East Division champion in OSCL tournament

- will face West Division champion, Cricketers Cove, on Sunday

By RavendRa Madholall

East Coast Cricket Club emerged with a thrilling two-run win over arch-rivals Caribbean Sensation on Sunday at the Ellesmere ground in the East Divisions final.

They will now meet West Division finalist Cricketers Cove on Sunday at Lancaster Public School ground in the grand finale to round off the 2013 Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) 20-over softball tournament.

East Coast batted first and scored a challenging 104-7 from the allotment of 20 overs while Caribbean Sensation were agonisingly left hanging at 102-9 when the overs expired.

Mark Moosaie and Ray Moosaie began things nicely for the East Coast combination, putting on a solid 50run opening stand while former Guyana under-19 cricketer Krishna Deosaran also chipped with a contribution of 12.

Mark top scored with 27, which counted two sixes while Ray sup-

ported with 14 runs as Manbolall Doodnauth captured two wickets for 22 runs from his maximum four overs. Gavin Glasgow also nabbed two wickets for 23 runs from four overs.

When Caribbean Sensation batted they began their chase dangerously losing three quick wickets until skipper and the experienced Richard Duffield and Anand Balwant participated in fighting 38-run fourth-wicket stand.

But once they were separated, the innings

further decline. Duffield struck a four and six in his 28 while Balwant reached the boundary on a solitary occasion during his 17-ball 14.

Andy Persaud and Anil Persaud grabbed two wickets for 22 and 24 runs respectively off their allotted four overs while Most Valuable Player Anand Gurdial took one for 10 from his four-over spell. Gurdial took two spectacular catches.

Duffield was adjudged the MVP for the losers, for his top score

and received a trophy.

At the simple presentation ceremony after the match, president of the League, Albert Ramcharran, congratulated both teams for their entertainment. He promised that, the grand finale would be exciting.

The Guyanese Ramcharran highlighted the importance of discipline, and assured that he and his executives will continue to work hard to make the game of softball go from strength to strength in

North America. Meanwhile, the victorious captain Rakesh Dyal stated that he was very satisfied with his team’s performance and is very confident the guys will lift the championships trophy on Sunday.

Cricketers Cove is the defending champion and senior player Ejaz Mohamed, a former Guyana youth player expressed optimism that his players will maintain their winning record.

He declared that sev-

eral experienced players are anxious to make an impression. His former Guyana under-19 player Troy Gobin is expected to play a pivotal role while Vijay Persaud and Kumar Doodnauth are the other players who are capable of dominating.

The presentation of trophies and prizes will be done on November 2 in Scarborough and Consul General for Guyana in Toronto Sattie Sawh is expected to grace the occasion.

26 community grounds in Region Six to be upgraded

Twenty-Six community grounds in Region Six will be upgraded under the Sport Ministry’s initiative to further the development of sport from the grassroots. The region will be receiving a large chunk of the Gy$ 300 million allocation for the development of sport from this year’s budget, according the Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony last Friday when he visited that Region.

He revealed that 160 project proposals have reached his ministry and 155 were approved. “Region Six will be given a larger chunk of the money. This is because of the direct involvement of the Regional Chairman who went around meeting with some of the committees to provide advice on whom they should apply to and what were the best projects to seek assistance for,” Anthony noted.

Twenty-three of the projects will be funded by the ministry. According to Anthony, Gy$ 300 million was budgeted for the project and Gy$ 1 million yearly for each of the two previous years.

Permanent Secretary within the ministry Alfred King noted that there was need for an estimate and a design, along with the signature of members of a management committee and the approval of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) or in some cases, the municipality, before a project was approved by the ministry.

Meanwhile, the Number 79 village ground is on the list, along with the Siporuta Community Centre on the Corentyne River.

The minister said the Number 71

play ground and Courtland village ground will be benefiting from the project. Adelphi, Orealla, Hampshire, Chesney, Port Mourant, Number 69, Number 73, Number 60, Albion Front, Cumberland, Fyrish, Tain and Whim are all villages where projects will be undertaken.

“Whim has been one of those grounds that had a lot of attention because monies were spent there but it is big and it will take a lot of money to fix everything. So we will be spending three million dollars there to fix that ground,” the minister noted.

Contractors are expected to start working before the end of the month. Three additional projects are being undertaken at the Bermine ground at Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Burnham Park and the Skeldon Community Centre.

the victorious team strike a pose just after the game on sunday at ellesmere ground (Photo: Rivera Madholall)

sport minister dr Frank anthony

Pan american Hockey Federation cuP…

Guyanese ladies lose to Canada

The Guyana ladies endured a tough debut match at their first ever Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) Cup being staged in Mendoza, Argentina, going down to Canada 0-8.

On a freezing cold evening, with temperatures hovering around 0oc and strong gusts of winds, the Guyanese ladies braved the unfamiliar conditions to face the tough opposition of Canada at the newly opened Mendocino hockey stadium in Mendoza.

The Canadians, ranked 23rd in the world, would have been confident in knowing that in a recent warmup tour to Canada, the 58th ranked Guyanese had difficulty managing their provincial teams.

Canada piled the pressure onto the Guyanese deep defense from the opening whistle, making it difficult for Guyana to outlet the ball comfortably from

the back. The strategy worked for Canada as the Guyanese struggled to find some composure and suffered an opening goal when Canadian striker Hannah Haughn scored her team’s first goal with a powerful reverse stick strike five minutes into the match.

With the pressure producing several counterattacks for Canada, Guyanese sweeper Ulrica Sutherland and goalkeeper Alysa Xavier

were called upon several times to rescue the team with some brilliant individual tackles and goalkeeping respectively.

Canada would continue the pressure as the half wore on by scoring three more field goals through a ‘tip in’ from Thea Culley, a kind rebound finish by Abigail Raye and a swift strike by Jessica Barnett.

Guyana looked a more organised unit in the second half but still

had difficulty penetrating a cohesive and wellrehearsed Canadian defense. Midfielders Marzana Fiedtkou and Leigh Sandison were steady in the midfield, but the Canadians were able to reduce their passing options and smother Guyana’s attacks quickly.

While the field goal opportunities for the Canadians in the second half did not come quite as easily, they still man-

aged to score four more goals in the second half with two being field goals and two by way of penalty corners.

Thea Culley managed to put her name on the score sheet once more in the second half haul, while teammates Caashia Carrington, Brienne Stairs and Stephanie Norlander completed the list of scorers with one each.

According to coach Philip Fernandes, while

PePsi inter-county one-day tournament…

the result was disappointing for Guyana, the team took away a lot of positives from the match. Fernandes indicated that the last time Guyana played against Canada in an international competition was in the 2012 World League where Canada won 10-0. In the other pool, the U.S. A. defeated Mexico 6-0, while Chile and Uruguay played to a nilall draw.

Demerara beat Berbice by three wickets

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Two contrasting halfcenturies from captain Christopher Barnwell and Rajendra Chandrika guided Demerara to a nervy three-wicket win over Berbice in the second round Pepsi InterCounty 50-over competition on Tuesday at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda.

The duo’s whirlwind partnership of 117 set the stage for the chase, one which was eventually achieved after several heart-stopping moments.

spectable total.

Berbice were reeling at 137 for 6, but Bishoo’s late counter-attack along with all- rounder Romario ShepherdDeJonge, gave life to the lower-middle order.

The left-handed Bishoo slammed four

fours and two sixes in his 63-ball innings while Shepherd-DeJonge made 38.

Devon Clements (30), Anthony Bramble (26), captain Sewnarine Chattergoon (18) and Shimron Hetemyer (12) were the other batsmen

to reach double figures. Bowling for Demerara, Christopher Barnwell was the pick of the bowlers, snapping up 4 for 59 off his 10 overs, while Paul Wintz, Kellon Carmichael, Jacobs, and Trevon Griffith, picked up one wicket each.

Demerara finished on 252 for 7 with an over to spare, chasing the 250. Barnwell and Chandrika came together after Demerara were reduced to 49 for 3, and managed to turn the game on its head. The pair almost immediately, settled into a free-flowing rhythm. They went about eliminating the dot balls, ran the fielders ragged, picked off boundaries at will and set Demerara up for the victory.

three fours.

Derwin Christian made 26 not out, Zaheer Mohamed, 18, and Shaquil Williams, 14 not out, played useful cameos to secure the victory at the end.

Robin Bacchus and Steven Jacobs contributed 16 runs each.

Barnwell, who was adjudged Man-of-theMatch, slammed 72 off 65 balls, inclusive of six fours and five sixes to complement his 101 in the opening round against Essequibo on Saturday. The righthanded, Chandrika made a 91-ball 62 with

Fast bowler Keon Joseph and leg spinner Devendra Bishoo picked up two wickets each while Eon Hooper, Gudakesh Motie and Devon Clements had one wicket apiece.

Earlier, Berbice rallied from a commanding unbeaten 72 from Bishoo and a sixth wicket stand of 63 runs that eventually guided them to the re-

the guyanese girls lined-up for the playing of the national anthem prior to the start of the game

christopher barnwell collects his man-of-the-match trophy from ddl/pepsi brand manager larry wills while another staff member from ddl looks on (Rajiv Bisnauth photo)

Jamaican Olympian moves from selling 'bag juice' on Kingston streets, back to the classroom

Instead of selling bagged juices on the streets of Kingston, these days Jamaican Olympian Olivia McKoy has her arms filled with books and markers, as she heads to teach classes at the Hydel Group of Schools.

McKoy, who was in July spotted at the intersection of Oxford Road and Knutsford Boulevard in New Kingston peddling bagged juices in a desperate attempt to make a living, has been given a place in the classroom by Hyacinth Bennett, director of the group of schools after her story was published in the Sunday Observer on July 21.

Last Friday, when Jamaican media visited the school, McKoy stood in front of 32 students in a grade eight classroom, eloquently delivering the Mathematics formula to eager students bent on grasping just what was being written on the board.

McKoy's professionalism and method of putting across the information resulted in the students positively responding to her questions after being shown an example in the transposition of formulae in algebra.

That was just one of McKoy's classes.

Back to teaching

She later explained that she teaches Mathematics and

Literacy to grades seven, eight and nine students, while also helping out in the coaching of javelin throwers.

“…everything is going fine. You know, getting back into what I'm actually used to— teaching and helping the young people—is challenging, because the young people of today are in their own world so you have to help them with the vision that they have and try to help them to realise that what you are telling them is actually necessary for the future," she said.

The Olympian, who

represented Jamaica at the national level as a javelin thrower, said that she is settling comfortably in her new roles.

She said that other staff members are happy for her and have embraced her progress at the school so far.

McKoy, who lives on the campus, said that she tries to make herself as comfortable as possible, while doing her preparation for classes.

Transformation

The transformation of the athlete was a vast contrast to the

streets with her fouryear-old son. McKoy was later forced to send him overseas with a friend in an attempt to keep him safe. He is still living overseas.

McKoy represented Jamaica at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia and returned eight years later to participate at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

She has been to numerous Commonwealth Games, winning a bronze medal in 2006, and also represented Jamaica at the Pan American Games and the Central American and Caribbean Championships.

The veteran javelin

battered and bruised woman who was forced

against the ropes, having to sleep on the

thrower placed second at the National Senior Championship in June.

McKoy attended Tulloch Primary School, Crescent All-Age, Bog Walk Secondary, St Jago High, and Northern Caribbean University (NCU) before taking up an overseas scholarship to Louisiana Tech University.

She lived in Atlanta for 15 years while attending university and representing Jamaica.

She was a pre-school teacher and a high school teacher, teaching for a year and a half at St Mary's College.

McKoy holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Louisiana Tech University and is also pursuing a Master's degree. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

olympian javelin thrower olivia mckoy teaching mathematics to grade 8 students at the Hydel group of schools. (Bryan Cummings/Jamaica Observer photos)

FlasHback: up to last July, mckoy was selling juice on the streets of kingston

mckoy pays special attention to a student as she tries to further explain the transposition of formulae in algebra.

Jamaica’s ‘Axeman' Walters signs with Top Rank's Bob Arum

The long wait for World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight champion Jamaican Nicholas 'The Axeman' Walters has ended. After months waiting for a promoter to sign him to an agreement to make his first title defence, he has now inked a deal with worldfamous promoter Bob Arum and his Top Rank organisation to fight an opponent to be named shortly, on November 9 in Corpus Christi, Texas.

This will be on a card featuring two other world title fights.

Jacques Deschamps, who manages Walters, told Jamaican media Tuesday that the contract with Top Rank is now "signed, sealed and delivered”.

Deschamps added, “he (Walters) is anxious to get back into the ring after a nine-month layoff and he will now be able to show the world that he is the best featherweight boxer in the world."

Walters won the title on December 8, 2012 at the National Indoor Sports Centre by scoring a dramatic seventhround technical knockout over Daulis Prescott of Colombia.

Plans were for him to make his first title defence in Jamaica, but negotiations dragged on for months and finally ended without resolution.

Deschamps said that he negotiated with both Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions for several weeks and Top Rank came up with the best offer.

The contract is for

Edwards replaces injured Cotterell on Windies A tour of India

MYSORE, India

- Fast bowler

Fidel Edwards

will replace injured leftarm seamer Sheldon Cotterell in the West Indies A team for their current series against India A. Cotterell was forced to pull out of the tour after suffering from pain in his left knee. “It was a devastating blow when we found out that Sheldon was injured and could not play. He is one of the most promising quick bowlers we have in the West Indies,” team manager Lockhart Sebastien said.

five fights in two years, and to keep up his end of the bargain, Walters has to keep winning.

"Nicholas has to win to keep the contract alive, and if he performs well, Jamaica's boxing fans will be able to see him on HBO," Deschamps pointed out. "The purse money that he will command will depend on his performances and his success, and if he does well, he can be a headline fighter."

In a statement after the signing, Arum said that he was pleased to add Walters to his camp because there were some good fighters in that weight class.

Walters said he is thrilled that the negotiations had ended on a positive note because he is anxious to get into the ring.

"I have waited a long time for this to happen and feel great that the wait is over. This has been my longest lay-off since I turned professional, and I am happy to end the drought," said Walters.

"Now that I have signed a contract, I hope that everything will work itself out and that I will know who my opponent is in a matter of days. I want a good fighter so that I can show off my boxing skills, and my only regret is that I will not be doing it at home,” the boxer noted.

He assured, “I will be ready, regardless of who they put in the ring against me, and I want to score a big victory for my many fans, especially those in Jamaica and Panama." (Excerpted from Jamaica Gleaner)

“We were looking forward to seeing him perform well on this tour for the West Indies A team, but unfortunately he has been ruled out due to injury”.

Cotterrell was named in both the limited-overs and four-day squads but did not play any of the three one-dayers or the one-off T20.

He was not in the XI for the first unofficial Test set to enter its second day in Mysore today (Thursday).

“He was impressive in recent months, especially in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and this was a great chance for him to show his skills again,” said Sebastien.

“We are still confident

we have the bowlers to do the job and we expect the team to continue doing well on this tour.” Edwards last played for West Indies during the tour of Bangladesh late last year.

He didn’t feature in West Indies’ home international season this year but played the CPL, in which he took nine wickets, including a fivewicket haul.

(WICB)

Fidel edwards

nicholas axeman' walters (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)

Hafeez admits to poor showing in Tests

Mohammad

Hafeez is quite likely to be axed from Pakistan’s Test squad given his poor showing in the format this year but, Hafeez said, he could not complain if that happened and it would be part and parcel of the game.

A lack of first-class game time, he said, has contributed to his woes, but he still believes he is “one big innings” away from establishing himself in Test cricket.

“It’s not a bad patch, it’s not form too,” Hafeez said in Lahore. “It happens in cricket, you try your best but sometimes you can’t perform in a particular format. It’s not a matter of technique even, the ball is coming on to my bat but I am not able to play a big innings. It happens with any big cricketer.”

Hafeez has aggregated 102 runs in 10 Test innings this year, and his biggest struggle was the three match Test series against South Africa in February.

That signaled the start of his current slump, as he was doing reasonably well since being recalled in 2010 after a three-year gap. In South Africa, he was ex-

posed against moving ball and became Dale Steyn’s bunny.

On the recent trip to Zimbabwe, he remained off color in the Tests, scoring 59 in four innings despite being the Man of the Series in the ODIs.

He cited Pakistan’s lack of Test matches as a major hurdle for him to turn his form around:

“If you look at Test series we played against South Africa six months ago, we didn’t play first-

class cricket [until the Zimbabwe series this month], so it’s a lengthy gap and it’s not easy to adapt yourself in the format after such lengthy gap.

But yes it’s not an excuse, I admit that in the previous five Test matches my performance has not been good and I am concerned about it.”

Given his current form, Hafeez says he will accept his fate - whatever it be - when the squad is announced. (Cricinfo)

Gayle labels Usain Bolt Jamaica’s biggest ambassador

DUBAI, United Arab EmiratesChris Gayle, arguably the world’s leading T20 batsman, has described countryman Usain Bolt as Jamaica’s biggest ambassador on the global stage. “Words cannot explain what he (Bolt) has done for Jamaica and the world,” said Gayle during an interview with Gulfnews. com on Wednesday.

“He has rewritten history”. The fastest man on the planet has established himself as legend by becoming the first male sprinter to retain the Olympic 100 and 200- metre gold, achieved in London last year.

Bolt also boasts the highest tally of sprint

medals at the World Championships surpassing American Carl Lewis in quality.

“I am really happy for him. I have heard him speaking about how he trains etc, and hope youngsters can take a leaf out of him,” said Gayle.

“I hope he can go on to do bigger things. Everywhere you go, you hear people say Usain Bolt, Usain Bolt now. He has done wonders for Jamaica”.

mohammad Hafeez

usain bolt

chris gayle