Guyanatime 1 april 2018 pt2

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

Issue No. 3520

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Sunday, April 1, 2018

PRICE

Guyanese miners at mercy of ruthless Sindicato Gangs

WHAT'S INSIDE:

‘Guyana is a place for all P6 of us’

– Minister Harmon

Page 3 ...as robberies, beating escalate ...F Division Commander says probe launched into river attacks

President dismisses calls to confirm current CJ, Chancellor

GDF Captain kills girlfriend, surrenders

Page 5

$120 vat included

Page 12

Guyanese man killed in St Kitts P9

Hindus for Selfless P16 Service hosts first Hanuman Yatra …in commemoration of Hanuman Jayanti

No apology for Royston King – AFC P19 5 injured following Zeeburg P13 accident

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party and Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, distributed kites along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, specifically at Kuru Kururu. Similar exercises were also held at Rasville; Albouystown; and B Field, Sophia in Georgetown over the weekend

Page 7

Woman allegedly strangled by ex-lover

GBTI records $1.5B in after-tax profit

Page 14

Pensioner killed by drunken driver in Essequibo Page 13

Manufacturing growth linked to efficient Govt service P7

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news

SUnDAY, april 1, 2018 guyanatimesGY.com

Kitty labourer stabbed to death during robbery CH&PA not repossessing

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labourer was on Friday evening stabbed to death during a robbery at the corners of Barr and Alexander Streets, Kitty, Georgetown.

Dead is 27-year-old Taj Andrew Jarvis of Dowding

Street, Kitty.

Based on reports received, the now dead man and a friend were walking along Alexander Street at about 20:00h when the knife wielding suspect confronted the duo, demanding mon-

unoccupied house lots – Saul

ey. An argument reportedly ensued among the men and it was at this time that the suspect dealt the deceased stabs to the left side of his chest and chin.

As a result of the injuries Jarvis sustained, he report-

Dead: Taj Andrew Jarvis

edly collapsed but the suspect further dealt him several kicks about his body before fleeing the scene. The friend who was with the now dead man at the time was unharmed.

The friend contacted the Police and an ambulance arrived at the scene.

Jarvis was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect who is said to be a 30-yearold resident of Shell Road, Kitty.

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he Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is not making moves to repossess unoccupied house lots; rather it is now working with the owners to have those lots occupied. This is according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CH&PA, Lelon Saul.

“We have been encouraging people to occupy lands and we are working with them to find out what challenges they have and to see what we can assist so that people can move onto the lands that they were allocated. We have not repossessed any lands from individuals where a person has been awarded an individual plot. We have not done that,” Saul said.

Minister with the responsibility for housing, Valarie Patterson-Adams, has indicated that Government would be moving to repossess unoccupied lots so as to ensure a greater occupancy rate.

However, this move caused some amount of disagreement between the landowners and the CH&PA, since the owners are of the view that once they have possession of a title, then the Government cannot mandate them to build.

According to the agreement, the landowners have to begin construction on their plots as the earliest time pos-

sible and could only change ownership after 10 years.

According to Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, a lot of house lots allocated since 2000 remain unoccupied in several schemes across the country. He said the trend was worrying and alarming, as he explained that billions of dollars were expended to prepare the schemes for occupancy, but progress has been slow over the last decade.

Minister Bulkan revealed that between 2000 and 2015, from an approximate total of 66,000 house lots allocated, some 28,000 or 40 per cent remain unoccupied. “It makes no sense investing these huge sums of money for a rate of occupancy that is as low as 20 per cent,” the Minister said previously.

The Minister reported that during 2011 and 2015, some 38 new schemes were developed boasting a total of 20,000 house lots but to date, 80 per cent of those lots remain unoccupied. A total $12.8 billion was pumped into their development and $16 billion is now required to complete infrastructure works.

Besides this, from a total of 4927 interviews conducted in 2017, the CH&PA only issued 1131 house lots, with Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) accounting for the majority of 3122 interviews and 513 allocations.

Deputy Mayor of Anna Regina disappointed in President Granger

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eputy Mayor of Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Darshan Persaud, has expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of President David Granger after he visited Anna Regina on Thursday last.

According to Persaud, the President visited the region to distribute kites to the children of the region at the Anna Regina car park without informing himself or any other authority of the event, or even following the time-honoured protocol which has been established over several years.

Persaud in an interview with Guyana Times said he had met with the President the day before his visit and was totally unaware of his visit to the region the following day.

“Myself and the Mayor were sworn in at State House where we met with the President and even had dinner, so I can’t say why we

were not informed of his visit,” Persaud said.

Moreover, he noted that he is very disappointed with the actions of President Granger and the way things happened, while expressing that permission must be sought from the Town Council in the case of hosting of any event, even if he is the President.

However, the Deputy Mayor noted that he will be raising the issue at the upcoming Council meeting.

While delivering his feature address to the large gathering on Thursday, President Granger said the purpose behind the distribution is “to spread the joy of Easter”.

President Granger did the honours of distributing the kites, with the aid of Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Annette Ferguson and Social Protection Minister Amna Ally.

news

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, April 1 – 05:30h-07:00h and Monday, April 2 – 05:30h-07:00h.

Sunday, April 1 – 05:00h-06:30h and Monday, April 2 – 05:30h-07:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals with intermittent light cloudy skies can be expected throughout the day, with partly cloudy skies expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 21 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tides: 05:03h and 17:23h reaching maximum heights of 2.81 metres and 2.79 metres respectively.

Low Tides: 10:58h and 23:13h reaching minimum heights of 0.38 metre and 0.46 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS 02 01 15

16 19 23

25 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 05 09 10 13 16 LUCKY 3 6 8 2

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Afternoon Draw DRAW DE LINE

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Guyanese miners at mercy of ruthless Sindicato Gang ...as robberies, beating escalate - F Division Commander says probe launched into river attacks

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

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SunDAY, april 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

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aying they are at the mercy of the ruthless Sindicato Gang, miners operating in Upper Cuyuni riverine areas in Guyana’s administrative Region Seven are begging the Government to provide escort services as they traverse the river following attacks by members of the said gang.

The miners claim the situation is hampering their businesses, and that in recent times, members of the Venezuelabased Sindicato Gang have set up camp about three miles below Eteringbang, on the Cuyuni River, and are stopping all boats (both Venezuelan and Guyanese), demanding gold and cash for fuel, ration and other things that are being transported for their operations.

“This Sindicato Gang is heavily armed, and would fire at our boats if we do not stop. They also have boats, and would drive up to us if we do not stop,” the miners complained.

They noted also that a group of Sindicato Gang members have recently set us another base at Butanamo, about 20 miles further down the Cuyuni, and are doing the same thing to persons traversing the river.

Miners are calling on Government to intervene and provide protection for them. “We are hereby calling on the Government and military to urgently address this situation that is affecting our businesses significantly, by immediately providing escort services for our boats through these two zones,” the miners have pleaded.

Efforts to contact Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, to enquire whether he is aware of the situation and if any action has since been taken, have proven futile.

However, Commander of the Police ‘F’ Division (Interior Locations), Senior Superintendent Kevin Adonis, told Guyana Times that the Police are aware of the situation, and have since launched an investigation.

“Preliminary investi-

F Division Commander, Kevin Adonis

gations revealed that they (the miners) are going on the Venezuelan side of the River, and we can’t do anything, because these people are in Venezuela, and we can’t go other there,” Commander Adonis explained.

He pointed out that since receiving the report about a week ago, and after investigating same, the Police have been urging the miners to stay in Guyana’s waters and avoid going over to the neighbouring territory.

“When the joint service went there and we found that the (Guyanese) miners are going in the people waters, we cautioned them, but they want go mine in the people water… But we can’t do anything if they get attack over there, so that’s why we’ve been telling them not to venture out over there,” the Divisional Commander related.

Over the past year, there have been increasing reports of members of the Sindicato Gang crossing over to Guyana and terrorising persons here while robbing them.

Asked about this, Senior Superintendent Adonis said those are unconfirmed reports. He noted that the miners would usually lodge complaints, but there is no supporting evidence to point out who the alleged culprits are.

Last year, there were several cases wherein local mining camps were attacked and robbed, reportedly by perpetrators crossing over from both Venezuela and Brazil.

According to the victims,

One victim of the Sindicato Gang who was brutally murdered

the bandits were speaking fluent Portuguese and Spanish, which suggest that they are not Guyanese.

Minister Ramjattan had explained, in an interview with the Guyana Times, that the bandits could very well be Guyanese who are bilingual, having lived in the neighbouring countries or close to the borders.

“We don’t know; and from what we are hearing, it is not as if we have gotten the information as to whether they are Guyanese or non-Guyanese, because there are thousands of actual Guyanese who have been living in Venezuela and know the Spanish language very well. And so I won’t go that far to say…

What I can say is that there are masked men armed heavily, speaking foreign language that is not the English that we know; but I can’t say if they’re Guyanese, if they’re Brazilians, or if

they’re Venezuelans or whatever. It’s difficult at this stage, unless a couple of them have been caught, and then we can know for sure,” the Public Security Minister had stated.

In addition to these attacks, a horrific video was circulated on social media back in January of a young man, believed to be Guyanese, being butchered by members of this Venezuelan Sindicato Gang.

Over the past weeks, President David Granger has been making visits to communities along the borderline with Guyana’s western neighbour, announcing plans to beef up security in those areas.

The formation of more Community Policing Groups (CPGs) was one of such measures undertaken to ensure the protection of citizens in those frontline communities.

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SunDAY, april 1, 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

Easter background

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omorrow is a landmark day in the Christian calendar, being the day Christians believe Jesus was resurrected from the dead – his death occurring three days prior on Good Friday – and ascended to heaven. With Guyana being one of the few countries having substantial blocs of adherents of all the three top major religions in the world – Christianity, Islam and Hinduism – it is noteworthy how Easter has become a national festival.

Christianity, of course, was the religion of the Europeans that colonised Guyana and they imposed that religion on the Indigenous Peoples who were relegated to the hinterland, and also on the slaves and indentured servants they imported to work on the mainly sugar plantations.

It is sometimes forgotten that Guyana was once also a major producer and exporter of cotton and coffee. Since the colonisers – the Dutch and the British – were generally Protestants, this was the variant of Christianity promulgated by the official churches, which worked hand in glove with the governments. After slavery, for instance, the Christian churches were funded to “educate” the freed-slaves, the Indigenous Peoples and later the other labour immigrants.

The Portuguese brought their Roman Catholic brand of Christianity when they arrived in 1835 and being strong in their orientation, established several Cathedrals, churches and schools that operated on their religious premises.

During slavery, even the languages of the African slaves were forbidden, much less their indigenous spiritual practices.

These were derided as “pagan” and “animistic” and proffered as proof of Africans being on the lowest rung of humanity on the “chain of being” postulated by Christian theologians of that era.

Ironically, this position was an advance on the views of the Spanish Christian monk, Bartholomew de Las Casas, who insisted Africans had no soul so enslaving them was actually beneficial since they would be exposed to the beneficent influences of the “soul-full” Christians who were their masters. The same logic was used in Africa and today, with African contributing 40 per cent of the Christian flock, it is also their fastest growing demographic. In his book Things fall apart, African author Chinua Achebe describes this spread of Christianity and the displacement of indigenous spiritual practices in Iboland of Nigeria. It is poignant that in the acclaimed Afro-futuristic movie, “Black Panther”, which envisions an Africa not colonised by Europe, each of the five tribes practice their own spiritual practices, including communing with ancestors, without any conflict.

In Guyana, however, like the Indigenous Peoples, peoples of African descent are mostly Christians. However, a growing number are turning to Islam – which some of their ancestors practiced in Africa, eg, the Fulani – which was extirpated during slavery. This reflects global trends that will see Islam displace Christianity as the largest religion in the world by 2060. The Indians immigrants were Hindus (80 per cent) or Muslims (20 per cent). Christian indentured servants were at best, a handful. However, with the pressures of the dominant Christian-run schools and the premise of Guyana being a “Christian nation” during the colonial era, Hindus especially, were converted in massive numbers to Christianity. It is a tribute to the tenacity of the Muslims to their faith than their numbers have actually grown absolutely and proportionately.

The last group of immigrants, the Chinese, all converted to Christianity.

As a consequence of the above described history, Christianity in Guyana is today the major (55 per cent) religion in the country, if one were to conflate all their various “denominations”. But even for the substantial other religions, Easter is significant for several “secular” practices that have come to be associated with the event. On Good Friday, it is almost universally accepted there would be a catastrophe if one were to go to work. Kite flying has become quintessentially Guyanese and is practiced by Guyanese of all faiths at this time of the year, even though it is thought to be symbolic of Jesus’ ascension. There are other events such as the “Bartica Regatta” and the annual Easter Hat Show at this time.

Happy Easter.

President David Granger on Saturday morning distributed kites to children at Corriverton in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and at Bath Settlement in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) as he continued to spread Easter cheer. In this photo, these children ensured that they got their kites, so that they could also have frolic and fun on Easter Day

We salute those who resigned from the Chronicle Dear Editor, The Working People’s Alliance Overseas Association (WPAOA) salutes the stand taken by four board members of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL) -- Bert Wilkinson, Tabitha Sarabo-Haley, Karen Davis and Ruel Johnson -- in resigning in protest against the firing of the two columnists, Lincoln Lewis and Dr. David Hinds.

We cannot underestimate the importance of this principled stand by these board members, one of the more remarkable and important acts of principle over party affiliation, and support for a dem-

ocratic press taken in recent years. This act of courage by these Board members may be a sign of the emergence of a maturing Guyanese consciousness that party politics must not subvert the wheels of democracy. The WPAOA stands in support of all Guyanese patriots who resist the temptation of narrow party politics at the expense of the nation.

We feel this is what this nation cries out for as it struggles with our historical legacy of divide and rule. The Guyana Chronicle and the company which runs the paper, the GNNL, have been subject to the whims of the specific par-

ty in power for far too long.

Both the PNC and PPP/C have been blatant in rendering the Guyana Chronicle a mouthpiece of the state. We felt a turn had been achieved with the accession of the APNU+AFC administration to power, but in the recent actions of the Guyana Chronicle and its editor, the clear hand of manipulation and diktat of the state at the highest level was visible.

While an argument can be made for members to have remained on the Board as a means of struggling against a total takeover of the Board, thereby giving the dictatori-

al policymakers free reign or rein in reducing the newspaper to a mouthpiece of the Government, we commend their stand on this assault on the right of a free press.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, under whose portfolio the Chronicle falls, and by extension the principles of press freedom, owes the general public an explanation for this dire and dark decision that stabs press freedom in the back.

Respectfully, Keith Branch Press Secretary, WPAOA

We must root out corruption in order to save the AFC

Dear Editor, The AFC, from all indications, is operating as a separate dictatorship faction within the coalition Government.

This gets into the realm of promoting corruption when the current situation is analyzed.

The reinstatement of NCN Berbice branch manager is a glowing tribute to cronyism and corruption of the AFC and its intolerance of transparency and accountability. This person was sent on administrative leave for 10 months, during which she was paid her full salary with all benefits. Now she is back on the job, despite evidence surfacing during the investigations to warrant her dismissal.

According to statements given by the staff who were dismissed, the NCN manager instructed them to prepare ‘fake invoices’ and to make ‘fake log entries’. The reason for her reinstatement would

have been because of her ‘good relationship’ with the same AFC minister who is in charge of NCN. The CEO of NCN was apparently instructed by this high ranking minister to reinstate her.

The recent firing of Chronicle columnists Dr David Hinds and Lincoln Lewis was done at the behest of this high ranking AFC minister. In a letter to the press, Hinds stated that, “a Senior AFC Minister has, over time, been raising at the Cabinet level the issue of Hinds’ and Lewis’ columns.

It was that same minister who gave instructions to the Editor-in-Chief to axe the columnists”. He added that “the Chronicle and the rest of the State media are controlled by the AFC as part of the distribution of spoils after the election. The Prime Minister has direct oversight of this sector”.

Even two top AFC members who are members of the Board

‘rubber-stamped the decision to fire the columnists, according to Hinds’s letter.

It can be seen from the two examples that the same senior minister gave instructions to reinstate the NCN manager and to fire the reputable and independent columnists.

These two actions will not improve the already poor image of the AFC and its disappearing supporters; since, apart from being silent on many important issues, what is clearly manifested is its promotion of corruption and its dictatorial tendencies.

I also have compelling evidence to support the allegation that AFC’s most prominent and well-respected member in Berbice, Gobin Harbhajan, is extremely disgruntled and disappointed with some of his AFC colleagues. This gentleman has been the only face of the AFC in Berbice, and has been doing a fantastic job in

the resolution of many problems facing Berbicians.

Berbice is vitally important for the survival of the AFC, but it seems that the AFC leaders are quite content with their ‘good life’, and no longer care about continued existence of the AFC. At this point, there is only one person who is keeping the AFC alive in Region 6, and that is Gobin Harbhajan, a man who is not corrupt, and is dedicating his energies to assist persons in various communities. I am sure he has a large following, and should he decide to walk away from the AFC, a lot of supporters will follow him.

Mr Harbhajan should seriously think about his political future, and the need to be of continued service to his fellowmen.

Yours sincerely, Doodnauth Jagmohan

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SunDAY, april 1, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

President dismisses GBA’s calls for current Chancellor, CJ confirmation

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resident David Granger last week dismissed calls made by the Guyana Bar Association (GBA) for the confirmation of acting Chancellor, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards and acting Chief Justice Roxane George.

The Head of State was at the time fielding questions from media operatives about the appointment of a Chancellor, saying he went through the constitutional process and recommended the appointment of Justice Kenneth Benjamin as Chancellor but Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, whose approval is needed for a substantive appointment under Article 127 of the Constitution, has not agreed to the recommendation.

“So that’s where we are but life goes on and I need to ensure that the Judiciary functions without interference. That’s all I can say at this stage, it is up to him. I’ve made my proposals, they’re still on the table. If he wants to review those proposals, it is up to him,” the

President David Granger

GBA President Kamal Ramkarran

Chancellor (ag) Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards

Chief Justice (ag) Justice Roxane George

President said.

However, when asked whether he had considered the Association’s calls for confirmation of current judicial heads, Granger said point-blank, “I don’t know which article of the Constitution tells me I should comply with that requirement. I’m quite clear what the Constitution says; I did what the Constitution requires.”

Amidst the impasse between

the President and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo over the appointment of a Chancellor of the Judiciary, the local legal fraternity has been calling for the confirmation of the current two judicial heads.

In fact, President of the Guyana Bar Association, Kamal Ramkarran, had told reporters last month that the legal fraternity as a whole is happy with and confident in the ability of

the two distinguish women to head the Judiciary.

“We are very confident in their abilities and they hard work… and we hope that the Government would recognise that the lawyers are happy with the persons we have acting and we’d like to see them confirmed,” he noted.

The GBA President went on to say that not only are the two female justices doing a tre-

mendous job with regards to reducing the backlog and making improvements in the Judiciary but are also thinking outside the box. He was referring to the hosting of the first ever Guyana Oil and Gas Law Conference which was organised by the Chancellor last month.

During his welcoming remarks at the Conference, the GBA President had told the gathering of legal luminaries

that the local judicial sector is on the right path under the leadership of the Justices CummingsEdwards and George.

“This is what happens when you have two dynamic women heading the Judiciary who care enough about filling the gaps in our collective knowledge by adding to their heavy work load of hearing cases all day as well as administering the legal systems and improving it by planning something of this magnitude and seeing it through to reality.

I’m sure that you will all agree that this is exactly the sort of energy and capacity we want from the heads of our Judiciary,” he posited to loud applause from the gathering.

Government has since come under fire for overlooking Justice Cummings-Edwards for the top judicial post and demoting her to the Chief Justice position. Justice CummingsEdwards was appointed acting Chancellor and Justice George acting Chief Justice in March last year.

Better Hope pensioner still Guyana needs humanitarian procedures for Venezuelans owed Dynamic refund

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mar and Mark Ramjit of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara have become frustrated in their efforts to uplift more than $100,000 owed their mother Doorpatie Ramjit as refund

The family is calling on the PIM to immediately look into the matter. Guyana Times attempted to contact subject ministers David Patterson and Annette Ferguson via telephone on Saturday, but

from a Dynamic Airways flight cancellation.

There are claims that operatives attached to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (PIM) are giving them a runaround in relation to uplifting this refund.

Mark, a seafood supplier from Better Hope North, in venting his concerns to Guyana Times on Saturday, said he is the one who, several months ago, had booked the ticket for his mother, Doorpatie, an old-age pensioner, to travel to the United States in December 2017.

The flight was, however, cancelled in December, and no member of the family has received any positive word on when the refund would be payable.

“This thing frustrating, cause up to now we can’t get back we money,” Mark Ramjit explained.

His brother Omar recalled that the names of affected passengers were to be placed on a list for a refund. “I remember is fifteen of us went to the ministry... They just pushing you around, and nobody telling you anything,” he noted.

these efforts were unsuccessful.

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure had, in January, said it initiated the process to access a bond for the sum of two hundred thousand (US$200,000) United States dollars which was lodged by Dynamic International Airways, LLC, in collaboration with its local handling agent, Roraima Airways Inc. “The funds will be used to refund passengers in Guyana who purchased tickets to travel on the now defunct Dynamic Airways, provided that they have not been able to use the whole or part of same to travel,” the PIM had committed.

It was reported at that time that Roraima Airways Inc had submitted to the PIM a list of 609 passengers who were eligible for the refund.

The PIM had further assured the affected passengers that it was “assiduously” working to have the process expedited.

Dynamic Airways suspended its operations on October 3, 2017 to facilitate reorganisation of its Chapter 11 case under which the air-

line had filed for bankruptcy.

The airline has said that it remains committed to honouring all outstanding financial obligations, whether to passengers, airport authorities, or the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

The voluntary Chapter 11 petition was filed by Dynamic Airways with the United States Bankruptcy Court in the Middle District of North Carolina.

This chapter of the Bankruptcy Code generally provides for reorganisation.

Moreover, Chapter 11 allows a debtor to propose a plan of reorganisation to keep its business alive and pay creditors over time.

Just a month after filing for bankruptcy, one of the airline’s creditors, owed some US$1.19 million, had moved to the courts to force the airline to liquidate its assists.

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everal organisations including the Amerindian Peoples’ Association (APA), Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), Transparency Institute Guyana Incorporated, Roman Catholic Church in Guyana and Policy Forum Guyana have issued a statement calling on the Government of Guyana to materialise humanitarian measures for Venezuelans.

The entities are calling on the Judiciary and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to cease the immediate practice of jailing and fining illegal Venezuelan immigrants.

They are also asking the immigration authorities to respect Guyana’s international human rights obligation to children who should not be separated from their families.

Additionally, the current Administration is also urged to give effect on the exhortation of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This can be done by

Fiscal maturity needed

Dear Editor, In today's article, "Get Oil Smart", it should be clear that the $10 billion revenue assumption stated is not an annual figure.

Instead, it is a total revenue comment, and the time frame to receive this total revenue has not been explicitly stated; hence I would caution against a rush to spend this forecasted revenue, as it is also surrounded by much uncertainty due to cost and price variables.

The prudent measure is

to wait upon annual revenue from the oil industry, and then assign spending on prioritized projects for the following year. This will reduce the risk of both unsustainable spending and the undertaking of increased debt.

Use of the crude oil futures market may also provide a hedge for the associated revenue stream from the industry.

Best regards Jamil Changlee

initiating more flexible procedures with regards to the lack of documentation and also providing Venezuelans who are seeking temporary residence with security of tenure for a period of one or two years, including permission to work .

A proposal has also been made for urgent revision and publication of any procedures applicable to VenezuelanGuyanese citizens who would facilitate their remaining time in Guyana and that the immigration authorities devise a form of temporary identification (ID) card which can be provided to Venezuelans desirous of remaining in Guyana but not claiming refugee status.

In association with immigration authorities, they are proposing that the Toshaos in remote border communi-

ties should be authorised and empowered to implement a registration procedure of Venezuelans who are crossing the border.

Finally, all Guyanese, whether individual or organisation, are asked to develop a positive approach towards displaced Venezuelans which is a critical component.

It is with these proposed requests brought forward by the entities mentioned, with the intention of asserting a bear on a refugee crisis. This is also to send assurance to Venezuelans that they will not be treated like criminals.

Since 2015, the World Bank estimates that approximately 665,400 citizens left the country of Venezuela, as a result of the growing severity of the food shortage.

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

Yale 2022 university.

What was the application process like?

Ashley Anthony

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fter months of college applications, the verdict is in! As of September, I’ll be joining the Yale class of 2022. A lot of people have wished me congratulations, and quite a few have come with numerous questions. Although I’m no expert, I’ll try my best to answer the most commonly asked questions, but keep in mind this is only one perspective!

Although in previous articles I’ve spoken a bit about the process, I don’t think I’ve gone into much detail.

Personally, I used the common application platform, which allows you to apply up to 20 schools. Most schools require that you submit several essays; the first is the general essay, which is

have to get other people to speak about you! Nearly every college will require a recommendation from at least two teachers. I believe that the essays and recommendations are the places where you can really distinguish yourself from other candidates. Essays and recommendations shouldn’t simply list your achievements; they should tell a story. They should share a bit of your personality, be

Are you the first Guyanese to go to Yale?

I’m not actually sure about the answer to this one. A few years ago, a Guyanese born young woman, Kelly Hyles made headlines for getting into all of the Ivy League schools.

Although born in Guyana, Hyles moved to the United States at the age of 11, and completed her high school education there. However, Hyles ultimately decided to head to Harvard. I’ve been reading as much as I can online, trying to spot some Guyanese alumni, but so far I have come up blank.

However, I will definitely make it a mission of mine to get involved with the international community at Yale, so that I can perhaps check through the records.

Keep in mind though, the records will be reflective of the people who got accepted to Yale and then proceeded to attend the school, and would exclude those who were accepted but ultimately decided to attend another

part of the common application, and the rest are school specific so that the school can better understand the type of person you are. Each school will have different requirements; for example, Yale had three mandatory short essays in addition to the common app essay, whilst Harvard had one optional long essay in addition to the common app essay.

Other than you speaking about yourself, you also

unique, and I think above all, be an honest assessment. Colleges receive thousands of applications that it’s nearly impossible to read each in detail, so you really have to stand out to make an impression. Most students, after submitting the application will attempt to schedule an interview. Interviews or visits to the campus indicate your dedication and sincere interest in the University.

Sometimes, though, these

may be impossible due to cost. I wouldn’t place too much emphasis on doing an interview, as I only interviewed for one place (virtually), and I wasn’t accepted.

I don’t feel as though I’m good enough, should I even bother applying?

Yes. You definitely should. Although Ivy League schools will have a certain academic standard if you are within their general accepted range, I’d say go for it. But be prepared to deal with rejection. Despite getting into Yale, there are many schools I didn’t get into, even a few that aren’t highly ranked! Each college is looking for a different kind of student. The admissions officers are seeking to build a class of people with particular traits, and what might seem attractive to one group of admissions officers might not be to another. You never know what will happen. When I applied to Yale I thought, “An acceptance rate of six per cent? I have to be better than 94 people out of 100”. Yet I was accepted there, but denied at places with acceptance rates of 15 per cent and 33 per cent.

The point is, more than likely, the college that does accept you will be one that believes you will mix well with their community, and that’s not a bad thing. A great academic education is wonderful, but it means nothing if you’re getting it in a place that makes you uncomfortable, anxious and depressed.

All of this being said, I’m incredibly excited to be attending Yale, and I hope to be able to give an inside perspective of what an Ivy League school is actually like.

‘Guyana is a place for all of us’ – Minister Harmon during Region Three kite distribution exercise

Minister of State Joseph Harmon distributed kites to the children of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). The Minister distributed the kites at Wales Primary School, West Demerara Secondary School, and the Den Amstel Community Centre. He was accompanied by his mother, Susan Clement and his daughter, Daniele Harmon-Klien

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inister of State, Joseph Harmon, this morning distributed kites to children from across Region Three, Essequibo Islands/West Demerara, and encouraged them to participate fully in the celebration of Easter.

Distribution was done at Wales Primary School, West Demerara Secondary School, and the Den Amstel Community Centre. This was part of the administration’s annual exercise, which allows the President and Ministers of Government to meet and interact with children across the country, and encourage participation in the annual tradition of kite flying in Guyana.

“Easter is an important time in the life of Christians, and it has now become a celebration for all Guyana, irrespective of…religion. As you raise your kites, remember [the flag], remember Guyana. Remember that Guyana is a place for all of us. We’re one country, one Guyana. So remember that this is a time of togetherness; it is a time of cohe-

sion… it’s about oneness,” the State Minister said.

Minister Harmon also said the flags raised high in the air are symbolic of the rising hope in the hearts of all Guyanese.

“The holiday of Easter represents the rising of hope for Guyana and the rising of hope for all of the children of Guyana… So, today, as I distribute these kites, it is really a symbol of what we all hope for in Guyana; that is: a rising of all our hopes and expectations, and the delivery of a good life for all of us as we live together in peace and harmony in this country,” he said.

Teacher at the Wales Primary School, Nichola Gould, was inspired by the minister’s words. “It’s a great initiative, because, as he said, Guyana is on the rise, especially where children are concerned; because… the youth [will be] the leaders,” she said.

The State Minister was accompanied by his mother, Ms. Susan Clement, and his daughter, Daniele HarmonKlien.

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SunDAY, april 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Woman allegedly strangled by ex-lover

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39-year-old minibus driver was on Friday evening taken into Police custody after his 32-year-old lover was found dead in his Westminster, West Bank Demerara home.

The woman, Rosemary Rudder, of Eccles Old Road, East Bank Demerara, is suspected to have been strangled to death by her ex-lover with whom she had an argument.

Based on reports received, the now dead woman went to the suspect’s home and upon arriving, she saw another woman in the house. This led to a heated argument between the suspect and Rudder, which quickly escalated into a scuffle.

Dead: Rosemary Rudder

The minibus driver subsequently left Rudder lying motionless and went to the La Grange Police Station where he lodged a complaint. The Police travelled

to the house only to find the woman’s lifeless body in the house.

She was picked up and taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. The suspect was immediately arrested and is being interrogated in connection with the murder.

When Guyana Times visited the deceased woman’s home on Saturday morning, a woman who claimed to be a family friend explained that she leant of the murder in the wee hours of Saturday.

She noted that the now dead woman who has her own fast food business literally grew up with her and it was indeed devastating to learn the young woman was

Manufacturing growth linked to efficient Govt Service

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hairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Eddie Boyer, said in order for the manufacturing sector to grow at the rate it should, greater efficiency in the delivery of Government services would be a major contributing factor.

He made the statement at the Annual General Meeting of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) on Wednesday.

Boyer noted that the PSC and the GMSA have been working closely for the development of the sector.

He explained, in response to the ban on catfish export to the United States, that the GMSA in collaboration with the University

PSC Chairman Eddie Boyer

of Hawaii embarked on two training sessions to have stakeholders examine the requirements of the US Food Safety Modernisation Act. Boyer called on the GMSA to ensure that they

maintain and further develop small manufacturing businesses along with the agricultural sector, despite the focus being on the booming oil and gas sector.

“Labour is becoming more costly and if manufacturing is going to survive and grow there are numerous things that Government should address.

Among these are how do we get more efficient… some manufacturers are not paying [Value Added Tax] VAT and other taxes and this is making competition very unfair… there is a need for cheaper and reliable energy… even and fair taxation policy is needed,” Boyer noted. turn to page 18

killed by a man with whom she shared a relationship.

When contacted, her mother told Guyana Times that she was not sure what took place and is relying on the Police to give her information. She is nevertheless

devastated about the loss of her daughter, taking into consideration both of her children were murdered.

Back in 2006, the now dead woman’s brother, Fenton Rudder and grandmother, Hannah Cameron,

along with a third person, David Brummel, were shot and killed after gunmen invaded their home at Agricola, Greater Georgetown. After shooting the trio to death, the gunmen set the house on fire.

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SunDAY, april 1, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

Fairy tale…

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…turned horror story

he Burnham dictatorship brought the economy and society down to its knees and forced Guyanese to become refugees in so many countries today we’re found in probably all of the 196 countries that make up the United Nations!! Quite a feat for a country whose population has never reached one million – but then maybe that’s exactly why!! Another accomplishment of the PNC’s founder-leader that his present acolytes can boast about: Guyana – the amazing shrinking country!!

As a colony of Britain for centuries and ruled alongside the West Indian island-colonies, we had absolutely no contact with our continental neighbours that spoke Portuguese (Brazil on the South) Spanish (Venezuela on the West) and just a bit with Suriname on the East, which spoke Dutch. But with the Burnham implosion, about 50,000 Guyanese, mostly from Berbice ended up in Suriname, another 50,000 mostly from Essequibo went to Venezuela and maybe 15,000 to Brazil.

For folks to end up living among populations whose language were literally “Dutch” to them, is an indication of the desperation they faced during the Burnham dictatorship. But by sheer grit and determination, they not only survived but in many instances prevailed and ended up carving out decent lives for themselves and their children, who in many instances, were born in their new countries. Especially in Venezuela, they formed communities where they dominated and in fact created “Little Guyanas” there.

But today, with the social and economic implosion in Venezuela – caused ultimately by the same socialist utopian fantasies of Burnham here in Guyana – there is a steady stream of Guyanese returning from that country.

This Government cannot wait for that stream to become a deluge before it takes actions to resettle these people who’re our sisters and brothers.

When Dominica was hit by that devastating hurricane, Maria, last year, President Granger made an admirable gesture when he offered them land in Guyana for them to resettle here. Isn’t it time he makes at least that offer to the Guyanese returning from Venezuela where they have lost all their possessions, houses, jobs and everything else just as effectively as if they were hit by Hurricane Maria?? To paraphrase Wedgewood’s cry for the oppressed slaves before their emancipation, are the returning Guyanese from Venezuela not our brothers and sisters like the Dominicans??

It is quite possible that many of these returnees have skills that can be of benefit to our country at this time.

Take our incipient oil industry…surely there are a few Guyanese who have experience in the Venezuelan one.

They should be tracked down and allowed to pass on their knowledge to us.

Unless, of course, the PNC-led Government doesn’t see them as part of its “constituency”??

…on molasses

How stupid does this Government think Guyanese are? After shuttering Enmore Estate – which had absorbed the LBI estate closed by the PPP Government – because they claimed production costs were several times the selling price for sugar – their Special Purpose Unit (SPU) suddenly did a volte face and announced they’d be hiring workers to cut canes in the fields, transport them to the reopened factory – TO MAKE MOLASSES for DDL!!!

Now let’s pick sense from nonsense. Canecutters are paid by the tons of cane they cut. Transportation costs would be higher because of the lesser tonnage shipped daily. A sugar factory’s reopening means absorbing practically all the old expenses. For molasses only, one process is cut – the centrifuge to separate the sugar crystals from the molasses. Four workers!!

Now if sugar at US$350/tonne and molasses US$93/ tonne was a losing proposition…what was the selling price of the molasses – with all its sugar (at least three quarters!!) – to DDL to make the operation “profitable??

And DDL isn’t about to double its rum prices!!

…and Wicked Wizards at City Hall

So will Sherod Duncan crawl on his knees and apologise to Royston King as demanded?? Was Duncan’s vote on the Chronic firings not enough humble pie from the AFC to the PNC??

Nope!!

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

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SunDAY, april 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Prime suspect in murder of Works on establishing energy Linden businessman nabbed department ongoing – Harmon

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Murder suspect, John Caesar

he prime suspect in the murder of Linden businessman, Romel Gomes, which occurred on March 12, 2018, was on Wednesday arrested while in the vicinity of Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

The suspect, 35-year-old John Caesar, a chef of East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown, was positively identified by a neighbour of the now dead man after his arrest.

Dead businessman, Romel Gomes

Guyana Times understands that after the Police received information about the whereabouts of the suspect, detectives have been monitoring his moves.

On the day of Gomes’ murder, Caesar was reportedly one of two persons seen at the home of the dead man. In fact, the 32-year-old businessman was heard arguing with Caesar and another man prior to his death.

It was reported that during the argument, a loud explosion was heard and the suspects fled the scene in Gomes’ motor car – PVV 2057 – which was parked in front of his shop.

Gomes was discovered in a pool of blood with his hands bound in front of him and a bandana tied around his mouth.

He was found with a suspected gunshot injury to his right temple, a small laceration on top of his head and another lacerated wound to the neck. A post-mortem examination later gave his cause of death as gunshot wound to the head.

His car was recovered intact at One Mile, Wismar, Linden the day after the murder was committed. Ever since, the Police have been calling on persons in the neighbourhood to come forward and provide information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects.

In light of the arrest, detectives praised those who were instrumental in the arrest of the man.

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ne month after it was announced that the oil and gas sector will be removed from under the purview of the Natural Resources Ministry and placed in a department of energy to be created within the Ministry of the Presidency, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said this process is still ongoing.

Harmon told reporters at last week’s post-Cabinet press briefing that the establishment of the department of energy is a “work in progress”. However, he was quick to point out that while they are awaiting the new department to be fully activated, Government’s activities in the oil and gas sector have not been put on hold.

“There are elements already in the system that are now part of the Ministry of Natural Resources, but who will be incorporated into the department so that the work within the sec-

tor continues while we are continuing to build capacity and to have the best skills employed to bring to bear on this matter,” he outlined.

According to the Minister of State, he cannot give a specific date as to when the department of energy will become functional. In the meantime, he noted that Government has amped up its public sensitisation of the emerging oil and gas sector with a series of public outreaches countrywide.

“What we are doing is, in an incremental way, providing enough information to (the ordinary people) them so that they can understand the choices that we have to make…

What the President has said and we’ve all said is that the proceeds from oil and gas are what we expect to come to the benefit of the ordinary man, the man in the street… The benefits of oil and gas will be felt by

the ordinary man in significant ways as we go along,” he stated. Following a proposal made

by Minister Raphael Trotman, Government in February had announced its intention to remove responsibility for the oil and gas sector from the Natural Resources Ministry.

This was revealed by Trotman in a taped interview with the Department of Public Information, in which he said the department will be “focused only on the development of the petroleum sector.”

At a previous post-Cabinet media brief, Minister Harmon had revealed that he had been designated the holder of ministerial responsibility for this department. He had stated too that the department would initially be focused on oil and gas, and then later it will take over responsibility for energy as well.

Fire partially destroys Corentyne Office

Guyanese man killed in Nevis A

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olice in St Kitts and Nevis are probing the death of a Guyanese national who was found dead with gunshot wounds on Saturday.

The dead man has been identified as Marlon James, 27, of Brown Hill, Charlestown, Nevis. James is reportedly from Buxton, East Coast Demerara but moved to the islands a few years ago.

According to reports from local media in Nevis, James’ body was found in a clump of bushes in the Hamilton area of Nevis on Saturday morning sometime around 07:30h.

He was reportedly shot seven times about the body and partially burnt.

The Charlestown Police Station in Nevis said it received the report of a body found along a road in the

Hamilton area.

“There were signs of violence and multiple gunshots wounds about the body. The District Medical Doctor arrived at the scene and pronounced him dead,” a release from the local Police said.

The Crime Scene Unit processed the scene and took several items of evidential value for further investigations, the Nevis Police said.

fire on Good Friday partly destroyed the building which houses the 52-74 Water Users Association (WUA) office at Number 63 Village, Corentyne. The fire destroyed the office which stores all records and the main computer. Initial reports from the Guyana Fire Service stated that the fire could have been electrical in nature, but the Police have not ruled out arson, and are still probing.

When this publication visited on Saturday, there were two holes on the inner wall where

A section of the burnt desk

the fire had consumed the plyboard wall. Both of them were next to where an electrical point was situated. Investigators are of the view that the fire might have been started at those two points.

Meanwhile on Saturday, the police were called in after several members of the association clashed with those who previously served as office bearers in an allegedly disorderly encounter.

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SunDAY, april 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Lindener remanded Linden teen to do service for for inflicting grievous community narco-trafficking charge bodily harm

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wenty-seven-yearold Mathew Nedd, also known as “Leroy Nedd”, was remanded to prison for the charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm on Dillon Batson.

Nedd appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

The court heard that Nedd and two other persons – Oneil Estwick and Lenox Estwick – on January 12, 2018, at Amelia’s Ward,

Linden, inflicted grievous bodily harm on Batson. The accused failed to show up in court on two separate occasions and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The prosecution objected to bail on the grounds that the accused has managed to evade lawmen since the offence was committed and if granted bail it is likely he will not return to court.

Need was remanded to prison and is slated to return to court on April 13.

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ineteen-year-old Nicholas Rajdhana was sentenced to community service when he appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate’s Court to answer to the charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Rajdhana pleaded guilty to the charge.

The court heard that the prohibited drug was found on the person of the accused of Blueberry Hill Squatting area, Wismar, Linden, while he was being arrested for an alleged break and entry and

larceny charge on March 25, 2018.

A search of his person was conducted and a transparent zipper bag containing leaves, seeds and stem suspected to be cannabis sativa was found in his front pants pocket. The prohibited substance was weighed at the Wismar Police Station and was found to be three grams.

Magistrate Nurse ordered Rajdhana to complete 90 hours of community service at the Wismar Police Station which is expected to be completed by April 16 or face six months in prison.

Easter kite flying

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atiricus was grinning from ear to ear. He was Guyanese and being told, “Go fly a kite!’ wasn’t a term of dismissal, like with the Americans.

That set Satiricus wondering about that lot and their quaint sayings. He could understand “go chase yourself ”, “go climb a tree”, “go jump in the lake”, “go sit on a tack” or “go soak your head” as telling someone to quit bothering them, but “go fly a kite”?

“Hey,” thought Satiricus, “That is fun!!” He’d arrived at the Back Street Bar by now and hadn’t realised he’d spoken out aloud, until Bungi asked: “Yuh damn rite a fun when abee a drink beer!”

“Oh…I was actually thinking about kite flying,” he explained to his friends as he picked up his waiting beer.

“Kite flyin’?” asked Cappo with a laugh. “De only kite you can mek a dem kankawa wan!!”

“Well, maybe,” admitted Satiricus. “But nowadays I can just buy one of those Chinese plastic ones!!”

“Now, Sato!” protested Hari. “That’s no fun! What is Easter if you don’t make kites for the children?”

“Yes, Sato,” said Bungi. “You cyaan mek dem Chinee kite dance like Bull Cow and cut people kite wid dem tail!”

“I’na jus’ fuh fly de kite,” said Cappo earnestly.

“Ha’f de fun a fuh mek de kite!”

“You can say that again,” exclaimed Hari feelingly.

“Rememba how you and yuh Daady use fuh guh fuh pick gamma cherry fuh paste de kite pay-pa pan de frame?” Bungi asked Satiricus.

“I remember,” said Satiricus. “But things change, fellas. You don’t tear up old bed sheets to make the tail!”

“Me na know ‘bout da!” protested Cappo. “Me son a guh Callege now. But ya still come fuh me mek ‘e kite loop. Abee a keep close.”

“So what are you trying to tell us Sato,” enquired Hari. “Your wife won’t be cooking up the aloo ball and pine tart when we go tomorrow to the sea wall?”

“Well, not EVERYTHING has to change!” grinned Satiricus.

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SunDAY, april 1, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

Cheddi Jagan lives!

By Ryhaan Shah

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he beautifully printed golden invitations to the official launch of the stamps to mark the hundredth birthday of President Cheddi Jagan at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC) were sent out well in advance of the occasion. As you all know, the occasion never happened.

President David Granger stepped in and scrapped the issuance of the stamps, citing a planned announcement for “national symbols” and “set criteria for honouring eminent Guyanese” which Attorney Anil Nandlall dismissed as “adjectival verbiage” in a letter to the press which laid out the legal implications of Granger’s interference in the work of the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC).

Minister of Telecommunications Cathy Hughes had granted permission for the stamps’ issuance because it contravened none of the GPOC’s rules or conventions on such matters. In fact, in a letter to the CJRC, Hughes stated that she was looking forward to working with the Centre on “this exciting project”.

In a just and civil state, the Government would not only have issued the commemorative stamps but would have made sure they would be ready for unveiling and with much celebratory fanfare on the anniversary date as a mark of respect for a man who is considered by the majority of Guyanese as “The Father of the Nation” and a national hero.

Instead, Granger followed the scrapping of the stamps with quibblings about “national symbols” and we also learned that any commemorative stamp for President Cheddi Jagan would be linked to the issuing of similar stamps for President Arthur Chung who was a ceremonial prop for Burnham’s dictatorship – Granger’s idea of “equity”!

All that was said, then three days ago, there were new bits of quibbling from Granger about setting the proper context, etc, for the stamps’ issuance as he did an about-face and reversed his order. The stamps which are already printed will be issued, after all.

I suppose, Granger must be allowed room to save face but he only backed off because of the widespread outrage that named his scrapping for what it was – mean-spirited spite. That it targeted a man like Jagan who was a class act, and who would never have condoned or committed any act of disrespect against a political colleague made it even more distasteful.

A President who because of firmly fixed partisan blinkers cannot recognise and respect the varied histories, opinions, and feelings of the population he governs in order to tack a just and equitable course will always fail.

Guyana continues to suffer Granger’s numerous failures and the stamps’ scrapping created an uproar because it was so puerile and unnecessary except that Granger saw it as another opportunity to use his presidential powers to hurt the Indian Guyanese community for whom Jagan is a national symbol without equal.

The centennial has been commemorated – even without the centenary stamps – with events and press articles that reflected on Jagan’s life as a political leader. Some analysts and historians were laudatory while others viewed him as flawed, especially for holding fast to his Marxist ideology even to the detriment of his own political career and plans for Guyana’s development.

It is paradoxical that a man who stayed true to his beliefs is the one being faulted for losing out to a Machiavellian nemesis, Forbes Burnham, who went on to preside over the country’s destruction. If winning is everything, no matter the means, then Jagan’s major flaw was, perhaps, that he was too principled and straightforward for political gamesmanship.

Whatever his faults, he commanded the national heights when he championed workers’ rights, fought against colonial exploitation and paved the way for independence, and founded a political party that continues to play a major role in our nation’s development.

His humility, honesty, charisma and ‘starboy’ looks made him much loved and admired. He was a true man of the people and no other political leader has yet matched him in this regard.

Thousands of citizens of every race, ethnicity, religion and political persuasion lined the streets to pay their last respects in March 1997 when his funeral procession bore him to his cremation site and final resting place at Babu Jaan. Such an outpouring of grief for a national figure had never been seen before, or since.

The truth is we do not need stamps to remind us of Cheddi Jagan because he lives on in the hearts of thousands who honour him for his contributions to our country, for the sacrifices he made, and for his moral and political leadership.

He will be remembered long after petty men with their petty jealousies are completely forgotten.

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SunDAY, april 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

GDF Captain kills girlfriend, surrenders

…GDF launches BoI

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Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Captain has been arrested following a Saturday morning shooting which resulted in the death of his girlfriend in Alexander Village, Georgetown.

According to reports received, at around 11:00h, the couple was in a car bearing

registration number PWW 7163, proceeding along First Street, Alexander Village.

Subsequently, residents of the area heard the now dead woman who has been identified as Reona Payne, and the GDF Captain Orwain Sandy arguing, after which she was reportedly seen exiting the

vehicle. Sandy then followed her carrying a loaded firearm.

There was a scuffle between the two after which the GDF Captain discharged several rounds in the direction of the woman, killing her instantly. Guyana Times was told that the woman sustained approximately eight gunshot wounds.

An eyewitness, who asked

Reona Payne and Captain Orwain Sandy in happier times

The woman’s body being examined by investigators

to remain anonymous, stated, “They went fighting, then the man kick she and start shoot she up. You gah seh the magazine empty”.

“He peep over she and then went inside the vehicle and turn around and gone he way,” the eyewitness added.

Immediately after the shooting, Sandy was seen entering his vehicle and left the scene. He reportedly visited the Brickdam Police Station where he explained what transpired and was taken into Police custody. Residents

of the area after hearing the gunshots also summoned the Police.

When this publication visited the scene, the woman’s lifeless body was covered on the roadway as Police ranks cordoned the area, collecting the spent shells as evidence.

While information as to what led to the shooting remains sketchy, Guyana Times understands Payne and Sandy shared the same household after separating from their respective spouses. Payne was previously married to a businessman with whom she shared two children. On the other hand, Captain Orwain Sandy was the aide-de-camp (personal assistant) of the Chief-ofStaff.

Shortly after the incident, the GDF issued a statement which revealed that Captain Orwain Sandy is interdicted from duties while the Chief-of-Staff has ordered the Inspector General of the GDF to conduct a Board of Inquiry (BoI) into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.

Meanwhile, the Force also stated it is deeply saddened by the incident and reassurance is given to the general public that this is an isolated incident and does not reflect the values and standards of the GDF. Sincere condolences are also outgoing to the relatives of the late Reona Payne.

Bulkan denies usurping Local Govt Commission’s authority

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

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ineteen months after the historic return of Local Government Elections in Guyana, the non-functionality of the constitutional organ, the Local Government Commission (LGC), ended as eight members of the body were appointed in October 2017. But accusations of Government interference via Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan are still being recorded. Nevertheless, Minister Bulkan has contended otherwise, indicating that last week’s swearing in of Mayors and Deputy Mayors was testament to his Government’s commitment to local democratic organs.

He was at the time responding to the media on concerns that he was overtaking the role of the LGC even after the body was duly constituted.

“There is little or no evidence to suggest that this Administration is not com-

Local Government Commissioner Clinton Collymore

mitted to ensuring that the democratic governance obtains and that there is respect for organs created by the Constitution. I have no power to usurp the authority of the Local Government Commission, it’s created by an Act of Parliament and I am committed and I am discharging respect for the Local Government Commission to allow for the discharge of their duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution,” the Minister observed.

However, a different story was painted by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) LGC members who just a few weeks ago by their explanations indicated that there was political grandstanding on the part of the Minister, in that the body is being treated as just a front, while Central Government essentially runs the show. turn to page 18

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SunDAY, april 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Pensioner killed 5 injured following by drunken driver Zeeburg accident in Essequibo One own’s drummer

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ast Saturday was Ram Naumi, the celebration of the birthday of Sri Ram, the seventh incarnation of Bhagwan Vishnu. I returned to my boyhood Mandir at Uitvlugt because it insists on following the prescribed time line of the sacred appearance of Ram at 12 noon precisely.

It brought back memories of fervent debates as to how we could practice Hinduism after what we would later understand as the “hegemonisation” imposed on us during the colonial period – and which was still glaringly obvious in the late 1960’s. The following is a reflection from 1993 published in SN. What has changed since?

The Hegemonisation of Hindu beliefs begin with the words Hindus now use to conceptualize their practices. Having been stripped of their language in Guyana, most Hindus are forced to use English to both study and preach their faith. Two problems arise out of this. Firstly, and sadly, most of the translations of Hindu sacred texts [Shastras], and compilations of Ravi Dev dictionaries were done by Christian missionaries, or those imbued by the ethos of Christianity. Consciously or unconsciously, their biases infuse their works. Secondly, as we have mentioned before, all languages, including English, have their own history and their words reflect and project that history.

We can begin by looking at the word “religion” which is substituted for Hinduism’s “Dharma”. In the history of the West, religion has come to encompass only a limited sphere of man’s existence. They speak proudly of the separation of Church and State as if man’s activities can be so neatly compartmentalized.

They ignore the concrete facts such as Henry V11 and his tussle with the Pope, which helped to bring about such a dichotomy. Hinduism, which never had the problem of a Theocracy since Brahmins could not be Kings, had a holistic view of society and its governance. Hinduism would never condone the behaviour of those Hindus who never spoke out against the PNC dictatorship by sanctimoniously murmuring, “religion and politics could not mix”.

In fact every Hindu ruler had to have a religious preceptor, and the Nitishastras [texts elaborating the duties of rulers], religion, economics, and much more. “Dharma” is a very wide concept and covers the gamut of man’s activities and possibilities …Duties, laws, rights, morality, and truth are only some of the words suggested. Dharma is both a way of life and a view of life; there is no facet of man’s existence that is untouched. Thus there is no separation between dharma and say, cosmology or philosophy. Dharma does not end with attending Sunday’s “service” in the mandir.

“Idol” rather than the Hindu word “murti” is another problem word. Christians and Jews use it in the sense of a “false god” because in their history, their people actually worshipped specific images as Gods. Their conception of a “one God”, came out of a long and tortuous road as among other things, one tribe arose victorious over the other tribes and their god was made supreme. Hinduism never had this problem since in its earliest conceptions of God, images were never used.

In their earliest text, Rig Veda, there is no mention of images used in worship. It is only used much later, when in an effort to explain the lofty Vedic conception, that stylized images were utilized for the masses. These images were always seen as representations of a deeper reality, never as the reality. The map was never confused with the territory.

For example, to convey the concept that God was infinite, Vishnu, whose name means “pervader of the universe” is always painted blue to symbolize infinity because the common man could analogise the blue sky which he saw every day and knew was infinite. In their minds many Hindus, accepting the word “idols” are a bit sheepish about their faith’s “strange murtis”.

There are so many other words which dominate Hindu thought but instead of conveying Hindu thought, distort and subvert it - evil, heaven, hell, demon, sin etc. etc. We will conclude this section by briefly looking at the word “God”, which is at the center of religious thought. Because of the hegemony of Christian thought in Guyana most Hindus “see” God as some old bearded man floating somewhere “up there”. The notion of a Nirgun Brahman, of a God beyond human categories of space, time, qualities etc, is rare. The notion that it is only our need to conceptualize that creates an Ishvar or personalized God is little appreciated.

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n elderly cyclist was on Thursday killed after a drunken driver lost control of the car he was driving in the vicinity of Coffee Grove Public Road, Essequibo Coast. Dead is 73-year-old Percy Lashley of Lima Sands, Essequibo Coast.

Information reaching Guyana Times revealed that the motorcar bearing registration number PVV 8733 driven by a 30-year-old was proceeding along the roadway at a fast rate when he lost control while negotiating a turn and collided with the pedal cyclist.

The pensioner received injuries as a result of the collision and was rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital where he died while receiving medical attention.

A breathalyser test was administered to the driver of the motorcar and it proved that he had exceeded the legal level of alcohol consump-

One of the vehicles that were involved in the crash

Dead: Percy Lashley

tion. He was arrested and is assisting traffic ranks with investigations.

Back in 2016, the driver was charged and fined $7500 after he pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol.

The body of the elderly man was taken to a funeral home where it awaits a post-mortem examination which is expected to be conducted on Wednesday.

F

ive persons are now injured following a vehicular accident at Zeeburg Public Road on the West Coast of Demerara.

According to information received, at around 12:00h on Saturday, a motorcar bearing registration plates PTT 5532, owned and driven by 50-yearold Shameer Rahaman, was proceeding East along the northern side of the road.

Consequently, another motor car bearing registration plates PLL 4407, owned and driven by 62-year-old Roger Levans, allegedly attempted to overtake another vehicle and came into the

path of Rahaman.

This resulted in a headon collision between the two vehicles. Immediately after the collision, the occupants of both motorcars were rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital. The injured persons were identified as the two drivers, 47-yearold Ravindra Singh, 41-yearold Bibi Singh, and the wife of Roger Levans, 60-year-old Leila Levans.

The couple, Roger and Leila Levans, was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. All of the injured persons were reported to be in stable condition.

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GBTI records $1.52B after-tax profit

T

he Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) has recorded a dip in its after-tax profits which, by the end of the year 2017, was $1.520 billion compared to the $2.043 billion in 2016.

This is according to the bank’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017, which was published in Guyana Times on Friday; the profit before taxation was $1.881 billion against $2.518 billion. The financial records reflect a 25.5 per cent drop in the taxed profits.

It was recorded that the Interest Income last year went down to $5.044 billion against $5.994 billion the previous year; while Interest Expense was $789 million compared to $912 million in 2016. Meanwhile, the Net Interest Income also saw a decline in 2017 with $4.254 billion against $5.082 billion recorded in the previous year.

On the other hand, GBTI registered a significant increase in Other Income last year, with $1.626 billion against $1.133 billion in 2016.

Furthermore, it was outlined that Operating Expenses also went up to $3.412 billion in 2017 compared to $2.798 billion in the 2016 financial year.

Meanwhile, provisioning for bad loans last year was pegged at $587 million against $899 million in 2016.

Additionally, the bank’s earnings per share last year declined to 38.02 per cent against 51.09 per cent in 2016. The financial statements further outlined that loans and advances went down to $44.7 billion last year compared to $45.5 billion in 2016.

Furthermore, the total deposits in 2017 were recorded at $81.6 billion, compared to

$82.8 billion the previous year.

Moreover, GBTI paid a total of $600 million in Dividends last year, which reflects a drop from the $ 6 8 0 million paid the previous year.

The bank’s financial records also outlined that loss to an unnamed associate company went up to a whopping $620 million in 2017 from a mere $143 million recorded in 2016.

In its Interim Financial Report for the period January to June 2017, it was noted that GBTI’s financial performance was, no doubt, due in part to the fraud perpetrated on the bank earlier in the year by gold dealer Siddiqui Rasul who defrauded the bank of some $941 million.

GBTI’s Chairman Robin Stoby in May 2017, had told GBTI shareholders that the

bank would recover the $941 million lost in a fraudulent transaction allegedly conducted by Rasul.

Stoby had said that while, in the short-term, the bank would have to make provisions for the loss, affecting earnings for the year, the Board’s intention was to make an insurance claim for the money, in addition to conducting civil proceedings in an attempt to recover as much of the funds as possible.

Rasul, owner of SSS Minerals Trading, was on April 3, 2017, charged with six counts of fraud, wherein it was alleged that between March 21 and March 22, 2017, at Bartica, with intent to defraud, he obtained from GBTI $96 million, $290 million, $89 million, $45 million, $298 million and $138 million by falsely pretending that he had cash in a Citizens Bank account to honour cheques that he had written. Rasul has denied the charges, and has been placed on a total of $3 million bail.

Former AG spreads Easter Cheer in Mon Repos, Enmore

Former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall over the weekend embarked on a kite distribution drive in several communities including Mon Repos, Enmore and Tiger Bay where he spread Easter cheer to children in those communities

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President, Opposition Leader spread Easter cheer Is the engagement of high-level international experts on oil and gas absolutely necessary? (Part 1)

….Jagdeo questions Govt’s alleged $30M expenditure on kites

- wastage of the nation’s financial resources to pay high-level consultants

I

n the latter part of last month, the Natural Resources Ministry, and by extension the Government of Guyana (GoG), organised a high-level meeting with a team of international consultants with the view to advance deeper engagements with respect to the preparatory works for petroleum production in 2020. This columnist is, however, taken aback by this – premised on the fact that the GoG seems to be in a momentum of unnecessarily wasting huge amounts of the nation’s financial resources on these sort of national, public engagements – because obviously, upon reviewing the profile of these consultants, they are going to be extremely costly to the nation – and more so – to regurgitate fundamentally the same level and quality of advice to the Government that this columnist had written about long before they arrived in Guyana – some of which this author had written about since last year August 2017.

It is against this background that (1) there is absolutely no need to waste the nation’s financial resources on consultants to come here and provide guidance to the Government on how to spend the oil revenues let alone the fiscal management framework of the petroleum sector, because Guyana has a lot of brilliant and competent professionals – in the form of young and fresh talents and should be given a chance, or rather, the Government should start demonstrating more confidence in local intelligence. It is widely known and accepted that Guyanese intellectuals are far superior to foreigners in many respects.

In fact, with regards to the fiscal framework, this author can provide a blueprint through a series of articles under this column; (2) in this article, the author hereby presents a number of excerpts from previous columns dating as far back in 2017, on those specific subject areas that the recent high-profile team of experts would have presented on – essentially the same things in the form of advice to the Government and the Guyanese people.

Starting with the British Professor of Economics, Sir Paul Collier who told members of the media fraternity that “the whole oil industry is going to tether out in 2040. You might be left with a great lump of technology off your shores which has no use”. He also suggested that the Government should not invest in a local oil refinery (INews, March 23, 2018). Readers of this column would recall that on March 4, 11 and 18, 2018, this column featured a series of articles on the “changing dynamics of global oil economics”, in the context of what it means for Guyana. In the concluding edition published on March 18, 2018, this columnist wrote: “…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 20 years, and not 40 as others may tend to think or predict.” Readers can access the complete article and the entire series on the Guyana Times website here: https:// guyanatimesgy.com/the-changing-dynamics-of-global-oileconomics-part-3/. So, this just validated the notion that this author predicted that the oil industry will not last more than 20 years maximum which would be by 2040 – same as the British expert predicted days after this series was published.

With respect to the oil refinery not being a feasible option for Guyana, on August 6, 2017, this columnist wrote: “The estimated cost of US$5.8 billion (to build a refinery) is more than twice the size of Guyana’s economy in monetary terms. The size of the economy measured in aggregate monetary terms is about G$509 billion or US$2.5 billion. This means, even if the Government of Guyana and the entire Private Sector form a public-private partnership to fund this project – they would still not be able to afford it. Further breaking this down for the ordinary citizens to understand; this simply means if you take all of the money – the total stock of money which includes sum total in the banking system and reserve money both locally and abroad, it would not be enough to build the refinery. Against this background, Guyana – both the Government and the Private Sector should not waste time dwelling on the idea of a refinery.” The complete article could be accessed here: https:// guyanatimesgy.com/what-would-be-the-economic-impact-ofoil-on-guyanas-development/.

Next week, the author shall compare the quality of advice given by the experts on the Sovereign Wealth Fund against the series that was featured under this column on the SWF on January 14, 21 and 28 – February 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2018.

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).

President David Granger distributing kites in Corriverton

By Andrew Carmichael

P

resident David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo both visited Berbice, “the Ancient County”, on Saturday to distribute kites to children ahead of Easter Monday. They both took kites to Corriverton, Corentyne in Region Six and Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice in Region Five.

Addressing hundreds of children at Corriverton, the Head of State outlined the significance of Easter and explained that, for Christians, Easter is considered more sacred than Christmas, since it has more significance.

He noted, nonetheless, that in Guyana we all celebrate each other’s festivals.

“So what is happening in Guyana is that all of the religions are coming together to celebrate these ceremonies and festivals and national ceremonies and festivals. So today is not a day for Christians alone, it is not a day for Muslims alone, it is not a day for Hindus alone; it is a day for all Guyanese!

That is the reason that I am here,” the president said.

While noting that Easter may be significant to only some, President Granger said that, as a nation, we all celebrate the symbolic Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“What I am asking is that your children understand that this is part of a national festival. It doesn’t matter if you are Hindu, Christian or Muslim. We all know that today is what Christians call Holy Saturday. It comes at the end of a long period of sacrifice, called Lent; forty days and forty nights…,” he said.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who had also gone to Corriverton and Bath Settlement to distribute kites, met with children at Gangaram, Betsy Ground, Adelphi, and Canefield in East Canje; and at Crabwood Creek in Upper Corentyne, where some 5000 kites were distributed to children.

He noted that many persons in the communities he visited, including those along the sugar belt -- which are now being considered depressed communities -- want to be part of the celebrations.

“Unfortunately, the eco-

nomic circumstances are not helping any of the families.

So it is not an occasion for politics, it is an event in Guyana that cuts across race and religion, where we all participate in the celebration of Easter,” he expressed.

Jagdeo, who later participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Babu Jaan to mark the ninth death anniversary of the late former President Janet Jagan, questioned the amount of money Government had used to pur-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo distributing kites in East Canje, Berbice

chase kites for the children.

The Opposition Leader is of the firm view that Government did not utilize the entire $30 million it allegedly had set aside for the purchase of 5,000 kites, but that a portion of that $30 million went to support the Peoples National Congress and its Easter programme.

“So it is very ironic that this Government will spend $30 million, having claimed that they don’t have money to do anything else. $30

million to buy 5,000 kites to share in the sugar belt to kids, and they just took away the livelihood from their parents. Some of that $30 million has gone to Congress Place…, and they had to put Granger’s picture on the kite,” he remarked.

He urged all those receiving kites to remember the reason why Easter is celebrated, and he called for religious tolerance and unity among all Guyanese.

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Hindus for Selfless Service hosts first Hanuman Yatra …in commemoration of Hanuman Jayanti

I

n observance of the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, celebrated on Friday, the Hindus for Selfless Service (HSS) organization hosted the first Hanuman Yatra procession on the West Coast of Demerara.

Hanuman Jayanti celebrates the birth of Hanuman, revered as one of the greatest warriors and the greatest devotee of Lord Rama.

With Hanuman’s motto, “I will not rest until Ram’s work is done,” HSS organized the Hanuman Jayanti Yatra for the very first time in Guyana. The procession began at Hague and proceeded west, and at Tuschen and proceeded east, the groups converging at the Nirvana Centre at Meten-Meer-Zorg for a cultural programme. As the Yatra proceeded, led by vehicles playing Hanuman Bhajans and the Hanuman Chalisa, devotees, both young and elderly, came out in large numbers and showed great enthusiasm throughout the event.

They were dressed mostly in red traditional Indian garments. Some walked, others rode their bicycles or drove vehicles, all chanting and singing along to the Hanuman Chalisa as they waved their red flags

A section of the procession

and showed great strength and unity. As devotees from the different villages joined in the procession, a Hanuman flag was planted. This added to the splendour of the event, which kept getting better.

At the Nirvana Centre, the groups were welcomed with tassa drumming with great pomp and gaiety. As is customary, tilak was applied to the foreheads and raksha sutra tied to all attendees.

The cultural programme featured ISKCON, many local singers and dancers, and a danda (stick fighting) demonstration by sevaks. A chanting from the Ramcharitmanas of a chaupi (verse) from the Sundar Kand Chapter which is dedicated to Hanuman was read by Pt. Charranlall Nandalall on behalf of the West Demerara

Pandits’ Organization.

Mentor of HSS-Guyana, Ravi Dev, who contextualized the actions of Hanuman in Guyana today, delivered the main message. He said that, like Hanuman who had forgotten his pedigree, Guyanese Hindus need to be reminded about the greatness of their religious heritage. Just as how Sita Mata was abducted and had to be rescued before Ram Rajya could be established, in a similar fashion, he said, much of Indian culture has been abducted over the past 180 years, and needs to be rescued for the community to move forward.

Hanuman bhajans were sung lustily, and Hare Krishna chants kept the crowd enthralled in an atmosphere of delirious joy.

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ExxonMobil contract offers Govt Herbalist lobbies for relaxation opportunity to craft future deals of cannabis laws

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he Petroleum Agreement signed with ExxonMobil and its partners provides a good opportunity for the Government of Guyana to craft future contracts to ensure there are different terms to suit the country’s new realities.

This view was recently expressed by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, who was speaking on the sidelines of a Stakeholder’s Consultation on the Draft National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, hosted at the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

The ExxonMobil contract is slated for review in the next four years, however, Minister Trotman said he will not speculate, but it is expected that by that time, the sector would have been operationalized. Therefore there may be a number of areas Government would want to re-examine.

Meantime, the Minister said Government has no intention of interfering with the size of the Stabroek Block, which is 6.6 million acres and spans the two extremes of the country’s borders.

The People’s Progressive

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

Party Government in 1999 signed an agreement and the block was strategically sized and this Administration, the Natural Resources Minister said, saw the wisdom in this decision.

“Despite all that is claimed, the Minister of Natural Resources or whoever the Minister is that has responsibility for thep sector, does have the authority under law to vary the sizes of blocks,” Minister Trotman clarified. He informed that just a few blocks are remaining, some closer to shore and others offshore; however, the Government is still to decide when and to which companies those will be allocated.

In response to a question regarding the lumping

of the royalties to be received

by Guyana under the contracts with Tullow Oil company and others, Minister Trotman said there is “nothing bizarre” about such an arrangement.

He cited the fact that there are varying models of production sharing agreements, “and so there is no norm, things have changed but each country determines what is in its best interest.”

In this case, the Natural Resources Minister believes this agreement was in the best interest of Guyana, in order to attract investors.

With ExxonMobil to commence production in the next two years, Minister Trotman said how the country utilises the revenue accrued, for the benefit of future generations, is most important.

“Schooling, healthcare, roads, bridges, the opening of the country, those are the preeminent concerns of mine,” the Minister said.

Additionally, he has asked Business Minister Dominic Gaskin to take up the responsibility for local content development.

He expects the Draft Local Content Legislation will be finalised by the end of April 2018.

A

n attendee of the International Decade for People of African Descent Summit, who recently visited Guyana, is calling on the Government of Guyana to relax the prosecution for marijuana possession.

King Fran-ky stressed that the marijuana plant, apart from its religious significance, is for the betterment of mankind because it has been proven to help cure many ailments. He said this citing evidence published in scientific journals.

Fran-ky also noted that the Rastafarian community has been using this herb for some time now and they are aware of the goodness of the herb. He further disclosed that there are currently many international events involving the legalising of marijuana and, as such, Government needs to “decriminalise the herb”.

Apart from the actual herb, the hemp (extracts from the plant) and the other parts of the plant can replace other things within the society, particularly for industrial usage.

He highlighted that the United Nations (UN) had declared this as the International Decade for People of African Descent, which was established to see that the African community is taken care of in

King Fran-ky

three areas; namely recognition, justice and development.

“The Rastafarian community is a part of the African community and we are being denied certain basic human rights in this the 21st century, and this is something we must push for regardless of if it wasn’t happening in the international community.”

He emphasised that it is the mandate of the UN which gives them the right and privilege to champion the cause of marijuana legalisation in Guyana.

For marijuana possession, the Act states the penalty on summary conviction is a fine of not less than thirty thousand dollars, together with imprisonment of not less than three years nor more than five years; or on conviction on indictment, a fine of not less

than thirty thousand dollars or three times the market value of the narcotic, whichever is greater, together with imprisonment of not less than five years nor more than 10 years.

The Act stipulates that possession of more than 15 grams or just over half an ounce would be considered possession for trafficking, for which the penalty is on summary conviction, a fine of not less than thirty thousand dollars or three times the market value of the narcotic, whichever is greater, together with imprisonment for not less than three years nor more than five years; or on conviction on indictment, to a fine of not less than seventy-five thousand dollars or three times the market value of the narcotic, whichever is the greater, together with imprisonment for life.

The Rastafarian community in Guyana has reiterated its call for the legalisation of marijuana in Guyana, contending that the herb is used as a sacrament in their religious rites.

Over the years, Rastafarians have been denied their rights of engaging in their religious practices freely. “There should be a change of laws to cater for the freedom of worship for the Rastafarian community,” Fran-ky posited.

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Teenage mothers urged to access mental health services …as Regional Health Dept and Mental Health Unit collaborate

R

eaffirming the view that there is no health without mental health, the Mental Health Unit of the Public Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Regional Health Department of the Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) have embarked on an aggressive campaign that targets teenage mothers as they seek to combat what they have described as increasing mental health issues among that demographic.

According to Regional Health Officer (RHO) of Region Four, Dr Quincy Jones, 2018 is a year that he and his department, with the support of the RDC, intend to aggressively address a number of health-related challenges.

He said mental health is a top priority, noting that statistics have shown that a number of teenage mothers are affected by depression, and as such, his department has a mandate to address this worrying trend. “A number of teenage mothers were not pre-

Health Education Officer Tashia James

pared for their pregnancy and because of the many challenges that come with pregnancy, especially to an unprepared mother or more so a teenager, it can and may affect them mentally, thus we at the Health Department will continue to find ways and means in addressing this,” he said.

Dr Jones pointed out that through the many established Adolescent Days Clubs that many of his health centres have, it is a ‘perfect avenue’ to having mental health

issues addressed. As such, he has taken a bold step with the Mental Health Unit to forge a formidable relationship in forging ahead with the aggressive plan. “There is always the common saying that there is no health without mental health and we firmly support this view, thus we have moved ahead in ensuring that our teenage mothers can have someone to talk to, to address their concerns, to share whatever is affecting them so we are ready and prepared to help and together with the Mental Health Unit, we will be able to address these issues,” Dr Jones reassured.

Sharing similar sentiments is Health Education Officer at the Mental Health Unit, Public Health Ministry, Tashia James, who told a number of teenage mothers that she can relate to the challenges faced in being a teenage mother. Tashia James disclosed that like them, she too was a teenage mother who endured what she dubbed “severe verbal and other challenges”.

Manufacturing growth linked...

Meanwhile, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said for the economy to diversify, the members of the GMSA should be more innovative in relation to the techniques and technology they apply in their production processes. He notes this is to ensure the sustainability of the raw materials, even as they seek to lower productions costs.

“It is the Government’s vision that the value or benefits derived from the oil and gas sector will be used to propel the

other sectors in particular agriculture; will be used to propel our public infrastructure programme so people could travel from East to West, North to South; will be used to propel our education system so we can produce an educated population where people will be able to take up jobs in the commanding heights in the oil and gas industry,” Harmon said.

“We recognise that energy is important. We believe that the availability of cheap reli-

able energy supply is crucial to sustaining and improving our manufacturing capacity.

The development of the energy landscape is inextricable linked to stable, reliable and affordable power supply in an environmentally sustainable manner,” he added.

GMSA Additionally, President Shyam Nokta told the AGM that US oil giant ExxonMobil has committed its support for the Association’s ‘Uncapped’ intitative.

Bulkan denies usurping Local...

The Local Government Commission is the body that has oversight of the local government system, especially the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and municipalities, such as Georgetown and Mabaruma. However, PPP Commissioners have highlighted that in spite of the LGC’s enactment budgetary allocations, the Communities Minister “continues to hold on” to vital areas of authority that fall under the Commission.

LGC Commissioner Clinton Collymore told the press earlier this month that access to finance and space was a problem they were encountering.

“We have a difficulty accessing funds, a difficulty accessing space and accommodation and a difficulty with how the Commission responds to public matters,” Collymore

had disclosed, saying the Eping Avenue building does not cater for all the members of the Commission.

Minister Bulkan however said last Wednesday that to the best of his knowledge, all of the sums that have been requested was disbursed or at the final stages of being disbursed.

“Allocations have been made to the Local Government Commission in the sum of $20 million in 2017 representing recurrent expenditure and the sum $110 million in 2018 – $20 million representing capital expenditure and $90 million as recurrent expenditure,” he explained.

“If [the] allocation proves to be insufficient, with justification, I’m sure that the Minister of Finance will allow for supplementary provision to

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from page 12

be made later in the year,” he noted.

Former Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker had however noted that the current Government has been written to about the situation on numerous occasions but to no avail.

As the fallout over the LGC continues, elected PPP Opposition officials are highlighting, through the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that Government appointed Regional Executive Officers (REOs) of operating contrary to finance laws in Regional Democratic Councils. However Minister of State Joseph Harmon said last week the “little aberrations” being reported at PAC did not begin in 2015, noting that Government has been training REOs.

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AFC will not apologise to Royston King

T

he Alliance For Change (AFC) said it is deeply concerned with the recent developments at City Hall that led Town Clerk Royston King to send a lawyer’s letter to Councillor Sherod Duncan demanding an apology.

On March 21, 2018, King through his Attorney Maxwell Edwards accused Duncan of publishing malicious articles in the Guyana Chronicle in relation to the No-Confidence Motion that was brought against him.

“The offending published statements and comments constitute a most callous and disparaging libel of my client done with malice and with the predominant intent to injure my client in his employment… I am further instructed to demand as I

as aggravating and these demands are made with prejudice to my client’s rights to take legal proceedings against you for damages for libel,” the letter concluded.

However, the AFC said King needs a better under-

Town Clerk, Royston King

hereby do a full, frank and contrite letter of apology you shall cause to be published in the Guyana Chronicle,” the letter stated.

“I warn you that failure or omission to comply with these demands will be considered by my client

CH&PA awaiting funding for Broad Street squatters relocation – Saul

A section of the squatting settlement

C

hief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Lelon Saul, said the Housing Authority has already commenced preparatory works to have squatters at Broad and Lombard Streets relocated but noted that they are awaiting Government funding.

Some 68 adults and 100 children are living in the area under severe poverty and the land belongs to a private individual, who has been granted a judgement against the squatters in the High Court. They were supposed to be relocated to Barnwell North, East Bank Demerara, but the residents of Mocha Arcadia held protests over the relocation.

However, the CH&PA has since indicated that Barnwell North is an inappropriate relocation site due to the soil condition.

“Additionally the residents of Mocha Arcadia; we did get some resistance from the residents and the President had asked that we put the project on hold pending the outcome of the CoI into ancestral land.

Notwithstanding the request of the President, we have deemed the location inappropriate and we decided to look at another location,” Saul said in February.

He revealed the new relocation site to be in the Cummings Lodge area, on the East Coast of Demerara and added that physical relocation will commence as

soon as October.

“In relation to the development at Cummings Lodge, we have initiated the process and we are currently awaiting funding from Central Government.

Where I speak (in relation to the process) is in terms of preparation of project documents and so on,” Saul said on Wednesday.

When asked about whether the Food For The Poor (FFTP) organisation is still on board with the relocation project, Saul related that they are continuing to engage the organisation and still have their commitment to aid in the relocation process.

The Department of Housing in collaboration with FFTP was expected to construct 72 homes for the squatters. FFTP will be contributing $42 million and the Ministry is expected to match that. Each home is expected to cost $1.2 million and Minister with responsibility for Housing Valarie PattersonYearwood said they are working out a plan with the prospective owners for them to stand the cost of water meters, among other things.

The squatting area came to public attention after former Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence led a team from the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to the area as part of their first country visit to Guyana.

standing of his role, functions and the reporting structure at City Hall.

“He is a servant of the people of Georgetown and the Mayor and City Council, not, as the evidence of his actions and conduct suggest, the other way round,” the

party said in a statement.

The party added that the demand is “vulgar” and it will strongly resist it.

Additionally, they noted that it has been detected that the citizenry no longer has confidence King is capable or willing to execute his

functions as Town Clerk.

Mayor Patricia Chase Green disallowed the motion of no confidence after King brought legal advice to the Council, claiming that he cannot be disciplined by the M&CC.

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Heavy security in place for Windies/Pakistan series P

residential-style security, including bullet-proofed buses, will be afforded West Indies on their historic three-match Twenty20 series against Pakistan here on Sunday.

Heavy security will be provided for the Caribbean side to and from the airport, and while they are stationed at their hotel. They will travel to the airport immediately following the final

match on Tuesday.

The Pakistan Cricket

Board has gone to great lengths to ensure that se-

curity for the 13-man squad and officials will be at an

optimum, with strict traffic guidelines around the National Stadium venue being implemented on match days.

Food and mobile phone chargers will be barred from the stadium during matches.

Authorities said the intense security measures would mirror those put in place for the recent Pakistan Super League final, also staged in Karachi.

“The International Cricket Council has expressed satisfaction with the security arrangements for the PSL final, and this time, the authorities will ensure foolproof security again,” said Brigadier Shahid of the Sindh Rangers.

West Indies were scheduled to arrive in Pakistan from Dubai late Saturday, on two different flights two hours apart. (CMC)

Manchester City will win the Premier League if they beat arch-rivals Manchester United

Gabriel Jesus headed in his ninth Premier League goal of the season from just 14 starts

M

anager Pep Guardiola had failed to record a victory against Everton in three matches before this visit to Goodison Park but this result was never in doubt from the moment Leroy Sane volleyed home David Silva's cross after four minutes.

Everton barely mounted even token resistance and City had effectively restored their 16-point advantage at the top of the table by halftime after Gabriel Jesus headed in Kevin de Bruyne's cross and Raheem Sterling applied a simple finish to another Silva delivery.

Yannick Bolasie pulled a goal back for Everton after the break when he fired in via a post from 20 yards but this was a minor interruption to City's serene progress and they now have the opportunity to reclaim the title in circumstances they will relish when Jose Mourinho brings his Manchester United side to Etihad Stadium.

Given recent meetings between the two sides, City and Guardiola approached this fixture with a measure of caution, which they were able to put behind

them as early as the fourth minute when Sane volleyed them into the lead.

If Everton had a plan to put City under pressure, the statistics for the first half alone were a monument to how successfully they were able to deal with any problems Sam Allardyce had hoped to pose them.

When Sterling swept home City’s third eight minutes before the interval, they had enjoyed a remarkable 84% possession, although some expressed surprise that embarrassed Everton’s share was so high.

And in that one-sided first half, Manchester City midfield man Fernandinho completed 62 passes while the entire Everton team completed only 64. The Brazilian finished with 14.5% possession himself while the whole Everton team managed 17.9%.

Sane also impressed in scoring his ninth league goal of the season and playing a key role in Jesus’ goal.

Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer described the German’s performance as “incredible” on Match of the Day. (BBC Sport)

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21

Timehri firmly ahead – no games on this weekend

T

imehri Red Triangle have assured themselves of being crowned the inaugural champions of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA)/GFF/Pele Alumni Frank Watson U-15 Intra Association League when they romped to their ninth win in 10 matches on Sunday last at the Timehri Red Ground, Eats Bank Demerara.

Led by leading marksman Ishmael Pulsarran, who netted five goals to move to 16 in the league, Timehri defeated Herstelling Raiders 7-4 in a goal-fest of a match.

Despite the efforts of the league’s leading goal scorer Shoran James, who netted a hat-trick to move to 19 overall, Herstelling found the rampaging lads from Timehri too much to handle.

Pulsarran hit the back of the nets in the 14th, 20th, 29th, 33rd and 38th minutes, with the other goals coming from Tywell Lovell in the 11th minute, and Neron Barrow who had opened proceedings in the 3rd minute.

James was on target for Herstelling in the 10th, 44th and 48th minutes, while Solomon Austin accounted for the other goal in the 56th minute.

Swan FC, based on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway,

contesting their first tournament as an affiliate of the EBFA, continue to prove their worth with backto-back wins which came against Agricola, 1-0, and Diamond Upsetters, 2-0.

All three goals were scored by Azeem Calistro.

Against Agricola, he scored in the 20th minute, and against Diamond Upsetters, he fired home in the 20th and 25thminutes.

The wins for Swan have taken them into the number three position in the points table, behind Agricola.

The two sides have the same points, have same goal difference, have played the same amount of matches, and have lost and drawn the same amounts as well.

In other matches, Samatta Point/ Kanville defeated Diamond United 3-0 on account of a brace from Matthew Austin in the 4th and 24th minutes and Tyrone

EBD residents congratulate successful coach

A

fter an extended drought in this respect, the East Bank Demerara (EBD) cricket teams have come out victorious in not only the Under-17 category of the inter-association cricket, but also the Under-19 category.

Residents of the surrounding areas have credited this miraculous feat to the stewardship of Rohan Sarjoo, who acted in the capacity of coach. He was ably assisted by a volunteer manager in Surendra Heeralall.

The highly-coveted titles have been out of reach of the East Bank teams

for quite some time; however, since Sarjoo has taken up the reins, the teams have displayed massive improvement. A group of EBD residents have sought to congratulate Sarjoo on his dedicated effort towards the team, and have encouraged them to continue striving for cricket stardom.

The 50-over tournament, which concluded in February of this year, saw a number of competitive teams that hailed from various regions in the country: namely, West Demerara, Georgetown and East Coast Demerara, just to name a few.

Ricks, who converted in the 12th minute.

Samatta Point/Kaneville was then held to a 2-2 draw on Sunday by Mocha Champs in a see-saw affair.

Mocha h a d t a k en the l e a d w h e n

Azeem Calistro

Genesis Lewis scored in the 10th minute, but Samatta Point hit back with goals off the boot of Tyrone Ricks and Matthew Austin in the 20th and 25th minutes, to equalise and take the lead.

But Mocha responded with an Adam Rutherford 29th minute goal, which restored parity to the

scoreline, as the game ended with the scores unchanged.

The other match saw Soesdyke Falcons trouncing Diamond United 5-0.

Romero Bradford scored in the 38th and 40th minutes, while there was one each for Tyrone Burnette (4), Troy Gibson (7), and Malachi Leacock in the 36th minute.

Two matches from Saturday’s fixture (Timehri vs Mocha & Kuru Kururu Warriors vs Herstelling) were postponed, since players from these clubs were involved in a warm-up match against the Women’s national team, currently preparing for two international competitions.

The EBFA will take a break from action this weekend and resume next week.

Latest Points Standings

Ishmael Pulsarran

Team P W L D F A GD Points Timehri 10 9 1 0 48 8 +40 27 Agricola 10 6 3 1 24 8 +16 19 Swan FC 10 6 3 1 23 7 +16 19 Kuru Kururu 9 6 2 1 18 10 +7 19 Grove 11 5 2 4 12 11 +1 19 Diamond Upsetters 11 4 5 2 13 14 -1 14 Herstelling 10 4 5 1 31 33 +2 13 Mocha 9 3 3 3 12 9 +3 12 Samatta Point/KV 10 3 4 3 14 26 -12 12 Soesdyke 11 3 7 1 17 22 -5 9 Friendship 10 3 7 0 7 19 -12 9 Diamond United 9 0 9 0 2 65 -63 0

22 Bolivia V’ball team to undergo finals’ trials April 15 and 21

guyanatimesgy.com

sunDAY, april 1, 2018

– coach to assess individual performances

N

ational Volleyball Coach, Levi Nedd, has confirmed that final selection for the 16man team to Bolivia will be made on April 17 and 21 at the National Gymnasium.

While the team was shortlisted following two practice games, Nedd told Guyana Times Sport on Saturday that the two assessments will then see the final 16

Levi Nedd

being selected for both male and female teams.

N e d d pointed o u t that

the previous exercises that were carried out were based on assessing each player’s cohesion and synchronisation while in an actual game. The coach said that with those goals having already being met via the successful matches which saw Berbice emerging victorious, the upcoming trials will now focus on the players individually.

The squad -- which features international players like Quacy Matheson, Samuel Whyte, Adriel Moore,

Devendra Latchman, and other players who have been the core of the national team for a few years -- is expected to do well, come competition time.

According to Nedd, the next few weeks will focus on each player’s ability to perform well on a personal basis. He said that while the players have been great as a team, it is crucial to test the individual strengths and weaknesses of each player.

With some stiff competition expected in Bolivia, the coach has said the two sessions will be an interesting way to see how the players react ahead of final selection. On Sunday, April 15th, the ladies will have their trials, while the males will have theirs on Saturday, April 21st, with both assessments set to spike off from 10:00h sharp on both days. (Clifton Ross)

James breaks Jordan’s double-digit scoring record

L

eBron James has broken Michael Jordan's all-time NBA record of scoring at least 10 points in consecutive games.

He achieved the feat in his 867th successive fixture.

The 33-year-old threetime NBA champion broke the record with a dunk in the first quarter of Cleveland's 107-102 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

James, who finished with 27 points, started his streak on 6 January 2007.

"It means a lot for me," the Cavaliers small forward said. "That's a good moment, a special moment, not only for myself, but for my family and for so many kids that look up to me for inspiration, to know that you can actually go out there and do it."

James was honoured with a standing ovation by the 20,500-strong crowd at the Quicken Loans

Arena, and was handed the game ball.

Six-time NBA champion Jordan, 55, achieved the previous record between March 1986 and December 2001.

Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is third in the record books with a streak of 787 games.

LeBron James

23

Harper elected new DCC President guyanatimesgy.com

sunDAY, april 1, 2018

F

Newly elected President, Roger Harper

Table Tennis contingent departs for 2018 CWG

A

fter successful pre-Westchester Open Championships and training camps which were conducted by 14-time Men’s National Table Tennis Champion and IFFF levels one and three coach coordinator Sydney Christophe, Guyana has moved to secure more hardware.

Guyana’s delegation of Christopher Franklin, Shemar Britton, Nigel Bryan, Joel Alleye, Trenace Lowe, Natalie Cummings and Priscilla Greaves departed JFK International Airport via American Airlines en route to Brisbane to participate in the 2018 Commonwealth Games scheduled for April 4 – 15 in Gold Coast, Australia.

ormer Guyana and West Indies star player Roger Harper will function as the new President of the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) following Thursday evening’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election of officer bearers.

The Windies stalwart, who previously held the position of First Vice President (VP) under Patrick Harding, leads a practically reshuffled executive. Harding now performs the First VP role, while Lawrence Smith continues his stint as Second VP. Mahindra Jaikaran will function as Secretary, and Ullanda Wiltshire as Treasurer, while there is a new face in Royston Alkins as Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer.

Veteran spinner Dennis Squires remains Club Captain, and Dionne CushBarnwell, who was a previous committee member, is the new Indoor Captain, replacing Troy Halley, who is now one of five committee members.

The other four members are Reginald Brotherson, Rudolph Calender, Mark Harper and Paul Wintz.

Veteran Journalist Adam Harris was returned as Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the club.

At the AGM, a motion was passed for the implementation of new packages for Life Members, as the club seeks to regain its financial

stability. Additionally, it was approved that, instead of one year, the life of the Executive Committee will last for two years, and the

financial year runs from January 1 to December 31, with an AGM being held in February.

SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Harper elected new DCC President Pg 23

The New Executive (seated L-R): Treasurer, Ullanda Wiltshire; President, Roger Harper; First Vice President, Patrick Harding; Indoor Captain, Dionne CushBarnwell; and Second Vice-President, Lawrence Smith. (Standing) Committee Member Mark Harper, Secretary Mahindra Jaikaran, Club Captain Dennis Squires, PRO Adam Harris, Committee Member Reginald Brotherson, and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Royston Alkins

Table Tennis contingent departs for 2018 CWG

Pg 23

Guyana’s 2018 Commonwealth Games Tables Tennis team

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.

April 1, 2018

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2 Sunday Times Magazine

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APRIL 1, 2018

Feature

C

elebrating Easter in this part of the world is like no other; in the Caribbean during the Easter holidays (Sunday and Monday) families and friends gather to celebrate in their traditional ways.

While each country has its varied differences, the festivities in Guyana also include the religious observances which culminate in the grand kite flying activities on Easter Monday.

Residents from all walks of life, young and old flock to open public spaces, like the Kitty Seawall and National Park in the capital city, where they transform the skies with their colourful kites of all sizes and shapes.

For Christians around the world, Easter symbolises the love of God for his human creation since he allowed his “only begotten son” to be sacrificed so that believers could then experi-

the day we die, we must die now to sin and rise to new life in Christ. Being marked with ashes at the beginning of Lent indicates our recognition of the need for deeper conversion of our lives during this season of renewal. Ash Wednesday church services are well attended in Guyana and families use this time to congregate and renew their faith as they prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.

Families gather at the 63 Beach in Berbice for the annual Easter Monday kite flying

ence salvation from original sin. Easter, where we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, is preceded by Lent, a season of self-examination, fasting and penance in preparation for Easter Day observance. So Lent is a 40 period prior to Easter Day. Also, beginning the Sunday

the country before the beginning of the annual Palm Sunday procession.

Good Friday

On this solemn day, the streets of the country are usually deserted; even most businesses are closed, however, many attend church services throughout the day, at various times. It is the most solemn and holy day for Christians, especially those from the traditional churches. Christians remember

before Easter we have Holy Week, with Palm Sunday (also called Passion Sunday), Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.

Lent

Lent (Latin: Quadragesima: Fortieth) is a solemn religious obser-

Church goers reenact Christ's crucifixion and resurrection

vance in the Christian liturgical calendar that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends approximately six weeks later, 3 days before Easter Sunday. ... Some Anabaptist and evangelical churches also observe the Lenten season.

Although its format has varied throughout the centuries and throughout different cultures, the basic concept remains the same: to open our hearts to God's refining grace through prayer, confession, fasting, and almsgiving as we anticipate Holy Week.

Lent traditionally lasts forty days, modelled after Christ's forty day fast in the desert, and ends on Good Friday.

Ash Wednesday Services

Ashes are an ancient symbol of repentance (sackcloth and ashes). They also remind us of our mortality ("remember that you are dust") and thus of the day when we will stand before God and be judged. This can be linked easily to the death and resurrection motif of Baptism. To prepare well for

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday marks the end of the Lenten fast for Catholics and Anglicans alike, and the beginning of the most solemn and im-

portant week in their calendar, Holy Week. The week commences on what is traditionally called Palm Sunday, which is one of the most important days in the Christian calendar. Christians use the occasion to remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, cheered on by palmwaving crowds, in church services around the country. The symbolic blessing of the palms is done at the respective churches across

the suffering and passion of Jesus Christ, whose death is commemorated on this day, in various ways. Christians typically fast from all food and meat on Good Friday.

Midnight Masses are held on Holy Saturday evening to mark the beginning of the happiest time in the Christian church, Easter. The Easter celebration wouldn't be complete without glistening, buttery hot cross buns, a customary treat in many Caribbean Sea states once under British colonial rule.

Easter Sunday and Monday

Like in a few other Caribbean countries, kite flying in Guyana usually occurs only on the Easter Holiday (any other time of the year, flying a kite is actually considered odd).

Families flock in the thousands to the many kite flying venues, to display their creative and colourful kites, which they view as a symbol of Christ’s resurrection. The day is also marked by many other festivities including family picnics, road trips , and creek excursions.

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 1, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Feature

T

he Promenade Gardens will be in full bloom today, as the second annual Kids Fest 592 kicks off. This event is one of many activities being staged countrywide for Easter 2018 celebrations. According to the Director at AOne events and the founder of Kids Fest 592, Ms. Natalya Thomas, the highly anticipated activity, is geared towards promoting the country’s cultural diversity through music, dance, fashion and games.

In addition, it provides the perfect opportunity for the

7-11 age category and two in the 12-15 age category.

“Our main attraction is the Miss Kids fest 592 pageant, and our theme concept is Alice in Wonderland.

There will be vending, games, puppet show, bouncy castles and much more.

However, the special aspect will definitely have to be that we have 16 beautiful girls in the pageant. We will also be having a tea party every half an hour for the event.” Ms. Thomas explained during an interview with the Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

Families enjoying Kids Fest 592 last year

children to express themselves and to explore their interests and passion.

While there are many activities to look forward to, for both kids and their parents, the event’s main attraction is the grand Princess Pageant; the delegates in each category will be competing in talent, theme wear (Easter) and Formal Wear.

Each group will have an overall Queen and runner up. Of the 16 contestants, seven will participate in the 4-6 age category; six in the

Special awards will be given in each age group for Best Dress, Best personality and Most Creative. The winner will also receive trophies and medals in each category.

There will also be an award for most Photogenic.

The delegates will be judged in personality, performance, smile, confidence, dress, grooming, stages presence, modeling ability overall presentation and spirit, the Organiser added.

She emphasised too that the concept is to bring the

There are many activities for the entire family to enjoy

children’s wildest imaginations to life. Kids and their families will also have the chance to participate in many other activities including face painting, clown show, candyland, bouncy castles, magic shows, Disney

characters, and the talent show, which aims to nurture character and build confidence.

Kids Fest 592 is the brainchild of Natalya Thomas of ‘A One Events’ and Nadia Thomas of Duo Collection.

The duo recognised the importance of the family to com-

munity development.

Added to this, they also saw the need for quality children’s entertainment and activities; consequently they worked with a variety of quality children’s brands and entertainment companies to bring this large outdoor festival to reality.

Now in its second year, the activity continues to foster relationship building, it encourages

the children’s creativity and provides wholesome entertainment for the entire family.

Given the benefits of such an activity, Ms. Thomas used the opportunity to encourage families to visit the Promenade Gardens today. She said, “I would say use this opportunity to come out and have fun with your family for a day of exciting activities.”

4

Sunday Times Magazine

APRIL 1, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Feature

Easter kite flying at Bayrock Community Centre Ground by utamu bell

E

ach year, the Easter celebration creates an atmosphere for bringing families and friends together, through kite flying and other fun, social experiences.

Here in Guyana, kite flying lovers flock various locations for that memorable experience, some even travelling to far away destinations just to find the perfect atmosphere to capture those picture perfect moments.

Of course, the art of kite flying requires wide open spaces, which would require areas which are situated away from obstacles such as electrical power lines and poles. In Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) there are scores of wide open spaces which create the perfect setting for kite flying; which just might explain why so many flock the community on Easter Monday.

Popular areas in Linden suitable for kite flying which are usually a haven for Easter social activities are the Bayroc Community Centre Ground (Wismar), the dykes (Mackenzie), the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Ground, the Amelia’s Ward back road (Mackenzie) and the numerous ball fields (Silvertown, Christianburg, Silvercity) which are located across the community, but mainly on the Wismar shore.

These areas are usually abuzz with social activities and events annually on Easter Monday.

The Bayroc Community Centre Ground, which is equipped with seating facility, is a vast sandy landscape with just the right terrain to facilitate kite flying. There is also enough room for other Kite flying in other parts of Linden

social activities to be conducted at the same time. The MSC Ground, also noted for social events is equipped with seating amenities as well ,and is sometimes opened to the public to facilitate such activities on Easter Monday.

The dykes, with their mesmerising natural sceneries are perfect for family outings and kite flying, while the numerous ball fields are always opened to the public. And for those Lindeners who don’t feel like venturing out, their own backyards are sometimes transformed into the perfect kite flying spot.

The hills at Blueberry Hill, Wismar are also great locations. On a typical Easter Monday in the community, the skies are laden with kites, as parents join their children in the activities. Families camp out, usually for the most part of the day and have picnics and barbeques. The more popular venues are often times transformed into party and fetelike settings, complete with music and fun activities and games. Kite exhibitions and competitions for the largest, smallest and most creative kites are also side attractions which draw persons to these venues annually. The Sunday Times Magazine spoke to a few Lindeners who shared with us how they usually celebrate the Easter holiday. For many, it usually begins with observing Holy Thursday then going to church on Easter Sunday.

As is customary, Lindeners also enjoy baking ‘hot cross buns’ to welcome the observance. “I spend Easter day with my children. We fly the kites and so on, which is symbolic that Jesus is the risen Christ. I spend that day mostly relaxing with family. Sometimes, we go out and fly kite but I have a big enough yard. Sometimes we just raise it a little 15 metres in the air and allow the boys to run around the yard.

Growing up, we used to go on the hills at Wismar and fly our kites”, former Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland told us.

“I love Easter! My celebration usually starts from Ash Wednesday. I enjoy going to church with my family then on Easter day we go out and we fly kite”, Annece HicksNoble said. So, if you’re at home and thinking about a location to visit with your family and friends for the Easter holidays, maybe you should consider one of these locations in the Linden community.

This Region 10 youth proudly displays his kite

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 1, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Feature

Elaboratelydecorated bonnets from the Easter Bonnet Parade in New York, last year.

“A

hat is a flag, a shield, a bit of armour and the badge of femininity. A hat is the difference between wearing clothes and wearing a costume; it’s the difference between being dressed and being dressed up; it’s the difference between looking adequate and looking your best.

A hat is to be stylish in, to glow under, to flirt beneath, to make all others seem jealous over and to make all men feel masculine about.

A piece of magic is a hat.” – Martha Sliter If a hat is a piece of magic, one can only assume the otherworldly qualities of a bonnet. Composer Irving Berlin brought the Easter Bonnet into American pop culture in 1933 with his ballad “Easter Parade,” a chronicle of the annual Easter Sunday pilgrimage from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, down Fifth Avenue in New York City.

In the English tradition, the notion of getting new clothes on Easter to signify inner growth and renewal dates back to Shakespeare.

In “Romeo and Juliet,” Romeo’s sage and ill-fated confidante, Mercutio, chastises Benvolio for being too quick to lose his tem-

“abstention,” Easter Sunday lifts the fog not only in spirit, but also in our wardrobe.

In the US, it wasn’t until post-Civil War society, towards the latter 1870s, when women and children marching in Easter Parades replaced dark-coloured mourning smocks with brighter clothing. By the early twentieth century, Americans became more and more invested in the Easter outfit—the hat, in particular. Because Easter coincides with seasonal fecundity, women garnered fresh flowers to wear in their hair and in their bonnets. Lilies, daffodils, azaleas with their red, pink or even crème coloured blooms, Hyacinths, purple and white, as well as pussy willows and red tulips are considered traditional Easter flowers.

If fresh flowers weren't available, women would adorn hats with flowers made from paper, as well as ribbon, fab-

Easter hat were style during the turn of the 19th century

This young lady is adorned with an Easter Hat at the Inner Wheel Club’s annual hat show

per; to draw a sword over inconsequential beef. To illustrate his argument, Mercutio points out how Benvolio will pick a fight with his tailor for wearing a new suit before Easter, “Didst thou not fall out with a tailor for wearing his new doublet/before Easter?” he says, designating Easter a sartorial benchmark. Following forty days of Lent, filled with drab outfits reflective of a collective

ric feathers, sea shells and pine cones. The popularity of the Easter Bonnet peaked in 1948 when Judy Garland serenaded Fred Astaire with Irving Berlin's “Easter Parade” in a film by the same name. In this number, Garland, who dons a white organza Derby Hat with pink and violet rosettes, makes there seem no place as grand on Easter Sunday as Fifth Avenue in

Men also join in the Easter festivities

New York City. By now, the Easter Bonnet has become a relic, albeit a delicate and artisanal one, of cosmopolitan splendour.

Easter Bonnets can be whimsical, fantastical, with a hint of fabulist narrative, whether religious, seasonal or cultural, all adding to the magic of the hat. These days, the Easter Bonnet can be wild, giving DIY crafters a chapeau to embellish with whatever tickles their fancy. They can also be simple and playful, subtly nodding to the Bonnet’s modern tra-

dition with a bunny ear or two. What will your Easter Bonnet hold? (Vogue magazine) In Guyana, there are many Easter hat shows, parades and tea parties which are held annually to celebrate the occasion.

During these events, men, women and children take the opportunity to flaunt their creativity and innovation as they vie for top honours in the various competitions.

6 Sunday Times Magazine

APRIL 1, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Literary Corner

by

Rev. Gideon Cecil

A

scorching mid-day sun looked down from a bright blue sky upon Teddy framing a kite made from dry coconut branch. For a long time he contemplated how to make the modern kite he always dreamt of. Kites fascinated Teddy since he was five years old. A cool breeze blew silently as he sat on an old bench making the kite of his dreams. I observed him closely as I passed by his yard that’s just in the same street where I

lived in Rose Hall Town.

None of his friends in the street would make a kite from dry coconut branch.

Teddy was a master craftsman at his trade. He first chopped the dry coconut branch into long pieces measuring twenty four inches long.

Then he took his sharp cutlass to shave the hard branch sticks; he

weighed the sticks on a scale to investigate if it’s light like a bird’s wing to fly far away into the restless wind.

He then took a small nail and fastened the light branch sticks firmly together; then he framed his kite neatly by a very strong piece of twine. A round piece of bamboo was placed immaculately on both ends of the cross sticks which he called the kite’s nose. It’s time to paste his kite by a kaleidoscope of kite paper. It took him several hours to complete his gorgeous kite which he felt was a modern invention in the Caribbean where he lived.

H e used a wide cross section of colors such as white, red, blue, green, orange, purple brown, black and a plastic covering like a rain coat he pasted over the paper to protect his kite from rain when it’s flying. His kite meant everything to him; he put his entire soul and heart into the making of a captivating phenomenon into his mind’s eye. Under the kite’s nose he skillfully pasted a tongue by using hard brown paper which he called the kite’s ‘‘singing engine’’; then he hung his kite on the old shingle fence in his yard to dry in the blazing teeth of the sun.

All the boys in the street including myself stopped by his yard to admire his intriguing work of art he displayed on this magnificent branch kite. I was curious to know why he made his kite from dry coconut branch sticks while others are using light white boards.

He was resting but awoke suddenly by the sound of the crowd in his yard. ‘‘You made a lovely kite Uncle Teddy,’’ I stammered. ‘‘This is my new modern kite, that none can compete against.’’ ‘‘Why you say so?’’ ‘‘It’s because my kite is different, it’s made from dry coconut branch.’’ ‘‘Why do you use branch when others using boards?’’ ‘‘Boards are hard to buy in these hard times, and it’s too heavy to fly.’’ ‘‘I love your kite it’s very beautiful, it’s the best I have seen.’’ ‘‘My kite is my life, it depicts Christ resurrection, that’s why it’s special to me.’’ ‘‘So you are a Christian?’’ ‘‘Yes Easter is very special to my soul, when I raised my kite it reminds me of Christ’s resurrection from the dead.’’

I was consternated by the divine message he portrays on his kite and felt as if my soul had a new hope to live again for Christ’s redemption. Teddy climbed on top of his house on a bright Easter morning; he flung his kite into the strong east wind.

His kite began to sing, dance and dived over the incoming sea as little children began to sing like his kite.

His kite was made like poetry the way the poet wrestle to find the right words to perfect his craft in poetry; his intricate skill at making kite reminded me of the poet and novelist Wilson Harris who writes of a mystical world depicting his characters from the quantum physics of poetry. Teddy read the Bible a great deal because his kite had the Biblical words written all over on the sides and bottom of it ‘I am the Resurrection’. He saw more than a kite in his kite he saw his Faith, his hope, his religion, his God as a part of his work.

The branch kite maker my dad called him but my mom saw him as a next village lazy man my mom used to say,‘‘ Is only them lazy man does sit down on a bench making kites.’’

I wonder why mom was always so critical and ironical guess she was right telling me to beat my head against the books.

My friend Mike running down to my yard as if he saw a jumbie or a ghost. ‘‘Is wa happen Mike?’’

“Teddy fell off his house while raising his kite.’’

“Is he dead? ’’My mom asked.

“No! No!’’ Mike replied holding his breath since he and Teddy were good friends.

“Is some Spirit throw down that lazy man on the house,’’ my mom shouted. ‘‘This place is Dutch place boy you can’t disturb them Dutchman at twelve O clock.’’Mom continued.

I rushed over to see the Branch Kite Maker Teddy. He was lying down in his hammock. ‘‘How you feeling Uncle Teddy?’’ I asked ‘‘God is good I slide off the house but landed on the big mango tree before I slide down just a few bruises God protected me.’’

I walked away slowly cogitating on his deep religious faith that motivated me as an atheist to believe in a God. His kite was still kissing the clouds into the distant horizon singing a new song ‘‘Christ is Coming Soon!”

I See You Dying On The Cross In the vision of my eyes I see you dying on a cross O Lord Jesus, Far away in Jerusalem when you were on earth By the hands of evil men, who knew not your birth?

That came from your eternal Father to save us all.

I cry to Thee and marvel at the sorrow you bear for our souls, When I see you dying on that crooked ugly cross To save this blind world otherwise lost, And my lost soul my eyes cannot behold.

O live forever more even in your eternal death!

For you are still alive when you went up to heaven, And left your old cross that looked like a seven And sailed away into the arms of your Father Who holds your breath with His own?

Whose eternal hands caught you away like Elijah of old?

Two thousand years ago for your mystery to be told.

By Rev.Gideon Cecil

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 1, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Feature

in crochet netting and sequins.

Greece

Easter is one of the most tradition-filled holidays in the Greek Orthodox Church, but on the is-

D

Australia

own Under, the bunny has a nasty rep for being a crop-destroying pest. So on Easter Sunday, Australian children get their chocolate eggs from the Easter Bilby, an endangered indigenous rodent with rabbitlike ears.

Hot cross buns, traditional sweet buns marked with a symbolic cross, are fixtures on Easter Sunday tables and the name is a very literal one: Before baking, crosses are scratched into or added atop the round, briochelike pastry to symbolize the crucifixion of Jesus. Still, the big eating event of the season is really Pancake Tuesday.

Celebrated weeks earlier on the Tuesday before Lent (the same day that Mardi Gras is celebrated in many cultures), Shrove Tuesday (or Pancake Tuesday) is considered a major part of Australia's Easter tradition, when pancakes are eaten in abundance prior to the 40-day Lenten period of abstinence.

the annual omelet for the masses has been a tradition for only three decades, many believe it harks back to an instance during Napoleon's reign when the general demanded a giant egg dish be prepared for his soldiers as they passed through the countryside.

Saalfeld, Germany

In this eastern city of Germany, Easter is synonymous with an egg-bedecked tree that's the source of much local pride.

Every year for more than

land of Corfu, situated off the northwestern coast of

Haux, France

In the southwestern city of Haux in France, the Easter egg takes on extreme proportions—literally. On Easter Monday, ambitious chefs take to the town's main square to build a fire and fry up an omelet large enough to sate the hunger of an entire town—it's lunch for up to 1,000 people. Last year's gargantuan dish was just shy of 10 feet in diameter and comprised 5,211 eggs, 21 quarts of oil, and 110 pounds each of bacon, onion, and garlic. Though

pressive number of churches—33, one to symbolize each year of Jesus' life—it should come as no surprise that this mountainous city in central Peru fervently celebrates Semana Santa (Holy Week) with near-

40 years, a prominent local family has decorated an apple tree outside its home with a spectrum of painted and embellished Easter eggs. What began as a dozen and a half plastic eggs is now a monumental collection requiring nearly two weeks to hang. Last year's tree was dressed with 9,800 eggs, many painted in extraordinary detail with landscapes and town scenes, and some covered

Greece, the Corfiots, ahem, break with mainland convention. At 11 a.m. on Holy Saturday, residents in the city center (also known as Corfu) toss water-filled clay pots known as botides from balconies overlooking the main streets. The ancient custom of breaking pots in celebration originated with the Venetians, who welcomed the New Year by throwing old pots and other household objects from their windows.

Feast table musts include fogatses (a Venetian-style brioche), hard-boiled eggs dyed in deep shades of red (to represent the body of Christ), dove-shaped cakes known as kolompines, and tsilihourda (which the rest of Greece calls mayeritsa, a soup of minced lamb tripe).

Ayacucho, Peru

Given Ayachucho's im-

constant activities, both religious and secular. In the 10 days leading up to Easter, ritual processions, music, dancing, temporary markets, and even bull running take place in the flower-blanketed streets, while the nighttime skies are illuminated with fireworks. To balance the exhausting activities, hungry appetites are sated on the eve of Easter Sunday with a feast of 12 traditional dishes. A favorite is chiriuchu, a mishmash of dried corn and mixed meats, including roasted guinea pig, which Peruvians commonly wash down with chicha, a regional beer made from fermented maize.

Poland

If being drenched in water doesn't sound very appealing, you'll want to avoid the streets of Poland on Smigus-Dyngus (Easter Monday). The custom of young men sprinkling unmarried girls with holy

water began as a playful practice intended to inspire romance; it's since evolved into an all-out water fight. Monday's watery warfare makes a jarring juxtaposition to Easter Sunday, when families come together over a massive feast to wish each other health and happiness for the rest of the year. A lamb-shaped cake or mold of butter is a typical tabletop centerpiece, while eggs in all forms—fried; boiled; halved and stuffed—are passed around as tokens of good blessings. In addition to zurek, a hearty white sausage soup known for its pungent taste (freshly fermented bread is added to the base), hungry celebrants feast on ham and cakelike breads such as babka and chalka.

Buffalo , New York

It's estimated that more than 25,000 revelers participate in Buffalo's annual Dyngus Day parade, making it the world's largest celebration of this lively Polish-American holiday.

Festivities kick off as early as Easter Sunday, often lasting through the week, but Monday is the prime time to experience the revelry at its fullest, with live music, dancing, drinking, and eating taking place throughout the city's historic Polonia district before a late-afternoon parade. No Dyngus Day would be complete without polka music, homey Eastern European foods like kielbasa, pierogi, and sauerkraut, and even water fights like the ones that fill the streets of Poland on Easter Monday.

As the popular polka song goes, "Everybody's Polish on Dyngus Day!" (blogspot.com)

8 Sunday Times Magazine

APRIL 1, 2018

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Travel and Tourism

In background is "Suburintau" in wapishana (Baboon mountain in English) - the Wapichans named the village after that very mountain

A

ll roads lead to the scenic village of Sand Creek this Easter Monday for the Sand Creek Rodeo 2018. Visitors are promised an exhilarating experience with the impressive lineup of events, which include horse racing, bull riding, greasy pig and much more. Nestled in a valley surrounded by the Kanuku mountain range in South Central Rupununi, Region Nine ( Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), the scenic and serene indigenous community is considered as the largest indigenous community in South Rupununi, with approximately 1,600 residents.

The Village, which is mainly populated with persons from the Wapishana tribe, has incorporated a modern way of life into their traditions; there is a t mix of traditionally built houses alongside concrete houses powered by solar energy, taps with running water in the yards or black tanks of water. Villagers mostly walk, cycle, or hitch a ride on the community tractor to varying destinations. However, there are a few villagers with vehicles, mostly pickups, since the community can be accessed by road from Lethem.

Residents of Sand Creek engage in the traditional agriculture and animal farming for their livelihood. The rehabilitation of their agriculture building is important to ensuring the success of crops and animals. Residents of Sand Creek are most proud of the developments in the community over the years. The village has a health facility with its own doctor, a nursery, primary and secondary school (Excerpts from DPI, photos from Sand Creek Facebook group )

A typical home in the community Horse back riding at Sand Creek

Sand Creek Secondary School

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APRIL 1, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine

9

Feature

By Yanalla Dalrymple

T

he Easter vacation has begun, for those parents who are looking for creative ways to keep their children occupied, the Happy Feet Dance Studio, located in the Campton Centre, First Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, will be a great choice. The Studio caters for persons between ages 4 to 35, who have an interest in dance and might be looking for the right environment to help them perfect their skill.

Happy Feet Dance Studio was founded on February 25, 2015 and is owned and run by Tiana Codrington, 24, who is no stranger to competitive dance. She began dancing competitively at the age of seven. In her teenage years, she enrolled in the Dance Fanatics Theatre, where she was educated on the technical aspects of dance.

This was followed by a short stint with the Classique Dance School.

In 2015, she successfully wrote Theatre Arts Dance at the CSEC level, as her first step towards a professional qualification.

The idea of the Studio came out of the need to engage the youths from Campbellville and other nearby communities in artful and meaningful activities as well as to give the founder an opportunity to share her love of dance and

Students and instructors pose for a photo on the third anniversary of Happy Feet Dance Studio

impart the knowledge she possesses to others.

The Multi-talented Director, in her formative years, won first place at many of the local Mashramani Competitions.

In 2015, she successfully completed Theatre Arts Dance at the Secondary level and went on in 2017 to participate in Contemporary and Horton Dance Workshops at the

world renowned Alvin Ailey Dance Studio in New York City.

Ms. Codrington has combined her talent for Dance and Choreography with her Marketing skills to propel her students and studio to modest popularity. For the past six years, her students have participated in the Children's Mashramani Competition.

In 2018, her persistence

paid off when she finally copped the first place after only managing the second position in the previous years.

The Studio offers different genres of dance, with specific focus on modern,

African and contemporary routines, along with Zumba classes.

Although the main focus is on youth development, there are a number of adult members. At present, there are 75 students enrolled at the Studio. The beginners’ class has 35 students between the ages of 4 and 12, teens and young adults class has 30 students between the ages 13 and 24, and the adult class has 10 members Three years after the Studio has steadily built a reputation. The students have done a number of guest performances at functions, with the most notable being those hosted by entities such as Courts (Guyana) Ltd and Sterling Products Ltd and the Prime Minister of Guyana.

They have also participated in the International Dance Day Concert, the 'Julianna Extravaganza' held in honor of President Granger's birthday and Guyana's Golden Jubilee Independence festivities.

They have also participated in the International Dance Day Concert and workshops held by the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport within the Education Ministry.

These performances, however, only allow for a

small group of the most accomplished dancers to showcase their talents beyond the walls of the Studio.

On May 28, 2017, the studio held its first major dance production, titled 'Unveil', to a sold out audience. Supporters can look forward to the upcoming production in June 2018 which will include all genres of dance being taught at Happy Feet: Modern, African, and Bollywood & Contemporary.

At Happy Feet Dance Studio, Codrington is ably assisted by two dance enthusiasts like herself – Donnette and Yonnette Holder.

Together they provide a quality programme, which ensures that students learn dance in an environment that is stimulating and exciting, as well as safe and welcoming. The aim is to have fun through movement while striving for excellence and achieving each student’s potential.

However, the activities are not limited to dance but also include other entertaining events focused on character building, teamwork and sportsmanship. To make contact follow them on Facebook and Instagram or visit them at the Campton Center.

10 Sunday Times Magazine

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APRIL 1, 2018

Fashion

The Jumpsuit Lady

E

Another useful tip and dressing idea for women who don’t get much time to shop or need something that is easy to wear, they can go for jumpsuits.

Wear a peach or some pretty shaded chiffon jumpsuit to make you look prettier and rock it with your stilettos.

aster is the time of year when everyone is celebrating and enjoying. The best part is women, men and children gather in their best dresses to eat and celebrate together. Easter is fun, full of food and joys. Planning what to wear on Easter is one of the toughest tasks as everyone wants to look their best, especially ladies. You can experiment a lot with their dressing and thus look different and glamorous.

Outfit for Young Girls

Young girls must wear dresses that make them appear playful as well as pretty. For Easter try opting for a knee length floral dress. To add to this, let your hair be loose in beach waves along with a matching clutch and nude pumps. This look is ideal and refreshing.

A Printed Dress

The Right Makeup

Along with beautiful dressing, Easter also calls for the right makeup to be done. Ladies can go for various looks be it nude look, bold lips and what not, but the most stylish look will be

light smokey eyes with the right winged eye liner and a soft lipstick to look radiant and fresh throughout the day.

Another easy solution is a printed dress. Yes, they may not be an option for many girls but if you wear them with the right accessories and the right shoes these are an ideal hit!

Steal Selena Gomez Easter Style

Selena Gomez is known for her wonderful sense of style. Well, you can wear your favourite white lace dress with a pair of glittery heels on Easter like Selena. This dress will make instantly uplift your overall look and is easy to carry.

At night, depending on the average evening temperature, try combining neutral slimcut shorts/chinos with T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts in summer-ready colours and prints to make an effortless statement. (outfittrends.com, fashionbeans.com)

Day into Night

Beach Break

A weekend away with your partners in crime means sun, sand and… sartorial dilemmas: what to wear? While it’s tempting to throw all stylish nous to the wind in favour of a relaxing few days footloose and fashion-free, creating a stylish daytime look is easier than you think.

Anything goes at Easter, so now’s the time to experiment with colour and print, if that’s your inclination; think tiedye, striking motifs and patterned shirts. There is such a thing as a tasteful Hawaiian/ floral shirt – make sure it incorporates a maximum of four complementary shades.

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 1, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Home & Cooking

Recipe

L

ove the idea of Easter flowers? From table centres to wreaths and room decorations, try one of these gorgeous Easter themed flower arrangements! The centrepiece for your Easter table an create a beautiful focal point for a meal, and from flowers to birds, foliage to candles, there are a huge array of gorgeous designs to choose from.

Kaleidoscope of Colour

Create an instant Easter tree

Ingredients

100ml whole milk 100g milk chocolate, broken into pieces 120g ground almonds 120g self-raising flour ¼ tsp baking powder 50g cocoa powder 200g unsalted butter, softened 200g light sugar 3 medium eggs, beaten

For the ice cream

1 liter vanilla ice cream 250g chocolate mini eggs, roughly chopped

Mix and match your vases and blooms for an eclectic and flexible centrepiece. This one works a treat with a brightly coloured tablecloth and tableware.

Use a couple of large twigs and put a few willow branches into a vase with a narrow neck, then hang eggs, baubles and birds from the branches.

For the icing

300ml double cream 2 tbsp icing sugar Chocolate mini eggs to decorate

You’ll also need…

3 x 20cm round loose-bottomed cake tins, bases lined with non-stick baking paper

Method

01. Take the vanilla ice cream out of the freezer to soften. When it’s soft enough to scoop, spoon it into a medium mixing bowl (one that will fit in your freezer). Stir in the chopped mini eggs, then return to the freezer.

02. Heat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Put the milk and chocolate pieces into a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water and leave to melt, making sure the water doesn’t touch the bowl. Once melted, stir briefly.

03. In a bowl, mix the ground almonds, flour, baking powder and cocoa together. In another large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until pale and creamy. Slowly beat the eggs into the butter/sugar mixture, a little at a time, adding a spoonful of the flour mix if the cake batter starts to curdle.

Beat in the melted chocolate at a low speed, then beat in the flour mixture until just combined.

04. Divide the cake batter evenly among the prepared cake tins. Level the top with a spatula, then bake for 20-25 minutes until risen and a skewer pushed into the middle of each cake comes out clean.

05. Leave the cakes to cool for 10 minutes in the tins, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

06. Remove the ice cream from the freezer and allow to soften just enough to scoop. Put one cake back into a cleaned cake tin. Scoop half of the ice cream on top of the cake in the tin and spread evenly. Top with another layer of cake, then spread the remaining ice cream over the top. Put the final cake sponge on top.

Cover completely with cling film, then return to the freezer for 1½ hours or until ready to serve.

07. Just before serving, put the cream and icing sugar into a medium mixing bowl and whisk with an electric mixer until it forms soft peaks. Remove the frozen layered cake from the tin and transfer to a flat serving plate or stand. Dollop the whipped cream on top and scatter over the mini eggs. Serve immediately in slices.

Less is more

Short of flowers or space? Opt for narrow-neck vases with statement flowers such as anemones.

Floating flowers

The easiest centrepiece ever: simply group a few high-sided plates together, fill with water and dot a few flowerheads in each. This is a good way to display blooms that have broken off their stems, too. Add a few leaves and water droplets on the petals and foliage for visual interest.

Bold Display

Create a talking point with a multicoloured bouquet of roses – we chose the lovely David Austin roses ‘Kate’ and ‘Darcey’, then added fronds of a smallleaved eucalyptus. Dot votives around to create a warm glow. (goodhousekeeping.com)

12 Sunday Times Magazine

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APRIL 1, 2018

Puzzles

Crossword

ACROSS 1 Frisks about 6 Avoid, as an issue 11 Freshwater fish 16 Named 21 Luau welcome 22 Mongol invader 23 Pack animal 24 Coffee emanation

25 Atlas, for one 26 Christopher of "Superman" 27 Circumference 28 Greeted the moon 29 Newsy 31 As a joke (2 wds.)

33 Shakes a finger 35 Conclude 36 Go back to square one 37 Godzilla foe 38 Make muddy 39 Dust devil 40 Lennon's widow 41 Trojan War cause 42 Tell a story

44 Molten rock 47 Dennis or Randy 48 Greasy dirt 49 Pina -- 53 Ice and Stone 54 Chicago cagers 55 Darth Vader, once 56 Stadium hoverer 57 Mr. Ripken 58 Glimmer 59 Winsome 60 Ivan's refusal 61 Colony member 62 Honey makers 64 Cinnamon treats 65 Transvaal settler 66 Canal to the Baltic

67 Jamming in 68 KWh bill

69 Round Table titles 70 Tart fruit 71 Ex-strongman Amin 72 High, high winds 74 Earth, in combos 75 Handyman's supply 78 Sea dogs 79 Sporty trucks 80 Dickered 84 Zenith 85 Rice-shaped pasta 86 Flintstone father 87 Garbo role (2 wds.)

88 -- culpa

89 "Mockingbird" singer Foxx 90 Comb producers 91 White-sale buy 92 Paris single 93 Strange truth 95 Physics particles 96 Followed the trail 97 Prevent errata 98 Reply 99 Pirate's booty 100 Jabs playfully 101 Motor coaches 102 Beef, e.g. (2 wds.)

104 Small change 105 Racoon's coat 106 "K-K-K- --" (1918 tune) 109 Untold centuries 110 Wrote a bad check 111 Vagabonds 115 Carthage loc.

116 Bear constellation 117 Precipice 118 Swimmer's one-piece (2 wds.)

119 Composure 121 Video-game pioneer 123 Matrix 125 Fine cotton thread

126 Iris center 127 Waterloo resident 128 Flowerpot spot 129 Gauguin's prop 130 Coeur d'-- Idaho 131 Sweet liqueur 132 Renter's document 133 Saw logs DOWN 1 Film critic 2 Martini extra 3 Specks of dust 4 Ghosts 5 "Evil Ways" rockers 6 Majorette's gait 7 Film critic Pauline -- 8 Mineral suffix 9 Trattoria offerings 10 Inclined 11 Air rifle (2 wds.)

12 Archaeological site 13 Screw things up

14 Paintings 15 Cashmere kin 16 Urban transport 17 Levin or Gershwin 18 Fiddled idly 19 Fix a manuscript

51 Restaurant patron 52 Suitably 54 Russian pancakes 55 Crossroads 56 Skippers' okays 58 Power systems 59 Billiard sticks 60 Average 63 Limber 64 Quick lunches 65 Prejudice 66 401(k) kin 68 A Saarinen 47 "The Caine Mutiny" captain 69 Canary's dinner 70 Kicked off 48 Acquires 72 Satchmo's style 50 Win by -- -- 73 AAA suggestions 74 Having fences 75 Busch Gardens city 76 Canoe anagram 77 Sharif and Bradley 78 Fearsome dinosaur, briefly 80 Pantyhose brand 81 Heaps kudos on 82 Tennessee -- Ford 83 Counts calories 85 Not yet in stock (2 wds.)

86 -- shui 87 Sound equipment 20 -- -longlegs 30 To's opposite 32 Sports enthusiast 34 Mountain topper 37 Domain 38 Sari wearer 39 Congers 41 Wahines' dances 42 In the buff

43 Legal wrong 44 Rain forest parrot 45 Wide open 46 Ice-cold

89 -- fixe 90 Tea clipper 91 Was fond of 94 Crooked 95 -- -- framed!

96 Off the hook 97 Pertaining to the Urals 99 Upper House member 100 Trap for the unwary 101 Warps 103 Stained-glass art 104 502 in Rome 105 Dorsal -- 106 Phi Beta -- 107 Run -- of the law 108 Utter nonsense 110 "Soapdish" actor 111 Check endorser 112 Rene of "Tin Cup" 113 Crude carrier 114 Inscribed pillar 116 River in Zaire 117 Hit the books 118 Labels 120 Harte's Ah -- 122 Dazzle 124 Vitaminlabel initials See Solution on Pg 13

KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME TODAY'S WORD -- FRACTION (FRACTION: FRAK-shun: A disconnected piece; a fragment.)

Average mark 40 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 64 or more words in FRACTION?

fact faction factor faint fair faro fiat firn font fort franc

frantic frit front racon raft rain rani rant ratio ration rift

riot roan acorn action actor anti antic aortic atonic cairn cant

canto cantor cart carton citron coat coati coif coin coir confit

contra corn craft taco tarn taro tiro tonic torn train trio

trona icon infract into iota iron orca otic naif

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

APRIL 1, 2018

Snapchat is reportedly working on third-party access controls S

nap is reportedly working on a new feature that will let users control which third-party apps will have access to their Snapchat accounts, according to Mashable. The publication reports that the latest beta version of Snapchat features a new tab in the settings screen called “Connected Apps.” The screen simply has text that reads: “These apps are connected to your Snapchat account. Choose an app to control what it has access to.”

The timing is particularly bad, given that Facebook is facing public outrage over the company’s data collection policies. The Facebook scandal erupted after news reports from The Guardian revealed third-party firm Cambridge Analytics misused data from as many as 50 million Facebook users.

Snapchat’s new settings

screen is most likely similar to those found on Facebook, Google, and Twitter, where users can control third-party access. Snap currently lets the Bitmoji app (which it owns) access Snapchat accounts. Snap also has a partnership with Shazam, which allows users to identify music and send music discoveries as snaps to friends.

Snap has recently introduced more features like a

Map Explore tool and custom face lenses. It’s important to note that the screens found were in a beta version and might not even be released.

If the beta does go ahead, allowing more third-party apps access to your Snapchat might mean more features, but it would also involve the risk of letting more companies’ potential access to your data. (the Verge)

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Tech

Facebook to postpone smart speaker reveal as data scandal continues A s public outrage over Facebook's data collection policies continues to swirl, the company has decided to delay the announcement of its upcoming smart speakers, according to a Bloomberg report.

The devices were said to have been set for an unveiling at Facebook's F8 developer conference in May, but as Bloomberg puts it, “now may be the wrong time” to ask people to trust the company with even more personal information by placing always-listening microphones in their homes.

Bloomberg reported details of the products last August. They're said to include a video-focused device codenamed Aloha (and possibly called Portal) with a laptop-sized touchscreen, along with a standalone speaker that would sell for a lower price. Both reportedly use a voice assistant devel-

oped by Facebook, akin to Amazon's Alexa and Apple's Siri. The products themselves were always intended for a release in the fall, according to the report, but Facebook now wants to conduct a “deeper review” of how they collect data before revealing them to the public.

Even before the current crisis, these devices may have been a tough sell — a lot of people already believe the debunked conspiracy theory

that Facebook secretly uses smartphone microphones to record conversations and better target advertising.

Facebook came out as one of the least trusted US tech companies in a study conducted by The Verge and Reticle Research last fall, though a little over half of the respondents expressed at least some degree of interest in the company's upcoming smart speaker. (CNET))

PlayStation VR cuts price on game Europe’s new privacy rule bundles, now starting at $300 is reshaping the internet

I

D

iscounts on packages for Sony's PSVR system go into effect this week in the US, Canada and Europe.

The company earlier last week said its suggested retail price for the PSVR system bundled with the game "Doom VFR" or the game "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR" would get $100 cuts in the US, starting last Thursday. The Canadian prices on the packages are coming down too, and European customers will see a discount on PSVR starter packs.

PSVR cost $500 when it was introduced in 2016, compared the $600 Oculus Rift or $800 HTC Vive at the time. Since then, all those high-end systems have pulled back the reins on their prices, as virtual reality systems have struggled with adoption.

The PlayStation VR "Doom VFR" bundle will cost $299.99 in the US and C$379.99 in Canada, and "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR" bundle will cost $349.99 in the US and C$449.99 in Canada. Both bundles include a PSVR headset, PlayStation Camera, PSVR Demo Disc 2.0 and the game's Blu-ray Disc. The Skyrim bundle also includes two PlayStation Move controllers and all the official add-ons for the core game. (CNET)

f you’ve been looking for it, you may have seen a lot of privacy policies change in the past few months. From Google to Slack, companies are quietly updating terms, rewriting contracts, and rolling out new personal data tools in preparation for a massive shift in the legal landscape.

So far, it’s mostly been a problem for legal departments, but as policy changes and contract fights go public, it’s started affecting the average web user, too.

The rule is called the General Data Protection Regulation (or GDPR), and it’s poised to reshape some of the messiest parts of the internet. Here’s what you need to know about it.The General Data Protection Regulation is a rule passed

by the European Union in 2016, setting new rules for how companies manage and share personal data. In theory, the GDPR only applies to EU citizens’ data, but the global nature of the internet means that nearly every online service is affected, and the regulation has

already resulted in significant changes for US users as companies scramble to adapt.

Much of the GDPR builds on rules set by earlier EU privacy measures like the Privacy Shield and Data Protection Directive, but it expands on those measures

in two crucial ways. First, the GDPR sets a higher bar for obtaining personal data than we’ve ever seen on the internet before. By default, any time a company collects personal data on an EU citizen, it will need explicit and informed consent from that person. Users also need a way to revoke that consent, and they can request all the data a company has from them as a way to verify that consent.

It’s a lot stronger than existing requirements, and it explicitly extends to companies based outside the EU. For an industry that’s used to collecting and sharing data with little to no restriction, which means rewriting the rules of how ads are targeted online. (the Verge)

agrees to settle discrimination lawsuit for $10M

Crossword Solution

U

ber has agreed to pay $10 million to settle a class-action lawsuit that accused the ride-hailing startup of discriminating against female and minority employees.

The lawsuit, representing 420 female engineers, said Uber's compensation practices discriminate against women and people of color, resulting in lost earnings, promotions and benefits. As part of its settlement, Uber has agreed to change how it manages compensation and

promotion.

"This settlement involves claims dating back to July 2013 and, while we are continually improving as a company, we have proactively made a lot of changes since then," Uber said in a statement. "In the past year alone we have implemented a new salary and equity structure based on the market, overhauled our performance review process, published our first Diversity & Inclusion report and created and delivered diversity and leader-

ship trainings to thousands of employees globally."

The lawsuit, filed in October by three Latina engineers, alleged that American Indian and African-American employees at Uber receive lower performance scores, hurting their chances of advancement, pay raises, bonuses and stock options.

The lawsuit was just one of a series of scandals during a tumultuous year for Uber that saw the forced resignation of CEO Travis Kalanick

and the dismissal of more than 20 employees amid an investigation into sexual harassment allegations at the company. The settlement comes a little more than a year after former Uber engineer Susan Fowler wrote a blog post about her experiences working at Uber, including sexual harassment, gender bias, and "a game-ofthrones political war raging within the ranks of upper management." The settlement still requires approval of the court. (CNET)

14 Sunday Times Magazine

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APRIL 1, 2018

Bollywood/Hollywood

Priyanka Chopra’s next Bollywood film to be directed

by Shonali Bose?

P

riyanka Chopra was in Mumbai city for a short while before flying out to Ireland to resume work on her American TV show ‘Quantico’. While she was here, the actress juggled her time between script readings, family time, catching up with friends and treating herself to relaxing sessions at the salon. According

to latest reports, the global icon is now ready to end her two-year Bollywood hiatus and will announce her next film.

While reports of her starring opposite Salman Khan in ‘Bharat’ have been doing the rounds, new reports now claim that PeeCee has shown interest in working on a film by ‘Margarita with

a Straw’ filmmaker Shonali Bose. The report further claims that the actress liked the concept of the film, which is allegedly based on a true story. The director has started prepping for the same and is awaiting Priyanka’s nod. In the meanwhile, Priyanka will be seen in the Hollywood films ‘A Kid Like Jake’ and ‘Isn’t It Romantic’.

(Times of India)

Pacific Rim Uprising' Kicks 'Black Panther' From Box Office Throne

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he 'Pacific Rim' sequel dethrones the Marvel superhero film after five weeks sitting at the top of the chart. There's a new conqueror on North American box office. Universal Pictures and Legendary Entertainment's "Pacific Rim Uprising" opened to approximately $28 million at 3,708 locations, beating Marvel and Disney's "Black Panther" which sat at the throne for five straight weekends.

Although "Pacific Rim Uprising" managed to rise as a new champion on the chart, the movie opened with a softer debut than its predecessor which bowed to $37.3 million when it was released in July 2013. In foreign territories, where the original "Pacific Rim" was more popular than in the U.S., the sequel is expected to

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collect around $122.5 million this weekend, with $65 million coming from China market.

Directed by Steven S. DeKnight who took over the duty from original "Pacific Rim" director Guillermo Del Toro, "Uprising" stars John Boyega, Scott Eastwood and Rinko Kikuchi. It got panned by critics and received a B CinemaScore.

Paul Dergarabedian, a box office analyst at comScore, says, " 'Pacific Rim Uprising', much like its 2013 predecessor, will rely heavily on the international box office to justify the sizable investment required to produce such a large scale, effects driven sci-fi epic." He adds, "Having earned almost four and half times more internationally in its debut as compared to North America, 'Uprising' was clearly built from the ground up to capitalize on the

huge interest that international, and in particular China-based, audiences have in this brand and this type of moviegoing experience."

Meanwhile, "Black Panther" stays solid on its sixth weekend, adding an estimated $16.7 million in North America (dropping 37.5%) and $12.9 million overseas for a worldwide total of $1.24 billion so far. The movie has become the highestgrossing superhero movie in the U.S., not adjusted for inflation.

The new "Tomb Raider" movie starring Alicia Vikander drops three places from No. 2 to No. 5 with an estimated $10.4 million. Biblical movie "Paul, Apostle of Christ" opened to an estimated $5 million over Palm Sunday weekend. (Ace Showbiz)

oyal Wedding Day (May 19) is less than two months away, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had their invitations sent out this week in preparation. Kensington Palace revealed the invitation on Twitter, and it turns out that there are some pretty noticeable differences between this one and the invitation sent out for Prince William and Kate Middleton back in 2011.

The biggest difference is actually in who sent the invitations, because (twist) the royal couples themselves did not. Sticking to protocol, invitations are instead sent on behalf of a member of the royal family. William and Kate's invite, for example, was sent as a command on

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he 'Iron Man' actor mentions several award winners, including Marion Cotillard, Octavia Spencer and Craig Robinson, who will star in the Doctor Dolittle film.

Earlier this week, March 27, Robert Downey Jr. took to Twitter to unveil the full cast for Universal's live action-animated hybrid "The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle". The "Iron Man" actor posted a picture showing several faces, names and their roles in the movie.

On the post, Robert mentioned several celebrities

who had not been previously announced to star in the movie. The celebrities, who will lend their voices to the film, include Oscar winners Marion Cotillard and Octavia Spencer, Oscar nominee Kumail Nanjiani, Emmy Award winner Rami Malek, Craig Robinson, John Cena, Carmen Ejogo and Frances de la Tour.

Meanwhile, the previously announced cast members were Robert himself who will play Dr. John Dolittle, Ralph Fiennes who will voice Barry the tiger, Emma Thompson

who will lend her voice to Polynesia the parrot, Tom Holland who will provide his voice for Jip the dog, and Selena Gomez who will voice Betsy the giraffe.

Besides the aforementioned celebrities, the cast also includes Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen, Harry Collett and Jim Broadbent. Antonio will star in a live-action role of Rassouli, with Michael being cast as Mudfly. Meanwhile, Universal has not announced live-action roles to be played

by Harry and Jim. (Ace Showbiz)

Salman Khan takes Da-Bangg tour to US, Canada

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ollywood star Salman Khan’s Da-Bangg Tour, which has entertained the Indian diaspora in London, Hong Kong, Auckland and Melbourne, is now all set to take place in US and Canada.

“USA / Canada ... Agli Baari Tumhari! Aa rahein hain hum, swag ke saath (Next is US/ Canada! We are coming with swag) Dabangg reloaded, Dabangg Tour,” Salman tweeted

behalf of Queen Elizabeth II. The invite reads, "The Lord Chamberlain was commanded by The Queen to invite ______."

Harry and Meghan's is less formal and sent as a request on behalf of Harry's father, Prince Charles. The invitation says, "His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, K.G., K.T., requests the pleasure of the company of ______."

The reason for Will and Kate's extra dash of formality could be because Prince William is currently second in line for the throne, after his father. He's much closer to be becoming king than his brother Harry, who will be sixth in line after William and Kate have their third child in April.

The invites also differ in design: William and Kate's had the reigning monarch’s crest at the top, while Harry

recently.

The event will see Bollywood stars Jacqueline Fernandez, Katrina Kaif, Sonakshi Sinha, Kriti Sanon, Prabhudheva, Daisy Shah and Maniesh Paul joining Salman.

The tour’s last stop was in Pune where the stars performed last week. Earlier, they also enthralled fans in New Delhi in December 2017 where the stars shook-

a-leg-on peppy numbers like Mujhse shadi karogi, Garam chai ki pyali ho, Munni Badnam and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo.

The Tiger Zinda Hai star’s Da-Bangg Tour was scheduled to take place in Kathmandu on March 10. It had been called off citing threat from a section led by Netra Bikram Chand ‘Biplav’, according to the organisers. (Hindustan Times)

and Meghan’s has the feathered badge of the Prince of Wales (due to the different family members who sent the invitations).

It's also interesting to see that Kate was referred to as "Miss Catherine Middleton," while Meghan was referred to as "Ms. Meghan Markle."

The reason for this is unclear, but it could be due to Meghan having been divorced. There isn't an established formal etiquette for what name she should go by, so "Ms." may be her preference.

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 1, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 15

16 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 1, 2018

Fun Times

Archie

Think before you speak.

You’ll end up in a compro(March 21- mising position if you are April 19) too pushy or will not listen to reason. Nurture relationships instead of pushing people away.

ARIES

You’ll find it difficult to TAURUS sit still and wait out an un(April 20- certain situation. Try not to May 20) disclose any information that could be used against you.

Don’t act or say something impulsively.

A physical change will GEMINI make you feel good about the (MAY 28- way you look and what you June 20) have to offer. Don’t impose on someone who isn’t up for as lively a time as you are.

An unexpected change will catch you off-guard. Don’t feel (June 21- you must get involved in someJuly 22) thing risky. Acknowledge what others are doing, but go your own way.

CANCER

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

Peanuts

Changes at home that will add to your comfort are highlighted, but before you begin, make sure you have the approval of anyone who will be affected by your plans.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Avoid people who are unpredictable or who promote poor habits. Focus on making personal and physical improvements and paying closer attention to good health, proper diet and exercise.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Personal and emotional changes can be made. Home improvements should help cut your overhead or bring greater peace and comfort to you and those you live with.

Romance is highlighted.

Make love and romance SCORPIO (Oct. 24- your priorities. Changes you Nov. 22) make that update your image or encourage you to be fit and healthy will make you feel good and will draw compliments.

Look for personal opporSAGITTARIUS tunities instead of offering to (Nov. 23do the dirty work for someone Dec. 21) else’s benefit. Put your energy into your home, family and self-improvements, not into helping outsiders.

Calvin and Hobbes

Refuse to let anyone CAPRICORN push you into something you (Dec. 22- shouldn’t do or put unreasonJan. 19) able demands on you. Back away from anyone who appears to be unpredictable.

Make positive changes AQUARIUS to the way you handle your (Jan. 20- money. A financial gain, gift Feb. 19) or offer should be protected from someone trying to take advantage of your good fortune.

PISCES You’ll desire personal (Feb. 20- change and should considMar. 20) er doing something to update your physical appearance. It will draw attention and encourage a romantic opportunity with someone special.