Guyana Times International

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You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com ISSUE NO. 294

WEEK ENDING May 22, 2016

Eastern Airlines set to launch Guyana service from NY, Miami Inquest ordered See story on page 3

A warm Guyanese welcome

As Guyana prepares to celebrate its 50th Independence Anniversary, passengers who arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Thursday morning were greeted

into death of Balram Persaud

with a warm and “Guyanese-style� welcome from models of aviation giant, Caribbean Airlines.

Those persons who landed at the Airport were given tokens such as miniature

Page 9

flags of Guyana as they were greeted by models dressed in attire depicting the six different races of Guyana, while they danced to steel pan music.

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WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS 3

WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Eastern Airlines set to launch Guyana service from NY, Miami I

n light of the Golden Jubilee Independence celebrations this month, Guyanese throughout the United States will now have access to an additional air travel service to Guyana.

One Guyana Air Travel in collaboration with Eastern Air Lines and Travelspan Inc. is offering non-stop flights from Miami and New York and other International Airports to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Guyana on May 20 & 21.

This service is expected to continue with five (5) weekly flights from July 1 to September 11 this year.

According to One Guyana Air Travel,

this partnership with Eastern and TravelSpan was established mainly due to the overwhelming demand for reliable and affordable air transport to Guyana, combined with a strong commitment to serve the traveling public from the con-

tinental United States, Canadian and European cities.

This publication understands that these flights are timed to provide connecting opportunities at both JFK and Miami from cities throughout the US,

Canada and Europe.

The United States Department of Transportation (US DoT) granted Eastern Air Lines approval to provide these new charter services on February 10, 2016, followed by approvals from the Government

of Guyana on May 12, 2016.

M e a n w h i l e , Minister of Public Telecommunications and Tourism, Cathy Hughes stated that there is no “better time for this to come to pass.”

Eastern Air Lines op-

erates the state of the art 737-800 ‘next generation’ aircraft, and will provide convenient schedules with comfortable Business and Economy seating, new onboard ambience lighting, particularly to enhance sleep in-flight.

4 views

WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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EDITORIAL

What matters most?

I

n life, everyone has their own unique thinking and disposition as it pertains to their perception of what they expect from their Government and holistically, from their economy. Hardly would you find everyone agreeing on a particular perspective, whether it is political or socio-economic. This however, was not the case when it came time to review the performance and progress of the Government after one year in office.

At present, while many could point to a positive situation, they have condemned the Government for its poor management of the country’s economic affairs.

No amount of statistical spin can justify the actual hand being played out on the ground. The poor and middle-class families and workers were haemorrhaging financially, eating away at the little that they were able to accumulate under the growth of the previous Administration. People stopped spending altogether, only allocations were made for the basic provisions such as food, indeed, in some cases, that is all that could be allocated for.

After one year, everything came to a screeching halt. Why is that? We don’t believe that it was the Government’s intention to have the economy reach to this point. But the Government has played a significant role in maintaining this drought by not advancing any meaningful stimulus packages that would jolt the economy and proliferate internal consumption, thereby increasing spending.

Further exacerbating Government’s predicament is its perceptible short-term disposition as it pertains to investment and economic growth. Within its one year in office, instead of investing in projects that would elevate the productive or manufacturing sectors, the Government has plugged monies into projects such as the creation of the D’Urban Park Stadium, an entity that beyond providing jobs during its construction, will not provide any returns on the investments made, only incurring further expenditure for its upkeep and maintenance. The monies for its upkeep would invariably come from the pockets of tax payers.

Had the Government invested the millions spent on the Park project to instead bailout and diversify the ailing sugar industry, there would have been 2000 workers still receiving a paycheque, which would have through local domestic consumption, aided in providing the impetus needed to propel the stagnant economy.

The Government’s apparent downsizing of the industry by acquiescing to the closure of two of its prominent estates is also seen as a retrograde move, especially when there is scope to diversify the surplus tonnes of sugar that the international market no longer wants into an alternative, eco-friendly form of fuel, which is ethanol.

What is paradoxically significant at this juncture is to note the pronouncements made by President Granger who in calling for more Caribbean countries to invest in Guyana via agricultural production said in his weekly televised “Public Interest” programme that “the Trinidadians are welcome to come. They had an interest in Canje, and the intermediate savannahs. It depends on the crop they want to produce. If they want to produce sugar cane to produce ethanol, I would welcome, yes.”

So on one side the government is downsizing on the domestic production of sugar, knowing very well that it could be used in the production of ethanol and on the other side they are advocating for the increased production of sugar from another country, utilising our lands, to produce ethanol.

There seems to be no clear cut vision on the part of the Government as to where its wants to be in the long run, especially where the developmental economics of the country is involved.

These same inconsistencies are manifesting itself across Guyana and making businesses and persons who have money to invest in the economy reluctant to want to do so, thereby contributing to its stagnation further.

In the final analysis, the Government needs to understand what matters most to the people of this country and start putting in place proper long-term mechanisms to facilitate the proliferation of the manufacturing sectors, the creation of jobs and worthwhile investments such as cheap energy. This would encourage multinational corporations to want to invest here, thereby further stimulating the growth of the economy and in the long run, uplifting the standard of living of the most vulnerable in our society.

The Guyana National Museum joined with the rest of the world to celebrate International Museum Day. In this Marceano Narine photo, an unlit fire side on display at the Museum depicting the early East Indians' way of cooking in Guyana

Politics of deception at work Dear Editor, David Granger fired the first salvo in pursuit of his historical mission to misinterpret and revise Guyana’s contemporary political history.

In the course of a lecture delivered at Parliament Building on July 6, 2012, he declared; “There is no Father of the Nation, Independence cannot be attributed to a single person or to a single party.”

With this single sentence, Granger dismissed out of hand any role for both Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham, by the same token, he distanced himself from Burnham, his benefactor, “the Kabaka” and Founder Leader of the Party – the People’s National Congress (PNC) – he now heads.

A mere three years later, Amna Ally speaking at a ceremony hosted by the Women’s Arm of the PNC on August 7, 2015, contradicted Granger.

She publicly hailed Burnham as “the Father of the Nation”.

It was the politics of deception at work.

In the same month and year to mark the same occasion but at a different venue, Granger made a 90 degree about turn, probably to appease the Nortons and other hardline Burnhamites, who had expressed publicly their disagreement with Granger’s earlier “Father of the Nation” statement.

Praising Burnham, this is what Granger had to say: “Guyanese, are heirs of a rich legacy bequeathed by Forbes Burnham… we draw strength from our former leader’s exemplary record and renew our collective effort to continue his life’s work and to create a good life for all Guyanese.”

Continuing his historical mission to dictate the course of history and to provide his own interpretation of Guyana’s political history, speaking at a President’s College Graduation ceremony in November 2015, Granger declared that Guyana needs a “Second Independence”.

He stated that “The independence movement was “incomplete”… it left many citizens

languishing in the shadow of dependency with its poverty, prejudices and political partisanship.”

Granger completely and consciously side-stepped the programmes and policies implemented by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) from 1957 to 1964 but more importantly, those implemented from 1992 to 2015.

At the ceremony marking the 49th anniversary of Guyana’s independence held at the Independence Arch at Brickdam, Georgetown, Granger praised to the skies one Theopholus Lee who he claimed played a major role in the Guyanese people’s struggle for Universal Adult Suffrage – a rather far-fetched and obscurantist approach to Guyanese political history. It was a falsehood which could not survive a test of a Guyanese history lesson nor scrutiny of British Guiana’s historical records.

It astounded many that Granger would scrape the barrel searching for an obscure and a non-entity as Lee, a turncoat who openly supported pro-colonial policies against the citizens of the then British Guiana.

It came as a surprise therefore that Granger did not use the occasion to name the Brickdam Arch after Theopholus Lee. But this was not to be the end of the revisionist and obscurantist approach to Guyana’s contemporary political history. In fact, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of our country’s independence, Mr Granger was at it again.

This time, he delved deep into his party’s album in search of a hero who perhaps Burnham himself never liked anyway.

Thus, Granger came up with the name Eugene Correia.

The question was where was the name to be placed? A location had to be found to assign the name and, after all, what better place can there be than the Ogle International Airport.

The President therefore took it upon himself to sell the

name and to publicly justify the name being emblazoned atop the main terminal building at the Ogle International Airport.

In this way, Granger opened a can of worms, all hell broke loose, the proposal became mired in controversy from the very outset but there was no turning back.

Eugene Correia belonged to privileged and propertied class of the then British Guiana. Following the removal of the PPP Government as a result of the suspension of the Constitution by the colonial powers, he was elected a member of the 1954 Interim Government.

Correia belonged to the National Democratic Party (NDP) which fought the PPP in 1953 elections. Correia’s party was closely associated with the League of Coloured People (LCP); a party that appealed to African racism. Correia, along with others, opposed the Rice Farmers’ Security of Tenure Ordinance.

According to Cheddi Jagan, “The Ordinance sought to help rice farmers during droughts and floods and to secure and protect their rights. For a landlord who did not keep drains and trenches free from bush; the penalty was again; that the tenant would vacate the land.

The landlord deliberately did not uphold the rules of good estate management. And vacating the land was the last thing the tenant wanted to do – The law was of no value to him”.

So much for the “admirable role” played by Eugene Correia.

Rice farmers today should take note of these historical facts as they continue to struggle for survival 50 years later.

Guyana can look forward to more of these brazen and disrespectful acts as we move towards celebrating the 50th anniversary of our country’s independence.

Respectfully, Clement Rohee General Secretary People’s Progressive Party

NEWS 5

WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Crisis in Venezuela a concern for entire Region – President …says Guyanese are welcome to return

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resident David Granger said the economic crisis in Venezuela will no doubt affect the security of the region, and he is expressing hope for an orderly resolution to the situation.

The economy of neighbouring Venezuela, the country with the largest oil reserves, has been in crisis since the decline in oil prices on the world market. International media report that three years of recession, crime, shortages, looting, electricity and water rationing, and inflation projected to rise to as much as 700 percent, have angered Venezuelans.

“I am deeply concerned, Guyana has special interest because of the territorial question, but I think the whole region is concerned about what is taking place in Venezuela, and we hope that there is not going to be a resort to lawlessness,” President Granger said.

More particularly, the President expressed concerns about the involvement of the Venezuelan National Armed Forces in

the crisis in the country.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has deployed military personnel on the streets as part of an operation to address the growing crime situation and protests.

“I hope that a legal approach is taken, an orderly approach is taken for the security of the whole sub-region because it will have an impact on the Caribbean as well,” President Granger said.

Meanwhile, the deteriorating situation in Venezuela has created a growing refugee problem that threatens to spill over to Guyana.

When asked by media operatives on Thursday, if he will accept refugees from that country, President Granger said, “We do not have any agreement with Venezuela about other refugees, and that is not something we have considered.”

However, the President said that Guyana is obligated to accept any Guyanese returning from Venezuela.

(GINA)

Jagdeo maintains no power struggle within PPP R

esponding to mounting concerns over the holding of the Party’s General Congress, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Central and Executive Member Bharrat Jagdeo has declared that he really does not care when it happens.

“Frankly speaking, if it’s held tomorrow or next year, I don’t care, it does not make a difference to me. Whether it’s held tomorrow or next year, what will change?”

Jagdeo remarked during a news conference on Wednesday at Freedom House, Robb Street.

According to the Party’s constitution, a General Congress is to be held this year during which Party members will be afforded the opportunity to discuss a number of issues as well as nominate and elect new leaders.

Much debate has erupted in the public domain over this event and an apparent clash among the Party leadership over the next presidential candidate. But Jagdeo insisted that there is no such struggle within the Party.

“The whole issue

PPP/C MP Dr Frank Anthony

about the PPP and the so-called internal problem, I believe that APNU [A Partnership for National Unity] and the coalition have taken such a hammering about their coalition and their partnership, that there are some people who are interested, some people in the media, some directed by the Prime Minister… so they are trying to foment that there is something comparable…then they go…and try to make an issue where there is none,” he explained.

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee had told media operatives that the Party’s Executive Committee would consider a date for the Congress, and af-

terwards, the Central Committee would discuss and determine the final date.

Rohee, a member of the Central Committee, said he did not want to pre-judge the decision taken by the Committee.

Nonetheless, he explained that the constitution of the Party stipulated that only the Central Committee could postpone the Congress.

“It doesn’t have to give any specific reasons why they are postponing the Congress…The members themselves would discuss among and determine whether they would hold it this year or not,” he stated.

However, Jagdeo disclosed that the Committee was yet to meet and discuss the matter.

In the meantime, the Opposition Leader noted that the PPP/Civic was working on developing its structure to include younger faces, more women and people of diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Reports of a brewing power struggle within the PPP/C camp are nothing new.

The issue was resurrected recently after an article published in one

of the local dailies stated that there was a rift among senior executive members over who should be the presidential candidate for the next General and Regional Elections.

The information was credited to a “source”; apparently, some members are rooting for former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali while others are backing former Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony.

The article also pointed out that former President and Opposition Leader Jagdeo has his mind set on serving a third term as President after former Chief Justice Ian Chang (ag) ruled that the two-term presidential term-limit was unconstitutional.

Asked about his plans for 2020 (when the next General and Regional Elections are slated to be held), Jagdeo said he would disclose those on a later date as he was yet to decide.

It is also rumoured that Rohee has presidential aspirations; however, when previously queried on this, the General Secretary declined to comment.

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WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The conflict of interest Government should intervene situation of Minister Broomes to help address the acrimonious should be urgently addressed relationship between key

Dear Editor, PEP means in international money laundering language Politically Exposed Person. This whole concept came about because it was believed that corrupt politicians hide their ill-gotten gains and undertakings not in their own names, but in the names of their spouses and children and parents and other relatives. Recently, we learnt that the politician, Minister Simona Broomes had given to her daughter permits and licences and other expensive and income earning assets to her daughter.

Anywhere in the developed world Minister Broomes’ daughter would be strictly questioned, asked about her source of income, asked about her present ability to manage and fund and operate the business transferred to her by her Minister mother. In fact if the Minister’s daughter attempts to open an account right now in Canada or the US, she would have to show source of income and be grilled and interrogated extensively.

So given that President David Granger

and his Cabinet seem not to care about possible corruption, as a citizen I would like to know the following: 1. When did the Minister’s daughter become a miner?

2. What is the occupation of the Minister’s daughter?

3. Is it true that the Minister’s daughter is actually a student studying outside of Guyana?

4. Is it not true that this is a new permit/ licence that was granted to the Minister’s daughter?

5. What is the source of income of the Minister’s daughter?

6. Do the Minister and her daughter live in the same house when the daughter is in Guyana?

Editor, outside of these issues, the President also needs to address the serious conflict of interest position the Minister is in and has been in ever since she assumed the office she presently occupies.

Sincerely, A Grant

Very surprised at Rohee’s response regarding PPP’s failure to launch investigation into Sawh’s death Dear Editor, I write in response to the recent PPP press conference of Monday last, conducted

by Mr Clement Rohee.

The average Guyanese must be shocked by his recent statements in local media that PPP’s best explanation for not launching an investigation into Satyadeo Sawh’s murder was that “we didn’t get to it”. He stated that no Government “gets” to everything in its manifesto. This argument is a logical fallacy: reductio ad absurdum!

Was investigating the countless murders that paralysed our nation for the first decade of this century just another manifesto promise? Someone in the PPP hierarchy must see the brazenness of this position. This was your own Minister! Is “let the chips fall where they may” the PPP’s position on matters as imperative to national security and leadership as this? One hopes not!

I would point the finger at the honourable Mr Rohee with greater seriousness for his pussyfooting around the absence of an inquiry, but a simple check of the archives

has shown me an entirely new layer of surprise: Rohee was not even the Minister of Home Affairs in April 2006, it was Ms Teixeira! It seems that Rohee does not even know the range of his time in office – no wonder he can’t recollect why there was no inquiry!

Two wrongs don’t make a right, and the coalition’s failure to move faster on an inquiry into the Shaw murder, and the terror of that era in Guyana’s history, cannot be tolerated for much longer. However, at least it was a manifesto promise of the coalition. Getting to the bottom of things is taking far too long, and Mr Ramjattan should avoid walking in Rohee’s footsteps.

On a final note, I return to Mr Rohee’s bloviation: why does the local media tolerate such absurd answers to serious questions? Surely our press can do better than to find satisfaction from an answer as hollow as his. Democracy is in the media’s care, and if it is not monitored properly, it will become warped.

Sincerely, Basdeo Ramdhan

Withholding of benefits to Amerindian people Dear Editor, Over the past two decades the Government – both past and present – has been taking active steps to recognise and preserve the rights of indigenous peoples in Guyana.

The passage of the Amerindian Act 2006, the land titling process and community development plans are all examples of the Administrations’ quest to recognise and protect the rights of indigenous peoples in Guyana as well as to ensure that resources are made available to the Amerindians as the first peoples of this land.

The APNU/AFC Administration not withstanding its slow pace of implementation of the land titling process has good intentions of seeing it through. As we are about to celebrate our 50th Independence anniversary – a time when all Guyanese are happy and proud, a time of reflection and a time to celebrate, the indigenous peoples’ rights are being trampled upon, being marginalised, stifled and suppressed

by the operations of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) local office.

I wish to draw attention to resources that were supposed to be made available to indigenous peoples through the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) – approximately US$300,000. Over two years have elapsed since the signing of the agreement and the IDB is still sorting out implementation modalities.

This delay and withholding of benefits to the Amerindian peoples of this country, I am afraid, is unacceptable to Guyana’s indigenous peoples and more so in breach of the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) of which Guyana is a signatory. I am, therefore, appealing to the United Nations’ human rights bodies to investigate this clear breach of indigenous peoples’ rights in Guyana by the IDB by withholding and delaying benefits due to us by way of REDD+ preparation activities.

Yours sincerely, Peter Persaud

players at Ogle Airport

Dear Editor, I just returned to Guyana in time to join the celebration for our nation’s Jubilee after a busy business trip negotiating for the expanding of the Dynamic flights between New York and Guyana.

On my return, I was astonished to learn of the verbal abuse unleashed on me by Mike Correia in the presence of President Granger, senior members of the Cabinet, members of the diplomatic corps and the full media corps at the renaming of the Ogle International Airport, primarily because I dared to represent the views of the nine dissatisfied aircraft operators at the Ogle Airport.

It is said Mike Correia rules his family business with an iron fist, the same way he attempts to run the airport management and his competitors.

It is not unusual to watch him shout Malcolm Chan-a-Sue and Kit Nascimento into silence during board meetings, this being one of the very reasons I deliberately stay away because of the hostility that predominates meetings chaired by him.

Mike Correia is not an aviation professional of any sort and his embarrassing attempt at trying to drive a wedge between professional aviators such as Captain Chan-a-Sue, Captain Tony Mecdeci and myself is a cheap shot.

It is my hope that even though both of them work for him, that does not spoil the mutually respectful professional relationship we shared over the past four decades.

Mike Correia is extremely intolerant of opinions that are opposed to his own, and it is obvious that he is possessed by an extreme sense of false supremacy driven by his family’s money and which had driven him into believing that his family’s money could indeed buy the Ogle Airport (a public utility) and transform it into a department of the CORREIA GROUP. (Just look at the Correia Group website) It is important to note that I represent NATA as its Vice President, (an organisation that represents nine of the 10 local aircraft operators), a responsibility I take very seriously and, therefore, I view Mike Correia’s outrageous outburst as a clear demonstration of the disrespect he harbours personally for all the other nine local operators at Ogle, as well as an opportunity for all the persons who were sitting in the audience to truly, once and for all, see his true arrogant colours.

On a personal note, my wife and I are particularly saddened by his public demeaning of the little fortune which we have struggled to consolidate to invest in OAI while we were also struggling to build our company (Roraima Airways), which is a first-generation family company being built from the ground up, while Mike Correia is managing a third-generation company (the Correia Group) built by his grandparents.

I think it is important to highlight

that the Airport was leased to five aircraft operators with the clear understanding that the Airport would be operated by those operators and in a fair and equitable manner, a far cry from the anti-competitive environment that exists today.

Over the past 40 years, while Mike Correia’s father was continuing the building of their family’s gold mining business in preparation to hand it over to him one day on a silver platter, I was serving in the Guyana National Service, planting cotton at Kimbia, singing national songs, while learning to build my country by living and working in harmony with my Guyanese brothers and sisters from all walks of life across Guyana.

I was also serving my country as an army officer and military pilot flying dangerous Medivac missions both by day and by night between the mountains of the deep Mazaruni, bringing vital supplies to our Amerindian families living in the most remote areas of our country’s hinterland, all in the interest of contributing to making my country a better place.

The fact that Mike Correia ranted and raved in his attempt to belittle me, even suggesting that I am anti-national, in front of His Excellency, Brigadier General David Granger, a man, under whose command I had the honour and privilege of serving for more than a decade is revealing in how far Mike Correia will go to silence the minority shareholders and his competitors at the Ogle Airport.

Even as I write this letter , there is another controversy developing at the Airport , where once again Mike Correia is attempting to heist the engineering school away from the Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana (AOAG) , into a private company owned by himself and Malcolm Chan-a-Sue, a company which was registered within the past month.

It’s important to note that this School has been part of the AOAG over the past 20 years, even as Mike Correia manipulated the AOAG governance systems, keeping himself as President all during those 20 years, which is unprecedented in the Private Sector.

I have been a professional aviator for 40 years and I have never experienced such an acrimonious unhealthy atmosphere that exists today at Ogle.

A lot was said and written publicly about the challenges we are facing at Ogle Airport; I would, therefore, close by saying it is my fervent hope that the Government intervenes urgently in a meaningful and even-handed way to halt and reverse the unhealthy and dangerously deteriorating inter-personal relationship between Mike Correia personally and all the other aircraft operators which is not healthy for the Airport nor for Guyana’s aviation industry.

Sincerely, Captain Gerry Gouveia CEO, Roraima Airways

news 7

WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Police constable charged with Police said they knew who causing death of 10-year-old killed Satyadeo … granted Gy$600,000 bail Sawh – Jagdeo

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he police constable who killed a 10-year-old schoolboy on Sunday last when he was allegedly speeding while driving under the influence (DUI), made his first court appearance on Thursday at the Wales Magistrate Court.

Ravinand Bissessar, 26, appeared before Magistrate Clive Thomas for two charges - causing death by dangerous driving and DUI. He was not required to plea to the first charge but pleaded not guilty to operating his car while intoxicated.

His lawyer, who requested bail for Bissessar stated that the cop is not a flight risk and as such he was placed on $600,000 bail with no objection from the prosecution. Bissessar has been ordered by the court to report on a weekly basis to the Wales Police Station and is scheduled to make his next court appearance on June 22.

Reports are that the policeman struck 10-year-old Devin Sealey off his bicycle at Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara (WBD) on Sunday and when the injured lad was rushed to hospital he was pronounced dead on arrival.

INews was told that a post-mortem

…Opposition welcomes inquest

B

Dead: Devin Sealey

examination revealed that the boy died of multiple injuries to his body. It is alleged that Bissessar had exceed the speed limit on the roadway and he had consumed more alcohol that is allowed by the law when driving a motor vehicle.

His car only halted after it hit a parked vehicle on the roadway and slammed into a utility pole, before it turned turtle.

Ramjattan warns ranks against drinking and driving …as 15 new vehicles added to Police Force’s fleet

Some of the new vehicles handed over to the Guyana Police Force

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he Guyana Police Force on Wednesday received a boost to its existing fleet of vehicles as Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan handed over 15 new vehicles.

Among the vehicles given to the Police Force are five Mark X motor cars, eight Hilux Single Cab Pick-up trucks and two tow trucks. The keys to these vehicles were handed over to Assistant Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine at the Tactical Drill Square, Eve Leary.

Before the handing over, Minister Ramjattan highlighted that this addition to the Force’s resources would definitely boost its efficiency.

“These vehicles will definitely be a bolster to the capacity of the Police Force to get quickly to the scenes of crimes and also to ensure that the transportation for our Policemen and women from one place to another, in performing their duties, is effectively [done] and in a quick as possible manner,” he stated.

The Public Security Minister explained that this move was part of the Five-Point Strategic Plan to enhance the capacity of the Force in order to

reduce crime. He added too that the handing over came in time for the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations during which many assets would be needed on deck.

On this note, Ramjattan urged that efforts be taken to ensure that the vehicles were properly used and maintained. He charged Police Officers to take care of the vehicles as though they were their personal property.

“We are to ensure that Policemen don’t be involved in drinking and driving like we have seen in some occasions. That is not going to do justice to the fact that we are spending hundreds of millions of dollars on these vehicles, then you go crash them up and we have to spend more money to have them repaired,” he stated.

In addition, Minister Ramjattan disclosed that negotiations were ongoing to procure another 28 vehicles for the Force. These are expected to be delivered later in the year.

In his remarks, Assistant Commissioner Ramnarine expressed his appreciation to Government for boosting the Force’s transportation capacity, which he noted would enhance its operational capacity.

oth Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and People’s Progressive Party General Secretary Clement Rohee welcome President David Granger’s commitment to establish a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the 2006 assassination of then Agriculture Minister Satyadeo “Sash” Sawh.

On April 22, 2006, Sawh, his sister Phulmattie Persaud, his brother Rajpat Rai Sawh and security guard Curtis Robertson were killed by heavily armed men who invaded his La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara home.

Jagdeo, who was Head of State at the time, had committed to seeking external assistance to aid in the investigation; however, this never materialised.

When questioned by media operatives on Wednesday, Jagdeo admitted that he had little recollection of how the matter panned out.

“I don’t recall all the details but no, we did not get all the help we wanted and the Police told me

Former Agriculture Minister, Satyadeo “Sash” Sawh

that they knew who the killers were and they do have statements from a few people and I hope those statements have not disappeared…,” the former Head of State said.

Jagdeo added that he has “no problem” with the inquest, however the Police should present all the information they had gathered during their investigation.

Just last week, the Opposition Party’s General Secretary had also supported the deci-

sion to launch an inquest.

“Oh, we welcome it.

They’re in Government now, they’re free to open any investigation or set up any Board of Inquiry (BoI) or any Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to investigation any matter…,” Rohee stated.

During his weekly podcast, ‘The Public Interest’, President Granger disclosed that a blood relative had approached him and appealed for an inquiry into Sawh’s murder.

He noted that a Commission of Inquiry will be launched in due course, as a part of a bigger investigation into a series of extrajudicial killings that plagued the nation.

In September last, Granger disclosed that moves were already afoot to ensure the requisite framework was in place to begin these investigations in the extrajudicial killings.

“We are looking at that right now to ensure that once we get going, every death that is reported we get to investigate,” he had stated.

8 NEWS

WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Contract workers to fit into Mahaicony rice farmers permanent structure of pleading for Govt’s assistance public service, says Harmon - say unsure about future of next crop

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inister of State Joseph Harmon said Government is currently in the process of streamlining contract workers to fit them into the permanent structure of the public service.

He was at the time speaking to journalists following the handing over of the final report of the investigation into the public service to Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland.

According to Harmon, Government has decided to go this route based on recommendations coming out of the recent Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Public Service.

Harmon told journalists that more than 100 persons who were employed on a contractual basis are now part of the regular public service. According to him, Government is also working to ensure that no significant hiccups are experienced with the change.

Just recently, chartered accounting firm Ram and McRae pointed out that too much strain was being placed on the public coffers with the employment of contracted workers. It made the significant finding following the delivery of this year’s national budget.

The firm noted the Ministry of the Presidency’s increase in contract employees from 298 in 2015 to 505 in 2016, as well as an increase in the cost of wages and salaries for contract employees from Gy$142 million to Gy$798 million.

The firm pointed to the significant increas-

BY SHEMUEL FANFAIR

W

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo receives a copy of the CoI report from Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

es in the item which showed the allocation to the Office of the Prime Minister, with the cost of wages and salaries for contracted employees rising from Gy$21 million to Gy$82 million.

It also addressed the Ministry of Public Infrastructure which saw an increase from Gy$9 million to Gy$51 million in a particular programme and Gy$182 million to Gy$533 million under its Public Works Programme.

The firm had said that the practice was “not healthy” for the country and placed a strain on Article 38 of the Constitution which requires the public service to be free from political influence.

Meanwhile, following discussions at Cabinet level on Tuesday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon on Wednesday presented copies of the final report of the Inquiry into the public service to House Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland

and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.

Government in September 2015 established the three-member Commission to investigate, report on, and make recommendations on the role, functions, recruitment process, remuneration and conditions of service for public servants. The Commission was also expected to determine measures to improve the efficiency of the public service and have a detailed examination of how salaries and wages are determined and allocated.

According to Harmon, Cabinet is now expected to consider the recommendations made by the Commission after which a pronouncement will be made.

The Minister said copies of the report will also be delivered to the President of the Guyana Public Service Union, the Trade Union Congress and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana.

ith the collapse of the lucrative PetroCaribe (rice for oil) Venezuela deal last year, the challenges faced within the rice industry have been significant. With this in mind, farmers have reiterated calls for the deal to return as it would likely increase their earnings in price per bag of paddy.

On Thursday, rice farmers of Branch Road, Mahaicony, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) told Guyana Times International that for the past few crops, they have not been able to achieve any substantial

some payments have been paid by rice mills in the area, they still owed we.”

Her husband pointed out that it was because of his financial woes that his wife was forced to help in his operations. He stated further that he cannot afford to employ other workmen.

Another farmer, Deonarine Sasenarine said he would usually plant 150 acres but will not plant any for the upcoming crop because of the low prices in the industry.

At present, rice farmers are receiving between Gy$1800 and Gy$2000 per bag of pad-

money to send them… [they] got exam to write and you got to get money to buy the text books,” Ramotar further explained.

“We need the President to look into this, right now we nah get no proper price – Gy$2000 a bag of paddy can’t pay, you got to pay operator, and [workers] to fetch your paddy,” noted Feroza Hussein.

“We need some help to go back into the field and we need we money to…” was the call they echoed to Agriculture Minister Noel Holder.

“Rice farmer ah feed this country and they supposed to stand up for [us]… we need help

Rice farmers Shamila Ally, Shrawan Kumar, Deonarine Sesnarine, Astraf Ally

profits from the industry. Astraf and his wife, Shamila Ally said that they lost “a lot” since the deal was abruptly ended.

“We bust a lot from that and the [miller] owe we a lot. For 2014, we didn’t get paid… then we get to turn over lil bit and we tek loan,” Mrs Ally explained. She also stated that while

dy and many have said that this is not profitable.

Meanwhile, Kevil Vox, who has planted rice for over 30 years, called on Government to provide assistance for fertiliser and seed paddy. It was explained that the dry weather patterns damaged much of the acreage which would hamper the ability for farmers to obtain seed paddy to go in the next crop.

To this end, many farmers said that Agriculture Minister Noel Holder should meet with them to address their concerns.

Meanwhile, the family members of some farmers also told this publication that Government subsidies on fertilisers and equipment are necessary for their survival.

“We need a better price, we need some help to go back into the field, because right now it very hard on farmers, right now the millers owe we a set of money and we can’t go back into the field,” noted Tajwantie Ramotar.

She also noted that children are being affected. “It affect de children dem very bad because [they can’t go to school] and you need

man, this can’t work out,” another woman shouted.

In a recent presentation to the National Assembly, shadow Finance Minister Irfaan Ali called for the removal of taxes and duties on fuel for the industry, and the removal of all taxes and duties on machinery, equipment and spares.

Though the PetroCaribe deal was due for expiration in November of 2015, Venezuela axed the rice deal months before the official due date.

However, Government had said in March that the Spanish-speaking nation may still be purchasing Guyana’s rice, but through neighbouring Suriname.

The PetroCaribe deal was sealed by then President Bharrat Jagdeo and late Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. Under this deal, Guyana was required to pay upfront a percentage of the cost of fuel acquired from Venezuela, with the balance, which was placed in the PetroCaribe Fund at the Bank of Guyana, being treated as a loan repayable over 23 years, with a two-year grace period and two per cent interest.

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Guyanese ‘worse off’ under coalition Govt - Jagdeo

T

he Government has come under severe fire once again for its failure to develop and implement a tangible plan for the country’s further development with the issues of economic growth and crime being addressed at the forefront.

Opposition Leader and former Head of State, Bharrat Jagdeo, today at a press conference roasted the administration for its failure

in improving the current situation in the country, especially as it relates to the economic situation and addressing the rising crime rate.

Jagdeo blasted the coalition for the present condition of Guyana’s economy where many citizens are being badly affected especially since the government is lacking in the introduction of alternatives that would alleviate some of the burdens being faced.

Inquest ordered into death of Balram Persaud

Late Assistant Police Commissioner, Balram Persaud

By Kristen Macklingam

T

hree months after the death of late Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Balram Persaud, questions continue to surface and doubts continue to be bred about the details leading up to the man’s tragic accident.

In light of this an inquest into the matter has been ordered by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar AliHack and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has been advised to proceed accordingly.

A mere two days after ACP Persaud succumbed to injuries he sustained in the accident, reports spread like wildfire that another person had been in the Officer’s vehicle before it slammed into a utility pole.

Initially it was stated that Persaud was driving his car when the tragedy took place but reports are that there was a female junior police rank in Persaud’s car and it is unclear as to whether or not she was the one driving the vehicle at the

time of the accident.

Traffic Chief Deon Moore at that time had stated that rumours were circulating that there was another person in the ACP’s car when the unfortunate incident occurred.

However, he stated that the first traffic ranks who arrived at the scene of the accident said that there was no one else inside of the mangled vehicle.

According to the Traffic Chief, the police rushed ACP Persaud to the hospital for emergency medical attention and were unable to question him as to what had transpired or receive a statement since he was in a critical condition.

This publication understands from the moment Persaud was hospitalised until the time of his death he could not have divulged any information to any officer about the accident because of the state he was in.

He eventually lost the battle for his life, just months before his retirement which was slated for August this year.

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

According to the former President, Guyanese are “worse off” in one year since the APNU+AFC Government gained power in comparison to previous years under the former administration.

He said it seems as if there is no improvement to be made in light of the path that the current government is heading down.

Jagdeo emphasised

that while the country’s economic growth rate is slow at this point in time, this situation can be addressed and fixed; however, the administration is yet to put forward a plan that would support the fact that it wants to make a positive impact by addressing the slowdown of Guyana’s economy.

Referring to an explanation given by Finance

Minister Winston Jordan that due to the easy flow of illegal substances (drugs) being reduced, there is a reduction in persons spending “freely” in the economy, Jagdeo lashed out at this reasoning stating that this is not so since the economy is suffering tremendously as a result of a lack of investment.

This lack of investment is directly linked to the government’s policy and the administration has no plan in place to fix the sluggish economy because it (government) has no vision, the former President contended.

He posited that should the coalition grasp at the reasoning that the spending in Guyana’s economy is slow or badly affected because illicit drugs are not moving freely as before, then the government would miss out on

a mammoth chance of fixing the economy.

The former Head of State also lambasted the APNU+AFC Government for its move to increase taxes for the masses, arguing that there was “politicisation” of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

He further noted that the touting of the administration over its “achievements” after only being in office for one year is nothing short of “pathetic”.

Jagdeo declared that in light of the negative impacts that many are facing as a result of the slowdown in the economy, the APNU+AFC coalition must task itself with putting plans in place to save the economy, simultaneously urging new investments if the country is to recover and move forward.

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WEEK ENDING MAY 22 , 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

BaiShanLin takes vehicles’ seizure issue to UN

– says APNU/AFC wants to cripple company’s operations in Guyana

F

ollowing the seizure of two luxury vehicles from BaiShanLin Forest Development Inc last month, principals of the controversial Chinese conglomerate have written the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) Ban Kimoon on the matter, stating that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has breached the agreement between the Governments of Guyana and China.

On April 5, officials from GRA’s Customs Department seized a Lexus SUV with registration number PRR 2888 and a Nissan minivan with licence plate PRR 3888, belonging to BaiShanLin. Guyana Times International was told that the Chinese logging company allegedly has over Gy$50 million outstanding in duties, which it failed to pay within the stipulated time frame.

However, according to the letter dated May 16, 2016, Attorney C V Satram on behalf of the company complained to the UN that the seizure was in breach of the agreement signed by the two countries in

UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon

March 2003, noting that “the Government of the Republic of Guyana has commenced operations beginning with the seizure of property and the threatened loss to forfeit the company’s investments and to cripple its business in Guyana”.

The letter, which was seen by this newspaper, was also copied to President David Granger. It outlined that BaiShanLin represents Chinese investments in Guyana and Guyana’s relationship with China is threatened by these events; therefore, it was requested that the UN remind Guyana of its obligations.

“I shall be grateful if action can be taken to

remind the Government of Guyana and China of their obligations in this regard. The matter is causing severe losses to the company I represent, but it may extend to create impediments to foreign investment in Guyana to the prejudice of the national interest when it becomes known that treaty obligations are not honoured here,” the letter stated.

Moreover, the correspondence further pointed out that in accordance with the agreement, which is on record with the UN as a treaty between China and Guyana, disputes are to be settled after consultations through diplomatic channels. However, in the event of failure to reach a resolution within six months, then the process of arbitration can be adopted.

On this note, the company said it has called on Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Limin to commence diplomatic consultations with the aim of settling the disputes.

In that letter to Minister Greenidge, the company explained that

Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge

following the execution of the agreement, BaiShanLin went on to invest enormous sums of money in Guyana and in the development of forest products. However, since the Administration was changed after the May 2015 General Elections, the new Government has embarked upon a course of activities designed to cripple the company’s operations in Guyana, the Attorney stated.

The latest of which, the letter highlighted, was the imposition of tax liabilities on vehicles for which the company was granted duty-free concessions by the previous Government.

“The new Government seeks to dis-

mantle the concessionary structure, and has commenced to seize property (owned by the company)… in pursuance of its tax liability, which the company claims to be unlawful, the Government, through its Revenue Authority, has embarked upon seizures to enforce the tax liability which is denied and is strongly contested,” the correspondence to the Foreign Affairs Minister stated, adding that the investment agreement under which the concessions were granted has not expired.

Moreover, a third letter was dispatched on behalf of the Chinese logging company, this time to the GRA, stating the Authority’s action was in disregard of the international obligations of Guyana under the agreement with China.

“The purported imposition of the liability is unlawful and the imposition of it triggered a dispute between the company and the Government of Guyana,” the letter detailed.

Attorney Satram on behalf of the company sought to request that the vehicles be returned within the next week.

“On behalf of the compa-

ny for which I act I hereby call upon you to release and return to the company all property which has been seized from it or has been possessed or confiscated within seven(7)days of the date hereof,” the company’s legal representative stated.

According to BaiShanLin, this is a matter of concern not only to it, but to all investors who wish to undertake investment in Guyana.

Days after the seizure just over a month ago, attempts were made by this newspaper to ascertain GRA’s course of action in recouping the outstanding payments.

When asked whether the Authority would be filing criminal charges against the foreign company or would opt to settle the matter beforehand, GRA Chairman Rawle Lucas had stated that no decision had been taken at the time.

However, the latter option might be more feasible, he had noted, since Government wants to maintain its relationship with investors, but at the same time ensure that they operate within the confines of the laws of Guyana.

Premature baby of ‘braindead’ 17-year-old succumbs …doctors lose hope in teen’s recovery – Dr Norton

T

he 28-week-old premature baby delivered by a 17-year-old girl via Cesarean Section at the Georgetown Public Hospital has died, while doctors have given up hope of the critically-ill teenager of surviving, health authorities have confirmed.

The baby passed away on Wednesday, Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton confirmed. Meanwhile, Dr Norton, said that the teenager who is braindead, remains on life support, but doctors at the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), have lost hope she will recover from the damage caused by the pregnancy.

“It is just a question of time before she starts to reject the life support machine,” Dr Norton told Guyana Times on Wednesday.

However, he ex-

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton

plained that due to the absence of legislation in Guyana where the plug of the life support machine can be pulled, the teen will have to endure the phase leading up to her passing.

According to the Minister, the doctors have already met with the young woman’s family and informed them of the casualties surrounding her medical condition and what they can expect.

During a recent interview with the teen’s

mother, she had explained that she was told by doctors that the cause of her daughter’s condition was due to an ailment she was born with, known as Brain Arteriovenous Malformation (AMV), which is the connection of a vein to a weak cell in the brain.

As the child grows older, the chances of succumbing to the ailment also increased, since any slight pressure could cause the vein to rupture, leading to haemorrhaging and stroke.

The woman said that after the teen became pregnant and would constantly vomit, the cell broke and the bleeding began. The teen then experienced a stroke on the right side of her body 28 weeks into the pregnancy. However, an emergency Caesarean (C-Section) was done to save the teen’s unborn child.

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WEEK ENDING MAY 22 , 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

5 teenagers remanded for murdering retired Professor

The male suspects being escorted by Police Officers

I

t was complete mayhem in the compound of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts when the five teenagers charged with brutally murdering retired

University Professor Perry Mars made their entrance.

The teens – two females and three males – hid their faces while being escorted to court under the watchful

eyes of nearly a dozen Police Officers.

A number of persons flocked the court compound to get a glimpse of the teenagers.

Meanwhile, Police Officers barred members of the media from standing on the court steps to take photographs and they were also not allowed to enter the courtroom to witness the in-camera proceedings.

The five teens were not required to plead to the indictable charge of murder. The 15-yearold teenage girl involved in the incident was charged as a juvenile, while the others were charged as adults. They were all remanded to prison.

Mars, of Bissessar Avenue, Prashad Nagar, Greater Georgetown, was found bound and beaten in

his home about 18:30h on Thursday by his wife. He was rushed to a hospital where he later succumbed.

The alleged teen murderers were all arrested on Friday last

as persons in the area identified them as the persons who were seen leaving Mars’ yard with suitcases and bags filled with valuables.

The stolen items

were said to have been recovered in the homes of the teens in Sophia and Campbellville.

They are expected to make their next court appearance on June 14.v

The female suspects being escorted by Police Officers

Blatant conflict of interest!

- Pressure mounts on Govt to remove Broomes from Natural Resources Ministry

espite no longer having legal control of her mining interests, concerns still abound that preferential treatment and favours will be granted to the children of Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes, who recently announced that her children have taken over all her mining operations in an effort to quiet down conflict of interest concerns.

However, political commentator Dr Henry Jeffrey contended that the only way those concerns can be eliminated is by completely removing the Minister from the Natural Resources Ministry.

“I don’t think Minister Broomes understands clearly what conflict of interest means, I can understand her dilemma being in mining all this time and you know it’s a family business and she is now in the Ministry involved with mining. What she should be asking is for government to remove her from there and put her somewhere else. She could be in another Ministry,” Dr Jeffrey stated.

The recent approval of an application to operate a dredge in the name of ‘Simona Broomes’ sparked much controversy and once again raised conflict of interest concerns. However, reports indicate that the applicant ‘Simona Broomes’ is actually the daughter of the Minister, who shares the same name as her mother.

According to reports,

lic office holders should avoid using their official position or transmitting any information made available to them in the course of their work to benefit themselves, their relations or any other individuals with whom they are associated.

They should avoid compromising themselves or their office which may lead to an actual or perceived conflict of interest. Failure to avoid or declare any conflict of interest may give rise to criticism of favouritism, abuse of authority or even allegations of corruption.”

The Code is further meant to engender and reinforce public

D

Junior Minister of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes

Broomes said since becoming a Minister, she took a personal decision to relinquish control of all her dredges.

In this regard, Broomes dismissed conflict of interest concerns with her children operating dredges, insisting that they have been in the mining industry all their lives.

But, questions still remain as to whether the minister is using her children as a front.

Another political commentator Ramon Gaskin, in an invited comment, supported the notion that the transfer of mining operations to her children does not put to rest conflict of interest concerns. “That doesn’t solve the problem because when the children go into Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to do business, they know that the children’s mother is the Minister, so that really don’t solve the problem,” he explained.

Blind trust

Gaskin said the best

way to settle the conflict of interest concerns is to set up a blind trust. “You don’t hear from them and they don’t hear from you.

They just running it for you and you have nothing to do with it. That’s how you deal with those kinds of situations. Not by giving it to your children and all that nonsense, that doesn’t solve the problem,” he stated.

A blind trust protects an investor from charges of conflict of interest and other improprieties because its specific assets and trading practices are unknown to the investor. In modern societies, corporate employees and public officials often use blind trusts to avoid

charges of insider trading and corruption, respectively.

In fact, Gaskin said blind trusts should be established for all government ministers who have business interests. “This also goes to all ministers who have businesses, all of them should be required to set up a blind trust and turn over all their business deals, have nothing to do with it at all, ever.

In that way, you would avoid any allegations of impropriety, because it is blind,” he stated.

Code of Conduct

According draft code of “Ministers, of Parliament

to the conduct, Members and pub-

confidence in the manner in which senior government officials perform their duties in service to the people. It is based on ten principles – Accountability, Dignity, Diligence, Duty, Honour, Integrity, Loyalty, Objectivity, Responsibility and Transparency – and is a Coalition Government manifesto promise.

Reports indicate that the government is still receiving feedback from stakeholders on the draft code of conduct before finalising it and passing in it in the National Assembly.

Something which was supposed to have been done since August last year.

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10 days of celebration in Linden

- organisers promise rich, cultural presentations for Town Week 2016

L

inden Mayor Carwyn Holland on Sunday declared the 20th year of the Linden Town Week (LTW) celebrations officially opened, signalling the commencement of 10 days of culture, sport and fete.

This year, the annual event which celebrates the birth of the town is being hosted by Vybz Entertainment Inc once again, under the theme “Reflection, resilience, rediscover Linden.

Celebrating who we are.” A church service followed by a march pass along Republic Avenue, Linden, were a prelude to the official opening held at the LindenGeorgetown minibus park.

A number of melodic performances by local artistes as well as dance and an award segment set the

stage for the 10 days of celebrations.

In his presentation before a packed audience, Holland underscored the importance of Linden as a town, promising that it “will be made great again”.

This year, Linden is also celebrating 46 years as a town and 100 years of bauxite mining.

“As we launch this year’s Linden Town Week celebration, I look forward to rich, cultural presentations that remind us of our heritage and inspire our youths to become involved in the arts. This year’s celebration must be more than just an opportunity to frolic. It should represent the heart and the mind of the people of Linden. It should showcase the wealth of our resources we possess and entice investors to invest,”

A section of the gathering at LTW opening

the Mayor said.

He added that Linden Town Week is an ideal time to demonstrate the human and natural resources of the town because the season for accelerated income generation in the resource-rich town is now.

“Linden Town Week, when come and gone, should leave a trail of development. Something must

be seen as evidence of success, of this sports, culture and entertainment tourism package… If this is not seen afterwards, then I encourage a re-think and a remodel of Town Week to achieve same”, Holland said.

Chairman of Vybz Entertainment Inc Devin Sears said the LTW event has grown and underwent many changes over

the years, developing from the idea of Linden Town Day, which was first crafted by Lindener Norvel Fredericks 20 years ago.

He said Fredericks had a dream then, of showcasing everything that Linden has to offer.

Noting that this is the second year Vybz Entertainment has the LTW franchise, Sears noted that there are numerous challenges, however it is a time for reflecting on how

far the event has come and where it is headed. Young people, he said, are one of the primary focuses this year, as he outlined numerous activities planned to ensure their participation.

Senior citizens will not be left out this year, noted Sears who said the annual senior citizens receptions will be held. The event will also see karaoke competitions as well as the usual concept parties. Due to lack of sponsorship however, Sears said for the first time, there will be no Miss LTW pageant as is customary, however, the organisers will look at the possibility of hosting the event sometime later this year. The ‘Miss Big and Bold’ pageant will be hosted, nevertheless.

The 10 days of activities will also be marked by local exhibitions, village day showcases, and numerous entertainment activities.

Man accused of executing Patricia Sanasie to face trial in High Court

Accused: Richard Stanton

A

fter the conclusion of the Preliminary Inquiry into the death of Patricia Sanasie, who was shot dead January last, Richard Stanton, the murder accused, was committed to stand trial in the High Court.

He appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Zamilla Ally.

Stanton was informed

by Magistrate Ally that a prima facie case was made out against him to establish the offence of murder and, as such, he was to face a judge and jury at the next sitting of the Demerara Assizes in July.

Stanton is facing charges, which state that on January 12, 2015 at 129 Atlantic Gardens, East Coast Demerara, he murdered Sanasie, a 43-year-old businesswoman.

It is alleged that on the night in question, the woman, along with her daughter, returned home from church and

she got out of her vehicle to open her gate when she was confronted by a lone gunman, who opened fire on her.

Eyewitnesses told investigators that a “big built” man exited a silver Raum and discharged four rounds at the woman.

According to reports, she was shot to her chest, abdomen, neck and groin. She was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Sanasie was the former Director of Studies of the Academy of Professional Studies.

A similar attempt was

Murdered: Patricia Sanasie

made on her husband’s (Deonarine Sanasie’s) life just one year prior to her death, and she, along with her brother, Vishnu Persaud, was implicated.

The daughter of the now deceased woman who was in the car and witnessed the shooting positively identified Stanton as the shooter; as such, he was arrested and charged.

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WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Trinidad trade unionist charged with rape, indecent assault As a condition of his bail release, Duke has been ordered to stay at least 500 metres away from his accuser, and refrain from having any

PSA President Watson Duke is accused of four counts of indecent assault and one of rape.

T

he head of the Public Services Association (PSA) Watson Duke has been charged with raping one of the organization’s employees at a hotel a week ago, after allegedly indecently assaulting her on four previous occasions.

But he is adamant that he is innocent and says he has no intentions of resigning from his position as president of the PSA. Duke appeared in court yesterday and was granted TT$250,000 (US$37,537) bail, on charges that he committed acts of serious indecency against the woman on four occasions between January and last month at the union’s headquarters; and having sexual intercourse with the woman against her will, last Tuesday in a room at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port of Spain.

He was not required to plead to the indictable offences, but he told the media after appearing before Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar that he was innocent.

“I didn’t commit the act and I’m sure with time that will be proven,” he said, adding that he felt no embarrassment because he was not guilty. “I feel very nor-

mal, like Watson Duke.”

Duke had been in custody for four days, after turning himself into police last Thursday when he learned he was being sought for questioning.

Speaking to the media yesterday, Duke said he was under no obligation, under the PSA’s constitution, to resign from his position.

The PSA’s first vice-president Christopher Joefield, who attended the hearing, told reporters outside the court that the executive of the union “stands firmly” behind Duke in the matter.

“We would see where things stand after the process is concluded,” he said. “In the meantime, we will continue to ensure the strategic direction of the PSA does not get railroaded.”

He also assured that the alleged victim would be sent to another “more comfortable” location – one of the other four PSA offices in the country.

“The PSA plans to ensure that her rights are not violated in any way. We are also an employer and will be treating with the issue with a degree of objectivity,” Joefield said.

contact with her.

Meantime, a female attorney has gone to the media complaining that she was incorrectly identified as the alleged vic-

tim in the case against Duke.

Cherry Ann Rajkumar said her photo has been posted on social media, and she has

become a victim of character assassination.

She said she has reported the matter to police. (Caribbean360.com)

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Large number of prohibited items found during prison search

T

wo months after the Camp Street Prison mayhem that left 17 inmates dead, the Joint Services over the weekend carried out an exercise called “Operation Restore Order�, which resulted in the seizure of 44 mobile

The prohibited items found during the raid

phones, over 150 improvised weapons, scissors, a quantity of marijuana and tattoo machines among other items.

The exercise started in all the main prison cell blocks about 05:00h which saw prisoners being taken out of their

cells so that the search could be conducted.

The Fire Service was on standby in case of any possible disturbance.

Prior to the operation, the inmates were addressed by the Director of Prisons (ag), Carl Grahame, DSM, who

urged them to cooperate with all instructions given during and after the operation.

During the operation, 13 prisoners were also transferred to different prison locations.

Back in March, it was a similar exercise which prompted inmates to set alight one of the cell blocks that resulted in the deaths of 17 prison-

ers.

Below is a list of the prohibited items found during the search.

Police pursuing 2 suspects in connection with gun, ammo bust at mining camp

P

olice are now in pursuit of two suspects in connection to the guns and ammunition found at an abandoned mining camp on Saturday.

This is according to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, who indicated that the Police are tracking two individuals based on information they received. Blanhum related

found in possession of persons, particularly miners in the Region Seven area, for which a number of persons have been arrested.

On February 4, 2016, three men were arrested at Turtle Creek, Mazaruni, after they were found with an illegal .32 pistol with three matching rounds and a .38 revolver with three matching rounds. Then

that these two suspects were named as the occupants of the said mining camp.

Police in Mazaruni discovered the two firearms and quantity of ammunition at an abandoned mining camp at Blackwater, Cuyuni, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). A Police report stated that Police conducted a search of the abandoned mining camp and found two 9mm pistols along with 27 matching live rounds.

In recent months, there has been an upsurge in illegal weapons being

on February 11, a miner was arrested when an illegal firearm was found in a mining camp he was occupying. Also in February at Honey Camp, Issano, Police found an unlicensed shotgun along with two cartridges.

In March, a man was arrested and charged after he was found with an unlicensed 9mm pistol and seven matching rounds at Itaballi Checkpoint, Mazaruni.

All of these persons have been placed before the courts for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

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NEW GPC INC launches new products N

EW GPC INC over the weekend launched several new and innovative products at GuyExpo 2016 which will definitely contribute positively to the overall development of the country’s health sector while boosting

the health and well-being of all Guyanese.

Some of the new and reformulated products displayed at this year’s GuyExpo include Children’s Phanadyl Multi symptom Cold and Flu, BabyCare Gripe Water and VitonePlus Multivitamin.

Persons visiting the Expo also got the opportunity to see NEW GPC’s Xcite (Sildenafil Citrate) tablets which have been generating a lot of interest in the local and international markets.

Xcite is NEW GPC’s brand of performance

enhancers which come in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg strengths and are used to treat erectile dysfunction.

These products complement the already established line of products and bring the company’s product portfolio closer to 300.

Patrons visiting the booth also spoke highly of the Bio-Klenz – an expanding line of hand sanitisers; Shoo insect repellent – which is assuming added importance since the Zika threat; Chlorophan Expectorant and Syrup, custom packaged for and widely used by the Ministry of Public Health and the wide range of prescription tablets.

In an invited comment, the Marketing Manager, Trevor Bassoo disclosed that several other products would be launched on both the local and overseas markets in the coming months.

He explained that consumers can expect extensions to popular brands like Whizz, Phanadyl and Nutrophos. In the case of Whizz, which is popular in Caricom States, the company would soon release several versions that specifically treat migraines, arthritis, tension headaches, and sinus and allergies.

“The new Whizz formulations are without Aspirin and likewise some of the new ton-

ics are sugar/alcohol free and are, therefore, safe for use by diabetics and young children.

NEW GPC also has new classes of prescription/ therapeutic medicines under development that target chronic and emerging conditions. Examples are Atorvastain – (cholesterol); naproxen (pain and anti-inflammatory) and clopidogrel – (prevent blood clots)”, he said.

Over the last few years, NEW GPC has started to rapidly extend its range by manufacturing Captopril (hypertension); Omprezole (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD); Diclofenac (anti-inflammatory); Ciprofloxacin (antibiotic); Nystatin (anti-fungal); Neomycin and Bacitracin (antibiotic) and Ketoconazole (anti-fungal) just to name a few.

All of the company’s products are manufactured under strict approval of the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department and the plant is compliant with US Food and Department Agency regulations.

NEWS 21

WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Berbice man shot during President says efforts being made to recapture attempted execution

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The house where the shooting took place

olice in Berbice are investigating the shooting of a salesman on Sunday evening at his Portuguese Quarters, Port Mourant, Corentyne, home.

The injured man has been identified as Safraz Bacchus, 31.

Reports are that at about 20:00h at least two men attempted to open a trap door leading to Bacchus’ home but were unsuccessful. After not being able to gain access, a shot was fired in his direction.

At the time, Bacchus was preparing his children’s clothes for school.

Reports are that the man initially thought it was the pressing iron that had exploded but soon af-

ter noticed a hand holding a firearm through a space in the trap door.

Two other shots were fired, one of which struck Bacchus on his leg.

This newspaper was told that Bacchus pushed his children to safety and shouted for help and the men made their escape by jumping a backyard fence.

Bacchus is currently a patient at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

An eyewitness told this newspaper that the incident was an attack on the man’s life and not an attempted robbery.

It was explained that the man is a witness in a murder case gaining attention of the courts.

According to the in-

former, Bacchus was threatened that he will not live to testify and as a result he stayed indoors all day Saturday but was shot on Sunday.

Despite the threats made to Bacchus he did not report it to the Police.

D i v i s i o n a l Commander Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam said the police are investigating the shooting and confirmed that Bacchus is a witness for the state in a court matter.

However, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum when contacted told Guyana Times International that Police are trying to ascertain the motive for the shooting but they are not ruling out a possible attempted robbery.

He noted that from what he was informed, the man was in his home when he heard some noise emanating from a section of the house.

As he looked in the direction, he saw someone attempting to remove a sheet of plywood that was used to block the doorway.

Upon seeing this, he shouted for “thief” but in retaliation, the perpetrator discharged a round hitting him to his leg.

Debt warning issued for Caribbean countries (CMC)

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report by the London-based Commonwealth Secretariat is warning Caribbean countries if they continue on their current development path, by 2050 they will face unmanageable debt, poor growth, and greater socio-economic problems.

The report, which was launched at the Fourth Global Biennial Conference on Small States in Seychelles, looks at the current policies and trends in six Caribbean countries, namely Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, St Lucia, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana.

Titled, “Achieving a Resilient Future for Small States: Caribbean 2050,” the report makes a 34-year projection across different sectors and shows five out of the six countries would have a debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) above 100 per cent – dangerous levels if growth continues to lag.

Projections also suggest interest expenditure on debt is likely to sap public finances, reducing funds for development and giving rise to greater

socio-economic problems.

The report warns that the Caribbean faces mounting challenges and unless there are seismic shifts in policy-making, the outlook is stark.

“Sluggish growth, spiralling debt, high youth unemployment, rising crime rates, piecemeal investment, and low productivity all pose serious threats to the region’s future. Climate change also casts a long shadow; small island developing states are most vulnerable to extreme weather, rising sea levels and diminishing natural resources but lack the funds to plan ahead and minimise risks.”

The report challenges the status quo and sets out policy interventions in targeted areas aimed at tackling persistent barriers to the region’s

growth.

“This publication offers strategies that seek balance for the Caribbean in the survivability of today and the sustainability of tomorrow,” said Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Deodat Maharaj.

“We have taken on board current and future threats facing the region, such as lack of competitiveness, human and financial resource constraints, crippling debt and limited access to development finance and put forward practical steps that set out a new trajectory to help realise the full and rich potential of the region.”

The report provides recommendations on productivity, export growth, increasing youth employment and fiscal reform.

Venezuelan rice market

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resident David Granger said his Government could look at reopening the rice deal with its Spanish-speaking South American neighbour, Venezuela, if negotiations go well by his Ambassador, Foreign Affairs and Finance Ministers, contradicting earlier statements by his Agriculture Minister Noel Holder.

“I did meet with the Ambassador before she left for her post and I did say that we are interested in that market. It came to an end.

The agreement came to an end and we need a new agreement. Both the Foreign Minister and Finance Minister are working at that, but we are also examining new markets in Latin America including Panama and Costa Rica and Mexico. That is a clear objective and mandate given to ambassadors”, President Granger said in his weekly televised “Public Interest” Programme”.

But while the President acknowledged the importance of the Venezuela Market, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, a senior member of the Cabinet, has a different story to tell. Holder said last Thursday in Parliament that based on the serious economic problems facing the Bolivarian Republic, a return of such a deal seems improbable. “It is inconceivable that deals that are comparable in volume and price often past are achievable again”,

Opposition Shadow Finance Minister, Irfaan Ali

Holder told legislators in response to a call from the opposition for government to re-engage their Venezuelan counterparts.

Opposition Shadow Finance Minister Irfaan Ali, proposed a motion titled “The state of the rice industry in Guyana” which highlighted the plight under which rice farmers have found themselves. The motion called on the President Granger Administration to resume ties with Venezuela, so that some amount of relief could be had among rice farmers here.

Interestingly, the President has acknowledged the need to recapture the Venezuelan rice market and even indicated that his Finance and Foreign ministers were working on securing that market once again, however, his Parliamentarians, including these two ministers, voted against Ali’s motion which sought to reaffirm the need for that market.

Meanwhile, economic commentator and for-

mer Minister of Foreign Trade under the PPP/C Dr Henry Jeffery in an invited comment said he sees no reason why government could not reopen the rice deal.

“I think it is a good idea. Whether or not Venezuela is in economic crises, the Venezuelans will have to decide whether or not they want to restart the deal.

They still have to eat, therefore no doubt they still have to get rice and therefore I see no reason wrong with Guyana attempting to restart the deal”, he told Guyana Times International.

According to him, while it all depends on the Venezuelan Government, it might be that the conditions might be different now,” but if you have rice to sell, you must sell it to persons who need it”.

The PetroCaribe deal is an oil alliance of many Caribbean states with Venezuela to purchase oil on conditions of preferential payment. The alliance was launched in June 2005 in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela.

22 NEWS

WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Steel Band concerts Official 50th anniversary App launched on seawall - among activities for Jubilee celebration

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The Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra performing at a recent event

an on the Wall” which features concerts simultaneously occurring at two spots, on the seawall is one of the many activities that have been planned to include steel band music into the jubilee celebration, according to Music Development Officer and Administrator of National Music School, Andrew Tyndall.

Tyndall said the two locations are the bandstand and the 1863 monument, and the concerts will be held from May 19-21. He explained that the first major steel pan music event was

held on April 23, a signal steel band concert at the National Cultural Centre.

“Of course when you go to the National Cultural Centre it is exclusive, and some people feel that they are excluded from that activity,” Tyndall explained, hence the idea for the Pan on de Wall to bring the music to the people, he said.

According to Tyndall, Pan on de Wall provides the opportunity for the public to attend the music session with no restriction, no dress code.

“You can come out and have your food right here, things which you

would not be able to do at the National Cultural Centre,” he pointed out.

The event features six of the top steel pans in Guyana; the Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra, North Ruimveldt Multilateral School band, the Guyana Police Force Steel band, the Guyana Defence Force Steel Band, the Parkside Steel Orchestra and the National Steel Orchestra.

According to Tyndall, the groups will be presenting a diverse repertoire of music, including classical, reggae, calyp continued on page 24

L

The group of young persons who initiated the idea of the App

ocal company IntellectStorm in collaboration with the Public Telecommunications Ministry on Friday evening launched DirectoryGy as the official App of the 50th independence anniversary.

According to the CEO of IntellectStorm, this App creates a centralised location where anyone can access information relating to “what’s hot in Guyana” or where ever they need to go.

This is a full service App that meets the needs of individuals who are busy and rarely get time to access multiple sources of information. The App is especially beneficial to tourists who are not aware of Guyana’s geography as it provides site locations to persons.

The application also provides inter alia, news, radio and a historical background of landmarks in Guyana, ideally suitable for tourists coming for the 50th celebration.

The App has installed a full listing of all the Jubilee celebrations that is just a click away, living up to the aims of Rowen Willabus, “to make patrons

lazy” as it provides over 10,000 activities, services and events. With just a click away, information is at the user’s fingertips.

Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes urged patrons to support this Guyanese company while expressing her excitement at have something of this magnitude coming out of a pure Guyanese company.

Triston Thompson, who recently completed a United States-based training programme and who is also a partner and engineer within the group, explained how this App will be carrying businesses in Guyana into the 21st Century.

Thompson reminisced about how the “small idea” two years ago evolved from a business directory to becoming a unique source of information that was never previously offered to the public.

Ronson Gray, another partner in the company, pointed out that time was the largest investment; however on a tight budget, the young professionals still managed to make this a possibility.

WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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24 news

WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘Waste to Energy’ project closer to reality

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan

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he company, that will build, own and operate, the Waste-toEnergy Plant, that is proposed to be constructed at the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill, behind, Eccles, East Bank Demerara, could get Cabinet’s go-ahead, as early as the next two weeks.

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan was quoted by GINA as saying that within the next two weeks, the Ministry in conjunction with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is set to take before Cabinet, “the papers that will allow for the signing of the contract, for the firm, to build, own and

operate the facility.”

Minister Bulkan explained that the company that has been selected “brings the technology, as well as the investment to utilise the solid waste that is delivered there (at Haags Bosch) and to dispose of it in an environmentally friendly manner, (that is, using it to produce electricity).”

The Minister noted that the construction of such a facility, will “take away the current situation, where the government has to create funding for the management and operations of our municipal dumpsites and landfills.” In the process, the facility will also create renewable energy, utilising solid waste, he added.

After the construction of the facility at Haags Bosch, the Ministry will look to replicate the effort in other communities across the country, the Minister said.

He also said that on a smaller scale, the Ministry continues to be engaged in providing environmental solutions to waste management to the municipalities, as well as the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) across the country.

The Ministry of Communities, as part of its responsibility for integrated solid waste management, in February, had invited suitable firms, for construction of a Waste to Energy Plant.

No-confidence motion filed against TT Attorney General

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he Opposition in Trinidad and Tobago has filed a no-confidence motion against Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi, following the passage of a controversial piece of legislation that will expand the mandate of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA), including giving it power to intercept the calls of people suspected of being engaged in serious crimes.

And it’s also planning to take legal action to have that legislation which was passed last week – the SSA (Amendment) Bill – struck down, once it is proclaimed.

The motion was filed on Friday by Member of Parliament for Oropouche East Dr Roodal Moonilal.

At a press conference later in the day where she explained the reasons for the motion, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar accused Al-Rawi of compromising the Office of the Attorney General.

“He misled the Parliament and provided unsound advice and abandoned his role as guardian of the public interest. We also believe that there are other areas with respect to the conduct of the AG, in which he has fallen short of upholding the Office of the AG. We believe that he has conducted himself in a manner to compro-

Attorney General, Faris Al-Rawi

mise his office, and this is why we have moved this private motion,” she said.

Among the other grounds for the motion are Al-Rawi’s conduct of the matter relating to the discontinuation of a case in the High Court against Malcom Jones, the former executive president of state-owned company Petrotrin, which Persad-Bissessar said lacked transparency and accountability and caused the State to lose more than TT$1.2 billion (US$180.3 million).

The Opposition also raised concerns about Al-Rawi’s failure to disclose that temporary Independent Senator Justin Junkere, who supported the SSA Amendment Bill, was on the payroll of the Office of the Attorney General

when he voted on the Bill.

But Al-Rawi is not bothered by the People’s Partnership effort to get Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley to sack him, describing the motion as nothing more than a distraction from the Opposition’s “egregious attack” on Junkere.

He said it was not unusual for independent senators to be given briefs by the Office of the Attorney General.

In relation to the claim that he misled the Parliament on the privacy issue, Al-Rawi said: “There is a deliberate attempt to misconstrue the statement in relation to privacy. The law of privacy is quite clear; there is a constitutional right for private and family life.”

(Caribbean360.com)

More flights, more destinations …Surinam Airways to expand operations in Guyana

By Devina Samaroo

A

pproximately four years after its return to the Guyanese market, Suriname’s National Carrier Surinam Airways has massive plans in the pipeline to further expand operations locally.

A study is being conducted to determine how best the airline can increase its presence here, including the feasibility of adding new destinations or more permanent flights in and out of Guyana.

Surinam Airways General Manager Henk Fitz-Jim during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times International disclosed that the operations in Guyana have thus far been successful and therefore, it will most likely be profitable for the airlines to make further investments in the country.

Already, the airlines introduced its third weekly flight out of Guyana to Miami on Thursday last as a part of its expansion venture and it also plans to continue to gradually increase those flights.

“That is the destination we started with and people seem to be satisfied with our service and we are getting more and more business so gradually we’d wanna increase our flights to Miami,” the Manager stated.

Additionally, the airlines is exploring the possibility of adding a permanent flight to Sanford, Orlando.

“We already do seasonal flights to Sanford, Orlando, it starts again on July 1, and we’re looking into making it a permanent flight,” Fitz-Jim stated.

The company is also looking into adding some new destinations including New York, Toronto, and Atlanta.

Further, Surinam Airways also of-

fers cargo services and there are plans to expand on this service once the demand increases.

The Manager also noted that Surinam Airways is looking into the possibility of working in collaboration with another company to help promote Guyana as a wedding destination.

Fitz-Jim represented his company on a team of investors that recently visited Guyana to explore available investment opportunities.

He noted that participating in the mission actually fits in Surinam Airways’ future plans to further expand in Guyana.

Surinam Airways re-entered Guyana’s market on April 3, 2012 when the airline’s Boeing 737 touched down at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport en route to Miami, Florida.

The airline returned after a sixyear break.

The Police in a press release issued earlier today stated that investigations are being conducted into a fatal accident that occurred about 2115h. last night Sunday May 15, 2016, on the Sisters Public Road, WBD, and which resulted in the death of pedal cyclist Devon Sealey, 10 years, of Sisters Village.

Investigations so far have revealed that Devon Sealey was riding a bicycle along the roadway when he was struck down by a motor vehicle that was driven by a Police Constable, who was later found to be over the limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol.

The motor vehicle then collided with a parked vehicle and turned turtle.

Devon Sealey was pronounced DOA at the WDRH. The driver received injuries and has been admitted to hospital.

Steel Band concerts on... so, jazz, chutney, and fusion, and at both locations on the seawall.

He explained that the use of two locations is to ensure that there will be two different audiences. “We did not just want to have one area and have people crowding to see what is happening. So it will be spread out, so that everyone has an opportunity to come out and listen to the bands,” he said.

Other activities planned in commemoration of the country’s 50th Independence anniversary and with steel pan music in mind, include in the month of June, a series of regional and community concerts. Tyndall noted that the concerts are part of the celebratory aspects of the 50th celebration.

There are also several educational aspects. Tyndall explained that a magazine is being developed, which will focus on the history of steel pan music, as well as examine steel pan music, in its present state, and how to move the art form forward.

from page 22

During the month of August, there is also a planned Steel Band symposium. For this event, a tent or booth will be set up, during the hosting of the Youth Village in August.

Tyndall explained that during the exercise, persons will be taught how to play the pan, “those persons who are there and are interested in learning,” he said. There will also be a video demonstration on how the steel band is made.

Other activities planned for the 50th celebration include a number of workshops that deal with composing and arranging music, and how to produce better music and better instruments in the future.

The activities will end in November, with a Steel Band Music Festival and Award Ceremony at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Tyndall explained that persons, who have made major contributions to the art form, over the past 50 years, will receive awards. (GINA)

NEWS 25

WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

GTU complains of teacher ill-treatment by education officials their role in the education sector is of utmost significance in moulding the future of Guyana.

Highlighting some of the issues raised by the teachers, McDonald mentioned that many had protested against the manner in which they were spoken to as well as the lack of proper communication between the two groups.

T

General Secretary of GTU, Coretta McDonald

he Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) is calling for immediate action to be taken by the Education Ministry against Regional Education Officers who are reportedly ill-treating public school teachers, thus hindering the maximum productivity level of these persons.

The appeals were made for teachers, specifically in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica) who have alleged that they are constantly being harassed by these officials who have been put in charge to overlook the state of education in the specified regions.

The Union, which represents hundreds of teachers across Guyana, had received the complaints

during a meeting with its members who indicated that they are under immense pressure as a result of the treatment by these persons.

During a telephone interview with Guyana Times International, General Secretary of the GTU, Coretta McDonald, stated that the teachers had raised their concerns during one of the Union’s meeting, reiterating the call for the Education Ministry to become involved in the situation.

Taking into consideration the manner in which the teachers’ affairs are being represented by the officials, McDonald described the treatment as “worst than slavery.”

She noted that these teachers are not given the due respect, even though

Many of times, she said, when teachers direct their questions to the officers on issues that are affecting them, these are usually ignored or given little attention.

Complaints had also emerged with regard to the transferral of teachers without any notification being given before they are sent to other departments

or schools to continue their duties.

In addition, McDonald said that the matter of leave remains a major concern, since the system under which it is approved is inefficient.

It was noted that the teachers made a list of other complaints and presented it to the Union, asking for its involvement in call-

ing on the Ministry for resolution.

The Union believes that these contentions raised by the teachers should be given priority by the Ministry, since teachers serve such an integral role in the development of the country.

An attempt to get a response from Ministry officials proved futile.

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WEEK ENDING MAY 15, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING MAY 15, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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28 news

WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Govt paving way for GuyExpo to become regional event, says Business Minister

BY DEVINA SAMAROO

H

aving made significant strides over the years, Guyana’s largest trade fair and exhibition has the potential to blast into a mega regional event, once a strategic plan is developed to guide the way.

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin was quoted in the media as on Saturday as saying that Government is paving the way for GuyExpo to become a regional initiative, whereby businesses from across the Caribbean and Latin America can gather at one enormous event to foster intercontinental trade.

“It can happen. It is not a dream. It certainly

is ambitious but I think we need to be ambitious,” the Minister remarked as he toured some of the booths that were on display at the Sophia Exhibition Centre where GuyExpo 2016 was held.

The concept of the trade fair and exhibition developing into a regional event was first mentioned by the Business Minister during his presentation at the GuyExpo 2016 opening ceremony on Thursday last.

“It needs to become a much more foreign affair, that is, it must attract foreign exhibitors and it must attract foreign buyers. ‘Guyana means business’ will have to be embodied in Guyana in the coming years and this event must become the launchpad for businesses

Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin

seeking access to both local and foreign markets,” Gaskin had declared.

Expanding on this notion, Gaskin pointed out that though there

is regional and international participation in GuyExpo, it does not translate to the event being regional.

“We do have exhib-

itors from the region, and we have visitors from the region, and we have visitors from the United States, but it’s not a regional event as yet… we have to progressively move from this stage to this event being something that is on the calendar of businesses throughout the Caribbean,” he explained.

Gaskin said a forum would provide the ideal opportunity for the regional buyers, suppliers and service providers to do matchmaking, place orders and exchange knowledge.

In order to reach to this stage, however, the

Business Minister said there needs to be a strategic plan.

“We need to perhaps engage some sort of expertise that can point us in the right direction in terms of how one can go about planning for a growing expo… because obviously it doesn’t start with one event, we have to build this particular event to a level where it starts going regional,” he stated.

Gaskin expressed confidence that this vision can become a reality if Guyana targets the various regional sectors and make itself relevant to their local industries.

Recaptured murder suspect confesses to killing accomplice

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ollowing his arrest last Saturday at Kurupakari Crossing, Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), wanted murder suspect Stafrei Hopkinson Alexander confessed to investigators that he killed his accomplice, Robin Maxwell Thomas.

Alexander, 30, of Lot 129 Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was arrested and charged along with Thomas, 25, of Caneview Avenue, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, for the murder of businesswoman Shevon Gordon of Wismar, Linden, during a robbery on April 4, 2015.

However, last December, the duo escaped from lawful custody at the Mackenzie Police Station. As such, the Police issued wanted bulletins for them.

But after evading Police ranks for six months, Alexander was arrested in a vehicle at a checkpoint in the area.

During interrogation over the past few days, the suspect confessed to investigators that he killed Thomas.

This was confirmed by Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, who stated that another murder case was also made out against the suspect after he confessed to another murder on Tuesday.

According to details provided by Police sources, Alexander reportedly told detectives that he did not want his accomplice to implicate him in the murder

Recaptured murder accused: Stafrei Hopkinson Alexander

of the businesswoman.

The suspect disclosed that on the same day they escaped from custody, he dealt Thomas a fatal blow with a piece of wood to the back of his head. Alexander said he then dumped his accomplice’s body in the Demerara River in the vicinity of West Watooka, Wismar.

The body was discovered some time later and was identified as Thomas’.

Meanwhile, the second murder Alexander confessed to occurred between February 9 and 12, 2015. Based upon information received, he killed Richard Remmington, 44, of Lot 19 Christianburg, Linden, at Cholomdely Hill, Wismar.

Two persons, Winston Hinds and Owen Belfield, were already charged with Remmington’s murder when they implicated Alexander.

Alexander is also facing other charges, including attempted murder and several counts of robbery under arms.

FEATURE 29

WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

50 years of women writing

By Petamber Persaud

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he home of a wellknown female Guyanese writer was recently demolished and there was no fuss - it did not make the news and there was no public outcry.

In my book, that place is a shrine – a literary shrine.

That shrine gave birth to three novels (so far). Not far – a stone’s throw away from that location and not so long ago – another shrine was destroyed by fire, consuming the author of “Hear the Grugrus sing”. Two other such ‘shrines’ are under threat from the vagaries of tropical climate and short-sightedness of our custodians.

One of those shrines produced the “surrogate cultural and artistic mother to younger writers and artists”.

The other shrine under threat is responsible for the production of five novels, some huge, with stories spanning continents.

Women writers are essential to our literature because they see, perceive, feel and respond differently to various elements in a male dominated world. Who’s paying the women writers any heed?

To fully appreciate this aspect of our literature –50 years of writing by Guyanese women writers- it would be useful to take a peek into the period before Independence in 1966.

Before the 1930s, it would appear there was no writing done by Guyanese women. This is a disturbing thought.

Why? Why not? If they were writing (and I am sure they were writing) women were always ‘downing’ their thoughts, ideals and opinions; why did this not come to the fore? We can only speculate here, the scholars – anthropologist and sociologist – will have to make available data to help us find answers.

However, the first recorded instance of writing by a woman in Guyana seemed to be in the genre of drama.

A play, “The Romance of Kaieteur”, written

by Esme Cendrecourt, surfaced in the 1930s.

There is not much more information on the play or the playwright but the mere fact that this writer expressed herself in drama is instructive.

Beryl Gilroy (1924 -2001)

This seems also a point of departure.

The first collection of plays by a woman writer surfaced almost two decades later. That collection, “Five Plays”, written by Dorothy Collier, was published by the Daily Chronicle in the late 1940s.

Of note, the next such collection, of five plays by a female Guyanese writer, surfaced half a century later. That book, “Caribbean Mythology and Modern Life”, was written by Paloma Mohamed and published by The Majority Press in 2004.

Despite that unflattering record (or lack of record. I am convinced that women were writing all the time but were not given space or recognition) of writing

by Guyanese women in the early 20th century, there was a steady flow from their pens starting in the 1940s when writers like Celeste Dolphin, B. Zorina Ishmael, Helen Taitt, Jacqueline DeWeever, Joy Allsopp, Margaret E. Bayley, Edwina Melville and others were breaking into the literary landscape.

Some of the writing produced then was of good quality, qualified to stand alongside the work produced by their male counterparts.

The 1960s was a fertile period for writing by women, as numerous women writers surfaced and were acknowledged during this period. If fact, they made their presence felt in that they became members of literary groups and contributed to a number of publications of the day.

Such names as Sheila King, Evadne D’Oliviera, Cecile

Nobrega, Doris Harper-

Wills, Rajkumari Singh, and Syble Douglas stood out during this period.

The post-Independence period saw a flowering of writing by women, and the birth of the novel writing tradition by women. Many of these women have attracted world attention; some winning international, Commonwealth and Guyana literary prizes.

Here’s a list featuring names like Shana Yardan, Mahadai Das, Jan Lo Shinebourne, Parvati PersaudEdwards, Janet Naidu, Janet Jagan (author of six volumes of children literature), Narmala Shewcharan, Oonya Kempadoo, Ryhaan Shah, Maggie Harris,

Pauline Melville. Her first book, “Shape-Shifter” (1990) won the Commonwealth Writers Prize (Overall Winner, Best First Book) and the Guardian Fiction Prize.

Brenda Denise

DoHarris, Harris, Joan

Cambridge,

Claudia

CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

30 feature

WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

T

here are many Guyanese women who were pioneers in various fields locally and internationally. This week we feature two who made headlines.

Helen Taitt

Helen Taitt was the founder and director of the School of Guyana Ballet, which trained many of the teachers with the Guyana National School of Dance. Her dancing career spanned two decades, from the 1950s to 1970s.

Helen made the theatre her lifelong career, performing, composing and teaching right up to the end of her life. She was Guyana’s best known, most accomplished and acclaimed professional dancer, and was also a choreographer, writer, dance instructor, and a specialist in ballet.

Her many productions inspired talented dancers and choreographers to new heights, especially her “Song of Guyana” based on A. J. Seymour’s poem about the American Indian legend Amalica. Subsequently, Taitt established the National School of Dance in Dominica. Back in Guyana, she became director of the Taitt Dance Theatre.

Her autobiography, “My Life My Country”, covers decades of her experiences travelling and working in the U.S.A., Europe and the Caribbean, ending when she eventually returns with the intention of resettling in Guyana just after October 1992.

She first left home for training in social work at university in Jamaica, then again to study dance at the School

Daphne Steele

of American Ballet in New York, and later to pursue her career further afield. Among the schools, studios and companies she set up were the Berlin Art Circle, the Barbados Art Circle and the Taitt Dance Theatre.

Helen Taitt’s life story is that of one who persevered, realizing her determination to be a professional dancer and pursuing a long career in Germany (mainly), the U.S.A., France, Holland, Switzerland, Dominica, St. Lucia, Barbados and Guyana.

when she became the UK’s first black hospital matron in 1964. For the time, Daphne’s achievement was nothing short of amazing.

Former Deputy Director of Nursing at the Department of Health, Nola Ishmael described Daphne as a “first”, who led with dignity and determination.

“She helped to shape aspirations for BME nurses across the profession who sought to follow in her footsteps,” Ishmael said.

Daphne was born in 1929 in the Essequibo region of Guyana, where she grew up as the eldest of nine children. While her mother looked after the house and the children, her father was a pharmacist who travelled regularly around the country. Perhaps it was her father’s career in the health industry that inspired her career path.

Young Daphne grew up with aspirations to become a doctor.

She started nursing and midwifery training in 1945 at the public hospital in Georgetown. She immigrated to the UK in 1951 and started out on a fast-track training programme at St. James’ Hospital in Balham, south

London.

In 1955, her career took her to the United States where she worked at a New Jersey hospital. She returned to the UK five years later and was stationed as a nurse at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, before moving to Manchester to become a deputy matron at a nursing home.

The nursing home was facing closure and Daphne considered her next move. Recognizing her ambition, the matron in charge of the nursing home emboldened Daphne to go for the position of matron at a hospital in West Yorkshire, with the encouraging words of, “Come on, Steele!”

The encouragement worked and in 1964, Daphne made history by becoming the first black matron in Britain at St. Winifred’s Hospital in Ilkley, in the same historic building where Charles Darwin had lived a century before.

News of Daphne’s appointment spread as far afield as the United States and, of course, her native Guyana. When St. Winifred’s closed in 1971, Daphne trained as a health visitor at Leeds University. She took on

Daphne Steele

Guyanese-born Daphne Steele made headlines around the world

Helen Taitt

continued on page 42

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WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

50 years of...

FROM PAGE 29

er to publish a novel of speculative/fantasy fiction) There are many reasons for such a short list of women writers in the pantheon of Guyanese literature and there are many other reasons for the much shorter list of women writers of Indian ancestry.

In the last 50 years, women’s writing has developed with flair as

Cover of “Caribbean Mythology and Modern Life” by Paloma Mohamed

Heywood, Jay Hendricks, Sharon Maas, Elly Niland, Grace Nichols, Karen King-Aribisala, Maggie Harris, Pauline Melville, Beryl Gilroy,

Stephanie Bowry, Cassia Alphonso, Mosa Telford, Ryhaan Shah, Julia Kanhai and Ashley Anthony (Anthony is the first female Guyanese writ-

such only women can add to any aspect of life and it is imperative that we take note.

At the time of writing, there are many other women writers awaiting publication and acknowledgement, waiting to add their voice to the fuller experience and the fuller enjoyment of the continuum of life.

We salute you,

Woman.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo. com What’s happening: Coming Soon: “Made in Guyana” by Petamber Persaud is a pocketbook bursting with a wealth of information and pictures on people, plac-

es and events, and on things made in Guyana.

Look out also for “… History of Cricket in Guyana, 1865-1897”

by Clem Seecharan; “Children of Watooka” by Steve Connolly; “History of Plaisance” by Beryl Haynes Adams, and “Guyana at 50”, among others.

Next in this column: 50 golden years of Guyanese literature.

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WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

A warm Guyanese welcome

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s Guyana prepares to celebrate its 50th Independence Anniversary, passengers who arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Thursday morning were greeted with a warm and 'Guyanese style' welcome from models of aviation giant, Caribbean Airlines.

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WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Cove and John Ashram

Touching lives through charitable works are among the many occasions that present devotees with opportunities to intermingle and to build unity under the banner of the Sangha.

Seva – the pillar of the Ashram

Mothers pose with Swami Shivashankaranandaji Maharaj on Mother's Day

By Indrawattie Natram

T

he story of the Guyana Sevashram Sangha, Cove and John Ashram, which is located on the East Coast of Demerara, is a story of a philanthropic and monastic organisation;a story of sacrifice, dedication, hard work and commitment.

It is the belief of the Sangha that when the disciple is ready – the Guru will come. Such was the case that led to the beginning of the Cove and John Ashram.

At the command of Yugacharya Srimat Swami Pranavanadaji Maharaj, the Sangha Lord and the Guru of the age, to “go from one end of the world to the other and gather all my children under the banner of the Sangha so they can be saved,” Swami Purnanandaji Maharaj journeyed to the West in obedience of this command.

Established in the early 1950s, the Ashram is a complex of 20 acres of formerly undeveloped land that has been transformed by the hard work of the Swamis, Brahmacharies and selfless devotees.

The Ashram is ideally situated away from the ‘hustle and bustle’ of everyday life. It epito-

mizes tranquillity and serenity, yet it is a teeming hive of activities.

Its saffron(deep orange) cluster of buildings, which overlook the Atlantic Ocean, naturally blend into the sunrise and the sunset, and is the colour of renunciation.

Saffron is a colour signifying sacrifice, piety and all things sacred in Hinduism. The Ashram is an oasis that quenches the thirst of the tired traveller. It is a paradise that represents home for the seeker of the Divine.

The Ashram has produced spiritual giants in the making of the late Swami Vidyananda – former head of all western branches of the Sangha; Swami Nirliptananda (London); Swami Bhajanananda (Canada); Swami Shiveshwarananda (USA); Swami Shivaamritanandaji(USA), and Swami Shivashankaranandaji (Guyana) all actively involved in promoting Hindu Dharma The Mandir seems to overflow with the spirituality displayed by its multitude of devotees. Prayers and Guru Aarti twice daily, ensure that the spirit of divinity is maintained.

The lawns of the ashram are decorated with the Shiva Kund

Mandir,Shivalaya Mandir, the Laxhminarayan Mandir and the Shiva Parbat Mandir. A new Hanuman Mandir and a large OM symbol will be soon consecrated to give devotees great-

The Ashram thrives on the concept of Seva – service to humanity. It is the bedrock on which the Ashram is based. While the Swamis and Brahmacharies make transformations in the lives of the thousands who seek the influence of the Sangha in their lives, the Ashram also readily responds to the need of the people in times of natural disasters, moments of grief, personal loss, and in any way possible, to alleviate suffering.

The Ashram is able to touch the lives of the poor, needy and the vulnerable through Seva service and prayers. From the many medical outreaches stretching from Port Mourant to Leguan, the Ashram has managed to partner with many non-governmental organizations in treating thousands of Guyanese and attending to their needs.

On a monthly basis various

for the poor and needy.

During an exclusive interview on the selfless work of the Ashram, Swami explained that whenever persons communicate with the Ashram for help, a team or members from the Ashram usually volunteer their support and efforts in reaching out.

He explained that the team of volunteers is usually deployed to the most depressed areas with the same humanitarian- motivated goals of performing acts of kindness, without expecting rewards.

The Ashram over the years has donated blood and food hampers; conducted medical outreaches, clothing drives, havans and counselling; honoured mothers and fathers, and conducted several youth camps to increase the knowledge of the youths.

Only recently the Ashram and its members reached out to two poor families in Region Two. Beds, food hampers, clothing, shoes and prayers were offered for them.

At Golden Fleece, the Dhanpat family of 11 very young children, was provided with comfortable beds by the Ashram.

Children with their gifts from the Ashram

er opportunity of worship when they are on pilgrimage.

Workshops, development sessions, an annual summer camp for children, and family fun-day,

Members of the Ashram contribute beds and mattresses to a Region Two family. Swami Shivashankaranandaji at left

Seva's services are extended to various families, offering a hand of kindness and hope.

According to Swami Shivashankaranandaji Maharaj, administrator and spiritual leader of the Ashram, Guyana Sevashashram Sangha, Seva, Hinduism is simply serving God's creation through kind deeds or act.

Swami explained that the Ashram in collaboration with many donors, during its 60 years of existence, has reached out to many desperate families through charitable donations. According to him, serving humanity is like serving God and when one can extend his or her hand to someone in need it’s the best blessing.

For the swami, congregational prayers are important, but beyond performing Hawan and purifying the atmosphere, he believes that extending a hand of kindness or a smile to a despairing person is more meaningful.

Swami Shivashankar said that the Ashram, along with its members and donors,is devoted to promoting the welfare of humanity, especially through the elimination of pain and suffering

The members also performed a Hawan in their new home that was constructed by Food for the Poor.

Food hampers were also distributed to other vulnerable families as their way of serving humanity. Families on the West Coast were also provided with beds, mattresses and food hampers from the Ashram.

In celebrating the Ashram’s 60th Anniversary, they intend to reach out to more persons in whatever way, once they are informed.

Swami Shivashankaranadaji also revealed that the Ashram's doors are always opened to anyone who needs help. The Ashram over the years through the counselling expertise of Swami Shivashankar has managed to save many lives through its suicide prevention programmes.

Swami advised persons to be positive and to lead a productive life with a positive attitude and outlook.

The Ashram has been, and will continue to be, a beacon light to all – from all walks of life.

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WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Dr Samiran Bera, Senior Dental Surgeon: Guyana moves to Developed World standards

I

n the Healthcare Professions, for example Physicians and Dental Surgeons, the more senior and experienced practitioners will usually give patients more accurate diagnosis and more helpful treatment than their younger colleagues.

It is not that younger colleagues are less brilliant; it is simply that senior practitioners would have developed an intuition in quickly and accurately diagnosing despite many ailments having similar symptoms. And in treatment, the experienced would usually have encountered similar cases as their treatment tends to be effective.

Dr Samiran Bera, familiarly known as Dr Sami Bera, is the most senior and experi-

Dr Samiran Bera

enced Dental Surgeon in Guyana, succeeding to that accolade after the death of the legendary Dr Makepeace Richmond.

Dr Sami Bera has a very wide administrative and clinical experience. He served as the country’s Chief Dental Officer for many years.

He practiced among the Amerindians in the interior, noticeably ad-

vancing their dental health especially among the children and in the coastal communities.

But his main practice over the years has been in the country’s Capital City, Georgetown, and New Amsterdam, the second city.

Many patients from the Guyanese Diaspora in the United States and Canada come to Dr Bera for treatment, not merely because of the high quality and standard of work, but because he accommodates their requirements being very conscious that they need high efficiency and speed.

Another attraction to overseas patients is that Guyanese dental fees are much more affordable than in North America. He is among the few Dental Surgeons who methodically keeps

abreast with advances in his field by regularly reading the main British and American dental journals and checking on the Internet.

He has enjoyed several foreign training programmes including fellowships from Pierre Fauchard Academy, the International College of Dentists and the American College of Dentists. He is a long-standing member of the main foreign Professional Associations including the American Dental Association and the International Orthodontic Association.

He offers treatment in the whole gamut of dental practice including perodontics, orthodontics, restorative dentistry and crown and bridge. turn to page 47

Guyana has, in some ways, come a long and lone way since Independence

By Lomarsh Roopnarine

C

ontrary to the potpourri of pessimistic views spewing in the local dailies recently, Guyana has made some significant strides since Independence amid politics of donkeyism instead of democracy, politics of personality instead of policy, politics of antagonism instead of achievement, politics of stagnation instead of progress as well as politics of decadence, dissatisfaction and disintegration instead of determination.

That said, Guyana is one of those countries in the developing world that emancipated itself from colonial rule, and this achievement is no laughing matter. Just imagine if colonialism had continued where we would have been today. Certainly not celebrating independence but struggling to convince the colonial overlords that their time in British Guiana is up. Colonialism and neocolonialism are the worst acts of humanity against humanity. They are unrepairable and unforgivable international sins. We are, as a nation, still trying to recover from the ravages of colonialism. We have been dented by colonialism. If you think colonialism is gone, look around and think again. The style may be gone but the substance of colonialism is still around. Who controls Guyana’s natural resources? Who tells Guyana how to conduct general elections? Who gives Guyana money to combat drugs and crime? Who and where does Guyana get its loans from? Do you think the above things come free? There is no such thing as a free lunch, my friend.

Despite that Guyana has been unable to relinquish itself from the yaws of international financial lending institutions, multinational corporations, and developed countries, domestically and unlike most Caribbean countries, Guyana has managed for the most of the past two decades to achieve economic growth rates, at least 3 per cent per year. This achievement is counterbalanced, however, by the fact that growth rates have not translated into human development, namely in education. Guyana has one of the highest illiteracy rates in the Caribbean.

By any estimation, more than half of Guyana’s population has some form of psychological problem, including some in the current regime. What is needed now is the vision to produce desirable outcomes, preferably a more educated mass of Guyanese with a better standard of life.

Can our politicians deliver or do future generations fifty years from now would be asking the same question I am asking? I hope not. We cannot afford to be in learning curve or in name blaming or in finger pointing games anymore and any longer. We have no other choice but to learn from our mistakes and deliver.

To return to where I began, if you are someone who believes that airports give the first impression of a country, then Guyana has made some strides here. I have travelled to many countries around the world and I can say honestly Guyana’s airport is up there, if not better, with any other airport. It never used to be this way. In the 1980s, Guyana’s airport was a hellhole but it has come a long way since then and just ask those who are arriving right now to celebrate 50 years of independence how does it feel like to pass through the airport.

While you ask that question, I will like to ask the current regime a few questions concerning the 50 years jubilee celebrations. Why are you so bent in having such a big bash when most of Guyana is in dire straits? Who are funders of the celebrations? What is the financial contribution from the government/tax payers? How much money was given to the Diaspora in Brooklyn to celebrate the jubilee? I understand the sympathy and solidarity for a small celebration or even commemoration but not what is going on. This big celebration is a wasted opportunity.

To the average Guyanese, this regime has faltered and fumbled badly since assuming leadership and one would think that fifty years of Independence would have been an opportunity to correct the regime’s bizarre behaviour, including ministerial salary raises. Instead of big celebrations give the civil service a pay raise; put more money into crime fighting rather than relying on outside sources; provide some financial help to venders; bring some relief to the agricultural sector; and let people celebrate if they want.

This move, among others, would have demonstrated that the regime is not into wild but careful spending for the people. Say out LOUD that celebration is fine but the multiple needs of people come first. This move would have certainly extended the political shelf life of this regime beyond 2020.

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WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Governors of British Guiana

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rigadier-General Sir Frederick G o r d o n Guggisberg became governor and commander-in-chief of British Guiana in 1928.

According to one newspaper report of Aug. 11,

1928, His Majesty the King approved the appointment of Guggisberg to be Governor of British Guiana, and on Nov.7, 1928,Guggisberg arrived on the colony.

He succeeded previous Governor, Sir Cecil

Guggisberg and his wife Decima Moore-Guggisberg pose for their book during his earlier secondment to the Gold Coast (modern day Ghana)

William Hunter-Rodwell who helped establish the Legislative Council of British Guiana that replaced the Dutch created Court of Policy and the Combined Court.

Guggisberg served as the first governor of the newly established British Guiana (Constitution) Order in Council. He served as governor until failing health forced him to leave the colony in 1929, just eight months after arriving. He tendered his resignation shortly after, and died April 21, 1930 at the age of 60.

The Canadian-born British officer and colonial administrator is considered to have introduced sweeping administrative reforms on the colony during his brief government, and devoted himself to the problems of maintaining and improving the drainage and irrigation system upon which the sugar and rice cultivation of the colony depended.

He is also said to have promoted immigration and peasant settle-

ment, and the development of the production and marketing of rice.

Others on the colony however were not so enthused with his administration. With his drastic reformations, which, according to one report, included extending working time by one hour and cutting leave for locally appointed civil servants, soon left fewer doctors, post offices, police stations, and public amenities.

To cut expenditure, he restructured government departments, retrenched staff, and overhauled appointments, promotions and increments. According to the then Bishop of British Guiana, the colony became “a more distressful state” during his governance.

Previously, after serving in the First World War, Guggisberg, who had moved to the UK at age 10, became governor of Ghanain 1919 – then known as the Gold Coast. He remains a significant figure in their history, one

Brigadier General Sir Frederick Guggisberg, b. July 1869,d. April 1930.

(Photo circa 1920)

of the few colonial administrators to be held in such esteem.

In the Gold Coast, Guggisberg is considered to have played a major role in the construction of a seaport, roads and railways, and in strengthening health and education,where he founded an academic institution that served as the forerunner for the modern day University of Ghana. It is said that ill health had forced him to resign his governorship there.

Besides administration, Guggisberg played first class cricket as well as polo, golf, football and racquets –a game played with a hard ball in a somewhat large

court(the related game of squash (racquets) is played with a soft ball on a smaller court).

He is said to have married twice, divorcing his first wife in 1904, with whom he had three daughters. He married British actress Decima Moore, who was also a divorcee, on Aug. 15, 1905.The two later wrote a book together in 1909 entitled “We two in West Africa”. Sir Frederick also wrote other publications on military matters and Africa.

Guggisberg had received his Knighthood in 1922 for his military and administrative services.

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WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

This week's Crossword

This week's Puzzle

Feral…

N

...youths?

o. Your Eyewitness isn’t talking about the lady who famously issued the “feral blast” heard all the way in Washington DC! He’s actually wondering about the nature of the five youths who bound, duct-taped, robbed and killed Prof Perry Mars in his home. A few years ago, when staid, proper London was overrun by marauding bands of youths – like the ones who snuffed out Mars’ life – the Home Secretary described them as a “feral underclass”.

They’ve got no ambitions beyond living in the fast lane with all the material appurtenances of the “in crowd” they see on the television. They don’t intend to work for the aforesaid bling, designer clothes and sports-star sneakers. That’d be infra dig. In fact, robbing others to bedeck themselves is part of the lifestyle and charm.

There’ll be all sorts of sociological, psychological and anthropological theories thrown out as to what “caused” these young people to do what they did.

We already heard about one of the girls (17) thrown out of her home for “misbehaving” and being allowed to live with her boyfriend (16) at his home. With the permission of his mother!! What kind of mother allows two kids to set up house when neither of them’s working? How’d she expect them to get money for their food – much less the clothes and stuff?

Back in London, it was found that most of the young looters were repeat offenders – who’d been given “second chances” by the system. But how does the “system” expect them to change their ways when they’ve gotten no reorientation, no training and no motivation to change their lifestyle. It wasn’t as if there weren’t jobs. But the British youths refused them as too “low paying” – and were filled by Eastern European youths who’d arrived to make a living. The “feral youths” expected life to be handed to them on a platter, with a cherry on top!

What’s creating these feral youths here, is the same bleeding heart claptrap being peddled in Britain and elsewhere. The youths and others are OWED the good life. And they’ll, therefore, take it BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY. These youths couldn’t care less that Professor Mars was a man who’d tried to understand his society and his people and tried to do what he could to help them. That he taught “Black Social and Political Thought” at University.

Even more ironic was that Perry Mars’ wife – Dr Joan Mars – had written one of those analyses explaining why young people like the five who killed her husband do what they do.

Her book piece was called “Postcolonial Policing and the Subculture of Violence in Guyana.”

…politicians

While we have the “feral underclass”, it would appear we also have a “feral overclass” – some of the new politicians just plunked into office. They’re not as physically violent – but they’re just as amoral.

Now you’d think with all the “talk” they threw on the departed PPP worthies – and that’s all it appears to be with not a soul even charged after 30 audits – the new kids on the block would’ve been a bit more circumspect with their shenanigans, nuh?

Take the US decorated hero of the gold-bushes girls – “I is” Broomes, now moved from Labour to Natural Resources. She was already cited for owning mining lands she’d leased to a major mining company.

That’s not a conflict of interest? Folks gave her the benefit of the doubt.

Now it’s revealed – “revealed” – not “announced voluntarily” as the seemingly still-born Code of Conduct demands – that the Minister’s daughter, who’s a foreign student, was given a permit to operate the Minister’s gold dredge.

Still no conflict? Maybe the gold bush brings out the “feral” in people.

…City Hall

Why’s Royston King so down on vendors? Your Eyewitness doesn’t mind him clearing up Stabroek Market Square. But can’t he fix up some of the empty stalls inside and “regularise” the vendors? see solution on page 47

WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

37

38 art & culture

WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Exhibition celebrating Guyana’s 50th independence anniversary opens at Castellani House

"Jenman’s Building" (n.d.) by S. Ramsammy

T

he National Gallery of Art, in collaboration with the Guyana National Museum, University of Guyana and the St Joseph Mercy Hospital, presents a special exhibition in celebration of Guyana’s semi-centenary as an independent nation, and offers a panoramic and unprecedented view of how art has paralleled the

growth of our nation.

For the first time, this exhibition highlights some of the earliest works of art that still exist in Guyana, traces the beginnings of Guyanese art through the emergence of the pioneers in the 1920’s and 1930’s, then goes through the succeeding decades of art in Guyana.

As we go through this exhibition, we see

what Guyana looked like more than 100 years ago, viewed from within the particular mind-set of the time. As we move forward, we see how Guyanese learnt from the colonial masters before engaging with the movements in art that emerged in the wider world.

We see how influences which cannot be suppressed – the inher-

ing influences of Africa, India and the indigenous peoples – resist submersion and surface in powerfully meaningful ways in our art.

This exhibition shows that art has been, and continues to be, an important part of the lives of Guyanese. The artworks make it clear that our visual thinkers have been major contributors to the shaping of the Guyana – proposing and giving expression to values and ideas that help to direct and shape our development.

While there are more than 100 pieces in this exhibition, there is much that is left out also. This is so because more thinking and research has to be done on our informal art: the church statuary, sign painting, pottery, petroglyphs, basketry, weaving and other creations of so many unknown, unnamed artists

before and after the coming of formal westernoriented art to Guyana.

This will be the project for another important exhibition.

The name of the exhibition, “From Colony to Nation”, is starkly descriptive and appropriate for the purpose of “reflecting, celebrating and inspiring”. It adequately establishes the general topography of our development.

But the terms “colony” and “nation” are loaded with significance and meaning. They reflect the journey from one state of being to another - not only in chronological terms, but psychically, spiritually, culturally and socially as well. They invite us to meditate on our journey, and this exhibition provides one avenue for such a necessary contemplation.

From “Colony to

Nation” opens a window to the past and reviews the present, to help us in the necessary tasks of reflecting, celebrating and inspiring. The early artworks presented form a part of our national legacy because they capture a particular conjunction of people, life and landscape in this special place now called ‘Guyana’.

They tell the story of what was, and they indicate how far we have come. One cannot help but have an ambiguous feeling toward these artworks – aversion to the entire colonial enterprise, but also amazement that they still exist; fascination with what Guyana was one hundred years ago, and delight in having a record of what Guyana looked like more than one hundred years ago.

These artworks help continued on page 39

"Kitchen Garden" (n.d.) by Keith Welcome

feature 39

WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

The story of the Bhisa

By Isahak Basir, CCH

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hisa is the Hindi name for domesticated water buffalos, a species of huge water-oriented cow. This animal is a native of South Asia and generally India, where it is still being used

ing bovine, imported to Guyana by the European planters around 1850, helped haul sugarcane punts on the existing sugar estates between Affiance and Devonshire Castle on the Essequibo Coast.

During that period, the

hot for them. They would break any chain or pull any bull cart in any nearby canal to cool off. Bhisa would remain submerged in the water or pond for an about an hour before they can be controlled by their attendant again.

However, as the sugA water buffalo

Bhisa square today (Marco Basir photo)

extensively in agriculture and dairy.

Water buffalos are said to have been domesticated more than 5,000 years ago in India. They are also used in threshing grain and for transportation during the rice harvest, and to power devices for irrigating rice fields in South East Asia countries.

This strong, water-lov-

traditional punt trench dams would become muddy in the rainy season so that horses were unable to use the dams. The huge bhisa, three times the size of a bull, would pull approximately 30 punts full of sugarcane from the trench to the factory.

These animals prefer to cool off in any water source when the sun is too

from page 38

"Roofs" (1957) by Patrick Barrington

to give life to our history – sometimes delightfully and often painfully–and add depth to our landscape by awakening in us the realisation of the history that literally lies beneath our feet. The subsequent artworks show the depth, complexity and richness of the Guyanese imagination. They hold up a prismatic mirror to our present selves, so that we may contemplate ourselves, our condition and our journey, and clarify questions about where we are going.

The exhibition also shows that our local men and women needed no prompting to take on Walcott’s Adamic task of “giving names to things” through their art. In many instances, they were ahead of our politicians in understanding who we are and where we should be directing our energies. The artists filled the gap of imaginative possession, involved

exploration, and concerned vision vacated by the colonisers.

As we celebrate our semi-centenary, there is the feeling that art will continue be there to lead, support and inspire our development.

“From Colony to Nation” is currently open to the public until July 30, 2016. Admission is free. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday; the gallery is closed Sundays and holidays.

On May 20, 2016, there will also be an “Afternoon Tea and Artist Talk” event at Castellani House, Vlissengen Road, with Guyanese artist and author Stanley Greaves, starting from 4pm. Call 225-0579 for more information. (Text on “From Colony to Nation” exhibition by Alim Hosein) (Cover photo : "River Front Scene" (1945) by Dennis L Bourne)

ar estates became abandoned, these animals were left unattended, and to avoid hunters, they sought asylum in the vast savan-

nahs of Tapakuma and Dredge Creek. Their main sleeping grounds were forested areas of Lima Sands, Essequibo. At Lima Sands, they were hunted by persons with “wire ropes”.

Between 1920 and 1950, only Windsor Castle, Devonshire Castle, Paradise and Dartmouth had small farming cultivations of plantain, corn, cassava, potatoes, pumpkin and other crops. The animals would proceed to these farms at night,

rampage all the cultivation and return to the savannah before dawn.

Sometimes a few might remain at Paradise (an ex-slave village owned by Pareekan Singh) among a herd of about a dozen cows.

Bhisa had a traditional crossing west of Windsor Castle into Lima Sands, an easy access to the grazing ground or farm land. The area of crossing is still identified by senior residents who re-

called the ordeal of these animals. Since they were good swimmers, these animals migrated to an island in the Essequibo River to avoid being hunted.

Some of these animals can still befound in DeHoop, Mahaicony or the East Coast of Demerara.

As part of its history in Essequibo, we have identified the area of bhisa crossing in Lima Sands as a spot to commemorate Guyana’s 50th anniversary.

40 travel & tourism

WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Pathway to the jungle

T

he Kaburi jungle, which is known as a popular mining area, provides breathtaking natural scenery, filled with rich biodiversity and streams of refreshing black water.

Kaburi is an indigenous village located along the Bartica-Potaro

Road in Region Seven, and covers an area of 41.57 square miles.

Some 275 persons, with 55 families/households of primarily Akawaio and Patamona descendants, reside in the village, which was established in 1935. (Photos by AnnalisaRM on Flickr)

Navigating through the jungle Bridge to a camp in Kaburi's jungle

Towering trees

WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

41

42 feature

WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

from page 30

her role with renewed vigour and quickly became an integral part of the community.

Her sister, Jeune, recalled a time when she went to visit Daphne in Ilkley, where she was a health visitor. One day, they set off to go shopping, however, so many people stopped

to ask Daphne for advice that they barely made it to the shops; such was Daphne’s devotion to the people in her care. In fact, it was due to Daphne’s passion for nursing that Jeune herself entered the profession.

“Daphne loved being a nurse and would bend

over backwards to help.

She never seemed to be off duty. There was always a willingness to do something, to advise, to ask questions. She was definitely a people person. You could say she was the ideal nurse!”

Jeune declared.

Retirement did not stop Daphne leading an

active life. She was a devout Methodist and was involved with volunteer organisation Soroptomist International, as well as serving as vice president for the Association of Guyanese Nurses and Allied Professionals (AGNAP).

She loved cooking, music and amateur dra-

matics. Her contribution to her local community was recognised by the Rotary Club and, in addition, she received an award from the government of Guyana in recognition of her services to nursing.

Sadly, Daphne died in 2004. She is remembered fondly by all of her

family and peers. Jeune described her as someone with the most heartwarming smile and a great sense of humour.

She said that Daphne gave “110 per cent to everything she did, giving freely of her time, and was always willing to help people.” (http:// guyanesegirlsrock.org)

WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Fears of four more years Ryhaan Shah

N

othing good has come out of the Coalition Government’s first year in office. Crime is high and the economy has flattened.

There have been no new investments or jobs and President David Granger’s admonitions to the unemployed to go out and be entrepreneurial when his Government has established no policies to generate business and commerce show an absolute lack of concern for the state of the country and the people.

More than that, there is a note of authoritarianism in Granger’s style of governance. His pardon of criminals signalled a tolerance for criminality that is directly related to the crime wave. His directive to the police that they are not to shoot to kill during armed confrontations with bandits might also have seeded the new brazenness among criminals.

To date, most of the victims are Indo-

Guyanese businesspeople and shopkeepers and the bandits who invaded the Essequibo home of the Munirs and caused their fiery death are still at large.

Granger does not mention such brutalities when he talks about the crime wave but refers only to atrocities that result from bad interpersonal relationships.

He evades taking any responsibility for the current criminality when, even up to this past week, Commander of B Division Ian Amsterdam reported that one of two young men arrested for an armed robbery in Rose Hall Town had been pardoned by Granger.

The man, Kelvin Bates, was serving a four-year sentence for Robbery with Violence when he was pardoned. The rehabilitation arranged by Granger obviously did not work.

Many of the accused, and the prisoners during the recent Camp Street Prison riot and fire, all called on Granger for help. They see the President as their saviour.

The Guyana Bar Association objected strenuously to the unlawful manner in which the presidential pardons were effected but Granger simply vowed to continue with more, showing little respect for democratic procedures or the rule of law as in his earlier unilateral renaming

of the Convention Centre as the Arthur Chung Convention Centre.

Despite the objections then, he went ahead and did the same with the Ogle Airport, changing the name to the Eugene F. Correia Airport which raised protests from the nine other airlines that are partners along with the Correia Group in the airport company.

The renaming gives the Correia Group a distinct commercial advantage and the issue remains contentious even as the airline companies have agreed to consultations with Minister David Patterson.

However much Granger dismisses accusations of political manoeuvring to favour the Correia Group, the perception remains and, more than that, he continues to be unperturbed about public opinion.

A friend of mine cuts to the chase and says Granger is nothing but a cult leader and another notes that whereas Burnham practised party paramountcy, Granger’s is a personality paramountcy. Both might be on to something.

According to Minister Raphael Trotman’s revelations, Granger has been placed as President

by God. He never questions or objects to Granger’s decisions, Trotman stated, but waits for the wisdom of Granger’s actions and

decisions to become clear to him. This is cult-like behaviour. In the context of the governance of a country, it is extremely frightening.

PNC member, Jerome Khan, echoes this unswerving loyalty when he condemns criticism of Granger’s actions as “outrageous and disrespectful”. Khan makes it clear that Guyana is no longer operating along democratic principles where the President, as the senior public servant, must be held accountable by the people at all times.

Trotman’s and Khan’s statements support the idea of a personality paramountcy, as does the arena at D’Urban Park which is being specially built to befit the President and his followers for the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Whereas the Providence Stadium and National Park were large enough venues for every past President, they are not so for Granger.

This kind of grandiosity can be interpreted as cult-like, paramountcy or authoritarian.

Many sniggered when, at the very start of the Granger regime, I stated that Burnham was back. The PNC/APNU/AFC elections campaign call to “forget the past” could not have been clearer about the intent of the PNC – the major partner – to return to office for a repeat performance.

Even as Government drums up false notes of celebrations over the upcoming Jubilee, the country is gripped by a sense of despair as everyone looks on helplessly at the presidential highhandedness that contradicts all the campaign promises of fairness, transparency and good governance.

Granger and his Government are all ready to “sport”. After the Golden Jubilee, what?

Fears are high about the next four years.

Review?

S

atiricus was quite taken back by what the press called a “review” of the APANU/KFC’s first year in office. “Isn’t a review supposed to show the good, the bad and the ugly?” said Satiricus to his friend Cappo. “How come we only heard about the bad and ugly? And even that was exaggerated!” As usual, the two of them were throwing back at the Back Street Bar, having a few.

“Budday! When people a talk ’bout de sun, dem gat fuh talk mos’ ’bout de heat, you know!” smiled Cappo. “So tell me ’bout all de good, dem lef’ out.”

“They got rid of Ham-Ton Green, didn’t they?” Satiricus smiled. “Twenty-two years, the PPP couldn’t do that! Why you think they boasting how the city clean???!”

“Well…da a wan start,” said Cappo, grinning widely. “Me na bin t’ink ’bout dat. Wha’ else?”

“Well the new Government don’t hide like the PPCEE that they take bribes. When American politicians get paid off, it’s called “lobbying”.

“Satiricus paused to take a heavy draught of his beer.” In Guyana, the new Government calls it “political investment.” Isn’t that even more honest than the US?” “Me na know ’bout dat!” said Cappo, scratching his head. “You na t’ink de investors gon want big profit pan dem investment?”

“Cappo, that is how the world operates, old friend,” said Satiricus. “But another good thing about the coalition Government is they’re not selfish.”

“Wha’ you mean?” replied Cappo. “Me always hear abee country gat fuh t’ink only ’bout abee.”

“And that is why the world got so much trouble,” said Satiricus sternly. “No country is an island! You see how Agri Minister Hold-Her went to Costa Rica to solve the region’s agriculture problem? Don’t you feel that’s good?”

“Me woulda feel mo’ good if he bin fix abee suga’ industry fuss!” he said surlily.

“They fixing it boy!” replied Satiricus. “But you know sometimes when the doctor does operate, the patient could still die?”

“And wha’ suh good ’bout dat?” Cappo was now livid.

“Is the intention, old buddy,” said Satiricus consolingly. “The Government’s intention is good.”

47

WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

For peace and reconciliation

By Ravi Dev

No honour among KFCites?

S

atiricus was thrown for a loop. “Cold” was all he could think when he heard Nagga Man had denounced “the fallacies of some notorious bush doctors.” Had he forgotten his hand-appointed OREO of Region Sex, Rum-a-Ya was a “bush doctor”? Now Nagga Man was one of Satiricus’ favourite politicians and he swore there had to be more in the mortar than the pestle.

“Sato me frien’,” said Cappo consolingly as he and Satiricus “threw back” at the Back Street Bar, “Nagga Man nah seh “all” Bush Dackta. He seh “some”.

“But he and Rum-A-Ya grow up in the same village of Whimsey,” protested Satiricus. “He should know that Bush Medicine is part of our culture!”

“Well Budday!” said Cappo cynically, “you frien’ Nagga Man tu’n Town Man laang time now, you know.

He fo’get about Bush Medicine.”

“Don’t give me that, Cappo,” replied Satiricus as he took a long swig of his beer. “You know Bush Medicine is one of the biggest items at Bourda and Stabroek Markets.”

“You right, Sato,” said Cappo as he clinked his bottle to Satiricus’. “Because Nagga Man na fo’get Bush Rum! But ah know wha’ really goin’ on.”

“So why didn’t you tell me from the beginning?”

Satiricus said exasperatedly.

“Well Sato, you know how upset you does get when t’ings na regula wid KFC!” smiled Cappo. “Me hear RumA-Ya want SUV like Nagga Man and Nagga Man vex too bad.” “But Rum-A-Ya already get his own car and driver he demanded after the elections!” exclaimed Satiricus.

“Nagga Man made him ‘OREO’.”

“You miss de p’int Sato, old frien’” said Cappo as he signalled for another round. “Ah na de cyaar. Nagga Man now know Rum-A-Ya t’ink he equal to de Prime Moocher.”

Satiricus face lit up. “So THAT is why the KFC people Councillors with PPCEE Councillors want to vote out Rum-A-Ya!” “If you grow up in Whimsey, you woulda know two man crab cyaan live in de same hole!” Cappo was grinning. “You standin’ tonight beer, right Sato?”

Dr Samiran Bera, Senior...

from page 34

Many Americans of Guyanese origin are pleasantly surprised to learn that in Guyana one could find a dental surgeon who compares with the better ones in the States.

In a few years, Guyana will have a Specialty Hospital which is being built with assistance from the Government of India and will be initially staffed with mostly Indian

Specialist doctors.

The Specialty Hospital will offer the same quality and treatment one enjoys in North America and Europe.

Guyana aspires to upgrade its health care services to the levels of those of the Developed World.

Dr Bera is based at Woodlands Hospital, Carmichael Street, Georgetown and his email is: Dr.Samiranbera@ gmail.com

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

W

e have heard nothing but “social cohesion” over the last year. But how is this going to come about if we sweep so much of our differences under the rug. There is this refusal to acknowledge that our salient political cleavage is “race/ethnicity”. And that this orientation is due to rational concerns stemming from the reality of how power in all its various manifestations is distributed in our society.

This is nothing to be ashamed about, since this is the dominant form that politics has taken across the globe – including the “developed” countries, we seek to emulate.

Then there’s refusal of the political parties that purport to “represent” the interests of the people to be clear on “who speaks for whom”. The present state of affairs where the parties publicly assert that they are “multiethnic” while in private they are forced to send ethnic signals to ensure votes, has proven quite debilitating, to say the least.

In Guyana, the term “multiracial/ethnic” party is

used even though the party in question has invariably not clearly spelt out its position on specific “ethnic” concerns.

How can you be “multiethnic” if “ethnic is not on your radar?

“Multiracial” in other jurisdictions and expressions such as “rainbow coalitions” describe situations where the interests of the disparate members (including “ethnic ones”) are clearly articulated and represented by caucuses or subgroupings of the leadership. We don’t have this in Guyana: we simulate it by picking tokens from the various communities.

Going forward, we will have to accept that a party that speaks for an ethnic constituency is not, ipso facto, against the interests of the other constituencies. In fact, the leader who accepts true multiracial/multiethnic politics – where the ‘ethnic’ parties have to bargain with each other may better appreciate the problems of other communities.

Many who quote the success of Malaysia relative to us, forget that their success rides on the fact that their acknowledged ethnic parties

came together after the elections in a multiethnic government.

A multiracial/ethnic government ought to be the goal; not the party – if the latter concept has not worked after fifty years.

Another factor that hinders any lasting reconciliation in Guyana is the pervasive contestation of our historical narrative and its rewriting to buttress the individual claims to priority in achievements and by extension to priority in rights to the national patrimony.

Claims are being substituted for truth. Another subtext is that the violations inflicted on groups from all sides of the divide have been papered over and the victims left not only to suffer but for the suffering by extension to be visited on their descendants.

To address these hindrance to real social cohesion, we have persistently called for a “Truth and Reconciliation Commission”.

We first made the call following the ethnic riots of January 12 1998 in the hope that we would create something positive out of the great tragedy. Unfortunately

it was never heeded and we careened into so many other greater tragedies.

Political parties continue to play fast and loose with the truth; saying one thing and meaning another. In going along we are perpetuating the morally debilitating practice where we knew the dictator was lying, the dictator knew he was lying but we pretended we were dealing with the truth.

Pretty soon, very few of us could even distinguish the lies from the few truths that might have come our way. “Truth” became whatever the dictator said was true.

Guyana will never be capable of sustained development (in its wider sense) unless we destroy this culture of lying and makebelieve and the participants in the political process are seen as legitimate by all Guyanese.

This condition does not now exist.

If we cannot deal with truth, however harsh it may be, then we will always be interacting with each other with distrust and suspicion.

Guyana will see no real progress without a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

48 Bollywood

WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

No change in release Diversity not all about skin colour, ethnicity: Freida Pinto date of Hrithik Roshan F starrer ‘Mohenjo Daro’

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ctor Hrithik Roshan-starrer ‘Mohenjo Daro’ will hit the screens on August 12 as planned, reads an official statement shared by director Ashutosh Gowariker’s production house.

The statement reads: “I would like to clarify that he (Ashutosh Gowariker) has not been spoken to and that there is no change in the release date of ‘Mohenjo Daro’. As officially announced more than a year ago, on January 15, 2015, the film will release on August 12, 2016.”

The statement further says that

“there is a specific promotional plan in place for our film and our campaign will begin as scheduled by our team for the same”. ‘Mohenjo Daro’, helmed by Gowariker, is presented by UTV Motion Pictures and Ashutosh Gowariker Productions, and produced

by Siddharth Roy Kapur and Sunita Gowariker.

The film is set in the ancient city of Mohenjo Daro in the era of the Indus Valley civilisation. The film will also feature actors Pooja Hegde, Kabir Bedi and Arunoday Singh. (Indian Express)

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ctor Arjun Rampal injured his knee while filming a scene for the upcoming suspense thriller film “Kahaani 2”, which also stars Vidya Balan.

Arjun was filming a chase sequence, when he “busted” his knee. He also shared a photograph of his injury on Twitter.

“Busted my knee today, while filming a chase sequence. Finished the shoot. Now in agony. But then no pain no gain. ‘Kahaani 2’,” Arjun tweeted on Tuesday night.

Directed by Sujoy Ghosh, “Kahaani 2” is a sequel to “Kahaani”, which revolved around a pregnant woman named

A

ctor Shahid Kapoor and wife Mira Rajput will be stepping into a new phase of their life soon, and can’t wait for their little bundle of joy to arrive. Well, they can now start counting the weeks.

It seems ‘junior’, as dad-to-be Shahid calls the child, might be a Virgo or Libran.

Mira, who is in the third trimester of pregnancy, has her due date around mid-September. But as it happens in many cases, the baby could arrive a few days before or after the due

Vidya Bagchi, who comes to Kolkata from London in search of a man. The 2012 film also featured Parambrata Chatterjee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui,

date.

“Rangoon is scheduled for release on October 14. Junior will definitely arrive before that. Mira’s date is around mid-September, but as it happens in most cases, the baby could arrive a few days before or after the due date,” a source said.

Shahid has been keeping a close eye on his 22-year-old wife Mira. Since this is their first baby, Shahid is taking extra care of her. The Kaminey actor has been spotted accompanying his wife for her doctor

Indraneil Sengupta, Dhritiman Chatterjee and Saswata Chatterjee among others. “Kahaani 2” is set to release on November 25. (Indian Express)

visits at all times.

“She (Mira) has started getting cravings for particular kinds of food and he (Shahid) makes sure to indulge her,” says

or Freida Pinto, diversity is not about being “black or brown” or isn’t just confined to what one sees on camera but is what goes behind it. The USbased Indian actress, who found fame with the Oscar winning “Slumdog Millionaire”, says unless the debate on diversity extends beyond skin colour, it is “pointless and redundant”.

From veteran actors like Shashi Kapoor, Kabir Bedi, Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Anil Kapoor and Lillete Dubey to names like Irrfan Khan, Nimrat Kaur, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone — Indian actors have made their mark in foreign filmdom.

While most of them have evaded stereotypical presentation, Freida feels there’s a need to broaden the definition of ‘diversi-

ty’.

“Everybody wants to talk about diversity, but I like to broaden the definition. It is not just diversity in terms of ethnicity and skin colour, as in black or brown. It has become a redundant conversation. It is not about representing people on sexual orientation. That should never be a barrier for the kind of roles that people play,” Freida told IANS over phone.

She added: “I think diversity is a compulso-

ry subject matter and, yes, there is a certain issue in films. But look at the world… It does not look like a white persons’ world. There are all different kinds of people in it and all different kinds of actors and languages.”

The 31-year-old, who has already worked with the likes of actor Christian Bale and filmmaker Woody Allen, feels there is a need to focus on other important aspects of filmmaking than just see what meets the eye. (Indian Express)

ollywood actress Richa Chadha, who has always impressed the audience with her different avatars in her films, is just back from a successful trip to the ongoing 69th Cannes Film Festival held in France.

This was her third year there.

Richa made her Cannes debut in 2012 with Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur Part 1, in which played the role of a wife and mother of four.

The vibrant character left an indelible impression with her motor-mouth, who doesn’t shy away from using even the ugliest of street slang.

Last year, Richa attended the prestigious Cannes Film Festival for Masaan, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, and was honoured with a standing ovation and two prestigious awards. This year, she was seen walking the red carpet for the third

time along with the cast of her film, Sarbjit.

When asked about her experience in the festival and red carpet appearance, Richa said, “I have had the privilege to attend the festival for three times altogether. I feel lucky to get the parts I do, and happy to represent Indian cinema in my humble capacity over there. It was a last-minute trip this time, but I am glad I could put together some great fashion appearances thanks to my stylist. I hope I continue to do work that takes me around the world for the love of movies.”

Back in her hometown, Richa is now gearing up for the release of her film.

We will see the actress next in Sarbjit this weekend, which is a biopic based on the life of a farmer who was arrested by the Pakistan army for allegedly crossing the border and tortured to death after being convicted as an Indian spy. Richa plays the role of Sarbjit’s wife Sukhpreet in the film.

Directed by Omung Kumar, the film also stars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Randeep Hooda in the lead and is releasing in theatres on May 20. (Indian Express)

a source, refusing to get into details.

“He has also been accompanying her for visits to the doctor and when they are out, he

doesn’t let go of her hand or leave her side,” the source adds.

Shahid is currently shooting for Vishal Bhardwaj’s upcoming film Rangoon, starring Saif Ali Khan and Kangana Ranaut, which is scheduled to release on October 14. He is also gearing up for Abhishek Chaubey’s upcoming film Udta Punjab, which will open in theatres on June 17.

While Shahid is actively involved in the promotional activities of both the films, he is also making sure that he

spends a lot of time with Mira. The actor is also in talks for his new projects, but has decided not to kick-start any film before his baby arrives.

“He’s not planning a paternity leave but he does want to spend some time with both Mira and the baby when it arrives,” a source said.

It’s 10 months of wedded bliss for Mr and Mrs Kapoor and, according to the source, Shahid couldn’t be happier.

“Mira is everything he had been looking for and more,” the source concludes. (Indian Express)

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Hollywood 49

WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Becoming young dad ‘Trainspotting 2’ to release stopped me from falling in January next year off wagon: Tom Hanks

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ctor Tom Hanks believes becoming a young father prevented him from getting hooked on

alcohol and dabbling in drugs.

The 59-year-old actor welcomed his first child Colin with his ex-

wife Samantha Lewes when he was just 21 and he’s convinced the responsibility he gained from it, after just hitting adulthood himself, stopped him from going off the rails, reported Female First.

“I’m lucky. I was in charge of offspring at a very early age, so I didn’t have the luxury of being able to get stoned a lot. And I never drank too much. I thought it was more fun just to be seeing what was going on. I did my share, but it didn’t become a habit,” he said. (Indian Express)

“

T

rainspotting 2,” one of the most anticipated films, is set to release in January, 2017. A teaser video was released to mark the announcement with footage from the original 1996 film, re-

ported Digital Spy. The video is dubbedover with what looks like an updated version of Renton’s (Ewan McGregor) iconic “Choose Life” monologue.

Filming of the project

helmed by Danny Boyle has already started.

The movie will see most of the major cast returning, including McGregor, Ewan Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller and Robert Carlyle. (Indian Express)

Dwayne Johnson lauds Baywatch Single motherhood is challenging: Charlize Theron co-star Priyanka Chopra for handling pressure, action

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H

ollywood actor Dwayne Johnson has appreciated how Indian actress Priyanka Chopra, the villain of his next movie “Baywatch”, handled the “pressure” and the “kind of action” that the movie has.

Johnson, popularly known as The Rock, shared a video on Instagram and captioned it: “I told Priyanka Chopra at the start of production, ‘Woman, either we are going to get

along, or we are going to get it on’, she chose to get it on. And that’s why we love her.”

In the video, which seems to have been shot by the “Furious 7” actor on the sets of “Baywatch”, Johnson said: “There is a big scene where a villain is pointing a gun at me. But it is not just any villain, it’s not just any person, there is only one woman in the world who can handle this kind of pressure, this kind of action.”

The actress then walked up to Johnson in the video flaunting a black shimmer dress and a red pout, and said: “Cause evil never looked so good”. The “Baywatch” movie is based on the hugely popular 1990s TV series by the same name.

The “Gunday” star will be essaying the character of Victoria Leeds in the film. Besides the two actors, Zac Efron will also be featuring in the film, slated to release on May 19 next year. (Indian Express)

M

o d e l - a c tress Emily Ratajkowski says her ideal “girl squad” would include Prince, Lena Dunham and Beyonce.

The 24-year-old “Gone Girl” actress thinks the “Formation” singer would be an “awesome person” to hang out with, while her dream girl squad would also include real-life friend Dunham and late singer Prince, who died at the age of 57 last month, reported Femalefirst.

“In my girl squad, I guess it’s girls but I

scar-winning actress Charlize Theron’s children are her priority but she admits being a single parent is “challenging”. The 40-year-old “Mad Max: Fury Road” star has two adopted children, Jackson, four, and August, who was born last summer, and though raising them alone can be tough, they will always be her priority and she’s never happier than when she’s with her kids, reported Female First.

“It’s challenging but we manage. I work, but

ally awesome person to hang out with. And then Lena Dunham. I’m lucky to know her in real life and she actually just had her birthday yesterday. She’s a lot of fun,” Ratajkowski said. (Indian Express)

now at my most comfortable waking up with my kids, going to the beach and relaxing over a meal with friends.” (Indian Express)

Rudyard Kipling’s.

“It’s great to scare kids in a safe environ-

ment because it’s an important part of development, and we all loved to be scared as kids, so we shouldn’t overly protect him. Kids are so sophisticated, and that is why our Jungle Book is quite dark,” Serkis said.

Cate Blanchett, Christian Bale and Benedict Cumberbatch are lending their voices to Serkis’ “Jungle Book” slated for release in 2018. (Indian Express)

A

ctor-director Andy Serkis says his “Jungle Book” will be a darker take on Rudyard Kipling’s classic.

The 52-year-old actor’s version, backed by Warner Bros, is also his directorial debut, reported Entertainment Weekly.

“Ours is for a slightly older audience. It’s a PG-13, more a kind of Apes movie, a slightly darker take, closer to

A would have loved to have Prince I think that he would’ve worked with a girl squad.

“Beyonce, obviously. Her visual album ‘Lemonade’ is amazing and I think she’d be a re-

my children are my priority. Nothing’s better than the sound of little ones cracking up at something funny; I’m

ctor Jason Statham’s thriller project “Meg” will release in March, 2018.

The 48-year-old “The Transporter” star is playing a former Navy captain and expert diver, who battles a massive prehistoric shark.

Jon Turtletaub is directing the movie, which is based on the novel

by Steven Alten.

The production will start later this year in China and New Zealand. (Indian Express)

50 sport

WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Aussie cricketers briefed about Guyana’s Leon Johnson to training camp Zika virus ahead of WIndies tour invited for upcoming Tests

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Reprinted from Cricket.com.au

ricket Australia medical staff have briefed Steve Smith and his colleagues regarding the Zika virus ahead of their trip to the West Indies.

Australia face West Indies and South Africa in an ODI tri-series next month.

They are set to visit Guyana, Saint Kitts and Barbados during the tournament.

There have been a handful of confirmed Zika cases recently in Guyana, located on the north coast of South America.

The scientific consensus is that the virus causes microcephaly –

the malformation of the brains of newborn babies – and Guillain-Barre syndrome.

The recent outbreak, which has overshadowed the lead-up to the

2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, hasn’t been overlooked by CA. The risk facing the 16-man squad isn’t as significant as for those Olympians travelling to Brazil, the epicentre of the Zika outbreak.

But the topic was covered in CA’s pre-trip medical briefing.

“There are risks associated with travelling for any tour and players and support staff are given a variety of briefings,”

CA chief medical officer John Orchard said.

“Ahead of the West Indies tour, this briefing has included the risks associated with the Zika virus, even though

the coast regions in the Caribbean are at low risk.”

Most of the advice will be familiar to players, who are educated about mosquito-borne diseases malaria and yellow fever prior to visiting India and Africa respectively.

“The briefing includes how to avoid the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes,” Orchard said. “We have also reminded players of safe-sex practic-

es as exposure to this virus can lead to longterm pregnancy complications.”

Zika is spread primarily by mosquitoes but can also be transmit-

ted sexually, prompting the Australian Olympic Committee to provide ‘anti-Zika’ condoms to athletes.

The outbreak of Zika has prompted calls for this year’s Olympics to be postponed or shifted to another city.

Australian golfers Adam Scott, the 2013 Masters champion, and Marc Leishman have opted to skip the Games.

Both Scott and Leishman have expressed concerns about Zika.

“It has to be treated seriously and I just don’t think it is,” Scott said recently. “It hasn’t really got major traction yet and I am amazed by that.”

Major League Baseball recently moved a series of games from Puerto Rico to Miami because of Zika concerns.

The upcoming ODI matches in Guyana will coincide with the country’s 50th anniversary of independence.

There is no prospect of the games being shifted.

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R I D G ETO W N , Barbados, CMC – Guyana Jaguars left-hander, Leon Johnson, is among 14 players invited to a special camp designed to help batsmen improve their technique against spin, ahead of the upcoming Test series against India and Pakistan.

The 28-year-old averages nearly 40 in four Tests but has been repeatedly overlooked over the past 16 months, as West Indies struggled in successive series with the opening position.

However, he was the leading scorer in the just concluded regional first class championship, with 807 runs at an average of 57, and now heads a list that includes fellow Guyanese Vishal Singh and Barbadian Roston Chase, which assembled here last weekend for the week-long camp.

“The camp is specifically for batsmen and spin bowlers. At this stage, we want the batsmen to focus on getting better against the slow bowlers. We want bowlers to look at ways to improve their art of spin bowling,” head coach Phil Simmons said.

“In the coming months we will have Test matches against India and Pakistan – two higher ranked teams – so we know we will face a lot of spin and we will play against players who are good players of spin.

So this camp is planned with those factors in mind.”

Both Vishal and Chase were heavy scorers in the first class competition. The left-handed Vishal gathered 712 runs at an average of 50 with three hundreds while Chase, a right-hander, was the leading scorer for Barbados Pride with 710 runs at 59.

Uncapped batsmen Shamarh Brooks and John Campbell, all-

Leon Johnson

rounder Imran Khan, along with left-arm spinner Gudekesh MotiKanhai and leg-spinner Damion Jacobs, are among the14 players invited to the camp.

Simmons was careful to point out, however, that the invitees were not selections for the upcoming Test series.

“The list of players for this camp does not mean that they have already been selected to play the Test matches,” the Trinidadian said.

“The squads for the India and Pakistan matches will be named at a later date. We have chosen players to work on certain specific areas and to have a closer look at their techniques and skill sets, as we look to prepare for what is ahead of us.”

The training session started last weekend at the West Indies High Performance Centre at the 3Ws Oval, under the supervision of Simmons.

West Indies host India in four Tests between July and August and then face Pakistan in a three-Test series away.

They take on Australia and South Africa in a Tri-Nations Series next month and a squad for the tournament is set to be named shortly.

Ambrose shocked by sacking

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T JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Bowling legend Sir Curtly Ambrose says he is shocked by his sacking as West Indies bowling consultant, and claims he never saw the decision coming.

The 52-year-old, who has served in the role for the past three years, said he had only been informed of the decision by head coach Phil Simmons less than a week ago, and also pointed out that he had already planned his schedule around next month’s Tri-Nations Series and the four-Test India series starting in July.

“I only learnt about it from head coach Phil Simmons on Wednesday [last week], and when he told me I said to him that I am very disappointed, because I never expected it, and I never saw it coming because he never gave

Curtly Ambrose

me any indication he was going to let me go,” Sir Curtly said.

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WEEK ENDING MAY 22, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

No place for Gayle, DJ Bravo, Sammy as West Indies name Tri Nation series squad

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he West Indies Selection Panel today named the 14man squad for the first four matches of the upcoming Tri Nation OneDay International Series.

The squad includes two players who are yet to play in ODIs for the West Indies.

These are: off-spinner Ashley Nurse, who was a member of the West Indies team which won the ICC World T20 last month; and fast bowler Shannon Gabriel, who has played 16 Test matches. The Tri Series will feature West Indies, South Africa and Australia and all matches will be day/night.

The series starts at the Guyana National Stadium (June 3-7), then moves to Warner Park, St Kitts (June 11-15); and concludes at Kensington Oval, Barbados (June 1926).

The series will also mark the return to West Indies duties for Trinidad & Tobago duo, Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine.

Pollard last wore the maroon in ODI in October 2014 when the West Indies abandoned the tour to India while Narine last played ODI’s for the Windies in November 2015 before being report-

ed for a suspected bowling action.

The full squad is expected to assemble in Barbados for a period of encampment before the series bowls off in Guyana.

FULL SQUAD: Jason Holder (Captain) Sulieman Benn Carlos Brathwaite Darren Bravo Jonathan Carter Johnson Charles Andre Fletcher Shannon Gabriel Sunil Narine Ashley Nurse Kieron Pollard Denesh Ramdin Marlon Samuels Jerome Taylor Team Management Rawl Lewis (Team Manager) Phillip Simmons (Head Coach) Stuart Williams (Assistant Coach) Roddy Estwick (Assistant Coach) Andre Coley (Assistant Coach) C.J. Clark (Physiotherapist) Ronald Rogers (Strength and Conditioning Coach) Virgil Browne (Massage Therapist) Philip Spooner (Media Manager) Dexter Augustus (Analyst)

Junior Men’s Team arrive in Toronto for Pan American Championships

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Standing (L-R) Barrington Browne (Physical Trainer); Robert Fernandes (Head Coach); Nyron Joseph; Andrew Stewart; Leon Bacchus; Shaquille Leung; Ato Greene; Keon McKenzie; Medroy Scotland (GK); Paramanand Dindial; Mark Sargeant (Cap); Aroydy Branford & Hubert Forrester (Manager) Stooping: Kareem McKenzie, Omar Hopkinson, Meshach Sargeant, Daniel Hooper, Rosario Ramsammy, Michael Hing (GK) and Jael Gaskin Absent from photo is Hilton Chester

he Guyana National Junior Men’s Hockey Team arrived in Toronto, Canada on Monday evening to take part in the Pan American Junior Championships, scheduled for May 20th to 28th.

The team settled into their accommodation at the University of Toronto grounds and had a taste of the 6C temperature on their early morning jog and stretching session on Tuesday, under the guidance of physical trainer Barrington Browne.

Three of the team’s most experienced players, Hilton Chester, Kareem McKenzie and Daniel Hooper will join the team on Thursday evening, after completing some of their CXC and CAPE

exams. The team is schedule to take on the tournament’s third seed on Friday at 3:00pm, then Mexico on Saturday at the same time before playing second seed Canada on Monday at 5:30pm.

According to head coach Robert Fernandes “We will use these first few days to get the boys comfortable with their surroundings, acclimatised to the conditions and adjusted to playing on the turf. We usually get better as tournaments wear on and we adjust to the faster pace of play that the turf allows. So hopefully by arriving here early and having three sessions on the surface we will be firing on all cylinders by Friday.”

Local fans will be able to

stream the matches live on the www.panamhockey.org website.

National Junior Men’s Hockey Team: Mark Sargeant (Cap), Medroy Scotland (GK), Michael Hing (GK), Kareem McKenzie, Keon McKenzie, Daniel Hooper, Shaquille Leung, Meshach Sargeant, Rosario Ramsammy, Aroydy Branford, Andrew Stewart, Leon Bacchus, Jael Gaskin, Omar Hopkinson, Hilton Chester, Ato Greene, Paramanand Dindial, and Nyron Joseph.

Manager – Hubert Forrester Coaches – Robert Fernandes, Dwayne Alleyne and Marvin Dannett Physical Trainer – Barrington Browne

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Hand-in-Hand U-19 Inter-county tournament recommences this weekend

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he Guyana Cricket Board/Hand in Hand Group of Companies Under-19 50-Overs Competition which was put on hold due to consistent inclement weather, is all set to recommence this weekend at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Heavy and persistent showers completely washed out the third round and final that were initially slated for April 29 and May 1 respectively. In the rescheduled fixture Demerara will play the Under-17 select squad on Friday May 20 while on Saturday May 21, Berbice battle Essequibo. The winner of the two matches would contest the final on Sunday May 22. All matches would start at 9:30 hours.

The squads are as follows: Demerara: Travis Persaud (captain), Ronaldo Alimohamed (vicecaptain), Ronaldo Renee, Raymond Perez, Sherfane Rutherford, Vishwanauth Ramlakhan, Malcom Hubbard, Ramnarine Chatura, Kelvin Shewpersaud, Romain Muniram, Darshan Persaud, Ershad Ali, Samuel McKenzie, Keshram Shabodan, and Gavin Boodwah. The Coach is Clive Grimmond and the Manager is Omar Hussain.

Essequibo: Keemo Paul (captain), Sachin Persaud (vice-captain), Akinie Adams, Looknauth Chinkoo, Siddiq Mohamed, Leslie Allen, Nathan Persaud, Jonathan Fernandes, Travay Wolfe, Dwayne Thomas, Satesh Lachana, Mark Williams, Reaz Khan, and Miguel Jones. The Coach is Nandkishure Andrews and the Manager is Forbes Daniels.

Selected U-17: Bhaskar Yadram (Captain), Kelvin Sinclair (Vice

Ronaldo Renee

Captain), Joshua Persaud, Ashmead Nedd, Kurt Lovell, Rayon Venture, Javed Karim, Sagar Hathiramani, Steve Deonarine, Collin Barlow, Joshua Jones, Kelvin Umroa, Tameshwar Motiram, Kevlon Anderson, Alphius Bookie, Joel Fortune, and Sachin Singh.

The Manager is Nazeer Mohamned and the Coach is Garvin Nedd.

Berbice: Brandon Prashad (captain), Adrian Sukwah (vice-captain), Sasenarine Sookhoo, Trevon Ceasar, Joshua Harrichand, Ritesh Omroa, Matthew Hardial, Randy Wade, Joel Seitaram, Vevekanand Jagit, Asif Ally, Nicholas Seenarine, Raymond Vankenic, and Sylus Tyndall. The Coach is Delbert Hicks and the Manager is Julian Cambridge.

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