Guyanatime 11 march 2018

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Issue No. 3499

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Govt admits to limited monitoring of deportees …as US report shows rise in

by Police deportations to Guyana Page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Mabura man nabbed with illegal gun, ammo P8

Int’l mining companies P14 promise large investments in Guyana

International Solar Summit

President Granger meets with India’s Environment Minister

Page 9

…seeks to strengthen cooperation in energy

Region 2 P15 impresses at STEAM fair

ExxonMobil partner hit by sharp dip in share value

P12

Small rice farmers seeking help as cows feast on crop …300 farmers at the mercy of 150 cows

AFC executive pushes for fired sugar workers to be charged Page 7

…for being unable to send children to school

2 die in Houston accident

Page 2

Fire destroys Good Hope house P13 …4 homeless

Harmon, P10 Ramnarine differ on Top Cop candidates …PSC still before parliamentary committee

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news

SUnDAY, March 11, 2018 guyanatimesGY.com

Small rice farmers seeking help as cows feast on crop …300 farmers at the mercy of 150 cows

three acres of the lands he cultivated, which amounted to 70 bags instead of an estimated 90 bags.

He is urging cattle owners to act more responsibly.

Another framer of the same village, Amjad Ally, who cultivates a similar acreage, explained that the farmers have erected protective makeshift fences but it is not helping. “We put wire fence across the trench but

By Andrew Carmichael

S

mall rice farmers on the Corentyne, in Berbice, are calling for the urgent intervention of the Agriculture Ministry or regional officials in order to save their crops from cattle.

The animals have been invading rice fields and destroying the crops. Most of these farmers cultivate five acres or less of rice and could see production being reduced by 40 per cent if assistance is not immediate.

Reports are that the animals were removed from Cookrite Savannah during the floods last year and taken to the reef, which is no longer being used for crop farming. Each of the villages between Number 43 and 74 has about 40 acres of land – referred to as the second depth which was once coconut estates and cash crop farms. However, over the past decade, those lands have become aban-

the cow dem breaking it and going and eat out the rice.

Now that the rice ready to bear, they eating the rice,” he told this publication.

He said they have tried numerous times to capture the rice eating animals but to no avail.

Meanwhile, Amarnath Potamber, who has 35 acres of rice under cultivation at Number 55 Village, and also owns three dozen heads of

because of cattle rustling in Berbice, he is forced into keeping his animals in the area. “When you fence them up people can easily come and catch what they want and sell them and you get nothing.

Speaking with this publication, Nandkumar Goberdhan of Number 56 Village who has seven and a half acres under rice cultivation said many of those who

Cows invading rice fields on the Corentyne on Friday morning

doned since most of its owners have migrated.

The area is not fenced and is now home to cattle which are grazing in the rice fields. Some of the farmers are estimating the yield of 30 bags per acre and are fearful that the cows will eat an average of 12 bags of paddy from every acre. Their fears worsen as it will not only be low production but a poor quality of rice which will attract the lowest prices from millers.

Some of the farmers are calling on the Government to fence the area while others are calling on authorities to issue notices to the cattle farmers.

Shazam Moheed, who cultivates five acres at Number 55 Village, told Guyana Times that every afternoon, he reinforces the fence around his rice farm, but on several occasions, the animals are in his field by the next day. During the last crop, he only reaped

The field where the cows are left

cattle, noted that it is only a few cattle owners who are not taking care of their animals.

“Right now I lost about 40 bags of paddy already.

We try to avoid them from going into the rice but they still breaking and go in. This happening about five years now.”

The farmers are estimating each bag of paddy lost at $3000.

According to the farmers who spoke with Guyana Times, they have tried to get the Rice Producers Association (RPA) to engage the errant cattle farmers but to no avail.

According to Potamber, the errant cattle farmers should be given notices.

Meanwhile, one of the errant cattle farmers, who asked not to be identified, told this publication that

have cows are themselves rice farmers. However, their farms are to the back and as such, they display a “don’t care” attitude since they have large rice cultivations. The fields the cows invade are the smaller rice fields located in the front of the cultivation areas.

Meanwhile, Ramgolam Singh, a former Extension officer of the RPA, who cultivates over 100 acres at Number 55 Village believes that the only solution to the problem is for the Government to intervene and erect two fences approximately 2500 rods each. One fence he explained will be placed in the Savannah (Number 52-66) cattle pasture and one on the Government reserve between homestead farm and the rice lands.

Man found dead in city hotel identified

S

ome three days after a lifeless body was found in a city hotel room, the elderly man was identified by a relative on Saturday morning.

Dead is 74-year-old Michael Rajnauth, a vendor of Lot 548 La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara. He was identified by his son.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted on the man’s body to determine the cause of death.

Rajnauth was found motionless in a room at the K&VC Hotel on South Road, Georgetown, on Wednesday, sometime around 13:30h.

According to reports, the man had checked into the room on Tuesday, and paid to utilise it for one day.

However, when the time expired at about noon the following day, the receptionist reportedly called the guest but there was no answer.

Other staff members sought to knock on the man’s room door, but again, received no response. The hotel’s manager subsequently ordered staffers to enter the room.

It was then that the elderly man was found clad in only a grey three-quarter pants, lying lifeless on the bed. A white substance, suspected to be poison was observed around the bed and on the floor, near the man.

There were no signs of violence on the deceased’s body, Police said.

His body was taken to the Lyken’s Funeral home.

news

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Demerara – Sunday, March 11 – a night time retraction at 01:00h and a day time retraction from 13:00h-14:30h and Monday, March 12 – a night time retraction at 02:00h and a day time retraction from 13:30h-15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, March 11 – 12:20h-13:50h and Monday, March 12 – 13:15h-14:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times - 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Partly cloudy skies with sunny intervals can be expected throughout the day, with partly cloudy to clear skies expected in the evening. Overall temperatures are expected to range between 20 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 6.70 metres.

High Tide: 11:47h reaching a maximum height of 2.07 metres.

Low Tide: 05:12h and 18:02h reaching minimum heights of 1.23 metres and 1.12 metres respectively.

SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS J

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18 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 15 21 23 25

26

LUCKY 3 3 6 0

8

Afternoon Draw DRAW DE LINE

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Evening Draw

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

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SunDAY, march 11, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt admits to limited monitoring of deportees by Police

…as US report shows rise in deportations to Guyana

By Jarryl Bryan

S

ome 137 Guyanese were last year deported from the United States of America (USA) for various offences. They have returned to their homeland – Guyana -- but any procedures for reintegrating them into society without incident are limited at best.

Additionally, for those who would have committed criminal offences, there is little monitoring of them when they return to Guyana.

This publication spoke to Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan in a recent interview, and he admitted that there is no formal reintegration or monitoring procedure for these deportees.

“We don’t have any process of really reintegrating them,” he related. “We try as best (as is possible) to let them go back to their families. They check with the Police for a couple of weeks. There isn’t an institutionalised reintegration process,” the minister explained.

“As far as I know, there was kind of an experimental pilot project that was supported initially years ago, but when they’re deported, they come back to their country of birth because they are citizens of Guyana. And that’s more or less the situation.”

The minister was also asked how many persons were deported for committing violent, criminal offences. Ramjattan noted that while he believes the Enforcement and Removal Operations Report (ERO) report was accurate, he has not yet been able to do a formal analysis of its findings.

“Not having proper documentation is a criminal offence,” Ramjattan explained. “If they are convicted for murder, if they’re convicted for rape or whatever, those are all criminal offences. America deports exclusively, in my opinion,

Some 137 deportees were last year sent back to Guyana from the United States

for criminal offences. All of them were criminals.

“There are Guyanese who misbehaved over there, committed offences,” he further related. “Some were jailed for some time, then sent back. Some were immediately sent back for a variety of offences.”

Over the years, a number of deportees have been fingered in a number of criminal activities ranging from assault to murder. In some instances, they were even deported after already serving time for criminal activities.

Previously, President David Granger had expressed some level of concern about Guyana’s ability and capacity to handle any possible influx of Guyanese being deported from the USA. He had explained that a better approach to the situation would be for the US to provide ample time and adequate notice before sending the undocumented criminals back to Guyana.

“We will have to put measures in place to ensure deportees do not try to perpetrate crimes when they get back here, but it is something we must prepare for,” he had stated during an edition of “The Public Interest”, a televised programme now on an extended hiatus.

ICE

The report in question is the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations

Report (ERO) for the fiscal year 2017. Documented therein is that a total of 137 Guyanese were deported from the USA in 2017.

This is a hike compared to 93 persons who were removed and sent back home in 2016 for various criminal offences.

ERO identifies, arrests, and removes aliens who present a danger to national security or a threat to public safety, or who otherwise undermine border control and the integrity of the US immigration system.

When US President Donald Trump was elected to office in 2016, it did not take long for the administration to pursue a more forceful crackdown on illegal immigration.

Last year, he issued Executive Order 13,768, Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States (EO), which set forth the Administration’s immigration enforcement and removal priorities.

The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) February 20, 2017 memorandum, Enforcement of the Immigration Laws to Serve the National Interest (implementation memorandum), provided direction for the implementation of the policies set forth in the EO. An executive order was even signed by President Trump, which threatened the grant of federal aid to countries that do not take back deportees promptly.

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SunDAY, march 11, 2018

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

The lessons of sugar

A

t Babu Jaan, as the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) commemorates the death of their founder Dr Cheddi Jagan, there are lessons to be gleaned from his experience that can serve Guyana in the present. And this is as it should be. We inevitably look back at history to seek answers to questions posed in our present from the experience of those who preceded us. The answers may not be identical to those that were proffered in the past, but at least they may suggest a particular approach to be taken.

When Jagan was born in 1918 after WWI, Indian immigration has just been discontinued but it would be another two years that the last indentured contracts would expire. Both his parents had arrived as “child immigrants” and for his father to have risen to the position of “head driver” by the time he sent Cheddi to study at Queens College in Georgetown, he must have been an incredibly resourceful individual who would have had a great influence on his oldest son. Even though he was tied to a sugar plantation on the periphery of Georgetown, this did not prevent him from perceiving that education was the way up and out from that “total institution”. And that he chose the very best of what was available at the time – where the sons of the elite were groomed for leadership, meant he did not accept his humble beginnings disqualified his offspring from aspiring to that status.

Today, the sugar industry is in ruins, brought there through a combination of the evolution of global production and trade and by the machinations of vicious politicians in Guyana. The People’s National Congress (PNC) in 1964 saw the sugar workers who supported the PPP and Jagan, as a force that must be destroyed so they would be unchallenged in the political realm. The levy that was imposed on the sugar industry, which was soon nationalised, sucked all profits out so that the necessary modernisation to reduce the cost of production was never even attempted.

But the lesson of Jagan’s life is now even more relevant: the children of sugar workers must seek to become educated for the new economy that the discovery of oil could make possible. But just as those who reaped the profits of sugar – first Bookers and then the PNC – never used it to develop the rural sugar-based communities, it has now become clear this new PNCled Government will continue in the same mode. The mass firing of thousands is only the beginning: the aim is to ensure those communities remain as hewers of wood and drawers of water. Over the last two and a half years one has to only look at who have been selected for scholarships; internships and fellowships to take over the mantle of leadership.

So like Jagan – senior and junior - the sugar workers and their children will have to achieve by their own efforts. Jagan returned from his studies as a professional – a dentist – and was therefore able to remain independent to chart his own destiny. And not so incidentally to also dedicate himself to right the wrongs that were so obvious all around him. So it was then and so it will have to be again. And maybe it is for the best: they will not be at the mercy of the PNC as they were during its first incarnation when it nationalised 80 per cent of the economy.

The PPP at Babu Jaan will have to enunciate a vision that takes the above into focus. The struggle ahead is not just “political” in the narrow sense it has come to be understood but “political” in the fundamental sense of appreciating that all relations are “political” in the apprehension of its unequal distribution and the need for justice to be done.

The struggle ahead therefore must be waged on all fronts: in the words of Antonio Gramsci, a war of position and a war of manoeuvre must be conducted simultaneously.

Dancers performing to a chutney song at the Mashramani 2018 prize-giving ceremony at the National Cultural Centre on Friday evening (Carl Croker photo)

Termination interpreted as an act of suppression Dear Editor, It is public knowledge that my contract with the State-owned Guyana National Newspaper Limited (GNNL) for the column “Eye on Guyana with Lincoln Lewis” was terminated. This did not come as a surprise to me for recent developments suggested that the powers that be were not comfortable with my points of view, particularly those that sought to hold them accountable as a caring representative, inclusionary Government that is just and fair.

Let me state upfront as a trade unionist I understand it is the right of any employer to terminate a contract.

What bothers me most is not the mere termination of the contract which is within their right to so do; it is the insidious nature of the act that suggests that Guyana is not moving forward. This termination is interpreted by me as an act of suppression in the State-owned newspaper that is responsible to the people of Guyana, but con-

tinues to see Government moving to manage and control.

It is time for change where every citizen and group, regardless of political affiliation, be given un-biased access and coverage in the people’s organ. A strong and astute government functioning democratically should have the ability to counter views and create an environment of public education and gain support for their programmes, which will only happen if people see these as progressive and beneficial to them. In reality this Government’s weakness is its inability to avoid public consternation on basic matters and requirements that speak to good governance.

In fact, many in this government are thin-skinned and petty.

In this information/ communication era the Government should be mindful that they cannot stop the people’s desire for transparency, inclusion and accountability which international

expectations and relations are built on. It is backward and counter-productive to want to do otherwise.

Society expects successive governments to do better than its predecessor because it is based on discontent with the predecessor that the incumbent would have gained power. State media, fundamental rights and freedoms suppression are some of the things the people expressed their discontent with prior to May 2015. These must not now continue under this Administration and they must know they will not have our silence or support. Many supporters and well-wishers are being done an injustice and rightfully feel dissatisfied.

For two years I have written the Sunday column “Eye on Guyana with Lincoln Lewis.” In my lifetime as a trade unionist I have discharged of my duties without fear or favour through successive governments and oppositions. I have held all and sundry accountable. I

will not stop now. The termination of this column will not still my interest or activism- it will not still my voice, for as long as they are politicians, leaders or anyone whose action threatens society’s well-being that is conducive to labour’s survival they shall hear from me.

My eye remains focused on Guyana.

This opportunity is taken to thank the many who have supported my column throughout the years and those who offered valued advice, including those who have expressing concern for the implications to society and development.

It would be naïve to think that the Editor-in-Chief Nigel Williams unilaterally disposed of myself and David Hinds as columnists in the State newspaper. Hopefully he will not be made the fall guy for adhering to what is evidently political interference.

Sincerely, Lincoln Lewis

Honouring the other two-thirds Guyanese women Dear Editor, I was absolutely delighted to read the Guyana Times report of March 9, 2018, about the exhibition entitled “African Guyanese Women” which was mounted to mark International Women’s Day through the collaborative efforts of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and the United Nations Association of Guyana (UNAG) in cooperation with Castellani House.

This important exhibition highlighted the contributions of African Guyanese women such as People’s National Congress (PNC) stalwarts

Viola Burnham, Winifred Gaskin and Shirley Field Ridley, and also paid homage to the African women who endured the hardships of slavery.

In light of Guyana’s diverse racial/ethnic population, I am sure the above-mentioned organisations that brought this exhibition to fruition intended no slight and are now working to mount a similar one to showcase the contributions of the other two-thirds of the country’s women who are Indian, Portuguese, Chinese, and mixed Guyanese, and women of the First Nations.

Women from these communities also made commendable contributions to national development politically, socially and culturally, and are descendants of mothers and grandmothers who endured the hardships of indentureship and, in the instance of the First Nations, the brutalities of colonial conquest.

They also endured hardships brought on by more recent political and socio-economic situations such as the 28-year PNC dictatorship, and I would suggest that the exhibitors pay homage to the current plight of the mainly

Indian Guyanese women and their families who are managing to survive on sugar estates that have been shut down by the Granger Government.

No one would ever accuse the M&CC, UNAG and Castellani House of ever subscribing to any prejudiced view that African Guyanese women are singular or superior in their contributions over all the other women of Guyana so I am sure they intended to stage an even larger exhibition to honour the other two-thirds of Guyanese women. continued on page 5

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Another military style boot 25 questions for ExxonMobil stomp on our Constitution!

Dear Editor, Interpretative convenience is not a recognised method of constitutional interpretation. Since May 2015, we have seen the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) and more particularly President Granger twist, bend and pervert the clear language of our Constitution to suit and to secure the President’s wishes.

The people of Guyana have seen President Granger’s interpretation of the Constitution in his unilateral and unconstitutional appointment of the Chairman of GECOM. The people of Guyana took note of President Granger’s refusal to act on the recommendations of the Judicial Service Commission with respect to the appointment of Judges to the Supreme Court for several months.

The people of Guyana have taken note of the President’s unlawful revocation of the leases of some rice farmers in Berbice which the Chief Justice condemned.

The people of Guyana witnessed President Granger’s wrongful and unlawful interference with the work of his constitutionally autonomous Police Service Commission.

And there are several other instances of constitutional violations which can be laid at the door of President Granger and his APNU/ AFC Government.

With these known constitutional violations as the President’s established record, how can any reliance be placed on Minister Harmon s assertion that the President will fully comply with the constitutional provisions in relation to the appointment of a Chancellor and a Chief Justice.

President Granger as he was constitutionally required to do, sought the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition to two persons he identified for appointment to both offices. It is now known that the Leader of the Opposition did not agree with the President’s proposal.

From 2005 to 2015, President Granger, the People’s National Congress (PNC) and latterly APNU/AFC opposed the confirmation of Judges who were acting in the offices of Chancellor and Chief Justice.

The refusal of successive PNC leaders including President Granger, marked the end of the constitutionally prescribed appointment procedure for a Chancellor and Chief Justice.

Not so, on this occasion.

President Granger told the local press that he was awaiting the advice of his Attorney General.

This is going to be a forthcoming disaster. The Attorney General by his successive record of failures in the courts of Guyana and even at the Caribbean Court of Justice cannot be relied on to give a constructive and meaningful opinion on the constitutional implications resulting from the failure of the President to secure the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.

The Attorney General apart, it is President Granger himself who has given a not so subtle indication to the people of Guyana, what his intentions are. After years of being responsible for there being Judges acting in the offices of Chancellor and Chief Justice, President Granger is reported as saying: It is not desirable to continue the current practice of acting which existed for several years and I would like to have a substantive appointment. It’s a question of necessity.

Those were thunderous, ominous words. The confirmed appointment of a Chancellor and a Chief Justice should never be a matter of what the President likes. Confirmed appointments serve the judicial system well and instil confidence by the people of Guyana in the country’s judicial system. What the President likes introduces corrosive, troubling political considerations into the senior judicial appointment process.

More troubling however, is the President’s conclusion that the substantive appointment of a Chancellor and a Chief Justice was a matter of necessity. The use of the word necessity by the President bears very significant implications. I have grave reservations that given his military background, that was a loose choice of word by the President.

My gut feeling is that it was not.

The law recognises a concept of necessity. In the present circumstances, it would mean that if President Granger were to rely on the concept of necessity, then notwithstanding the fact that the Leader of the Opposition has not agreed to the appointment of the persons proposed, the President may go ahead and appoint the persons identified by him contending that without these appointments, the courts would be paralysed. Well, there were two people who acted in those offices for over a decade and the courts were not paralysed.

The people of Guyana should take note, that the public comments by Minister Harmon and President Granger are intended to set the stage and lay the ill-advised and misconceived foundation for unilateral action by the President in clear violation of the Constitution.

The truth is that there is no room for the application of the concept of necessity. Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall went to great lengths to point out that the Constitution itself provides what should happen if the Leader of the Opposition does not agree with the President’s nominees.

The President’s current stance on these appointments must not be examined in isolation. It must be seen in the light of comments made recently by Sir Dennis Byron, President of the Caribbean Court of Justice in November of 2017.

Addressing the Bar Association’s annual dinner, Sir Dennis Byron recalled that for 12 years, no substantive Chancellor was ever appointed.

For a significant part of those 12 years, Sir Dennis was head of the CCJ. He never once uttered a public word of condemnation.

He however, noted that the failure to agree (as must have been within the contemplation of our constitutional reformers who prescribed a formula for acting appointments) was not an acceptable option and that in the absence of any framework to establish agreement, the issue became justiciable.

Sir Dennis has opened a can of worms. Having been silent on this matter for the past several years, now with the accession to office of President Granger and his APNU/AFC Government, Sir Dennis finds it appropriate to make constitutionally unsound public comments.

Those comments appear to have emboldened President Granger. He appears by his recent public utterances to feel strengthened in his new stance on top judicial appointments by the guidance provided by Sir Dennis Byron on the way forward. And Sir Dennis is known on his visits to Guyana for his social engagements with known PNC activists/supporters and former PNC Ministers.

In the meantime, Guyana awaits another military style boot stomp on our Constitution.

Sincerely, Selwyn Persaud

Dear Editor, ExxonMobil’s Kimberly Brasington, Senior Director, Public & Government Affairs, recently made several comments to the media and at public/private gatherings in Guyana that give the impression to Guyanese of being condescending and pompous.

In response to Ms Brasington’s remarks to the Guyanese public, I have presented below a few questions for Ms Brasington to answer 1. Are you an employee of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited?

2. Was it necessary for you to mention that a lot of eyes were on Guyana watching to see how “this” plays out?

3. Do you consider Guyana an unstable environment?

4. If efforts are being made by Guyanese to have an unconscionable contract renegotiated, would that qualify Guyana as an unstable country?

5. Where is the logic in your statement that the sanctity of a contract is more important in a “frontier” country that is new to the oil and gas sector?

6. Could you identify the section in the 1999 agreement that makes Guyana liable for pre-contract cost?

7. Why was an extremely low royalty rate and a relatively minor signing bonus included in the 2016 contract for a block of 6.6 million acres and billions of barrels of proven low-cost oil reserves?

8. How can you say with certainty that ExxonMobil would have said “no thanks” to a request for a very high signing bonus for billions of barrels of proven and recoverable low-cost oil reserves?

9. Why is there no scope for a justifiable production bonus for Guyana?

10. Why is there scope for a fabricated US$460 million pre-contract cost?

11. Is it rational to pay the Government of Guyana the same amount of signing bonus on a 1.4 billion barrels’ oil discovery as on a 10 billion barrels’ oil discovery?

12. Will Exxon set off the contrived US$460 million pre-contract charge against

Honouring the other...

In order to help them in their research and planning, I will list just a few names of women who must be included: Guyana’s first and only woman President, Janet Jagan; trailblazing businesswoman Lyla Kissoon; academic Dr Desrey Fox; historian Sr Noel Menez; poet Mahadai Das; artists Betsy Karim, Stephanie Correia and Bernadette Persaud; philanthropist Ameena Gafoor; environmental activist Annette Arjoon-Martins; Gladys Ramsarran, the first woman in the West Indies

to qualify as a lawyer in 1932; Clara Ramdehol who had the distinction of being the second woman to qualify as a lawyer; and martyrs Kowsilla and Sumintra who gave their lives for this country’s freedom.

I and communities of women across Guyana are anxiously awaiting the announcement of the date for the grand opening of the M&CC, UNAG and Castellani House’s exhibition entitled “Indian Guyanese Women, Portuguese Guyanese

Women, Chinese Guyanese Women, Mixed Guyanese Women, and Women of the First Nations.”

The title is somewhat cumbersome and the prior exhibition could have been entitled simply “Guyanese Women” had it included women from every community, except that the M&CC, UNAG and Castellani House chose to be selective.

International Women’s Day has come and gone but the contributions of the women from the other twothirds of Guyana’s popula-

from page 4

tion who were not selected for the exhibition will not ever go unrecognised because they have bequeathed a living, breathing legacy to future generations who will stand on their brave shoulders and achieve even greater heights no matter what prejudices they face from groups within our society.

I am sure that the M&CC, UNAG and Castellani House will agree with these sentiments.

Sincerely, Ryhaan Shah

any royalty or profit share due to Guyana?

13. Do you consider a contract as having sanctity and legality after signing for 600 blocks, when the Guyana Petroleum Act allows for a company to contract for only 60 blocks?

14. Does the presence of Government of Guyana auditors on the Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessels on a 24/7basis breach the terms or sanctity of the contract?

15. During your eighteen years as an employee of ExxonMobil Corporation, has Exxon ever done anything unethical?

16. Are you aware that on February 14, 2017, United States President Donald John Trump signed legislation repealing an Obamaera rule that forced energy and mining companies to disclose any payments they made abroad, and that ExxonMobil once lobbied against the Obamaera rule?

17. When you speak of real value in the sanctity of contracts, is your statement applicable to lop-sided contracts that hugely disadvantage one party and are overly generous to the other party?

18. Are you aware that sanctimonious and binding slave contracts existed, and release from these contracts was necessitated by the widely held belief that inhumane and unconscionable contracts are unenforceable?

19. Why can’t you compare ExxonMobil operating in an established region to operating in Guyana, considering that when the agreement was signed in 2016, over 1.4 billion barrels of proven low-cost oil reserves

were already discovered in Guyana, along with expectations that substantially more oil was in the same oil field, and probably much more oil in the Stabroek Block?

20. Isn’t it disingenuous to claim you would not disclose the nature of the negotiations for the bonus and yet you still divulge that “in the end” both parties got what they wanted and are satisfied, and even if more oil is discovered “there was no possibility of a higher bonus” or incorporation of a production bonus to the agreement?

21. While claiming you can’t comment on closed door negotiations, why do you selectively comment on discussions during closed door negotiations?

22. How can you claim that the 2016 agreement is “actually a globally competitive one relative to countries with a similar oil and gas profile”?

23. You said the Stabroek Petroleum Agreement “in the case of Guyana was an unproven basin”. In which universe is this true, when, at the time of signing the agreement, 1.4 billion barrels of proven and recoverable lowcost oil reserves were known to be in the Stabroek Block?

24. With the sanctified Petroleum Agreement being signed on June 27, 2016, why was there a necessity to have the sacred contract finalized on October 7, 2016?

25. Was the $18 million signing bonus included in the contract signed on June 27, 2016, or was it inserted after the contract signing date?

Sincerely, Nigel Hinds

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

A tribute to the late

Dr Cheddi Jagan Ashley Anthony

I

f you’re familiar with my articles, women’s rights and equal access to opportunities are something that I hold dearly to myself. I have written about women in Science, women in ICT, the dangers of catcalling, among others. So, of course, I had to write about International Women’s Day! International Women’s Day, celebrated last Thursday, was done under the theme “#pressforprogress”.

Since the last International Women’s Day, the world, I believe, has undergone a sort of revolution. Movements such as #metoo, #timesup have been pushed to the forefront. Women all around the world used the hashtags to point out abuse of power, and more particularly sexual abuse in the workplace; as well as to call for change.

Notably, last Thursday as well, former Bishop’s High School teacher Coen Jackson was charged, and remanded to prison for engaging in sexual activity with a child

under the age of sixteen.

When that story broke, I was both horrified and simultaneously encouraged.

I was angry at the things that students said Jackson had done to them, how he had misused his position as their teacher, how he had sexually groomed students, and especially how many people claimed that his actions were common knowledge. Yet I was also inspired by the response of the public. The public refused to let this slip idly by, staging protests and truly calling for a change.

This type of public responsibility gives me hope.

It makes me feel as though we, as a society, are progressing. Yet -- I am sure, sadly -- there are many other teachers like Jackson; teachers who prey upon their students, teachers whose “behaviours” are excused, since they are so good at their jobs. I hope that Jackson serves as an example that no one is untouchable. I hope that how this case was handled gives other girls the courage to

come forward. And I hope that we continue to believe our girls when they are brave enough to speak out.

International Women’s Day is, I think, important, as it gives a chance to reflect upon the strides we have made in women’s rights, and serves as a reminder that we still have so much further to go. It is a chance to celebrate beautiful, border-pushing women.

Personally, on this day, I like to think about the women who push forward in male- dominated fields such as Science and Engineering; in particular Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics.

I think this is because I have seen first hand how negative stereotypes about girls can affect their performance and participation in those fields. It is not okay to tell a girl that she should be better at reading than she is at mathematics. It is not okay to be surprised when a girl is better at mathematics than her male classmates, and it is definitely not okay to doubt a girl’s

abilities simply because she is female.

I know that such responses may seem small and insignificant, but they add up. They say to her that it’s weird that she thinks she would be successful in those fields. They say to her that, because you are female, you should expect that this should be difficult for you.

Breaking into a male-dominated field, even for an extremely determined girl, is hard. It isn’t hard because we can’t handle the work, but it’s hard because we can’t handle the culture. Women have first to break past their own negative views of themselves, then they have to convince everyone else around them, and keep them convinced every day. Female scientists tend to be doubted more, credited less, and ultimately valued less. Yet, we have to #pressonforprogress.

Here’s to strong women.

May we know them, may we be them, and may we raise them.

Dr Cheddi Jagan

By Rev Gideon Cecil

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great soul was born on Guyana’s soil, From parents who lived in poverty tears and toil.

His path was rough from his birth to his death, Where he lived and died for his nation in no regret. He struggled for all Guyanese to be free, In sweat and tears he fought for our liberty.For us to always remember the Father of our Nation, He fought for one and all without discrimination. If we will understand our hero Cheddi Jagan, And give each other love and a helping hand.

We will live as one people and one nation, With the same destiny for our souls to be free.

Let’s remember our liberator and mourn together this day, And join our hearts together to sing and pray.

For us to remember he was a man of patience, He ruled our nation with a clear conscience.

If we will comprehend this great son of our soil, And emulate his vision to walk an extra mile.

We will build a bridge over hate, greed, and war, And live in love to reach heaven’s twinkle stars. O great soul of my country; you came and went away!

For this nation to think of your great name and pray.

In the ages to come your words shall be our song,For us to remember you for our souls to be strong.

You left this nation to mourn and weep for you,And my soul to think of you in everything I do.

O what manner of faith you possessed for 28 years!When you struggled for my nation in blood and tears.

Your name will be a light in every Guyanese heart, And your words of wisdom shall never depart.Your face we will remember as a smiling rose, And your immortal words even though your eyesare closed.

May you be like a Lincoln, Gandhi, and Nehru?

As a true statesman in everything you do.

So long as history lives, your name will live, As the Father of my blessed country Guyana.

You liberated a nation for a new nation to be born, For us to remember Cheddi Jagan as a noble soul reborn.

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SunDAY, march 11, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

AFC executive pushes for fired sugar workers to be charged …for being unable to send children to school

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ith the recent dismissal of over 4700 sugar workers in Berbice, some families are finding it tough to find the necessary funding to send their children to school.

However, Alliance For Change’s (AFC) Senior Executive, Attorney Charrandass Persaud is calling for those parents to be prosecuted for not sending their children to school since he is of the opinion that the children are being kept away from school for political reasons.

In a Facebook page, the AFC member called for these unemployed parents to be charged. “...those of you who go on TV complaining about your children being kept away from school because you were laid off from [Guyana Sugar Corporation] GuySuCo should be charged for keeping them away. When it is out of crop.. .two and three months... and no severance pay… the children still went to school... why now they don’t... to please de PPP?????” Persaud

said in a social media post.

The fired workers have been complaining of not being able to send their children to school because of financial difficulties.

Many complain about the lack of job opportunities, particularly in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) where the GuySuCo laid off the majority of sugar workers.

It is explained that the children are unable to attend school because the families are unable to afford transportation costs along with fees for snacks, assignments, stationery and exams. In addition, some of the dismissed workers only received half of their severance packages and are yet to find jobs to supplement that; hence the reason for their children’s schooling being affected.

In what is described as the largest retrenchment by a private or public corporation in recent history, State-owned GuySuCo dismissed thousands of sugar workers from various

AFC Executive Charrandass Persaud

estates.

On January 19, 2018, Finance Minister Winston Jordan, after receiving a supplementary provision of $1.931 billion from the National Assembly, announced that fired sugar estate workers whose severance payments are $500,000 and less will be paid in full by the end of January 2018.

It was also outlined that workers

receiving in excess of the aforementioned sum would attain 50 per cent of their severance benefits by the end of this month and the other 50 per cent at the end of this year.

The coalition Government closed all but the Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt estates.

The Special Purpose Unit (SPU), set up by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), has contracted PricewaterhouseCoopers to evaluate the assets of the closed estates at Skeldon, Rose Hall and Enmore before selling them.

Thus far, a number of foreign and local companies, including the Demerara Distillers Limited, have expressed their interests in buying the Enmore and Skeldon Estates.

Since the closure of the estates, Government has been heavily criticised for not having a clear direction to steer the terminated workers.

Just last month the SPU ad-

vised that the Government reopen the Skeldon and Enmore sugar factories to attract investors. Finance Minister Winston Jordan said it would have been a difficult task to keep them opened because of the day-today expenses involved while still meeting other obligations, including a huge wage bill. He explained that the reopened estate would operate on a smaller scale when compared to the previous years. According to him, this also sends a good signal to potential buyers.

The Skeldon and Enmore sugar factories are expected to be temporarily reopened by the end of March to reap more than 300,000 tonnes of sugar cane.

The SPU would also use the reopening of these estates as an opportunity to prove to potential investors that all of the estates are viable. However, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said the move to reopen the estates prove that the decision to close then was politically motivated.

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SunDAY, march 11, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

Multiculturalism highlighted at Ganga Temple construction ceremony

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fter many years of determination to obtain a plot of land for the construction of a Ganga Temple, the Guyana Divya Jyoti Association hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to commence the construction on Saturday.

The temple will be built at Craig, on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), in close proximity to the Demerara River which was deemed suitable by the coordinators.

The ceremony was attended by acting President Carl Greenidge; former President Donald Ramotar; Social Protection Minister Amna Ally and other members of Parliament.

During his address, acting President Greenidge highlighted the importance of cultural diversity and unity among Guyanese. Upon reflection, he noted that although there are many temples along the EBD, the will

A sketch of what the temple will look like upon completion

to construction another one shows the high level of commitment that the organisers possess.

“The events that we celebrate together are a symbol of the multicultural culture that constitutes Guyana. This is a country which is blessed with an extensive array of resources.

All Guyanese acknowledge the physical and natural resources but I don’t think we all always recognise the tremendous value of our multiculturalism,” Greenidge explained.

Meanwhile, former President of Guyana, Donald Ramotar in brief remarks stated that the diverse cul-

ture which Guyana comprises, is due to the remarkable works which ancestors have done in their quest to preserve traditions.

There were also addresses made by former Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall; Minister within the Finance Ministry, Jaipaul Sharma and representatives from the Indian High Commission and also Guyana Lands and Survey. The gathering was also entertained by performances from the Ishara Dance Troupe.

The coordinators also expressed the difficulties they encountered in the long-awaited lease which they were recently granted by the Guyana Lands and Survey Commision.

At the end of the religious ceremony, a coconut was broken by acting President as significance to officially consecrate the start of the project.

Mabura man nabbed with illegal gun, ammo

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anks of the Guyana Police Force stationed in E Division (Linden-Kwakwani) have arrested a gold miner after he was found in possession of an unlicensed gun and ammunition.

The discovery was made sometime around 09:45h on Saturday morning at Seaballi Backdam.

According to reports,

Police ranks unearthed an unlicensed .380 SemiAutomatic Pistol and 22 live matching ammunition in the miner’s possession.

The 33-year-old suspect of Mabura Landing, Upper Demerara River, was taken into custody and is being processed for court. He is expected to be arraigned at the Linden Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

The gun and ammunition found

Extrapolating…

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…ignorance

friend sent your Eyewitness a screenshot of a post by an AFC Parliamentarian from Berbice on one fallout from the mass firing of sugar workers in that neck of the woods: they can’t afford to send their children to school. The MP Charanrass bemoaned some of these parents being on TV bemoaning their children’s tragic fate.

Charanrass, who’s a lawyer, was convinced the dastardly PPP was behind the parents’ complaint. And how did he KNOW this? Well, he said that back in 1963, his father -- who was a cane cutter that fathered 14 children – went on strike on behalf of GAWU, and yet he and his siblings were able to continue going to school!! Can you believe a lawyer arguing a case from a single example, and that of his own family? Even in high school he would’ve learnt this is an instance of the (in)famous logical fallacy called “faulty generalization”.

Did he hear about “jumping to conclusions”?? Or about “one sparrow doesn’t make a summer”? Would he say all AFC executives are incompetent negotiators because one of them (Nassau Trotman, AFC’s leader) gave away the store (and then some!!) to Exxon?

But your Eyewitness just realized that’s not such a good illustration, since all AFC executives negotiated the Cummingsburg Accord with the PNC – and ended up with larwah!!

So let’s look at why the fella’s generalization is “faulty”.

His family could’ve had other sources of income. He admitted they had! Then, during GAWU’s famous 135day strike -- which was actually in 1964 – they doled out “strike relief” to workers. Back in the 1960s, most sugar worker families also supplemented their meagre wages with kitchen gardens; “minding” chickens, ducks, sheep; “catching” fish in the canals etc. Rice cultivation was less mechanized then, and part-time work was available in the fields. Etc…etc But Charanrass didn’t stop with his hasty generalization to belittle sugar workers -- who might’ve sent him to Parliament. He also argued that if sugar workers could send their children to school during the “out of crop” periods, which last months, why not now?!! Does he even know GAWU won a 4-day out-of-crop work week for all workers?

If Trump can go against the business class that traditionally supports his party and impose sanctions on steel and aluminum to help the unemployed workers in his “Rust Belt”, can’t these AFC types argue for their PNC Govt to offer relief to sacked sugar workers’ CHILDREN? It’s pathetic that the AFC Berbice MPs -- Nagamootoo, Ramjattan and Charanrass -- are all prostituting their consciences for thirty pieces of silver.

What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?

…on hotels

There is welcome news that Badal, one of the AFC backers, is going to launch a US$100 million expansion of his Pegasus Hotel. And why is he doing this after leveraging his money from chicken feed (which couldn’t really have been “chicken feed”!) to buy the original Pegasus? Well it’s the oil, stupid!! Badal sees a good thing now that Exxon’s hit oil and the planes (well the CAL plane (singular!!!) are chockful of foreign business types who want to be assured about where they’ll be sleeping in a country that’s just above Haiti in their google search!

But all of this just goes to show what a visionary Bharat Jagdeo was to plough on with the Marriott when everyone and their uncle questioned why Guyana needed a branded hotel. Fact of the matter is, as he said at the time, top foreign executives don’t “stay over” at relatives’ – even if they had them in Guyana! – like Guyanese who go up to NY!!

With an internationally branded hotel, they literally know what they’re getting into!!

…the M’Baku challenge

The latest meme on the web is the “M’baku Challenge”, with fans posting their imitations of the Jabari chieftain’s -- played by TT’s Winston Duke -- challenge to the “Black Panther”.

The final line – “Glory to Hanuman” – would’ve already been familiar to the Trini!!

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

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SunDAY, march 11, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

International Solar Summit

President Granger meets with India’s Environment Minister …seeks to strengthen cooperation in energy

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s Guyana continues to forge ahead with the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), President David Granger on Saturday had several meetings with senior members of the Indian Government to strengthen cooperation in the areas of environment and energy.

The Guyanese Head of State departed local shores on Thursday morning to attend the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Founding Conference and International Solar Summit scheduled for today in New Delhi, India.

On Saturday, President Granger met with the Indian Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Dr Harsh Vardhan. “(The) discussions centred around inter alia possible cooperation between the two countries for the effective use of Iwokrama International Centre – a well-known BioReserve in Guyana – and the 500 Green Good Deeds initiated by Minister Harsh Vardhan,” a post on the Facebook account of Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Venkatachalam Mahalingam, who travelled back to his homeland to welcome the Guyanese Leader, detailed.

The Iwokrama International Centre (IIC) was established to manage the Iwokrama forest, a unique reserve of 371,000 hectares of rainforest and one of the world’s last frontier forests.

Meanwhile, the ‘500 Green Good Deeds’ was launched by the Ministry

Guyanese leader will be meeting with Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and President of France, Emmanuel Macron, as well as engage in bilateral meetings with selected Heads of State, who are also attending the event.

Last Tuesday, the President commended France and India for collaborating on an initiative, which aims to transform rural societies, when he received a formal invi-

President David Granger and Indian State Minister Raj Kumar Singh met on the sidelines of the International Solar Summit on Saturday

of Environment, Forest & Climate Change in India earlier this year to sensitise citizens about climate change and global warning. A mobile application – named ‘Dr Harsh Vardhan’ after the Minister – was subsequently launched listing 500 ‘Green Good Deeds’ that persons can perform every day. Some of the 500 Green Good Deeds listed in the Mobile App include: planting trees, saving energy, conserving water, use of public transport and promoting carpool.

The meeting, according to the Indian Diplomat, also ended with the Indian Minister’s invitation to Guyana for participating in the World Environment Day to be celebrated in India on June 5, 2018.

Additionally, President Granger also had a cordial and friendly meeting with the Indian Minister of State for Power and New

and Renewable Energy, Raj Kumar Singh. During that meeting on Saturday, discussions were had on mutual cooperation in renewable energy particularly in the solar energy sector.

The Head of State is accompanied by Political Assistant, William Cox, and his Aide-de-Camp, Colonel Paul Arthur, during his visit to the Asian country.

During Saturday’s meetings he was also joined

by High Commissioner Mahalingam and Guyana’s High Commissioner to India, David Pollard.

At today’s Founding Conference of the International Solar Summit, which is hosted jointly by the Governments of India and France, President Granger is expected to deliver a presentation on solar energy.

Also on the sidelines of the summit, the

tation to the summit from Indian High Commissioner, V e n k a t a c h a l a m M a h a l i n g a m and Ambassador of the French Republic to Guyana, Antoine Joly.

Guyana ratified the ISA Framework Agreement and is a founding member of the ISA, which was launched on November 30, 2015. It is an action-oriented international and inter-governmental organisation that aims to max-

imise the harnessing of solar-energy potential, modernise energy systems, universalise access to energy, accelerate economic development and alleviate poverty.

Two new programmes – on scaling solar E-mobility and storage, and on rooftop solar – are expected to be unveiled at the summit, which will see a presence of delegations of over 50-member countries, including the two host States.

10 news

SunDAY, march 11, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Harmon, Ramnarine differ on Top Cop candidates …PSC still before parliamentary committee

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cting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine had said senior ranks in the Force are dwindling; a scenario with direct implications on candidates to take over as Police Commissioner.

However, the Government is contending that far from lacking leadership, the Guyana Police Force has a number of competent officers who can take over from Ramnarine, in due course.

This assertion was made

by Minister of State Joseph Harmon, during a post-Cabinet press briefing. At present, Deputy Commissioner Ramnarine is again serv-

voked.

Police Service Commission

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine

ing as the acting Police Commissioner, pending the

retirement of the substantive Commissioner Seelall Persaud, next month.

“There’s an acting Commissioner right now. And I suppose in the fullness of time, having a look at all the circumstances; the President will make his determination as to a substantive Police Commissioner.”

“But I can say to you there are in the Police Force some excellent officers who all can fit the role of Commissioner of Police,” Harmon informed the media. Outgoing Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud recently had a passing out parade in his honour. The parade was held under a cloud of controversy; however, as ahead of the ceremony the State media published a damaging report on the veteran officer.

It was reported in the State’s newspaper that Persaud, on January 29, 2018, responded to an application previously made in his name, approving his business – Professional Outdoors Supplies – as a registered firearms dealer. Reports revealed that the outgoing Top Cop granted approval for two-gun licences for a 9mm Pistol and 12, 16 or 20-gauge pump-action shotguns.

Asked whether it was ethical for him to make this move just a few weeks before his retirement, the outgoing Commissioner had pointed out that the business would have only become operationalised in May, after his retirement.

Steps have since been taken to have the dealership licence re-

When Ramnarine had informed the media that the number of senior ranks within the Force was dwindling, he had stressed that the reconstitution of the Police Services Commission was being eagerly awaited. This is so that 2017 promotions can go ahead. On the matter of the Police Service Commission, Harmon noted that the matter was still at the National Assembly.

“The Police Service Commission is still at the National Assembly. There are recommendations to be made to his Excellency, the President. I believe that the committee (of Appointments) which is chaired by (Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George) Norton has met.”

“They are required to make their submissions to the National Assembly and then those recommendations come to the President. We have urged that the National Assembly give this more attention so that we can have the commission constituted in the shortest possible time. It is very important that we have that commission.”

The life of the last Police Service Commission came to an end in September 2017 and there have since been calls for its reconstitution. In fact, concerns were further raised after there were no promotions of senior officers last year.

New members of the Police Service Commission have already been selected but they are yet to be formally appointed. It was in January of 2018 that Ramnarine had called for the body to be put in operation as soon as possible.

Before the life of the last Police Service Commission ended back in September 2017, President David Granger had ordered in July of that year that it put a hold on the promotion of senior ranks.

Though that order was followed, the courts later determined that it was illegal for the President to direct the autonomous Commission. The Police Force promoted 204 junior ranks last year.

Pharma chameleon

S

atiricus was in a good mood. His leaders Rum Jhaat and Nagga Man had managed to keep off the political radar all week and he figured he wouldn’t get the usual “tantalising” at the Back Street Bar, where he was headed. He greeted the waitress when he entered with a hearty, “Happy Women’s Day!” but got a surly “What’s to be happy about with your government?” for his troubles. He decided to leave well alone as continued to the back table, still smiling.

“Hey Sato!” exclaimed Bungi. “Like yuh get wan bonus or wha’? Me a see all yuh teeth!”

“Naah!” Satiricus replied just as jovially. “The bonus is locked away to fight our case against those Venezuelans.”

“Fram wha’ me hear, de bonus like wan iceberg,” observed Cappo. “What do you mean?” asked Hari.

“De US$18 million a jus’ de tip,” grinned Cappo.

“De piece wha’ pass anda de table ten time mo’ big!”

“So what else is new,” said Satiricus, who didn’t want to go down that road.

“Well, I see your government said they won’t extend that pharma warehouse deal,” said Hari.

“Me guh wait and see,” said Bungi cynically. “Da chap gat mo’ seed dan baigan! Wan Minista resign and HE still deh!!”

“That’s how those Pee an’ See fellas operate,” said Satiricus carefully, hoping to keep out of the line of fire.

“Stap rite deh!” exclaimed Cappo. “Na Nagga Man seh if traffic heavy pan de Eas’ Bank, de “Battam House-Warehouse” guh rush de drugs to de Big Haspital?”

“Yes, Sato,” said Hari quietly. “What will happen now?”

“An’ na only da,” interjected Bungi as Satiricus struggled for a retort. “Nagga Man also seh if fiah bu’n dong de Diaman’ Warehouse, de battam house warehouse guh save ev’ry t’ing!”

“Well things do change, you know,” Satiricus fumfered desperately. “Maybe the traffic situation has cleared up on the East Bank?”

“Yuh rite, Sato, t’ings does change,” agreed Cappo. “Like yuh leada Nagga Man mout’!”

“He’s like a regular chameleon,” snickered Hari.

“Pharma Chameleon!!”

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SunDAY, march 4, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

2 die in Houston accident The lack of civility

By Ryhaan Shah

“C

ivility is about more than just politeness, although politeness is a necessary first step. It is about disagreeing without disrespect, seeking common ground as a starting point for dialogue about differences, listening past one’s preconceptions, and teaching others to do the same. Civility is the hard work of staying present even with those with whom we have deep-rooted and fierce disagreements. It is political in the sense that it is a necessary prerequisite for civic action. But it is political, too, in the sense that it is about negotiating interpersonal power such that everyone’s voice is heard, and nobody’s is ignored. And civility begins with us.”

That quote from The Institute for Civility in Government in the US says it all very clearly. Several recent incidents involving members of the Granger Government have raised this discussion yet again about the need for civility in political and civic discourse. The first question, however, is whether the State really cares to foster meaningful dialogue among politicians and civilians, since civility is not a societal or political behaviour that is being encouraged at any level.

Incivility began in the post-independence years and became embedded as the new normal as our racial/ethnic political strife grew and overtook all civil discourse. Our general elections are like enjoined battles and the resulting victor behaves as if the country and people are the spoils of war and hostage to whatever the elected government decides no matter whether unconstitutional, illegal or undemocratic.

In fact, incivility has no time or space for those norms that are the bedrock of a civilised state. The Burnham era of dictatorship allowed no opposition and opposition voices and marked the demise of civility as a desired component of political and civic discourse.

The PPP/C Administration that followed was marred by its own scandals of arrogance and unethical conduct by Ministers who were caught making sexist remarks, Attorney General Anil Nandlall; and using threatening behaviour and language, Minister Bheri Ramsarran, towards a female political activist.

Not many want to make the undisputable connection between the State-managed and State-funded annual vulgarity called Mashramani, which presents crass indecency as the accepted national “sport”, and the breakdown of civil behaviour and discourse which is clearly evident at the very top of Governmental circles and which seeps through to every societal level as the standard of behaviour. In brief: we are taught to have bad manners and uncivil conduct.

Just recently, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had to apologise to the media for his coarse remark in response to a journalist’s question. Perhaps, Ramjattan is under tremendous stress, not only because of the continuing high crime, but because he finds that he has made a political alliance that puts him on the wrong side of history and brings into question his political astuteness.

Still, leaders are expected to display grace under pressure.

It is one of the qualities people expect from leadership.

Just this past week, “Kaieteur News” published a letter written by GECOM Chair, Justice James Patterson (rtd) which was an appalling and indecent bit of pompous verbiage. It revealed Patterson as a man who is without professional civility or personal dignity.

His uncivil display of opprobrium towards Auditor General Deodat Sharma is a matter for national discussion only because President David Granger placed him in that important chairmanship through what was a personal and unilateral decision that defied both the letter and spirit of the law.

Despite 18 qualified nominees presented to him by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, Granger picked Patterson as the man most fit, proper and qualified to be the GECOM Chairman.

Perhaps, the all-important criterion was Patterson’s longstanding membership of the People’s National Congress (PNC), and this appointment has drawn criticisms and raised suspicions that Granger’s move was necessary to put in place a GECOM Chair who would not stand in the way of a PNC plan to rig the 2020 General Elections.

The matter to note here is that incivility as it pertains to governance almost always goes hand-in-hand with corruption and autocracy. Uncivil behaviour is part and parcel of the bullying tactics needed if the leadership is to run roughshod over the rule of law.

The incivility of the Granger Government is dispensed not only through boorishness, unlawful behaviour and serial corruptions but through its vengeance towards People’s Progressive Party supporters, Indian Guyanese, which has served to widen the political/ethnic divide.

Guyana is in a bad place. Granger is making good on his promise to drag Guyana backward to its troubled Burnhamist past. Expect the incivility to get worse.

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Dead: Immigration Officer Mawava Chase

25-year-old motorcyclist named Burke (only name given), of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, and his pillion rider, Immigration Officer Mawava Chase, died on Saturday at about 21:15h after Burke lost control of the bike on which they travelling while negotiating the turn at Houston Public

Road, Greater Georgetown and the vehicle crashed into a lamp post.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, the duo were with a group of friends at a J’ouvert party at Buxton, East Coast Demerara, and subsequently left to head up to the East Bank of Demerara.

Eyewitnesses say they sped off from the traffic light at

the intersection of Mandela Avenue and the East Bank Highway before Burke lost control of the bike.

They were travelling at such a rate of speed that Burke was left wrapped around the lamp post at the median of the road in an unconscious state, while Chase was left lying on the road with her eyes open, but being unable to speak

or move.

After some time the ambulance arrived and transported Chase to the GPHC, while the Police subsequently picked up the unconscious man and rushed him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

About an hour later, Chase also succumbed while receiving medical attention.

12 news

SunDAY, march 11, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Local oil sector

ExxonMobil partner hit by sharp dip in share value

…says Guyana investments not in danger

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fter a dip in the value of its shares on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), ExxonMobil’s partner, Hess Corporation, assured that the financial setback will not affect its operations in Guyana, such as investments leading up to oil production in 2020.

During trading last week, Hess shares dipped by 13 cents to US$46.61. It has subsequently recovered, but the dip was enough for Hess to assure that its investment in the Guyana Stabroek Block, where it shares a block with ExxonMobil and other affiliates, would be unharmed.

According to a report originating from Reuters, Hess will be taking action to mitigate any financial fallout. This includes buying back its own shares, which will see the company fast-tracking the purchase of US$500 million in shares.

It is expected that they will

have bought an estimated US$1 billion by year end.

Companies buy back shares for a variety of reasons. The most relevant one to Hess’s predicament is a move to reduce threats to its share value by limiting their availability on the open market.

In an interview with the international news agency, Chief Executive Officer John Hess was quoted saying “We can expand the buyback authorisation without compromising our ability to fund this world-class investment (Liza Project).”

Elliott Management, a hedge fund firm which owns more than six per cent of Hess, threw its support behind the buyback. In a statement, the firm praised Hess’s plans to review its operations in view of its investments in Guyana.

“We are encouraged that the company has indicated that they are committed to closing the value gap and will be dynamic in exploring further steps to do so,” Elliott said in a statement before beginning to produce oil from the project in Guyana.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres. Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is the operator and holds a 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block.

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

Since ExxonMobil’s 2015

CEO, John Hess

oil find in Guyana, the country has attracted international attention and precipitated intense sensitisation exercises. In May 2015, Exxon confirmed that more than 295 feet of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs was encountered at its Liza 1 exploration well.

In late June 2016, Exxon’s drilling results at Liza 2 revealed more than 58 metres of oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs in Upper Cretaceous formations. The well was drilled to 5475 metres at 1692 metres water depth. Drilling results confirmed recoverable resources to be between 800 million and 1.4 billion barrels of oil equivalent.

The company had an-

nounced that it made its third significant discovery in its drilling explorations offshore Guyana. Its partner, Hess Corporation, had noted that the Liza 3 exploratory well’s net value could be US$6.2 billion based on calculations from the Bank of Montreal (BMO) Capital Markets.

Drilling on Payara began on November 12, 2016, with initial total depth reached on December 2, 2016. In January of 2017, the oil giant had announced it had struck some 95 feet of oil reservoirs in its Payara-1 well, targeting the same type of reservoirs as the well’s Liza counterpart.

Oil was discovered in the Turbot-1 well in October of 2017. According to the oil company following the discovery, the well reservoir was 75 feet deep. Drilling has been ongoing at the Turbot well since August 2017.

More oil was found at the Pacore-1 drill site, some 107 miles from the coast of Guyana.

This would be the seventh major find by Exxon since May 2015. It is understood that additional exploration drilling is planned on the Stabroek Block for 2018, including potential appraisal drilling at the Ranger discovery.

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Fire destroys Good Hope house …4 homeless

Marginalisation and Anti-African Racist discourse

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he following was first offered in 2008 and republished several times. I have always marvelled that, because I have also spoken out against anti-Indian racism by some AfricanGuyanese, I have been branded as “racist”. The abused can also become abusers.

“In our estimation, the African experience in the “New World” defines the word “marginalisation” in conjunction with “racism”.

Following the powerlessness of the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas to withstand the labour demands and diseases of the Spaniards (evidenced by ninety percent of then dying off in the Caribbean within decades of Columbus’s arrival) the Christian Church recommended the importation of Africans as slaves. As opposed to the Amerindians, they could discern no sign of a “soul” in the latter group – deeming them beyond salvation. They were fair game for slavery Ravi Dev – or extermination, for that matter.

The enthusiastic entry of the English into the trade dragged 3.1 million Africans to the West Indies, but only 2.7 million survived the Atlantic crossing. That only 600,000 survived at “Emancipation” in 1834 offers a clue to their living conditions, and the ravages of the Middle Passage. The appallingly barbaric treatment, which included the most vicious physical brutalisation, destruction of families, wrenching away of languages and cultures etc., impelled the creation of some sort of rationalization, since Europeans insisted they were “civilised”.

Early on, slaves working alongside white European indentured slaves were simply defined as soulless “heathens,” and could be kept on the margins as such. It was when they started to convert to Christianity that colour became the marker to distinguish them from the “mainstream”. “Race” as we now know it was created and transmuted into racist practice that relegated and maintained Africans to the margins of society.

As I wrote in 1993, “Race and racism, as we know them today, are very modern constructs arising out of a European 18th century discourse that ran parallel with the European conquest of the rest of the world, and especially with the justification of African slavery. Notable rationalists such as Hume, Kant and Hegel were involved in the project, which gave a social significance to physical markers. This is illustrated in Hume’s position that, “negroes…are naturally inferior to the whites”, and Kant’s view, summarised by his comment, “this fellow was quite black …a clear proof that what he said was stupid.” My contention is that “race and racism” are part and parcel of the “Western Enlightenment,” exported as one weapon in the European arsenal of imperialistic conquest.”

“African and Black” was constructed as the binary opposite to “European and White”, and, like all dualities, it is not possible to eliminate one without the other. Racism is not a phenomenon that ended with the abolition of slavery – and it has not ended, even though many assert that “race” has no objective existence. It persists in the totality of its relations that have become imbricated on the sinews of the civilization that we all practice. Its panoptic gaze has taken in other “natives”, but its emblematic and defining instance remains African racism.

Following Foucault, one can consider racism as a discursive field that incorporates beliefs, descriptions and actions, and the principles on which racist institutions are based. The discursive formation would include the normative rules and norms – including laws and moral rules about how we “ought” to act towards each other.

In the words of Cornell West, racist discourse is a product of the “structure of modern discourse…the controlling metaphors, notions, categories and norms that shape the predominant conceptions of truth and knowledge in the modern west.” As I wrote in 2006, West assures us that “there are the lingering effects of slavery and past discrimination in the continued attack on black humanity and racist stereotypes which are designed to destroy black self-image”. This, if true – and I believe it is – would perpetuate the continued marginalisation of Africans in the world, including in Guyana.

To appreciate the parameters of its continued impact on the marginalisation of Africans in Guyana, one must inquire into the extent to which the premises of the old discourse of race and racism have survived into our particular socio-historical conjuncture, and continue to influence our thinking and narratives. To suggest how difficult this project would be is to consider that even the empirical sociological tools we would probably use -- such as, say, social psychology -- are all contaminated with premises of “races”, “racial differences” and “racial attitudes”. But the task must be initiated and programmes initiated to eradicate the cancer of racism. We would all be liberated.

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our persons are now homeless after an afternoon fire flattened their Lot 63 Phase One, Good Hope Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara, home.

The blaze started at about 14:00h on Saturday.

At the time, an elderly man who lives in the house with his son, daughter-in-law and 11-month-old grandchild were at home alone.

Guyana Times understands that the elderly man stays in the back section of the wooden house and it was there that the fire started.

When this newspaper visited the scene, the fire was already extinguished and none of the occupants of the destroyed house was there.

Neighbours said they had gone to the Police Station.

Nevertheless, Guyana Times was told that neighbours noticed the blaze and subsequently saw the elderly man running out of the

The Good Hope, ECD house that was raised by fire on Saturday

building. The Fire Service was summoned and arrived promptly, thus they were able to put out the fire.

This is the fourth fire for the week. On Friday, two families were rendered homeless in two separate fires in Georgetown.

A fire suspected to have been caused by a faulty

electrical connection broke out at the Lot 6 Company Park, Yarrow Dam, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown leaving 65-year-old Hermon Norton and his, wife Geeta Norton, 63, without a roof over their heads.

Meanwhile, a family of three of Lot 35 West La Penitence, Georgetown, lost

everything in a fire suspected to be as a result of arson.

Additionally, on Tuesday last, over two dozen persons were left homeless after an early morning fire ripped through three houses in Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown, flattening them and partly destroying a fourth.

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sunDAY, march 11, 2018| guyanatimesgy.com

Int’l mining companies promise large investments in Guyana

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everal Canadian mining companies operating in Guyana have pledged to invest tens of millions of US dollars in expansion projects here. This announcement was made at the just concluded Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Convention (PDAC)

held in Toronto, Canada.

Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Goldfields Inc, Scott Caldwell announced that the company plans to boost annual gold production to 300,000 ounces by 2022 with the introduction of underground mining. He highlighted his company’s corporate social re-

sponsibility record which includes ongoing training and development of the Guyanese workforce.

Caldwell pointed out that the Government of Guyana receives eight per cent royalty of all the gold mined and added that the company’s ongoing expansion augurs well for The aluminum plant which is now abandoned in Linden

Guyana, its shareholders and stakeholders.

Guyana Goldfields Inc has spent approximately US$50 million in the local economy over the years in the areas goods and in services such as hauling of freight, engineering, and contract mining.

Additionally, Chief Executive Officer of Sandsprings/ETK, Rich Munson, which has acquired the Toroparu Gold Project, said that this undertaking is the number two ranked undeveloped projects in South America. The Toroparu Gold Project is described as a world class asset with a 10 million-ounce potential gold reserve. He explained that Sandsprings/ETK will in the future face a demand for about 35 megawatts of electricity when the operation is up and running and is therefore developing a hydro-electric station known as the Kurupung River Hydroelectric Project (KRHP).

This station will use runof-river technology which requires no damming. He added that his company is mindful of Guyana’s interest in hydro-electricity, and has designed the KRHP to be expanded incrementally from 50 megawatts to 100 megawatts with the aim of supplying ex-

ternal clients.

President and Director of Goldsource/Kilroy Mining, Yannis Tsitos indicated that his company has spent more than US$22 million in exploration and development in Guyana which he described as, “an extremely good jurisdiction.” The company intends to eventually produce around one million ounces of gold, averaging between 55,000 and 75,000 ounces a year.

“I would hope that one-day Guyana can come out of the loop of being an exporter of raw bauxite by self-producing, and eventually building an alumina or even an aluminum plant,” he also urged.

While he is calling for the building of an aluminum plant, Guyana at one time operated such a plant. The plant, located at Mackenzie, Linden, was closed in 1981 following the nationalisation of the bauxite industry by the People’s National Congress Government. When it closed, over a thousand workers were laid off. During his address, Finance Minister Winston Jordan assured the gathering that the “financial system is robust, with banks and other non-bank financial institutions being sound and adequately capitalised, public debt levels are prudently

managed while annual inflation hovers around two per cent.”

Minister Jordan also lauded Guyana’s mining sector as a significant pillar of the country’s economy and the main contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the past three years as well as a major source of Foreign Direct Investment.

He noted though, that while mining in Guyana is successful, it is “unable to unleash its full potential’ because it is challenged by the “unavailability of requisite capital to local investors.”

To address this challenge, he said, Government is encouraging local miners to establish linkages with foreign investors and members of the Diaspora to access the necessary financing and technology while at the same time providing fiscal incentives in the form of concessions on machinery, equipment and fuel, and waiver and remission of taxes on motor vehicles, based on the value of gold declaration. He added that mining operators are permitted to hold foreign exchange retention accounts.

Member of Parliament in the Canadian House of Commons who is also the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade, Pamela GoldsmithJones, pointed to Canada’s renowned capabilities in offshore oil and gas, and acknowledged that Guyana is a key market for Canada.

Guyana’s High Commissioner to Canada, Clarissa Riehl and Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee also made brief remarks.

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SunDAY, march 11, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Region 2 impresses at STEAM fair The changing dynamics of Global Oil Economics (Part 2) – What does this mean for Guyana within the framework of the Production Sharing Agreement between the Government of Guyana and the multinational oil company?

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ith a rapidly changing global environment -especially with the globally growing recognition given the need for advancement of climate change policies underpinning the notion that crude oil is losing its value – a trend is emerging that would certainly continue to gain momentum in the foreseeable future. In recent decades, crude was often referred to as ‘black gold’ because it was a commodity known to carry high value on global markets. The highest price was recorded in the last decade – in 2008 – at US$140 per barrel.

Unfortunately, this commodity may never ever reach such high prices again. In fact, it may never again reach US$100 per barrel. It is this new global phenomenon that this article addresses; and by its end, readers should have a greater understanding and appreciation of the divergent factors contributing to this new dimension in global oil economics.

The international crude oil market is the source of the primary feedstock that creates refined petroleum products produced in oil refineries across the world. Global production and consumption have been increasing, and more than 80 million barrels of crude oil are produced each day, according to IEA statistics for 2013. Notwithstanding this, with the emergence of shale oil, coupled with growing concerns about climate change and the environment, the traditional beliefs that were in the past upheld to analyze the oil market are outdated. A new toolkit is needed, together with a new set of principles to guide the analyses of the oil market. Oil is not likely to be exhausted; therefore, there should not be a presumption that the relative price for oil will necessarily increase over time. A key factor governing the future price of oil is whether the standardized, repeated, “manufacturing-like” processes characterizing shale production, with the associated rapid gains in productivity, would spread to other types of production (Dale, 2015).

The supply characteristics of shale oil are different from conventional oil: shale oil is more responsive to oil prices, which should act to dampen price volatility. But it is also more dependent on the banking and financial system, increasing the exposure of the oil market to financial shocks. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is a central force in the oil market with respect to one of its key roles in seeking to stabilize oil prices. However, when analyzing its ability to do so (stabilize the oil market), it is important to consider the nature of the shock driving the change in oil prices, and in particular, whether it is a temporary or persistent factor (Dale, 2015).

The future of energy Energy is a fundamental input for economic systems.

Current economic activity depends overwhelmingly on fossil fuels, including oil, coal, and natural gas. These fuels are nonrenewable. Renewable sources such as hydroelectric, wind, and solar power currently provide less than 10% of global energy.

The speed of the transition to renewable sources would be highly influenced by policy choices. Potential policies include increasing energy research and development expenditure, feed-in tariffs, and renewable energy targets.

Public policy can also aid in providing capital for renewable energy projects, and in providing a robust electricity grid for moving energy long distances (Timmons et.al, 2014).

With higher energy costs, buildings, transportation networks and manufacturing would be redesigned to use less energy. Thus a large portion of the transition to renewable energy would likely be accomplished not by providing new sources, but rather by redesigning systems to consume less energy. An eventual transition to renewable energy is unavoidable, so the question is how to best manage it, minimizing total cost of energy services plus cost of damages caused by energy utilization. A combination of conservation and renewable energy sources will eventually replace the current fossil fuel-dominated energy system. Therefore, addressing climate change suggests that this needs to happen sooner rather than later (Timmons et.al, 2014).

There are currently huge developments taking place rather rapidly by a number of countries around the world. The leaders among them, according to the World Economic Forum, are China, India and the U.S.A – to the extent where: (1) Morocco is building a solar power farm as big as Paris. The country wants to be a major supplier of solar energy, and its solar power industry is growing rapidly. Morocco will also more than quadruple its solar power by the end of 2018. (This discussion and analysis will be continued next week, when the final article to conclude this topic is published). *The Author is the holder of a MSc. Degree in Business Management, with concentration in Global Finance, Financial Markets, Institutions & Banking from a UK university of international standing.

(For comments, questions and responses on articles featured in this column, readers can reach the author at jbinsights@outlook.com).

A student explaining the process of gold mining at the STEAM fair in Region Two

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uring the past week, students across the country ranging from nursery to secondary schools showcased numerous projects which captivated fellow students and onlookers as part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) fair. Students of Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) were not left out as they presented a series of witty projects at the biennial event.

The competition which was held at the Cotton Field Secondary School on March 7 and 8, garnered participation from 26 schools resulting in excess of 50 projects being presented. The event which was held under the theme ‘Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics; Paving the way for a green and sustainable society’ was declared open by Regional Chairman of Region Two, Devanand Ramdatt. Many of the projects focused on sustainable development, oil and gas, and promoting a greener society.

Amongst the impressive presentations was Abram Zuil Secondary which showcased a neem, garlic and pepper project, and Wakapoa Secondary innovated a way to rid the Pomeroon River of debris. Abram Zuil’s neem, garlic and pepper project was aimed at eradicating pest infestations and reducing air, water and land pollution. Meanwhile, Wakapoa Secondary, which is located in the Pomeroon riverine area, opted to work on a project that hits close to home.

The inventive students have thought up a way to systematically clean the Pomeroon River and by extension any river in the country.

Students noted that they selected this project due to the massive amounts of pollution in the river, causing it to be clogged on occasions.

The ‘Marine cleaner’ is powered by a renewable energy source.

Lima Nursery came out on top of the Nursery category, while CV Nunes took away the first prize in the Primary category for their Mathematics project. In the Secondary category, Anna Regina Multilateral, Abram Zuil Secondary and Wakapoa Secondary copped the top spots. There was also an open category in which Essequibo Technical Institute presented two projects.

Speaking with the Coordinator of the event,

Deodat Singh, Guyana Times was told that the fair ran smoothly and was a success. “Yes, it was a success. The theme was paving the way for a green society and all our projects were focused on the theme,” Singh stated. The enthusiastic man highlighted that he was very proud of the work

Students from Region Two highlighting the sections of a rice factory

that the students in the region had done, noting that they are ready and rearing to journey to Georgetown for the National STEAM Competition in April. “We are ready; we are hoping to take at least 10 projects to Georgetown for the national competition.”

As a part of the STEAM

fair, the Suddie Public Hospital hosted what Singh described as a ‘mini career fair’.

Aside from services such as blood pressure and weight checks, patrons were able to donate blood on site and students had access to a wealth of information on Science related careers.

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Women in Business Expo opens …empowerment high on agenda

The women of the Mahaica Women’s Group

By Lakhram Bhagirat

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or over 60 women with small businesses, the slogan “Girl Power” turned into action when they were afforded the opportunity to display their products and services on Saturday, as the third annual Women in Business (WIB) Expo opened at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown.

The event is a collaborative effort between the Sonia Noel Foundation for

Creative Arts (SNFCA) and the Women’s Association for Sustainable Development.

The exhibition concludes today at 20:00h.

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

For the more than 60 women exhibiting their

products and services, the WIB has served as a launching pad for them as they are building new bridges and collaborating with each other to further expand their reach. One of the women, Christine Profit from the Scrub Hub explained that there have already been collaborations between the women prior to the opening of the expo. The women have been preparing for the event over the past two months with intense training and development sessions hosted by local designer and the Expo’s founder, Sonia Noel.

According to Noel, the expo focuses on small businesses with the aim of allowing persons to gradually increase their operations into medium, large then eventually conglomerates. She encouraged the businesswomen to be conscious of their social human responsibility.

Women empowerment

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

Simona Peters, who owns the Country Style Coconut Biscuit, said that the expo is timely as it culminates with the International Women’s Day month of activities and it showcases the strength of a woman.

The Mahaica Women’s Group was out in their numbers to showcase their decorative bottles and locally made scented candles.

Representative Debbie Argyle said that the women work in collaboration with each other making candles and other crafts two days per week and that she sees as them empowering each other rather than just talking.

Jenell Pierre and the company, Bow Jay, has been expanding its reach ever since.

Like, The Balance, Bow Jay also used the WIB Expo to launch their new line of locally made lip-glosses.

First time exhibitor, Autimae Le-Black said she created Delight Treats out of her kitchen after she saw the first Women in Business Expo (WIB). She explained that a few years ago, she graduated the Carnegie School of Home Economics as a certified baker and just left it as that while she took care of her family.

She offers a wide variety

ciety. She used the opportunity to urge women to take up more positions in society since they offer a different perspective on every situation. “Let your voices be heard. We must let our voices be heard. Do not leave the dialogue to a few usual suspects who want to drown out the opportunities we have been given and who don’t want to focus on and take those opportunities on how we prepare to get there. It is against that background that I ask each one of you to use your voices to speak up, speak out and be an agent of change,” she added.

New products

Professional waiters Mariah Barker and Donella Long used the event to launch their brand-new business – The Balance – providing waiter services in Guyana. Long noted that they aim to provide professional waiting services for any event despite the magnitude.

Meanwhile, Barker said the WIB Expo was chosen as the launching ground because of the marketing opportunities.

A few years ago, Guyana’s first custom-made Bowtie business was founded by then 17-year-old

WIB6- Bow Jay representatives with some of their products

of cakes, cookies and pastries that can be customised to suit any event.

Get more involved

At the opening ceremony, Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes urged women to stand up, speak out, and get more involved in the workings of so-

The idea of the expo is to coincide with the month of activities to commemorate International Women’s Day observed on March 8.

This year it is observed under the theme “Time is Now: Rural and Urban Activists Transforming Women’s Lives” with the slogan #pressforprogress.

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First detergent refill centre launched in Guyana

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he first ever detergent refill operation in Guyana was launched on Saturday by Dunae Trading Company.

The company, which is a local manufacturer of liquid detergents and sanitizers, introduced this initiative so as to utilize plastic containers which are meant to be discarded.

Co-owner of the business, Dwayne Younge, explained that this initiative will help to decrease the amount of waste being generated by householders.

“We’ve just provided a space for persons who want to be environmentally conscious and…save on the cost they’re paying for detergents” he noted.

Younge also noted that consumers who wish to take advantage of the low cost for detergents can bring their containers to the centre and refill

Inside the Tidy Up Detergent Refill Centre

them with their choice of liquid detergent. In this process, persons would also assist in the reduction of plastic packaging and utilisation of unwanted plastic bottles.

There presently are eight types of cleansing agents available, primarily dishwashing liquid, antibacterial hand soap, multipurpose cleanser, disin-

fectant liquid, laundry detergent, fabric softener, car wash liquid, and degreaser liquid.

Persons who wish to support this environmentally-friendly initiative can visit the centre at the Harris Paints Building at Third Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

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sunday, march 11, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

New $40M nursery school being built at Perth

Mashramani 2018 dubbed a success

The recipients of prizes at this year’s Mashramani prize-giving ceremony

R Work ongoing for the new school

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he small farming community of Perth, located approximately three kilometers South of central Mahaicony in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), on the left bank of the Mahaicony River, is soon to benefit from the construction of a brand new nursery school.

Work on the $40 million educational facility is currently in progress.

According to the Regional Engineer, Dhanpaul Sukha the building is scheduled to be ready for the new school year in September.

Engineer Sukha said the new facility will service Perth Village and the

neighbouring villages of Catherine, Calcutta, Nowor-Never and Perseverance.

Previously when it was recognised that the community needed a nursery school, the regional administration approached the executive of the Perth Friendly and Burial Society who readily consented to have the school housed in the lower flat of the Perth Society Hall. However, prominent landmark which is managed by the Perth Friendly and Burial Society has been the venue for many meetings, wedding receptions and other functions. Therefore, changing dynamics over the years forced residents and

education officials alike, to re-examine the idea of continuing to house the school in that particular building.

According to Sukha, the general consensus was that it was not an ideal environment conducive to learning.

Despite the unavailability of State land, the relocation and construction of a new school building were not unduly hindered, as a parcel of land was generously donated by the Morrison family.

The new nursery school is being built on a plot of land, opposite the very Perth Society Hall. The works are being carried out

by Memorex Construction Company.

epublic Day (Mashramani) celebrations 2018 have been deemed a success, and plans for the celebration of Mashramani 2019 have been launched by the Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry on Friday evening at the National Cultural Centre.

Friday evening was also dedicated to reflecting on the successful completion of this year’s events.

Social Cohesion Minister Dr George Norton, who was responsible for this year’s activities, announced that Republic Day activities were undoubtedly successful, and labelled the observance “one of the best we’ve ever had”.

This was due to the vast support received in both organizing the events and in participation.

Minister Norton also noted that, throughout the journey along the Mash route, there were no incidents.

He acknowledged the work done by the coordinator, and pledged to support the musicians for the creativity they have showcased this year.

“Indeed, the year’s Republic Anniversary observance surpassed our expectations,” he said.

Director of Culture, Tamika Botswain, presented a Mash report that detailed the list of activities completed this year.

She said the Junior Soca Monarch was a new initiative which was done to promote more diversity and art forms. It was observed this year that soca was a crucial component of the Mash celebrations, while masquerade saw increased juvenile participation.

Throughout the evening, the audience was entertained by Chutney Monarch Chaitsingh Mohanlall, Junior Calypso Moharch Jovinski Thorne, Adult Calypso Monarch Onica

Joseph, and adult Soca Monarch Brandon Harding.

Additionally, the event featured the prize-giving ceremony, in which persons who won in this year’s Mashramani competitions were presented with their awards.

Some of the schools that won included Smyth Street Nursery, Graham’s Hall Primary, South Ruimveldt Secondary, St Joseph High School, The Bishops’ High School, J E Burnham Primary and Skeldon Line Path Secondary.

Later that evening, the ministry used the opportunity to launch the Mashramani celebrations for 2019, which will be held under the theme “Celebrate 49 with Victory in Mind”.

Furthermore, Minister Norton has given his assurance that Mashramani would be celebrated in all regions of Guyana in 2019.

sunDAY, march 11, 2018

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amzah Eastman blew away a top line up of the nation’s best cyclists to claim the title of the 13th Diamond Mineral Water multi-race programme at the National Park on Saturday.

The Team Coco member lapped all but four starters to cart off the winner’s tro-

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Eastman claims Diamond Mineral Water title phy along with three sprint prizes in the 35-lap event.

He finished with a scorching time of one hour, 16 minutes and 39 seconds.

Romello Crawford finished a distant second while Paul DeNobrega followed him closely for third.

Walter Grant-Stuart, Deeraj Garbarran and

Junior Niles followed close behind to fill out the top six rewarding spots.

Meanwhile other winners yesterday included: Jonathan Ramsuchit (BMX Boys and Girls 1214), Junior Niles (Veterans U-50), Kennard Lovell (Veterans O-50), Adelie Hodge (Juveniles), Jared

Barrington (BMX 6-9), Jaheim Henry (BMX 9-12) and Marvin Knight (BMX 12-14).

Today the action continues as the cyclists head to Berbice for the 21st staging of the Cheddi Jagan Memorial road race.

Riders are asked to assemble in front of Freedom House, New Amsterdam, for the official send-off at 09:00h. They will then proceed to Number 55 Village on the Corentyne and return to Port Mourant for the finish.

Hamzah Eastman

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guyanatimesGY.com

Paul spurs Windies A to series win over Lions E

mergency callup Keemo Paul produced a Man-of-theMatch performance, scoring a crucial half-century taking three ets, to steer Indies to a tory over Lions on

Keemo Paul scored 55 and took three wickets to steer Windies A to series win

a n d wickthe West 26-run victhe England Friday night.

The win gives the Windies A 2-0 series win with one match to go on March 11.

It might not have occurred without Paul’s input. The Guyanese all-rounder was called up after fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell suffered a hamstring injury forcing the selectors to call Paul as a replacement.

His contribution was immediate.

With the West Indies struggling at 153 for 7 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, after Jermaine Blackwood was dismissed for 53, Paul scored a 40-ball 55 that included four fours and four sixes, while mounting a 97-run ninth-wicket partnership with Raymon Reifer to propel the Windies A

to 256 for 9.

Reifer scored an unbeaten 45 in the critical 77-ball partnership.

During their chase, England was relatively comfortable at 173 for 4 thanks to Alex Davies’s 38, Sam Northeast, 34, and Keaton Jennings, 33.

Northeast and Davies had put on 52 for the third wicket as England progressed to 99 for 3 after Paul had dismissed Sam Hain for 21 to reduce England to 47 for 2 in the 10th over.

Jennings and Sam Curran, 26, again put England back on the path to victory with a fifth-wicket stand of 58.

Roston Chase, the hero of the first match, broke the partnership when he had Jennings caught and bowled for 33 to make the score 173 for 5. Eight balls later Odean Smith bowled Curran for 26 and England were in trouble again at 175 for 6, still needing 81 runs for victory with 61 balls left.

Paul ensured victory for the Windies 'A' when he dismissed Matthew Critchley for 20 and Richard Gleeson for 1 to end any further thought of resistance.

Paul finished with figures of 3 for 55 while Jomel Warrican picked up 3 for 41. Chase had figures of 2 for41.

(Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD West Indies A Innings (50 overs maximum) K Powell (c) c †Davies b Curran 10 D Thomas c Coughlin b Gleeson 8 J Blackwood c Jennings b Curran 53 R Chase c †Davies b Gleeson 9 A McCarthy c Curran b Parkinson 18 R Cornwall lbw b Bess 8 J Hamilton † st †Davies b Parkinson 35 R Reifer not out 45 K Paul b Gleeson 55 O Smith b Curran 2 Extras (lb 5, nb 1, w 7) 13 Total (wickets; 50 Overs) 256 Did not bat: J Warrican Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Powell, 5.5 ov), 2-22 ( Thomas, 6.1 ov), 3-38 ( Chase, 8.6 ov), 4-67 ( McCarthy, 17.2 ov), 5-79 ( Cornwall, 20.5 ov), 6-148 ( Hamilton, 33.1 ov), 7-153 (Blackwood, 35.3 ov), 8-250 ( Paul, 48.2 ov), 9-256 ( Smith, 49.6 ov) Bowling: Gleeson 10-1-52-3, Curran 10-1-41-3, Coughlin 7-0-42-0, Parkinson 10-0-44-2,

Bess 9-0-44-1, Critchley 2-0-160, Jennings 2-0-12-0 England Lions Innings (target: 257 runs from 50 overs) N Gubbins c Thomas b Reifer 9 A Davies † b Chase 38 S Hain c †Hamilton b Paul 21 S Northeast b Warrican 34 K Jennings (c) c & b Chase 33 S Curran b Smith 26 P Coughlin b Warrican 9 M Critchley c Powell b Paul 20 D Bess c Powell b Warrican 19 R Gleeson c Cornwall b Paul 1 M Parkinson not out 1 Extras (b 5, lb 4, nb 5, w 6) 20 Total (all out; 48.4 Overs) 231 Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Gubbins, 2.2 ov), 2-47 (Hain, 9.4 ov), 3-99 (Davies, 23.1 ov), 4-115 ( Northeast, 28.4 ov), 5-173 ( Jennings, 39.3 ov), 6-175 (Curran, 40.5 ov), 7-185 ( Coughlin, 43.5 ov), 8-219 (Bess, 47.2 ov), 9-230 (Gleeson, 48.2 ov), 10-231 (Critchley, 48.4 ov) Bowling : Reifer 5-1-26-1, Paul 9.4-1-54-3, Smith 7-0-341, Cornwall 7-0-26-0, Warrican 10-1-41-3, Chase 10-0-41-2

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Vickery stuns defending Wimbledon Champion D

espite a comfortable set and 3-0 lead, Garbine Muguruza stumbled out of the BNP Paribas Open in her opening round to qualifier Sachia Vickery, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1.

"Honestly, probably when I wake up sometime tomorrow my coach will call me and say, 'You just beat Muguruza,' and I'll be like, 'No way,'" Vickery said. "I didn't expect to win because I was down by so much."

It marks the world No. 100's best career win—by a landslide—as she moves into the third round to face fellow dark horse Naomi Osaka.

"I think she really came back playing much better," Muguruza said. "At

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the game of 3-1, she started playing much better, and she kind of believed a little bit more and start hitting better shots."

Muguruza hadn't lose to a player ranked this low since falling to No. 124-ranked Jana Cepelova at Wimbledon in 2016.

"I just think that when players with not a lot of experience play against top players, they are very motivated," the world No. 3 said.

"They kind of elevate always their game. I think today was a little bit the case. She was getting a little bit more excited, and the key points went her way."

While it's back to the drawing board for Muguruza, Vickery relish-

es seeing her hard work pay off.

"Everything is just kind of coming together," the 22-year-old said. "I have had so many matches in the past where I was just almost there, but I can never really just make that breakthrough. And I was just so close, just always losing it and losing it.

"Today I was just, like, go for it. Even if you lose, just lose hitting. That worked out really well for me."

The American won over a lot of hearts on Friday with her sheer determination to never give up, even with all the odds stacked heavily against her. It's not often that a two-time Grand Slam champion loses from such a

National Race of Champions

Ramps Logistics boosts Tucker’s championship quest

R

amps Logistics and Eldorado Offshore have continued their support of promising motor biker Raverio Tucker by providing him with sponsorship ahead of his busy season on the track. Tucker is currently gearing up for the National Race of Champions slated for March 25 at the South Dakota Circuit.

Speaking on the extended benevolence of the entity, the biker stated, “I am grateful for retaining their sponsorship for another year. They were the first to come on-board with me at the start of my racing career and I appreciate all the support they give me and for having confidence in my ability”. After finishing second on the points standing to Kevin Persaud at the end of the 2017 season, the 20-year is focused on making improvements to his Yamaha YZF R6.

“This year our team is expecting a much better performance since we know what we're working with.

Last year was a year of testing and now we know what the capabilities are so we have secured a dyno session for the bike and also made a few adjustments to the suspension and have changed the brand of tires”.

lead.

After m a t c h point, Vickery crossed her arms and beat her chest, a salute any Black Panther fan would know.

"That was definitely Wakanda Forever. I'm so

With a bid to a play role in Guyana’s hopes of regaining the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships title, the aspiring Pilot will take flight on a tour to two of the three away legs.

“I have planned to tour in Jamaica in May for the first round of the Caribbean championship and Barbados

in September for the 3rd round.

Unfortunately I will not be participating in Trinidad for the second round due to my studies running simultaneously”.

The race meet is organised by the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club and drivers are expected to take the starting line at 09:00h.

Sachia Vickery obsessed with the movie," Vickery said. "It's taking over my life. I have seen it four times already. Literally, I'm obsessed." (tennis.com)

GFF Elite League

Pedro’s hat-trick humbles Cougars H ubert Pedro’s hattrick performance for Western Tigers led them to a comfortable three points over Cougars United when action in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League III continued on Friday at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground.

Pedro drew first blood for the Tigers 13 minutes into the showdown then doubled in the 19th minute. His teammate Colin Nelson supported with a 39th minute goal as the eventual victor developed an unassailable lead at the half.

T h e high paced encounter saw both

Motor biker Raverio Tucker is flanked by Marisca JordanDirector for Orbis Caribbean (right) and Sherry HaynesSales Manager at the entity’s Brickdam location

21

coaches using five substitutions each. Cougars managed to pull one back in the 83rd when Mark Wronge scored then made it a one-possession game when Erwin Johnson slotted in the 87th minute.

However, Pedro was having none of that as he scored in the second minute of injuries and stoppages time to complete his hat-trick.

Prior to that showdown, Fruta Conquerors needled Den Amstel (1-0) as the game saw the winning coach, Sampson Gilbert, use four subs while O’Neal Heywood, used a handful of substitutions.

Today at GFC, we will see Milerock FC go head to head with New Amsterdam (NA) United FC in the first game at 17:30 hours and then the double header wraps up with Victoria Kings taking on the defending champions Guyana Defence Force (GDF) at 19:30hrs.

Admission to all matches is $500 but all women, and children under the age of 12 will be admitted free.

22

guyanatimesgy.com

sunDAY, march 11, 2018

GCA/ Carib T20 final

Calm Barnwell delivers in nerve-wrecking final

D

emerara Cricket Club (DCC) skipper Chris Barnwell held his nerve during the last over to help his side retain the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Carib Beer T20 title in emphatic fashion after beating arch rivals Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) in Saturday’s thriller played at Bourda.

Raymond Perez was the instrument of DCC’s win thanks to his Man-of-theman knock of 54 which revived his team after a slight collapse from 60 odd for 6, to a respectable 155-7 from 20

overs.

A late flurry from Jahron Byron who slammed 34 from 29 bolstered DCC’s total as all-rounder Ronaldo Ali Mohammed grabbed 3-38 with support coming from Guyana Jaguars left-arm spinner Anthony Adams who captured 2-17.

In the end, with just 7 from 2 deliveries, Barnwell who leaked a six a few deliveries before in the final over, did well to sign off the last two balls with perfection.

DCC snuffed the title from within the grasps of home team who were eager

to retain their title on home soil after two years playing away. It was also a great opportunity for Leon Johnson to recapture the title for his club in his last match as Captain.

After Robin Bacchus counterpunched with an aggressive 54 at the top of the order, an unbeaten 46 off 32 with four fours and two maximums from Ali-Mohammed failed to help carry GCC to their total as they were kept to 149-7 in 20 overs.

Former Guyana batsman now Jamaica Scorpions franchise player Trevon Griffith

grabbed 3-35 with veteran Dennis Squires grabbing two wickets for the DCC side. Earlier, DCC had a nightmare start after losing big guns; Griffith, Barnwell, Sachin Singh and Tevin Imlach cheaply thanks to some aggressive bowling from Ali-Mohammed and company.

After Perez's rescue act, DCC were given a chance to walk home with their title and did such after managing to remove GCC opener Jeetendra Sookdeo (17) and skipper Johnson (06), Bacchus was forced to launch an attack.

When Vishaul Singh (01) departed after playing a needless shot, AliMohammed and Martin Pestano Belle who hit two sixes in his 18, released a bit of pressure. Guyana Jaguars player Sherfane Rutherford was hammered at the back end of the innings as the GCC batters looked to step

Raymond Perez receives his man-of-the match award

on the gas. The all-rounder went wicket-less for 37 runs and nearly cost his team the match for his wayward bowling at the back end of his spell.

After Barnwell shouldered the responsibility during the last over, seeing his team home safely; he was greeted by his teammates and other supporters who rushed onto the field to celebrate with their team.

The presentation cere-

mony saw Perez bagging the MVP award but is was Guyana Jaguars batsman Akshaya Persaud who stole the show as he copped numerous awards for his skill during the competition.

Meanwhile, DCC Coach Garvin “Tibsy” Nedd, said he was finally happy to settle the score on GCC’s turf as “talk” had it that DCC who won the title twice at home; could get the job done away. (Clifton Ross)

sunDAY, march 11, 2018

R

23 Powell’s maiden ton rescues Windies, sinks Ireland guyanatimesgy.com

Rovman Powell hits out during his ton (©ICC)

ovman Powell struck a stunning maiden ODI century under pressure and Jason Holder spearheaded his second consecutive recovery effort to help the Windies to a third straight win that confirms their place in the Super Sixes.

The duo guided Windies to 257/8 in 50 overs after they had been 83/5 in their Group A match, before four wickets apiece for Kemar Roach (4/27 from 10) and Kesrick Williams (4/43 from 8.2) handed Holder’s team a 52-run victory.

The Irish reply got off

to a bad start with each of the top three (William Porterfield 0; Paul Stirling 18; Andy Balbirnie 9) out early to leave them 32/3 from 11 overs. Ed Joyce (63), Niall O’Brien (34), Kevin O’Brien (38) and Gary Wilson (18) each made contributions but none kicked on and with the runrate creeping up, they collapsed from 166/5 to 205 all out as Windies’ lower-order rally continued to pay dividends.

And what a rally it had been. Holder and Powell added 86 for the sixth wicket after Tim Murtagh, Boyd

Rankin and Andy McBrine had reduced Windies to 83/5, and 24-year-old Powell eventually kicked on to a fantastic 100-ball 101 from No.7 – his maiden ODI century.

Powell, who took his time to kick on, hit out at the death, striking seven sixes and as many fours in a memorable knock to lift his team out of trouble.

Ireland had won a good toss and put Windies in.

Their decision to open the bowling with a combination of McBrine’s spin and Murtagh’s pace kept the explosive first-wicket pair of

Cheddi Jagan Centenary Cup

Trinbago Titans name star-studded team

– Guyana All-Stars to release squad on Monday

T

he Trinbago Titans have released a star-studded team ahead of the upcoming Cheddi Jagan Centenary Cup T20 match set for March 31st at the Albion Sports Complex Ground.

In honor of the life and work of former President of Guyana, the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) have decided to sponsor the mega cricket extravaganza which will see some of top West Indian cricketers engaging in battle for the Cheddi Jagan Centenary Cup. With the sixth edition of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) just around the corner, the highly-anticipated match will make for good preparation for players from both the Titans and the Guyana All-Stars teams; who will be a part of the CPL this August.

The visiting Titans recently released their team which feature numerous Windies top limited overs players the likes of; popular

Trinidadians Rayad Emrit and Lendl Simmons, explosive middle wicket-keeper/batsman Nicholas Pooran, seasoned T20 pacer Kevon Cooper, spinner Imran Khan and others.

Meanwhile, the Guyana All-Stars are also expected to field a big name team and will officially be releasing the full names of their squad on Monday.

The match of this standard under lights at Albion and gates will be open from 16:00h with the first ball set to bowl off from 18:00hs. Admission to the Ground is $1500. Trinbago Titans Squad: Rayad Emrit, Lendl Simmons, Imran Khan, Steven Katwaroo, Roshon Primus, Deron Davis, John RussJagessar , Amir Jangoo Nicholas Pooran, Kevon Cooper, Tion Webster and Vikash Mohan.

(Clifton Ross)

Kevon Cooper

Chris Gayle (14) and Evin Lewis (9) quiet.

Rankin got a breakthrough in his first over, getting Lewis to hit to McBrine to point.

Murtagh, who had been taken for a straight six by Gayle, was rewarded for keeping up the pressure, with the left-hander nicking behind for a sedate 28ball 14.

Neither Marlon Samuels nor Shai Hope stuck around to get beyond single-digit scores, with Samuels nicking another Murtagh delivery, while Shimron Hetmyer threw away a promising start.

With half of the Windies line-up back in the hutch inside 20 overs, Holder, who had rescued his side from a similar situation two days before against PNG, had the responsibility to rebuild again. He made the most of a dropped catch by Paul Stirling and survived a runout chance as the pressure was transferred back onto the Irish fielders.

He brought up his half-century in 70 balls with a towering leg-side six, but fell the very next ball, top-edging Murtagh as William Porterfield held on to a skyer.

Powell, though, stayed to finish what he had start-

ed. Having taken 50 deliveries to get his first 20 runs, he brought up a patient half-century and then shifted up a gear.

His hundred came with another massive six into the

press box window. It was the best score by a Windies No.7 and pushed his side up to a match-winning score – and, in the process, a strong position in the tournament.

(ICC)

SCOREBOARD West Indies Innings (50 overs maximum) C Gayle c †NJ O’Brien b Murta gh 14 E Lewis c McBrine b Rankin 9 S Hetmyer c Rankin b McBrine 36 M Samuels c †NJ O’Brien b Murta gh 2 S Hope † c †NJ O’Brien b McBrine 7 J Holder (c) c Porterfield b Murta gh 54 R Powell c Wilson b Murtagh 101 C Brathwaite run out (Murta gh) 11 A Nurse not out 10 K Roach not out 0 Extras (lb 2, nb 1, w 10) 13 Total (8 wickets;50 Overs) 257 Did not bat: K Williams Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Lewis, 4.2 ov), 2-33 ( Gayle, 9.1 ov), 3-45 ( Samuels, 11.2 ov), 4-58 (Hope, 14.5 ov), 5-83 (Hetmyer, 18.5 ov), 6-169 (Holder, 39.4 ov), 7-196 (Brathwaite, 44.2 ov), 8-256 ( Powell, 49.4 ov) Bowling : McBrine 10-0-452, Murtagh 10-2-41-4, Rankin 10-0-55-1, O’Brien 8-066-0, Dockrell 10-038-0, Stirling 2-0-10-0

Ireland Innings (target: 258 runs from 50 overs) W Porterfield (c) c Lewis b Holder 0 P Stirling b Roach 18 A Balbirnie c †Hope b Roach 9 E Joyce c Brathwaite b Roach 63 N O’Brien † c Lewis b Williams 34 K O’Brien lbw b Roach 38 G Wilson c Nurse b Williams 18 G Dockrell lbw b Holder 14 A McBrine c Holder b Williams 6 B Rankin c Holder b Williams 0 T Murtagh not out 1 Extras (lb 1, w 3) 4 Total (out; 46.2 Overs) 205 Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Porterfield, 1.4 ov), 2-25 (Stirling, 6.3 ov), 3-32 (Balbirnie, 10.3 ov), 4-96 (O’Brien, 24.5 ov), 5-166 ( Joyce, 36.2 ov), 6-167 (O’Brien, 36.6 ov), 7-198 ( Dockrell, 43.4 ov), 8-198 ( Wilson, 44.1 ov), 9-199 (Rankin, 44.5 ov), 10-205 (McBrine, 46.2 ov) Bowling : Roach 10-3-274, Holder 10-0-49-2, Nurse 7-0-29-0, Brathwaite 8-0-36-0, Samuels 3-0-200, Williams 8.2-0-43-4

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

GCA/ Carib T20 final

Calm Barnwell delivers in nervewrecking final

Champions Again! Captain Christopher Barnwell and teammates in all smiles as the Demerara Cricket retained their First Division T20 title after a thrilling final with Georgetown Cricket Club on Saturday at Bourda

Pg 22

Cheddi Jagan Centenary Cup Pg 23

Rayad Emrit

Nicholas Pooran

Trinbago Titans name star-studded team

Lendl Simmons

– Guyana All-Stars to release squad on Monday GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Sport: sport@guyanatimesgy.com Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 SALES AND MARKETING - lezas@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.

March 11, 2018

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MARCH 11, 2018

Feature

T

he animals and plants that live in the wild have an intrinsic value and contribute to the ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic aspects of human well-being and sustainable development. World Wildlife Day was celebrated in 2018 under the theme “Big cats: predators under threat".

The UN Secretary General, António Guterres, in his message pointed out that the solution to saving big cats and other threatened and endangered species is conservation policy based on sound science and the rule of law. “It must also give full consideration to the needs of local people.

When local communities and economies benefit from wildlife conservation, strategies are much more likely to succeed,” he said.

Big cats are keystone species. Protecting them also protects the vast landscapes they inhabit and the wide variety of life they harbour. It is a gateway to protecting entire ecosystems that are crucial to our planet’s health.

World Wildlife Day is used as an opportunity to celebrate the many beautiful and varied forms of wild

fauna and flora and to raise awareness of the multi-

tude of benefits that conservation provides to people. At the same time, the Day reminds us of the urgent need to step up the fight against wildlife crime and human induced reduction of species, which have wide-ranging economic, environmental and social impacts. Given these various negative effects, Sustainable

Development Goal #15 focuses on halting biodiversity loss.

Big cats are among the most widely recognized and admired animals across the globe. However, today these charismatic predators are facing many and varied threats, which are mostly

caused by human activities.

Overall, their populations are declining at a disturbing rate due to loss of habitat and prey, conflicts with people, poaching and illegal trade. For example, tiger populations plummeted by 95% over the past 100 years a n d African l i o n populations dropped by 40% in just 20 years.

But a range of measures are underway to arrest this decline.

In an effort to reach as wide an audience as possible, the expanded definition of big cats is being used, which includes not only lion, tiger, leopard and jaguar -- the 4 largest wild cats that can roar - but also cheetah, snow leopard, puma, clouded leopard, etc.

Big cat species are found in Africa, Asia, and North, Central and South America, representing a virtually global distribution, and representations of big cats, such as for car logos, by sporting clubs and the fashion industry, are used globally.

According to the United Nations (UN), over the past century we have been losing big cats, the planet’s most majestic predators, at an alarming rate. World Wildlife Day 2018 provided the opportunity to raise awareness about their plight and to galvanize support for the many global and national actions that are under-

way to save these iconic species. Through World Wildlife Day big cats will generate the level of attention they all deserve to be sure they are with us for generations to come.

Guyana’s wildcats

Six of the 36 wildcat species that exist in the world roam the largely pristine forest and natural corridors that exist in Guyana.

• Jaguarondi (Puma yagouaroundi) also known as the Eyra or Otter cat.

• Margay (Lepardus wiedii), also known as the Tree Ocelot, Climbing Ocelot, Little Ocelot or Tigrillo.

Margay’s fur can be grayish to cinnamon in colour. It is covered with black-ringed rosettes. They have large eyes adapted to night vision since they are nocturnal (active at night). They can survive less than 10 years in the wild and up to 20 years in captivity. Unlike other cats, margay is able to move down the tree, with its head going before its feet. This is possible because it has flexible ankles of the front feet that can be rotated for 180 degrees.

• Oncilla (Lepardus tigrinus), also known as the Little Spotted Cat, Tigrillo, Tiger Cat or Little Tiger Cat The body of an oncilla is covered with beautiful fur that can be tan or ochre in colour. Upper side of the body is covered with dark rosettes while the lower side is pale and contains a few spots. Its tail is covered with black rings and ends with black tip.

• Jaguar (Panthera onca), also known as the Tiger, Pouss, Turtle Tiger Jaguars are the largest of South America’s big cats.

Most jaguars are tan or orange with distinctive black spots, dubbed “rosettes” because they are shaped like roses. Some jaguars are so

dark they appear to be spotless, though their markings can be seen on closer inspection.

• Puma (Puma concolor) also known as the Cougar, Panther, Mountain Lion, Red Tiger, or Deer Tiger The Puma is the fifth heaviest of wildcats after the lion, leopard, jaguar and tiger. They have a plain coloured fur ranging from tawny to silver grey or reddish brown with lighter patches on their underparts including the jaws, chin and throat. •Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) also known as the Tigrillo, Painted Leopard, Hagtiger, or Dwarf Leopard.

The Ocelot is much larger than its cousins the Margay and the Oncilla, although they bear a striking resemblance. Twice the size of the average house cat, the ocelot is a sleek animal with a gorgeous dappled coat. These largely nocturnal cats use keen sight and hearing to hunt rabbits, rodents, iguanas, fish, and frogs. They also take to the trees and stalk monkeys or birds.

It is important to note that all wild cats in Guyana are protected in accordance with the Third Schedule of the Wildlife Management and Conservation Regulations (WMCR) 2013. Therefore, trapping, killing or injuring of these animals is a crime that is punishable by law.

Guyana will also join the rest of the world in celebrating International Day of Forests (IDF), on March 21st, 2018. The global theme is , 'Forests for sustainable cities,' and will focus on how forests and trees in urban areas regulate temperature and water flows, provide nutritious foods and shelter, cleanse the air and foster community cohesion and individual well-being, among other benefits.

Ocelot captured on cameratraps near Yupukari village

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 11, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Feature

Jaguar in Guyana – (Photo by Niels Poul Dreyer focusingonwildlife.com)

Jaguar (photo from gotoguyana. org)

G

uyana is in a privileged position of having a healthy jaguar population, which provides ideal opportunities for research and development of strategies to promote the conservation of the species.

It is within this framework that the Iwokrama Research Centre and global wild cat conservation organization, Panthera signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at the development and implementation of actions for the science and conservation of jaguars in Guyana. The Iwokrama Research Centre has been recognised as a key area for Jaguar conservation in Guyana, and research conducted over the years has proven this area, particularly the forest and road to be prime habitat for jaguar sightings.

The MOU, which was signed in 2016, signalled a commitment made by the two parties to collaborate on education, research and practical applications for conservation of Jaguars in Guyana with particular reference to the Iwokrama Forest and road.

More so, it allows both institutions to jointly develop and implement strategic actions for the science and conservation of jaguars in Guyana, framed under Panthera’s Jaguar Corridor Initiative.

The organisations work closely with government agencies including the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Environmental Protection Agency, Wildlife Division, and Guyana Protected Areas Commission amongst others. In particular, programmes are delivered through education, research

and practical conservation applications including sharing information and developing additional co-operative plans to survey for jaguars, educating the public on the value of jaguars and other wildlife and mitigating conflicts between jaguars and people.

Globally, jaguar populations are on the decline mainly due to the loss of habitat and conflict with people. As a result, these animals are listed as a ‘near threatened’ species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Panthera first started work in Guyana in 2011 through the jaguar conservation studies in the Rupununi where it was established that the connectivity of the Amazon Rainforest throughout the Rupununi, Iwokrama and other adjacent areas in the northern habitat of the jaguar is important for the long-term conservation of Guyana’s natural heritage.

Founded in 2006, Panthera is an organization devoted exclusively to preserving wild cats and their critical role in the world’s ecosystems. Panthera’s team of leading biologists, law enforcement experts and wild cat advocates develop innovative strategies based on the best available science to protect cheetahs, jaguars, lions, leopards, pumas, snow leopards and tigers and their vast landscapes.

Panthera works alongside a wide variety of stakeholders in 50 countries around the world to reduce or eliminate the most pressing threats to wild cats thus securing their future and ours, the release said.

Most of the work has been done so far in the Rupununi as the savannahs serve as a hotspot for biodiversity and is potentially a crucial area for connecting Guyana’s jaguar populations with those of the Amazon. Conceptualized by Dr. Rabinowitz, the Jaguar Corridor Initiative is the backbone of Panthera's Jaguar Program, which seeks to connect and protect jaguar populations ranging from Mexico to Argentina to ensure the species' genetic diversity and survival.

Jaguar relocation

Late last year, villagers from Fair View, the only community within the boundaries of the Iwokrama Forest, contacted Iwokrama’s Management regarding a jaguar they had trapped. It was reported that the jaguar was a frequent visitor to the village and was hunting dogs in particular. The Village was understandably fearful as the attacks were becoming increasingly frequent.

Iwokrama immediately contacted the Environmental Protection Agency and the Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission for assistance. A number of other partners were also engaged for advice including Panthera, Protected Areas Commission and Matt Hallett (University of Florida) who is currently conducting PhD research on Jaguars in Guyana.

Soon after, an expert staff team of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission arrived at Fair View and with the assistance of Fair View residents and qualified Iwokrama Rangers, were able to secure the animal in a special cage for transfer. They later successfully relocated the an-

imal to another area within the Iwokrama Forest- away from the village of Fair View.

Iwokrama Research indicates that the Iwokrama Forest supports healthy populations of jaguars and their prey; both within areas designated for wilderness preservation and sustainable utilisation.

Although Fair View Village exists within the Iwokrama Forest, human-jaguar conflict happens only intermittently; it is gen-

test the concept of a truly sustainable forest where conservation, environmental balance and economic use can be mutually reinforcing. The IIC collaborates with the Government of Guyana, the Commonwealth and other international partners and donors to develop new approaches and forest management models to enable countries with rainforests to market their ecosystem services whilst carefully managing their re-

Jaguar about to be transported after been trapped

erally mitigated by support from Iwokrama, the actions of village leadership and the tolerance of local wildlife by village residents.

Environmental and other organizations such as Iwokrama, Conservation International-Guyana, World Wildlife Fund -Guyana, National Toshaos Council can also assist with linking communities to the relevant government regulatory bodies. It must be emphasized that the Jaguar (Pantera onca) and all of the other five species of cats in Guyana are protected by law. (Photo and excerpts from DPI)

About Iwokrama

The Iwokrama International Centre (IIC) was established in 1996 under a joint mandate from the Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat to manage the Iwokrama forest, a unique reserve of 371,000 hectares of rainforest “in a manner that will lead to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits to the people of Guyana and to the world in general”.

The Centre, guided by an international Board of Trustees is unique, providing a dedicated well managed and researched forest environment. The forest is zoned into a Sustainable Utilization Area (SUA) and a Wilderness Preserve (WP) in which to

sources through innovative and creative conservation practices.

Iwokrama brings together 20 local communities (approximately 7,000 people) who are shareholders and participants in the IIC’s sustainable timber, tourism, research operations and forest management activities through complex co-management and benefit sharing arrangements; Scientists and researchers engaged in ground breaking research into the impacts of climate change on the forest and measuring the scope and value of its ecosystem services; and A portfolio of sustainably managed and certified business models using innovative governance systems which include participation of the private and public sectors and the local communities, earning income from the forest and its natural assets whilst employing international social, environmental and economic best practice, whilst still keeping abreast of the ever changing thinking on funding for environmental projects in the face of climate change and the perennial scarcity of international finance.

This alliance and the Centre’s work programmes are committed to showing how a rain forest can be used for real sustainability, real climate change protection and real community benefit.

4

Sunday Times Magazine

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MARCH 11, 2018

Feature

Shell Beach Scenery - (photo

by Marco Farouk Basir)

-Securing the future existence of marine turtles in Guyana

T

he Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) was established in 2000 with the primary mission of ensuring the future existence and population recovery of all the four species of marine turtles known to nest in Guyana, while addressing the needs of the communities. Engagement of the indigenous communities in alternative income projects to reduce their dependency on harvesting of sea turtle meat and eggs was an integral element in the successful launch and continued existence of North West Organic line of products which can be found in the leading supermarkets today.

GMCS was founded by its President Mrs Annette Arjoon-Martins, who managed and spearheaded many community outreach programmes pertaining to the conservation of the marine turtles, in collaboration with the local stake holders, governmental and donor agencies.

GMCS’s mission is part

ucation and awareness programs.

Shell Beach Protected Area (SBPA)

SBPA is one of Guyana's protected areas managed by the Protected Areas Commission; other protected areas include the Kaieteur Falls National Park and the Kanuku Mountains Protected Area (KMPA). The SBPA, along with KMPA, was created in 2011 after the passage of the Protected Areas Act in 2011.

SBPA is in the northwestern part of Guyana in Region 1( Barima-Waini) and stretches over 120 km (75 miles) of beaches and mudflats along the Atlantic coast.

The coastal beaches are made of fragmented shells rather than sand, hence the generic name shell beach.

Shell beaches can be found in Suriname and French Guiana, which also have marine turtle nesting grounds.

The SBPA covers an area of 123,055 hectares (1,203 sq km, 304,074 acres). In the in-

das). They visit the beaches from February to August each year. Turtle monitoring takes place at Almond Beach during this period. It also has a diversity of other animals and birds. (Reference: SBPA management plan, 2014) Since the area was declared a protected area it falls under the management of the Protected Areas Commission which has continued the programme of recording and tagging of marine turtles, data collection on all field based monitoring activities.

GMCS Past Projects

Several other projects include a Monitoring Programme; this involves the empowerment of the resident Amerindian peoples to be the stewards of the resources upon which they ultimately depend. GMCS actively employed persons from the Waramuri, Santa Rosa and Almond Beach communities, who would ordinarily have been turtle hunters or consumers, so that they can experience an alterna-

It takes a team effort to protect the four species of marine turtles known to nest in Guyana

nizes and conducts research that will promote the protection and conservation of cultural, natural and archaeological resources within the Shell Beach area.

Human intervention and engagement, such as fish-

Activism

Annette Arjoon is a pilot, aviation and environmental advocate; she is the President of the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) and the National Air Transport Association (NATA) Her expertise in designing and implementing alternative livelihood programs for the indigenous communities that depended on sea turtle meat in the Shell Beach Protected Area resulted in her being awarded the Anthony Sabga Caribbean Award for Excellence in Public and

A previous rescue mission; in the photo the drowned Leatherback turtle was brought ashore by GMCS representatives

of a global effort and involves the tagging and monitoring of the nesting marine turtles and awareness campaigns which has played a major role in the declaration of Shell Beach as a Protected Area. Legislation now governs the illegal take of all the endangered species from within that area and persons caught in illegal acts will face the consequences of the law.

According to the current GMCS President, Mrs. Arjoon-Martins, other aspects of GMCS thematic areas of work include biodiversity surveys, community outreach, and the design and delivery of environmental ed-

land portion of the protected area, it is bound by the rivers named Moruca, Barabara, Biara, Baramani, and Waini.

SBPA is special because it has Guyana's largest and most intact mangrove forests considered the most important ecosystems to the security of biodiversity in the Guiana Shield. It is also an important nesting ground for four of the world's threatened species of marine turtles namely, the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), and green turtle (Chelonia my-

tive to killing the animals.

In addition Community Development seeks to identify economic alternatives for user communities as a means of achieving sustainable livelihoods.

Environmental Education and Awareness; GMCS works with stakeholders at all levels to promote awareness of the need to protect the marine turtles and natural resource management of the area. GMCS has, over the years, trained numerous teachers from neighbouring communities in promoting conservation messages in the classroom Research; GMCS orga-

ing activities in the nearby coastal waters and in front of nesting beaches, contributed to the loss of many adult turtles that had been caught accidently and drowned in nets. However this was resolved by collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture which has assisted in having no fishing zones implemented at the most populated nesting beaches and the respecting of same by the local fishermen.

Marine turtle nesting and monitoring activities will begins in February and concludes in the later part of August.

Annette Arjoon Martins

Civic Service in 2009.

She was the recipient of the Golden Arrow of Achievement, one of Guyana’s National Award, in 2017 for her contribution to environmental protection.

She is the Chair of the Environment Committee of the Private Sector Commission and the PSC representative on Thematic Area 2: Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and Expansion of Environmental Services: stewardship of natural patrimony of the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS).

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MARCH 11, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Feature

A

Harpy Eagle - The Harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja) is one of numerous threatened specied in the UECC

s part of their vision, Conservation International (CI) imagines a healthy and prosperous world in which societies are forever committed to caring for and valuing nature for the long term benefit of people and all life on earth.

Their ultimate goal is to protect the most fundamental things that nature provides to all of us: our food, our fresh water, our livelihoods and a stable climate.

CI was founded in 1987 with program offices and partners in more than 30 countries, including Guyana. In 1996, CIG was registered as a non-profit company, and in 2002 signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government of Guyana.

CI’s science, policy and fieldwork

training, employment, and investments in socioeconomic development. For instance, in return for contributions to conservation, the VCIF has invested in an Ecotourism lodge in Rewa, sheep-rearing facilities in Apoteri, and a handicraft center in CrashWater.

The Conservation Concession demonstrates how to achieve biodiversity conservation as a transaction between a willing seller and a willing buyer, without requiring new legislation or impinging on national sovereignty.

Using existing provisions for timber concessions in Guyana, CI has effectively acted as an intermediary between global willingness-to-pay for conservation and Guyana’s

– Empowering societies to sustainably care for our global biodiversity on earth that includes parts of Venezuela and Brazil and almost all of Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. Although in the past, remoteness and inaccessibility have protected the Guiana Shield, concerted road-building efforts by the region’s governments threaten to accelerate habitat destruction, which is why the establishment of a robust protected area network is an urgent priority. The location of the UECC is highly strategic, forming a link in two chains of planned protected areas – one that spans Guyana from northwest to southeast, and another that stretches eastward from Venezuela across Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana into Brazil.

of Guyana received title to the land in 2004 and partnered with Conservation International and the government of Guyana to have the entire area established as a protected area.

Creating a Conservation Economy

This new protected area is part of the High Biodiversity Wilderness Area of Amazonia and a key part of the Guiana Shield corridor. It is home to several endangered species and the over 200 persons who live in the village of Masakenari.

The Wai Wai need this area for the survival of their people and the traditional way of life and are worried about new and encroaching threats from mining, logging and the wildlife trade. Incursions along their border with neighboring Brazil have already led to illegal mining. The Wai Wais have already stopped trading in wildlife, a practice previously done solely for economic survival and are now looking to conservation and the benefits of keeping their biodiversity to provide for family and economic development. The protection of this area ensures continuity to the traditional lifestyle and with long term support they plan to continue living on the land.

Protecting Key Habitat

focuses on protecting and maintaining the health of the species, habitats and ecosystems that are the building blocks of a healthy planet.

Upper Essequibo Conservation Concession

In July 2002, Conservation International and the Government of Guyana entered into an agreement that protects 200,000 acres of pristine forest by establishing the world’s first ‘Conservation Concession’.

Under this unique approach, CI obtained a 30-year logging license for a portion of the upper Essequibo River watershed, with the objective of managing the area for conservation rather than timber exploitation. For this right, CI pays the Government of Guyana annual fees comparable to those that would have been paid by a logging company, and has also provided a Voluntary Community Investment Fund (VCIF) to ensure benefits to local communities.

Benefits

The Upper Essequibo Conservation Concession (UECC) conserves a significant parcel of high biodiversity-value rainforest while generating revenues for Guyana equivalent to those obtainable from logging. In addition, three communities near the UECC – Rewa, Apoteri, and CrashWater – receive

ability to supply biodiversity conservation services.

The key to this success is that the approach directly addresses the opportunity cost of conservation; by replacing lost timber revenues, it has made foregoing logging acceptable to the Government of Guyana.

Modeled on a standard business transaction – the resource lease – this arrangement has proven to be cost-effective for CI and economically viable for Guyana’s development.

Thus, the approach responds to growing calls for transfers from developed to developing countries to finance conservation, while respecting developing countries’ sovereignty by leasing the area in question and preserving ultimate Government authority.

The UECC represents a particularly notable achievement in Guyana, where years of effort to create a national protected area system have only recently begun to bear fruit. In a challenging political and legal context that was long deadlocked with respect to protected area creation, this approach resulted in clear, unambiguous conservation of 200,000 acres. Moreover, this was achieved using a transparent and participatory approach that gave local communities a direct stake in successful conservation.

Biodiversity Importance

Guyana’s forests are part of the Guiana Shield, a region of about 75 million acres of the least disturbed tropical forests

The UECC contains all the elements of a rich, functioning wilderness ecosystem. Most of Guyana’s tree species are present, including the southernmost stands of the endemic and high value Greenheart. The concession protects critical watershed services: the Upper Essequibo River is Guyana’s largest source of fresh water, and anchors an aquatic system that features the highest recorded freshwater fish diversity in the world. Finally, the area is home to numerous endangered species, such as the tapir, cock-of-the-rock, harpy eagle, black caiman, giant armadillo, giant river otter and the giant river turtle. All eight of Guyana’s primate species are present, as are at least three of Guyana’s six cat species – the jaguar, ocelot, and puma. (Story complements Conservation International , CI)

Konashen

– A First for Guyana

Guyana’s first Community Owned Conservation Area (C.O.C.A.) is now the largest protected area in the country and is managed exclusively by an indigenous group. This will effectively bring more than one million acres of rainforest under sustainable management while ensuring the continued development of the Wai Wai people and their traditional way of life. The Wai Wai of Konashen District in the south

The conservation of this key part of the Guiana shield corridor also allows for the preservation of the home of several important species such as the Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) and the Jaguar (Panthera onca), the Giant River Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), the Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola Rupicola), the Blue Poison Frog (Dendrobates tinctorius) and the Emerald Boa (Corallus caninus).

The Community Owned Conservation Area now expands the area of the Guiana shield

that has been placed under formal protection and expands the corridor by linking directly into the Para State Protected Area in Brazil.

are being developed to create partnerships for research and eco-tourism development.

Community-based Management

The government of Guyana is pursuing legislation to establish a national system of protected areas and a financing mechanism that will provide long-term support to the Wai Wai’s Community Owned Conservation Area. Continuing technical advice and support from Conservation International for training and infrastructure, and an environmental education program and conservation club for the students and youth of the community will provide for the growth in skill development and capacity that will enable the community to manage their lands and resources for current and future generations. (Story complements Conservation International, CI)

The Wai Wai community is now moving forward with conservation and development planning for the community conserved area. With the technical advice of Conservation International, the community leadership group has completed their long term Management Plan, and is in the process of completing their first two-year Operating Plan. Six community members recently completed training as qualified rangers and para-biologists, and a community-led training program has revitalized their traditional craft enterprise. Under the new operating plan, a management training program will be implemented for the community leadership and opportunities

Planning for Longterm Sustainability

6 Sunday Times Magazine

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MARCH 11, 2018

Literary Corner

By Petamber Persaud

Riding high on top of choppy waves he pebbled into play with his first book, Pulling the Punches: Defeating Domestic Violence, Luke Daniels now creates a tsunami with his new book, Defeating Domestic Violence in the Americas: Men’s Work by contending that domestic violence is ‘politically motivated violence in support of patriarchy’, pointing out that the social structure is designed whereby mainly men are put in charge of state apparatus and mainly men becoming policy makers, holders of high offices, heading other organisations like military, political, religious, social, endowing them with wealth and power exercising control, sometimes absolute control. Daniels also shows how this pandemic of violence thrives in a climate of inequality, machismo, and lack of respect fuel by the socialisation for violence in the movies, violent video games and in sports like boxing.

Although this book focuses on the Americas (referring to the Caribbean, Central, South and North America), the ground rules are the same for any society in which domestic violence is allowed to prevail and fester. By constantly using the phrase ‘men’s work’ with supporting facts and figures, the author repeatedly emphasises that domestic violence is not only a women’s issue. The phrase ‘men’s work’ is pregnant

T

here was once a butterfly who wished for a bride, and, as may be supposed, he wanted to choose a very pretty one from among the flowers. He glanced, with a very critical eye, at all the flower-beds, and found that the flowers were seated quietly and demurely on their stalks, just as maidens should sit before they are engaged; but there was a great number of them, and it appeared as if his search would become very wearisome.

The butterfly did not like to take too much trouble, so he flew off on a visit to the daisies. The French call this flower "Marguerite," and they say that the little daisy can prophesy. Lovers pluck off the leaves, and as they pluck each leaf, they ask a question about their lovers; thus: "Does he or she love me?- Ardently? Distractedly?

with all manner of connotations for individuals who are burdened by historical baggage thrust upon them and contemporary constraints of neo-liberal society. The phrase ‘men’s work’ points fingers directly at governments which are led mainly by men and whose role it is to protect its citizens (the UN proclamation of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, December 10, 1948).

Governments have access to

Very much? A little? Not at all?" and so on. Every one speaks these words in his own language. The butterfly came also to Marguerite to inquire, but he did not pluck off her leaves; he pressed a kiss on each of them, for he thought there was always more to be done by kindness.

"Darling Marguerite daisy," he said to her, "you are the wisest woman of all the flowers. Pray tell me which of the flowers I shall choose for my wife. Which will be my bride? When I know, I will fly directly to her, and propose."

But Marguerite did not answer him; she was offended that he should call her a woman when she was only a girl; and there is a great difference. He asked her a second time, and then a third; but she remained dumb, and answered not a word. Then he would wait no longer, but

resources and have the power to end violence and as the author contends ‘it is a dereliction of duty to pass the buck to charitable organisations, women’s organisations or non-governmental organisations (NGOs)’.

This book challenges men, especially men in government, to take the responsibility seriously of ending all violence by putting forward ‘solutions for government to bring an end to so-

flew away, to commence his wooing at once. It was in the early spring, when the crocus and the snowdrop were

cialisation for violence’. This book, like his first, rests firmly on the conviction that there is a beginning and there must be an end.

To this end, the author gives a detail history of violence, hoping that ‘raising awareness about our history of violence will help towards a positive change in attitudes and behaviours’.

One commentator says, ‘Daniels roots his analysis on the systemic violence intrinsic in the process of discovery, conquest, exploitation, slavery, colonialism and its corollary in the Americas: the rise of ...imperialism’.

Along the way, the author demolishes many myths about violence towards women and hints at solutions: end inequality, defeat machismo, provide justice, enforce domestic violence laws, control violent TV programmes, protect young people from violent video games and support art and culture that promote non-violence. Defeating Domestic Violence in the Americas: Men’s Work is made up of ten chapters with notes, an introduction, a bibliography, and an index, all designed to bring elucidation and elicit action in such a way as to vindicate the book’s premise: there is a beginning and there must be an end.

This book may not win a popularity contest but it will be one of the books that will make a difference to our world. Responses to this author telephone (592) 2260065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com

in full bloom.

"They are very pretty," thought the butterfly; "charming little lasses; but

Encounter with a Snake On the path to cut a bag of grass for my cow An evening scouting snake I detected at my feet Beautiful in colour as its kind, yet frightening to view;

Petrified, I stood in state of shock, As the reptile, reared its dancing head, Not to strike, but to enhance a change of course And swiftly indeed, it left my presence Heading very fast for safer ground; And I left alone, Continued on my way Smiling and wondering Wondering if the snake had retreated From what it thought to be its death Not knowing that I had yet to learn the art Of taking lives, unlearnt even now.

Krishna Nand Prasad

they are rather formal."

Then, as the young lads often do, he looked out for the elder girls. He next flew to the anemones; these were rather sour to his taste. The violet, a little too sentimental. The lime-blossoms, too small, and besides, there was such a large family of them.

The apple-blossoms, though they looked like roses, bloomed to-day, but might fall off to-morrow, with the first wind that blew; and he thought that a marriage with one of them might last too short a time. The peablossom pleased him most of all; she was white and red, graceful and slender, and belonged to those domestic maidens who have a pretty appearance, and can yet be useful in the kitchen. He was just about to make her an offer, when, close by the maiden, he saw a pod, with a withered flower hanging at

the end.

"Who is that?" he asked.

"That is my sister," replied the pea-blossom. "Oh, indeed; and you will be like her someday," said he; and he flew away directly, for he felt quite shocked.

A honeysuckle hung forth from the hedge, in full bloom; but there were so many girls like her, with long faces and sallow complexions. No; he did not like her.

But which one did he like?

Spring went by, and summer drew towards its close; autumn came; but he had not decided. The flowers now appeared in their most gorgeous robes, but all in vain; they had not the fresh, fragrant air of youth. Story by fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen- he was a Danish author best known for writing children's stories including "The Little Mermaid" and "The Ugly Duckling.

Continued next week

Notice to Readers

If you have a poem and/or short story you would like to publish on our Literary Corner page, please email to timessundaymag@gmail.com. Kindly include your correct name and a contact number in your email. If you have any questions, please call 223-7230 or 223-7231.

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MARCH 11, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Feature

-Youths involved in community enhancement

T

he community helpers of the Non Pariel Green House Club maybe very young and lacking in terms of experience, however, the participants are setting an example for adults in their community.

These vibrant young people are involved in the first Pilot project - recycling old tires and discarded plastic bottles to build a Community Training Centre. The funding was awarded by the Ministry of Education Youth Innovation Project (YIPOG).

and very soon the Non Pariel green house club will be completed,” he told the Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

Alluding to the main functions of the group, Mr. Putulall further explained that the long term goal is to become involved in more environmental projects. The management committee, he added is comprised of members aged 18-45 years, while youths of all ages from the community are involved in the project.

A model depicting the Non Pariel Green House Club

Work in progress

According to the Project Officer, Mr. Romel Putulall , given that the volunteers understand the benefits of having a community center and ground, the youths from the community are voluntarily working on this project. “ We are making awesome progress

Even though the project is not yet completed, the Project Officer lauded the efforts of the young volunteers and encouraged others to become involved, whether it is through volunteering or sponsorship for the completion of the project. “ I would like to

Together we can: These vibrant young people are involved in the first Pilot project recycling old tires and discarded plastic bottles to build a Community Training Centre

Taking a break from their voluntary efforts

encourage everyone to come out and help,” he stated .

The Group had received a grant from the Ministry of Education - Youth Innovation Project (YIPOG) in 2017, of $4 million.

The overall total of the project cost approximately 9 million.

The group is registered as an NGO and is managed by a Committee of 12 persons,

which includes two (2) representatives from the Buxton/Foulis NDC - Mr. Jagdeep Singh - Vice Chairman of Buxton and Ms. Sharmilla Prashad - Councillor.

Putulall added that most of the young volunteers are between the age range of 7 to 18 years, who willingly worked on weekends- Saturday and Sundays to get the job done.

8 Sunday Times Magazine Travel and Tourism

K

araudarnau, Deep South Rupununi is cowboy country. Over 1000 persons, mainly Wapishana Amerindians reside in the community along the banks of the winding Rupununi River.

In English, the name means Snake Hill. The community is located in the Deep South Rupununi, Region Nine , close to Aishalton. In addition to many friendly residents, the village has several schools and churches, a health post, several shops, a rice mill and a peanut butter factory. During the day, most of the villagers are at work; farming is the primary activity in the village. However, at the day’s end and on weekends, the streets come to life.

Karaudarnau, Sawariwau and Mururanau are the three Wapichan communities in Region 9 that have embarked on a pilot programme to develop quality bilingual education for primary school children, with the aim of adequately responding to the needs of the indigenous children as well as passing on wisdom and traditions of their culture.

Indigenous peoples have been part of the Rupununi landscape for millennia. Anthropologists have discovered Paleo-Indian petroglyphs, dated to be several thousands of years old along the course of the Rupununi River. Before the colonization of Guyana and the Rupununi region, the Makushi Amerindians, Wai-Wai and the Wapishana all inhabited the area.

The Makushi migrated from what is now known as modern Brazil and Venezuela, to the northern areas of the Rupununi River, over four-hundred years ago.

The Makushi Amerindians continue to live in the Rio Branco savannahs and northern Rupununi, surviving off of the abundance of fish, wildlife and forest resources of the area.

The Rupununi River, also known by the local indigenous peoples as Raponani, flows through the Rupununi region. The name Rupununi originates from the word rapon in Makushi (a dialect of one of the communities), which is a black-bellied whistling duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) found along the river.

(Photos by Girendra Persaud )

MARCH 11, 2018

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MARCH 11, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 9

Health

S

tudies have shown that by immersing into wildlife— observing, breathing, touching—forest bathing (or shinrin-yoku as it’s called in Japanese) benefits the body and the soul. In this hyperconnected, hi-tech era, it can help decrease stress levels, heart rate, blood pressure, and improve overall wellbeing.

National Geographic Photographer Tali Kimelman experienced this first hand while

thinking. “You walk and let everything get into you,” she says. It’s a labor of active observing: “[You] stop, look at the colors, the details, the little drops moving … There is another world in there,” she says.

At times Kimelman gets intimate with mesmerizing close-up images of flowers. She keeps her communion with nature simple, intentionally not labeling the plants with their scientific names.

“It’s the left side of the brain working when you

immersing herself in Arboretum Lussich, a lush, 470-acre nature reserve on the southeast coast of her native Uruguay.

Over a period of two years, she returned to this forest to explore, diverging from the pathways and allowing herself to get lost. The immersion freed her from her continuous

label things, and then you don't allow yourself to just experience what you see…,” she says. “So I was like, ‘You know what? I don't care what the names of the things are.’ I just want to see them and see how beautiful they are.” (www.nationalgeographic. com) PhotosForest Bathing by Tali Kimelman

10 Sunday Times Magazine

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MARCH 11, 2018

Fashion

& G

uyanese Designer, Darshanie Kistama is multi-talented and her works reflects her versatility. During a recent interview with the Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, the artist revealed that she currently working on pursuing a degree in "Fine Arts" at an overseas Art institute. “I feel that I am a lot better at working Themes : The sea in more than one life: Medium : hand field of art rather painted bottle than doing just painting and textile design.

I am taking the opportunity to further enhance my skill, as well as learning a few more disciplines such as youth art education, photography, interior designs and much more,” she explained.

The young Guyanese artist revealed too that, once she has completed her studies, she aspires to open an Art School of her own. “I can be able to give back to my community by teaching what I learnt to the younger generations,” Darshanie said.

Darshani Kistama was among veteran Ms Darshanie Kistama

Guyanese artists exhibiting their artwork at Castellani House, last year , during the exhibition titled Ganga Ship 1917: The Long Journey”. It was her inaugural exhibition at the art gallery. Darshani displayed artistic paintings, drawings, saris and beautifully handpainted bottles.

She is inspired by nature and her “commitment” to her religion, which is a central theme in most of her art. She continues to encourage young and aspiring artists to “paint what you feel; everyone may have their own different techniques and skills, which makes them unique at what they do, but stay true to yours; do not give in to discouragement and always try to excel yourself in whatever form of art you wish to pursue”.

Themes: Nature's new born :Medium: Photography

Theme 'forever wild': Medium: Textile design

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MARCH 11, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Home & Cooking

Recipe

This vegetarian meal in a bowl shows how something delicious can be made from mostly cupboard ingredients.

Ingredients

1 tbsp sunflower oil ½ bunch spring onions , whites and greens separated and sliced 1 red pepper, diced 1 Scotch bonnet chilli, deseeded and pounded to a paste 1 garlic clove, chopped 1 tsp dried thyme

Method

Heat the oil in a large saucepan.

Sizzle the spring onion whites, pepper, chilli paste and garlic for 5-8 mins until soft and fragrant.

Add the thyme, curry powder and spices, then cook for 1 min more, Stir in the tomatoes, then cook for 2 mins to soften slightly.

Crumble in the stock cube, then add all

1 tsp medium curry powder 1 tsp allspice 3 plum tomatoes, chopped 1 vegetable stock cube 410g can kidney bean , rinsed and drained 410g can black-eyed bean, rinsed and drained 2 x 400g cans coconut milk juice 2 limes

the beans and the coconut m i l k .

Simmer for 10 mins.

Turn off the heat and stir in most of the spring onion greens, the lime juice and some seasoning.

Ladle into bowls and scatter with remaining spring onions just before serving. (Recipe from Good Food magazine)

Bold shapes and bright colours give a space personality. Popular patterns and bold colours are trending in interior designs today.

DON'T shy away from using bold colour for your accent wall. As long as you have the right accents around the room to coordinate with your new choice, you can choose whatever colour makes you happy. DO think outside of the box when you are considering your new accent wall.

Contemporary Kitchen With Blue Floral Wallpaper

Floral Mosaic Tile Shower in Zen-Like Master Bath

D

iscover the unsung hero of your pantry, and learn clever ways to use this versatile vinegar.

Toss a Salad, and More If the only time you reach for apple cider vinegar is when you’re whipping up a tasty vinaigrette, you’re missing out. Apple cider vinegar has loads of uses beyond the salad bowl. Known as ACV among aficionados, apple cider vinegar is basically apple cider that’s fermented. The fermentation process results in a vinegar packed with probiotics and enzymes—all good stuff for your body.

Treat a Sting Apple cider vinegar (ACV) helps neutralize the formic acid in bee venom (that’s what causes the stinging, burning sensation). Simply soak the stung body part in ACV, or soak a cloth with ACV and place it over the sting. Repeat every 15 minutes as necessary. With honey bee stings, remember to remove the stinger before applying ACV. CV helps relieve swelling and reduce itching thanks to the potassium it contains.

Clean the Kitchen Mix equal parts unpasteurized ACV and water in a clean spray bottle. Use this mixture to cut through grease, clean up grime and wipe out bacteria. The smell disappears as the vinegar evaporates. This cleaner is ideal for stove tops, counters, sinks and laundry room surfaces. It’s great for cleaning up metal tea kettles and the plastic touch pad on microwave and stove

control panels. It also makes cleaning the inside of a microwave super easy. Spritz it inside the microwave on all surfaces, heat for 25 seconds, and wipe with a paper towel.

Keep Fleas Away Some dog owners rely on an apple cider vinegar and water spray to keep their pets flea-free. Blend a 50-50 mix of ACV and water, add a few drops of flea-repelling lavender or cedar essential oil, and spritz your pooch before he heads outside. Use care when spraying your dog, avoiding eyes, nose and ear areas. Check with your pet’s vet before using this flea repellent.

Get Beautiful Skin Apple cider vinegar is said to bring natural healing to skin cells, and some claim it can help to prevent break-outs and reduce acne scarring (thanks to its anti-inflammatory qualities). It has antibacterial properties that some think may help eliminate acne-causing bacteria. For a simple toner, steep fresh curly parsley in boiling water for roughly 10 minutes (parsley helps boost collagen production). Mix one-quarter to one-half cup of cooled, drained parsley water with 1/2 teaspoon unpasteurized ACV and up to 20 drops of tea tree oil (antifungal, antiviral). Store in a cool, dry place for daily use. Stash in the fridge for long-term storage (several weeks). Apply with a cotton ball, or use a spray bottle to spritz on skin.

Floral Accent Wall Blooms Behind TV

12 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 11, 2018

Puzzles

Crossword ACROSS

98 Cold feet

99 Secluded valleys

1 Sidewalk eateries

100 Bran provides it

6 Hard hat's support (hyph.)

101 Hogged the conversation?

11 Went with

102 Mongkut portrayer

16 Stew ingredient

103 Feel sorrow

21 Dragon puppet

104 Cat calls

22 View from Giza

105 Toy dog

23 Space, poetically

106 Neutral color

24 Effrontery

107 Jules -- of sci-fi

25 Upscale cookie

108 Car owner's proof

26 Tribal adviser

109 Food wrap 27 Coast

111 "Pal Joey" penner

28 Set a price 113 Redden

29 Show disapproval 115 Gentle

30 Luxury fur

119 Removes water

32 Makes special mention of 121 Ulterior motive

34 Ill- -- gains 123 Entertain

36 Linear unit

125 Haul into court

38 Pick up

126 Fishing net 40 Movies 127 Raw

42 Heroic exploits

129 They branch out

43 Oscar or Tony 131 Humiliate

45 Raises the lid

133 Caravan halts

47 Surfer jargon

134 Petal extract

49 "Kim" novelist

135 Archaeology find

52 Virginia caverns 136 Occupied 53 Crowbar

137 Twist violently

54 Got the trophy

138 Staggers around

57 Things to uphold

139 Cut some slack

58 "Cosmos" host 140 Disreputable 59 Preside

60 Met role DOWN

61 Part of REM

1 Dr. Huxtable on TV

62 Cornered (2 wds.)

2 Bauxite giant 63 Stubble

3 Elevator stop

64 Estonian coins

4 Half of zwei

65 Words of surprise 5 Realizes

66 Kind of admirer

6 Arctic floater 68 Uncouth

7 Crooner's tune

69 Victoria's consort

8 Comforter stuffing

70 Vast emptiness

9 Is, for them

72 Perfume bottle

10 Daybreak, in verse

73 Big name in marches 11 Fate

74 "La Mer" composer

12 Parthenon site 75 Overturn

13 Not these

77 "The Count of -- Cristo" 14 Always, in verse

78 Pave over 15 Remnant

79 Sweetie pie

16 Running amok (3 wds.)

82 Fault phenomenon

17 Like folk art dolls

83 Chestnut or bay 18 Peeved

84 Ponytail site 19 Microwaves

88 Teen bane

20 Beatty of films

89 Broods silently

31 Ladd and Shepard

90 French brandy

33 Barracuda habitat

92 Top 40 song

35 More peculiar

93 Puts in a kiln

37 The One-L Lama

94 Messy quarters

39 Nutty confection

95 Brain parts

41 Harvests wool

96 Zen master's poem

44 Rugged country

Word Search

Nature around us

46 Supplicate Zeus

48 Livy contemporary

49 Bolshoi rival

50 Baking potato

51 Coke rival

52 Price tag

53 Tibet's capital

54 Urgent messages

55 Bloodhound clues

56 Disgustingly dirty

58 Fine viol.

59 Quit 60 Reddish-brown

62 Breezing through

63 Type of force

64 Corsica neighbor

67 Levels out

68 -- out (dozes off)

69 Prudential competitor

71 Less shiny 73 Drenches

74 Faculty honchos 103 Most ornery

76 Cherry seeds

104 Business deals

77 Tractor preceders 105 Handled incorrectly

78 Pilot's assent

106 Pickling solutions

79 Cartoon duck

107 Sacker of Rome 80 Farewell

108 Fall headlong

81 Of fields and meadows

109 Prepare to testify

82 Zorba portrayer 110 Pop up

83 Chenille items

112 -- couture

85 "Take -- --!"

114 Glittery fabrics

86 Walleyed fishes 116 Port near Kyoto

87 Chopin opus 117 Welded

89 Hi-fi

118 Smaller than small

90 Gauzy trap 120 Deface

91 Treat a muscle pull 122 Besides

94 Phony coin

124 Grabs a bite

95 "Wimoweh" beast 126 Farm female

97 Gambling stakes 128 AAA suggestion

99 Auctioneer's warning

130 Give -- -- shot

100 Not domesticated 132 "Phooey!"

101 Solemn promises See Solution on Pg 13

KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME TODAY'S WORD -- RHETORIC (RHETORIC: RET-er-ik: The art of using language effectively and persuasively.)

Average mark 40 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 56 or more words in RHETORIC?

recto rector retch retro rhetor rice ricer rich richer riot

rioter rite rochet rote hector heir heritor hero heroic hire

hirer hoer echo erotic etch ethic tech their thrice throe

tier tire torch tore trice trio troche ocher other otic

icer itch cero chert chirr chit choir chore cire cite

coheir coir core corer cote crier

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of "s," such as "bats" or "dies," are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a "d" or an "s" may not be used. For example, if "bake" is used, "baked" or "bakes" are not allowed, but "bake" and "baking" are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 11, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Tech

C

hina's first space station launched in 2011 and was supposed to wind up in the Pacific Ocean. Now it's anyone's guess where the thing will land.Tiangong-1 is no April Fool's joke.

The out-of-control Chinese space station is now predicted to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere sometime around the beginning

lated section of the South Pacific, with any surviving fragments falling in the sea.

But as early as March 2016, reports began to suggest that Tiangong-1 was malfunctioning and ground crews had lost control of the craft. In other words, there appears to be little chance of performing the manoeuvres to steer it to a graceful breakup over the ocean.

An artist's rendition of Tiangong-1 in orbit

of April. Most of it will burn up on the way down, but it's possible some pieces of the 9-ton spacecraft could make it to the surface.

Tiangong means "Heavenly Palace" in English and Tiangong-1 was China's first space station, launched in 2011. The original plan for the craft's demise was a controlled reentry that would allow it to burn up over an unpopu-

Instead, it's all up to chance.

According to a new projection from the European Space Agency last Tuesday, the space station is expected to make a likely uncontrolled re-entry roughly between March 29 and April 9. The ESA stresses that it won't be possible to make a precise prediction about exactly when or where Tiangong-1 will burn up and how much of it will get all

the way through the atmosphere to the surface.

That said, the Chinese space station is fairly easy to track and ESA says in an online FAQ that we should know about a day in advance of the craft's end which regions of the planet might be able to see it actually burning up in the sky. Predicting where any impact might occur is significantly more difficult, however.

"Even 7 hours before the actual re-entry, the uncertainty on the break-up location is a full orbital revolution -- meaning plus or minus thousands of kilometers," writes ESA's Daniel Scuka.

Tiangong-1's orbit spans from 43 degrees north to 43 degrees south, or from the central United States down to the southern tip of Australia, according to Jay Melosh, a professor of earth, atmospheric and planetary sciences at Purdue University. He explains that it could come down anywhere between the two points but is more likely to land at either extreme because the station spends more time there.

"It's like a pendulum – it spends more time at the limits of its swing than when it's moving fast," Melosh said in a statement last month. (CNET)

A

second-generation model with improved performance and a $300 third-gen device with two cameras are in the works.

Snap is apparently working on new versions of its Spectacles wearable camera, according to a recent report . The company is said to be working on two new Spectacles products: a second-generation model that offers bug fixes, performance improvements, and new colors, and a more ambitious

version that could feature two lenses and more ad-

Crossword Solution

vanced camera technology that could cost up to $300.

Snap is apparently also in conversations with major glasses companies including Luxottica and Warby Parker to license out its camera technology. As part of the company’s expanding camera ambitions, Heath also reported that Snap quietly acquired imaging company FiveFocal at the end of last year. The second-generation version of Spectacles is apparently pretty far along; the product is already said to be in the manufacturing phases for a Q2 or Q3 launch. Given that Snapchat infamously took a massive $40 million loss on the first generation of Spectacles, only selling around 150,000 units, the company is expected to produce far fewer units for the new generation of hardware. (The Verge)

M

icrosoft recently confirmed that it plans to move Windows 10 S from a dedicated operating system to a special “S Mode” for versions of Windows 10. In a new blog post, Microsoft’s Joe Belfiore admits that the original version of Windows 10 S, that locked a PC down to using just Windows Store apps, was confusing. “We have also heard feedback that the naming was a

Surface Laptop running Windows 10 S

G

oogle is adding a new activity dashboard to Docs, Sheets, and Slides that lets users with the ability to edit files check to see who else viewed the file and when they viewed it, via Engadget.

If you’re the kind of person who turns on read receipts to

bit confusing for both customers and partners,” admits Befliore. To avoid this confusion, Microsoft is now creating an S Mode for each version of Windows 10. “Starting with the next update to Windows 10, coming soon, customers can choose to buy a new Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro PC with S mode enabled,” says Belfiore. It’s not clear how simply moving this Windows Store lockdown to a mode will alleviate some of the confusion around Windows 10 S, but perhaps Microsoft will make the unlock process even more obvious. Previous rumours also suggested that Microsoft was planning to allow Windows 10 Home users to disable the S Mode free of charge, but Windows 10 Pro customers with S Mode enabled on their device will be forced to pay $49 to get access to a full version of Windows 10 Pro. It turns out these rumours were inaccurate. “If a customer does want to switch out of S mode, they will be able to do so at no charge, regardless of edition,” says Belfiore. That should avoid any confusion around unlocking full versions of Windows, and now it’s up to PC makers to choose whether to enable the new S Mode or not. (The Verge)

know when your friends and colleagues have seen your message but not responded, now you can get that same experience with the documents you share. With the new activity dashboard, you can find out if Jeff really read that memo last week. Or, more practically, users who

accidentally mess up share permissions on documents can find out who accidentally managed to get access to the file. G Suite administrators will now be able to turn on the activity dashboard feature, and the feature will roll out to users starting on March 21st. (The Verge)

14 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 11, 2018

Bollywood/Hollywood

I

ndian cinema icon Shashi Kapoor and India's first female superstar Sridevi were honoured at the 90th Academy Awards ceremony here during the "In Memoriam" montage. The Indian stars got a musical tribute by Eddie Vedder who took the stage to sing Tom Petty's "Room at the top".

Actress Jennifer Garner introduced the segment by paying tribute to late star Audrey Hepburn. "There is no joy without sorrow," Garner said, and then acknowledged the loss of film world with the departed souls.

Son of Prithviraj Kapoor and younger brother of Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor made his debut in Bollywood with the 1961 film "Dharmputra" after working as a child artist.

He passed away in December 2017.

Bollywood's ultimate "charm house" Shashi Kapoor then went on to make a name for himself globally by associating with international cin-

I

rrfan Khan-starrer Hindi Medium will hit the big screens in China on April 4, following the success of movies by Bollywood stars Aamir Khan and Salman Khan in the country.

China has a quota on the number of overseas movies that can be screened in the country each year. But Indian films are finding increased presence there.

For the release of Hindi Medium, which takes a comical look at the underbelly of India’s education system, the Chinese authorities opted for the film’s teaser poster instead of the main poster.

The poster reflects the disparities in society and as the

T

I

The Barbie dolls represent real ‘sheroes’

Oscars 2018 remember late actors Shashi Kapoor and Sridevi in memoriam

ema. He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan -- the third highest civilian honour -- by the Indian government in 2011.

In 2015, he was bestowed with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Sridevi, known for her ability to slip into myriad roles, expressive eyes, sheer comic timing and her fluid dancing skills, died on

film Hindi Medium does, the image holds a mirror up to our society where the ability to speak fluent English is ignorantly considered a yardstick to measure sophistication and elitism.

Producer Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films said, “This is exactly what made Hindi Medium so significant. The idea that we give importance to material wealth and our social image over the value of humanness and love baffles me, but sadly it’s what drives most of society and portraying this in a light yet meaningful form is what resonates with audiences universally.”

Hindi Medium, direct-

he 'Transformers: The Last Knight' actor reveals that he laughs it off, adding that the 45-year-old beauty 'deserves somebody far better than me.'

Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel have weighed in on their dating rumours. In a new interview with Entertainment Tonight, the actors, who play parents for Nick Robinson's Simon in upcoming movie "Love, Simon", laugh the rumours off, assuring that there's no truth to them.

Josh, who split from ex-wife Stacy Ferguson in September 2017, joked, "We're going to church, the whole thing," when asked about the inevitable dating rumours surrounding him and his costar. Jennifer responded, "Yeah, I know. Did you know you were a Methodist?"

February 24. Her death left everyone shocked, and saddened.

They were included in the annual montage along with stars such as John Heard, Tony Anne Walker, Jane Foray, Robert Osborne, Martin Landau, Glenne Headly, Roger Moore, George A. Romero and Jerry Lewis.

(Times of India)

ed by Saket Chaudhary, also features Pakistani actor Saba Qamar. Of late, Aamir’s Secret Superstar and Salman’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan -- the actor’s first movie to release in China -have done well in the country. According to film producers and distributor, the Chinese audience is receptive to Indian stories irrespective of whether a movie features a ‘star’. At the recently concluded Ficci Frames 2018, there was a discussion on the appeal of Indian films in China. On whether Aamir’s popularity is working in favour of his films, Prasad Shetty, Director, China Peacock Mountain Group, said, “I know people are talking about his popularity in China, but the fact is that he really worked hard to connect with people of China.

He went there, interacted with people and that makes a difference to earn popularity. When asked if only big budget films work in China, Shetty said, “Hindi Medium will release in China. That is a content-heavy film.”

(Hindustan Times)

n honor of International Women's Day, which was celebrated on march 8th , Barbie honoured director Patty Jenkins, gold medalist Chloe Kim, and a bunch of other incredible women from across the globe with their very own dolls, as part of their 'Shero' program. Past honourees include Ashley Graham, Misty Copeland, and Ava Duvernay.

"As a brand that inspires the limitless potential in girls, Barbie will be honoring its largest line up of role models timed to International Women’s Day, because we know that you can’t be what you can’t see,” said Lisa McKnight, SVP and GM of Barbie. Each of the interna-

T

he speculation emerges as the Warner Bros. is reportedly trying to recruit Chris McQuarrie, who has worked with Cruise on several films, to direct 'Green Lantern Corps'.

Is Tom Cruise wanted for the new Green Lantern movie? Warner Bros. is courting Oscar-winning filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie to direct "Green Lantern Corps", the new iteration of the DC comic books, according to That Hashtag Show. McQuarrie has worked with the

tional Sheroes will get her very own one-of-a-kind doll to celebrate breaking boundaries in their chosen fields.

Along with Jenkins and Kim, the other women being honored this year include: Bindi Irwin (conservationist, Australia), Nicola Adams, (boxing champion, UK), Çağla Kubat (windsurfer, Turkey), Hélène Darroze, (world-renowned chef, France), Hui Ruoqi (volleyball champion, China), Leyla Piedayesh (designer and entrepreneur, Germany), Lorena Ochoa (professional golfer, Mexico), Martyna Wojciechowska (journalist, Poland), Sara Gama (soccer player, Italy), Xiaotong Guan (actress and philanthropist, China), Yuan

55-year-old actor on several films, including "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation", the upcoming "Mission: Impossible - Fallout" and "Jack Reacher".

WB was previously reported trying to lure Leonardo DiCaprio to play the Joker by hiring Martin Scorsese for an origin movie about the Batman villain.

Thus, speculation emerges that the studio is trying to recruit the three-time Golden Globe Award winner by bringing McQuarrie for the "Green Lantern" re-

Josh later continued, "We're both private people, I laugh at it [the rumours]." The "Transformers: The Last Knight" actor went on singing praises for the mother of three, saying, "Jen is an amazing catch. She deserves somebody far better than me."

Jennifer and Josh were said to have found love again in each other and built their romance during breaks from the filming of the coming-of-age flick. "That's the best time for those intimate conversations, the ones you have

Yuan Tan, (prima ballerina, China), Vicky Martin Berrocal (entrepreneur and fashion designer, Spain).

Kim feels equally excited about representing different parts of being a woman and a role model, saying, “I’m so honored to be considered a role model and want girls to know that they can be athletic and girly at the same time!”

Along with the one-of-a-kind dolls honoring these innovators, Barbie is also launching a new collection called Inspiring Women, which will be available to all in stores.

The first three dolls will be Amelia Earhart, Frida Kahlo, and Katherine Johnson (of Hidden Figures fame). Glamour

boot.

Should the rumor be true, Cruise may play a more experienced Hal Jordan or he could play another version of the superhero or a villainous character in the movie.

A brief logline for "Green Lantern Corps" reportedly reads, "Former test pilot Hal Jordan, now a veteran of the intergalactic group of protectors of peace and justice known as the Green Lantern Corps, mentors young recruit John Stewart."

While it remains to be seen if Cruise will slip into the green suit, the actor can be seen in "Mission: Impossible - Fallout", which will hit theaters across the nation on July 27. He reprises his role as Ethan Hunt in the sixth installment of the action spy film franchise, joined by the likes of Henry Cavill, Rebecca Ferguson (II), Simon Pegg, Alec Baldwin, Ving Rhames, Sean Harris and Michelle Monaghan in the cast.(Ace Showbiz)

at the beginning of a relationship to happen," a source revealed. "Away from home and looking for companionship, it's easy to see what happened." The source noted that "anyone in Jen's shoes, after all she went through with Ben [Ben Affleck], would doubt whether they could ever trust a man again," considering that the 45-yearold actress split from the Batman depicter over alleged infidelity. The source, however, added that "Josh is truly a good guy, and spending time with him opened her up emotionally." The source also claimed that the "Alias" alum and Josh might make a good partner for each other. "Josh is a homebody and craves the simple life," said the source. "With Jen, he'd get that in spades.

She's very sweet and family-oriented." (Ace Showbiz)

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MARCH 11, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 15

16 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 11, 2018

Fun Times

Archie

Use your ingenuity to bypass complaints. If you stay (March 21- on top of what's expected of April 19) you, it will be easier to avoid being put in an awkward position. Stick to the truth.

ARIES

You'll learn from the expeTAURUS riences you've had with peo(April 20- ple looking for help. Listen May 20) and make suggestions, but don't do the work or pay for someone else's problem.

Listen to the advice beGEMINI ing offered and consider your (MAY 28- choices. Paying a price for June 20) past mistakes will allow you to move more freely. Someone you least expect will be deceptive.

Partnerships will need to be handled with care. Listen to (June 21- complaints and criticism, and July 22) consider how best to deal with problems without making matters worse. Understanding and kindness are encouraged.

CANCER

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

Peanuts

Say what's on your mind.

Honesty and integrity are the most important factors if you want to get things done. If you pussyfoot around a conflict, you'll end up being used.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

You can socialize, but don't go over budget when doing so. There are cheap ways to have fun. Just spending time with someone you love should be enough to make this a great day.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Partnerships will be on shaky ground if you cannot come to terms with who is responsible for what. Equality will be the only way to bring order out of chaos.

Don't feel the need to folSCORPIO (Oct. 24- low someone who is prone to Nov. 22) unpredictability. Acting on an emotional whim will lead to trouble and could affect your reputation.

Personal problems surSAGITTARIUS rounding a partner, parent or (Nov. 23someone you live with must be Dec. 21) dealt with thoughtfully. Don't jump to conclusions or take sides. Show support and compassion, but don't be gullible.

Calvin and Hobbes

Listen attentively, but don't CAPRICORN share personal information, (Dec. 22- and keep your assets, possesJan. 19) sions and status well hidden.

Take a unique approach to the way you handle your cash.

Invest in yourself.

An emotional matter inAQUARIUS volving money should be (Jan. 20- handled smartly. Joint venFeb. 19) tures are best avoided, and if someone owes you, it's time to collect. Don't purchase unnecessary items.

You'll be faced with deciPISCES (Feb. 20- sions that you may not want to Mar. 20) make. Consider what will happen if you let someone else intervene. You are best off staying in control.