Guyana Times International

INTERNATIONAL THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com ISSUE NO. 349

WEEK ENDING june 11, 2017

U.S. Remittance Tax:

Opposition Leader slams Govt’s ‘wait and see’ approach

Vetting of social media profiles begins for U.S. visa applicants Page 5

See story on page 3

U.S.- based Guyanese on ‘a mission to impact lives’ Page 29

President David Granger

Opposition Leader Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Come clean on oil contracts

- transparency body urges Guyana gov’t

Page 3

Dr. Sharla Madho-Khargi (left) with founder of Sorsha Williams Foundation of Autism, Karen Williams

Governor Cuomo announces campaign to crack down on speeding in New York Page 4

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Come clean on oil contracts - local transparency body urges Guyana gov’t

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n the name of accountability and transparency, Transparency Institute Guyana Inc (TIGI) is calling on the Government to publish the contract drafts and make the negotiations accountable to Parliament that it has with all oil companies, including US-oil giant ExxonMobil.

TIGI said in a statement on Wednesday that if the Government decides to move in this direction, then the Guyanese Diaspora, whose knowledge is vast in this area, will be able to make contributions to the process and thus protect the country’s interest. The body highlighted that there has been growing calls for disclosure of the contract with ExxonMobil and its partners, but each time this comes up, there is a refrain from the

TIGI Head, Dr Troy Thomas

Government.

One reason used is that full disclosure would not be to the national benefit or the national interest. But TIGI said there are multiple reasons why these contracts should be made public.

The organisation cited a few examples including an article by the Natural Resource Charter, which states that the authorities should make avail-

able data and reports on licences, geological surveys, cadastres and reserves, as well as economic, environmental and social impact assessments. Critically, authorities should also publish contracts and make them readily available online.

TIGI also made reference to a statement made by the founder of Transparency International, Peter Eigen, who was quoted in the UK Guardian as saying that although companies have the right to secrecy when contracting with each other, different rules have to apply when a Government is party to a contract and that confidentiality clauses are often overprotective and must be subject to scrutiny.

The organisation said that it is not convinced with the argument that national security serves

as another reason for the non-disclosure of the contract. “First of all, it is near impossible to undervalue the amount of the oil potential that has already been disclosed to the public, by the international press and in investment circles,” the statement said.

The Government’s willingness to ignore the mountain of evidence against contract secrecy and the potential ills associated with a developing oil industry is baffling, TIGI said.

Meanwhile, the organisation said corruption is not the only problem Guyana has to worry about when dealing with oil companies, but it must bear in mind that the country is relatively small and is negotiating with a titan like Exxon.

In looking at the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, TIGI

said that there might be a serious obstacle to disclosure embedded in governing law, because Chapter 65:10 seems to provide a built-in secrecy clause.

It states that no information furnished, or information in a report submitted, pursuant to this Act by a licensee shall be disclosed to any person who is not a Minister, a public officer or an employee of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission except with the consent of the licensee. Any person, who discloses information in contravention of that requirement, could be liable to a fine of G$75,000 and imprisonment for three years.

“This clause was inserted in 1997 and its application would mean that (a) all the information released to the public is what the oil compa-

Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman

nies now talking to GoG want released. We are not clear on whether this applies to the contract and hereby specifically ask this of the GOG.” The organisation pointed out that it is concerned about the very existence of this confidentiality clause and would want to know whether the nation can expect to see it removed in the revised act which is due shortly.

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

INTERNATIONAL To contact: Guyana Times International

New York Office 106-15 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica NY 11435 Email: guyanatimesnyint@gmail.com Tel no: 718-658-6804 Fax no: 718-849-2286 Preferred method of contact via EMAIL Guyana Office Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana.

Tel no: (592) 223-7230/1, 225-7761.

Fax (592) 225-8696 Email: guyanatimesint@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Decriminalising same sex relations

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n a weekend that saw the election of an openly gay son of an immigrant as the head of the ruling Fine Gael party of Catholic Ireland – and so in line to be confirmed as Prime Minister when their Parliament reconvenes on June 13, Guyana’s LGBT community remains in a quandary about their right to engage in same sex relations. For over a decade, the discriminatory nature of laws falling under “offences against Morality”, such as: “Everyone who commits buggery… shall be guilty of felony and liable to imprisonment for life” remains hanging like a modern day Sword of Damocles over the heads of LGBT citizens, even as the Government has promised to adhere to international covenants to which it has signed on.

In 2010, after information was presented by Guyana to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly Human Rights Group, Government spokesperson Gail Teixeira noted: “Recommendations 70.47 to 70.53 refer to decriminalisation of consensual same sex relations and ending discrimination against gays, lesbians, bisesexuals, and transgenders…

Guyana noted these recommendations and voluntarily commits to hold consultations over the next two years. Based on the outcome of this democratic process these will be reflected in its domestic laws.”

In 2012, the People’s Progressive Party Government attempted to establish a Special Select Committee to conduct hearings on the subject but against strident protests by the People’s National Congress (PNC), the matter was shelved. Last month however, the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change Government submitted a letter on the issue to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). It claimed there remained mixed views on the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and sexual identity and repealing of the laws to decriminalise homosexuality and “it was recommended, that the matter be taken to a vote, where the people of Guyana will decide by a referendum on these matters.” The Government was now rejecting its predecessor’s position that the people’s representatives in the National Assembly would make the decision to decriminalise, and would now go directly to the people.

Ignoring Guyana’s status as the only country in undeveloped South America where homosexual acts remain illegal, Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge noted that in the developed OECD countries, social change has made “certain types of behaviour” acceptable, “But” he argued, “this is Guyana and in these countries you have a different mix of not only ethnic groupings, but you have religious groupings.”

Not surprisingly, members and supporters of the LGBT community are outraged and see this move as a form of “forum shopping” that is unquestionably “outcome determinative”. The Government believes the majority of Guyanese are against the legalisation of same sex relations.

It is very unfortunate that while Guyana follows precedent in law from Britain, it has stubbornly refused to do so on the law on same sex relations which was imposed by that country in the 19th century.

But the British laws were revised around the same time as our Independence was granted. A decade before the UK Governmentsponsored Wolfenden Committee on homosexual relations and prostitution had submitted its report. It made a crucial distinction between private actions and public order, which subsequently dominated the enforcement of morality that is at the base of the criminal law. Wolfenden took up the utilitarian proposition of Bentham and JS Mill that it should not be the function of the law to regulate private behaviour that did not harm anyone else; however distasteful others might find it. Its role was to establish the framework of public order.

In the famous subsequent HLA Hart-Devlin debate that centred on Wolfenden’s recommendations, much of the present Guyana Government’s position was represented by the jurist Lord Devlin and while no one would deny that the “voice of the people” does matter, the position articulated by Oxford Professor Hart has carried the day.

The 1967 Sexual Offences Act decriminalised same sex relations in England and Wales.

From that time, the moral right of the individual rather than society became determinative of what went on in private. When will Guyana catch up?

First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger taking a look at items on display during a recent event held to recognise the contributions of businesses and individuals to the development of tourism in Guyana

Governor Cuomo announces campaign to crack down on speeding in New York

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overnor Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Wednesday that the New York State Police will conduct a week-long enforcement initiative to crack down on speeding and aggressive drivers across the state. The Speed Week campaign runs today (Wednesday) through June 13.

According to the Governor’s office, last year, during the June 2016 Speed Week campaign, State Police issued more than 21,000 traffic tickets.

More than 10,000 of the tickets were for speeding, more than 600 were for distracted driving, and more than 200 for violations of the Move Over law.

"Speeding and reckless driving puts everyone on the road at risk and this dangerous behavior will not be tolerated in New York," Governor Cuomo said. "This week, the State Police will be increasing enforcement to put the brakes on drivers who ignore the law, helping to increase the safety of our roads and prevent avoidable tragedy."

During this summer’s “Speed Week”, Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement vehicles as part of the operation. The CITE vehicles allow Troopers to more easily identify motorists who are violating laws while driving. These vehicles blend in with every day traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.

New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II said, "The goal of this campaign, and enforcement year round, is to reduce speed related crashes and improve safe travel for drivers and passengers on New York’s roads.

Obeying the speed limit and driving defensively will reduce the number of fatal accidents

throughout the week in addition to normal year-round enforcement. Troopers will also be watching for other traffic violations, including distracted or impaired drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up, and drivers that are violating New York’s Move Over law.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

and increase safety for everyone on the highway."

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Executive Deputy Commissioner and acting Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Chair Terri Egan said, "DMV and GTSC commend law enforcement for their commitment to keeping our roadways as safe as possible and offer our full support for this life-saving initiative.

We want everyone to enjoy a safe and happy summer season and urge all motorists to obey the speed limit, never drive impaired and avoid distractions.

By being a responsible driver, you will avoid a ticket or arrest and, more importantly, prevent needless deaths and injuries. The life you save could be your own!"

Speeding is listed as a contributing factor in nearly one third of all fatal crashes in New York State. More than 42,000 people die as the result of traffic crashes each year on our nation's highways and hundreds of thousands are seriously injured.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for people ages 3 to 33.

Speeding by all vehicle types, as well as other traffic violations, will be heavily enforced

Fines for speeding on 55 mph highway or posted 65 mph zones First Conviction 10 mph or less over the limit - min $45/max $150 11- 30 mph over the limit min $90/max $300 31 mph or more over the limit - min $180/max $600 Second Conviction 10 mph or less over the limit - min $45/max $300 11 - 30 over the limit - min $90 /max $450 31 or more over the limit min $180/max $750 Third Conviction 10 mph or less over the limit - min $45/max $525 11 - 30 over the limit - min $90 /max $675 31 or more over the limit min $180/max $975 Court Surcharges Town or village courts - $93 Other Courts (city traffic courts, etc.) - $88 Violation Point Structure 1-10 mph over limit = 3 points 11-20 mph over limit = 4 points 21 - 30 mph over limit = 6 points 30 - 40 mph over limit = 8 points More than 40 mph over limit = 11 points (triggers suspension) Funding for the Speed Week initiative is provided through a grant from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Vetting of social media profiles begins for U.S. visa applicants T

he United Stated Government has implemented a new rule that allows officials to demand five years' worth of social media profiles and 15 years of biographical information as part of a visa application, according to US media outlets. This recent change also applies to Caribbean nationals applying for US visas.

According to ABC News, the rule, took effect May 25 even as the president’s so-called travel ban remains tied up in the courts -- part of Trump’s push for “extreme vetting.”

Consular officers processing visa applicants at embassies around the world can now ask applicants for social media profiles from the last five years, prior passport numbers, greater detail about family members, and longer personal history, including travel, employment and residence for the last 15 years, instead of the last five that applicants were previously asked for.

The rule applies to “immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants who have been determined to warrant additional scrutiny in connection with terrorism or other national security-related visa ineligibilities,” according to the State Department.

The department estimated that this would affect 65,000 applicants a year, or 0.5 percent of all applicants -- “only a fraction of 1 percent of the more than 13 million annual visa applicants worldwide,” according to a statement.

However, based on the new changes, it will be up to the individual consular officer screening the applicant to determine if he or she re-

quires the additional questions, according to ABC News.

President Donald Trump campaigned first on a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States,” before pivoting to a platform of “extreme vetting” that offered few details.

Once in office, he tried to turn that rhetoric into policy with an executive order signed one week into his presidency that banned travel from seven Muslim-majority countries. When that ban was challenged in court and tied up, the administration issued a revised version, which also remains challenged, ABC News reported.

Legal tug of war continues …as Magistrate refuses to comply with DPP’s order to commit Rodriguez for High Court trial

DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack

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irector of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack sent another letter on Wednesday to Magistrate Judy Latchman ordering her to commit Regan “Grey Boy” Rodriguez to stand trial in the High Court for the murder; however, Latchman refuses to be bullied and stood her ground.

It was chaos at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts as Magistrate Latchman refused to commit Rodriguez to stand trial in the High

Court for the alleged murder of Courtney Crum-Ewing.

Through Special Prosecutor Nigel Hughes, the DPP first made the request to have Latchman commit Rodrigues to stand trial in the High Court.

However, the Magistrate stood her ground and informed Hughes that her court will not bow since she had already discharged the case.

However, another letter was sent directly to Latchman which cited provisions set out in the Criminal Law Procedure Act Section 72 (2) ii (a) and allows the DPP to order that the accused be committed for the murder.

The letter in part read “I am of the opinion that a prima facie case has been made out against the accused and as such I order that you remit your decision and commit him to stand

Magistrate Judy Latchman

trial for the murder of Courtney Crum-Ewing”.

Latchman first informed the accused that she will be following the law and will reopen the case.

Following this disclosure from Latchman, it was chaos as Rodriguez began to wail yelling “two times, I was freed, I have to go back again!”

It took Police Officers a number of minutes to restrain the accused as he on numerous occasions attempted to leave the courtroom stating “I continued on page 8

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MTA must complete elevator at Lefferts Boulevard and Liberty Avenue subway stop Dear Editor, Here in Little Guyana, or Region 11 – where the largest number of expatriate Guyanese abound in the largest region – the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) must be reminded about their public commitment, promise and obligation to complete the wheelchair-accessible elevator in the heart of the Richmond Hill community – the Lefferts Boulevard and Liberty Avenue subway stop.

The ubiquitous presence of the New York editions of the Kaieteur, Guyana Chronicle, Guyana Times and Mirror newspapers, which are read more than the NY Times and NY Daily News newspapers, keep our community of expatriate Guyanese Americans informed; and we kindly ask your media to publish this representative petition.

MTA’s $29 million project, commenced since 2014, was scheduled to be finished since the end of 2016, but unpalatable excuses abound each time we enquire about the constantly deferred completion date, making it a “white elephant.”

Seniors, pregnant mothers, kids, the physically challenged, students, workers; indeed, everyone in our tax-paying community, would benefit greatly from this elevator, which makes mobility

and travel easier, and would love to see this project completed. MTA would also benefit from increased revenue. The Richmond Hill community is one of the few in the USA that do not have any escalators or elevators serving subway patrons, which raises serious concerns.

Moreover, the failure to complete this project has forced the closure of the adjacent main stairway, affecting businesses and the local economy, and congesting traffic. The fencing, construction and accumulating garbage are an eye sore, and present a danger to public safety.

The MTA must recognise that they are failing in their duty to make access easier for residents with disabilities, contrary to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Indeed, the non-profit Center for Independence of the Disabled New York just filed a lawsuit against the MTA for lack of elevator access citywide. Richmond Hill/ Ozone Park residents may also bring a class action lawsuit against the entity.

As a matter of customer obligation and due compliance with our laws, this project is long overdue, and must be completed now!

Albert Baldeo Community Advocate

GuySuCo never fails to issue clumsy responses Dear Editor, I refer to GuySuCo’s letter of June 3, 2017, captioned “GuySuCo’s detractor is being outright irresponsible and reckless”. This letter is a response to my letter published on May 31.

Editor, the corporation’s communication unit never fails to present clumsy responses or rebuttals, either knowingly or unknowingly.

I shall address the core points raised in this last response to demonstrate how ignorance and incompetence pervades this organization from its apex down.

1. It is an undisputed fact that the Corporation deliberately packed bulk raw sugar from Albion for 2-3 weeks at Enmore.

In a most uneducated and unintellectual defence, the Corporation attempts to justify its actions by stating that “all six factories have the capacity at any time to produce the varying qualities required”. This creates an impression to the reader that Albion can produce direct consumption sugars. If this is the truth, can Ms Thomas show proof whether GuySuCo’s own monitoring mechanisms, or national regulatory bodies — such as Guyana National Bureau of Standards & Food & Drug Analyst

Department — approved Albion Estate to produce food grade sugars for direct consumption?

The Corporation then continues with its unadulterated nonsense by stating that “the difference between bagged and packaged sugar is further drying of the sugar to render it more conducive for packaging”.

Editor, the truth is that bagged and packaged sugar is a product intended for retail sale, thus it must be fit for direct human consumption, and must therefore meet all quality stipulations, not just degree of dryness (by “further drying”).

Interestingly, after my letter was published on May 31st, the movement of Albion’s sugar to Enmore was halted on June 1st. What a coincidence!

2. I have zero cause or reason to attack GuySuCo, because its management is in accelerated self-destruction mode, as can be seen from its very own utterances, actions & inactions. I am just highlighting some facts on the Corporation, for which management should be thankful, instead of labelling me a detractor.

3.It is not my responsibility to advise the GAWU on its rela-

tionship with GuySuCo. From the Corporation’s lamentation, it seems like workers have greater commitment, faith and trust in the GAWU, than in their employer, GuySuCo. It may be good to do some self-introspection to find out why workers are less committed, or have lost faith and trust in GuySuCo. 4.Taking on “Project GuySuCo”. The IMC and management should not even attempt for a fleeting moment to suggest that they are doing this nation a favour, because they are a very well paid bunch with my tax dollars. For example, the IMC alone cost the treasury G$90+ million/yr. Anyone with such pay packet must be passionate and enthusiastic.

Wouldn’t you, Ms Thomas?

5. SWOT Analysis.

From this admission, it appears that GuySuCo’s IMC & executives discovered, for the first time, the simple framework for analysing an organization via SWOT analysis.

Packing of bulk sugar for direct consumption is probably a highly strategic decision in GuySuCo’s psyche. We should light a candle for sugar workers and consumers!

Sincerely, Sookram Persaud

Speaker should be guided by Standing Orders of the National Assembly in rulings Dear Editor, Page 234 of the Erskine May’s Parliamentary Practice states “The chief characteristics attaching to the Office of Speaker in the House of Commons are authority and impartiality.” These principles also apply to the Guyana National Assembly and to its Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland. The National Assembly is governed by the rules laid out in the Standing Orders of the National Assembly, and the Speaker is expected to be guided by this document.

At times I am convinced the Speaker unfairly targets members of the parliamentary Opposition, especially when he conveniently disregards disparaging remarks and heckling from the Government side, but is quick to reprimand one of my colleagues when they respond in kind. But I have always given the Speaker the benefit of the doubt when it comes to his interpretation of the Standing Orders, even though at times I disagree with his ruling.

Now there is reason enough for me to question my own judgement, as I may not be so willing to give the Speaker a free pass again.

My colleague, the honourable Bishop Juan A Edghill MP was summoned to appear before the Privileges Committee of the National Assembly on June 5, to answer charges relating to a speech he had made in Parliament which was misconstrued as misleading. I wanted to attend this hearing for two reasons: (a) to give support to my friend and colleague, Bishop Edghill and (b) as a learning-curve for me as a parliamentarian. This Committee only meets when there is a need to discipline one of its members, and so it was an educational opportunity for me to witness the Committee in action.

Early that morning I called the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Sherlock Isaacs to indicate my interest in attending this hearing as an observer, and gave him the aforementioned reasons. He quoted Section 95 (15) of the Standing Orders of the National Assembly (Procedures in Select Committees) which reads: “Subject to this Standing Order, any member of the Assembly (not being a Member of the Committee) may attend any meeting of a Committee, but such a Member may not be able to join in the deliberations; only Members of the Committee of Privileges may attend any meeting of that Committee while the Committee is deliberating.” To my surprise, the Clerk used this section of the Standing Order to explain that only Members of the Committee of Privileges were allowed to attend this Hearing.

He suggested that I call the Speaker if I have a problem with his interpretation of the Standing Order. I did! After repeating my request to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, I again emphasised the need to attend in the limited capacity as an observer. I told him of my earlier discussion with the Clerk, and the way he interpreted the Standing Order.

Dr Scotland, who is also the Chairman of the Committee of Privileges, admitted that he had not read that section of the Standing Order before and needed time to do so. I then took the opportunity to read him Section 95 (15) above, and he insisted that he would have to read it thoroughly before he can interpret the Standing Order to which I refer. But although he confessed to not having read this Standing Order before, he was adamant that Members of the National Assembly who are not Members of the Committee of Privileges are not allowed to attend these meetings. When I insisted that Section 95 (15) of the Standing Orders gives me the right to attend, the Speaker informed me that even though the interpretation may be different, he will not be the one to break from tradition.

At 11:07h that morning, I received a call from a staff member of the National Assembly who said she was calling on behalf of the Speaker to advise that “You will not be allowed to attend the Committee of Privileges”. This decision, I‘m sure, was taken after the Speaker read Standing Orders Section 95 (15) as he said he would.

Editor, I am not a lawyer, but anyone would conclude that Standing Orders Section 95 (15) gives me and every Member of Parliament the right to attend any meeting of the Committee of Privileges, except that a Member who is not a Member of that Committee cannot stay during the deliberations.

And I made this quite clear to both the Clerk and the Speaker that I will not be around during the deliberations. Read the Standing Order yourself, it is written in layman’s language. Although a prominent legal scholar, the Speaker seems to be having difficulty with the interpretation of this Standing Order, very much like the President is having in deciding who is a ‘fit and proper’ person. Why the hypocrisy? The Speaker must be consistent in his rulings to avoid the perception of being bias.

There can only be one interpretation of any Standing Order, and the Speaker does nothing to his credibility by misinterpreting any.

Sincerely, Harry Gill, MP

Must Guyana have its own oil refinery?

Dear Editor, We trust that all is well. We write in relation to the recent assessment by the consultant Pedro Hass from the British-based international thinktank Chatham House, which concluded that building a 100,000 barrel-per-day oil refinery in Guyana could cost up to US$5 billion, and that such an enterprise would yield a net negative outcome of US$2-3 billion per annum.

We note that many very thoughtful voices have argued that such an undertaking is essential to our national development project, citing a range of promising economic and financial outcomes and numerous examples of countries not unlike Guyana building and successfully operating refineries.

We disagree with each other as to whether a refinery should be built.

However, in our discussions, we quickly recognised a fundamental problem with our discourse and the Guyanese

national discourse – we were/are collectively not proceeding from a set of shared assumptions!

In this essay, the first part of our series, we start at the beginning: What are the foundational elements in making this and similar decisions of this type, which would undoubtedly emerge in Guyana’s near-term and medium-term future?

In our next installment, we will address the key sectoral issues that are critical inputs for a decision on constructing a refinery for Guyana; and in Part III of this essay, we would examine practical options for Guyana at this stage in her journey.

We look forward to inviting you, your readers, and the Guyanese citizenry into this discussion.

Yours truly, Terrence Blackman and Kojo Parris

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

2015 AG Report: Govt’s commitment to reform will be tested

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he coalition Government will have a stern test ahead of them when the consideration of the 2015 Auditor General’s (AG) report has been completed and they will have to submit, in writing, a commitment to either adopt or reject the AG’s many findings and recommendations.

It will be the first time that the coalition Government will have to account for financial anarchy found by the Auditor General to have occurred since it took office in 2015 and documented in his report.

These fiscal infractions include abuse of Guyana’s Contingency Fund and widespread overpayment of contractors. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), before whom the 2015 AG report currently rests, has been the scene of turmoil for the past few months with several accounting officers having to be cau-

tioned and evicted from the Parliament’s chambers for being untruthful with the Committee.

According to PAC member Juan Edghill, there is an expectation when an accounting officer comes before the Committee that, at a minimum, the officer will be forthright, factual and honest with the PAC. “We would expect that whatever undertaking they make that they will fulfil it. For example, if they promise to submit documents they would submit those documents and that their undertaking would not be hindered by any obstruction from political boss or operatives, because they are the accounting officer and they will answer to the PAC.” According to Edghill, at the end of this process the PAC will present a report to the National Assembly.

That report will document the parliamentary sub-committee’s findings and recommendations.

“After that is completed, the Government would have to provide a Treasury memorandum, which will form the official Government response to the Auditor General’s findings and PAC’s recommendations.”

“Once the Treasury memorandum is submitted,” Edghill explained.

“That is the Government’s commitment to what they will do based on the PAC’s recommendation.”

The last Treasury memorandum to be issued was one in 2013, pursuant to the PAC’s report on the AG’s findings of the year 2009. It therefore means that the PAC will have its work cut out before getting to the coalition’s government’s spending.

Worrying signs

Already, the Government has adopted a defensive stance to the Auditor General’s report, with Finance Minister Winston Jordan being heavily critical of some of the findings. In fact,

Activist bemoans poor implementation of Sexual Offenses Act

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lose to one decade after it was passed as law, the Sexual Offences Act is still to deliver justice to the hundreds of victims of sexual offences in Guyana.

Woman rights activist, Karen DeSouza, says two Ministers later, there is still a lot of chat and no concrete moves have been made to fully implement the Act. “The lack of implementation of the Sexual Offences Act has been very disappointing to many of us who worked hard on all aspects of getting that act,” she stated.

DeSouza told Guyana Times International in a recent interview that while the current Government has moved to set up a Sexual Offenses Unit, they have not empowered the National Task Force.

Under the act the President shall appoint members of the Task Force which shall include the Ministers of Legal Affairs, Home Affairs, Human Services and Social Security, Amerindian Affairs, Education, Health, Local Government, Youth, Sport and Culture, senior public officers with responsibility for law enforcement, health and human and social services and persons from non-governmental organisations.

The head of Red Thread also reminded that the Sexual Offenses Act speaks to prevention and the need for such a

Award-winning women rights activist Karen DeSouza

Task Force to address awareness and monitoring the implementation of the law.

“While it has been set up, it has been transformed into a ministerial task force. And so far, there has been nothing said publicly about it,” she remarked.

DeSouza said the Sexual Offences Task Force needs to be properly resourced so that a national plan of action for the prevention of sexual offences could become a reality.

According to DeSouza, public statements coming from the Sexual Offenses Unit have been offering a lot less than one would expect.

“So, it seems to me that the Ministry is now taking on a certain kind of social welfare role as opposed to being more focused on the policy aspect and look at implementation to ensure that institutional changes are made,” she pointed out.

The women rights ac-

tivist also highlighted the fact that the director of the Unit does not speak to policy and intuitional changes, or legal arrangements. “The Unit has been set up but the work is not happening,” she asserted.

Further, “The work of the Ministry of Social Protection has the primary responsibility for both sexual offenses and domestic violence, but I think it is still very limited and not focused enough on institutional changes and policy changes,” DeSouza said.

DeSouza said while some work has been done to train persons to respond to cases of rape and paedophilia in Guyana, she said that there is still a lack of proper investigations of sexual offences cases.

She again stressed the need for comprehensive services from special units set up in every hospital or appropriate venues, where services are centralised and victim-centred.

The need for trained Counsellors to address the psychological and physical trauma and trained Police Officers to take statements in a humane and professional manner was also cited.

During a meeting with Social Protection Minister Amna Ally, Red Thread had sought to raise these concerns, but nothing has tangible improvements have been made.

One of the exchanges in the PAC chambers in the National Assembly

Jordan went so far to state that the AG’s interpretation on what counts as emergency spending “doesn’t count under the law.”

But the 2015 Auditor General report had exposed instances of the Contingency Fund being abused under the present Government. One example cited by the report had been the Office of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

Sharma in his report stated that Nagamootoo’s office in December 2015, requested an advance of G$11 million from the Contingency Fund and stated the reason for the advance was for the Government Information Agency (GINA) to offset a part of its debt to the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL), publisher of the Guyana Chronicle newspaper.

Not only was the mon-

ey used for the debt, but a portion of that sum was also used for another purpose, which constitutes a breach of the financial regulations.

This is based on the fact that the payment of GINA’s debt to GNNL does not constitute an emergency but rather a routine expenditure and therefore, the Contingency Fund should not have been used.

This expense should have been budgeted for in the annual budget.

According to Sharma’s report, an examination of the requisite payment vouchers and other supporting documents revealed GINA paid GNNL the sum of G$9.450 million, whilst the remaining G$1.550 million was used to pay employees of GINA non-taxable bonus for 2015.

The Contingency Fund was established as a subfund to the Consolidated Fund, commonly referred

to as the Treasury. The use of the Contingency Fund for the routine expenditure is a breach of the financial principles.

Under the Financial Management and Accountability Act 2003, Section 41 (3), “The Minister, when satisfied that an urgent, unavoidable and unforeseen need for expenditure has arisen – (a) for which no moneys have been appropriated or for which the sum appropriated is insufficient; (b) for which moneys cannot be reallocated as provided for under this Act; or (c) which cannot be deferred without injury to the public interest, may approve a Contingencies Fund advance as an expenditure out of the Consolidated Fund.”

Besides other instances of abuse of the Contingency Fund, there have been cases of over payment to contractors.

8 news

WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana’s royalty percentage from oil revenue “low” – Ram

Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram

By Samuel Sukhnandan

A

lthough it was recently announced that Guyana will now receive a two per cent royalty on gross earnings and 50 per cent of the profits of the oil proceeds when production starts in 2020, Chartered Accountant and Attorney Christopher Ram says that this percentage is relatively low when compared to royalties received by oil-producing countries in the world.

However, Ram stressed that one needed to bear in mind that some countries do not receive any royalty at all. “Royalties in other countries do seem much higher, but then you have to look at the overall Government share of profits…It’s a complex issue. But again, the royalty percentage is low,” he said.

While explaining that he may not be able to make a sufficiently balanced comment especially since there is limited information available to the general public, the chartered accountant expressed hope that Government would, at some point, be able to renegotiate the contract so that Guyana received a better deal.

“You have to see the entire contract to see

the arrangements for the Government’s share and the company’s share.

There is also the question that you have to honour contracts,” he added.

Asked whether he is pleased with the consultation process being implemented by the Government, Ram said he hoped that it became widespread and more comprehensive.

“I would like to see more myself. And I would like to see wider consultation as well. You also want to see more informed consultation. You just don’t want somebody to come and make a long speech and at the end, you have a question or two to ask,” he emphasised.

Commenting on the same issue, well-known economist and former presidential advisor, Ramon Gaskin says the fact that the contract has not been publicly released will cause Guyanese to ask many questions and could possibly lead to much speculation.

Nevertheless, Gaskin said Government must now say whether the profit share is inclusive of the royalty, and whether production would actually begin in 2020.

Gaskin argued too that the two per cent royalty that was recently announced by Government was far below what other countries were getting.

He said in some cases, countries in Africa were receiving between 10 and 12 per cent royalties.

He also highlighted the fact that ExxonMobil still did not have a production licence but an exploration licence, but oddly enough they have a production-sharing agreement.

Economist and former presidential advisor, Ramon Gaskin

For many countries, royalty rates for oil production vary, but the lowest of them all is between five and seven per cent, which includes to some extent equal profits of the oil proceeds.

For example, in Malaysia, royalty rates are paid on petroleum production set in agreements between the oil company and the federal Government and each of the 13 state governments.

These currently provide for five per cent of the value of the petroleum obtained to be paid to the state in which the oil is found, and five per cent to be paid to the federal Government.

In Mexico, when the price of oil is lower than US$48 per barrel, a royalty rate of 7.5 per cent is applicable; when the price of oil is equal to or higher than US$48 per barrel, the royalty rate is determined according to a set formulae agreed on by both parties.

Extraction from the offshore Liza field locally is expected to commence in 2020 at an initial rate of 100,000 barrels of crude per day in the first phase.

The offshore discovery in Guyana has around two billion barrels of high-quality oil.

Decomposing body: PME shows miner died from typhoid, malaria A post-mortem examination revealed that 35-year-old Kevin Dawson, whose partially decomposed body was found in his Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara home on Monday, died as a result of malaria and typhoid.

According to C Division (East Coast Demerara) Commander Calvin Brutus, the post-mortem confirmed the Police’s initial suspicion that the man may have died as a result of natural causes.

He added that the man’s wife, 28-year-old Cindy Dawson, who was found in an unconscious state, remains a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital and related to the Police that she does not remember the incident.

The woman was only

Dead: Kevin Dawson

Cindy Dawson

able to relate that she went home from work and found her husband’s lifeless body on the bed.

She immediately fainted and has no recollection of anything until she woke up in the Hospital on Monday.

The couple were discovered at their Lot 7 GEC Housing Scheme, Cummings Lodge home around 18:00h.

On Monday, after Cindy failed to turn up

for work at the Turkeyen Nursery School, one of her colleagues ventured to the couple’s house to investigate. Upon arriving, she was greeted by a stench emanating from the couple’s home.

An alarm was raised and the door was forced open.

Kevin Dawson’s body was discovered partially decomposed in their bedroom, while his wife was found unconscious in the kitchen.

Legal tug of war...

from page 5

can’t take that!”

There was not a dry eye in the courtroom as the family members of Rodrigues along with many others, inclusive of former Public Service Minister Jennifer Westford, who were at court for their cases, broke down in tears at what was unfolding. Rodriquez continued to yell “the Police put a gun in my house and no one is investigating them, God knows I didn’t do it, is my life them want!”

However, when asked by Latchman whether he would like to call any witnesses, Rodriguez said only one man can save him and that is God. State Attorney for the matter, Nigel Hughes did not make additional submissions. Latchman adjourned the court for a few minutes; however, upon her return, she stated firmly that the court has found that no prima facie against the accused and maintained her previous decision.

The Magistrate added that she did not find sufficient evidence for the defendant to be committed to stand trial, and as such, she discharged the matter.

On Monday last, Rodriguez was set free for the second time for the murder

of Courtney Crum-Ewing when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Rodrigues broke down in tears in the packed courtroom after hearing the decision by the Magistrate.

He was charged for the killing of Courtney Crum-Ewing, who was slain on March 10, 2015, at Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

In her ruling Latchman stated that she considered all of the facts presented to her, however none of them proved that Rodriguez pulled the trigger to kill Crum-Ewing. Crum-Ewing was gunned down as he was at the time urging residents of Diamond to cast their ballots in the May 2015 General Election.

Months after, Rodrigues was arrested and charged with the murder but was freed in September 2016.

However, in April 2017, he was rearrested after the DPP ordered that the case be reopened.

At the time of that arrest on Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown Rodriquez was on bail from a threeyear sentence as he was jailed for escaping from Police custody, however, he successfully appealed that sentence.

Mechanic crushed to death

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0-year-old Wesley Morvin Patoir, also called ‘Bucky,’ a mechanic of Kwakwani Park in Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice), was reportedly crushed by a truck in vicinity of the Kurubuku Mines, situated between Aroaima and Kwakwani, on Monday at approximately 15 hours.

While details surrounding the incident remain sketchy, reports reaching this newspaper indicate that Patoir was working with a contractor, and the truck in which he was travelling developed mechanical problems and was stationary at the side of the road. Patoir was attempting to have the problem fixed, and was sitting alongside the vehicle when another truck accidentally rolled over him.

Dead: Wesley Patoir

The Police were summoned to the scene, and Patoir’s body was transported to the Kwakwani Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. A police investigation has been launched.

NEWS 9

WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

can become leading Ambulance driver killed Guyana food producer in the Caribbean in vehicular smash-up – President Granger G A fatal accident involving several motor vehicles and a motorcycle in Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) on Sunday evening has resulted in the death of 28-year-old Wilbert Sydney, an ambulance driver attached to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC).

The incident occurred about 21:30h on the Amelia’s Ward Public Road, in the vicinity of Rawlins shortcut and Lover’s Lane, Mackenzie.

Police reports indicated that at the time of the accident, Sydney, of Lot 70 Half Mile, Wismar, Linden, was proceeding east along the northern side of the roadway on his motorcycle, CH5634, at a fast rate of speed when he over-

Dead: Wilbert Sydney

ing west along the southern side of the road, also at a fast rate of speed.

As a result of the collision with the motor car, Sydney and his motorcycle were reportedly thrown into the motor lorry, thence to the northern parapet. He was later picked up, along with the drivers of the motor car and motor lorry, and taken to the LHC where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The driver of the motor car was admitted for observation and remained under Police guard while the driver of the motor lorry was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital with a broken right leg.

At the scene of the accident, scores of onlookers and The motorcycle Sydney was Police gathered. riding at the time of the accident Sydney, with one of his arms sevtook minibus BVV 6450 ered, laid sprawled on driven by Gordon Saul, the roadway for some 55, of Lot 20 Hardina time before he was transStreet, Wortmanville, ported to the Hospital.

Georgetown. In the pro- The damaged vehicles cess of then overtaking and a broken windscreen motor lorry GRR 6181, with shattered glass driven by Mark Charles, were strewn along the 39, of Lot 121 Amelia’s road.

Ward, Sydney collidA resident of Amelia’s ed head on with motor Ward, who lives a short car PNN 4510, which distance away from the was driven by Michael scene, related to this Luckhoo, 21, of 96 River newspaper that he was Side Drive, Watooka, at home when he heard Linden. a loud impact and deThe car was proceed- cided to investigate. “I

Kitty woman remanded for narco trafficking

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woman who was reportedly caught with 341.8 grams of cannabis was on Monday remanded to prison when she appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Michelle Moonwick, of Lot 226 Garnett Street, Kitty, Georgetown, denied the charge when it was read to her at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The charge stated that on May 31, the 42-year-old woman was found with the illicit substance at her residence.

Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves objected to bail. The Prosecutor told the court that on May 31 about 16:00h, Police Officers were conducting a raid exercise when they swooped down on the accused’s house.

A search was reportedly conducted in one of her bedrooms and the narcotics were found.

Gonsalves disclosed that the defendant in caution statements, both written and oral, accepted ownership of the cannabis.

The case will continue on June 26.

was in me house when I hear ‘scrooks!’ (sound of brakes being applied) ‘blam!’. Well, I ain’t take it for nothing, but then something tell me to look out. When I look out, I see the vehicles on the road,” he noted, as he explained that he later checked the pulse of the deceased on the scene and realised that he was dead.

A family grieves

At the home of the deceased on Monday, his grieving sister, Shondell Sydney, in tears, said her brother was a father of two. She related that the family was presently having a hard time trying to cope with the tragedy. A number of family members and friends gathered at the home to express condolences to the bereaved, including his three sisters and mother Paulette Sydney.

Shondell, a nurse presently attached to the Wismar hospital, said she last spoke with her brother briefly, some time before he left the family’s home on Sunday.

She said her brother was scheduled to work the night shift at 22:00h, but noted that he would usually visit his girlfriend who resided at Amelia’s Ward. Shondell remembered her brother, the last child and only son of their mother, as a very respectable young man whom the family thought would not have survived a childhood tragedy. She said his death came as a shock.

Several friends and family members also took to Sydney’s Facebook page after his death, expressing shock and grief.

Investigations are ongoing. (Utamu Belle)

uyana, through local agricultural initiatives, has the potential to feed the entire Caribbean, President David Granger said at the commissioning of a Self Sufficient Agricultural Economic Project at the Hugo Chávez Centre in Onverwagt on the West Coast of Berbice.

The project was launched as a means to reduce the cost of daily services offered by the Social Protection Ministry, by implementing a self-sustained agricultural project at the Berbice-based rehabilitation centre.

It was at this event that the President proclaimed that with further efforts, Guyana can cash in on being the leading agricultural producer within the Caribbean Region.

As such, the President urged those in attendance and by extension all Guyanese to return to the ‘eat what you grow’ approach so as to maximise local produce. He conveyed, “I would like to see every yard with a garden; every garden with trees. I would like us to eat what we grow.

We should eat what we produce.”

Granger went on to say that, “If every household in Region Five had one bread fruit tree, we could produce a million kilograms of bread fruit every year. This way we can not only feed ourselves and our children and our families, but the entire Caribbean Region as well.”

Given the projected success of this undertaking, Granger pointed out that other entities can

President David Granger

follow suit in such projects, pointing to the fact that it cost Government G$250,000 to feed one prisoner per year. As such, he proposed that if the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) can establish its own farm, the prisons would be able to sustain themselves.

“I would like to encourage other Government agencies to follow this example by setting up productive enterprises to reduce the food bill and private enterprises, as well, to get more involved in food production to help Guyana to become a green state and ensure that Guyanese are well fed and protected from food insecurity,” the President stated.

Sharing in the sentiments of the President at the launch was a representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Reuben Robertson.

Robertson pointed out that this undertaking of the Social Protection Ministry was in accordance with his organisation’s mandate, which is to eliminate hunger, malnutrition, and poverty.

The first phase of the

project at the Centre in Berbice saw the setting up of three fish ponds, several pens to house cattle and poultry, as well as a greenhouse for production of vegetables. This project was made possible through the Ministry’s collaboration with the Guyana Livestock Development Agency (GLDA); the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI); the Fisheries Division of the Agriculture Ministry; the FAO and the St Francis Community Developers (SFCD) of Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) along with business owners and residents of Region Five ( Mahaica-Berbice).

Commissioned on August 10, 2013, the Hugo Chávez Centre for Rehabilitation provides accommodation for homeless persons and offers services such as medical assistance and treatment to members of underserved communities. The facility caters for 180 Guyanese, allowing for about 100 males and 80 females, who will now benefit from the launch of the sustainable agriculture initiative.

10 news

WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Berbice businesses, citizens rally against Govt’s decision to privatise Skeldon Estate

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Region Six Chairman David Armogan speaking at the rally

everal sections of the commercial zone in Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Wednesday close their businesses as the Private Sector joined sugar workers from the Skeldon Estate and others in a rally against Government’s decision to privatise that estate.

As sugar workers continue to voice concerns over Government’s announcement that the Skeldon Sugar Factory will be sold, hundreds of them and officials of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) were joined by the municipality, taxi drivers, market vendors, the Chamber of Commerce and other members of the Private Sector in a march through the town of Corriverton.

Region Six Chairman David Armogan, speaking at a rally following the march, said that Guyana’s economy was likely to collapse if

more sugar estates were closed. Armogan said the Government has been “fooling” citizens by saying that it was not economically feasible to keep the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) going.

“They are saying that every year they have to plug about G$9 billion into GuySuCo to keep it afloat. If you look at G$9 billion it is just about 1.5 per cent of our GDP [Gross Domestic Product] and just about 3.6 per cent of our National Budget.

Is that too much to keep 60,000 people going? The answer is no,” Armogan said.

He argued that Government could continue in the short term to plug G$9 billion into the industry considering that it was a very small percentage of the national budget. He further noted that most of that money would return to Government, but more than that it would keep the economy spinning.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) and its affiliates; the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry

(GCCI); the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA); the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the Linden Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Development; the Region Three Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association have all called on Government to rethink its plan to close and privatise estates in Berbice.

The Government has expressed its intention to downscale the sugar industry and to commence with the closure of estates, but Armogan said the consequences would be dire.

“When you shut down the sugar industry and when you sell out the sugar industry, not only will the workers who work in the industry suffer but also all others who operate within the environment of the sugar industry will also suffer. The shopkeepers will have to close their doors, because people don’t have money to buy, which means that they will send home their workers and that means that more people will become unemployed. The taxi drivers will come off the road because people are not travelling,” the Regional Chairman said.

Unemployment

GAWU is contending that any selling of the factory would eventually put the workers out of employment since in-

Protestors as they march through the town of Corriverton with sections of the Private Sector closed in solidarity seen in the background

vestors were not interested in the estate but in the cogeneration plant, which can be operated at a cheaper cost with the use of other materials than that was left of the cane stalk when the juice was extracted.

According to the Union, work at the sugar estate is the main avenue of employment, as has been the case for generations in that populous rural community. The closure will leave a vacuum that will not only gravely impact workers but also force businesses and service providers to curtail or end operations, thus making the bad situation even worse.

Addressing the rally, parliamentarian Dr Vishwa Mahadeo said the Government planned to close several estates and sell one when in its campaign leading up to the May 2015 General Election, it promised to give sugar workers better wages. Instead for the past two years, workers have not received their Annual Production Incentive (API) and now

it is getting even worse.

“They want to take away your jobs; the sad thing is that they did it without consulting you,” Mahadeo highlighted.

However, GAWU General Secretary Seepaul Narine said he was of the belief that there were consultations before the decision to close and privatise sugar estates. He said Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan most likely consulted with President David Granger since they were both from Berbice. The President and Government are holding out that there was some level of consultation before decisions were made.

The workers who attended the rally shouted ‘No’ when asked whether they were consulted on future plans for the industry.

Narine said Government has said that GuySuCo is in debt to the tune of G$80 billion, but in reality, it is only G$17 billion. He not-

ed that that was so since Government took care of a G$30 billion debt on a loan it had taken to upgrade the factory and there was the pension liability. This G$30 billion debt, he explained, is superficial since all of GuySuCo’s workers would not become pensioners tomorrow and they would not all live to become 101 years old. He noted that for a company of its size a G$17 billion debt was not unusual, since the company was not bankrupt.

NAACIE’s General Secretary Dowchand Nagasar said he had first-hand experience of what could happen when an estate closed. He said the community of Wales has become a ghost town and when the announcement was made of the closure, parts started disappearing from the factory. He added that only a few acres of rice the Agriculture Ministry has planted at Wales and much of it has been destroyed by birds.

(Andrew Carmichael)

High drama in court as cousins jailed for killing taxi driver

By Shemuel Fanfair

I

t was high drama at the opening of the June session at the Demerara Criminal Assizes, as two accused admitted their involvement in the June 2014 killing of taxi driver Danraj Latchman at Parika Backdam, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Appearing separately before Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court on Tuesday, 20-year-old Ashraf Ally and Abdool Razack, 21, both plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. After consideration of the mitigating factors, the Judge sentenced them both to 15 years imprisonment, pending deductions for time served.

Defence Counsel for the two men, Kemo Griffith, had earlier stressed that they were teens at the time, noting that they enrolled in several prison

Deceased: Danraj Latchman

programmes to better themselves.

However, State Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy maintained that the killing was a senseless act. Hardy added that Latchman’s life was snatched from him.

The court heard that Ally now plays steel pan and has even performed at the British High Commissioner’s residence. Ally, who turned up to his hearing dressed in a suit and tie also took up barbering behind bars. Addressing the

Cousins Abdool Razack and Ashraf Ally were sentenced to 15 years for killing Danraj Latchman

court, the accused went on a 15-minitue tirade detailing events leading up to the crime, saying that he and others met up with girls and were consuming alcohol before going to Parika.

After brief advisement from his Attorney, the accused then broke down in streams of tears, with much of his words being inaudible.

“I already confess to God, I am very sorry. I learn a lot since I’m in prison; every time I think

about my future, I get frustrated,” he stressed.

When Abdool Razack appeared, the court similarly heard that he took up classes while being incarcerated.

Defence Counsel Griffith stated that his client enrolled in building technology, Information Technology and joinery classes and can now prepare a “mean curry” after being elected as ‘head cook’ at the Timehri prison. Razack intends to expand his

family’s carpentry business once he is released.

Razack apologised to Latchman’s family and asked the court for mercy, saying that he put his own family to shame and disgrace.

Moments after the Judge handed down Ally’s fate and adjourned for Razack’s sentencing, Latchman’s mother, Tarmati Daby almost fainted in the court, knocking over one of the benches. Outside the courtroom, she exclaimed that justice was not served.

“Me need justice, this nah justice, me want justice, this unfair,” expressed the woman who had to be assisted by family members. Meanwhile, sister of deceased, Indra Latchman, said they intend to hire an attorney to appeal the court’s decision.

On the flipside, Abdool Razack felt that

his allocated time should have been less and he declared his innocence while he was being led away to the prisoner’s holding cell.

The taxi driver whose body was found in cane fields at Parika Backdam was hired by the two young men to transport them from Lusignan, East Coast Demerara; to Parika, East Bank Essequibo.

The two were accused of killing Latchman between June 10 and 14, 2014. Police believe the two men intended to only steal the teenaged Latchman’s car but after the young man was strangled they fled the scene, and later confessed to the crime after being detained.

Justice Singh, who took the salute at Tuesday morning’s opening, will hear all cases before the return of Justice Jo-Ann Barlow, later in the session.

WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Banking apprentice succumbs to injuries days after being involved in motorcycle accident

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banking apprentice, attached to the Republic Bank’s Diamond operations, died on Monday morning in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she had been a patient since last Wednesday.

Eighteen-year-old Keisha Anthony of Lot 62 North Timehri, East Bank Demerara had reportedly sustained head and body injuries in a motorcycle accident that occurred at Supply, East Bank Demerara last Wednesday as she was returning home.

Her boyfriend, Kenroy London, was taking her home on motorcycle CH 9730, and they were proceeding south along the eastern side of the East Bank public

Dead: Keisha Anthony

road when London, who allegedly was speeding, lost control of the vehicle and it collided with a pedestrian proceeding in the same direction.

That collision had flung Anthony onto the roadway, where she had received injuries about her head and body; while the pedestrian, identified as a 13-year-old of Supply,

EBD, had received injuries to his left ankle and lacerations about his body.

It has been alleged that neither Anthony nor London was wearing a helmet at the time of this accident.

Anthony and the teen were rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where they received treatment and were transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. Anthony has now succumbed to the injuries she had sustained.

Her mother Paulette Anthony said her daughter, the younger of two siblings, had only recently been successful at the CSEC examinations, earning her the attachment at Republic Bank Limited.

No referendum on same-sex intimacy – Harmon

S

tate Minister Joseph Harmon has said that citizens should not be worried about Government holding a referendum on the decriminalisation of same-sex intimacy, since no such decision was made by Cabinet.

This announcement should go some way in allaying the brewing concerns within the local lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) community over statements that had appeared in this regard.

According to the minister, “This is not an issue that had been ventilated in Cabinet, and the Government has made no decision on that matter; and so a question of referendum — when it will occur and all of that — is not really on the cards.”

Referring to previous comments made

by President David Granger, wherein he had said that Cabinet is yet to discuss such an issue, Harmon noted that the same position still obtains.

It has been reported that Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge had stated that Government would be moving to hold a referendum to determine whether same-sex intimacy should be decriminalised.

However, Harmon explained at the post-Cabinet press briefing on Friday that his colleague minister had merely responded to a requirement for information from an international body, and in the event that issues about LGBT rights were raised, the best thing to do would be to go to a referendum, since that is the highest level of consultation in any country. “(So) what I’m saying to you is that it is not that the Government has taken a decision to hold a referendum on LGBT rights.

So this is the position of the Cabinet — that this is not a matter that had been ventilated at the level of Cabinet, and therefore (it) is not something which our citizens ought to become worried about,” the State Minister asserted.

The local LGBT community has voiced its objection to the holding of any referendum in regard to the rights of gay peo-

ple, while calling on the coalition administration to fulfil its manifesto promise of ensuring that the LGBT community and other minority groups are not discriminated against.

Executive Director of the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), Joel Simpson, told reporters at a press conference last week that the rights of a minority group should not be subjected to a popular vote.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has also commented on the matter. Recalling that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) regime had not touched the issue, since, during consultations held then, it was felt that same-sex marriage was not a fundamental right, and if legalised, the Marriage Act would have become illegal.

Nevertheless, the former Guyanese Leader has posited that he does not believe Guyana is prepared for same-sex marriage, given the reactions from the public during those consultations done by his party.

“I don’t think the country — based on what our consultation revealed among large numbers of people — is ready for same-sex marriage and all of those things,” he opined.

Nevertheless, pointing out that Guyanese do not want anyone to be discriminated against because of their sexual preference, Jagdeo highlighted the need for the laws to be changed in order to reflect the current practice that obtains in the country in relation to homosexuality.

He explained that the situation was akin to the death penalty, which is still on the law books but has not been enforced since the last execution done in 1997.

Laws criminalising homosexual practices are still in place, but persons involved in homosexual practice are not being charged on that basis anymore.

West Dem Hospital suicide

news 11

Relatives claim victim did it out of ‘frustration’ owing to ‘neglect’ of hospital staff

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he family of the man who leaped to his death by jumping out of a window at the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) on Sunday evening has alleged negligence on the part of staff at the medical facility.

The sister of the now deceased 63-yearold Mortimer Sagon

when he ask the nurse, she don’t give he no medication to ease the pain,” the woman alleged.

The dead man’s sister also noted that prior to this incident, her brother never exhibited suicidal tendencies, also claiming that he may have jumped to his death owing to frustration over “the pain” he was experi-

told Guyana Times International on Monday that her brother was admitted to the hospital over a week ago to be treated for tuberculosis and haemorrhoids.

She, however, said on several occasions, Sagon would complain of being neglected at the medical institution.

“He used to say how the pain from the pile [haemorrhoids] too much and it hurting bad and

encing.

The woman maintained that had the medical personnel at the Hospital paid more attention to her brother when he cried out in pain and requested pain medication, Sagon would still be alive. Sagon, a divorced father of one, reportedly worked mostly in the interior and had returned just over two months ago. He resided at Parika, East Bank

Essequibo.

It was reported that about 19:00h on Sunday, Sagon jumped out of a window at the Hospital’s male ward. He fell on to a septic tank and died shortly after. Police investigations into the matter are continuing.

Meanwhile, the West Demerara Hospital only recently made headlines when it was left in a state of panic after doctors refused to work and took strike action as a result of noted failure on the part of the Public Health Ministry to address their numerous concerns.

The doctors were calling for better security at the facility following a number of incidents where doctors were either physically attacked or verbally abused by patients and others. A previous incident saw two doctors being attacked by a patient and his relatives and even spat upon. The doctors later called on the Public Health Ministry to tighten security services at the facility.

12 news

WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

GECOM CEO faces heat as ‘contract-splitting’ racket gets exposed

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racket uncovered by the Auditor General in 2015 attracted the attention of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Parliament on Monday, but legislators were left with unanswered questions because Chief Elections Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Keith Lowenfield, has opted to await findings of a special investigation before making any further pronouncements.

The Auditor General had, in 2015, found that nine contracts to the tune G$82.1M had been awarded to a single supplier for the purchase of toners and cartridges.

Each of these contracts was found to have been split to below G$15M in order to avoid Cabinet scrutiny.

The Public Accounts Committee heard that, on a particular day in February 2015, four contracts were inked for the supply of the same

materials — toner cartridges, stationery and ink — which Lowenfield had attempted to explain were needed to run off the 2015 General Elections.

PAC Chairman Irfaan Ali took umbrage at this position, saying Lowenfield’s excuse was implausible because the contracts were issued in February for elections that were to be held in May, and several contracts had been inked at least 10 days after those elections.

Illegal

Ali told Lowenfield the Auditor General’s position in regard to the contracts: “It is clear there was an intentional split to escape the level of scrutiny

by Cabinet…” He then asked Lowenfield: “What is the explanation to go nine times to the same contractor? Do you see what is wrong here?”

The Chief Elections Officer told the Committee that per-

mission had, in this respect, been sought from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board.

According to the Auditor General’s findings, GECOM had, in 2015, spent G$197.9M for office materials and supplies. Included in this sum were amounts totaling G$82.2M and representing full payment on nine contracts awarded to the same supplier for the purchase of toners and cartridges.

Investigations into the transactions are ongoing.

According to the Auditor General, the Procurement Act dictates that Cabinet shall have the right to review all procurements that exceed G$15 million in value. A procuring entity, such as GECOM, shall not split a contract or cause a contract to be split — or divide a contract or cause its procurement to be divided into separate contracts

— with the sole purpose of avoiding the application of any provision of the Act, or any regulations made therein.

The contracts at issue were awarded to the same local supplier between February and May of 2015. The contract with the highest value was worth G$14.8 million, and that with the lowest value was worth G$1.9 million.

According to the Auditor General, “The contract awards appeared to (have been) sub-divided, which breached the Procurement Act regarding splitting of contracts and review by Cabinet.”

He said, “At the time of reporting, in September 2016, the Audit Office was conducting further investigations into this matter.”

Lowenfield yesterday reminded the PAC of that investigation, and said GECOM is awaiting the findings of that special investigation be-

GECOM CEO Keith Lowenfield

ing done by the Auditor General’s Office.

G$6000 pliers

Lowenfield was also asked to explain why GECOM had decided to pay the astronomical price of G$6,000 for a pair of pliers, when pliers are available locally at incomparably cheaper prices.

In late April 2015, three weeks prior to the May 11th General and Regional Elections, GECOM had doled out G$14.8M to purchase pliers from Standard Distributors Limited.

Defending the purchase,

Lowenfield pointed to the bids received when the entity went to tender.

An audit is currently underway to probe a major contract entered into with Michael Brasse for the purchase of G$100M worth of high frequency communications radio sets for the May 11 elections. From all indications, the sets were never used, and there are questions about the urgent reasons advanced

by GECOM for those radios to be purchased in the first place.

UG connects Tain, Turkeyen Chinese investors express interest in Guyana’s mining sector campuses

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Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes (right); UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith (centre) and Dr Paloma Mohammed cutting the ribbon at the launching of the Teleconferencing Platform

tudents from the University of Guyana’s Tain Campus can now access courses offered at the University’s Turkeyen Campus without leaving Berbice. This is now possible with the launch of the Teleconferencing Platform, which connects the two campuses.

UG, in collaboration with the Public Telecommunications Ministry, on Monday launched the Teleconferencing Platform at the Centre for Information Technology (CIT), Turkeyen Campus.

Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith said the Platform, donated by Huawei – a China-based company, was just one step towards connecting the University’s campuses. He added that he intended to push the envelope of engagement not only within and between the classrooms, but also in the communities for wider participation.

Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes said Government wanted to ensure there was more connectivity between the country’s premier tertiary institution and other stakeholders. “Today, we are celebrating the operation of our teleconferencing facility, which has been

given as a gift to UG, and from a macro perspective, this teleconferencing suite is one more step in the march towards creating a higher level of digital connectivity for all citizens of Guyana,” she said. “…where we are hoping to take Guyana as a country means that we want to ensure that we can provide, as a Government, more and more digital services online,” Hughes added.

The Minister revealed that it was hoped that birth registration, passport and driver’s licence applications would be available online since that would be more efficient and less time-consuming. Minister Hughes underscored the importance of the teleconferencing suite, noting that it would allow students from the Tain Campus the opportunity to take courses only offered at the Turkeyen Campus, without the hassle of travelling back and forth between Berbice and Georgetown.

She also revealed that the unit would be powered by the Ministry’s e-Government Unit. Hughes added that through the e-Governanace Agency, they have been able to connect 84 schools, 20 educational institutions and created some 56 ICT hubs.

A

Minister within the Natural Resources Ministry, Simona Broomes and Acting Commissioner of GGMC, Newell Dennison pose with the delegation of Chinese businessmen

delegation of Chinese businessmen is confident after a successful scouting mission in investing in Guyana’s natural resources sector.

The delegation met with Minister within the Natural Resources Ministry Simona Broomes and a team from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), including Acting Commissioner Newell Dennison in GGMC’s boardroom on Wednesday.

The Chinese investors have expressed interest primarily in gold and diamond mining. They are also interested in bauxite mining, lithium and other lesser known minerals.

Head of the delegation, Simei Liu, speaking through translator Jeffery Jin, noted that China has the market for Guyana’s “rich” natural resources.

“A lot of Chinese want to come here to help Guyana, to invest here, whatever they can get the benefit from Guyana through the investment,” Jin translated for Liu. Wednesday’s meeting, the Government Information Agency reported, stems from a meeting between Minister Broomes and Chinese investors during a conference in China last September. “We had some lengthy

meetings and discussions about Guyana,” Minister Broomes explained.

Since then, investors have sent teams to scout investment opportunities in Guyana. Liu explained that the results of fact-finding explorations have been favourable. Lui pointed out that investors’ confidence has increased after meeting with current Chinese team. Guyana currently has Chinese investors in its restaurants, hardware, clothing, construction, forestry and mining sectors.

Minister Broomes said the delegations have also expressed interest in developing Guyana’s renewable energy and infrastructure. Liu pointed out that it would be a “good opportunity” for Guyana to benefit from the technical skills in these areas from the Chinese.

Additionally, the influx of other international investors to Guyana was another positive indicator to potential investors, Lui explained. The delegation believes that these investment opportunities can also lead to strengthened relations between Guyana and China.

Guyana established diplomatic relations with China on June 27, 1972, the first English-speaking country in the Caribbean country to do so.

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Dynamic Airways boasts 95% on time rate for 2017

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esponding to allegations of prolonged delays and continuous cancelations in flights, Guyanese franchise holder of Dynamic International Airways; Captain Gerald Gouveia boasted a 95 per cent on time rate for operations to and from Guyana for 2017 thus far.

When questioned about the complaints from customers who were left stranded at airports both in Guyana and the United States on several occasions, the Captain responded, “Dynamic has actually, for this year, been operating with a 95 per cent on time departure. We have probably had one flight cancelled for this year. Dynamic has been exceptionally on time.”

Gouveia noted that while the airline, like any other, has had some interruptions in operations

Dynamic Airlines has added 25 more Guyanese as recruits to serve as part of its cabin crew, leading to a total of about 56 young Guyanese that where offered employment with the international carrier

in the past, Dynamic has seen an improvement from what was recorded in the last year.

The Captain laid out, “In 2016 Dynamic operated 224 flights. Dynamic had 190 of those flights operated on time plus

30 minutes. Dynamic has had 30 flights operated late more than 30 minutes but if you understand that a 80 per cent on time departure is exceptional in the airline industry across the world. So far in 2017, we

operated 100 flights; we probably had one cancelled flight.”

Gouveia further stated that the international air carrier even came to the rescue to other carriers when they had experienced disruptions in

their services.

Moreover, Captain Gouveia reiterated that Dynamic entered Guyana at a time when ticket prices had sky-rocketed and assisted in the stabilising of airfare to and from Guyana.

“I always make the point that when Delta Airlines left Guyana many years ago ticket prices had raised from US$700 to US$1700.

And when Dynamic entered this market, we were able to, for the last three-and-a-half years, to stabilise those prices.” He went on to say that, “We are also very pleased to contribute to the number of Guyanese living in the Diaspora affordability to come back to Guyana.”

Moreover, the proud businessman highlighted

that his franchise is not only in the travel industry but added, “The difference with Dynamics is that we are not only doing flights, we intend to contribute in real ways to Guyana’s economic development, by promoting tourism products here in Guyana and by employing Guyanese.”

He even questioned, “How many other airlines have you seen that actually went out and hire Guyanese flight attendants?” It was at the very event that Dynamic Airline added 25 Guyanese as recruits to serve on their cabin crew, leading to a total of about 56 young Guyanese that where offered employment with the international carrier.

With that, Gouveia noted the Dynamic aims to increase their services offered to Guyanese. He pointed out that, “We moved 80,000 passengers between Guyana and New York in 2016,” and continued, “We’ve moved approximately 35,000 passengers between New York and Guyana and back to New York,” for 2017 thus far.

D y n a m i c International Airways in their efforts to better serve Guyanese is looking to add China to their list of destination.

Further, the carrier is working to introduce daily flights to replace the current five days per week operations.

U.S. pull out from Paris Agreement ‘unfortunate’ - Guyana govt

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nited States President Donald Trump has declared that his country would be pulling out of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, and State Minister Joseph Harmon has said he believes the remaining signees to that agreement will now have to regroup on the way forward.

“I believe (that) whatever movement takes place after this, the international community will have to regroup and have a fresh look at the commitments that have been made under the agreement, and move forward,” Harmon told reporters at the post Cabinet press briefing on Friday.

Calling the move “unfortunate”, the State Minister has posited that the US decision comes at a time when the rest of the world is moving in a certain direction.

Asked what impact this United States’ leader would have on the agreement, Harmon noted: “It is a question of the finan-

cial support which comes with that into the global community. As you know, the U.S. is a major contributor to these international agreements.”

Nevertheless, he pointed out that the force of the global push will overcome the United States’ withdrawal from the Climate Change pact.

Moreover, commenting on the possibility of more countries pulling out from the agreement, Minister Harmon said it will be a matter of choice for those nations. He added that the agreement is a voluntary one, but declared that Guyana is committed to the global Climate Change Accord.

“It’s a serious matter of concern for us, and we are committed to it.

We are committed to the benefits which also accrue under that Paris Agreement,” he said.

He pointed out that Guyana is already experiencing the impact of global warming in terms of climate change. He was continued on page 24

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Gaskin warns of huge impact estate closures would have on communities

By Samuel Sukhnandan

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ormer presidential advisor and outspoken economist Ramon Gaskin has warned that Government’s plan in regard to the future of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) — to close the Enmore and Rose Hall sugar estates, sell out the Skeldon sugar factory, and reduce the annual production of sugar — will have significant implications for thousands of Guyanese.

Gaskin said the APNU/ AFC Government’s announcement of the new policy decision on the sugar industry could see some 10,000 sugar workers being directly affected.

At present, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) employs close to 17,000 people.

In regard to the White Paper on Sugar that was presented in the National Assembly by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, Gaskin said that although Government has given assurance that it would retain as many workers as needed for all operations on the merged estates and factories, this would, to a large extent, not be the case.

The economist also warned the Government to be careful how they go about implementing this new policy, because, he emphasized, it could have a negative effect on the local economy. He said it could also lead to the increase in other social ills that remain prevalent in society, including suicide and crime.

The economist believes that if Government goes about addressing this issue the wrong way, it could find itself facing a rebellion along the sugar belt. He made reference to the 1904 Rose Hall rebellion and said this could occur again, unless alternative employment is provided to the thousands that are likely to be affected.

Making reference to a section of the White Paper, which speaks about plans for GuySuCo to lease lands to employees, Gaskin termed this nonsensical, and explained that it is impossible to lease lands to people who were terminated.

“I don’t know if an unemployed man could now go and rent land from the people who fire him.”

Gaskin believes that opportunities exist to create industrial estates at Wales and Uitvlugt. “It’s not difficult to do. The people who are displaced could be trained and re-

Ramon Gaskin

trained to do jobs other than cutting cane.”

Gaskin says that even if Government goes ahead with plans to close the industry, there are alternative measures that could be put in place to assist those displaced; but it would require maturity from GuySuCo, Government and the trade unions representing workers in the industry to arrive at a solution to those workers’ plight.

“There is too much stubbornness on both sides.

The Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU) has a stubborn position to keep all the estates open, and the Government is saying, ‘We can’t do it’.

There is no common sense that can bridge the two sides,” he said.

He also emphasised the need for GAWU to be proactive, innovative, and intellectual in coming up with solutions for the people, rather than demanding that all the estates remain open.

“All the estates cannot remain open! (Why should we not) create industrial estates with that money? GAWU believes that no estate should be closed, and the Government should (continue to pump money into the industry),” Gaskin asserted.

A decision was taken last year to close Wales Factory, on the West Bank of Demerara. The operations have since partially been integrated with those of Uitvlugt Estate. However, workers attached to the now defunct estate are still awaiting full payment of severance benefits.

A Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into GuySuCo had recommended that the Corporation be privatised within three years. It also recommended that a serious evaluation of all diversification options be conducted, to avoid total reliance on sugar for GuySuCo’s revenues.

Sugar has remained one of the biggest foreign currency earners for Guyana, along with rice and gold.

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GuySuCo has no ‘proper U.S. Remittance Tax: Opposition Leader rationale’ to close slams Govt’s ‘wait and see’ approach Uitvlugt Estate – Union

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n light of statements of the possible closure of the Uitvlugt Estate over the fact that cane cutters from Wales are refusing to work at the West Coast Demerara facility, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) believes that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has no “proper rationale” to close yet another estate.

According to the Union, the Sugar Corporation had justified its position by contending that plans for development of the Uitvlugt Estate are being stymied because the cane cutters and cane transport operators from Wales – which GAWU reminded were made redundant from the closure of the estate – are insisting on their legitimate right to receive their due severance pay.

The Union said it is a fact well-known

by GuySuCo as the Management of Wales Estate has held many sessions with the concerned workers to encourage them to take up work at Uitvlugt Estate.

This was done even as the workers have stead-

fastly maintained that they are entitled to their severance pay in keeping with the law.

“It must be recalled that GuySuCo officials at one time advised the 350-odd workers of Wales that they would receive their severance, if they so desired. The Corporation’s officials even went as far as making photocopies of the workers National Identification Cards to ensure that their correct names would be written on their severance payment cheques,” the Union reminded.

Despite the Corporation’s failed efforts to convince the Wales workers to take up work at Uitvlugt, GAWU said it has nevertheless been repeatedly scapegoated by GuySuCo for the Corporation’s unsuccessful and seemingly unconvincing attempts to have the Wales workers working at Uitvlugt.

“Should the 350-odd Wales workers take up work at Uitvlugt, in spite of the daunting challenges involved in commuting between the two estates, among other things, the cane cutting workforce of Uitvlugt would become continued on page 23

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h i l e Government has acknowledged that the United States tax on remittances to the Caribbean will have an effect on Guyanese, it has adopted a wait-and-see approach to the issue.

But the fact that Guyana’s President, David Granger, is Chair of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) puts him in a position to do more advocacy for the Region’s benefit.

This is according to former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

“I’m arguing for a more proactive approach,” Jagdeo said, when asked to comment on the Government’s wait-and-see stance.

“The President is now the Chairman of Caricom.

He has an additional responsibility outside of the national one. He should say, here are four or five issues: the trade issues, the financial sector issues, climate issues, remittances, immigrants, that we would like to engage the US on and try to move Caricom to request such an engagement,” he posited.

According to the former President, President Granger now has an opportunity to do such advocacy. Jagdeo, a Moscowtrained economist,

Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo

recalled that during the time he chaired Caricom, in 2009, regional initiatives were promoted.

He expressed fear that by the time Granger’s six months as Chairman would have elapsed, there would have been little change or advancement.

Granger assumed the chairmanship of Caricom in January 2017, for a six-month term.

With the newly-proposed tax measures on remittances from the US to foreign countries, including Guyana, economists have predicted that remittances would dry up.

During a recent post-Cabinet press briefing, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said there was little the Government could do at this time. The Minister acknowledged that the measure would, howev-

er, have an effect on the country.

“As the saying goes when certain people sneeze, everyone else catches a cold. When the Americans make their laws, we have to deal with the consequences of it. What I can say is that it means it will cost you more to send money from the United States to Guyana,” Harmon had said.

“As you know, remittances have been a major plank in the sustenance of many families in this country. And I think it is going to have an impact on them,” Harmon said.

“But we will have to look and see what happens.

It may be that instead of getting a hundred dollars, you get ninety.” But the Minister went on to stress that “there is nothing really we as a State can do about the way another country makes its laws. All we can say is encourage those who send money to their families here to increase the amount”.

It is expected that the US Congress may make an amendment to the US Electronic Fund Transfer Act to impose a fee for remittance transfers to certain foreign countries, including Guyana.

The Bill, which is titled Border Wall Funding

President David Granger

Act of 2017 (HR 1813), has already been introduced in the US House of Representatives by Congressman Mike Rogers, of Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District.

In introducing the Bill on March 30, 2017, Rogers claimed that remittances were normally used by illegal immigrants to move money from the US to their home countries.

In order to put a restriction on this, Rogers said, the Bill will seek to allow for a two per cent fee charged on individuals sending money to recipients in 42 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Remittances are a major part of Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), at one point accounting for 25 per cent.

In recent years, however, there has been a drop.

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President Granger promises full support to ensure growth of tourism sector

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he Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) has celebrated its 25th Anniversary with the Annual President’s Award Ceremony and Reception held at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown on Saturday evening.

The scores of dignitaries in attendance heard that Guyana is looking to secure an annual arrival rate of half a million visitors by 2025 — up from the 235,000 visitors who landed in Guyana last year. A six per cent increase in arrivals over the same period in 2016 has thus far been recorded for the first quarter of 2017.

In addressing the stakeholders, President Granger pledged that, while Tourism is private sector-driven, the State will continue to support the industry through development of the relevant infrastructure, such as improved aerodromes, bridges, highways and stellings; and Government will continue to provide resources, within its means, to promote the country.

“We must bequeath it to our children and grandchildren, mustn’t we?” he declared.

Speaking to his commitment to protect

Guyana and is natural endowment, President Granger reminded that he had personally signed the COP 21 Paris Accord, and added: “Like other people, I am not about to erase my signature,” probably taking a direct swipe at US President Donald Trump, who recently withdrew from the accord.

The President reminded of his government’s commitment to establish a green capital town in every region, inclusive of a legally designated protected area. This announcement was greeted with stirring applause from tourism stakeholders gathered for the reception.

Expressing gratitude to the diaspora, which he recognised as Guyana’s most generous Tourism customer, the President said, “We have all witnessed the annual pilgrimages of the diaspora to our annual festivals.” He identified activities such as Mashramani, regattas and ‘town days’ held across the country as opportune occasions to witness the pilgrimages he was talking about.

According to the President, the diaspora should not be underestimated; and though representing a small market, has been “a reliable and

faithful market for our tourism.”

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, who holds responsibility for the tourism sector in Guyana, declared that even with an unimpressive growth rate in the industry, Guyana can, by 2025, begin receiving up to 500,000 tourists.

He cautioned, however, that receiving that many tourists in Guyana would require a corresponding preparation in terms of services and infrastructure.

Gaskin spoke to the need for Guyana to be able to handle at least five 737 aircraft, a number of smaller hotels, dozens more restaurants, hundreds more taxis, and a range of other infrastructure, including a bridged Essequibo River.

He also spoke to the need to have significantly more accommodation in the hinterland, including additional airlift for interior locations and improved telecommunication and other tourist-related services.

Thus he pointed out that while there is optimism in anticipated tourism arrivals, there needs to be corresponding infrastructure in place.

THAG President Andrea de Caires, in her

Shaun McGrath, who also served as a four-term President of THAG and was an integral member in its start-up, was adjudged the winner of the 2017 Hall of Fame Award

opening address to the gathering, called on the administration to pay more attention to the sector, and in fact to invest some of the anticipated oil revenues in the sector.

She traced the evolution of THAG over its 25 years of existence, and spoke to some of the challenges faced and lessons learnt over the years. De Caires said that in light of advances made over the years, it is right and fitting to not only treat with the tourism sector as the economy prepares to launch its oil and gas sector, but to also invest some of the oil revenues in the sector.

She was convinced that the Tourism sector has, over the years, evolved into a key contributor to the economy; and she said this is projected to only improve in the coming years.

By the evening’s end, the following awards had been handed out: Hotel of the Year, Resort/Lodge of the Year, Direct Tourism Services Award, Tourism Supporting Services, and the Hall of Fame Award.

The Grand Coastal, Pegasus Guyana and Cara Lodge were each nominated for the President’s 2017 Award, but it was taken by Grand Coastal.

Nominees for the Resort/ Lodge award were Rewa Eco Lodge, Baganara Resort and Atta Rainforest Lodge. The winner was Rewa Eco Lodge.

Trans Guyana Airways, Bushmasters, and Old Fort Tours were also nominated for an award, but the winner was Bushmasters.

The Tourism Supporting Services’ nominees were: Nurse Marcy

Gravesande, Demerara Distillers Limited, and Canadian Executive Services Overseas. The winner was Demerara Distillers Limited.

The Hall of Fame Award nominees were: Public Communication Minister Cathy Hughes, who has been a member of THAG for over 20 years and has also served in the post of President; Iwokrama Rainforest Centre, established in 1996 under a mandate shared by the Guyana Government and the Commonwealth; Shaun McGrath, who also served as a four-term president of THAG and was an integral member of its startup; and Captain Mazahar Ally of Air Services Limited. McGrath was adjudged the winner of the 2017 Hall of Fame Award.

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Jamaican Police discover 75 kilos of cocaine – in shipments from Guyana, Suriname

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he Jamaican authorities are reporting that they have discovered some 75 kilograms (165 pounds) of cocaine stashed away in four containers shipped from Guyana and Suriname.

According to a report in the Jamaica Observer, officers assigned to the Narcotics Division and members of the Contraband Enforcement Team (CET) of the Jamaica Custom Agency conducted an operation at the Kingston Freeport Terminal, Gordon Quay, Port Bustamante Wharf, which led to the seizure of more than 165 pounds of cocaine. Reports are that a few days ago, four

containers shipped from Guyana and Suriname were searched and found to contain 56 parcels of cocaine. Police said the drug seized has an estimated street value of J$77,216,000 (G$124,317,760).

Two containers were shipped from Guyana and contained two travelling bags each. One of the bags contained 31 parcels of cocaine, while the other contained 12.

The other two containers were shipped from Suriname with two knapsacks containing a total of 13 packets of cocaine.

On Friday, one of the containers from Guyana showed anomalies in the refrigeration sec-

tion upon scanning. The Police say the section of the container was disassembled and a further 10 parcels of cocaine were seized.

The Police investigation is still ongoing with no arrests made so far.

About three weeks ago, Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) agents, acting on information, inspected a shipment of dressed lumber at Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo, and discovered some 84.9 kilos of cocaine with an estimated street value of G$550 million.

Sherwayne De Abreu; motorcycle racer Stephen Vieira, and motor car racers Tazim Gafoor and his son, Nazim Gafoor, were all charged for trafficking in narcotics as a result. The fifth suspect, Narine Lall, the alleged would-be shipper, is still on the run. Vieira, before his arrest, travelled to Suriname and Jamaica and then surrendered to the Police after a wanted bulletin was issued for him.

GuySuCo has no ‘proper rationale’ to close Uitvlugt... from page 21

overstaffed. On that score, workers simply wouldn’t have enough productive work to do apart from the negative effects on their earnings and the huge cost to the Corporation to transport the Wales workers daily,” stated the Union.

GAWU went on to question what excuse the Sugar Corporation would have given for Uitvlugt had Wales remained operable, in keeping with the recommendation of the Sugar Commission of Inquiry. To this end, it underscored the need to be cognizant of its legal requirement in defending and representing its members to obtain their severance pay – a legal right.

“We will not be caught by the reason being advanced for the veiled threats surrounding Uitvlugt. As far as we can see there are no proper rationales for the closure of Uitvlugt or for any other estates,” the Union asserted.

GAWU further outlined that at this and at all times, it is and has been supportive of the Corporation’s plans to increase and maximise production at Uitvlugt towards making the Estate sustainable and viable.

“We have not varied from that position. We recognise that GuySuCo, in moving in this direction, has and is encouraging cane farmers to lease its pre-

viously cultivated and now retired estate lands to cultivate canes.

They included those fields which were previously cultivated for organic sugar production as well as those fields which were abandoned when the estate’s cultivation was downsized under the management of Booker-Tate some years ago. The farmers who have taken up lands at Uitvlugt have prepared their field for mechanised operations; as a consequence the demand for labour will be very minimal at best,” the Union said.

Moreover as it relates to the Uitvlugt Estate lands, GAWU said cane cutters are able to reap all the estate’s canes every crop. The Union said that it was interesting to note that not only did the Uitvlugt cane cutters completely harvest the estate’s first crop this year but they also went to Enmore Estate to assist harvesting that estate’s canes.

In fact, the Union pointed out that they had even assisted at Wales, when that estate was operable. Additionally, GAWU noted that Uitvlugt is probably the only estate which has been consistently managed to achieve such feats, adding that canes not being harvested at the closure of each crop are unheard of at Uitvlugt.

High taxation rate will drive businesses away from Guyana - financial analyst

By Samuel Sukhnandan

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igher taxation will cause systemic damage to the country’s economic framework and has the potential to drive businesses away to invest elsewhere, financial analyst Sasenarine Singh has cautioned.

Singh told Guyana Times International on Sunday that increased taxes in Guyana have already led to an upsurge in the cost of production, which is driving the Private Sector into a more uncompetitive position.

“So, you will find this increase in taxation has resulted in a productivity decline for the Private Sector over the last 12 months. The Private Sector needs to be the engine of growth to drive the new frontier of economic expansion that can fuel the new jobs, but these new taxes in the 2017 National Budget are working against this entire protocol of creating new jobs and new economic activity,” Singh asserted.

Putting things into perspective, the financial analyst explained that when one looks at the Private Sector, there have not been any tangible investments at least in the past two years.

This is something that Business Minister Dominic Gaskin has acknowledged.

The Minister said in early April that investors were interested in political and economic stability, rule of law, the integrity of public officials, physical security and the ease of doing business.

Gaskin had further acknowledged that Guyana was not a highranked country in any of these areas and cited the need to improve the business environment so that the country could gain an advantage over its competitors.

Meanwhile, Singh, a US-based Guyanese financial expert, argued that investors go to places where they can have a better return on their investment, access to a motivated workforce and the cost of production is relatively lower. He said countries with lower taxation were likely to attract more investment than those with higher taxation.

“Even though this may be a bonus for the Granger Administration in the short term, in the long term, it’s a bad thing for the country to have such level of taxa-

US-based Guyanese financial analyst Sasenarine Singh

tion,” he opined.

Capital flight

Singh cautioned that while some businesses have been engaged in moving their financial assets and capital to other countries, commonly referred to as capital flight, this could actually expand into something much larger.

“More and more business people will go in that direction and invest in places like Grenada and Saint Lucia which have more favourable investment climates than Guyana right now. A lot of Guyanese businesses are going to start diversifying in Caribbean islands so that they can continue to make profits,” he added. “Business people have no time to waste with backward policies; they move their capital where they can make a reasonable return.”

Singh told this publication that while Government revenue was increasing, there was a segment of society that was funding this increase in revenue.

“Is it the working class? If it’s the workers of Guyana, then it’s a regressive tax because all it is doing is taxing the poor to fund a Government operation that is not necessarily efficient and effective,” he stated.

He acknowledged that there was a need to conduct more studies to determine the impact these new taxes such as the tax on electricity, water, and private education, was having on working class people.

“I know for sure the tax on electricity has adversely impacted the masses, which means that they have less money available to buy basic food items because they have to find new monies to pay for electricity.”

Drawing board

In order for Government to prevent further damage, Singh is advising that it goes back to the drawing board and seriously considers im-

plementing some of the recommendations that were made by the Tax Reform Committee back in February 2016, that it helped to set up.

The Committee had recommended that Government lower the Value Added Tax (VAT) to an intermediate rate of seven per cent, raise the income tax threshold to G$750,000 with progressive rates of taxation from 20 per cent to 35 per cent, and reintroduce estate duties and levies on tobacco and alcohol.

“They are not consulting that document enough. They were all favourable ideas for a longterm strategy to make Guyana more tax balanced,” he asserted.

At present, Singh believes that the poor are being taxed too much and the business community is being pushed out of its competitive zone as a result of the high level of taxation.

Singh said he was also certain that Government has made up its mind to continue this higher level of taxes because it was the lazy thing to do.

He cited the need for Government to become more efficient because he strongly believes that it was extremely inefficient with regard to the way it was spending taxpayers’ money.

“Because they are so inefficient and they have to tax more to spend more, they are basically crowding out the Private Sector from spending and investing,” he added.

The financial analyst also pointed to the state of the loan portfolio at the commercial banks, which is deteriorating because a greater portion of the loans is going bad.

“And this is because people can’t pay their debt on time. Businesses and people are less capable now, compared to two years ago, at servicing their loans at the bank and this will have an adverse systemic effect across the financial system,” he added.

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Decision on local oil refinery will be made in the interest of citizens – Harmon

M

inister of State Joseph Harmon, has announced that the Government will be considering all advice being offered before it makes any decision on establishing an oil refinery here.

During a post-Cabinet press briefing Harmon noted that at the conclusion of this process, a memorandum will be submitted by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman.

“We have to take on board all of the advice that is given and then at the appropriate time the Minister (of Natural Resources) will bring a memorandum to Cabinet upon which we will cogitate and make a decision that is in the best interest of the people of Guyana,” Minister

Harmon said.

It was only last month that Pedro Haas, Director of Advisory Services at Hartree Partners revealed that the cost to construct an oil refinery would be US$5 billion. Haas had been tasked with carrying out a feasibility study for an oil refinery in Guyana. According to Minister Harmon, Cabinet is still to review the findings of the study.

The feasibility study found that it would be too costly for the Government to invest in an oil refinery. The consultant had said that the final results of the study show that Guyana would be “destroying over half the value of your investment the day you commission your refinery”.

The company looked

at economic models used in other oil-producing countries and compared them with the scale and complexity of Guyana’s potential oil market to come up with the recommendations. Expert opinions from oil and engineering companies were also taken on board.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman has stated that Government has not made any decision on whether it would construct a refinery or not.

He had explained that this could not be a unilateral decision.

Trotman had said most of the decisions would be made by “political imperatives”.

However, he said he hoped that the economic importance would not be lost when a final decision

was made.

The Minister said consultations would continue in various other parts of Guyana and in the Diaspora before a final decision was made as to whether Guyana should build its own oil refinery.

The results of the study have not met the satisfaction of sections of Guyana’s business community, who argue that an oil refinery makes practical sense if Guyana is to receive a portion of crude oil. As a result, some had requested the study in order to do an independent analysis.

Following reviews of the technical and environmental aspects of the Liza Project Development Plan that was submitted by Esso Exploration and

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

Production (Guyana) Ltd (EEPGL) in December 2017, the Government is expected to grant a production licence to ExxonMobil for petroleum production to move ahead in 2020.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). Esso Exploration

and Production Guyana Limited is the operator and holds a 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds a 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds a 25 per cent interest.

U.S. pull out... referring to the recent floods in Regions Seven and Eight, which destroyed many homes and crops in several villages by the rising water level.

International leaders, members of the business community and commentators have stated that this move by the U.S. President would weaken global efforts to fight Climate Change, but President Trump has justified his decision to pull out from the pact by saying that it had placed “draconian” financial burdens on the American people.

“We’re getting out…

This agreement is less about the climate and more about other countries gaining a financial advantage over the United States… And we will start to renegotiate and we’ll see if there’s a better deal. If we can, great; if we can’t, that’s fine,” the U.S. Leader said at a press briefing on the lawns of the White House in Washington on Thursday.

Trump’s position comes despite worldwide efforts to have the United States remain on the agreement, which 195 nations, barring Syria and Nicaragua, signed on to.

President David Granger was the first Head of State to sign the global pact two years ago.

M e a n w h i l e , Opposition Leader and former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, who also holds a coveted ‘Champion of the Earth’ title, believes that the Caribbean region could have been more proactive in pushing the climate change agenda.

He pointed out at a press conference on Friday that the U.S.

from page 16

United States President, Donald Trump

President had expressed his intention to withdraw from the climate change deal since on his campaign trail, which should have been picked up by President Granger as Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

President Granger has been religiously pushing his ‘Green State’ initiative, highlighting it at various international forums, but Jagdeo has expressed his grave disappointment at the inaction by not only Guyana, but other regional leaders as well, in advancing policies that would ensure the region benefits from the global climate change movement.

“We knew in Guyana and in the region that this act — if the U.S. President were to fulfil his (campaign) promise — would be implemented and we’ve practically done very little, if anything at all about this,” the Opposition Leader said.

Moreover, given the policies touted by Trump on his campaign trail, the former Guyanese Head of State recalled, he had urged at that time for a serious attempt on the region’s part to ensure that the nuances of small states and their challenges would not be lost.

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A mission to impact lives

By Ashraf Dabie

U

S - b a s e d Guyanese autism specialist Dr. Sharla MadhoKhargi has embarked on the first phase of her initiative to assess the needs and provide resources for those caring for those who are differently abled.

Following 15 years of working with people with disabilities, Madho-Khargi journeyed home on May 14 to continue an initiative which began during her undergraduate studies.

The clinical psychologist, during her one week visit to Guyana, accumulated data from research conducted at various institutions from across the country, after which she returned to the U.S. to begin the assessment of her findings so as to procure adequate resources and materials aimed at bridging the gap in education and awareness for those persons who are differently abled. At the end of her endeavour, the country will be better equipped to understand the needs of children living with disabilities, and thereby afford them the opportunity to be successfully re-integrated as functioning members of their communities.

During an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, the autism specialist pointed out that her research was initiated over six years ago. However, this is the first time she will be working in Guyana, and the experience has left her both excited and scared.

“I am trying to see what I can bring in terms of assistance for parents and caregivers training, skills classes and resources for their education. I want to make sure that it is done the way I feel it in my heart. I started it as a baby project and it has grown into a full-grown adult. I have to make sure that it is settled in a foundation that is strong and will be sustainable for years to come,” she explained.

During her visit, Madho-Khargi will mainly focus on two institutions currently working with children who are differently abled: the Community Based Rehabilitation programme in Port Mourant (Berbice) and the Sorsha Williams Foundation of Autism (Georgetown).

The autism specialist was able to acquire

pertinent data, which contributed significantly to her mission. In sharing what she gathered through her experience in Guyana, Madho-Khargi said that “parents are feeling hopeless, teachers have their hands tied, and they need resources and support”.

“There is a lack of training for caregivers and professionals who work within these areas. There is a huge need for assessments from a clinical psychology perspective in terms of diagnosis and identifying where these children are; whether they fit the autism spectrum disorder or whether they carry the psychiatric diagnosis.

We need to really identify those areas to be able to create goals and resources to put these programmes in place so that they will serve the community effectively,” she declared.

As such, the alarming information accumulated through her detailed survey allowed the activist to chart her plans for the country, which will be implemented before the end of the year.

Foremost on her agenda is to provide resources that will enable parents, teachers and caregivers to identify, track and diagnose cases of disabilities or mental illnesses.

Additionally, methods of communication, daily skills and socialisation will be taught to children diagnosed with these disabilities. The skills training will incorporate the use of picture exchange communication (especially for children with autism), as well as basic everyday activities such as brushing their teeth and tying their shoe laces.

Through the implementation of different concepts such as positive reinforcement and with the use of technology, Madho-Khargi’s hope is that these resources will have positive impact and improve the life of not only those who are differently abled, but their caregivers as well.

However, on a more long-term basis, it is a desire of the autism specialist to establish a school for the differently abled, which would be housed in Berbice.

At this institution, medical students from the United States and around the world will journey to Guyana to conduct their internship attachment, thereby ensuring a sustain-

Dr. Sharla Madho-Khargi (left) with founder of Sorsha Williams Foundation of Autism, Karen Williams

able programme.

Visiting the Sorsha Williams Foundation, as well as the rehabilitation programme in Berbice, provid-

ed a great boost towards this initiative as Madho-Khargi was able to learn about what is currently being done for the differently abled in

Guyana and their needs in order for the community to thrive.

“It feels like I am helping, but it is not even touching the surface just yet. This makes me sad, but it also empowers me,” she expressed.

However, MadhoKhargi stated there were high points of her trip, most of which comprised of the positive feedback she received from students who are generally nonresponsive. Her ability to connect with the students revealed the potential of her approach once implemented in Guyana, and even shocked the caregivers who were previously unable to communicate with their children.

“It’s beyond challenging for the parent; I cannot begin to imagine what they go through.

However, I do know it’s very challenging and

overwhelming.

There are feelings of hopelessness and it is sad to see a human being feeling defeated,” she disclosed.

The clinical psychologist, realising the strength of her voice, has been using her talents to advocate for the rights of the differently abled. She credits her parents - who were unable to complete their schooling, but made her education a priority – for her motivation to help others.

“My encouragement to parents is to never give up on the one thing you were blessed with.

Not everyone is lucky enough to have a child; not everyone has a child with autism or a disability. It is a blessing on so many levels and there is a purpose for you being on that path.

There is hope; and more of it is coming soon,” she reassured.

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ot only is USbased Guyanese Obstetrician/ Gynecologist Dr. Yvette Westford focused on

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self-development, but through her practice she aims to improve the lives of women.

Dr. Yvette Westford

is a board-certified Obstetrician/ Gynecologist with a pending board certification in Laser Medicine.

At her spa, which promotes health education

She specializes in Cosmetic Gynecology and Aesthetics.

Westford was raised in Guyana, but migrated to the United States after high school to attend college in New York. She received her AAS in Physical Therapy from Nassau Community College in Garden City, New York; and her BS in Biology from Pace University in New York City. Her Doctor of Medicine was received from Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica, WI. After completing her residency at Yale University School of Medicine Affiliate Program in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Danbury Hospital Medical Center in Danbury, CT, Westford moved to Victoria, Texas to begin her practice.

She opened her solo practice in 2011, specializing in OB-GYN care with a secondary specialty in menopause, sexual medicine and wellness.

In 2015, she opened the V Spa/V Center for Laser Cosmetic Gynecology & Aesthetics, in a shared space with her OB-GYN office, specifically to address cosmetic gynecology issues and to provide medical spa and anti-aging services for the female patient. The practice has strategically focused on patients with a combined dual approach using ideas from both gynecology and cosmetic surgery.

Services include Operative Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation and Designer Laser Vaginoplasty® (DLV®) which is the aesthetic surgical enhancement of the vulvo-vaginal structures. Westford is the first and the only physician in the Crossroads area to have received specialized training in this area. She is an Associate of the prestigious Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Institute and was trained in Beverly Hills, Ca. by its founder, renowned cosmetic gynecologist, David Matlock, MD of “Dr. 90210” fame.

Westford prides herself on being able to provide a different kind of care. As a mother and a career woman, she understands how difficult it is to achieve balance in all aspects of a woman’s life. In a 2015 interview with victoriaadvocate. com, she shared that after a decade of working as a board-certified OB-

GYN she decided to expand her busy solo practice into a place where she could offer a “uniquely feminine perspective on enhancing a woman’s image and improving sexual function”.

Notably, Westford was a distance runner, completing four marathons and numerous half marathons. She loves skiing and all ‘winter’ sports. At a tender age, she became fascinated with airplanes.

She has been a licensed private pilot since 1995.

However, since she became a mother to her three daughters, she hasn’t flown.

In her whole life, the two things she ever wanted to do were fly airplanes and become a doctor. Most assuredly, she has accomplished both!

To learn more about Westford’s work follow her at Yvette F. Westford, MD, Facog on Facebook. (http://guyanesegirlsrock.org)

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Our National Songs

I

n the grip of the desire for independence from colonial rule and a fervour for a national identity beginning perhaps from the 1940s, a proliferation of patriotic poetry flowed from the pens of a group of men and women, over the years leading up to and just after Guyana’s eventual independence, that was made into music.

Few young people are aware of a genre in the country’s musical heritage known as national or patriotic songs, excluding the national anthem; and even fewer can be said to be familiar with the songs and historical figures behind a once vibrant tradition celebrating national identity and patriotic passion.

Walter MacArthur Lawrence

Born January 1896 in Georgetown, Walter MacArthur Lawrence is arguably one of the first poets to express a patriotic enthusiasm with his poem “My Guyana, Eldorado”, which would

Valerie Rodway

later be put to music. Many of his poems have entered influential book collections around the world. MacArthur Lawrence died in 1942.

Cleveland Hamilton

Cleveland Hamilton was a busy legal practitioner who would also excel in his other love: poetry. Late 1969, a competition to select a national hymn to celebrate Guyana’s Republic status was announced that saw the selection of a poem called “Song of the

Republic” to be put to music.

Submitted by a Thomas Theophilus Halley, it was the pen name for Hamilton who was concerned about political issues arising since he may have ruffled a few feathers in the then administration’s side for his outspokenness in a matter. It would take a long while after he was adjudged winner before he stepped forward to claim his place in Guyana’s history. He died Feb. 22, 1991.

Valerie Rodway

Valerie Rodway is perhaps best known for her musical composition pieces set to Vere T Daly’s, “Hymn for Guyana’s Children”; “Arise, Guyana” by J W Chinapen; Walter MacArthur Lawrence’s “O Beautiful Guyana” and “Guyana the Free”, a piece written and composed by herself and second husband James Rodway.

Born Valerie Fraser in New Amsterdam in 1919, she showed an ear-

Man who fatally chopped teen girlfriend in 2015 claims “evil forces” affected him …gets 12 years for manslaughter

Joshua Baveghems

Dead: Tenicia McAllister

young man who fatally chopped his then teenaged girlfriend, Tenicia McAllister, in the presence of his mother and siblings has claimed that “evil forces” were at work when he committed the heinous act nearly two years ago.

This is what presiding Judge Navindra Singh was told moments before Joshua Baveghems pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter and was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment for his crime.

Baveghems agreed with the State’s contention that on August 13, 2015, using a cutlass, he murdered the former Cummings Lodge Secondary School student at his Diamond,

East Bank Demerara home, after accusing her of being unfaithful.

State Prosecutor Tamica Clarke, in reading out the facts of the case, related that Baveghems grabbed the young lady by the hair and dragged her to the kitchen before he retrieved the cutlass and chopped her about the body.

Clarke informed the court that all of this was done in the presence of Baveghems’ mother, his brother and sister. The court also heard that in the midst of the chopping, the three family members fled and solicited the assistance of a neighbour. Some time after, Police discovered the young woman’s body lying in the grass outside Baveghems’ resi-

A

dence. According to the post-mortem examination, McAllister had 19 incised wounds.

The State Prosecutor noted that the accused posed a threat to several family members and stressed that one should walk away when faced with domestic violence issues.

The accused, in addressing the court, claimed that “evil forces” affected his judgment and he had no control over his actions.

“I wasn’t in the right state of mind; something take me over, I begging you for mercy,” the 21-year-old pleaded.

Justice Singh told him that his remorse seemed genuine, adding that Baveghems would have to live with the fact he killed his loved one which would affect his mind for a long time.

Baveghems now takes anger management classes, attends chapel regularly and he prays and sings, the court was previously told. He was represented by Attorney Kemo Griffith, who had told the court that “love is something we cannot understand”.

W.R.A. Pilgrim

ly interest and talent in music, which was nurtured by leading music teachers of the day, and she went on to earn the Licentiate of the Royal College of Music (LRCM). She became a music teacher and one of Guyana’s most famous composers.

Other compositions include “Water Music” (words by A J Seymour); “Kanaima”; “Kaieteur” (words by J A Lawrence); “The Weeding Gang” (words by CEJ Ramcharitar-Lalla) and “There Runs a Dream”.

She also composed music for Martin Carter’s “Let Freedom Wake Him”.

Valerie Rodway died in 1970.

Sr Rose Magdalene

Sister Rose (Magdalene) D’Ornellas was a Sister of the Community of Carmelite Sisters, former Folk Research Officer in the Department of Culture, and social activist in the cultural community of Guyana.

She was born Elaine Mary D’Ornellas on Oct. 30, 1923 and joined the Carmelites in Trinidad

on Jan. 10, 1946. She was assigned to the St Bernadette’s Hostel for Girls at Lamaha Street, Georgetown Guyana in 1950.

It was while she later taught both academics and music at the St Mary’s Junior School in New Amsterdam that her talent in teaching and music stood out. She founded The Marigold Choir, a children’s choir, in September 1990, which rose to gain international recognition.

Sr. Rose Magdalene’s compositions that reflect Guyanese life and nationality include, “The Berbice Ferry”, “The Golden Arrowhead”, “Children of Guyana”, “The Mango Sellers”, “In an Aeroplane”, “My Kitchen Garden” and “Out of School”.

Initially sent to be in Guyana for six months, she ended up spending almost a lifetime – some 54 years – instead. Sr Rose Magdalene died in Trinidad, where she had returned after retirement, on Apr 25, 2011.

Dave Martins

Guyana-born Dave Martins of the Tradewinds fame is often synonymous with what he calls “win’ down music”, but after pleas from the late Pat Cameron to compose something on a boundary dispute in the 70s, he came up with one of the most famous patriotic songs of modern times in Guyana, “Not a Blade of Grass”, and later, after being inspired by the audience at a Guyana Night performance, wrote, “Is We Own”.

There are also several other notable writers and composers of

Sr Rose Magdalene

Guyana’s national songs such as M. A. Cossou who penned “My Native Land”; George Noel: “To Serve My Country” and “Treat All Guyanese Equally”; RCG Potter: “Way Down Demerara” and “A Song of Hope”; Frank Daniels who wrote the music to Cleveland Hamilton’s “Song of the Republic”; W. HawleyBryant: “The Song of Guyana’s Children”; Hugh Sam: “River Song”; W.R.A. Pilgrim: “Let Us Cooperate” and “Salute to Guyana”; Jodina: “Blue-Saki” and “Citizen Man”; Hilton Hemerding: “Beautiful Guyana” and Walter E Hewick: “On The Banks of The Kako River”.

Dave Martins

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DENIED!: Speaker rejects request for public input on fate of Guyana’s sugar industry

Public Security Ministry still paying ‘corrupt’ staffers after they were sent on leave a year ago

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

T Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland

T

he Parliamentary Committee on Economic Services has been denied the approval of the Speaker of the National Assembly to conduct public forums on the future of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and the sugar industry, following the announcement by Government to downsize it.

In a letter dated June 5 and addressed to Clerk of Committees, Letta Barker, House Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland said that a public forum did not seem appropriate for the Committee to undertake.

“I, therefore, disallow the request and withhold my consent for the Parliamentary Committee on Economic Services to conduct public forums under the cover of the National Assembly,” the letter stated.

The Committee had requested since May 31, 2016 to conduct these public forums in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six on specific dates starting from June 7 to June 31, 2017. The request was made under Standing Order (95) 8 and the purpose of the public forums was to receive the views of the various stakeholders in the respective communities and prepare a report to be submitted to the National Assembly.

Commenting on the issue, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP) Komal Chand told this newspaper that it was a majority decision by the Committee to have these public forums to get an understanding of what people within the industry feel about the decision to downsize.

Chand, who happens to also be the President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), said that in the past, these requests were never denied, adding that he was not clear on what author-

ity the Speaker has exercised.

“I don’t know why the Speaker is now standing in the way to have these forums which is so important for members of the Committee to ascertain the real issues and how it is affecting people,” he said. The Opposition MP said too that members of that same Committee have been meeting with the management and staff of GuySuCo, who did a presentation. The next meeting, according to him, is scheduled for June 29, when the team will appear before the Committee.

Following the announcement by Government to close more sugar estates and reduce the annual production of sugar with an overall plan to gradually downsize the industry, there has been much debate about the need for the white paper on sugar to be debated in the National Assembly.

Chand claimed that certain procedures have not been put in place by the Government to have the policy debated, explaining that it may not be on the agenda for the next sitting, which is June 15.

However, Chand believes that the policy decision taken is of national importance and it ought to be debated by the National Assembly.

“The information contained in that white paper has significant effect on the country, the people, and, particularly, the workers in the industry…,” he added.

The GAWU official also argued that the white paper presented vague information and did not go into detail on how this matter is going to be dealt with. According to him, Government spokespersons claimed that the Administration has not configured the rollout of this new policy fully.

Meanwhile, the PPP, in a statement on Monday, said that this latest move was seen as “another attack on parliamentary democracy by the Speaker”.

“Further, we view the rejection of this request, as nothing short of an abuse of power and an undue interference with, and restriction of, the democratic right of parliamentarians to properly represent their constituents and the reciprocal constitutional rights of these constituents to receive information from and exchange views with their elected representatives,” the Party said.

It pointed out that since the constitutional creation of the Standing Committees almost two decades ago, they have enjoyed unhindered freedom to discharge their mandate, both within and without the precincts of the National Assembly, without any restriction from the Speaker.

“The nation is very much aware of the public outings of other Sectoral Committees, eg the Sectoral Committee on Social Services conducts regular visits to public health institutions and other agencies which fall

under their portfolio with the permission of the Speaker.”

It, therefore, begs the question, the Party stated as to why this sudden restriction was being placed upon the Economic Services Committee as it sought to discuss the sugar industry, which was so critical to the nation’s economic well-being and which represented the lifeblood of tens of thousands of people.

“The PPP also recalls the difficulties it encountered at the hands of the Speaker in getting motions debated on the floor of the National Assembly in relation to the sugar and rice industries.”

The Party is calling on the Speaker to review his decision forthwith and to grant permission to the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Economic Services to meet with the Guyanese people to discuss the future of GuySuCo and the sugar industry.

“If the Speaker fails to do so, we will find it extraordinarily difficult to persuade our constituents that the chair is not grossly lacking in impartiality,” the statement said.

Government has announced plans to close the Enmore and Rose Hall Sugar Estates, sell the Skeldon Sugar Factory, reduce the annual production of sugar, and take on the responsibility of managing the drainage and irrigation services provided by GuySuCo.

he Public Security Ministry has for more than a year paid three members of staff their full salaries despite the fact they have not been on the job – after being suspended as a result of suspected involvement in a multimillion-dollar scandal.

Permanent Secretary Daniella McCalmon made the revelation to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which met on Monday to query findings raised by the Auditor General in 2015.

The Ministry was unable to account for in excess of G$15 million, since the payment vouchers were not handed over to the auditors.

The Permanent Secretary told the Committee that the three staffers were sent on administrative leave since March 2016 and they have not been interdicted, so payment continued since the investigations have not been completed.

The disclosure was met with disbelief by Committee Member Juan Edghill, who voiced his discontent over the fact that taxpayers’ dollars were being used to pay the staffers for doing nothing and they could in fact be already gainfully employed elsewhere.

“I am paying three people’s salaries every month…They could actually be doing another job looking at me and laughing,” he quipped.

PS McCalmon indicated to the Committee that an interim report from the Guyana Police Force and the Audit Office have been sent to the Public Service Commission with regard to the three employees.

According to McCalmon, it was the decision of that Commission to have the persons be sent on leave instead of being interdicted at the time.

G$100M contract

Another of the matters raised by the Committee was a contract entered into on December 31, 2015 for in excess of G$100 million.

It was found that the Ministry held onto a cheque representing the balance owed – more than G$52 million — that was never uplifted by the supplier until nine months later.

McCalmon told the Committee that the supplier would have been va-

Permanent Secretary, Daniella McCalmon

cationing overseas at the time hence the money was not collected at the time.

This explanation did not go down well with the Committee members.

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) member, Nigel Dharamlall observed that while the original contract was inked on the final day of the year, at the time of the audit the Ministry was still in possession of the G$52 million cheque in breach of the laws of Guyana.

“This issue is much bigger than what is being reported to PAC at this time,” Dharamlall said, and he was informed by the Permanent Secretary that a special investigation has been launched into the transaction.

Dharamlall questioned the apparent repeated financial breaches by the Public Security Ministry and was told by Permanent Secretary McCalmon, “I will pledge the Ministry will not be in this position again and all money to be refunded will be refunded.”

The Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA) dictates that all unspent or monies not disbursed at the end of each financial year must be returned to the treasury.

It was pointed out that the Ministry was deliberately looking to avoid returning money to the treasury by entering into such large-scale contracts on the final day of the year.

American company

Another of the questionable contracts entered into by the Ministry related to the supply of an industrial washer and dryer to the tune of more than G$7 million – to date the items are yet to be supplied by the American company contracted.

Committee members recommended to the PS, writing to the local American Embassy in order to seek its assistance in recovering the money or getting the equipment.

The Committee heard that the equipment was meant to ease the burden at the Georgetown prisons, but since it was never supplied the prisoners have had to resort to manually washing their attire.

The Committee heard also that there was no public tender and the Ministry instead wrote to the tender board seeking permission for the sole sourcing of the equipment.

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Isahak Basir

By Isahak Basir

A

tragic scenario of a second migration of more than 50 indentured Indian families, all of whom hailed from several abandoned sugar estates. This took place between the period 1860 and 1940, when they had no alternative but to migrate to the uninhabited and desolated Pomeroon River district. It was their only chance of survival, and hence abandoned all hopes of returning to India as promised by the colonial owners. Similarly, in Jamaica, the Africans made an appeal to the colonial government to have “coolies” sent back to India, since they could not survive on the Jamaican sugar plantations.

Suicide mortality and hopelessness were evident and so many were sent back to India.

In the Pomeroon district, the scenario was different. Portuguese and African farmers, who resided in the lower Pomeroon River, recognised the hardship of the indentured families, being hunger, malaria and pneumonia illness.

As such, they organised humanitarian groups to help the inexperienced farmers survive these ‘hardships’.

Two hundred and seventy-eight thousand indentured Indians were brought to Guyana to work on the sugar plantations in three counties. They were distributed according to the needs and choices of the respective plantation owners with the unconditional support of the Indian Immigration Officer located in their respective county. Other officers were paid by the white plutocracy and were known as the “CROSS by BABU”.

Several sugar plantations in Essequibo had their quotas. Such estates were Aurora, Golden Fleece, Affiance, Anna Regina, Lima, Hampton Court and Winsor Castle. They had 40 Portuguese families, and Devonshire Castle had their quota of Indian workers, all of whom were led to the logies once occupied by African workers.

Prior to 1904, when the British took over Guyana, the Dutch occupants were here (since 1620). By 1780, they began to close down some of the sugar plantations in preference of developing Berbice and Demerara plantations. Some of the Essequibo plantations that were closed down were Chandler (Better Success), Good Hope and Columbia.

On the right bank of the 27 odd miles of the Pomeroon River, they abandon their 30 cotton cultivations. The Dutch had an enclave at Somerset, where the Cotton Bailing Complex was located; a hospital at Siriki; and their European pine built ‘Fort’ at Calidonia, where the relic of a huge bronze bell is noticeable.

All the indentured Indians who came from India, who were contracted to serve five years, were supposed to return to India - this never happened.

In Essequibo, the Indian Immigration Office was located at Plantation Onderneeming, occupying an old Dutch fortress as an office – where these edifices are still noticeable.

As sugar declined and contracts expired, Indian sugar workers were expelled from several estate logies to be replaced by new arrivals from India, since the immigration process began in 1848 and end in 1917. What was peculiar is that immigrants were brought from the different states of India, as such their dialects, traditions and tribal dispensations were noticeable. The expelled sugar workers experienced much difficulty

in organising their return to India because of poor documentation and three months and fifteen days trip, confined in a ship hatch. The system was a calculated effort to have them remain in Guyana to swell the labour force as well as having extended families justify their settlement in Guyana.

The episode of this epoch became a calamity of the worst human depredation experienced on the Arabian Coast then, and to invoke the diminutive name of the ‘Cinderella Coast’.

The rapid closure of several sugar estates and factories resulted in mass unemployment, homelessness and suicide. Two huge mango trees at the back of Anna Regina, still visible, were the regular sites where Indians hang themselves. Five freed slave villages, inclusive of Dartmouth, Danielstown and Queenstown, which were at the fore-

district. The first family that went to Pomeroon, via the Tapacooma inland tributaries, were the Tacoordeens, who settled in lower Jacklow, an area of 15 miles where the Dutch never occupied because of the low-flooding swamps.

The “News of No Man’s Land” reached Essequibo and it enticed Indian sugar workers, most of whom in “Jahgee tradition”. They organised their groups and commenced migration to their new homeland in the Pomeroon River. The ‘Jahgee’ concept was developed during their four months turmoil in a ship hatch, sailing from India to Guyana.

The Jahgee tradition was an invisible cooperative that provided help to restore the stability of indentured Indians in the economic, cultural, spiritual and social dispensations.

The second group that migrated

front of agriculture production and homemade medicine, could not mitigate the needs of the displaced Indians to satisfy their basic needs requirements. Those villagers were able to sustain the community markets of Aurora, Queenstown, Lima and Hampton Court.

One such unbelievable situation was a mass protest in 1872 at Plantation Devonshire Castle where, for the first time in Guyana’s history, five indentured sugar workers were murdered.

The River and Creek Land Act, which was installed by the Plutocracy to suppress free Africans from occupying land and farm so as to confine them to the estates, was also applicable to the unemployed indentured Indians. It was unimaginable today to believe how Indians lived in mud houses, houses made with wattles and coconut branches, manicole palm staves bonded up with white chalk mud, an existing deposit of alkaline mineral, found at Plantation Zorg.

At Anna Regina, the existing Governor of Guyana donated ten acres of land in Bush Lot and made available discarded wood from unusable logies to build sheds to accommodate 76 families.

That area was known as ‘Settlement’.

However, the Portuguese workers, who were brought from Madeira to Guyana in 1835, began migrating to the Pomeroon River in 1837 and made the Land Act null and void. They recommended the development of Pomeroon by passing cotton production and produced coconuts and other crops to subsidise the existing Essequibo plantations, all transportation was by sea as there was no road to Charity prior to 1908.

It was during this period in 1860 that second phase of Indian migration begun leading to the Pomeroon River

were the Baharallys, Badries, Poorans and Samaroo Gildhari, who settled near a Portuguese enclave at Charity, owned by the Guvueias and Surrounds.

More than 200 Indians migrated to the Pomeroon, between the period of 1870 and 1940, and began the cultivation of coffee, citrus and farming of cattle. Some of six groups were the Ramcharrans, Nandalals, Gowgos, Jagmohans, Taseers, Birbals, Barakats, Rafeedeens, Seetal Sadhu, Ramlalls, Tellacks, Khandais, Ramphals, Rams, Jannies et al.

At that time, the upper Pomeroon flourished with fish and wildlife, such as tigers and venomous snakes. However, to occupy maiden forest and to use the forest to build a shed for survival was not an easy task, it was an extreme hardship to survive on what the forest and river had to offer.

The new migrant group’s survival was due to landowners of the lower Pomeroon; who visited the new farmers and saw their plight of livelihood. The lower Pomeroon farmers of African and Portuguese ethnicity invited the indentured Indians and provided them with food, shelter and land to cultivate rice by manual labour. They then returned to their ‘palm shed’ hut, well-provided for several weeks of survival.

Some of the good Samaritans of lower Pomeroon River were the Stolls, Slyutmans, Benns, Garaways, Ribeiros, Corfields, Benjamins, Silvas, Boyce and Pereiras. The Pereiras also taught Indian farm workers management skills and purchased small farm lands for many. However, with a new population, the area saw the Austins and Evans facilitating the emergence of manual sawmills (saw pits) and the making of coal

to for steam boilers and other activities.

In addition, an Anglican shed was built

by Pastor Jacklowe in 1860, Cabacabari Church in 1872 and St Louis RC in 1896 at Siriki.

The plight of these new Indian land owners got much relief when New Road, a progressive Indian village emerged under the leadership of one Sarjn Maharag, and food production advanced. Sarjn Maharaj was six feet tall, fair in complexion and a devoted Hindu of the Brahmin caste. He visited the Pomeroon every two weeks, teaching Hinduism and supply vegetables and paddy to the new Upper Pomeroon farmers. Sarjn Maharaj also built the first Mandir at New Road and a troolie shed resting hall for stranded Indians in 1908-1920.

The traditional midwives were of African origin and performed well without any medical training, as well infant mortality was zero. By 1920, only four of the 55 sugar plantations and two factories existed. All abandon estates could not cultivate rice or other crops since the drainage system was sabotaged.

Simultaneous landlordism emerged on Essequibo when several wealthy Indians purchased abandoned sugar estates that fell into ‘receivership’. New estate owners were Sahoys, Chans, Mizirs, Sankar, Reberios, Maharaj, Bacchus, Parikan, Singh, Eliza, Tedoris Benn, Santos and Doobay. These new landlords built rice factories on previous sugar factory sites and entrenched a new type of feudal control from 1908 to 1960. However, the Tapacoma project broke this vicious cycle of servitude.

For Pomeroon Indians, much relief came when the Manicuru canal was dredged in 1923. Thus, rice lands were free of cost and were occupied by the Mangras, Barakats, Badri; all of whom cultivated rice to offset hardship on the growing community. The indentured Indians developed their traditional device to grind grains and shell paddy.

Unfortunately, a four feet high flood in 1934 devastated the River district followed by an epidemic, which wiped out many families. As the community grew, social facilities followed such as schools, mandirs, mosques, saw mills, medical services, and a forth nightly steamer service.

The Pomeroon River is the deepest river in Guyana without any sand banks, and has a unique history. Over the last 250, its length was reduced by ten miles due to erosion. It is one of six rivers that discharges into the Atlantic in a North West direction — the others are North East. The first set of alien occupants were expelled Jews from Brazil who sailed up the Pomeroon and occupied Calidonia in 1520 and grew sugar cane. The ancestors of Portuguese and freed Africans laid the foundation for the development of the Pomeroon river landscape. The historical work and sacrifices cannot be omitted when the history is written.

Pomeroon citizens excelled in many ways; unity in communal life, racism and discrimination were never tolerated or noticeable. All Pomeroon residents are interrelated, interdependent and interconnected. The history put together formulated our national motto: “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”.

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

This week's Crossword

This week's Puzzle

see solution on page 47

Shooting Guyana’s foot… …with rice uyanese were, last week, informed by the head of the RPA in Berbice that less rice was planted this crop, because farmers were losing their shirts over the prices they were getting for paddy.

That’s not surprising…and in fact the question that occupied your Eyewitness’s mind was why they’d kept planting at the old rate for so long. After the PNC-led APNU/AFC government let the lucrative Venezuelan market of US$780/tonne slip away when they slipped into office in 2015, what was left for them??

A world market price of around US$450/tonne… that’s what! And with the prices of all the inputs — pesticides, fertilisers, harvesting, ploughing and husbandry, and diesel remaining unmoved — farmers were now caught between a rock and a hard place.

The banks were the first to feel the squeeze, since the farmers just couldn’t service the loans they routinely take to tide them over from crop to crop.

Loan defaults cascaded like a breeze blowing through ripe paddy fields. Bad loans had to be written off, and their bottom line turned red!

But since most farmers operate at a subsistence level, they had nowhere to turn; and for the last three crops, they’ve been holding their breaths, hoping that the market PM Nagamootoo promised them in Mexico would materialise. But like all of us, they had to exhale sometime…which seems like now. They realise Nagamootoo’s promise of G$9000/bag of paddy and the Mexican Market were all part of his usual mamaguy!

Nagamootoo now says he never promised G$9000/ bag paddy, and this is a “free market,” wherein supply and demand dictate prices. Fair enough. But that’s why your Eyewitness was flummoxed to read over the weekend that the only promise Government was keeping after the closure of Wales sugar estate was to put hundreds of acres into rice!! That’s right — rice farmers, who take meticulous care of their fields to ensure average yields of 40 bags/acre, can’t survive at present prices, but Government has decided to plunge into increased rice production!!

Aren’t they going to depress prices further?? Are they trying to destroy the rice industry, just as they did with sugar?? Why else would they now compete with private rice farmers?? If anything, one would’ve thought this Government might have learnt a lesson with sugar…Centralised production just isn’t the way to go. Are they planning to repeat the PNC’s massive investment in silos, mills and all the other infrastructure necessary for rice?

Or will they purchase the ones they sold off to Alesie for a song a while back? THAT private investor abandoned rice!

But then, profits were never the raison d’etre for PNC’s policies in agri, right?? …on the environment Donald Trump just doesn’t get it, does he?

Leaders are supposed to lead, aren’t they? But all he’s concerned about is to feed his ego off the anxiety of his supporters in the sticks – who’ll blame anybody but themselves for their problems. Take the damage to the environment through excessive carbon emission.

Even though companies like Exxon tried to duck the data, a government’s not like a private company — always trying to maximise shareholders’ value in the next quarterly report.

A govt has to look at the longer term. It’s not just Guyana that’ll be under water if global warming isn’t checked; so will Florida and huge swathes of NY – including Wall Street. But Trump panders to his “flatearthers” to abandon the Paris commitments made by the Obama Administration because he’s expecting others to carry the US’ load.

Maybe they will. But countries like China and India will also steal the US’ thunder and get a headstart on the “next big thing”.

Alternative energy sources…not alternative facts!! …at GWI Some are wondering why Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen was made Chair of GWI. Well, with the parking meters in limbo for a while, new sources of income have to be mined to placate the meter-funders from Colombia.

Their collection methods are a tad extreme!!

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Meaningless…

…meetings very business executive has some basic rules on “meetings,” and one of the first rules is to ask, “What’s this meeting about?” If you aren’t clear about the goals of the meeting, you’ll be wasting your time, and you might as well don’t show up.

We don’t know about politicians, but here it is: Prezzie’s rejected the Opposition Leader’s second list of nominees for the GECOM Chair, and now wants a meeting.

Is it your Eyewitness, or is it déjà vu? What happened after the meeting following the first rejection? Prezzie had intimated that only names of ex-judges should be submitted, but then grudgingly conceded it could be other “fit and proper” persons.

Jagdeo had wanted a meeting to clarify what the heck the President understood by “fit and proper” as it related to the constitutional criteria to fill the GECOM Chair. Barring that, Jagdeo said he’d want the matter to be decided by the CCJ. Interpretation of the constitution is, after all, solely the responsibility of the Judiciary.

Prezzie declined the meeting, but said he’d offer clarity via his Attorney General, Basil Williams. A couple of months later, Prezzie decided to meet Jagdeo, but promised only to make his position clear again. Nothing decided…just stalling for time…wasted meeting.

Most observers figured Prezzie was hoping to frustrate Jagdeo; and if no list was submitted, by provision of the Constitution, he could unilaterally appoint whomever he wanted as the Chair. The person he had earmarked, according to insiders, was exJustice Claudette La Bennet.

After that meeting, Basil Williams announced, via a press release, who was “fit and proper”: “His Excellency did elaborate a little more on that, and he identified the three ‘Is’, which is to say that: the person must be a person of Integrity, the person must be a person who is Independent and the person must be someone who is Impartial.” The problem was that those qualities were pretty general and were subject to wide interpretation; but Jagdeo did submit that second list — which was duly rejected, and we arrive at the request for the second meeting.

“What’s the point of this meeting?” your Eyewitness asks once again. To provide another opportunity for the state photographer to position himself so he could catch Granger looming over Jagdeo as the latter ascends the State House stairs and is forced to shake the former’s outstretched hand like a supplicant? It’s become the Chronic’s favourite pic of the two leaders.

Prezzie knows Jagdeo can’t go unilaterally to the CCJ, which only has original jurisdiction on the CSME. Initial interpretive recourse lies in the local courts.

Prezzie would be counting on the plasticity of the latter.

Jagdeo should test them, rather than waste his time with meetings. …mumblings It all started so promisingly when the APNU and AFC were in Opposition — especially after 2011, when they caught up with the PPP. So many things they were going to do! Procurement? No sweat…They were going to make that so tight and so transparent we’d know even the number of sweets bought to calm skittish kids getting injections!! But oh, what a tangled web they’ve woven as they bled the Treasury dry with pharma scandals; and yet, scarcely an aspirin tablet can be found!

All we get are vague mumblings! What about the details of all those contracts from which the PPP were “siphoning off” billions and billions to fill their pockets? Mumble…Mumble… They’ve had two years to check out, say, the airport expansion contract. Why not “out” the PPP? Mumble…Mumble… They couldn’t possibly be doing the same things they accused the PPP of doing, could they?

Could it be that their fire-and-brimstone vituperations were just projections of what was in their twisted psyches all along?? Bun dem!! …revelations on Exxon contract Who does Trotman think he’s fooling?? The days are long gone when Guyanese would accept just mumblings on what he’s given up to Exxon.

Don’t blame Exxon for driving a hard bargain.

Blame the Govt for assigning Mr Clueless as our point man!

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Silencing Wismar

By Ravi Dev

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964 marks a rupture in the history of Guyana, and, more specifically, the history of the relations between African and Indian Guyanese, which needs to be bridged.

While there had been several clashes between the two groups, these were localised events before that year. With the introduction of the CIA in 1961 — to remove the PPP by “any means necessary” — the confrontation between the two competing political parties, the PPP and the PNC, rooted in the Indian and African communities respectively, spun out of control.

It segued from “sweeping out the PPP with brooms” in 1961 elections, through the burning and looting of Indian businesses in Georgetown on Black Friday, Feb 16, 1962; and the spread of titfor-tat ethnic violence and arson across the Demerara Coast. The culmination was the pogrom against Indians of Wismar-Christianburg on May 25-26, when 220 Indian homes were razed, three Indians were murdered, several women and girls were raped, almost the entire Indian population of 3000 were forced to flee, and the explosion on the Son Chapman on July 7, which killed 43 of the all-African passengers headed towards Wismar. The killing of five more Indians who had returned or stayed behind at Wismar was almost an anti-climax.

When we “look back at history,” we can only do so from our present; in which questions are posed for answers sought. For me, one question has been how and why the history of the Indians of Wismar, with its denouement of May 26, 1964, has been so completely “silenced”, in the sense of the word used by Rolph Trouillot: “…the presences and absences embodied in sources (artifacts and bodies that turn an event into fact) or archives (facts collected, thematized, and processed as documents and monuments) are

neither neutral nor natural. They are created.

As such, they are not mere presences and absences, but mentions or silences of various kinds and degrees. By silence, I mean an active and transitive process: one “silences” a fact or an individual as a silencer silences a gun. One engages in the practice of silencing. Mentions and silences are thus active dialectical counterparts of which history is the synthesis.”

But we simultaneously, from our present, have our eye on our future – a future we hope to create with the knowledge gleaned from the past. For me, it is a future in which all Guyanese can live in peace, to create their progress and not be manipulated to a return of that past.

But there has also been a rupture with the silencing of the history of the period, and it needs to be rectified if for no other reason than for allowing the survivors of those events to express their grief about their experiences. It is quite possible that the reason for the silence about the period may be because the political leaders “wanted to move on”; but in the new millennium, there were some who evidently thought otherwise.

One such person is President David Granger, who referred to the inter-ethnic violence of the 1960s as the “disturbances” and “the troubles”. In a 2003 paper, without ever mentioning the preceding Wismar atrocities, he wrote, “The most alarming slaughter of the ‘Disturbances’ was that of 40 Africans on 6 July at Huradaia, in the Demerara River, as they travelled in a motor launch to Mackenzie.”

The following year, a “Son Chapman Tragedy Commemoration Committee”, with the PNC integrally involved, organised a 40th Anniversary event at the fatal spot at Huradaia on the Demerara River.

Robert Corbin, leader of the PNC, said, “A nation that fails to record its history is bound to make the same mistakes.”

After Granger became the leader of the PNC, he attended the now annually observed

Commemoration ceremony in 2011, and declared he wished more people would converge at the spot. The Motto on the Monument at Hurudaia declared: “Those who forget the lessons of history do so at our own peril.”

In 2013, Granger and the PNC initiated moving the commemoration to the centre of Linden, so the people there “would not forget”. When the PNC took office, they would construct the monument, he promised. (To be continued)

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42 news

WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Vendor to spend 20 years behind bars for murdering sex worker

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orty-five-yearold Andell Forde of Rahaman’s Park, Houston, Greater Georgetown, was sentenced to 20 years for killing transgender sex worker Nephi Luther, born Noel Luther.

The father of six, who had worked as a fish vendor, appeared before Justice Navindra Singh on Tuesday at the High Court, where he pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

The State contended that around 01:30h on July 22, 2015, near Carmichael and Quamina Streets, Forde confronted and shot Luther who plied his trade in the area. It followed an argument which Luther had with an unsatisfied client, who was a friend of Forde. The businessman had accused the sex worker of robbing him and had left only to return later accompanied by Forde, who then shot Luther who died from a single gunshot wound to the chest.

The Judge accepted the accused’s confession, stressing that there were legal grounds to accept the plea for manslaughter.

In his appeal for leniency, defence counsel Mark Conway reminded that Forde was helping a friend who was robbed. Moreover, Conway disclosed that his

Sentenced: Andell Forde

client was one of the men injured in the deadly Camp Street Prison fire last year, which had left 17 inmates dead.

The court heard that Forde received several burns about the body as he tried to rescue trapped inmates during the fire.

Conway claimed that these ‘selfless acts’ suggested that Forde wanted to add positively to society.

However, State Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy pointed out that Forde’s actions put the public at risk since others were present when he shot the now deceased man. She submitted that the sentence must reflect the crime.

In addressing the court, Forde, who did not show much emotion from the prisoner’s dock, apologised to the family of Luther.

None of Luther’s family members were identified

Murdered transgender sex worker, Noel “Nephi” Luther

at Tuesday’s sentencing.

“I am really sorry; I was representing a friend. I lost a son; I know what it’s like,” the shooter claimed.

The Judge took into consideration all that he heard, but maintained that Forde must accept liability for what he had done. As such, Justice Singh sentenced him to 20 years, with deductions for time spent awaiting trial. “You are well on your way to getting rehabilitated… get involved in anger management programmes,” the Judge encouraged.

When Forde departed the courtroom, he had no comment for this publication, but after receiving his sentence he had begun to shed tears. Forde has already undergone two surgeries for his burn injuries and is slated to have more surgeries in the future.

WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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44 art & culture

WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

R

ichard Gui Pennington Sharples, better known as R. G. Sharples, was a man of extraordinary ability who demonstrated a wealth of talents. Alongside his legal career, Sharples is recognised equally for his artistic legacy and his contribution to the development of a ‘local style’ in the history of fine art in Guyana.

Sharples was born in Georgetown on May 1, 1906. He was the youngest son of Mary Johanna (née Scott) and John Bradshaw Sharples, the famous architect and builder.

He began his early education at the Ursuline Convent and Queen’s College.

He later studied law in London.

On his return to Guyana, he practised as a solicitor. He became Treasurer of the British Guiana Law Society in 1943. Sharples’ career as a Magistrate became inextricably linked with Guyana’s political history.

Sharples became president of the British Guiana Arts & Crafts Society, formed in 1931, which later became the Guyanese Art Group in 1945. He was actively involved in the main current of art in those decades. His art circle included a nucleus of talented local artists like Vivian Antrobus, Reginald Phang, E. R. Burrowes, Basil Hinds, Denis Williams and Hubert Moshett, who worked primarily in landscape and portraiture.

The art group set out to foster the appreciation of art and set goals for assisting the young upcoming generation of artists who later pursued their art

“East Coast” circa 1946

R. G. Sharples as a young man

studies in Europe: Aubrey Williams, Stanley Greaves, and Marjorie Broodhagen, along with Burrowes.

Sharples was also a member of the RA&CS Exhibition Committee up to 1956.

From an early age, Sharples displayed a flair for painting and continued his hobby when he returned to Guyana after law studies in England.

His sheer spontaneity is expressed in his pencil sketching done in situ to produce a finished watercolour painting. This technique became his preferred medium of expression.

“Kitty seawall” circa 1948

Shafted again…

…on oil royalties o, finally, we have some details on how we’re to be raped in regard to the oil revenues from ExxonMobil through the ineptitude of Raphael Trotman, who snagged the Natural Resources’ portfolio only because of the “Nassau Accord”.

From the word go, your Eyewitness has been emphasising that the only way Guyana would get its fair share of the oil that’ll be pumped out and gone forever is to begin with ROYALTIES. Royalties come off the TOP; that is, as a percentage of the total revenues garnered on sales BEFORE anything is deducted. Exxon pumps, say, 1000 barrels per day and the price is US$50/barrel, the royalty will be calculated on US$50,000. We pointed out that Uganda, which were recommended to help us with preparations for our oil regime, had negotiated a 15% royalty on their oil. In comparison, Malaysia had a 10% and Nigeria 8%. So what did this

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His subject matter was primarily scenery with trees and human figures.

Trees became an important feature in all his watercolour landscapes – sturdy gnarled trunks crowned with feathery foliage and lithe abstract figures conveying a sense of belonging to the landscapes in which they appear.

Some of Sharples’ earliest work appeared in the “Centenary History and Handbook of British Guiana 18311931” by A. R. F. Webber published in 1931. The watercolour plates he produced for the book brought Sharples’ name to prominence. The six watercolour plates vividly portray local themes and locations which are evocative of Guyana’s coastal topography the wonderful opalescent atmosphere of the tropical landscape is captured in scenes with ordinary men and women working amidst lush green foliage and scarlet blooms; reflected light from azure skies on waterways and rivers.

Besides his watercolour painting, Sharples readily turned his creative skills to other design activities included hand-painted dresses for his wife and daughters.

In the mid-1940s he painted the scenery on the pivoting panels of the stage wings in the auditorium at the Ursuline Convent; he also made and painted the large ‘SERVIAM’ shield (the emblem and motto of St Rose’s High School) which hung at the back of the auditorium.

Rev. Richard Lester Guilly, S.J. was appointed Catholic Bishop of Georgetown in February 1956; Sharples was asked to design a coat of arms for the newly enthroned Bishop.

In the early 1950s, Sharples won a stamp design competition. One of the

genius Trotman negotiate?? 2%!!!!

Right away Guyanese should know something stinks to high heaven with the man who introduced the term “political investment” into our political lexicon. Why else would he shaft Guyana like this?? His excuse was the 1999 exploration agreement the PPP had signed specified a 1% royalty. Well…DUH!!! We already pointed out that THAT contract was signed when no one knew Guyana REALLY had oil. It was a shot in the dark. The oil exploration companies were in a stronger position with them taking the risks and not knowing whether they’ll strike oil.

Trotman negotiated his deal with Exxon AFTER it was CONFIRMED there were at least 1.5billion barrels of oil sloshing around under our sea bed!! GUYANA was now in a stronger position. Especially since Exxon had walked away from its Canadian Tar Sands reserves and was barred from exploring its Arctic reserves. Ours was the biggest oil find in all of 2016 — not only for Exxon!!

So where does this leave us? As you, Dear Readers, would know, your Eyewitness predicted two years ago that $50 oil will be the new average. He’s explained why ad nauseam. With Trotman’s 2% royalty, after we collect US$1000 royalty, (we hope he had the sense to specify, MONTHLY!) Exxon could’ve taken UP TO 75% of the revenues — after deducting royalties — as “cost oil”; that is, to cover its exploration costs and present production costs. Did Trotman negotiate this down to a fixed 50% as your Eyewitness suggested?

If, as expected, he did not, we then split the “profits”

chosen designs was the 72 cents stamp in a carmine and emerald illustration of the Arapaima fish. This 1954 stamp set, released on December 1, 1954 was the first British Guiana stamp to carry the profile of Queen Elizabeth II. Although Sharples remained an amateur artist, he secured sales for his paintings at local exhibitions. In the 1950s, Alcan Aluminium of Canada put on a travelling exhibition of West Indian art and several of his watercolours were chosen for this.

In 1953, his work was exhibited at the Guyanese Art Group exhibition. In June 1957, a posthumous exhibition of his paintings was held in the RA&CS Reading Rooms in Georgetown.

The Joint Art Committee of the RA&CS (1944 - 1948), which was set up for the purpose of forming a nucleus of the British Guiana National Art Collection, purchased three of Sharples’ paintings for the Nation – “The Quarry” (1947), “Bartica Afternoon” (1946), a backyard scene in soft pastel watercolours of muted greens and browns, which are in the National Gallery, Castellani House; and “The Tamarind” (1947), housed in the Guyana National Museum, a landscape in warm russet tones in which relaxed figures rest beneath the shade of a tamarind tree.

Sharples’ untimely death on August 26, 1956 at the age of 50 was a shock to his family and friends. Besides his legal career and love of painting, he had the capacity to enjoy the good life to the full - even as the Bohemian artist.

He is to be remembered for his charismatic personality and outstanding quality as a magistrate, artist and citizen. (Information by Clive W. McWatt)

— of 25% or US$12,250 — down the middle. We end up with an additional US$6,125/barrel.

Instead, we get peanuts, thanks to a venal Trotman. …on other oil fronts?

The other question Trotman should answer is: Will we get a bonus from Exxon for signing the contract? While this is usually small – around US$2M — every dollar counts TODAY. And another thing: Which accounting firms will be checking Exxon as to what they’ll be inflating? And inflate they will — as expended expenses to boost their share of the oil as “cost oil”!! Trotman should now realise why Exxon doesn’t skimp on accountants.

Did he also forbid Exxon from claiming expenses for hiring lawyers etc — in the event of litigation, as “employment costs”?? If he didn’t — and your Eyewitness bet he didn’t — then these’ll go into “cost oil,” and we end up paying for THEIR lawyers! But, most importantly, did he insist that Exxon should pay the Guyanese corporate income tax of 27.5%??

See, your Eyewitness is very fair; he didn’t insist on the “commercial” income tax rate of 40%!

But was Trotman fair to us? …on Guyana’s share Trotman’s been flacking for Exxon by emphasizing that “Guyana will get 50% of profits”. For the average Guyanese, this sounds “fair”; but, as revealed above — and that was merely scratching the surface — the Devil’s in the details.

And those details are still secret!

WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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46 feature

WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

By Petamber Persaud

Days of the sahib are over, or should be, now that our land is free of the overlord’s yoke Rajkumari Singh

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he novel “Those That Be In Bondage: A Tale of Indian Indenture and Sunlit Western Waters” written by A. R. F. Webber was published in 1917, the same year in which the indentureship scheme, that kept “those that be in bondage”, was abolished.

So there are two noticeable anniversaries here to commemorate: the centennial end to indentureship and the centennial publication year of the novel. The third celebration (hitherto unsung) is found in the fact that such a book – a piece of fiction – was published locally by The Daily Chronicle Printing Press. In 1917, that was a remarkable and commendable undertaking even though the author exerted enormous influ-

T

ence on society as a journalist and editor of the Daily Chronicle, among other hats he wore.

This novel is also notable because it falls at the beginning of the novel writing tradition of three states – the Caribbean, Tobago and Guyana, each state staking a claim to the novel.

In the Caribbean, it is at the beginning of its novel tradition as there is but one other novel published before this one under review; in Tobago, where as the author was born, it is the first novel for that country; and in Guyana, it is one of the early novels of this country where the author lived, died and was buried.

To appreciate the first anniversary, a sketch of the indentureship scheme would be useful at this point.

Emancipation of enslaved Africans in 1838 created a shortage of cheap labour. That vacuum was filled by Indian immigrant labour after other sources of immigrant labour did not effectively fit the bill. The scheme came to an end,

he Parliament of Guyana was created by the 1966 Constitution of Guyana.

The Guyana Independence Act was passed on May 12, 1966 and came into force May 26, 1966. The First sitting of the National Assembly of the First Parliament of the Guyana Parliament was held May 26, 1966.

However, according to parliament.gov.gy, strictly speaking, Guyana’s parliamentary system was not created at Independence.

but not after unimaginable suffering due to various forms of bondage and discrimination.

The narrative of this novel is straightforward, but the reading is not uncomplicated due mainly to the distracting language replete with circumlocution, constant author’s intrusion lending to much (too much) philosophizing and too much tour guiding but it is a satisfying read on many other levels.

When it was published at the start of the twentieth century, it would have made wonderful reading suited to the taste of the time - romanticism.

The better aspect of the book is found in its themes – the imbalance of female to male population on the sugar plantation and its attendant ills, and the moral fight against all forms of bondage especially colonial bondage, social bondage and spiritual bondage. The plot of the book rests heavily on physical and spiritual bondage.

Set in Guyana, Tobago and Trinidad,

In 1831, the three colonies of Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice were united, and the colony of British Guiana was formed. From the years 1831 to 1928, the law making body of British Guiana was the Court of Policy.

The Court of Policy consisted of the governor, seven official members and eight elected members.

The governor presided in the Court of Policy as its president.

In 1928, a new constitution was introduced and

between 1890 and 1913, it traces two generations of the Walton family wherein the protagonist always seems to be on the run - he runs from Guyana to Tobago, from Tobago to Trinidad and back to Guyana.

And the book ends with him contemplating running to London after it was suggested that he was responsible for the destruction by fire of the Brickdam Cathedral.

The ‘run’ was designed to focus on the issue of various types of bondage.

The story opens on a sugar plantation in Guyana where the brother-in-law John James Walton, Edwin Hamilton, marries Bibi – “that smooth-skinned, bare-toed East Indian young lady”. The union produces a daughter, Marjorie, “and the rest of the text is taken up with the romantic love that develops between Harold Walton and Marjorie on the idyllic island of Tobago”.

Harold eventually becomes a priest but had to free himself of that yoke when he becomes

A. R. F Webber

romantically involved with Marjorie.

A. R. F. Webber was born on the island of Tobago on January 1, 1880, to James Francis Webber and Sarah nee Hope. He married Beatrice Elizabeth Glasford, a union that produced Ivy Forbes Webber and Edith Forbes Webber.

Some twenty years after he was born, he came to live in British Guiana at a crucial and exciting period of its history. In his own words, he described that era as not being “jejune or insipid”. He was a witness to many changes and innovations like

British Guiana became a British Crown Colony.

A Legislative Council was established and replaced the Dutch created Court of Policy.

In 1953, a new constitution was publicized and a two-tier (bicameral) legislature, consisting of a State Council and a House of Assembly, was introduced.

A ministerial system of government and universal adult suffrage were also introduced in 1953.

The Legislature that came into effect in May 1953 last only until October 1953 however, after the British suspended the Constitution and an inter-

the introduction of the electric tram service, the 1905 and 1924 riots, the end to East Indian Immigration, the first issue of $1 and $2 paper money, educational reforms, the great rice embargo, glory days of sugar and its greatest decline, and the “abrogation of the 1891 Constitution”.

A. R. F. Webber was a poet, short story writer and novelist; herein the world of books, he made the most telling contribution to this land.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 2260065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com

im government was established by the British Guiana (Constitutional) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council.

In 1956, the British Guiana (Constitutional) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council was amended. The Legislative Council appointed under the British Guiana (Constitution) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council was dissolved with effect from June 29, 1957. When the 1957 general elections were held, a second Legislative Council was appointed.

Then, in 1961, a new Constitution was established, and a bicameral legislature consisting of a Legislative Assembly and a Senate was created. The Senate consisted of 13 members, who were appointed by the governor. The Legislative Assembly consisted of 35 members elected under the electoral system of First Past the Post.

feature 47

WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Business sense Dear Diary, This is Gas Skin. No…no…no! NOT Ram Own Gas Skin. Please, Dear Diary, don’t keep confusing me with that loudmouth.

I am the quiet Gas Skin. I just came back from England trying to drum up some foreign Guyanese to invest back home.

It was not as exciting as I thought it would have been. I didn’t get to see the Queen – even though I did see the Guards in their snazzy Red Costumes guarding Buckingham Palace.

I didn’t bother to bring up with the Guyanese they could lobby to remove the British ban on our greenheart – which has destroyed our forestry sector. Nah…I told them about us conserving our rainforests and wetlands and suchlike. We may starve…but we love our forests and if we die, we will die protecting them.

I told our brothers in England (NOT “the brothers”, Dear Diary. Please. I am not that riff raff Gas Skin) that while there is poverty, inequality, poor health care and education in Guyana, we are not unique. What do they think caused the Manchester bombing??

I also told them how much better off we were than Venezuela and Brazil that have all kinds of problems – including bombings. But I told them also we will get rich from building that road to Brazil so we can ship their goods. If their problems go away.

But Dear Diary, I don’t really think we will get much business from Britain.

Didn’t they do a Brexit from us before that Brexit from Europe? Only we call it “independence”. You can’t trust them.

But I just figured a way to solve our business problems. When I left Timehri, I saw hundreds of Cubans shipping huge bundles of goods by plane. They buy it from the Chinese businesses.

All we have to do is start collecting duties and VAT from them!!

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

I

Guyanese author, Ashton Chase

ndentureship formally ended in the year 1917. Indian indentureship started in 1838 (May 5 – Indian Arrival Day) while enslaved Africans were being granted emancipation (August 1 – Emancipation Day).

The abolition of indentureship came about through sustained struggle on the foreign front and through sustained resistance in the local vanguard. The local resistance was later harnessed into organisations fighting against the exploitation of the labouring population with the intention of securing better wages and working conditions.

According to Ashton Chase in his well-documented, well-presented and well-written book, A History of Trade Unionism in Guyana, 1900 to 1961, “it was not until after immigration of these [Indian] workers ceased in 1917, and their semi-feudal status which has by then become outmoded due to inefficiency and waste, that prospects for organisation seemed ripe”.

The year 1917 was the year of strikes.

Early in January 1917, the wharf workers at Booker Brothers struck for shorter working hours and increased pay. The strike fever spread to workers at Curtis Campbell, Bookers Cooperage, Georgetown Railway Wharf and Luggage Store, Sawmills – Charlestown, Lopes, Sprostons, Demerara Railway, the Ice Factory, the Match Factory, Demerara Ice House Soda Aerated Factory, sea defence workers, East Coast road workers and the post office employees among others.

According to Chase, Indian labourers were getting into the act.

For instance, during the months of March,

April and May workers from the East and West Bank Demerara went to Georgetown to complain about their hardship to the Immigration Agent General. That agitation took place over a three-month period.

But the year of strikes cannot be viewed in isolation. The first two decades of the 12th century were decades of strikes, forming the bedrock on which the birth of formal trade union movement was spawned.

Many of the remonstrations took the form of marches from various plantations towards the Immigration Agent General, of which the office was called ‘Crosby’ in memory of one Mr Crosby who held “this office for a considerable time and often discharged his duties with satisfaction to the workers” (Chase).

This period also gave rise to “Black Crosby”, as Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow was affectionately called by Indian immigrants.

According to Chase, “Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow was born in Georgetown on the 18th December, 1884...

His academic school record was colourless, but in the field of athletics, his prowess overshadowed all his school mates… After a number of odd jobs…, he entered the waterfront as a dock labourer.

He died a bachelor on 10th May, 1958… leaving a small estate of $704.83…”

From the docks of

Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow

Georgetown, Critchlow was able to form the country’s first trade union, becoming revered as the father of the trade union movement in Guyana.

On December 1, 1903, sixty indentured immigrants on Pln. Diamond ceased working and headed to Georgetown. Other such remonstrations surfaced on Pln. Farm, East Bank Demerara, June 1904, and Pln. Lusignan, May 1905.

Also in 1905 came the well documented Ruimveldt series of riots. From 1906 to 1916, there was no letting up in remonstrations from the labouring populations of the plantations across the country via Providence on the East Bank Demerara, Friends on the Berbice River, Wales in Demerara, Anna Regina on the Essequibo, Marionville of Leguan Island, La Bonne Intention, Peter’s Hall, Leonora, Ruimveldt, Blairmont, just to name a crosssection of involvement.

“A History of Trade

Unionism in Guyana, 1900 to 1961” is, first and foremost, a “record of the facts showing how our trade union movement began and how it developed”.

Except for a few intrusions into the text by the author due to the fact that he was intimately involved in trade unionism and in politics as a founding member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and as Minister of Labour, Trade and Industry in the 1953 PPP Government, the book states the facts verifiable by its extensive bibliography.

Interestingly, the book ends with an epilogue “to bring readers up to date with the latest developments (up to 1964) and to make the book more topical”.

This is not a review of the book “A History of Trade Unionism in Guyana, 1900 to 1961”

by Ashton Chase, but a collation of notes from the book during my research for material referencing the centennial end to Indentureship.

The eventual article came together as the following events were in the air – May Day, Indian Arrival Day, my first visit to Highbury, where the first set of Indian Immigrants were landed in order to save sugar, the impending closure of sugar estates across the country and Independence Day. Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com

48 Bollywood

WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Vishal Bhardwaj is all praises ‘I will always be a part for Deepika Padukone of his family’: Himesh Reshammiya’s wife Komal A

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ollywood actor-musicianplayback singer Himesh Reshammiya and wife Komal have parted ways after 22 years of marriage. On Tuesday evening, the pair, who has a son, was granted divorce

by Bombay high court.

The divorce comes a few months after the pair separated. It was reported that Himesh’s closeness with actor Sonia Kapoor was the reason behind his separation from Komal. The latter, however, has refuted the reports in a statement issued today.

“Himesh and I completely respect each other and are jointly going with this decision to part ways legally but

mutual respect will always be there for us as I am a part of his family and will always be, and the same is with him towards my family. There are compatibility issues in our marriage but we respect each other immensely. Nobody else should be dragged into this matter and nobody else is responsible for this and the reason for our marriage not working is only and only compatibility. Sonia is not responsible for this at all and our son Swaym and our family loves Sonia just like a family member,” Komal said.

Himesh, who had maintained silence on the personal matter for long, also stated that both his and Komal’s families

are okay with their decision. “Sometimes in life, mutual respect becomes most important and giving due respect to our relationship, Komal and I have amicably decided to part ways legally as husband and wife and there is no problem whatsoever with this decision between us and our family, as every member of the family has respected our decision. Komal is and will always remain a part of our family and I will always be a part of her family”.

Sources close to the family say that Komal will be living in the same building where Himesh stays. The musician has apparently been seeing Sonia for past 10 years and might get married to her soon. While Sonia did not comment on Himesh’s divorce, she said, “Himesh’s family is my family and I love them.”

Sonia, currently missing from television, has been a part of popular shows like Remix, Kaisa Yeh Pyar Hai and Sati. (Indian Express)

ctress Deepika Padukone will share screen space with Irrfan Khan once again after Piku for Vishal Bhardwaj’s yet untitled production. The filmmaker says the actress is a ‘rare’ combination of a superstar and good actor.

“I think Deepika is one the finest actresses that we have in the country. She is a rare combination of superstar and good actor. It’s a rare combination that a performer is a superstar and at the same time has great acting abilities. Deepika is one of them,” Bhardwaj said at a screening of short film Kajal in Mumbai on Tuesday.

The film will be directed by Honey Trehan who is a casting director and assistant director known for Omkara, Udta Punjab and Kaminey. “I am more excited for my friend Honey Trehan who has been with me for last 20 years and he

is very lucky that in his first film itself, he has got such fabulous cast. I am so happy and excited to produce this film.

The film will go on floors in January,” Bhardwaj added.

The Irrfan and Deepika starrer is based on one of the chapters from S. Hussain Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens of Mumbai. Deepika will essay the role of feared mafia don Rahima Khan popularly known as Sapna Didi, while Irrfan will play a local gangster.

Deepika will be working with Vishal for the first time and will start

Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan set to team up for their fourth film titled ‘Shiddat’

Esha Deol’s first picture with the baby bump is only adding to her maternity glow

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sha Deol is expecting her first child with husband Bharat Takhtani. The news was earlier announced by Esha’s mother and veteran actor Hema Malini. Now, Esha Deol’s latest pictures where her visible baby bump is only adding to the glow on her face, has begun doing the rounds.

Esha’s childhood friend Shilarna Vaze aka Chef Chinu posed a picture collage on Instagram. Shilarna is also expecting and was too happy to get clicked with her BFF Esha. The two were seen flaunted their baby bumps.

Esha and Shilarna Vaze, now a celebrity chef are close friends. Shilarna had also shared the silver screen with Esha in her 2002 film Na Tum Jaano Na Hum, that also starred Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali khan. Shilarna played Esha’s best buddy in that one too.

Esha Deol tied the knot with businessman Bharat Takhtani on June 29, 2012. Hema Malini had earlier tweeted, “Deols and Takhtanis are overjoyed to announce that @Esha_Deol and

Bharat are expecting their first baby.

We thank you all for all your good wishes.”

She had thanked everyone for wishing her elder daughter and expressed happiness of being a grandma for the second time.

Before Hema’s tweet, the news of Esha’s pregnancy was confirmed by Ram Kamal Mukherjee, who is writing the second book on the 68-yearold actor, Hema Malini. “Ya, actually I am writing a book so I visit their house often, and all I can say is Hemaji and the whole family is thrilled with Esha’s pregnancy, she is expecting the baby anytime in October, and she is at Hemaji’s house and Hemaji and Dharamji are obviously very happy! Bharat is also very excited and is taking most of the days off from work to spend time with Esha,” said Ram Kamal.

Esha was last seen in 2015 film Kill Them Young along with its Kannada and Tamil versions too. She was also a gang leader in reality TV series Roadies X2. (Indian Express)

When SRK gave Farah Khan and Twinkle Khanna a ‘tough’ time during ‘Badshah’ song shooting

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emember how Shah Rukh Khan became the ‘Badshah of Bollywood’ after his 1999 film Badshah opposite Twinkle Khanna?

Though the comedy was a moderate hit at that time, but today it surely finds a place in the list of some of the top Hindi films to watch on a lazy weekend afternoon.

Both Twinkle and Shah Rukh man-

aged to entertain us with their naughty antics followed by their blossoming onscreen romance. Despite being a comic-thriller, the King of Romance Shah Rukh managed to spill his charm in this one too, winning the title of ‘Badshah’ forever.

One of the film’s most popular songs, “Hum toh deewane hue yaar” saw SRK and Twinkle celebrating their love as

shooting for the film after completing Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavati.

Bhardwaj also spoke about the web series format. “Web series format is really exciting, especially for filmmakers, because in films, we have to compromise in terms of detailing as film’s duration is generally two to three hours, but there is no such limitation in the web series space. It’s a great platform to experiment and I would like to make web series as well.”

The last film Bhardwaj directed was Rangoon.

(Indian Express)

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o you love seeing Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan together on screen? Are you also a fan of the chemistry and vibes these two young actors bring every time? If yes, then get ready for another film. If reports are to be believed, Alia and Varun are teaming up yet again in Abhishek Varman’s upcoming romance-drama. The film is said to be titled Shiddat and will go on floors by end of 2018.

The news of about

this latest film was broke by a report in Mumbai Mirror. Shiddat is said to be a two hero film and rumours are rife that Aditya Roy Kapur or Arjun Kapoor might be roped in as the second male lead. We await confirmation on that though.

Varun and Alia have done three films together until now – Student of The Year, Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and Badrinath Ki Dulhania.

Their cute chemistry both on and off screen

they sang and danced in a picturesque backdrop. But the comfort with which Shah Rukh shook a leg was not a piece of cake for director duo Abbas-Mustan to bring onscreen. And more than the directors, it was Farah Khan who had a tough time choreographing her friend SRK. In a throwback video that has been shared by a fan page of Shah Rukh, we see Farah trying her best to ensure that the superstar gets his dance steps right. But the actor was at his quirky best as he refused to listen to his choreographer and deliberately did the wrong steps. He even joked as he said, “Poora gaana aise hi karunga (I will do the entire song like this)” But Twinkle looked quite sincere with her work as

has been setting serious BFF and relationship goals for all their fans.

And considering Shiddat is also reportedly a romantic drama, we are really hopeful about the film.

A source is also quoted saying that Abhishek, Karan and Alia have been working on the script, which is still in the premature stage, over the last two months.

The shooting schedule is now being adjusted to suit Alia and Varun’s dates. However, nothing has been confirmed as of yet.

Alia, who is on a break from films, is happy to be spending time with her family, holidaying and even learning Kathak. She will be back on the sets of her two upcoming films Dragon and Gully Boy, opposite Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh respectively, soon. (Indian Express)

she even instructed Shah Rukh to take it seriously.

In the latter half of the video, Shah Rukh stood behind Twinkle as she got her hair and her makeup done. Badshah is the only movie where Twinkle Khanna shared the screen with Shah Rukh Khan. (Indian Express)

WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘The Mummy’ actor Jake Johnson says he was initially hesitant about the movie

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ctor Jake Johnson says he was initially hesitant about appearing in The Mummy, but eventually signed up because his wife was keen to learn more about Tom Cruise.

The 39-year-old actor says he had reservations about signing up for the movie as he was aware of the 54-year-old star’s passion for doing his own stunts, and was reluctant to put himself at risk, reported Femalefirst.

“I remember saying to my wife ‘I have a chance to play Tom Cruise’s friend in The Mummy but I don’t know if I want to do it’, because there were a lot of stunts and I know that Tom does them himself and I didn’t want to die on the side of an airplane for a movie. “And my wife said ‘I have never said this before but I really want you to do it because I really want to hear more about Tom Cruise. There

is no PR team telling me to say this but he is genuinely just a sweet, passionate, awesome guy,” Johnson says. The actor plays Sergeant Chris Vail in the movie.

Speaking at a live-streamed launch event in Los Angeles, Tom Cruise said that the film was very intense as if all the trailers didn’t already make that obvious. But Cruise also said the new Mummy was full of adventure, and also very funny, we’re really playing with a lot of tones– which is good news for fans of the Brendan Fraser ones.

The Mummy will be released on June 9 in the UK and the US. (Indian Express)

‘Suicide Squad ‘2 to go on floors in 2018, says Joel Kinnaman

Hollywood 49

George Clooney and Amal’s newborn twins Alexander and Ella turn internet sensations

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eorge Clooney and Amal Clooney have become proud parents to twins - daughter Ella and son Alexander. The internet and the celebrities are hence rejoicing over the newborn babies and sending the couple their best wishes. These are the first children for both George and Amal.

“This morning Amal and George welcomed Ella and Alexander Clooney into their lives. Ella, Alexander and Amal are all healthy, happy and doing fine. George is sedated and should recover in a few days,” the actor’s publicist Stan Rosenfeld said in a statement on behalf of the couple.

Ellen DeGeneres took to Twitter to send

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The Hollywood Reporter. Gotham City Sirens stars Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn.

“Ultimately, I’d love for David Ayer to direct it, but if he doesn’t want to direct it then someone who is great with character and that’s able to ground the story and maybe put these characters in a more normal situation. It would be really interesting to see these crazy characters interact with regular people as well,” he said.

Suicide Squad was a thriller superhero film released in August 2016.

Apart from Kinnaman, other actors who featured in the movie, Robbie (Harley Quinn), Will Smith (Deadshot), Jared Leto (Joker), Viola Davis (Amanda Waller), Cara Delevingne (Enchantress), Jay Hernandez (Diablo), Karen Fukuhara (Katana) and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Killer Croc) are yet to be confirmed for the sequel. (Indian Express)

om Cruise is all about charm and adrenaline rush in the first American Made trailer. This is not your usual Tom pulling out a risky stunt in a high-profile franchise movie. The star has a natural charm here and his character looks more real, reminiscent of his early roles in movies like The Risky Business and Top Gun. Tom’s character is based on Barry Seal, a real life pilot who lost his job after he was caught smuggling plastic explosives from Miami to Mexico.

He eventually landed himself a job with Colombian Medellin Cartel, smuggling cocaine between South and North America. Barry started working as a spy for CIA and DEA after he was caught by them. During his adventures, he encountered some serious names in drug business including Pablo Escobar, Jorge Luis and Ochoa

Vasquez.

The opening shots of the trailer have Tom manning an aircraft and within a blink of an eye, Tom crashes his plane in the middle of a suburban locality and thus giving us some funny lines to later chew on, “I am Barry Seal. Something shit happened.” The trailer is stashed with elements of 80’s pop culture when America was battling with drug smuggling. If you have seen Netflix’s blockbuster series Narcos, you are bound to find some similarities in terms of scenery and photography.

The trailer seems a departure from Tom’s choice of characters in recent years. He has been doing some mega projects for quite some time now including Mission Impossible and The Mummy (which is set to hit theatres this year). It has been a while since we saw Tom doing some conventional action flicks. The trailer seems to be on the lines of Top Gun and Knight and Day where Tom was effortlessly charming.

Directed by Doug Liman, the film also stars Domhnall Gleeson, Lola Kirke, Jesse Plemons, Jayma Mays, Sarah Wright Olsen and Caleb Landry Jones. (Indian Express)

‘77 Sunset Strip’ star Roger Smith dead at 84

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oger Smith, who starred in the series 77 Sunset Strip and was married to actress Ann-Margret, is dead. He was 84.

Actor Roger Smith, who starred in the series 77 Sunset Strip and was married to actress Ann-Margret, is dead. He was 84.

Smith passed away Sunday morning at Sherman Oaks Hospital, reports variety.com. Smith retired from acting after being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis in 1980. After that, he managed

his wife’s career and produced several of her TV specials. The couple had celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 8.

On “77 Sunset Strip,” Smith played detective Jeff Spencer, who partnered with Efrem Zimbalist Jr. as his partner. The show ran from 1958 to 1964, though he left in 1963. His Spencer character made appearances on other detective shows of the period including “Surfside 6” and “Hawaiian Eye.” After “77 Sunset Strip” ended its

George!”

Amal’s father Ramzi Alamuddin told AFP news agency. “I am very happy for them, they will be great parents.” Amal’s mother Baria, who is in the hospital with her daughter, told BBC, “We are over the moon. It was a beautiful delivery. The babies are beautiful and are doing well.” (Indian Express)

‘American Made’ trailer: Tom Cruise plays a charming drug-running pilot

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ast August, the supervillains thriller Suicide Squad brought together a crazy set of characters together on screen under the direction of David Ayer. The movie was a super hit and fans have forever been waiting for a sequel. Joel Kinnaman has finally revealed plans for Suicide Squad 2 to go on floors in 2018 in order to hit theatres in 2019.

Actor Joel Kinnaman, who plays Rick Flag in Suicide Squad, has revealed the script of the sequel is currently being written and the movie may begin its production some time in 2018. “As far as I know they’re writing the script, and I think the plan is to shoot it sometime in 2018, but that could change. I think I’ll definitely come back for it,” Kinnaman said.

The 37-year-old actor wants director David Ayer to return, but it seems unlikely, as Ayer is currently committed to direct Suicide Squad spinoff Gotham City Sirens, according to

her best wishes with a funny reference to George Clooney’s Oceans Eleven film, “Welcome to the world, Ella and Alexander Clooney.

Congratulations, George and Amal, or as I’m now calling you, Ocean’s Four.”

Mia Farrow wrote, “Wishing Ella and Alexander Clooney a warm welcome and every blessing – and congratulations to Amal and

run, Smith had the lead role in the comedy series “Mr. Roberts,” adapted from the movie about a World War II Navy lieutenant. He also appeared in movies including “Man of a Thousand Faces,” “No Time to Be Young” and “Auntie Mame.”

Smith is survived by his

wife and a daughter and two sons from his first marriage.

1960s were a difficult time for Smith. He was diagnosed with a blood clot in his brain in 1962, which forced him to exit 77 Sunset Strip for a time, and even upon his return, he and rest of

the main cast were let go the following year.

His divorce from Victoria Shaw was finalized in 1964, and his attempt to parlay the success of Sunset Strip into a television adaptation of Mister Roberts (1965) lasted only one season. After that, he made only two more acting appearances: Rogue’s Caper, and Criminal Affair, both of which were released in 1968. (Indian Express)

50 sport

WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Director of Sport lauds AAG’s successful hosting of the SA U-20 Championships - big plans in store for Guyana’s athletes

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irector of Sport, Christopher Jones credited the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) for pulling off the South American U-20 Championships, despite having such short notice, calling it a “tremendous success”.

With a mere two months to plan and put systems in place to ensure “smooth sailing”, Jones sought to highlight that the “logistics by the coordinating committee was on point, the entire activity was incident free and of course the accommodation, meals and so forth that were provided for the local and international athletes, were all complimentary. I think overall the games were successfully held and I want to commend not only the AAG but all other organisations that played a role in it to ensure the success of the games.”

Jones noted that since the launching of the National Sports Database in 2016, the AAG has submitted their information on their athletes, hence

the NSC was able to monitor their progress in the buildup to the CARIFTA games.

The National Sports

through this system that the NSC awarded the top performers with scholarships.

The Director re-

sion with the Ministry of Public Health, is that we want those athletes who are in the database to receive what

their medical treatment abroad, that is the level that we want to take that to.”

He encouraged the

The Guyanese contingent performed impressively at this installment of the South American Junior Championship

Database monitors athletes’ performances and helps make it easier for associations to pick the best possible representatives when headed to a major competition.

After the success of the athletes at the CARIFTA games, Jones pointed out that it was

vealed that the NSC is looking to achieve another possible perk of athletes being in the database to receive preferential healthcare in Guyana.

“Another aspect that we are hoping to achieve; and we are still having a discus-

is called ‘preferential treatment’ at our local health facilities and whereas our local health facilities are unable to provide the necessary services to them, is that being in the database as an athlete, the Government will be responsible for

various associations to submit their respective information as the current Administration has the best interest of the athletes at heart.

When asked by Guyana Times International Sports whether the NSC is willing to invest more

to bring sporting events such as the SA U-20 Championships to Guyana, Jones indicated that the NSC has already submitted their first draft of the Budget for 2018, pointing to “100 per cent increases in some cases for funding that falls under grants” so that the Sports Commission can be able to provide more toward various sports associations. However this will not be possible if the associations do not submit their developmental plans for 2018.

He urged those associations to understand that “sport is a business” and if you do not invest, there will be no returns. This, he explained, is the basis for investment in sport. He pointed to the success of the AAG as an example.

Guyana created history when they took 25 medals at last weekend’s South American U-20 Championships, tripling their previous haul of just eight medals since the beginning of the meet in 1959.

sport 51

WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Skipper Brathwaite thrilled by Windies professionalism

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ASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) – West Indies captain Carlos Brathwaite has praised his side's professionalism, after they trounced Afghanistan by seven wickets in Monday's final Twenty20 International and complete a 3-0 series whitewash.

Entering the series as heavy favourites to beat the ICC Associate nation, West Indies imposed their superiority to reduce each of the three games to a no-contest as they pulled off convincing victories in each.

The gulf between the two teams was especially evident in the final game as right-hander Marlon Samuels produced a stroke-filled career-best unbeaten 89 as the Windies easily chased down 147 to win by seven wickets.

Carlos Brathwaite

“Marlon showed his experience, showed his class and he brought us home and the manner in which he did it was very, very clinical and it is very pleasing,” Brathwaite said.

“You talk about being professional … and when you have teams on the back foot about keeping them there and

Women's World Cup 2017

England ease past West Indies in World Cup warm-up

E

Stefanie Taylor (ESPNCricinfo photo)

ngland Women laid down a marker ahead of this month's World Cup as they beat West Indies by six wickets in a warm-up encounter in Loughborough.

West Indies opted to bat first and were dismissed for 150 in the final over of their innings, with captain Stafanie Taylor top-scoring with 59.

Nat Sciver (10-0-394) shared the bowling honours with offspinner Danielle Hazell who took 3 for 21 from her 10

overs.

In reply, England reached their target in the 36th over but, with World Cup preparations at the forefront of both teams' minds, the decision was taken for England to bat the duration of their 50 overs.

Sciver made an enterprising 85, and Tammy Beaumont also passed fifty, before Katherine Brunt opened her shoulders with the game won to make a quickfire 49.

England reached 281 for 7 from their 50 overs.

(ESPNCricinfo)

that's exactly what we did … so it's very, very pleasing to come away three-nil.”

He continued: “It would have been very easy to take a foot off the pedal and take this game for granted, lose the game, win the series 2-1 and be happy, but the professionalism shown today was very

commendable, very admirable and kudos to my team for bringing home the series in a whitewash.”

Opting to bat first, Afghanistan posted the highest total of the series and when Chadwick Walton fell to the second delivery of the run chase without a run on the board, the Windies

faced a challenging time.

But Samuels arrived to see off the Afghan challenging with a stroke-filled innings, that ensured there was no upset.

“The pitch was a lot better for batting than the first two games so we had to make some minor adjustments,” Brathwaite explained.

“They got up to a score that we think if we had executed our skills a little better we could have got them for 10 runs less but nevertheless the score was on the board, it was manageable and going into the half-time break, I asked that one of the batters raise their hand, not only get a score but get a big score and come not out in a winning cause.”

Brathwaite, however, reserved special praise for his bowlers

who he said were superb throughout the series in keeping Afghanistan's dangerous batsmen under tight rein.

“The bowling performance and the consistency, that is something we asked for so that one box was ticked,” he said.

“We (bowlers) did very well against Pakistan [in the recent series], we continually kept them down to 130 and as a bowling unit we strived to replicate what we did in that series.

“I don't want to single out one moment of brilliance because those moments of brilliance don't come unless there is a solid base and I think that throughout the three games, bowlers put the team on that solid footing … which made the moments of brilliance actually brilliant.”

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

RAN 15s South Zone final…

Trinidad will be no push over – Gonsalves -Green Machine calling on local support for Saturday’s mega clash

By Akeem Greene

G

uyana’s national rugby team, Green Machine, will meet arch rivals Trinidad and Tobago yet again in the Rugby Americas North (RAN) 15s South Zone Final on Saturday at the National Park.

When these two sides met last year at Hasely Crawford Stadium in the Port of Spain, Trinidad, Green Machine battled to a 23-18 win to secure the championship; however, Captain Ryan Gonsalves warned against complacency after being pushed

by Barbados in their 3426 victory; Trinidad defeated the Bajans 36-16.

“Preparation has

Practice makes perfect! Some of the players engaged in one of the many rigorous practice drills at the National Park

been going good, we are trying to get our strategies and attack in order since Trinidad is no pusher; we just want to

be fully prepared from them on Saturday and hopefully the weather holds up and we get a full use of the ground”.

He added, “Our backline affected us against Barbados but we will have Claudius Butts back and we will be tak-

ing the game to them [Trinidad and Tobago], we have a mixture of young and experience guys; Trinidad will come with a big pack and will be mobile and try to burn them out”.

Playing at home should hold an advantage and the captain is urging local fans to come out in their numbers.

“Regardless of weather, Rugby is played so we just want Guyana to come out and support us because we have been doing so well over the years and this is a tough game and we will need every little support to get over the line”.

Likewise, newcomer Ahmed Isaacs who scored a try in the victo-

ry over Barbados shared similar sentiments. “We have been training hard, our coach has given us all the tools to do well, and we just need the crowd support, that is going to be 16th man and could help tip us over the line”.

Isaacs, an overseasbased native that plays for the Lindenwood University, felt it was an awesome experience in playing his first game for Guyana, adding that he was buoyed with confidence given his teammates are extremely talented players.

Saturday’s fixture is expected to begin at 15:00h and the visitors are expected to arrive on Friday morning.

GTTA committed to Wong’s development - player set to attend 1-month training camp in Dominican Republic

By Akeem Greene

D

espite his being prevented by administrative issues from getting to wield his racket at the Latin America Continental Championships which were held in the

Dominican Republic last month, the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) is keen on ensuring that Miguel Wong stays on track in his bid to qualify for the 2018 Youth Olympics Games in Buenos Aries, Argentina.

Speaking to Guyana Times International Sport on Monday, GTTA President, Godfrey Munroe, explained that Wong’s prospects for qualifying for the Games are still intact, since the Continental Championships were not

the only route.

“This is not the end of his prospects for qualification to the Youth Games; there are different pathways. (It can be done) through a world ranking, (wherein) the top 10 to 15s juniors get automatic acceptance; but he (perhaps) won’t qualify there. There was the Continental Cup, or other junior circuit events; but we’re trying to (get him to qualify by) using the ‘universal allocated’ position”.

He added: “It is a method (wherein) countries (that) have limited amounts of athletes attending the Games (have) been given the chance (to qualify) as a ‘wild card.’ The policy of the International Federation is that you have to make an attempt at qualifying“.

In explaining why Wong was not able to participate in activi-

ties in the Dominican Republic, Munroe said, “We sent up his registration to the Dominican Republic, as the host for the continental trials, and they were supposed to send it to the ITTF [International Table Tennis Federation] but there was some mix-up.

He also reached late (on) the morning of the trials, so he was not included in (the) draws”.

Munroe, however, said: “To compensate for that, the Dominican Republic have indicated that they would stand his training expenses for a training one-month camp”.

The GTTA President is hopeful that the camp can be held from June 13 to July 13. Wong would have another shot at qualification when he participates in the South American Youth Games, to be held in Chile from September 27 to October

8.

In a recent GTTA release, it was stated: “Miguel is a talented, disciplined athlete; one whom the association feels has a long term future in the sport, and the potential to reach higher levels if given the correct nurturing, support and exposure. His exposure to this event will truly augment his development (and) his international ranking; which would assist Guyana’s chances of doing well in future engagements.

And so this would represent a long-term investment in one of our brighter prospects for the future.”

Wong is attempting to follow in the footsteps of Adielle Roushevel, who attended the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore (2010); and Chelsea Edghill, who did likewise in China (2014).

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