Guyanatime 18 march 2018

LOOK INSIDE !

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3506

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Sunday, March 18, 2018

Heavy-handed Govt pressuring populace - Jagdeo

PRICE

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Page 3

5 years later

Former NDC workers still owed gratuity P16 payments

...cites drug shortage, financial hardships of sugar workers

Outdated paper book driver’s licence still being issued to new drivers Page 19

$120 vat included

Wales Estate aftermath

Farmers await allweather road to transport canes to …many abandon Uitvlugt standing cane

Page 7

These students from Starters Nursery along with their teachers set the Promenade Gardens ablaze with their creative, colourful and unique hats during their Easter Tea Party and Hat Show (Dexter Ceres photo)

Ramjattan lied to East Canje residents about school bus money – Chairman

Ministry to crack down on illegal pharmacies

…medication regulations to be upgraded

P19

Signing bonus

P5

ExxonMobil denies plans to recover US$18M from Guyana P9 Indian companies eye GuySuCo’s divested assets

…express interest in continuing sugar production

Page 3

...greeted with protest in Berbice

First-time mom recalls horrific P17 experience at GPHC’s maternity ward

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SUnDAY, March 18, 2018 guyanatimesGY.com

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BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, March 18 – 05:00h-06:30h and Monday, March 19 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, March 18 – 05:00h-06:30h and Monday, March 19 – 05:20h-06:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Sunny intervals with lightly cloudy skies can be expected throughout the day, with partly cloudy to clear skies expected in the evening. Overall temperatures are expected to range between 19 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-easterly between 1.78 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tide: 05:09h and 17:28h reaching maximum heights of 2.76 metres and 2.80 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:02h and 23:20h reaching minimum heights of 0.42 metres and 0.44 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS L

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09 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 11 18 29 20

25

LUCKY 3 3 2 9

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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 18, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Heavy-handed Govt pressuring populace – Jagdeo …cites drug shortage, financial hardships of sugar workers

W

hen it comes to its handling of issues affecting the ordinary man, the coalition Government has demonstrated its lack of empathy and a heavy-handed approach to those in most need of consideration.

This is according to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo who lambasted the Government on Friday for a number of issues regarding the populace, including the initial handling of minibus operators. He noted that if authorities expect minibus operators to re-paint their vehicles in accordance to their registrations, then they need to be given time to “transition.”

He said this was necessary especially if you were licensing it before and for years they have been working this way, as he explained that “people have livelihoods” and they have to maintain their families.

On Wednesday, some 30 minibuses were impounded at the Brickdam Police Station by ranks attached to the Guyana Police Force for possession of “multi-coloured wrap designs.”

Acting Traffic Chief Ramesh Ashram had stated that this campaign is currently ongoing until all vehicles are in compliance with the traffic rules which prevent them [bus drivers] from operating with coloured wraps.

He noted that these colours are most times in breach of the vehicle’s registration which

states clearly that the vehicle – when registered – is in one or another colour.

Ashram explained that had the colours been adjusted on the registration – in accordance to law – then there would be no need to impound the vehicles.

Jagdeo informed the media that he met with a group of protesting mini-bus operators at the Square of the Revolution, in Georgetown, on Thursday and they asked him to intervene and provide representation on their behalf.

However, the Opposition Member of Parliament said he had not taken a side as he needed to brief himself on the law in this regard. Nevertheless, he is of the opinion that even if the law is on the side of the authorities, time should be granted for the minibus operators to comply. He compared this situation to one which occurred under his tenure when taxis were to be changed to the colour yellow.

“I met with the people…, told them the paint and so would be duty-free, to transition,” he said.

It has since been reported that having received heavy criticism over the past two days of the handling of these operators, the Guyana Police Force will cease the clamp down until a meeting with minibus owners/ drivers is held.

Medical services Jagdeo also called on Government to improve the

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

quality of medical services it is offering Guyanese. He expressed concern over the continued mismanagement of the public health system and the shortage of basic medical supplies at various institutions across the country.

According to Jagdeo, the Government is not serious about the nation’s health and providing affordable and high-quality healthcare.

He said citizens are complaining – in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and communities in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) and other far flung areas – about the challenges they are facing. Jagdeo noted that the plight of the hard-working and poor Guyanese is being ignored.

“There is a shortage of basic drugs. The public health system is not responsive,” he insisted as he explained that given the unfortunate state of economic affairs which are prevailing, people are unable to afford the medication they need independently. He reminded that the 14 per cent tax on pharmaceuticals introduced by the Government has resulted in additional hardships being experienced.

The former President also lamented the fact that even doctors and nurses are complaining about the sad state of affairs. According to Jagdeo, Government needs to start listening to the people, especially elders, who have been experiencing immense difficulties accessing drugs and medications via the public health system.

Additionally, Member of Parliament Charandass Persaud also came in for some flak from the Opposition Leader, over his comments that sugar workers who cannot afford to send their children to school should face the brunt of the law. Instead, Jagdeo urged that help be extended to these workers.

Slamming Charandass for his “stupid” comment regarding these sugar workers not sending their children to school, Jagdeo pointed out that parents can no longer fall back on the uniform voucher offered under the PPP Government.

Ramjattan lied to East Canje residents about school bus money – Chairman …greeted with protest in Berbice

P

ublic Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has been accused of lying to residents of East Canje, Berbice on the issue of a school bus for children of fired sugar workers.

The minister met with residents of East Canje on Saturday, and announced that money has been allocated to the region to buy a bus for the fired sugar workers’ children to be taken to school.

However, immediately after his announcement, Regional Chairman David Armogan disputed this statement by saying that no such money was given to the region.

As Ramjattan made his way into the Adelphi Market building, where the meeting was held, scores of residents carrying placards picketed him.

The picketers shouted their distrust of the minister: “Ramjattan can’t be trusted!”

“This is the good life?” “Come and meet us out here!”

As the meeting started, some picketers attempted to enter the building, but were prevented from doing so by the Police. At the time, they were still carrying their placards.

At the meeting, several issues were raised by residents, including concerns of workers who were fired from the Rose Hall Sugar Estate, which has been closed.

Lance Boatswain asked the minister whether the Government had been thinking about strategies which could

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

be implemented to cushion the negative impact the closure of the sugar estate is having on the community. He noted that they have been calling for water and electricity subsidies, and also for the Government to provide a bus to take the children of the sacked workers to school.

The minister, in response, said Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne) Administration has money budgeted to purchase a bus to transport school children. “Apparently they don’t want to spend it, I don’t know why. But alright, Central Government can come, or some businessmen can come and put some money just like how we have gotten buses, other places.

In relation to the water, I am in no position to answer your question, but I am certainly going to raise it with (Dr) Richard Van West-Charles about the increase, and for those people who were terminated, whether

Regional Chairman David Armogan

there can be something done.

I don’t think that everybody (was a) sugar worker in Canje, there are other people who are other (categories of) workers who will have to pay…,” he said.

However, Region Six

Chairman David Armogan said there had been no money set aside in the regional administration’s budget for a bus.

“So any Minister or any Government that comes and says so is lying. In fact, I am now preparing to write the President to see if he can get a bus for the Canje area, and I am going to do that on Monday morning; but for the minister to come and say that, it is ridiculed.”

After the 2018 National Budget was passed, the Region Six Administration subsequently held a press conference to highlight some of the projects which had been approved in the National budget for the region. During that press conference, no mention was made of a vehicle to take school children in any part of the region.

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SunDAY, march 18, 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

Guyana and the Commonwealth

“

C

ommonwealth Day” came on March 12 with hardly a flutter in Guyana, save for a modest ceremony at the Public Buildings, where an almond tree planted on Commonwealth Day 2013 was fenced. The rather strained analogies made by the few speakers, on the robust growth of the tree to the Commonwealth relations, only served to highlight questions about the relevance of the organisation in this new millennium.

Commonwealth Day, of course, succeeded “Empire Day” in 1958, just after Ghana had received independence the year before, and a full decade after India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It was an acknowledgement that “the times were a changin’” as far as the Empire on which “the sun never set” was concerned. It was one other arrangement by Britain to retain the advantages of having colonies without bearing any burdens.

In the Caribbean, they had cobbled together the willing colonies into a “West Indian Federation,” which crumbled under its contradictions four years later. When Empire Day had been officially launched by Lord Meath in 1905, he boasted it was a “symbol of that unity of feeling…to those ideals of freedom, justice, and tolerance for which the British Empire [stood] throughout the world.” The hypocrisy of the statement was palpable, since Indians were still being shipped out to the colonies as “indentured servants” in echo of the slave trade on which Empire had been built. In South Africa, the seeds of apartheid were being planted when those same Indentured Indians were refused full citizenship rights at the end of their service.

The theme for Commonwealth Day 2018 is “Towards a common future,” and this year, for the first time in two decades, Britain will assume the chair of the 53-member organization, after the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHoGM) next month in London.

This year, the Queen of England sent a rather ironic message to the Commonwealth Day commemoration at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France: “There is a very special value in the insights we gain through the Commonwealth connection; shared inheritance helps us overcome differences, so that diversity is a cause for celebration rather than division”.

The irony arises out of Britain’s “Brexit”, occasioned more than anything else by the rejection of “differences” implicit by their majority “leave vote”. The British voters made it clear they envisaged a Britain that was much less heterogenous than at present, and that immigrants from countries that were not connected to Britain through blood ties were not welcome. In this nativist iteration, the target is Eastern Europeans in addition to members from “coloured” Commonwealth countries that had been restricted since the late 1960s.

The sad truth is: Britain is looking at the Commonwealth as it had done after WWII at the “Empire” -- as a salvation for its comparatively declining economic fortunes vis-avis Europe and a New Global Order being created with the rise of China and India as driving forces in global trade. Once again, it wants to reap benefits without responsibilities. We in Guyana cannot forget the cavalier treatment of the “Commonwealth Sugar Agreement” it negotiated with the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries – including Guyana - after WWII, to ensure its citizens their “cuppa”. It transmuted that Agreement into the Lome Protocol when it entered the EU in 1973, and promised it would last “in perpetuity”. Yet it played a lead role in pushing for the end of the arrangement in 2009, with a subsequent 36% cut in sugar prices.

At CHoGM, Guyana and the rest of Caricom must insist that if the Commonwealth is to survive, it must begin to address the concerns of all members, and move from simply uttering platitudes. In a world that rotates on free trade -- championed by Britain at the end of the slave trade -- the Commonwealth, for instance, can take a lead to return the WTO to its intended role: to create a more level playing field, by insisting that the Doha round be resumed.

These children were seen on Saturday displaying their unique hats with various designs at the Promenade Gardens on Saturday (Dexter

Ceres photo)

Shocked by Jordan’s response to US diplomat Dear Editor, United States Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency Perry Holloway, recently issued a wonderfully balanced recommendatory piece on the urgent need for the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund as Guyana positions itself on the threshold of establishing a petroleum-based economy.

Ambassador Holloway observed: “Guyana is poised to be a very rich country for this region, with considerable revenue streams in the future.”

It was therefore a matter of considerable shock and surprise to read the response of Minister Winston Jordan -that the Ambassador’s comments “may give the impression that the Government of Guyana, and by extension the Ministry of Finance,… has not made significant progress on this important piece of legislation.”

Minister Jordan’s reaction led me to conclude -- and I am sure that many who read the Ambassador’s comments concluded similarly -that Minister Jordan was im-

pulsive, and spoke from the top of his head, he not having read the Ambassador’s comments in detail, and seemingly just reacted to the headlines in the newspaper.

Ambassador Holloway, referring to his comments, said: “In writing this, I do not imply that work is not being done to develop a Sovereign Wealth Fund. In fact, I strongly commend the Government of Guyana for working on a draft bill and preparing to have a fund in place by 2020.”

Notwithstanding his deliberate effort to be at his diplomatic best and not appear to be critical of the Government, Winston Jordan roundly rebuffed the Ambassador.

Just so Ambassador Holloway understands, Guyanese understand Minister Jordan to have told you, “Don’t poke your nose in our affairs. The oil money is ours. Mind your own business!”

No one could have failed to notice that, in his comments, Ambassador Holloway emphasized the need for Government to have “consul-

tations” and “conversations” with the people of Guyana in the development of a “framework that protects and effectively leverages wealth to transform the nation.”

Ambassador Holloway is temporarily resident in Guyana. He is, no doubt, aware that wherever Government is with the development of a Sovereign Wealth Fund legal framework, it has not involved the people of Guyana in “consultations” and “conversations” in this regard. It is this underlying theme of people involvement in the Ambassador’s comments that I suspect has irked the rulers much more than just his call for a Sovereign Wealth Fund.

The truth is Ambassador Holloway does not know the nature of the APNU/PNC beast. He has been told to exercise restraint in relation to Guyana’s business. In other words, Minister Jordan has told Ambassador Holloway that he and Guyana can do without his advice.

The only thing that this undemocratic regime needs from the US Government

is for visas to be given freely to PPP/C supporters to facilitate their travel out of Guyana in the run-up to the 2020 elections, so that the support base of that party can be significantly reduced. Additionally, this inept, blundering regime, as Kaieteur News columnist Freddie Kissoon says, would be happy if the USA were to keep the PPP/C out of Government, and to turn a blind eye to their known potential for elections rigging.

The PNC, the prime mover in APNU, is well aware that the USA looked the other way as they, in the past, for about nearly three decades, brutalized the people of Guyana, trampled upon their dignity, and mercilessly violated their basic human rights and freedoms.

The time is now for Ambassador Holloway to reassure the people of Guyana that, come 2020, the only interest of the USA will be in a rig-free election, free from fear and patently fair.

Sincerely, Selwyn Persaud

Need for strong, committed poll agents

Dear Editor, I have intently listened to former President's Bharat Jagdeo's speech that he delivered at the 2018 Babu Jaan commemoration ceremony for Dr Cheddi Jagan. It was one of his better speeches. I was happy that he has declared a position on the state of potentially rigged elections in 2020.

I, like him, am of the firm belief that even if the Granger Administration tries, it cannot win rigged elections in Guyana in

2020. The system will not adequately facilitate such a situation, especially if a strong diplomatic and civil-society presence is launched. Counting of the ballots at the places of poll and having signed and completed Statements of Poll in the hands of the scrutineers are two powerful tools against the forces bent on rigging any elections.

To further strengthen the forces that are working tirelessly for free and fair elections and elections that are free from fear, it

would be a bonus if more Guyanese volunteer for GECOM roles, EAB roles, and civil society roles, to ensure the elections are properly conducted and observed. Sitting on the sidelines and resigning yourself to the thought that the PNC will rig the elections would only serve the undemocratic and anti-national forces who want to take Guyana back to the dark days of the 1980 elections, when horses and donkeys in Manchester, England were voting in the Guyana elections.

The people must stand up now and ensure that democracy prevails, as happens in the United States of America and in other constitutional democracies. All the political parties have a national responsibility to ensure that they each have 2,000 strong and committed scrutineers trained from now to ensure every box is observed and counted from start to end, when they receive the signed statement of poll (SOP) at their command centre. continued on page 5

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SunDAY, march 18, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

Signing bonus

ExxonMobil denies plans to The Opposition Leader is correct recover US$18M from Guyana

O

il company ExxonMobil on Saturday said it does not plan to recover the US$18 million signing bonus it paid to the Government back in 2016 as a recoverable cost from oil revenues.

The company is also denying that it intends to recover any environmental and social contributions under the cost recoverable heading. In one of two statements on its social media page over the weekend, ExxonMobil sought to assuage concerns over its programmes.

“Our environmental and social contributions under the Petroleum Agreement are not cost recoverable,” ExxonMobil stated. “ExxonMobil is making direct contributions in addition to its contractual amounts, for example $50 million for corporate social responsibility and $60 million to Iwokrama’s science programme, are not cost recoverable.”

Exxon is expected to use revenue from its production in order to recover its capital investment. This will be categorised as “cost oil”.

Whatever remains of this, is the ‘profit oil’ Guyana will have to spilt between the oil company and its associates.

Last year, the Government had consistently denying receiving the signing bonus from the oil company, but a document

by Finance Secretary Hector Butts was leaked to Guyana Times and it stated there was a request that the Bank

Exxon’s Stenna Carron drill ship in the Stabroek block

of Guyana’s Governor set up a special account to deposit the money.

Government’s receipt of this bonus was denied by Finance Minister Winston Jordan and Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, who had all pleaded ignorance of the bonus when asked by the media.

After the leaked document was published by this newspaper, ExxonMobil has since said they in fact paid US$18 million to Government.

The oil contract between the coalition Government, ExxonMobil and its partners in the Stabroek block was finalised on October 7, 2016.

However, ExxonMobil and its partners in the Stabroek block were able to secure exemptions from paying Corporation, Excise or Value Added Tax on its earnings from petroleum.

Article 15.4 of the renegotiated contract also provides for the Government itself to pay the company’s Income Tax. To facilitate this, the oil company has to submit tax returns to the

Government. That’s not all.

Article 32 stipulates that Government cannot modify the contract or increase any fiscal obligation the company has.

This therefore puts a cap on the taxes, royalties, duties, fees or charges outlined in the contract. Government also has to compensate the operator if a change to existing laws causes loss of revenue for the company.

There are some positives out of the contract, besides the royalty and the 50/50 share of the profit. For instance, Guyana was able to secure the company’s agreement to set up a fund for social and environment projects.

Exxon has to contribute US$300,000 per year to this fund. The sums roll over and the company together with Government will determine which projects to fund. The contract also sets aside another US$300,000 per year to ensure Guyanese personnel are trained at local or overseas universities and conferences. There are also provisions for a continuous review of local content.

Dear Editor, The reaction of the Coalition to the advice of US Ambassador Perry Holloway is markedly indicative that we will stand to lose our dreams of becoming a wealthy nation, given our vast oil discoveries. This began with the signing of the lop-sided Exxon PSA. The advisory was simply meant to salvage the situation, since the Ambassador, being equipped with a wealth of experience, fully understands the ensuing corruption and the debilitating nature of the oil curse. Therefore he advised that the Sovereign Wealth Fund be ‘independent, nonpartisan, transparent, and inviolable’.

He also warned that a ‘rainy day fund’ was not enough to secure the country’s future transformation.

He further advised that such a Fund would realize investments in education, health, infrastructure, agriculture and security.

What is wrong with these suggestions? Has he inadvertently struck at the true intentions of the Government: to misuse the Fund? Was it a guilt reaction?

It is now common knowledge that each and every ministry within this Government is marred by corrupt practices, such as cronyism, political patronage, mismanagement, squandermania, and downright diversion of funds. The US$18 million signing bonus is still fresh in our minds, and if it were not for Christopher Ram and the Opposition Leader, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, this would have found its way into the accounts of some politicians. (The unrelenting resultant exposure by the media must be commended as well.)

The Ambassador has pointed out some salient characteristics of such a Fund, and Guyanese should ensure that

those criteria are stringently met.

Furthermore, the Opposition Leader is quite correct in his conclusion that the Coalition’s response to the Ambassador’s advice can be described as ‘petulant ramblings, and that the Government is ‘too thinskinned’. He then went on to describe an innate characteristic of disregarding the voice of the people, which has been arrogantly displayed almost on a daily basis on various issues, but as been more pronounced in regard to the Exxon PSA. He said the Coalition “continues to be impervious to suggestions, a disposition that does not bode well for the nation”. We have seen many examples of this since the Coalition took office.

The Opposition Leader also went at length to stress that a Sovereign Wealth Fund “is quintessential to the future prosperity of our Nation’. An apt illustration is Equatorial Guinea, where Exxon has been pumping millions of dollars into the private bank accounts of selected members of the Government.

That country is the richest in Africa, yet a little less than half the population has access to drinking water; 20% of children die before attaining the age of 5 years; and most people live on a meagre US$2 per day. In contrast, members of the Government live extravagantly lavish lifestyles!

Therefore, the squandering of our oil money is not an impossible feat, when we consider that, just a few months after getting into Government, the ministers paid themselves a shamelessly hefty 50% increase in salary.

Why the importance of independence of the SWF? The Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute developed a

transparency index called the Linaburg-Maduell Transparency Index, which is made up of 10 basic principles equivalent to 10 points on the Index. It deals with reason for the Fund’s creation, the need for up-to-date, independently audited reports, and guidelines for ethical standards, investment policies, and enforcer guidelines, among other things.

The Institute recommends that a country gets a minimum rating of 8 points in order to claim adequate transparency. Our neighbor, Trinidad and Tobago, has a fund of US$5.5 billion and is ranked 8th on the Index, while Equatorial Guinea has a Fund of just US$80 million and has no ranking on the Index. This tells a sad story for a country which established a SWF but lacks the minimum essential points on the Transparency Index. On the other hand, Norway ranks 10th on the Transparency Index. Therefore, though this Government is ranting about the establishment of an SWF, it must be done as advised by the US Ambassador and the Leader of the Opposition, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, to ensure that Guyana gets a minimum ranking of 8th on the Index. It is imperative that the Opposition be consulted on the establishment of this Fund, or else this nation loses!

We have been denied the right to a renegotiation of the Exxon Contract, and it seems that we will be losing whatever benefits we should have accrued from our oil revenue, given this Government’s revulsion for transparency and accountability.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councillor, Region Six

Need for strong, committed...

There must be no room for anyone to abandon their post, and that is why from now scrutineers must be identified and trained, to weed out those who are not up to the task.

When the domestic terrorists come and rock the doors at the polling stations, the scrutineers must stand their ground at all cost. Even if those bent on rigging the elections stuff the boxes in the usual suspected areas, they cannot stuff more than 10,000 votes.

Mr Jagdeo said the PPP will win by 50,000 votes; so, in his case, that 10,000 cannot overturn the will of the people.

The political parties have to ensure they have well trained political operators at every polling station, unlike some of the mediocre people they had in 2015, who abandoned their post when the domestic terrorists started to rock the doors of the polling places in some areas.

I remember my time as a scrutineer at Freeburg School in Lodge in the 1992 elections. When the PNC thugs

came and started to rock the door, my resolve then became stronger. I stood my ground as in my mind I recited a poem

by Rabindranath Tagore with which I had armed myself.

The only way they were going to steal the SOP from me in 1992 was over my dead body.

But I must commend the Police in 1992, who did a fantastic job of bringing calm to a situation at that polling station. Those of us who served in 1992 stood up to the PNC thugs, and we did it at no financial benefit to us then, but at great personal risk.

I am hearing today the parties have to pay people to do this job. I think this is where the problem is: some people uncommitted to the struggle are doing the job for money, and when the going gets tough, they bail out.

I think the political parties should start screening their scrutineers from now, to weed out those who are going to bail out when the PNC thugs come to rock the doors in some areas.

In closing, I would like to share that poem that was occupying my mind when fear

from page 4

was uppermost in my mind as a young 20-year-old lad in a room in Freeburg School on Durban Street. It is called “Where the Mind is without Fear”.

Where The Mind Is Without Fear Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high Where knowledge is free Where the world has not been broken up into fragments By narrow domestic walls Where words come out from the depth of truth Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit Where the mind is led forward by thee Into ever-widening thought and action Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.”

ALUTA CONTINUA! Sincerely, Sasenarine Singh

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation Everything in

;

even health?

Ashley Anthony

O

rthorexia Nervosa is a term used to describe a fixation on righteous eating. It is a condition wherein the person with the disorder is obsessed with eating in the way they believe is healthiest. Typically, the disorder progresses from being a simple desire to eat healthier to a compulsion and obsession, to the point where a person’s mental and social health are threatened.

People who have beaten the disorder describe the need to eat completely healthily as a dependency; as if they do not stick

to the incredibly specific diet they have set out for themselves, they feel “unholy”, or “ashamed”. When they eat the “right” way, they feel superior to others.

Their diet is the source of their self-worth, and they tend to value and judge a person based on the way that person eats.

The disorder progresses to a point at which the person is consumed with the thought of food. They would spend hours planning and purchasing food, and should they slip up on their diet, would feel intense regret, which can be abated

only by stricter dieting.

It is this type of behaviour that makes Orthorexia a disorder.

Similar to the better known disorders of Bulumia and Anorexia, instead of being obsessed with the quantity of food, the person becomes obsessed with the quality of food. You might ask: Is this really a serious thing that can happen? And the answer is yes. Although eating healthily is always advisable, obsession never is.

According to the World Health Organization, “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and

social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Although healthy eating might be good for you physically, an obsession to the point where you spend most of your time thinking about the food you eat cannot be good for your mental state.

Most people suffering from the disorder report feeling an “anxiety” towards food. Furthermore, because their validation comes from the way they eat, messing up their diet can come with feelings of worthlessness and depression. On the other hand, social well-being is threatened, too. Humans don’t eat food just for the sake of nutrition. The idea of eating together is highly valued in our society, even if we don’t notice it. Whether it’s breakfast with the family, lunch with friends, or dinner with a significant other, eating together means more than just consuming food. It means interaction; socialization. Eating provides an excuse to meet and give each other attention.

Imagine, then, being someone who has Orthorexia.

Imagine feeling nervous when your neighbour invites you to a BBQ, and having to cancel because you can’t stand the idea of looking at people eat so “badly”. Imagine not being able to socialize with your colleagues at a work party because you’re disgusted by the food being served.

It seems to me like a lonely existence.

However, like any life-consuming addiction, the first step is recognizing that there is a problem. The next is taking the necessary steps to fix that problem. In most cases, those steps are seeking a nutritionist; and maybe a psychiatrist, who can help you separate eating from self-worth, and who can slowly wean you off of your obsession.

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SunDAY, march 18, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Wales Estate aftermath

Farmers await all-weather road to transport canes to Uitvlugt …many abandon standing cane

Overgrown weeds in a canal at Bellvue

By Shemuel Fanfair

F

ifteen months after the Wales Sugar Estate was shuttered, private farmers on the lower West Bank of Demerara (WBD) are left wondering when they would be able to transport their produce via an all-weather road that Government, through the Agriculture Ministry announced would be constructed from Wales to Uitvlugt.

Guyana Times had reported that some farmers, including those from Canal Number One and La Retraite, WBD, had cleared a make-shift route to transport their canes to the West Coast Demerara estate.

This transport route was said to be an expensive undertaking for farmers.

Speaking to this newspaper recently, some of the affected farmers have complained that with the inclement weather conditions, access through the backlands has become nearly impossible. To date, many farmers at Bellvue, Good Intent, La Retraite and elsewhere have left their canes in their lands, with some turning to alternative crops, while others have packed up and left the area.

Former private farmer, Mootooveren (only name given)

was one of the frustrated farmers who turned to cash crop farming. The Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara native noted that he left the area because he did not see a future in Wales.

“Me give up cane, me stop plant cane and me come home

to upkeep their payments.

Roger Caryll, who invested in developing three acres of cane lands before Wales Estate closed, is one of the farmers who still has outstanding debts. He is hopeful that the road will be constructed.

“It hold back me crop right now because the place bad and I can’t get to pull me cane because the road never build.

We an getting no help from [Guyana Sugar Corporation] GuySuCo or nothing,” he observed.

Over the past several years, the weather patterns have altered as intermittent downpours are constantly being seen; a contention which has been shared by many in the farming sector. The absence of the all-weather road to Uitvlugt

Abandoned cane lands at Bellvue, WBD

back. Me deh Machaicony, me done with Wales, I doing cash crop farming at Mahaicony. It’s not too bad; but you not getting as much earnings as with sugar but you got to try to make it out somehow,” the father of two told Guyana Times.

“After it close down, me pack up and leff everything.

The land still there, the trailer still there. Is only if they open back Wales then abbe ah go back,” Mootooveren explained.

He observed that while he does not have loans as is the case with other farmers, many of his colleagues are struggling

is upsetting to farmers.

“Is Number Two Canal, La Retraite, Stanleytown, all them canes get stall up right now and when I cut out this crop, I done with cane. I ain’t finish off paying for my equipment up to now and Government never even come in to say ‘well, I will assist you or nothing’.

Since this Estate close down, is more hard. Right now I gone into cash crops, doing cabbage, lettuce and pak-choy. You get earnings but is hard work, invest more time and energy,” he pointed out.

He called for Government

subsidies to assist him in buying a pump and shade house.

Another farmer, Hesley Jacobs, has also abandoned his canes at La Retarite. He said he has shifted his focus to smaller cultivations of bananas, plantains and cassava, and noted that his nephew cul-

tivates coconuts and oranges, among other crops.

While the farmers await the construction of the all-weather road, GuySuCo last week issued a notice of interest for persons to cultivate canes around the Uitvlugt Estate. However, one farmer indicated that he

has no interest in cultivating any land on the West Coast of Demerara.

“I don’t want no land at Uitvlugt, I’m not going back into cane anymore. The shock which I get, I done with that (sugar),” farmer Caryll told this newspaper.

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SunDAY, march 18, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

Skull City brawl lands duo in court

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uraj Lallchan, 19, of Patentia, West Bank Demerara and 25-yearold Randy Singh of Patentia House Scheme were each granted $30,000 bail at the Wales Magistrate’s Court on

allegations that they wounded each other. Police indicated that the two men were involved in a physical altercation at Skull City, Patentia, on March 10, 2018.

Both pleaded not guilty

to their respective charge.

Lallchan told Magistrate Rushell Liverpool that he was never charged before. Singh, through his Attorney, Pamela De Santos, gave a similar account to the court, saying he

has never had any prior problems with the law.

De Santos appealed for reasonable bail, highlighting that her client is father to a six-year-old. The case was adjourned to June 7.

Coconut thief on $5000 bail Farmer, excavator operator

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tanleytown, West Bank Demerara resident Carol Bernard was annoyed when a truss of coconuts from one of the trees in her yard was stolen on March 10, 2018. The frustrated woman reported the matter and School Street, Stanleytown resident Kevin Delph was later arrested on allegations that he committed the crime.

However, when the 18-year-old defendant appeared at the Wales Magistrate’s Court last week, he denied the larceny allegation and was released

on bail for canal showdown

T

on $5000 bail by Magistrate Rushell Liverpool.

Delph who works as a mason will make his next court appearance on June 14.

agenarine Lalman and Sanjay Kumar of Middlesex, Canal Number Two, West Bank Demerara, appeared before Wales Magistrate Rushell Liverpool on allegations that they threatened and verbally abused each.

According to the facts of the case, Kumar, a 21-yearold excavator operator, made use of threatening behaviour towards Lalman and his wife, Lakshmi Lalman on March 4, 2018 at Middlesex.

Represented by Attorney

Pamela De Santos, Lalman, a 41-year-old farmer, was counter-charged with using abusive language toward Kumar. The court was told that Lalman was never charged before and Kumar lives with his parents. The excavator operator was released on $30,000 bail for allegedly threatening the husband and wife, while Mr Lalman was granted $15,000 on his charge.

Both will next appear at the Wales Magistrate’s Court on June 7.

The anomaly…

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…of “democratic” propaganda

he Chronic is in the news again; and ultimately, for the same reason it scandalised folks who actually believed this PNC-led coalition would be any different from the first PNC government in 19641985. Right after it slid into government in 2015, during its first Budget debate in August of that year, a Chronic reporter penned a story headlined: “Govt blunders on Budget Estimates…violates laws assented to by President Granger”.

PM Nagamootoo, who’d been reduced to running the state media, objected vehemently to the headline and story, and later berated the reporter in the corridors of Parliament. He said bluntly, “State media should favour Government’s view”. Later, he elaborated, “…it is a Government paper, and I would expect that, for a paper, that it has a point of view that supports a Government’s perspective…is a Government newspaper…it is a fully supported established company of the State…one would expect that it would merit the views of Government.”

Nagamootoo clearly saw his role as being “Minister of Propaganda”!!

It was an astounding statement from a man who’d worked for the Mirror when Burnham banned newsprint in an effort to silence other opinions than those of the state media, which he controlled with an iron fist! His statement simply echoed Burnham’s position -- that the “Government” was equivalent to the “state”, and both should be subservient to the party running the Government.

The Guyana Press Association (GPA) trenchantly criticised the PM for his dictat. They revealed their “awareness of the weekly meetings between the Prime Minister and senior executives of the state media, which continues to be used as a tool to dictate editorial content and to silence or trivialise Opposition views.” And this is exactly what’s playing out with the firing of two columnists – Hinds and Lewis -- by editor-in-chief of the Chronic because they dared to include a couple of brickbats in the bouquets that they normally threw at the Government.

But, more specifically, because they dared criticise the AFC for their craven behaviour in reference to the degutting of the Cummingsburg Accord and for going along with Granger’s unilateralism on the oil bonus to the appointment of (Chief?) Justice Patterson to the GECOM Chair. In fact, the AFC said, “People like David Hinds should be GRATEFUL to the AFC for being able to criticise the Government”!!! It would appear to the AFC – and this has to be Nagamootoo and his lap-dog DPI – that the WPA isn’t part of the Government!! Oh! How quickly they forget!!

In the opinion of your humble Eyewitness, this latest cracking of the whip at the Editor of the Chronic to have him jump through hoops is the handiwork of the AFC! Fyaah on them!!

…must be corrected

Your Eyewitness calls upon Guyanese – especially those who support the Government – to wake up and smell the coffee. Back in the day, Burnham convinced them they should overlook his rigging because the alternative would be to have the PPP back at the helm. And they went along, even though Burnham destroy their livelihood, family and country.

But it’s said, “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me!” The Government partisans have to see where the actions of this Government are taking them: right back to PNC-I!!

On the Chronic becoming a rag for the Government, they have to bite the bullet and demand the state divest itself of all media. Burnham could get away with the state media as presently configured because he declared Guyana was a “socialist” state, but it’s 30 years since Desmond Hoyte brought back democratic governance and a free market economy. A totally independent BBCtype media isn’t an option. We clearly don’t have the traditions of independence that sustain such impartiality.

Place the state media on the blocks!

…of rum, not sugar

DDL’s stepping into the (sugar) breach to resuscitate Enmore because it needs molasses for its rum business.

So your Eyewitness asks again: What’s gonna be the price of this molasses, since it’s not just a “by-product”??

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

9 Indian companies eye GuySuCo’s divested assets news

SunDAY, march 18, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

…express interest in continuing sugar production

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s Government forges ahead with plans to divest sections of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), interests are brewing as far as India for the acquisition of assets from the local sugar industry.

The Asian powerhouse nation has always indicated through its diplomatic mission here, its willingness to assist Guyana with its heavily indebted and cash-strapped sugar industry. During recent high-level visits to Inida by a ministerial delegation led by Second Vice President and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge earlier this year, and more recently by President David Granger, this interest was reinforced.

Speaking with Guyana Times , Minister Greenidge explained that while the Indian Government has offered assistance on the

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

technical side, the more tangible interest was expressed by private companies at a meeting held with the Chamber of Commerce in Delhi during his visit.

He noted that these companies, which have massive and expansive capacities, had indicated interests in

investing in the local sugar industry or acquiring assets earmarked for divestment.

Asked what plans these companies may have for the assets acquired, if successful in the acquisition process, the Foreign Affairs Minister outlined that the interest varies on the capability of the companies.

“The companies that we spoke with would mostly just take them and continue sugar production but some of them are diversified companies. I think when they look to see what the assets are and what the capacity of the different estates is, then they would decide or be able to decide whether they want to bottle stuff, whether they want to deal with some of the by-products or whatever. It’s a little hard to tell at the first pass,” Greenidge posited.

On the other hand,

aside from the interest in GuySuCo’s divested assets, Greenidge added that there are companies who will also be able to assist what remains of the local sugar industry with factory parts and/or even technical services, which they are all willing to offer.

Moreover, the Minister revealed the companies had also showed investment interest in other ar-

The Enmore Estate

eas such as infrastructural development.

“They have, for instance, the firm that built the Stadium (at Providence, East Bank Demerara) is interested in doing stuff here and they have the capacity of a variety of firms including bridge building. So they will be coming back and they had asked for various bits of information,” he stated.

The Foreign Affairs Minister said these companies will be following up with Guyana’s High Commission in Indian to obtain the relevant information so as to further act on their interest in investing here.

This interest from these Indian companies comes even as local companies are also trying to get their hands on the divested assets of GuySuCo. Following Government’s announcement to fire thousands of workers in an effort to downsize the sugar industry; leaving just the Uitvlugt, Albion and Blairmont estates operational in order to make GuySuCo more viable, the Special Purpose Unit was set up under the National Industrial and Commercial Investment (NICIL) to manage the divestment of the assets.

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It’s a rum story

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atiricus was happy with the new developments in the sugar belt he’d just read about in the papers.

He’d been agonising about the fate of all those folks who’ve been fired, but now there was hope. The Demerara Rum Company (DRC) needed molasses for making its world-famous rum, and had been agonising even more about where it was going to get its supply, with all these sugar estates closing down faster than “piss-a-bed” plants when touched.

“Did you hear about DRC working with the Government to reopen Kenmore Estate to produce molasses?” Satiricus asked excitedly, as soon as he sat down at the Back Street Bar. “Abee hear,” replied Bungi nonchalantly, as he sipped his beer. “Wha’ de big deal?”

“Big deal?? Big deal??” asked Satiticus in surprise.

“Cane-cutters will get back their jobs, and the factory will be humming again!! Happy days are here again!!”

“Sato…wha’ wrang wid you, budday?” asked Cappo.

“Yuh know anyt’ing ‘bout suga’?”

“Well, a little bit from you fellas,” Satiricus confessed.

“What am I missing?”

“Everything!” said Hari, who worked as a bookkeeper on a sugar estate. “Bungi, tell him what the molasses will cost!!”

“Look, Sato,” said Bungi. “Dem still gat fuh cut de cane.

Yuh know wha’ dem cane-cutta guh call fuh ‘abstacle’ pay??”

“More money,” said Hari.

“An’ dem still gat fuh pull de punt and chap up and grin’ de cane fuh get de juice, and den b’il am,” pointed out Cappo.

“More money,” intoned Hari.

“An’ if dem na tek out de suga’ like dem seh, and lef’ ev’ryt’ing as molasses,” said Bungi. “Me wan’ fuh know how much DRC guh pay fuh am?”

“See that, Sato?” asked Hari. “Molasses without sugar was US$83/a ton…and sugar was US$275 a ton…and GuySuCo was losing its shirt.”

“Suh how much DRC guh pay?” demanded Cappo again.

“The full price,” suggested Satiricus.

“Suh GuySuCo guh still lose money,” concluded Bungi.

“And now DRC guh lose money?”

“Or rum price guh go up!!” exclaimed Cappo in alarm.

Satiricus fell silent.

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Region 2 RDC questions 2018 project implementation

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WHAT IF….?

By Ryhaan Shah

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merican commentators and political analysts, faced with the serial scandals, missteps and utter disregard by President Trump for the usual protocols and rules that govern the country’s legislative and administrative business in the White House and Congress, ask: What if this had been President Obama?

The question is rhetorical. Had Obama ever been caught up in any of the scandals, like referring to some countries as “sh**hole countries”; or to any of the nepotism, racism, accusations of sexual misconduct, attacking of the judicial and security sectors, or refusing to sanction known adversary, Russia, when the country’s 2016 elections suffered Russian cyber-attacks; had Obama made any of these missteps, he would have been impeached.

US Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s continuing investigation into Trump’s ties with Russia, and now the scandal over the Stormy Daniels affair, makes for fascinating reality TV, an irony lost on the ultimate reality TV star Trump as his administration unravels.

Through all this, most of the Republicans in Congress continue to stand by their man, in a show of loyalty that is partisan and deepens the divide between Republicans and Democrats across the country.

That kind of partisan stand-off is a way of life in Guyana, and there are as many “what if” questions that can be raised in the context of our current political situation.

What if a PPP Government had deemed 18 qualified nominees proposed by a PNC Opposition as being not “fit and proper” for the critical post of GECOM Chair, then had unilaterally appointed a known PPP party member who had revealed himself as lacking in professional and personal civility?

What if a PPP Government had retrenched over 5,000 PNC supporters from their only livelihood -- some without severance pay -- and without any plan to retrain them for new jobs that would provide a smooth transition and assure them and their families of a secure financial future?

What if an Indian Guyanese public servant in a PPP Government had used the “n” word in any context to refer to an African Guyanese?

What if a PPP Government had signed a contract with a major international corporation that sells out the country’s oil and gas or any of its patrimony for a pittance, then deposited a signing bonus into a private bank account instead of the Consolidated Fund?

The answer to any of the above is hardly speculative.

Going by the precedence set by the PNC in the 1960s, and which has continued into this century, there would have been widespread PNC-supported protests and violence targeting Indian Guyanese perceived as PPP supporters.

The violence and violations would have been justified by sections of the populace, just as the Buxton-centred terror of 2002 and onwards was, and perhaps even by the diplomatic community, who might have found it necessary to condemn the intransigencies of that hypothetical PPP Government.

Remember the hysteria in the months leading up to the 2015 general elections that painted the PPP/C Government as wholly corrupt? It isn’t that the previous Government was without fault, but, as it turns out, the millions spent on audits

by Granger have turned up little evidence of any widescale corruption.

There are now real fears that the firing of Dr David Hinds and Lincoln Lewis as columnists from the state-owned “Chronicle” signals a move towards muzzling the media and silencing opposition voices, as was done during the Burnham era.

But the Granger Government’s innumerable corruptions, unethical conduct, and autocratic behaviour will spark no countrywide protests from Opposition groups, or lead to any united protest from citizens of all races and political persuasions.

Guyana has simply not yet matured to standing on principle.

Racial/ethnic jockeying still determines our political support, and ultimately, our fate. The division weakens every national position, and leaves the country open to manipulation from outsiders, who continue to benefit as we wrangle over political power and the ownership and distribution of scarce resources.

In the US, Americans have every hope that either the Mueller probe or the Stormy Daniels Affair will ensnare Trump and lead to his impeachment, or that democratic elections without Russia’s meddling in 2020 would block Trump’s chance of re-election.

Here, however, free and fair elections in 2020 appear to be in total jeopardy, and the racial/political partisanship would ensure a vigorous defence of the elections outcome, no matter whether unfair and unjust. Guyana’s downward spiral will continue. And this despite oil.

What if, instead, Guyana were a country built on the democratic principles of respect, justice and truth, i.e., on the rule of law? Think how farther along we would all be.

he Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is questioning the implementation of the region’s capital projects under the watch of Regional Executive Officer (REO), Rupert Hopkinson.

Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt said despite repeated calls and clear recommendations offered by the RDC regarding the need for enhanced transparency and accountability; poor quality projects continue to be done in Region Two. He added that the Council has outlined some steps for the REO to implement when monitoring the execution of works in the region.

“Residents and beneficiaries must be consulted so that information can be shared between the technical staff, the RDC and Local Authority officials and beneficiaries; relevant details, bill of quantities and designs of projects must be accessible to residents of the

Works being done on the Lima Sands road

area where projects are to be done; and strong monitoring of projects must be conducted by engineers, technical staff and Works Committee members,” he said.

The Chairman further related that at the March 13 statutory meeting, concerns were raised in relation to the way the Lima Sands road is being built. The concerns outlined there was no consultation with the 300 plus residents in the Amerindian community [Lima Sands], adding that it is the main

reason the project is “poorly designed.”

The community of Lima Sands leads into the backlands where farming and forestry are done; as such, tractors and trucks use these roads frequently. Ramdatt noted the two major concerns raised by residents regarding the construction of the road – it is narrow and has a weak shoulder.

The REGIONAL CHAIRMAN has mandated the Works Committee to urgently inspect this project

and provide a report since REO Hopkinson failed to intervene despite being written to on this matter by the Regional Chairman.

“The RDC is focused on accountability and transparency, particularly since the REO as Accounting Officer continues to fail in promoting proper accountability and prudent financial management of public funds,” Ramdatt said.

Lima Sands is a small Amerindian community located approximately five miles inland from Anna Regina. The road is expected to serve as a means of accessing the Lima Sands backlands. The residents are concerned with the current design since it suggests that the road is too narrow with inferior materials being used in its construction.

For his mismanagement of the region’s budgetary allocations, REO Hopkinson was recently upbraided by The Public Accounts Committee.

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SunDAY, march 18, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Oil and gas opportunities

Local firms must build capacity – T&T company …or will lose out to foreigners

By Jarryl Bryan

W

ith a view of introducing safety gear, training and services to the Guyana market, a Trinidad company is urging lo-

cals to take advantage of the chance to build their standards to qualify for the opportunities oil and gas offer or bear witness to those opportunities going to foreign firms with more capacity.

Trinidadian company, Kronoco Safety Solutions, on Friday held an official local launch at its office on Sheriff Street. There, Kronoco’s Chief Executive Officer and Cofounder, Latoya Jack, stressed

Kronoco CEO and co-founder Latoya Jack

the importance of companies building their capacity.

“The time for opportunities is here for Guyana, but unless we can do what it takes to grab hold of those opportunities, it will be lost to those who are willing and ready,” she related.

She added that Guyana’s safety culture is very relaxed and “while we have existed for many years without monitoring man-hours to safety compliance rules, the culture sur-

Kronoco Safety Solutions co-founder Darrel Gilkes Jack

rounding oil and gas is very different. As such, the fear is if local businesses do not conform to these requirements, we will not be the ones benefiting from the opportunities in this land.”

Quoting the famous Guyana Lottery Company motto, she noted that firms must remember “if you don’t have a ticket, you don’t have a chance.”

She related that her company aims to improve knowledge

of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in the extractive sectors.

Meanwhile, the company’s co-founder Darrel Gilkes noted that Kronoco is distinguishing itself as the “new kid on the block” in terms of quality and training. He explained that the company intends to maintain high-quality standards.

He noted that the training Kronoco will provide aims to prepare young people for a working environment.

According to Gilkes, the company’s market research on Guyana has determined less than international safety standards; particularly relating to the use of safety boots.

He also revealed that from conversations with local companies, the problem is not just firms failing to adhere to safety standards; but also the fact that some employees do not take OHS seriously. turn to page 15

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Addressing objections to a federalised Guyana

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ost of the objections to the federalist proposals have come from African-Guyanese. This is a remarkable position, since minorities across the globe, from Assam to Zimbabwe, have been clamouring for federalist principles to be instituted to protect their interests against actual or potential majorities. The reason is that, in Guyana, Africans literally do not see themselves as a “minority”. Their history of having slaved to build the foundations of the country, their dominant Creole values, their occupancy of the key state institutions etc. have served to engender an entrenched belief of greater legitimacy to the national patrimony. The corollary, of course, is that until this belief is addressed, Africans will not concede legitimacy to a Government perceived to be representative only of Indians.

Federalism acknowledges the Africans’ right to a just share of their birthright.

Federalism and Partition When the federalist proposals were first Ravi Dev broached, the present writer, with a large measure of surprise, noted that many Guyanese saw it as a Trojan horse for “partition”. There may have been two reasons for this mistaken assumption. Firstly, back in the sixties, with the spectre of open ethnic conflict, Eusi Kwayana (then Sydney King) had proposed that the country be partitioned into three zones – one for Indians, one for Africans, and the third for all those who wanted to live together.

That this proposal may have been in the minds of Guyanese forty years after its presentation leads to the second, related, possible rationale. It is most likely that the ethnic conflict has proven so intractable for almost half a century that many Guyanese do not see any resolution, and either desire partition or fear that the sentiment is so strong that, given an inch with federalism, secessionist elements would quickly demand the “mile” of partition so as to get on with their lives.

Small populations not viable: It has been pointed out that the populations of the proposed states may be too small to be viable. This criticism ignores the fact that, right in Caricom, there are a dozen full-fledged independent states that are doing much better than Guyana. It also looks at the population of Guyana as if it would be static; but if Guyana regains stability, we can be sure that the population would rise.

The original thirteen States of the US at the time of the union each had much smaller populations than today.

In 1999, Canada carved out a new territory -- Nunavut -- for its Inuits in the north, who only number 25,000. Today, size is not as important as before in an integrated, globalised world, where trade-bloc access guarantees markets. Improvement in technology creates efficiencies of production at increasingly smaller scales of production.

The State/regional governments would require too large a bureaucracy: The argument on the need for extra layers of bureaucrats -- that would prove to be a financial burden -- goes to the need for bureaucratic efficiency and cost – potent arguments.

However, the system duplicates many activities performed at the federal level, and vice-versa. It presently has more workers than the proposed federal system would need, because of the streamlining effect of the clearer demarcation of responsibilities (exclusive competencies) that would be precipitated by the federal reforms.

Guyana would be weakened to external threats: It has been suggested that a federal Guyana would be weakened and become more vulnerable to external threats.

This allegation is related to the accusation that federalism would lead to a break-up of the Guyanese State. As has been emphasised, Guyana will remain a sovereign state, and the federal Government, having less to do, may perform better at the duties left at that level, such as defence and external affairs.

The Army (GDF) would be a federal institution that would be deployed primarily at our borders, from where our major external threats will come.

Citizens would have to move, or be restricted in their movements: Since Guyana would remain as a single country, all citizens would be free to move throughout the country in an unhampered manner. While states/regions may set residency requirements for certain benefits, they would not be able to prohibit any Guyanese citizen from moving into a state, or settling there.

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sunDAY, march 18, 2018| guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana aiming at a decarbonised economy – Harmon

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inister of State Joseph Harmon has announced that Guyana is working to reduce the amount of carbon that is produced and released into our atmosphere, adding that this will result in Guyana becoming a decarbonised state.

This announce-

ment came during talks with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), as those entities provided technical support and advice to transform the current Sustainable Development

Goals into the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS).

The talks, which were held in the form of a workshop, were hosted by the Ministry of the Presidency through its Department of Environment. In attendance at the workshop were

participants representing the Inter-Ministerial and Multistakeholder Advisory Committee, members of the seven GSDS expert groups, GSDS consultants, partners and senior Government representatives.

On the agenda was the outlining of the first draft of

Minister of State Joseph Harmon addressing the workshop

the GSDS Theory of Change; participants were guided on the multifaceted approach of mainstreaming the 2030 agenda, inclusive of the use and application of their three key tools. Those tools are Theory of Change: systematic thinking; multi-actor approaches; and identification of accelerators to prioritise policy interventions with a bigger impact.

The proceedings of the workshop were facilitated

by UNDP’s Regional Policy Adviser Gonzalo Pizarro, Regional Policy Adviser on Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development, Ivan Gonzalez de Alba; Agenda 2030 and Development Planning and Sustainable Development and Resilience.

In his remarks, Minister Harmon reiterated Government’s commitment to the process, highlighting the alignment of the SDGs with the GSDS as a cru-

cial policy area. “Guyana aspires to transition into a decarbonised and resource efficient economy that values and integrates the multi-ethnicity of our country and enhances the quality of life for all Guyanese.

Guyana’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda is unequivocal,” he stated.

Meanwhile, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Mikiko Tanaka stated that the 17 SDGs are in itself transformational and once combined in the GSDS, countless benefits can be derived. “Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy is for Guyana but is also a contribution to the world. We all need to work together in broader and deeper partnerships that will let us foster social progress, protect the environment, drive economic growth and create a more just, stable and peaceful world,” Tanaka explained.

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PPP to host roundtable on “Status of Women in Guyana”

A The changing dynamics of Global Oil Economics (Part 3) - What is the likely lifespan of Guyana’s oil industry?

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ontinuing from last week’s column: (2) Australia will be installing a record-breaking amount of solar power in 2018, which is three times more than it did in 2017; and will increase its solar capacity by 70 percent in 2018. This outcome is driven by soaring electricity costs in Australia; (3) India has built an airport that runs on solar power; (4) Norway wants all its internal flights to be 100 % electric by 2040. It will launch its first commercial electric air route by 2025; (5) The Netherlands hopes to build the largest offshore wind farm in the world by 2027, along with 2.3-square-mile artificial island to support it; (6) China is investing US$360 billion in renewable energy by 2020, and is leading a global green revolution. China is the largest producer of solar power; the Chinese have installed more wind capacity than the U.S, India and Germany combined, and has the world’s largest hydroelectric power plant (Cited from the World Economic Forum).

Among the top three nations, China is the undisputed renewable growth leader, accounting for over 40 % of total global clean energy by 2022. This is due to meeting various capacity targets, and addressing concerns about the country’s air pollution. In recent months, China has deployed a number of novel technologies designed to clean the air, including a 100-metre-tall smog-sucking tower in the city of Xian. The country has also surpassed its solar panel target for 2020, and according to the IEA, China is expected to exceed its wind target in 2019. China is also the market leader in hydropower, bioenergy for electricity and heat, and electric vehicles (World Economic Forum).

Moreover, the cost of renewable energy sources like wind and solar continue to fall drastically, and it was only a matter of time before they were cheaper than fossil fuels. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) believes that this will happen by 2020, price could be as low as three cents (USD) per kilowatt-hour for onshore wind and solar photovoltaic projects over the next two years (World Economic Forum).

More interestingly, with respect to upstream oil costs, according to a study done by the U.S Department of Energy on the ‘Trends in U.S Oil and Natural Gas Upstream Costs’ and published in March 2016, it was found that, “the full cycle project economics, after taking into account operating cost and the fiscal system under the late 2014 cost environment, most of the deep-water current and future projects are forecast to be uneconomic at oil prices below US$50/bbl. However, from a forward development perspective, most of the U.S deep water projects will go forward, as a significant amount of capital has been invested and operators are vigorously renegotiating their respective contracts to secure the lower rates.”

Concluding Remarks Taken together, given that major countries are already accelerating climate change policies designed, of course, to transition from a fossil fuel- driven energy system to renewable energy, one can observe that all of these, combined, amounts to hundreds of billions in U.S. dollars to fuel these massive investments, which ultimately means that these developments are going to have a direct impact on global oil prices, which are eventually going to be on a downward trajectory. In that scenario, the ultimate effect would be that global demand for crude oil will fall steadily until it will reach a point where it will no longer be feasible. In other words, within the next two decades or so, oil prices will crash, and this is quite inevitable within the context of the changing dynamics of the global energy market; and hence such an outcome will mark the demise of a once lucrative global oil industry.

What this means for Guyana is that, (1) it is against these very backgrounds that ExxonMobil and other oil companies in general, will aggressively seek to negotiate oil contracts leaning more in their favour, since such investments are huge and extremely risky; and, (2) there is no doubt that there exists a great degree of uncertainty surrounding future oil prices.

However, with reasonable certainty, one can safely presume that there may be a safe window period of another decade – maximum another two decades – in which crude oil will remain at sustainable prices. It is within this context that the oil companies would need to scale up production capacity – expeditiously – to 500,000 and even 1,000,000 barrels per day – at least within the first decade as well.

And finally, against the background of the analyses presented within this series of articles on this subject matter, it also means – conclusively – that Guyana’s oil industry is very likely to have a lifespan of only twenty years, and not forty as others may tend to think or predict. *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).

s part of its observance of International Women’s Day – which was observed on March 8 – the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) will be hosting a roundtable under the theme ‘Women Speak: The Status of Women in Guyana 2018’.

The event is scheduled for March 20, in the auditorium at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown. Several women in

various fields from the Private and Public Sectors, professional women in the health and education sectors and those in the agriculture sector are slated to speak at the event.

Additionally, women representing a wide cross-section of Guyanese, including women elected at the Local Government level, are expected to attend.

The PPP anticipates that the event will not only highlight

the status of women in Guyana in 2018, but act as a clarion call for action to be taken to address several areas of concern for Guyanese women.

The need for such an event was necessitated by the lack of substantial Government initiatives to address the plight of women in Guyana, over the past three years and Government actions that have negatively impacted Guyanese women.

Much success has been made over the last two decades in advancing the rights and status of Guyanese women and substantive measures to support women in various fields were implemented. However, Guyana is fast losing its momentum which it can ill afford – least our society be further ruinously disadvantaged by the demise in women’s rights and participation.

Local firms must build capacity... “(We offer) safety training, which involves working from heights, confined space procedures, risk assessment.

These are all introductory programmes we are offering. In terms of products, we’re offering the V12 brand of safety boots, fire detection items, (etc).”

It is understood that

Kronoco intends to provide quarterly quality checks, providing continued support to workers.

The wonder boot

Rick Corbin, a representative of V12 safety footwear and Völlner Lighting, also provided the audience with demonstrations. Corbin showed the au-

dience the specific features of the V12 to back-up contentions that the safety footwear is both durable and comfortable.

Corbin further explained that the bottom of the V12 boot is puncture and bulletproof, as the boot contains Kevlar midsoles. The foot beds of the V12 are made from memory foam and a shock-absorbing foam

from page 12

called “PORON”.

As part of his demonstrations, Corbin took a small lead ball and bounced it on a foot bed made of traditional material and one made of PORON. This publication observed that while the ball bounced on the more traditional foot bed, the force of its landing was absorbed by the PORON foot bed.

16

news

SunDAY, march 18, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

5 years later

Former NDC workers still owed gratuity payments

F

The Grove/Diamond Neighbourhood Democratic Council

ormer employers of the Grove/Diamond, Ne i g hbo u r i n g Democratic Council (NDC), East Bank Demerara (EDB) are five years on awaiting gratuity owed to them.

Edward Adolphus, 60, of Lot 9 Section B, Block X Diamond, EBD, and four others who were employed by the NDC from 1997-2013 are still waiting for their payment.

According to Adolphus, after he was “let go” as a result of his services being redundant, he was promised gratuity.

However, the man who worked as a tractor operator, reported that after continuously visiting the NDC for the money owed and promised to him, he was being given what he described as the “royal runaround.”

He said for years he has been visiting the NDC and was reassured that he will get the payment, but none was forthcoming. Adolphus said he then approached the Labour Department and was told that he had to wait until the mon-

ies are budgeted for and then he will get his gratuity.

He said after several visits to the Labour Department, he grew frustrated since the only response he has been receiving was “the money is on its

way” but to date, the money has not been paid.

When Guyana Times contacted the current Overseer of the Grove NDC, this publication was informed that the gratuity was indeed outstanding.

The Overseer revealed that when he took up his post in February 2017, the money was budgeted for by the NDC and sent to the Communities Minister for approval.

He informed that following approval by that Ministry, the Permanent Secretary will have to sign off before the money could be paid out.

The Overseer noted that to

date, following many requests for updates by his office on the matter, they are still awaiting approval. “We cannot pay without the approval,” he told this publication on Thursday.

Meanwhile, a frustrated

Adolphus said he is “fed up”, adding that “the same thing I’ve been hearing all these years, that is what they are saying all the time, that they waiting for approval but how long more?”

“I was told to get the media involved to let people hear my plight,” the man relayed.

Minister Ronald Bulkan was unavailable for a comment on the matter.

news

17

SunDAY, march 18, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

GWI says water network archaic …seeking to replace system

GWI Managing Director, Richard Van West-Charles (second from right) addressing the issue of the country’s outdated water network

T

he Guyana Water Company (GWI) revealed earlier this week that there are plans to collaborate with Government to replace its outdated system in Central Georgetown and other developing areas.

This was announced by the Managing Director of GWI, Dr Richard Van West-Charles, who addressed the situation of frequent ruptures in the archaic water system. West-Charles stated that there is the possibility of water pressure being raised during emergencies.

However, this causes leaks and blowouts along the larger transmission lines.

West-Charles noted that in the recent Pike Street inferno, which destroyed four adjacent buildings, attempts were made to raise the pressure. However, the outdated system could not handle the force of the water, which resulted in a rupture of the 16-inch transmission line, which is situated on Church Street.

Additionally, sometime ago, there was also a similar problem involving a leak at Vlissengen Road. He noted that this is in light of the fact that the system in Central Georgetown is over 100 years old.

Presently, the only solution to the this problem is to repair the ruptures or leaks until there is a complete replacement of the water network that spans across Guyana, but most importantly, Central

Georgetown. There is a limited response time given to the staff to fix all leaks, which are reported by concerned citizens.

The Managing Director explained, “It takes time and also its costly because it’s an aged network. We are going to be seeing a greater frequency of leaks but we are prepared to arrest them as we find them.”

With the company’s aim of improving the production and distribution of its services, this is a project which is on the company’s agenda.

“I think it is imperative that GWI and the Government of Guyana, we find a solution with respect to the replacement of this network in Central Georgetown,” he said.

GWI has also contacted the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) with respect to the rehabbing and availability of fire hydrants in the varying areas. NDCs who wish to have hydrants in their communities can do so at a fraction of their budgets. However, WestCharles explained that the new mapped out network will cater for hydrants.

“In the new towns that we begin to map out, the number of hydrants that are needed, and that collectively we find the resources to address it because it is a security issue,” he highlighted.

The East Bank of Demerara is one of the instances where there will also be the need for a strategic and functional system to supply the growing pop-

MMP Foundation for Excellence assists Albion fire victims

Members of the Foundation during the handing over ceremony on Friday

T

he MMP Foundation for Excellence handed over $50,000 worth of groceries and a cheque for $100,000 to the children of Shennisa Willie, whose house went up in flames on Tuesday last at High Reef Albion, Corentyne, Berbice.

Willie, who is a teacher, attached to the rehabilitation centre at the Port Mourant Primary School, along with her family, lost all of their household and personal items as a result of the devastating fire which ripped through the rented wooden structure the family

occupied.

However, the teacher, who is expecting her sixth child, was unable to accept the generous donation due to her hospitalisation from a fall. Her children received the donation on her behalf at a simple ceremony at the Port Mourant Primary School on Friday.

From her hospital bed, she expressed gratitude to the MMP Foundation for Excellence on the timely donation while stressing that it will go a long way. turn to page 18

ulation. It will also be designed so as to relieve neighbouring communities when they experience any challenges accessing water.

“On the East Bank, is a good example where as you expand housing, then we have to look at the infrastructure that we have, to support the growth in human development in those

areas. It’s something that we are working on, and the issue of redundancy in the system is one of the strategic directions.

If a well goes down in one village, the connections from the other villages can support the supply to the different populations,” said West-Charles.

So far, funds were allocated from the Government

of Guyana through an InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) funded programme to target locations from Vlissengen Road to Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

The other component will be a phase approach which is estimated to cost approximately US$40 million to fix other priority areas in Georgetown.

18 news

sunday, march 18, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

First-time mom recalls horrifying experience at GPHC’s maternity ward

By Lakhram Bhagirat

A

first-time mother has accused the nursing staff at the Georgetown Public Hospital’s (GPHC) Maternity Ward of grievous mistreatment during and after her child’s birth on Monday last.

Jennifer Jagdeo of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, said she is still traumatised at the treatment meted out to her at the GPHC during her admission to deliver her child.

The 36-year-old woman told Guyana Times on Saturday that after experiencing intense pain on Monday, she visited her doctor to have

a check-up but her doctor had an emergency resulting in her being referred to the GPHC. The woman, who was seven months pregnant at the time, explained that she was forced to wait for a long period of time before she was attended to at the medical facility.

“One nurse pass me and

and I said no this is my first baby and when I tell her that she said alright let me take you,” she said.

“To see (if I was ready), she said you know what, you gotta run. So she hold my hands pulling me to run with that condition I was in and when I reached to the end of the wall, all I do was I brace the wall and I feel like

“I felt like worst than dog treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital.” she ask me if I getting pain and I said yes. She said that you ever make babies before, you know what pain feel like

all my life coming out and I was going on the floor,” Jagdeo added.

She further explained

that after the humiliating experience, the entire staff and patients in the Maternity Ward began laughing at her, after which she was picked up and placed on a bed to be checked. Tearfully relating her experience, said that she was then checked to determine whether she was fully dilated. She said that having realised that she was fully dilated, the nurses wheeled her into the delivery room. The grieving woman related that throughout her pregnancy, she experienced complications.

“The baby was in a breached position and I tell them that I need a C-section because my doctor had already told me to tell them that I will have to get a C-section and I tell them,” she recounted.

“One of the midwife say why I can’t push out the baby on my own and then afterwards they wanted that but then she said okay signup the form for the C-section and when I sign up now, them tell me that

somebody was in the (operation) theatre and I’d have to wait. They were leaving (the delivery room) and I feel the baby sliding out. Them (the nurses) tell me that don’t push and I wasn’t pushing but I feel the baby sliding and when they done walk out the room, one of them turn around and she see the baby coming,” Jagdeo added.

Jagdeo said that because of her complication, she was told that there is a strong possibility that her baby girl would not survive. However, she said that due to the treatment meted out to her, she feels that the nurses contributed to her baby dying.

“When I come out labour room, the doctor came and they tell me because during the pregnancy, I had some complication and they told me that my baby won’t make it. They have the baby in the incubator and they just pumping some air, so when the doctor finish, the baby won’t make it and I said okay,” the woman explained.

“I was bleeding a lot. I sit

down and the doctor come and give me the baby to hold… I want to share that moment with my husband seeing that my baby already passed away,” she added.

Jagdeo is calling on the management of the hospital to ensure that their nurses are trained to deal with patients professionally and with some amount of humanity.

The family has since indicated that they intend to lodge an official complaint with the GPHC and then have an independent examination of Jagdeo, who is still unable to walk and is bleeding.

“I felt like worst than dog treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital. I never wanted to go there, my husband and I we planned to go to private but after the situation came up with the doctor, so come he end up to tell them put me over there (at the GPHC),” she related.

The funeral for Jagdeo’s baby was held on Wednesday, the day after she was discharged from hospital.

MMP Foundation for...

At the handing over ceremony, members of the Foundation expressed their commitment to continue assisting persons in need and those who have suffered as a result of disasters.

Treasurer of the non-governmental organisation, David Brigbhukan, said the Foundation thought about the initiative after learning about the fire.

Secretary of the Foundation, La Donna Ann Nero said the donation is timely and expressed confidence that the family will

stand on its feet once again.

On this note, she stated that the MMP Foundation will continue to assist people in need despite race, colour or creed.

The initiative was the brainchild of the founder and Chairman of the Foundation, Mohabir Persaud.

He further stated that MMP Foundation for Excellence will continue its humanitarian mission to assist underprivileged children and families with the basic necessities required for livelihood and the completion of

from page 17

a sound secondary education.

The MMP Foundation for Excellence will host a floodlight cricket competition and after party on April 28, as a fundraiser.

Funds garnered from this event will envision the successful completion of the Foundation's work programme for 2018, as well as the contribution to the payment of Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) fees for 100 students who will be selected from less fortunate families.

19

news

sunDAY, march 18, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

Outdated paper book driver’s license still being issued to new drivers

T

housands of motor vehicle operators in Guyana are still using the outdated paper book model of the driver’s licence.

This practice is far removed from past commitments of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) when it was indicated that over 150,000 drivers would have been holders of the “state-ofthe-art” durable automated licence.

This month marks four years since the first batch of automated driver’s (plastic card) licences was commissioned. The GRA is the body that issued the cards.

However, according to information Guyana Times received, first-time licensed drivers in the outlying areas across the country are still receiving the paper book issued by the Guyana Police Force. These areas include Berbice, sections of the East Coast of Demerara, Essequibo and West Demerara.

At present, persons who reside in and around Georgetown are the chief beneficiaries of the modern plastic cards; a feature which has been available in several countries for decades. This newspaper was

told that when drivers opt to renew their driver’s licence, they can obtain the plastic cards, which expires after three years. Information

further disclosed suggested that the GRA would need to establish more offices around the country so that more Guyanese can be

brought into the modern age.

It was in March 2014 that then GRA Commissioner General, Khurshid Sattaur, declared that the automated drivers licence card would replace the booklet-form licences. Since then, Sattaur has been replaced with a new GRA head, Godfrey Statia, but the outdated system remains prominent.

Back then, Sattaur announced that the system would have benefited both the GRA and the public as the card, being electronic, is secured against tampering and allows for information

sharing with other external agencies, such as the Police.

The booklet form of the licence can be damaged when wet, forged and tracking the total number of drivers on the roadways could have challenges as the current systems is not centralised.

When the GRA introduced the automated drivers licence card initiative, it was felt that the system would have aided the organisation to provide services to the public on a more efficient basis and that it would have assisted in the fight to combat tax evasion.

(Shemuel Fanfair)

Public Health Ministry to crack down on illegal pharmacies …medication regulations to be upgraded

T

he local pharmaceutical sector will be closely evaluated in the coming week in order to upgrade laws, acts, regulations and policies. The collaborative effort between the Public Health Ministry and the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) will primarily focus on the widespread abuse of anti-biotic medicines, the existence of illegal pharmacists and other irregularities instigated by many patients.

Director of Pharmacies at the Public Health Ministry, Oneil Atkins, said the twoday consultation aims to beef up the “weak” medicines and pharmaceutical policies that currently exist and are preyed upon by patients, professionals and charlatans operating in the sector.

Additionally, the forum is intended to assist patients with identifying which pharmacies are legally registered and also sharpen the awareness of said patients. Atkins noted that many patients are “too uninformed” about critical pharmaceutical issues and policy matters in the sector.

Atkins also expressed concern over the fact that many patients visit pharmacists or physicians with the intention of demanding medication when most times all they need is a conversation with a specialist.

The Public Health Ministry is especially concerned about the abuse of antibiotic medicines among practitioners and patients.

It was highlighted that the widespread abuse is rampant in Region Two (Pomeroon-

Supenaam), Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Atkins, who also acts as an advisor to Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence, stated that the upgraded documents will see practitioners being ‘more responsible and accountable’ and help keep counterfeit drugs off the local market. He expressed hopes that the legislators will act ‘as fast as possible’ to get the new laws and regulations enacted to help the Public Health Ministry deal with the grave problem with antibiotic resistance in Guyana.

When the issue was brought to light last year, Minister Lawrence noted that the long-overdue over-

hauling of the pharmaceutical sector is to help “admin-

ister the quality of primary healthcare and health ser-

vices to the citizens of our beloved country.”

20 Griffith pleased with Guyana’s contribution to Windies cricket sunDAY, march 18, 2018

guyanatimesGY.com

– excited to see young players in CPL 2018

By Clifton Ross

W

ith Guyana’s input into West Indies cricket on the increase again, Jaguars/West Indies ‘A’ Team Coach Rayon Griffith said he’s thrilled to see the number of players transitioning from national to the International levels.

Griffith, the Guyana Jaguars Assistant Coach now turned West Indies A team Manager/Coach told Guyana Times Sport recently upon his return from the victorious One-Day series between his Caribbean side and the England Lions; that seeing more and more Guyanese players breaking onto the international scene

was pleasing as a coach.

Numerous players over the years have been called up to the West Indies ‘A’ or senior sides due to their success in the Regional 4-Day tourney which the Jaguars have won for four successive years.

Despite not having won the Regional Super50 title in more than a decade, Guyana have still managed to do well individually in the 50 over formats, thus prompting either selections to the Senior team, A side or even help build a reputation to be drafted by a franchise for summer’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 tourney.

Guyana has managed to accomplish all over the past 4 years, with a large number of players featuring in all facets of international cricket or high-quality international franchise cricket; CPL in particular. The coach said that apart from international selections it was great to see players getting the chance to shine in big tournaments like the CPL and others.

“It was very nice to see that (players being selected), when I heard the draft saw a few of the younger players who were dominating. It’s good to see that persons are recognizing their talent and willing to give

them opportunities as well”, said Griffith.

He continued, “There are a lot of guys, (Chandrapaul) Hemraj is going to St Lucia Zouks, they’re also a couple of our guys (Jaguars players) playing for Guyana Amazon Warriors and I think we will play well with (Sherfane) Rutherford, (Romario) Shepherd, Keemo (Paul), (Veerasammy) Permaul who is a senior man there and one around the Caribbean as well as (Devendra) Bishoo, (Shimron) Hetmyer and others”.

From an international perspective, Guyana Jaguars feeding system has given the likes of Hetmyer, Keemo Paul, Leon Johnson , Vishaul Singh, Raymon Reifer, Rajendra Chandrika, Ronsford Beaton have all made it to West Indies senior colors with Reifer, Paul and Hetmyer the current active internationally.

As for the A-team, Rutherford, Hemraj and Shepherd have been the latest additions as Griffith pointed out that it is essen-

Rayon Griffith and Esuan Crandon have been a dynamic duo for Guyana’s cricket over the recent years

tial when creating an environment where players can thrive and play freely.

“It’s about how you create the environment because we do try our best to create a happy environment because the happier they are the more we can get out of them and it will help them to perform at their best during game-time”.

Although the turnover rate is more delightful compared to in the past, much is still needed to ensure that Guyana’s current situation only gets better. Wrapping up is his interview the Guyana Cricket Board

(GCB) Chairman of Senior National Selectors pointed out that it was his along with Jaguars Head Coach Esuan Crandon vision to make the Jags the best franchise in the region.

“Cranny and I have been working well as a pair in Guyana cricket fro may years and he really wants to see Guyana’s cricket develop. So it’s all about development in terms of seeing these young men get better in life and be more in life and become somebody after cricket”. He ended.

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Guyana to open U-15 title Barnwell, Perez put DCC in driver’s seat quest against Windwards N

GCA/ GISE, Star Party Rental, Trophy Stall 1st Division 2-day…

– Chandrika hits unbeaten 149 for Everest

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21

Flashback! Barbados U-15 team celebrating their title win

C

ricket West Indies (CWI) recently released their fixtures for the 2018 Regional Under-15 Tournament which bowls off from March 28 in Jamaica.

Defending champions Barbados will have their work cut out, as they open the tournament rivals Trinidad & Tobago at the famous Melbourne Oval, the home ground of legendary Windies fast-bowlers, Michael Holding and Courtney Walsh.

The Barbadians captured the title last year on home soil, following victories over Windwards, Leewards, Jamaica and T&T, and a no-result against Guyana.

Meanwhile the opening round will feature other matches such as hosts Jamaica facing Leeward Islands at Up Park Camp on the Jamaica Defence Force army base, while Guyana battle Windward Islands at the Kensington Cricket Ground, Jamaica.

A release from the CWI on behalf of Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams, said “This is one of the key development tournaments on the Cricket West Indies annual calendar. This tournament serves the purpose of encouraging junior players from across the Caribbean to excel and be given the opportunity for early recognition, while promoting competition among their peers at the regional level.”

Adams further pointed out that the Tournament was shifted back to the Easter weekend this year in order to reduce the cluster of junior competitions held in the summer, allowing for CWI to provide more focus on this important age group.

The Regional Under-15 Tournament – in its 23rd year – will be contested under a round-robin format, featuring five rounds of matches with the team accumulating the most points being declared champions.

SCHEDULE OF MATCHES (All matches start at 9:30 am local time–East Caribbean add 1 hour) Round 1 – Wednesday, March 28 Barbados vs Trinidad & Tobago – Melbourne Oval Guyana vs Windward Islands – Up Park Camp Leeward Islands vs Jamaica – Kensington Cricket Ground Round 2 – Thursday, March 29 Windward Islands vs Barbados – Chedwin Park Trinidad & Tobago vs Jamaica – Kensington Cricket Ground Leeward Islands vs Guyana – Melbourne Oval Round 3 – Saturday, March 31 Barbados vs Jamaica – Chedwin Park Windward Islands vs Leeward Islands – Jamalco Cricket Ground Trinidad & Tobago vs Guyana – Windalco Cricket Ground Round 4 – Monday, April 2 Leeward Islands vs Barbados – Windalco Cricket Ground Guyana vs Jamaica – Jamalco Cricket Ground Trinidad & Tobago vs Windward Islands – Chedwin Park Round 5 – Wednesday, April 4 Guyana vs Barbados – Up Park Camp Trinidad & Tobago vs Leeward Islands – Kensington Cricket Ground Jamaica vs Windward Islands – Melbourne Oval

ational all-rounder Christopher Barnwell fell eleven runs short of an yet another First-Division century when Demerara Cricket Club closed by play on 1946, needing 89 runs to secure first innings points against the visiting Everest Cricket Club on Saturday in the Georgetown Cricket Association’s (GCA) General Industrial and Supplies Enterprise (GISE), Star Party Rentals and Trophy Stall two-day Competition.

Barnwell’s characteristic up-tempo innings was inclusive of eight fours and five sixes against a bowling attacking which included National spinner Gudakesh Motie. The attacking right-handed batsman was not the only one to don the limelight as Windies under19 Raymond Perez played another class-act to end unbeaten on 63 (6x4s; 1x6).

The duo forged a steely but yet brisk 124-run partnership for the sixth wicket to bail DCC out of trouble after they were 70-5. Windies Youth batsmen Tevin Imlach (00) and Joshua Persaud (27),

24

Alphius Bookie (06), Jahron Byron (03) and Sherfane Rutherford (00) all went for an early shower.

While Barnwell showed his aggression for which he could have been rewarded with a triple figure had it not been for an unnecessary shot in the final over of play, Perez laced the fileed with some crisp drives.

Earlier, the Camp Road unit’s total of 282 was centred around out-of-favour national opening batsman Rajendra Chandrika’ unbeaten 149 (17x4s; 1x6).

The next best score was Tagenarine Chanderpaul with 22 while captain Akshaya Persaud made 19.

Revelling in the destruction for the home side was spinner Ashmead Nedd with 5-98 in marathon spell of 26 overs. Action will continue today in Queenstown from 09:30h.

Rajendra Chandrika

- member contingent to represent Guyana at Commonwealth Games

T

he Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) hosted a press briefing at Olympic House in which all the participating disciplines for the XXI Commonwealth Games were invited on Saturday.

A total of 24 athletes were named over seven disciplines to represent Guyana in Gold City, Australia in this year’s games. The seven disciplines are Badminton, Boxing, Rifle Shooting, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis and Athletics.

The simple meeting was staged to give an update on the team’s or individuals competing. Coaches of five disciplines were present while Athletics and Rifle Shooting were not.

The coaches all shared the same sentiment that these athletes need the exposure and experience that will be gained in this 72-nation event. It seems all the athletes were in preparation prior to selection since they

Members of Guyana’s XXI Commonwealth Games team take a photo op following the naming of the team

were anticipating the opportunity to be a part of the games.

However, the coaches were quite appreciative that their teams will arrive with no less than a week in advance to be better acclimatized and put their best foot forward. Meanwhile, some coaches that think their athletes might not be I medal contention are confident their athlete(s) will perform to the best of their abilities.

The athletes are Narayan Ramdhani (Badminton); Keevin Allicock and Colin Lewis (Boxing); Ransford Goodluck and Lennox

Braithwaite (Rifle Shooting); Mary Fung-A-Fat, Taylor Fernandes, Sunil Seth and Jason Khalil (Squash); Andrew Fowler and Jamila Sanmoogan (Swimming); Priscilla Greaves, Trenace Lowe, Christopher Franklin, Natalie Cummings, Shemar Britton, Nigel Bryan and Joel Alleyne (Table Tennis); Troy Doris, Winston George, Emanuel Archibald, Leslain Baird, Natricia and Natrena Hooper (Athletics).

Noel Adonis has been named the Chef-d-Mission, David Fernanades, General Team Manager and Juantia Fernandes, the chaperone.

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guyanatimesgy.com

sunDAY, march 18, 2018

GFF Elite League III…

A

Jamaul John won the West Demerara leg in 2017

lanzo Ambrose emphatically won the first leg in Berbice last Sunday and will be looking to preserve his lead against his rivals when he takes his talents to Region 3. Today’s 44-mile event rolls off from the Demerara Harbour Bridge from 08:30hrs, proceeds to Parika and returns to the point of origin for the finish.

In 2017, it was Jamaul John who outdueled Michael Anthony to win the race in One Hour 54 Minutes 30 Seconds. John’s dominance of the race was underlined with him taking half of the eight sprint prizes on offer.

Last Sunday, Ambrose fended off John and Andre “Padlock” Greene to win the first leg. Competing across 53 miles, Ambrose crossed the finish line in two hours, 11 minutes and five seconds. John took three of the eight sprint point prizes up for grabs.

Some 40 riders, including two females, took the starting line in front of Freedom House, New Amsterdam.

Conquerors, Tigers sink rivals

W

estern Tigers and Fruta Conquerors recorded wins at the Georgetown Football Club Ground on Friday night when they took on New Amsterdam and Milerock FC in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League III. In the opening showdown Conquerors squeezed past the Berbician side 2 -1 then Western Tigers devoured their Linden-based opponents 4 – 0 in the feature.

Tigers were in a no nonsense mood as they drew first blood in the 30th minute through Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson then doubled their lead in the 42nd minute when Dennis Edwards found the back of the net.

Resuming the second 45 minutes comfortably ahead, Tigers found themselves with a fighting New Amsterdam side who pulled one back in the 66th minute compliments of Colric Beckles.

However, Beckles’ effort was overshadowed with goals from Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams and Anthony Benefeild who scored in the 77th and 80th minutes, respectively.

Today, the action continues at the Camp Ayanganna Ground from 17:30 hrs with another scheduled double header.

D e f e n d i n g Champions, Guyana Defence Force will look to keep their current position as League leaders when they host Buxton United Football Club while Den Amstel takes on Victoria Kings.

Gregory Richardson

guyanatimesgy.com

sunDAY, march 18, 2018

Raymond Perez, the man for the crisis

…“I look to take it to the end, like Dhoni”

By Akeem Greene

W

henever the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) has its back against the wall, Raymond Perez would come to the rescue with some audacious stroke play, to magnificently bail the DCC out of some dire situations.

Although an opening batsman by nature, Perez quite remarkably slots perfectly into the middle-order, and showcases great tenacity and grit to overcome sometimes very daunting odds. One college has very aptly described this batsman as the ‘Crisis Man’, a picture-perfect representation of the needed capabilities on the field of play.

In the recent Georgetown Cricket Association’s First Division Twenty20 competition, this 18-year-old prodigy took centre stage in some ‘do-ordie’ circumstances. Against the Everest Cricket Club in the semi-final, he came

to the crease at 54-4 from 10 overs, and in pursuit of 161, soaked up all the pressure to blast a sensational 58*.

If anyone thought that performance was a fluke, Perez bettered it when it mattered most -- in the final against the DCC nemesis, the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC). Batting first, the visitors were 63-6, and Perez again stood tall with a sublime 40-ball 54, lifting the Queenstown unit to 155-7 with his trademark straight-hitting play.

“I just look to take it to the end, like [Mahendra Singh] Dhoni always does.

It then puts the bowlers under more pressure, since you have nothing to lose in the end”, the player told Guyana Times Sport on Friday.

“I am more focused on the game when the other team is on top. I like getting over pressure situations. I just look to do what I do best, which is batting,” the right-handed batsman revealed.

Though going against the norm of having the new

Life changing DCC

His early switch from GCC has been a life-changing move for which he has continuously reaped rewards, according to the youngster.

“DCC changed my career a whole lot. I could remember my first match, when I made 47 at the under-15 level, and I knew from then (that) better days were on the way.

Everyone at the club has positive energy. We like getting together and lime right at the club, or even when going out; you would always see us together. It is like a family”.

Moving forward

The joy he brings his teammates upon stunning the opposition is quite overwhelming (Akeem Greene photo)

ball peeling off of his bat due to the change in the batting order, the usual spin diet served up during the middle overs has the

Milo Schools Football 2018…

Stunned!

…Sir Leon’s delivers knock-out punch to Chase

I

batsman licking his lips at the prospect of a run-fest.

forward to facing,” he disclosed.

The debate on the longterm impact of T20s continues to ensue, and arguments both for and against this fast-growing format are compelling. Perez sees it as breathing life into the sport.

“Twenty20 just brings more energy to the sport,” he declared. “It’s exciting, and every ball you have to focus (on). I really like the 50-over format, because it gives me more time to think, and I like scoring runs,” is what Perez had to contribute to the debate.

Developers crushed Master f you were looking holes. for football treat on In the earlier fixture, Academy 4-0 led by Saturday then Ministry B u x t o n Y o u t h Teshawn Gordon with a hatof Education ground, trick. The talented forward scored in the 45th, 78th and Carifesta Avenue was the 83rd while Shamar Scott ultimate place to be as added the earlier goal in the Chase Academic Foundation 27th. and Sir Leon’s Lesson produced thriller which ended Today, both teams will in tears and joy, depending know their semi-final opponents as former champion which side of the fence ons Lodge Secondary clash you sat. with Pure Masters from When the dust settled, 14:00h then 2017 runit was Sir Leon’s who went away the happier unit by ners-up Morgan’s edging the former threeLearning Centre optime champions 1-0 endpose Annandale ing their presence at Secondary at 16:00h. the quarter-final stage The Semiof the sixth annual Milo Schools Football finals and final tournament. will be played on The man who March 25 and 28 respectively. made the difference in the cliff-hanger Played unwas Teon Forde, der the theme “there who converted is no excuse for viwith a powerful olence” due to the left-foot shot while tournament’s partunbalanced in the nership with the Ministry of Public 78th.

Health, the under-18 The former champs had numerous chanced boys will be hoping to to equalize and in the secure the first place Man-of-the moment Teon Forde scored first half, take the lead prize of $500,000 the decider for Sir Leon’s Lesson which goes towards a but they failed to convert and that was where Sir school project.

Leon’s found the loop-

“I batted about 15 times beyond 5, so I got used to it; and mostly batting there, you face the spinners, whom I always look

The 2018 ICC Youth World Cup in New Zealand was more heartbreak than joy for Perez, because he suffered an ankle injury and departed before taking any part in the tournament, only to watch from home the Windies produce

23

a feeble performance and surrender their title.

“That's just life. I can't give up now. I made it this far, but it really hurt me knowing I didn't get a match in the World Cup, and then getting an injury made it worse; after which losing the Cup just got me more down,” he confided.

Heading into the mega-event, the batsman had the accolade of being the Most Valuable Player at the regional tournament, with 348 runs from six innings. Now he enters the ring with the ‘big boys’ in a tight jostle for a spot on the senior team. While age is in his corner, he is well aware that consistency is vital. “I'll have to work very hard, especially getting into any Guyana team, because we're dominant in all the formats, especially the 4-day. I'll do what I love to do, which is playing cricket; and it makes me happy at the end of the day. I'll just have to put in the work and let the bat do the talking,” Perez relayed.

Club mate and former Windies Youth ViceCaptain Keemo Paul is already with the senior marooners after winning the 2016 World Cup, a feat which is a great motivator.

“Keemo works very hard on his game. He's a real game-changer, and to know (that) at the age of 20 he's already in West Indies team motivates me, because it shows that once you put in the work, the results will come out sooner (rather) than later,” Perez declared.

SUNDAY, MARCH 18, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Milo Schools Football 2018 Pg 23

Stunned!

…Sir Leon’s delivers knock-out punch to Chase Defending champions Chase Academic Foundation (green attire) were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Sir Leon’s Lessons on Saturday at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue (Akeem Greene photo)

GCA/ GISE, Star Party Rental, Trophy Stall 1st Division 2-day…

Pg 21

Barnwell, Perez

put DCC in driver’s seat

– Chandrika hits unbeaten 149 for Everest

Raymond Perez and Christopher Barnwell added 124 for the sixth wicket to leave Demerara Cricket Club just 89 runs away from first innings points against Everest Cricket Club

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.

(Akeem Greene photo)

March 18, 2018

Star Times Bollywood:

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2 Sunday Times Magazine

D

uring the past few weeks, students from 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). This year, the STEAM Fairs were being held under the theme: “Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics paving the way for a sustainable society.” Several events were staged in various regions across Guyana.

According to Deputy Education Officer of Region Four, Jeanne Jeffrey, once developed, the initiative can be used to tackle some of the challenges faced in Guyana.

She was at the time addressing the STEAM Fair earlier this month, which opened at Queen’s College. “This combination of disciplines, once effectively used, can solve many of our environmental and community problems that plague our society today,” Jeffrey says.

The Region Four (4) Fair was launched on Monday March 5, at the Diamond

Mathematics, Craft and Visual Arts, Environmental Science and Science.

A collective future

Participating schools were challenged to create a project reflecting the theme. During the launch, students attending and participating in the STEAM fair 2018, were urged to be inquisitive in order to pave the way for a green and sustainable society. Coordinator of the fair, Loren Park, said that the fair is used as a platform to showcase students’ skills and abilities, and also provides an opportunity for a collective future with a shared destiny.

In the 2016 Edition of the competition, President’s College was second while Annandale Primary took the third position.

Diamond Secondary was the winner.

This year however, Annandale Primary bested host Diamond Secondary to take home the top prize at the biennial Region Four Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Fair.

According to a statement from the Region Four Regional Democratic Council’s Public

Students of Diamond Secondary receive a trophy donated after winning one of the categories in the Region Four Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Fair (Region Four Public Relations Department photo)

Secondary School. The two-day fair which concluded on Tuesday March 6, saw the participation of some 47 schools representing nursery, primary and secondary levels, competing in 27 categories Students competed in the Lower Secondary in Home Economics, Environmental Science, Agricultural Science, Social and Behavioural Change and Mathematics. In the Upper Secondary they matched skills in Environmental Science, Integrated Science, Agricultural Science, Visual Arts, Home Economics, Mathematics, Industrial Technology, Information Technology, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, while in the Nursery Category, students competed in Craft and Environmental Science and Science and Mathematics, and in the primary category, the categories were

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MARCH 18, 2018

Relations Department, Annandale Primary’s Mathematics project was adjudged the overall winner. Second place overall was awarded to former champions Diamond Secondary, while first-time competitor Lancaster Secondary was third.

Students from Region Two highlighting the sections of a rice factory

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.

The Coordinator of the event, Deodat

Mathematics (STEAM) Fair the Leonora Secondary School on March 8th, Prior to the exhibits being viewed, the day’s activities began with an opening ceremony which was chaired by a teacher, Mr. Julian Cambridge. Delivering the feature address and declaring the Fair open was Regional Education Officer (REdO), Ms. Annesta Douglas.

According to Ms. Douglas, the hosting of the STEAM Fair is setting the stage to further develop Guyana. She said that the children’s participation in the event exposes them to a number of scientific methods.

The REdO encouraged the students to be explorers whereby they are always looking for new and innovative ways to solve the problems that exist in society.

Skills enhancement

Further, she said that children stand to benefit tremendously through their participation. Among the many benefits are that children will gain additional knowledge, improve their speaking and writing skills which will enhance their self-confidence.

Ms. Douglas highlighted that much has changed over the years whereby technology

Region 2

Students of Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) were not left out as they presented a series of witty projects during their 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. Many of the projects focused on sustainable development, oil and gas, and promoting a greener society.

Innovation Amongst the impressive presentations

Clonbrook Primary studentexplaining to one of the judges their schools invention of foods from Banana

Singh, explained 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,” he stated. Singh said too that he was proud of the work 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.”

6

Region 3

The Department of Education Region Three held its 2018 Regional Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and

has evolved. She said that these changes are an indication as to how the world is moving.

She urged the students from the nursery, primary and secondary levels to think outside the box when attempting to solve society’s problems. Some of the exhibits addressed the issue of recycling, using renewable energy to produce electricity and woodwork.

Region 10

The Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) Department of Education on March 6th, presented its leg of the biennial Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Fair. continued on page 6

guyanatimesgy.com

G

reat things are in store for Season two of the Kids Today, Leaders Tomorrow (KTLT) television programme.

KTLT is a pre-recorded, one hour programme which is aired on TVG Channel 28 in Georgetown and Essequibo, and Channel 12 in Berbice on Saturdays at 11am and rebroadcast on Wednesdays at 4pm, and Fridays at 8:30am.

According to the Television Coordinator, Mr. Neaz Subhan, the primary goal is for the young participants and the audience to be groomed for the future, to expand their repertoire and to foster their creativity.

Alluding to new aspects to be added in season two, the TV Coordinator assured that the additions will contribute to the further enhancement of literacy skills, among other abilities. He said, “We will introduce a new reading programme which is geared towards advancing and enhancing literacy skills. This will be extremely beneficial as we plan to have various guests on the show; they will make a short appearance and read to the children.”

This segment will feature guests (such as local celebrities, famous personalities and others) who read to the children or be interviewed by them on the show.

What is unique about this segment is that all the questions asked,

MARCH 18, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine

based on their understanding of the person and their roles, will be composed by the children participating on the show.

Another exciting aspect to be included is the ‘news segment’ which will see children reporting on events and sharing general knowledge facts in various fields including, science and technology.

Crucial support

Addressing the challenges, Mr. Subhan expressed the hope that corporate partners and education officials will come to realise the impact that the show already has on the young participants and the audience, and will be encouraged to contribute to the continued success of the programme. In addition, he expressed the hope that more educators will get involved which will propel the show to even greater heights.

During an interview with the Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, the show’s producer, Ms Robin St. Marthe, explained that this “pio-

neer” children’s programme combines education and entertainment for nursery and primary students.

The show which appeals to ages 4 to 11, aims to make learning fun with its holistic, well-thought-out programmes presented to get children active – not only physically, but mentally.

More importantly, KTLT’s interactive, educational

activities and teaching techniques, which are backed by childhooddevelopment principles and quality research, are being used successfully in many classrooms around the country.

Consisting of four main s e g m e n t s geared towards developing cognition, ‘Kids Today, Leaders Tomorrow’ provides insight to parents and guardians on how to effectively use its teaching methodologies at home.

Subject areas covered include craft, proper hygiene, storytelling, English, science and math.

KTLT is hosted by Ms Taneka Sanchara, the director of Unique Play School & Daycare which was recognised by the Ministry of Social Protection’s Childcare Services as being one of 13 schools licensed to operate in Guyana, and Ms Kimell Thomas, a practising teacher for over 13 years and a social worker for four years. Thomas currently serves as a welfare officer at Stephen’s Primary, provid-

3

ing guidance, counselling and support to children and their parents.

Empowerment

“The fact that they are exposed to the camera and a live audience has boosted their confidence and enhanced their ability to effectively communicate. Initially, they were shy and introverted, today almost all of the young participants are very outspoken. They have transformed over a couple of months,” Production Supervisor, Mr. Delroy Dash added.

The young KTLT participants are drawn from various schools across the country and remain excited about the project and always eager to explore new ideas for the show. The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Incorporated (GBTI), in 2017, collaborated with KTLT to raise literacy awareness in Guyana; teachers hosted literacy, art and craft sessions with the camp. Several of the young participants expressed their delight at being a part of the beneficial summer programme.

“I really like this summer camp.

Some things I’d like to learn are arts and craft, folk takes and folk songs. We also get to learn history of Guyana at this exciting camp, in the old age and in the present,” eight-year-old Akil Elcock articulated.

Participants in the Summer Camp were mesmerised by the folk tales of Mr. Alan Fenty

4 Sunday Times Magazine

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MARCH 18, 2018

ple but she passed away before even my father was born, so I have to believe my abilities are a blessing regardless of however or whoever I got them from. I'm just thankful I'm being given the opportunity to have my voice heard.

T

he Times Sunday Magazine is honoured to share with you an interview with the gorgeous and talented Alyssa Raghu.

Born to Guyanese parents, 16 year old Alyssa is a student at Lake Nona High School in Orlando, Florida and also plays the guitar.

On her Facebook page she describes herself as “just a

What inspired you to start singing?

Have you ever visited Guyana?

If not, will you visit?

I did when I was 8 years old. I got to see my grandparent's old house and we also went to Reliance, Essequibo where my Step Mother, Seromanie Raghunandan is from originally. It was so beautiful. I remember the flowers and fruits and vegetables. Everything was so

I think my first performance as a sixth grader in school really made me enjoy singing along with the music and seeing people smile.

That's when I realised I wanted to do this for a living. I was in music class and the teacher was asking for volunteers to audition for a part in the upcoming music show. A friend pushed me forward because I was being

The young role model with her parents and siblings

16-year-old girl chasing her dreams, one song at a time.”

-Where in Guyana is your dad from?

Actually my dad was the first of our family born in America. He was born in Georgia.

My grandfather and grandmother moved to the U.S. in the late 70's and he joined the Army.

My grandfather, Praimraj Raghunandan is from Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara. My grandmother, Anjanie Raghunandan is from Pouderoyen, West Coast Demerara. My dad also served in the military with the Air Force.

My mother is from Mexico. I'm half Indian and half Mexican.

Alyssa’s grandparents.

fresh and everyone was so kind and caring. We also went to Lake Mainstay and swam and had a wonderful cookout with all the family and played cricket (which I'm terrible at), but it was a great time. I hope to go back one day and see Kaieteur Falls.

shy. When the teacher called upon me I did my best to sing the part and she liked it ! I was given the solo for the show. After seeing the crowd enjoy it I felt a rush of emotions that I knew I wanted to keep feeling. I have been working hard towards that goal ever since.

Not really. Apparently my great grandmother was a Hindi teacher many years ago and would sing at the H i n d u tem-

I actually first auditioned for a smaller singing competition the week before called "Orlando Idol" The prize would have been a 'front of the line pass' for the real audition with American Idol the following weekend. I went and the judges at Orlando Idol didn't think I was good enough I guess because they gave 5 prizes out and sent me home empty handed. It honestly was

Does anyone else in the family sing?

What prompted you to audition for American Idol?

16 year old Alyssa Raghu auditioning for American Idol

the best "No Thank you" I have ever heard. I was sad, but my passion for music and wanting to be heard by the world made me audition for the show the next week.

I figured if I loved singing more than anything else, and I was determined enough, then maybe I could have a chance. So I waited in line in the hot Florida sun with my dad and an umbrella for 12 hours and when my turn came, I sang my heart out.

The producers liked it and sent me to Los Angeles to tryout in front of the Celebrity Judges. When I went to LA I was so determined, I knew if I just focused and sing from my heart, I had a chance.

Fortunately they liked what they heard and gave me the Golden Ticket to Hollywood!

The lesson-NEVER GIVE UP.

What about your Guyanese roots do you especially appreciate?

I appreciate how well connected we all are. We look out for each other and always look at the good in people. I can meet someone and they will ask “Where are you from" and when we get to talking we find out we have roots in Guyana and that type of bond and friendliness is so loving. It makes me feel happy to be connected to such a beautiful place with such carrying people. I feel like we are giving, kind hearted people who are hard workers and determined to succeed despite the struggles that come with life. We never give up.

What is your determination in the competition?

My determination in the competition is to show people that anyone can make it if they have their heart and soul in it. Don't listen to the naysayers! If someone doesn't believe in your dream that's fine, but if you stop believing in yourself you will miss out on your true purpose. I feel like this is what

I'm supposed to with my life and I am determined to give it my all.

How has your Guyanese roots helped you to develop as an individual?

My Guyanese roots help me expand on my music knowledge, not just the regular pop music but to be diverse. I love the rhythm of the soca and chutney music we play in the house on weekends when we are cleaning up and doing the normal chores as a family.

I love the wonderful Indian movies we watch and their soundtracks. I feel like I can add that fun that is uniquely Guyanese with my love of traditional American music.

Its heart and soul and love that I feel to my core. I try to express that in all I do.

If you win the competition, what are your plans?

If I do win the competition, I would love to make people smile through my music, dance, and have a good

ple fall in love to, have their first kiss, dance at their wedding and celebrate fun and happy times.

What are your future plans for your music career?

My future plans include releasing music that everyone can enjoy. I would want to keep releasing great music and never stop. American Idol is an incredible opportunity and I want to make the most of it.

Other than music, what interests do you enjoy?

I enjoy playing ping pong (Table Tennis) and watching 80's films. I also like scary movies. I secretly dream of being an actress too! I mean why not right?

What advice would you give to young Guyanese who dream becoming a star someday?

My advice to any young Guyanese and all people in general is that you have to be focused. This has to be your first love, above everything else. Determination, hum-

Alyssa and her mother ,Brenda Amillano, who lives out of state but is still a big part of her life

time.

My goal is being signed by a record label and becoming a well known person who can make a difference in this world through my music. Not giving into the negatives and focus on bringing happiness to this world though music. I want to write the music peo-

bleness, and gratefulness will take you extremely far. There are many distractions in life that can take you off course.

Just because someone says NO, you shouldn't give up. If you put in the time and hard work, good things will happen. (Interview conducted by Enoek Alves)

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 18, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine

5

Scout’s

S

couting is a non-formal programme that complements the formal academic programmes within schools. Membership starts from 7 years onwards to adulthood with no limitation attracting both males and females. Scouting assists

in molding children to become rounded adults preparing them for the working en-

vironment.

The St. Stanislaus College Scout Group known as Saints is one of the largest and very active scout groups in Guyana with a membership of over 100. They are an opened group where children and adults from other schools are

allowed to join. The members and participants enjoy a variety of activities, including out-

door camping, hiking, swimming, survival skills training, pioneering, recycling, upcycling, first aid, rope work, sports, drama, orienteering, career building, community service and much more. Their goals are usually centered on family oriented objectives and

values.

In addition to the various activities, the participants

are also involved in altruistic efforts. Saints’ has been involved with many community projects such as removal of garbage from the seawalls, painting of pedestrian crossings, feeding the destitute, visiting orphanages and providing emergency first aid support for special events, just to name a few.

The most recent assistance was given to the Rupununi Music Arts and Festival event where a small team of Saints’ scout leaders travelled to the Manari Ranch where they built a monkey bridge which is completely constructed with staves and rope, a Brynbach Tower, gateways, campfires and assisted with the general

security of the campsite.

The scout group meets at the St. Stanislaus College in Brickdam every Friday from 16:00 hrs to 19:00 hrs where the agendas comprise of games, classroom sessions

and practical skills training.

Should anyone be interested in the group and require additional information, please contact the Group Scout Leader Mr. Laurence Fung, mobile: 662-8600

6 Sunday Times Magazine

J

enell Pierre is the CEO of Bow Jay, a fashion accessories line, based in Georgetown, Guyana. A 2011 graduate of St. Stanislaus, and former science major, Jenell started out making bow as a just as an ‘accidental’ hobby. It quickly became apparent that this teenage pastime was much more than that. As her designs caught the eyes of her family who wanted her to make pieces for them and offered to pay for her work. Her hobby soon grew into a unique and compelling passion and in August 2011, at the age of 17, Jenell founded Bow Jay, which specializes in bow ties, rings, hair and other accessories.

In an earlier interview, Jenell revealed that constant networking with the right people led her to join the Women’s Entrepreneurship Network (WENET), through Youth Challenge Guyana, who equipped her with the knowledge and skills to run a successful business.

Jenell has presented her designs locally at GuyExpo 2011, during several panel discussions through YCG, and Camp Girls Leading Our World (GLOW). Her exquisite wearable art are all hand crafted and con-

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MARCH 18, 2018

sists of a wide variety of unisex bowties and hair accessories with equally cute names like Priscilla, Angela and Rebecca. Jenell is also a poet and singer and was a 2011 GTT Star Finalist. The young entrepreneur has also represented Guyana in the prestigious Caribbean Call to Action Entrepreneurship Challenge 2015 in which she fell among the top five finalists. The business has also been featured at the Women in Business Expo over the last few years.

Jenell’s goal for the future is to have an established location to sell her products.

She also hopes to expand her business to the Caribbean and the US. Jenell’s advice to others is “If you are interested in becoming an entrepreneur, do something you love don’t ever get into anything unless you love it. When it becomes very challenging and difficult, your desire for what you love propels you to go forward.” Other products designed by Bow Jay include hair bows clips, pony holders, bandeaus, hair bands, bow chains, bags, purses among others. The business is now located at 15 South Half Henry Street, Werk-en Rust.

Jenell Pierre (centre) , the CEO of Bow Jay showcases her pieces at the Women in Business Expo 2017

Some Bow Jay’s featured products

from page 2

Linden Foundation presenting their project entitled, “Green Town New Age Eden”

This year, the Arts have been incorporated into the event, which showcases the innovative skills of students and teachers from schools at every level. Region 10’s exhibition was hosted at the Wisburg Secondary School, Wismar, Linden and featured a host of presentations by students.

Speaking during the opening ceremo-

ny for the event, outgoing Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland said he was impressed with the quality of work displayed by the various schools, as he encouraged students to continue to be creative ,”dream big”, step out, invent, and achieve great things.

Trailblazers

Holland, in sharing his own experi-

ences, further gave encouragement to all to inspire young creative minds to “think outside the box” and become active trailblazers.

In an overview of the ever-evolving event, District Education Officer (Nursery) Shivon Greene-Brewster said the objective of the exhibitions has always been to stimulate young minds to analyse and evaluate situations with the aim of exposing students to critical thinking skills.

Meanwhile, District Education Officer (Primary) Lashanna Anderson said the activity formed part of the strategy to promote Science and Technology, provide the opportunity for students and teachers to showcase, disseminate and share knowledge relating to these fields.

District Education Officer (Secondary) Sonia Fraser-Pearce said the Fair provided an opportunity for creativity as well as the showcasing and sharing of knowledge and skills. The national STEAM Fair will be hosted in Georgetown from April 36, where the winners from these events will be given an opportunity to participate.

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 18, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Literary Corner

by

Carew. One of the club’s events was a debate on the moot, ‘Poets and Scoffers’, judged by A. J. Seymour.

Later, when he moved into the world of work, Harris became part of a number of social and literary groups. One such gathering was labelled the ‘Anira Group’ operating out of the home of Martin Carter’s mother. It included Martin and his brother, Keith, Sydney Singh, and others. That group eventually moved to Carter’s home with additional members like Jan Carew, Slade Hopkinson and Milton Vishnu Williams.

Harris was also a part of a group that met at the home of Cheddi Jagan, mainly attracted to his vast library and his political vision for Guyana.

Another formal body of which Harris was a member was the Carnegie Library Discussion Circle. In 1956, when George Lamming visited Guyana to organise public readings, it was Harris who read Carter’s poems because Carter was under house arrest.

So Harris was well grounded in literary matters before his sojourn in the wilderness of Guyana and was conversant in such matters during his years as a surveyor, exploring the ‘womb of space’. So much emphasis is being placed on the influence of the jungle on his work that his steady growth in literature in the ‘civilised’ Georgetown environs is overlooked.

Of all those comments, however, one is quite useful in the reading of Harris.

Jan Carew said that Harris’ kind of writing came out of ‘someone accustomed to talking to himself in the Guyana bush for seventeen years’. So persons accustomed to talking to themselves and thinking aloud would easily get a handle on Harris’ seemingly difficult writings.

All (of his city association) helped to harness the jungle within covers of books.

When he was 17, he left school to train as a land surveyor, an occupation he stayed with until he migrated to England in 1959 where he lived until his death.

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

Petamber Persaud

B

orn in a small town in a far-away country, Wilson Harris would go on to haunt the imagination of people around the world.

Harris is the recipient of several honorary doctorates, grants and fellowships. He has held the revered position of Writer-in-Residence at many universities around the world including places like Australia, New York, Texas, Toronto and Cuba. In 1987, he won the inaugural Guyana Prize for Literature in the fiction category and, in 2002, he was awarded the Guyana Prize Special Award. In 2003, the University of Warwick staged a conference in honour of Harris. In 2010, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2014, he won a Lifetime Achievement Prize from the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards.

In 1970, he was part of the Convention of Caribbean Writers and Artists held in Guyana planning for what turned out to be the Caribbean Festival of Arts (Carifesta). During that visit to Guyana, he delivered a number of talks in the Edgar Mittelholzer Memorial Lecture Series. (Both Harris and Mittelholzer were born in New Amsterdam, Berbice, Guyana, and both writers are credited with have 23 novels to their name.)

Harris’ short stories appeared first in KYK-OVER-AL as early as the 1940s.

About the same time, some of those stories were aired on ‘Caribbean Voices’. His stories were anthologised in prominent collections including West Indian Stories, West Indian Narrative and Caribbean Rhythm.

Some of his poems were collected in three volumes; FETISH, 1951, ETERNITY TO SEASON, 1952, and THE WELL AND THE LAND, 1952.

He has written numerous essays on varying topics including ‘The Enigma of Values’, ‘Fossil and Psyche’, ‘Greatness and Bitterness’ and ‘The Making of a Book’.

Wilson Harris has written and published some twenty three novels since his first, PALACE OF THE PEACOCK, ap-

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. For the heart asks for fragrance, even when it is no longer young; and there is very little of that to be found in the dahlias or the dry chrysanthemums; therefore the butterfly turned to the mint on the ground.

You know, this plant has no blossom; but it is sweetness all over,- full of fragrance from head to foot, with the scent of a flower in every leaf.

"I will take her," said the butterfly; and he made her an offer. But the mint stood silent and stiff, as

Wilson Harris

peared in 1960. His penultimate novel, THE MASK OF THE BEGGAR (2003), gives a possible starting point that led Harris on the road of his remarkable literary achievement.

When Wilson was only eight, he started reading, THE ODYSSEY, with the help of his mother, Millicent. The Ulysses of that book became one of the motifs Harris employed in his writing.

Novelist, poet, short fiction writer and essayist, Wilson Theodore Harris was born on March 24, 1921. He was the eldest of two children. When he was only two years of age, his father died and when he was six, his step-father seemed to have deserted the family. The family headed by the mother who was an active member of Smyth Congregational made a number of house moves, twice in East Street and twice in Lime Street, before settling.

Along with chalking up his first read book, young Wilson was part of an informal literary circle comprising of Sheila King and Malcolm King, discussing mainly Shakespeare, Milton, and Camus.

During his high school days at Queen’s College, he was a member of another literary group, Club 25. This group, limited to twenty five members only, operated from Progressive High School headed at the time by Leslie C. Davis. It included the likes of Allan Young, W. G. Stoll, E. O. Q. Potter, Maurice Charles and Jan

she listened to him. At last she said,"Friendship, if you please; nothing more. I am old, and you are old, but we may live for each other just the same; as to marrying- no; don't let us appear ridiculous at our age."

And so it happened that the butterfly got no wife at all. He had been too long choosing, which is always a bad plan. And the butterfly became what is called an old bachelor. It was late in the autumn, with rainy and cloudy weather. The cold wind blew over the bowed backs of the willows, so that they creaked again. It was not the weather for flying about in summer clothes; but fortunately the butterfly was not out in it. He had got a shelter by chance. It was in a room heated by a stove, and as warm as summer. He could exist here, he said, well enough.

"But it is not enough merely to exist," said he, "I need freedom, sunshine, and a little flower for a

With humble hearts and heads bowed down In thanks for each new day of toil We kneel before Thine altar, Lord The children of Guyana’s soil.

Great is the task that Thou hast given: Thy will to show, Thy truth to find: To teach ourselves that we are one In thy great Universal mind.

But not in vain we’ll strive to build A new Guyana great and free; A land of glory and of hope, A land of love and unity.

O children of Guyana, rise, Rise up and sing with happy tears: And bless the land that gave you birth, And vow to serve her through the years.

Song by Valerie Rodway

companion." Then he flew against the window-pane, and was seen and admired by those in the room, who caught him, and stuck him on a pin, in a box of curiosities. They could not do more for him.

"Now I am perched on a stalk, like the flowers," said the butterfly.

"It is not very pleasant, certainly; I should imagine it is something like being married; for here I am stuck fast." And with this thought he consoled himself a little.

"That seems very poor consolation," said one of the plants in the room, that grew in a pot.

"Ah," thought the butterfly, "one can't very well trust these plants in pots; they have too much to do with mankind."

Excerpt from the 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.

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.

8 Sunday Times Magazine

MARCH 18, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Travel and Tourism

L

aluni is located on the Soesdyke Highway and access to the community is via a nine-mile road from Kuru Kururu. Laluni has been setup as a farming community from the beginning. This community is famous for its agriculture diversity, including its cherries which are supplied to some of the major juice factories in the country.

The community started off with 11 farmers and workers, a number which then grew to 50 persons farming tobacco. Cash crop farming in the area became popular when the Demerera Tobacco Company (Demtoco) ceased cultivating tobacco there in the early 1990s.

A number of residents turned out in Laluni to celebrate their 63rd anniversary as a CDC community and the first ever village day, last Sunday. Laluni came into being through the efforts of Wilfred Henry on

Road to Laluni by Alva Solomon

3rd March 1955. According to Chairman of the CDC, Aaron Defreitas this will be an annual event. He pointed out that the village day is being used primarily to bring villagers together, as a means of enhancing an already close-knit community.

Defreitas further noted that Laluni, an agricultural community, will seek to further promote the many agricultural products that persons can access from the area. “Our village day is one that is being executed with a difference, as it allows a number of persons across Guyana to see the rich benefits of this agricultural community. In Laluni through the many products that come from this community, we can further enhance the economic development around us,� the Chairman said.

A monument was unveiled at the observance and the community also raised its first village flag. According to Ruth Henry, great-

granddaughter of the founder of Laluni, the flag’s design depicts the agricultural and

Laluni is known for its lush vegetation

Villagers enjoing a vollyball match

other benefits of the community. (Excerpts from DPI, photos by Alva Solomon)

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 18, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine

9

10 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 18, 2018

for guys and girls -Because it's about way more than just jeans…

E

aster is just around the corner so it's about time you get your new wardrobe ready to go. This season, it's all about denim in fresh new styles, cuts and pat-

terns.

There will always be style purists who say that dark, unsullied denim (preferably selvedge) is the only kind worth investing in for versatility and longevity. Most people agree, to an extent, denim has moved on a lot since tailor Jacob W. Davis and dry-goods salesman Levi Strauss patented the rivet in 1873. The 20th century’s most iconic garment – the blue jean – is overripe for designers to experiment with and subvert. And right now they’re doing it in their droves.

The Dialed-Up Bag: A purse becomes a little bit extra with fringed edges, but add totally adorable patches and you've got yourself the ultimate in day-tonight cross body.

The Comfy Heel: We love

a solid, stacked heel, particularly when it's paired with a simple ankle-strap design. This pair of baby blues is the perfect go-to for any GNO or date night, and the colour is surprisingly neutral (yes, really!).

The On-Trend Pants: It's all about that cropped cut this season, right? A pair with a darker hem will help you stand out no matter where the day takes you. (Seventeen Magazine)

White Denim:

White jeans can still fill men with trepidation, especially in the season of barbecues and sitting on grass.

As well as the fit, which should be neither too skinny nor too wide, the secret to pulling off the look is in seeking out off-white rather than stark shades and steering simple and classic with the rest of your ensemble.

Double Denim Two words guaranteed to give Justin Timberlake chills right down to the bone marrow. Double denim isn’t the easiest trend to pull off – and when it goes wrong it, boy does it go wrong – but get it right and you’re looking at a massive pay off. It’s the menswear equivalent of a handstand press-ups or beef Wellington; only the pros can do it.

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 18, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Home & Cooking

• F r e s h e n - U p Mattresses We spend a lot of time in our beds — 3,000 hours per year, actually. That's the equivalent of four months!

So, keeping your bed clean is important. First, vacuum your mattress, then sprinkle baking soda mixed with a few drops of lavender essential oil on top. Let this sit for a couple of hours, then vacuum the mixture away.

•Degunk Cabinets Kitchen and bathroom cabinets take a beating. Get them extra clean with a light scrub of 1/2 cup of vegetable oil and 1 cup of baking soda.

Wipe away the mixture with a clean, damp cloth.

•Refresh the

Microwave Your microwave is one of the most used and abused appliances in your kitchen, so its interior is likely spotted with cooked-on food and liquid. To loosen the mess, combine one cup of water with a splash of vinegar, a couple of drops of vanilla extract and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Heat the mixture for one minute on high.

Let the bowl sit for several minutes before opening the door. This allows the aromatic steam to get to work softening the burnt-on residue. Open the door and carefully remove the bowl. Using a damp, clean cloth, wipe out the inside of the microwave.

A super healthy recipe that's ideal for cooking with young children PREP: 40 MINS COOK: 25 MINS EASY MAKES 8 –10

Ingredients

300g pack rice noodles 400g/14oz mixed vegetables, thinly sliced and put in separate bowls, such as red peppers, beansprouts, carrots, shredded cabbage, spring onions 140g cooked prawns 100g cooked chicken or duck, shredded 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped small piece ginger, finely

Method

chopped splash light soy sauce Chinese five-spice powder, for sprinkling 8-10 sheets of filo pastry / wanton skins 1 egg, beaten sesame seeds, for sprinkling if you want For the dipping sauce 100g reduced salt and sugar ketchup 1 tbsp white wine vinegar small piece ginger, grated pinch of caster sugar

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Before you get the kids cooking, put the noodles, vegetables, prawns and chicken in individual bowls for everyone to help themselves.

Wash hands, put aprons on, sit the kids down and give them their own mixing bowl and spoon. Let them choose which ingredients they want (noodles are essential) in their rolls and if they want to graze as they choose, that’s fine – all the ingredients are cooked or can be eaten raw. Add a bit of garlic and ginger, a tiny dash of soy and sprinkling of five-spice to each bowl and let them mix everything together.

Push the bowl aside and lay a sheet of pastry/ wanton skin in front of each child. Ask them to spoon the filling down one side of each sheet then give them the beaten egg and a brush so they can brush around the edges. Then help them to roll them up neatly by folding both sides over the filling, then rolling them up.

Lift the spring rolls onto a baking tray, seam side down, brush with a little more egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if you want. Try to remember which child made which roll to save any arguments at the end! Bake the rolls for 20-25 mins or until golden. You can also fry the wanton skins.

While the rolls are in the oven, make the dipping sauce.

Get the kids to mix all the ingredients together until the sugar has dissolved. When the spring rolls are golden and crisp, remove from the oven. Leave until cool enough to handle, cut into pieces for smaller kids, then let them eat, dipping the rolls into the sauce. (www.bbcgoodfood.com)

•Deep Clean the Iron A dirty iron can put a major wrinkle in your day.

Avoid that by keeping your iron's surface super clean.

Sprinkle a generous amount

of salt onto a cotton napkin or piece of paper, then iron over the salt. The dirt will cling to the salt and come off the iron. Genius!

•In the Kitchen

To clean chrome, glass or stainless steel appliances, fill a spray bottle with a mixture of 50 percent rubbing alcohol and 50 percent water.

•Blow Off Electronics Use a paint or makeup brush to loosen dirt and dust from nooks and crannies, then blast with compressed air. (www.hgtv.com)

12 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 18, 2018

Puzzles

Crossword

96 Overflowing

97 Okra morsels

98 Hydrogen has one 1 Pick 99 Implored

6 Wet lowland 101 Outlooks

11 Injury result

102 Far East cuisine

15 "Charmed" particle

103 Like good soil

20 Perry's secretary

104 New Year's Eve word

21 Leafy recess

105 "Woe is me!"

22 Rum mixers

106 Cliff dwelling, now 24 Municipal

107 California fort

25 Big celebrations

108 Nut, actually

26 Welsh dog

109 "-- Gantry" 27 Infuse 111 Vend

28 Become acclimated

112 Baked goodies

29 Olympic contests

114 Sticky sweet 31 Alcoves

117 Calendar abbr.

33 Jostle

118 Electric swimmers

34 Ms. Lauder

119 Christmas tree, maybe

35 Ear or eye (2 wds.)

(2 wds.)

37 Mine car 124 Awkward

39 Neighbor of CTRL

126 Night hunters 41 Almost-grads

128 Run -- of the law

42 Chew out

130 Lily maid of Astolat

43 Kind of belt

131 Sonnet stanza

44 Lock or curl

132 Better than lite (hyph.)

46 Hockey need

134 Come to terms

50 Low-lying island

136 Cara of "Fame"

51 News article

137 100 kopecks

52 Senate votes

53 Furry "Star Wars" critter 138 Economize 139 Mortgages

57 Got some air 140 Hollows

59 Dripping sound

141 Major appliance

60 Dainty pastries

142 Blissful spot

61 Ciao (hyph.)

143 Caused (2 wds.)

62 Magazine staffer

144 Mr. Kostelanetz 63 Territory

64 More than bad DOWN

65 Coq au - 1 Margins

66 Encryptions

2 Bug out 67 Lagers

3 Ms. Burstyn

68 Arbus or Keaton

4 Kilts identify them

69 Colby or brie

5 Likes and dislikes

72 Vane dir.

6 Pouch

73 Faces the target 7 Mistakenly

74 Goes out of business 8 Overseas

75 Recital offering

9 Access a (2 wds.)

76 Goes down

10 -- the Red

79 Marbles and jacks 11 Biol. or astron.

80 Health club? (2 wds.)

12 Fight against

84 Longest arm bone

13 Wedding keepsake

85 Bluebottles

14 Tree, to Fritz 86 Yaks 15 Calms

87 Mother lode

16 Footed vases

88 "The Walking Dead" villain

17 Is adjacent to

91 Ribs, slangily

18 Pinker inside 92 Scrawny

19 Troublesome joints

93 -- Marbles 23 Detach

95 Big Ben numeral ACROSS

30 Kind of mom 70 "Psst!"

101 Siren 32 Marinate 71 Non-earthlings 102 Oklahoma city 36 Highway

73 Archer of filmdom 103 Kin of the Chicken 38 Rear-end

74 Belief system

106 Family mem.

40 Reduced 75 Below 107 Luxurious

43 Portico

77 Rookie reporter 110 Not former 44 Succinct

78 Yale alumnus

111 Tahini base

45 Movie-lot locale 79 Window covering 112 Turned bad

46 Did a quilt

80 Meadow plaints 113 Enzyme secretion

47 Not finished 81 Incapacitate

114 Oslo sight (var.)

48 Reprimands

82 Oval-nest builder 115 Become liable

49 Klondike - 83 Put in ink

116 Muddle through (2 wds.)

51 Lands in "la mer" 85 Glitches

118 Heston/Loren epic (2 wds.)

52 Sailors spin them 86 Skywalker, finally 119 Ranch stray 54 Billow

88 Fastens a parka 120 Food wrap

55 Redding or Skinner

89 Needing a shampoo

121 Left or magnetic - 56 Batman creator 90 Air

122 Deeply felt

58 -- Lobos of music 91 Take an oath

123 Ms. Witherspoon

59 U.S. leader 125 Volcano goddess

92 Bank transaction

60 Garden dwellers 93 Screw things up 127 Heard the alarm

63 Mendicant's shout 94 Zillions 129 Tumble 64 Ploys

133 ICU worker 96 Wing flaps

67 Verdi heroine 97 Noted groundhog 135 Paul Anka's "-- Beso"

68 Roofed stadiums 98 Hawk wwv See Solution on Pg 13

69 Cows' mouthfuls 100 Aberdeen's river

KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME TODAY'S WORD -- GUILLEMOT (GUILLEMOT: GIL-uh-mot: An auk of the northern seas.)

Average mark 40 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 55 or more words in GUILLEMOT?

gill gilt gimlet glue glum glut gout guile guilt gull

gullet utile item lieu lilt lime limo loge lout luge

lute emit etui melt mile mill millet milo mite mogul

moil mole mollie molt mote motel motile moue mule mull

mullet mute ogle omit tell tile till time toil toile

tole toll tome tule tulle

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 18, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Tech

W

e live in a post-Juicero world, and yet somehow, inexplicably, startups continue to push the limits of what is a socially acceptable expenditure of engineering effort. Case in point: Lunavity, a hover backpack for augmenting one’s jumping ability from a team of University of Tokyo students that seems to draw most of its inspiration from the sheer aesthetic absurdity required to reliably float a human being for brief amounts of time.

The device, a non-functioning prototype version that was shown off in the expo hall of Austin’s SXSW festival this week, uses a circular series of rotors to provide enough downward thrust to let the human wearer jump higher and for longer than is normally physically possible.

The team behind the product says it should allow someone to jump two to three times higher than normal. The overall effect seems designed to replicate low-gravity environments, hence the moonthemed named.

There’s no pricing or release date for Lunavity yet,

T

he ban, which follows a similar move by Facebook, would cover all related information too, such as initial coin offerings, exchanges and wallets and trading advice.

Google is the latest company to crack down on advertising for cryptocurren-

G

aming headphones all tend to come with lofty promises about 7.1 sound or special spatial audio imaging or some other gimmick that can entice people to buy them. Audiophile headphone maker Audeze is getting into this gimmick game with the announcement of its new Mobius headset — though the difference here is that Audeze’s gimmick is really rather awesome.

The prototype of the Mobius was available at CES back in January.

Audeze’s trick with the Mobius is to create a soundstage that is fixed in your realworld environment and doesn’t shift with movements of your head. So if a sound source is on the right edge of the screen in

and we don’t know if the product, should it actually be carried through to a consumer release, will make it

cies.

The search giant said it will revise its ad policies in June to restrict ads for cryptocurrencies and related information, such as initial coin offerings, cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets and cryptocurrency trading advice. That ban goes

Crossword Solution

out of Japan. But regardless, you have to respect the creators of a hover backpack for dreaming big. (the Verge)

for both ads on Google's own website and sites Google serves on other sites.

The ban is another big blow for the nascent market of digital coins, with Facebook in January banning crypto ads, too. That means young crypto businesses and exchanges will be barred from advertising on the two biggest online ad platforms.

Google's ban comes as bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies still struggle with fraudulent activity and illegal transactions, such as one ICO from the startup Prodeum that apparently resulted in the company taking off with investors' money. Because digital coin exchanges are still largely unregulated and transactions are hard to reverse, they've become targets for scams and hacks.

Advertising is Google's lifeblood, but the company knows its business is hurt by ads that lead to scams or malware. In 2017, Google removed 3.2 billion bad ads, nearly double the 1.7 billion it removed in 2016. (CNET)

front of you, tilting or turning your head or even standing up and walking around won’t alter the position of that sound. Audeze calls this sound localization, and it achieves it by tracking the movements of your head and mapping out the dimensions of your room.

It’s a really uncanny feeling to wear headphones and hear sound as if it’s coming from a speaker at a fixed point. The Audeze Mobius support AAC and LDAC Bluetooth audio, with a promised wireless battery life of more than 10 hours, and they can also be connected via USB-C, USB-A, and a classic old 3.5mm headphone jack. Being gaming headphones, they also come with a detachable microphone.(the Verge)

14 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 18, 2018

Bollywood/Hollywood

F

emina magazine has released its annual list of India's most beautiful women of 2018 and it is no surprise that former Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, features on the lineup. The actress, who completes two decades in the Bollywood film

industry, turned cover girl for the magazine and stunned in a futuristic metallic number with untamed curls.

The ravishing beauty is seen in a metallic silver coat with a Chinese collar and buttons left undone.

She looked every bit a diva

as she let her burgundy coloured hair loose and rocked minimal makeup.

The issue that hits stands later this month has Aishwarya spilling the beans on about her rise from beauty queen to Bollywood's leading star, working with some

T

aylor Swift released her "Delicate" music video less than 24 hours ago, but already it's generating quite the controversy. According to some eagle-eyed Twitter users, the visuals for "Delicate" seem to bear more than a passing resemblance to one famous video from 2016: Spike Jonze's four-minute short film/perfume ad for Kenzo, starring Margaret Qualley.

Both videos revolve around a woman (Taylor in "Delicate" and Margaret in the ad) in fancy dresses at

black-tie events; after they each become disillusioned with their stuffy surroundings, they start dancing wildly and making faces all around the venue. There are

a few differences, of course: Margaret mostly performs to an audience of none, while Taylor dances through an unseeing crowd. Plus, Margaret ends the video

of the best filmmakers, and of course, her daughter Aaradhya.

On the work front, the actress will be next seen in 'Fanne Khan' where opposite Rajkummar Rao and Anil Kapoor. (ToI)

by jumping through a massive logo for the perfume.

Meanwhile,Taylor dances in the rain before meeting a mysterious person.

Also, Margaret is a classically-trained ballet dancer, and Taylor isn't. Even so, though, people think there are enough parallels to call Taylor's out.

Twitter users compiled clips and stills from both videos and compared them side by side to show the similar facial expressions, dance moves, and even entire shots. (Glamour)

I

s Zayn Malik already moving on from Gigi Hadid? The "Pillowtalk" hitmaker has recently followed Demi Lovato on Twitter following his shocking split from the 22-yearold model. Interestingly, he unfollowed both Gigi and her mom Yolanda Hadid on Instagram.

Zayn and Gigi announced on Tuesday, March 13 that they've called it quits after dating for two years. Both of them took to Twitter to share a statement addressing the split. Gigi wrote, "Breakup statements often seem impersonal because there is really no way to put into words what two people experience together over a few years... not only in a relationship but in life in general."

"I'm forever grateful for the love, time and life lesson that Z and I shared," she continued. "I

want nothing but the best for him and will continue to support him as a friend that I have immense respect and love for. As for the future, whatever's meant to be will always be."

Zayn, meanwhile, wrote that he and Gigi "had an incredibly meaningful, loving and fun relationship." He said of his then-girlfriend of two

S

years, "I have a huge amount of respect and adoration for Gigi as a woman and a friend. She has such an incredible soul."

"I'm grateful to all our fans for respecting this difficult decision and our privacy at this time," the former One Direction member concluded his statement. "We wish this news would have come from us first. We love you all." (Glamour)

ince making her debut as the next royal-adjacent-to-be, Meghan Markle has made headlines both for her fresh approach to fashion and her habit of breaking royal protocol. Hair meant to be primly tied back? She'll wear a messy bun instead. Formal appearance with Prince Harry? She'll wear a simple white coat and get it named after her. For her first official appearance with Queen Elizabeth, however, Markle took a safer, but still chic, approach to dressing—maybe with Kate Middleton's help.

For today's Commonwealth Day Services in England, Markle put her usual rule-breaking ways on hold in favur of

A

amir Khan has revealed that his Thugs of Hindostan co-star Amitabh Bachchan suffered shoulder and back injury, but is doing well now. “ I shot with him . He has problem in the back and shoulder as he has a lot of action sequences in the film. After a long time audience will get to see him doing action. So definitely it is a challenging film for him.

coordinating navy and cream outfits with the Duchess of Cambridge. Matching may have been a faux pas in the past, but the two women looked impeccably polished in navy sheath dresses and matching heels.

(Finishing each look with different-colour coats and two distinct hats certainly helped.)

Still, we have to wonder: Have the pair been sneaking off for some shopping together after their public speaking engagements?

Do they share a cart on Farfetch?

To the untrained eye, Markle and Middleton could be full-blown twinning beneath their different-colour coats. Instead, they opted for different designers to put together their exact looks. For starters, Kate

F

rom winning the Miss Universe crown to navigating her way in Bollywood, coming up with a prenatal yoga series and now debuting on television, Lara Dutta Bhupathi has enjoyed various roles in showbiz. She says with increasing participation of women behind the cameras, there’s a change visible in the entertainment industry.

“I think the whole scene is changing because of more participation of women, and so there are that much betterwritten parts that women are getting in films. I think the younger lot -- Alia Bhatt, Anushka Sharma, Deepika Padukone and Kangana Ranaut -- they are really lucky to be a part of Indian cinema at a time when more women filmmakers are telling stories that deserve to be told.

This is only improving the image of our women in Indian cinema,” said Lara.

She pointed out how since she produced the film Chalo Dilli, the number of female filmmakers has increased. “They are coming up with the right story and thankfully, studios are ready to invest money and taking female filmmakers seriously. On the other hand, actresses like Kangana and Anushka are also producing their own films. I think

that is how we are getting more and more empowered,” she added.

While some of the iconic filmmakers like Mira Nair and Aparna Sen have represented Indian cinema on the global platform in the past, in the last few years names like Zoya Akhtar, Alankrita Shrivastava, Gauri Shinde and Konkona Sen Sharma have gone behind the camera for movies.

Anushka has backed some offbeat films like NH10, Phillauri and the latest Pari under her home production, while Priyanka Chopra is producing a slew of regional films. And who can miss out Ekta Kapoor. Though heroines tend to get typecast in a mother’s role after a certain age, it is interesting how at 39, Lara gets to play a strong professional like her part as a lawyer in Azhar, and as an art gallery owner and curator in Fitoor. On this, she said, “I never made a strategy to choose a certain kind of role, but yes those are the kind of roles I am offered. Maybe, filmmakers believe that I can bring something more to such characters in a film.

Honestly, I do not analyse them that much. I think that is why I have done a variety of roles from a lawyer to a village woman and a mad character in a comedy film like Singh Is Bliing.” (Hindustan Times)

But he is coping up well.

There are times when you have physical problems. He has injury on the shoulder and back. Day before yesterday he had lot of problem but he is better now,” Aamir said.

Bachchan sparked health concerns recently when he posted on his blog that he had called his team of doctors to Jodhpur from Mumbai. Wife Jaya

Bachchan later said he had pain in his neck and back due to the heavy costumes in the film.

Bachchan again took to his blog to give an update on his health. In a poetic post in Hindi, the actor said he was not feeling well and had to call his doctors for the treatment, but now he is doing fine. (Hindustan

went for a coat and dress from Beluah London, and a hat by Lock & Co. Markle, meanwhile, chose a dress and coat by Amanda Wakeley. She topped her look with a white beret by Stephen Jones. The matchy-matchy looks didn't stop at their dresses: Both women went for classic pointy-toe pumps in a deep blue suede. While some were quick to notice that Markle and Middleton's pumps looked very similar, they weren't actually wearing identical shoes. According to Hello!, Meghan's shoes are by Manolo Blahnik, while Kate Middleton opted for a pair of Rupert Sanderson pumps. (Glamour)

Times)

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MARCH 18, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 15

16 Sunday Times Magazine

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MARCH 18, 2018

Fun Times

Archie

Emotional energy will cause frustration and an(March 21- ger if you don't have an outApril 19) let. Choose something physical you enjoy doing to let off steam rather than risk getting into an argument.

ARIES

Keep your thoughts to TAURUS yourself and wait to see what (April 20- others do and say before you May 20) step in and offer suggestions.

Don't divulge personal secrets or travel too far from home.

Love may be enticing, but GEMINI don't jump into something (MAY 28- without giving it enough June 20) thought. Once you make a promise, you'll have to keep it if you want to maintain peace.

You'll face opposition when it comes to change. If someone (June 21- puts up a fuss, consider the July 22) pros and cons that come with the change you or someone close to you wants to make.

CANCER

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

Peanuts

Focus on getting along, not on messing things up. Whether you are dealing with a friend, children, a parent or a loved one, listen and offer an incentive to get your way.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Stress will mount if you make changes to your home or haggle over the price of a costly venture or item.

Proceed with caution.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

A positive attitude will help you ward off someone's grumpy attitude. Don't take no for an answer, and make plans that will brighten someone's day. Offer love, enthusiasm and a gentle nudge.

Being pushy may bring SCORPIO (Oct. 24- about change, but it may also Nov. 22) harm your relationship with someone special. Think about your actions before you say or do something you'll regret.

Your insight will help SAGITTARIUS when dealing with people you (Nov. 23are close to. Make suggestions Dec. 21) and build a foundation for a healthy and progressive lifestyle.

Calvin and Hobbes

Keep your emotions in CAPRICORN check and the changes you (Dec. 22- make minimal. Don't follow Jan. 19) someone else when you should be doing your own thing. Take care of yourself first.

Think big, but keep what AQUARIUS you actually do simple and (Jan. 20- within budget. Focus on Feb. 19) what's worth the effort and avoid what isn't. A romantic evening is encouraged.

Look forward with optiPISCES (Feb. 20- mism. Know what you are Mar. 20) qualified to do and do whatever it takes to make your dreams come true. It's time to put your needs first.