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Granger disappointed Coalition business made public ISSUE NO. 351

WEEK ENDING june 25, 2017

See story on Page 5

-tells WPA, ‘I don’t do business like that’ President David Granger

Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

Telephone giant GTT signs major sponsorship deal with Amazon Page 8 Warriors

Competition heats up for Miss World Guyana 2017

The ten finalists competing for the title of Miss World Guyana 2017 strike a pose following the fitness challenge segment at the National Park in Georgetown on Wednesday. They will clash head-on Sunday evening at the grand coronation at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

Jagdeo lashes back at ‘incompetent’ Trotman

…says Minister lacks knowledge of matters relating to his Ministry Page 16

Fly Jamaica promises new destinations

…opens Brooklyn office Page 3

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NEWS 3

WEEK ENDING JUNE 25, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Fly Jamaica promises new destinations …opens Brooklyn office

By Bhisham Mohamed

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uyanese-owned Fly Jamaica Airways last Thursday opened its Brooklyn office at 1397 Nostrand Avenue, with the objective of catering for the travelling population in that area.

In a small but important ceremony, the new office was blessed by members of the three main religious groups who all offered prayers of prosperity.

The new office will be one that will serve Caribbean people living in New York and surrounding areas. This is the second of such an office in New York, with another in Queens.

According to Roxanne Reece, one of the owners of the airline, the new office will give people in the Diaspora an opportunity to interact with well trained staff, rather than booking a ticket online.

“Personal contact is very important in doing business and we want people to feel comfortable that they have

Roxanne Reece (right) and others at the new Fly Jamaica office in Brooklyn

people to interact with and to make enquiries compared to them going on a computer and booking a ticket… we want that personal touch,” she explained.

However, she noted that the choice in setting up the office is based on the fact that there are lots of persons living

in the Brooklyn area who are primarily from Jamaica and Guyana.

Chief Executive Officer, Captain Ronald Reece at the official launch party thanked the people who have made Fly Jamaica the outstanding carrier that it is, and has been, over the past six years.

He also encouraged the public for its continuing support over the years.

Consul General, Guyana Consulate, Barbara Atherly, in her comments said the initiative forges an even stronger relationship between Guyana and Jamaica while at the same time serving to promote

tourism in New York and the Caribbean.

She reminisced on the time travelling to Jamaica and had to in transit in several countries but now, it is just a ticket away from Fly Jamaica Airways.

She congratulated the Board of Governors of Fly Jamaica on the opening of their new office and encouraged the continuation of the good work.

Meanwhile, Reece further stated that Fly Jamaica is currently using two airplanes but in the very near future, a third will be added to the fleet.

On this note, she revealed that Fly Jamaica will be adding at least four new destinations to cater for the travelling public. The destinations will be revealed shortly but she expressed confidence that the new destinations will be widely supported.

Fly Jamaica operates out of Guyana and Jamaica, both in transit and direct flights.

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 25, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

INTERNATIONAL To contact: Guyana Times International

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

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EDITORIAL

Guyana’s Sovereign Wealth Fund

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uring the debate on the “Petroleum Commission of Guyana Bill 2017”, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo suggested that on the proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) the Government had proposed for the petroleum revenues that are expected to start flowing from 2020, they should follow the example of Norway rather than our neighbour Trinidad and Tobago. During the last election campaign, the People’s Progressive Party has already suggested a SWF. The suggestion seems to have struck a raw nerve in Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, who burst out: ““How dare you lecture us? …we will not be lectured by the Leader of the Opposition on good governance!!” This intemperate outburst was rather unfortunate, to say the least, since it touches on what will perhaps be the most important decision to be made in the country in this century: what to do with our oil revenues.

While there is no one definition of a SWF – and that in itself tells a story) – it is generally accepted they are dedicated Government-owned investment vehicles (“sovereign) funded by identified foreign exchange inflows which manage those assets separately from official reserves and invest them with a “buyand-hold” perspective. Both Trinidad’s and Norway’s SWF’s (respectively “Heritage and Stabilisation Fund” (HSF) and Pension Fund Global (PFG) are based on oil revenues unlike those of China – the largest, based on revenues from “non-commodities”. While both countries belong to the “International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds” (IFSWF), which follows the non-mandatory “Generally Agreed Practices and Principles (the GAPP) known as “the Santiago Principles”, these focus on the investment principles to be followed rather than what revenues flow into the funds and how they are expended. These, however, are the crucial variables that the Opposition leader would have been emphasising.

From a utilisation perspective, SWF’s can be broadly classified as “savings” or “stabilisation” funds – or a mixture of both. In Trinidad, the Government is required by law to deposit 60 per cent of the surplus of actual oil revenue over projected oil revenue.

In this way, the Government can “game” its HSF by ensuring the projections are either negative or very minimal. In 2009, for instance, the projections were negative and no funds went into the HSF, yet when in 2013, oil spiked to over US$100/barrel, the 60 per cent surplus was not deposited without any repercussions.

While Trinidad’s HSF purports to be a mixture, in reality, based on its history the emphasis has been used for “stabilisation” due to profligate current spending that ensures budget deficits. After 50 years of oil production, the HSF had just US$5 billion in 2015 and US$2 billion has already been used for “stabilising/spending” since.

The Government has announced it will now split the Fund into two components – Heritage and Stabilisation, but it is almost certain not much will be left for future generations in an economy where Government expenditure is still over 33 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product. Very little of the Fund was used for diversification and TT’s economy is an example of “Dutch Disease”. From the utterances of Trotman and the Finance Ministry, Jagdeo has good reason to fear Guyana is going down the road of Trinidad.

In Norway, on the other hand, explicitly seeking to avoid Dutch Disease, ALL petroleum revenues go into its SWF and only a maximum of four per cent can be used for interventions in budgetary current spending. As a result of this discipline, their PFG has grown to US$930 billion in assets even while the country has over two billion Euros in debt. While in the last two years Norway has had to make emergency withdrawals from the funds because of low oil prices, these have scarcely made a dent in their PFG because of the size of the latter.

One report from the IFSWF recommends: “small population, resource-dependent, non-diversified economies must use SWFs to convert resource windfalls into permanent financial assets through tightly controlled savings.”

Appropriating these resources, to do otherwise would be to doom us into poverty in perpetuity.

With “The Biggest Party In Sport” set to begin on August 4, telecommunications company GTT is bringing the heat with the announcement of it being the main sponsor of the Guyana Amazon Warriors in this year’s Caribbean Premier League. In photo are; from left: Steven Jacobs, Shimron Hetmyer, Veerasammy Permaul, Assad Fudadin and Keon Joseph

Governor Cuomo signs legislation banning child marriages in NY

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overnor Andrew M. Cuomo on Tuesday signed legislation to end child marriage in New York. The legislation raises the age of consent to marry from 14-years-old to 18-yearsold and amends the process to require parental and judicial consent for marriage of those between 17-years-old and 18-years-old, a release from the Governor’s office said.

"This administration has worked tirelessly to defend exploited and disadvantaged New Yorkers, provide minors with the rights and protections that they deserve, and ensure that women are empowered to have control over their own lives, and with this legislation, we continue to help protect those who cannot protect themselves," Governor Cuomo said.

"This is a major step forward in our efforts to protect children and prevent forced marriages, and I am proud to sign this legislation that puts an end to child marriage in New York once and for all," the Governor added.

In February, the Governor announced he was advancing legislation to end child marriage by raising the age of consent to marry from 14 to 18-years-old in New York. Until the legislation was signed on Tuesday, children as young as 14-years-old could have gotten married with parental permission and written consent provided by a judge. The previous law, which dates back to 1929, does not provide guidance to judges determining whether or not to grant consent. More than 3,800 minors were married in New York between 2000 and 2010. Now, the law expressly prohibits anyone under the age of 17 from getting married and provides guidance for judges who are tasked with making a determination as to whether or not a 17-year-old may get mar-

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

ried, the Governor’s office said.

Specifically, a judge shall ensure that the individual is entering into the marriage of his or her own free will, that they are not being compelled by force, fraud, or coercion, and that the marriage will not endanger the mental, emotional, or physical safety of the applicant.

Research shows that young women who marry before 19 are 50 percent more likely than their unmarried peers to drop out of high school, and four times less likely to graduate from college. Women who wed before 18 are also at increased risk of developing mental and physical health disorders, including facing a 23 percent higher risk of heart attack, diabetes, cancer and stroke. Girls who marry young are 31 percent more likely to live in poverty when they are older and are three times more likely to be beaten by their spouses than women who wed at 21 or older, the Governor’s office added.

Senator Andrew J. Lanza said, "This law will go a long way in honoring our values and commitment to protecting children, especially young girls, from the coercive, oppressive, and destructive practice of ill-informed or forced marriage. As the father of two girls, I sincerely thank and commend Assemblywoman Amy Paulin

and Governor Andrew Cuomo for their vision and leadership."

Assemblywoman Amy Paulin said, "Current law allowing 14 year olds to get married is discrimination against women written explicitly in our statues. Victims of child marriage are forced and condemned to a life that they did not choose with no means of escape, resulting in physical and mental health problems, loss of education and economic opportunities, and an increased likelihood of experiencing violence. Today, we bring an end to forced child marriage in New York State and set a precedent that the rest of the states should follow."

Sonia Ossorio, President, National Organization for Women, said, “NOW is tremendously grateful that our Governor has made it a top priority to end child marriage in our state, and working together with lawmakers, the advocates, and the courageous survivors – we got it done. New York is leading the nation in ending this human rights abuse and setting an example for the entire nation to follow. I have no doubt that other states will follow suit and make this awful practice a relic of the past.”

George Zarubin, Executive Director of the AHA Foundation, said, "By signing this legislation, Governor Cuomo is standing up to protect the rights of young New Yorkers. New York lagged behind other states and even other nations for too long by allowing the harmful practice of child marriage. Marrying young significantly impedes the ability of young girls to finish an education and to live a full and happy life. The AHA Foundation thanks Governor Cuomo for his leadership on this issue and for everything he does to protect the rights of all New Yorkers."

NEWS 5

WEEK ENDING JUNE 25, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Miss Guyana UK visits Linden … makes donation to Linden Special Needs School

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eigning Miss Guyana United Kingdom (UK) Lauren Hosannah on Tuesday visited the community of Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

During the visit she met with some of the town’s representatives and visited a few learning institutions and community sites.

Hosannah, who was born to a Guyanese father and Pakistani mother, is on her first visit to Guyana, which will wrap up on June 27.

Presently a student of the University of Birmingham pursuing a Masters Undergraduate Course in Psychology, the reigning queen as part of her visit met with Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland. She also visited the Mackenzie High School where she delivered a motivational speech and the Linden Special Needs School where she made a monetary donation.

Hosannah, who was also treated to the beautiful sceneries at Richmond Hill Linden said Holland’s team had been very welcoming in facilitating her visit. Hosannah, who has been actively involved

Granger disappointed Coalition business made public -tells WPA, ‘I don’t do business like that’

Lauren Hosannah at Richmond Hill during her tour of Linden

in sponsoring numerous charities in Guyana has also donated to the Girl’s Brigade and Youth Centre at Victoria in addition to making monetary contribution towards the town. She is also slated to visit Joshua House and a mental health hospital in Georgetown during the course of her visit.

She has also pledged to donate educational resources to some schools in the Linden community.

“It’s really important for me to make a difference in Guyana… even if it’s a small difference I’ve made quite a big difference in London but

now it’s nice to actually go back to my hometown. I was saying to the Mayor, there was a need in the schools for computers and for some more technology and one of my secondary schools back home is sponsoring some of this trip and some educational resources. As a university student, I know how important education is,” Hosannah noted.

She related that she was pleased about her visit, noting that she learned a lot about the Guyanese culture.

Hosannah also stressed the importance for girls like her, who are of Guyanese ancestry not

to forget their roots and to take the opportunity to learn about their culture as she expressed her interest in continuing to represent Guyana at the Miss World or Miss Universe pageants.

Mayor Holland said he was pleased to host the beauty queen, as he described her as a very wonderful, charming and intelligent individual who is not only talking the talk but walking the walk. Holland pointed out that Hosannah took the time to encourage students to take their education seriously, which shows that pageantry is more than just modelling on a stage.

President David Granger speaking to the media on Wednesday

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esponding to claims by the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) of being shafted and sidelined by the major partner in the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition, President David Granger on Wednesday said such an assertion was untrue as there was a fair partnership in the five-party unit.

Granger said the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led APNU has been an equal playing field for all of its partners since its establishment in 2011.

He was responding to claims made directly by the WPA that it felt

side-lined by the actions of the coalition, which now sits in the seat of Government.

“We have not sidelined any party…I was very careful in 2015 to ensure that every party in the APNU is represented in the National Assembly and have positions.”

To this end, he said, Minister within the Labour Ministry, Keith Scott represents the National Front Alliance (NFA); Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma represents the Justice For All Party (JFAP); Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock represents the Guyana Action Party (GAP) and former Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine represents the WPA. “So there is no sidelining of anyone of the parties and I had the option of making a selection after May 15. And I made my decision based on my commitment to inclusionary democracy and to ensure that all members of the partnership are all represented.” continued on page 7

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Not in support The GECOM Chairman of UG Diaspora issue should have been conference in US settled a long time ago Dear Editor, America-based Guyanese are considering a boycott of the “Diaspora Conference on Investment” in July being organised by the University of Guyana Vice Chancellor’s office. The main reasons articulated for the planned snub: racial and political discrimination and victimisation by Government, lack of transparency in governance, wastage of financial resources by UG management, racialised hiring and appointment of staff at UG, neglect and marginalisation at Tain campus, etc.

Also, relevant questions are being asked on the true role and objectives of the conference: Whose agenda is being served by UG management? Why isn’t there ethnic equity in representation in the university’s management, hiring of staff, distribution of resources, funding for those attending this and other conferences, etc? Many feel the conference will be another talk shop and that no meaningful action will be taken on recommendations as has been the case over the last two years. Proponents (of boycott) note that blacks successfully used it as a weapon in America and South Africa and Zimbabwe to bring about positive change, and they believe same can be achieved in Guyana.

Guyanese are looking at the Diaspora intellectuals and business folks to provide moral and courageous leadership to rescue Guyana.

To attend the conference would be to support wrongs in the country, sending a message of condoning the policy, programme and action of the Government and UG management.

Spurning the conference is seen as a form of solidarity for the victims of racism and mis-governance.

It is pointed out that funds at UG are being wasted on trivial matters. Money has been invested (including on foreign junkets) with promises of huge returns from alumni and the Diaspora; instead there is a negative return of 80 per cent. Expenses (airfare, hotel, and the works) were paid for some attendees (defenders of the regime) who did not reflect the ethnic composition of the population.

UG hosted “reach out” (Diaspora) conferences in New York and elsewhere with hardly any Indians, Amerindians, Chinese, Portuguese, and other representation – who together comprise some 55 per cent of population but are marginalised with under-representation of only five per cent. Many who sided with the Alliance For Change and the People’s National Congress (PNC) have realised they were used to remove the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) from office only to install the PNC in Government. They now feel the regime is seeking to re-use them to attract investments and to legitimise the marginalisation of ethnic groups.

It is pointed out that when African leaders were shouting about marginalisation from the rooftops under the PPP Government and were challenged to present evidence, they responded in a huff that ‘Indians cannot speak about

the reality of Africans in Guyana’.

Today in every indicator, the numbers keep building up transparently showing Indian and Amerindian marginalisation and exclusion. And now the public doesn’t hear blacks talking about racism when this is pointed out.

The regime is parading token Indians as representing the Indian population. And a few are being recruited from abroad only too willing to sell their souls and their people for crumbs. Indians and other groups must not allow non-ethnics to define their agenda. Indians must tell their own narrative.

On hosting conferences, UG management did not see it fit to host a seminar on the 100th anniversary of end of indentureship, but it hosted seminars on emancipation and slavery. The UG management could not find resources to send lecturers to attend conferences on indenture in Trinidad, India, New York, Holland and London but expended millions for a Diaspora meet in NYC and millions more now for a UG Daspora meet.

The Diaspora has complained that the Government does not even bother to engage them, but now wants their investment.

Government has largely ignored most of those who played a significant role lobbying for developmental assistance for the homeland.

And those who constantly write on the Diaspora, particularly the role it can play in development, are not consulted for their ideas. Those who have consistently sought investment for Guyana feel they are alienated and no longer welcome.

Critics of the UG conference say organisers are not willing to tolerate discussion on misuse of funds and on the widespread corruption pervading the Administration and or to address racism, intolerance, and victimisation. They don’t think there will be space for intellectual exchange on governance or a voice to guide the regime to take corrective action on its countless missteps.

At the UG conference, the agenda of victims and non-supporters will not be served. Instead, only the agenda of the Government and the office of the Vice Chancellor will be served. Should the public respond to the invitation to participate in the conference? Would Dr Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela have attended this conference? If these gentlemen had not used boycott or other forms of resistance, would change have come to India, America and South Africa?

The moral weight of those in academia and business expressing their displeasure with the UG conference will hopefully force its management, the Government and its acolytes to rethink their policy of mis-use of funds and glaring racial discrimination. As many say, the “stayaway” gesture from the conference is symbolic as it may not move the Government, but a clear message of needs to be sent.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Dear Editor, Please publish this letter on the ‘political games’ between the President and the Opposition Leader, representing Government and Opposition. There is widespread concern and uneasiness over the delay in the appointment of the Chairman of GECOM, in view of impending regional elections followed by general elections. This issue has been playing out in the public arena for too long. This matter should have been resolved to the mutual satisfaction of the President and Leader of the Opposition, in fulfillment of their constitutional duties following confidential conferring in good faith.

But what is outstanding in these meaningless occasional meetings between the President and Opposition Leader is the photo opportunity; the people are disappointed, as nothing good in the national interest has come out of these meetings, much to silent, widespread dissatisfaction of the Guyanese people.

On the appointment of the Chairman of GECOM, the language of the Constitution is clear, with all due respect to the lawyers. What other meaning should be imposed/argued on the term “or any other fit and proper person”? Anyone found to be a fit and proper person from the first list of six persons could have been appointed, as was done in the past. That settled the acceptable constitutional interpretation in practice.

I am of the view that our President has not been getting sound legal advice.

Differences in the interpretation should have been referred to the Court, right up to the Caribbean Court of Justice, if necessary. Rejecting the lists of nominees is unfortunate and embarrassing for us in CARICOM and the international community. We have to get right our

politics, our Constitution, appointments to constitutional bodies, our elections, and the management of the economy and major industries for the good of all.

The President and the Opposition Leader must demonstrate sincerely to the nation that they can put aside their partisan politics in fulfilling their constitutional duties in an exemplary way in the national interest. It must be admitted that our country is divided largely in the politics of race/ethnicity for many years. A fair and just political and constitutional solution must be found on the basis of wide consensus, taking into account our ethnic demographics.

The tokenism of racial inclusion and the dressing of the executive administration with a Social Cohesion Ministry, with meaningless and deceptive public relations gimmicks, will make no impact in this society; and is wasting tax payers’ money.

What hope is there for our country if the political leaders cannot meet in mutual confidence, confer in good faith, and agree on issues of national interest?

This should be done without posturing in the media on individual political positions before arriving at mutual agreements.

The nation looks to the President and the Leader of the Opposition, who should be role models and set the tone for the conduct of national affairs in the interest of all the citizens.

Ministers, members of the National Assembly, and public officials must fall in line in the conduct of their statutory administrative and service duties to the public. They must set a good example as role models for now and future generations.

Yours sincerely, Joshua Singh

The PNC’s insensitivity is nothing new Dear Editor: The recent remarks by the Working Peoples Alliance (WPA) of not being consulted by the APNU coalition puts them behind the eight ball, so to speak.

Respectfully said another way, to be part of a governing regime for two years without any knowledge as to their role points to a creeping bankruptcy within WPA’s political culture.

The PNC is simply being itself. The WPA and others were warned about a coalition with the PNC but they argued for it. Indeed, certain AFC advocates including its then party leader and a certain well-known newspaper columnist berated others for raising PNC history.

Voters were told that this is a different PNC. Voters were also told not to listen to those who preached about “rear view” politics. The coalition even used Mr. Barack Obama in a political advertisement to suggest that the past was dead.

However, this did not stop the PNC itself from announcing recently that under Mr. David Granger it was implementing Mr. Burnham’s vision and policies.

The WPA should never have united with the PNC. But having done so

for the love of country, as one of its executive members once stated, the WPA should have resigned when the Walter Rodney COI was prematurely ended.

I for one grew up reading the WPA paper during those long Burnham days.

I lived next to one of its loyal foot soldiers in Grove who worked tirelessly to sell that paper. The one defining characteristic of the WPA has always been its refusal to be disrespected.

What the PNC did with the aforesaid COI exceeded disrespect. It sent a message. The PNC stood its ground, the WPA did not. Having failed to do so, the WPA’s shield has been pierced.

It explains, for example, why the PNC willfully selected June 13 to announce the demotion of Dr. Rupert Roopnarine as the Minister of Education. It is to disrespect the WPA and its legacy.

This PNC insensitivity is nothing new.

This same PNC insisted on May 26 being the date for Guyana’s independence when that date is associated with the racial atrocities that occurred against Indians in Wismar in 1964.

In politics, the past is never dead.

Sincerely, Rakesh Rampertab

news 7

WEEK ENDING JUNE 25, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Granger disappointed PPP moves to have delinquent MPs Coalition business... criminally charged over breach Meanwhile, President Granger said he was disappointed that the WPA would take the business of the coalition to the public realm. He sought to assure that he ran a coalition, had never attacked any of the partners, had not expressed any concern or shown any reaction.

“I know where we are going; I know the importance of the coalition to social cohesion, inclusionary democracy and the future of this country.”

“I do not believe that the business of the coalition could be efficiently and effectively transacted in the media, and I don’t do business like that,” Granger told journalists on Wednesday.

On Monday, WPA Executive Members Tacuma Ogunseye and Dr David Hinds said there was no doubt the party, which may not have taken a substantial amount of votes to the table, was being sidelined.

Dr Hinds said the infraction has been so significant that executives were being hammered by party members and supporters both locally and abroad to cut ties with the grouping. He said, however, that was not a consideration at this time.

The party’s top brass is scheduled to meet with

from page 5

other members of APNU in July. Ogunseye said that the meeting would provide them with answers to give to its members on the way forward for the party.

“There, we will have a frank discussion with our partners and use the opportunity to assess the way in which they respond to our concerns and after that exercise, we will come back and decide on a line of action.

But the approach of that meeting is to try to be objective as possible and try to enter the discourse with 100 per cent goodwill,” Ogunseye said.

He said too that the meeting could have a very serious impact on the future of relations between the WPA and its partners.

Hinds had said there were a range of issues in the WPA about how the party should treat Government.

“It ranges from those who feel that we should disengage with Government immediately…we are confident that if we should hold a members meeting, that there would be a strong opinion among our members for us to disengage from the Government.”

The meeting with Government, he added, will give leaders an idea of what to tell the members.

of integrity law

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he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Opposition is forging ahead with plans to have private criminal actions brought against People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) parliamentarians, who breached the provisions of the Integrity Commission Act. The Party wrote the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency, Abeena Moore, on Wednesday requesting the relevant information about the delinquent PNCR and APNU parliamentarians, a statement from the Opposition Leader’s Office said.

The letter was sent

by Opposition Member of Parliament, Juan Edghill, in his capacity as a private citizen, which is allowed under provisions of the Access to Information Act of 2011.

In the letter, which was released to the media, Edghill indicated to Moore, in her capacity as a public authority, that the information being requested is intended to be used in the pursuit of private criminal charges against identified delinquents, who failed to file

Pomeroon woman stabbed 6 times by reputed husband

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29-year-old mother of three from Lower Pomeroon River, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) had to be air-dashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after she was stabbed by her reputed husband.

Reports are Trecia Griffith, of Noon Grant, Lower Pomeroon River, was stabbed six times about her body on Monday. She was rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital where her condition was listed as critical. However, on Tuesday, after her condition worsened, Griffith was air-dashed to the city.

According to information reaching Guyana Times International, the woman and her 28-yearold spouse were imbibing on Monday with friends when an argument erupted. The woman’s reputed husband had accused her of having an extramarital affair with one of his friends. Reports are the woman denied the

Doctors rushing Trecia Griffith to the ambulance

allegation, but her reputed husband allegedly pulled out a knife and dealt several stabs to her body. She received stab wounds to her abdomen and neck.

According to the sister of the injured woman, Synetha Hoyte, her sister’s reputed husband was trying to slit her throat when another man intervened, lashing

him with a chair.

“My sister had several, several stab wounds; we thought she would die. She is talking, but we are very fearful, she has a two-year-old child,” she related.

The woman pointed out that her sister had endured the abusive relationship for years.

The suspect was taken into Police custody.

declarations with the Integrity Commission, in accordance with section 22 of Integrity Commission Acts 1997.

The Opposition parliamentarian is asking for the names of the PNCR parliamentarians of the 8th and 9th Parliament, who failed to submit to the Integrity Commission of Guyana the statutorily required submission of the schedule iii declaration forms (2) disclosing their Income, Assets and Liabilities of themselves and immediate family for the years 2001 to 2006 and 2006 to 2011.

Edghill is also requesting information on APNU parliamentarians in the 10th Parliament who failed to submit to the Integrity Commission of Guyana the statutorily required submission of the schedule iii declaration forms (2) disclosing their Income, Assets and Liabilities of themselves and immediate family for the years 2011 to 2015.

The Commission which is responsible for accountability of persons holding public office has been without a Chairman for some time and has reportedly been

Opposition parliamentarian Juan Edghill

functioning with a skeletal staff.

Only a month ago, Moore appeared before the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and admitted that the Integrity Commission has been basically dismantled by the coalition Government with only one staff member at the Commission’s Secretariat.

This comes even as Jagdeo, on numerous occasions before, called out Government for refusing to support an Opposition sponsored-motion to have all parliamentarians make certain submissions to the Integrity Commission.

In January 2016, Government used its one-seat parliamentary majority to turn down a motion tabled by the Opposition that would provide for all Members of Parliament (MPs)

making public declarations of taxable income and all assets over the last 10 years to the Integrity Commission and released to the public.

The coalition noted that it was not in favour of the public declaration, and would prefer to make such disclosures to the Integrity Commission instead. It had said that such a move would violate privacy of the members.

In defeating the motion, the Government MPs had proposed amendments to the motion for the National Assembly to support the enforcement of the legal requirement for all MPs to file their Income Tax returns and make declarations to the Integrity Commission. However, that proposal was protested by the Opposition and eventually resulted in Edghill calling for his motion to be withdrawn, arguing that the amendments significantly changed the intent of the original motion.

But the coalition MPs declined the withdrawal request and at the end of the debate, succeeded in passing the amended motion.

8 news

WEEK ENDING JUNE 25, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Telephone giant GTT signs major sponsorship deal with Amazon Warriors

Bill removing jail sentence for small quantity of cannabis still being reviewed – Govt MP

AFC Member of Parliament, Michael Carrington

GTT CEO Justin Nedd (third from left) and Guyana Amazon Warriors representative Ashminie Jailall (centre) pose with a signed bat after the symbolic partnership is sealed. They are flanked by Guyana Amazon Warriors Assistant Operations Manager John Ramsingh (right front); Assistant Coach Esuan Crandon (back right) and local Warriors Shimron Hetmyer (left), Steven Jacobs (second left), along with Keon Joseph, Veerasammy Permaul and Assad Fudadin

By Akeem Greene

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uyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) is now the signature sponsor of the Guyana Amazon Warriors for the fifth edition of the gala Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

This was disclosed by GTT’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justin Nedd on Tuesday while speaking at a festive ceremony held at the Presidential Suit of the National Stadium, Providence.

“Our sponsorship of the Amazon Warriors is an expression of GTT’s understanding of the Guyanese heart and passion for sport especially cricket”, the CEO stated.

While there was no disclosure on a cost of the sponsorship, the agreement is expected to see the company have the main branding rights for the team as they seek to improve spectators’ experiences

at the Stadium.

“GTT and the Guyana Amazon Warriors will blaze the stands and the grass mound on match days in full party mode. We want everyone to embrace what it means to be an Amazon Warrior”, Nedd added.

The CEO also disclosed their “Future Amazon Warrior” in 15 year-old Berbician Seon Glasgow. GTT will immediately provide full sponsorship for his participation in the Sir Garfield Sobers Schools Tournament in Barbados in July.

Glasgow has been selected to be part of the Electra Sports Academy that will be representing Guyana at the tournament.

“We will also pursue Seon’s training with the Guyana Amazon Warriors team here in July in preparation for the CPL Games in August,” Need disclosed.

Likewise, Amazon Warriors, Marketing

and Media Officer and Assistant Operations Manager, John Ramsingh revealed that the partnership with GTT would provide more hype among other things. “Our partnership with GTT is aimed at providing more information, more hype, more opportunities to get a chance to see these matches live and even a chance to interact in person with the International, Regional and your own local players”.

Director of Sport Christopher Jones was most enthused about the proceedings since it exemplifies his contention that “government alone cannot undertake the development of sport since corporate support is needed.”

Jones congratulated GTT on the venture and assured that there is willingness to lend whatever support is needed to make the Amazon Warriors successful.

The company also unveiled, the “Amazon Warriors Song”, which is a musical collaboration between two local music stars Calvin Burnett and Drew Thoven.

The league will run from August 4 to September 9 and the Warriors will have four home games during the period of August 17 to 22. The Warriors have been one of the most consistent teams in the league reaching three of the four finals to date.

The Warriors have six newcomers in their squad with Afghanistan leg spinning sensation Rashid Khan heading the list that includes destructive Jamaican wicket-keeper/batsman Chadwick Walton who played for the Tallawahs in the last four seasons.

Big-hitting ICC Americas opener Steven Taylor will also suit up for the Warriors, along with Barbados all-rounder Roshon Primus and the Guyanese pair, batsman Gajanand Singh and fast bowler Keon Joseph, who was a replacement to Ronsford Beaton in the 2013 squad but did not play a match.

The retained players are Pakistani all-rounder Sohail Tanvir, New Zealand opener Martin Guptill, Australian middle-order batsman Chris Lynn, Trinidad and Tobago all-rounder Rayad Emrit, Trinidad and Tobago batsman Jason Mohammed, Guyanese trio Veerasammy Permaul, Assad Fudadin and Steven Jacobs and Trinidad and Tobago wicketkeeper/batsman Steven Katwaroo.

The finals of the tournament will take place at the new Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago from September 5 to 9.

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motion tabled in the National Assembly

by Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament (MP), Michael Carrington, which seeks to amend the Narcotics Drug and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Bill is still under review by all parties within the coalition Government.

Carrington told Guyana Times International in a recent interview that before the Bill was presented to the National Assembly seeking the necessary amendments, the Government had requested to take a closer look at it, to ensure that a sensible decision was taken with regard to the proposed amendments.

The AFC MP explained that all parties within the coalition were given the opportunity to voice their opinions and to review the proposed amendments. He said so far all parties have not completed reviewing the Bill, but it was hoped that this would be done in the near future.

While the Bill was intended to remove the sentence of three to five years in prison for possession of a joint of cannabis or a small quantity for personal use, Carrington stressed that the Government also wanted to put in place the necessary mechanisms to reduce the chances of having repeat offenders.

“The problem we have in Guyana is while the Act says certain institutions must be in place, it is not in place and the Government does not have a rehab centre, only Salvation Army…

Certain things will have to be put in place to ensure that we have a good bill,” the Government MP added.

Carrington reemphasised that the Bill had nothing to do with legalising cannabis, but explained that it was a fact that hundreds of people in Guyana were sentenced to jail, for three years or more for smoking a joint or having small quantities of cannabis for personal use.

The MP said that research on the effects of cannabis on people was minimal, compared with its benefits and jailing someone for smoking cannabis, and not for drinking

rum which has the same effects or worse, was absurd and not in keeping with modern and civilised societies.

The amendments to Section Four of the Narcotics Drug and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Amendment Bill 2015 – No 17 of 2015 seek to remove jail sentences for the possession of a small quantity of the narcotic, leaving the fine in place.

The amendment to Section Five is intended to increase the stipulated amount of cannabis from 15 grams to 55 grams for possession.

Meanwhile, the proposed amendments to Section 12 are intended to prevent persons from being sentenced to one year for smoking or possession of a smoking utensil.

Carrington believes the amendments will help to reduce the prison population; reduce the time wasted in court; save the State G$1 million for each person sentenced for the possession of a small quantity of cannabis; prevent persons from being corrupted by others in jail; and prevent broken homes.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said recently that sentencing people for possessing small amounts of marijuana was a matter for the Judiciary to consider.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has reiterated that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) supported the decriminalisation of marijuana, but he noted that the Party did not have enough research on the topic to make a definitive pronouncement.

Former AFC Chairman Nigel Hughes, with the help of Attorney Mark Waldron, had compiled the draft bill, which seeks to soften the penalties for marijuana possession.

The draft stipulates that persons who are found in possession of the drug for personal use would be required to pay a fine of G$10,000 or perform community service for a period of time.

While the decriminalisation/legalisation of marijuana movement is gaining much momentum worldwide, President David Granger had cautioned against buying into practices being embarked upon by developed countries that have the requisite framework in place to support such legislative reforms.

President Granger made it clear that such reforms were not a current concern of the Government; and, on a more personal note, he declared that he would not subscribe to the usage of marijuana.

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Man on trial for rape Murder accused dead, brother injured during of underage girl NA Prison brawl

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he trial of Julius Tejowah commenced on Wednesday morning before Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court in Georgetown.

The accused has denied allegations that

on July 31, 2015, he engaged in the sexual penetration of a child under 16 years. The matter was said to have occurred in the county of Demerara.

Tejowah is being represented by defence counsel Maxwell

McKay, while Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy is leading the State’s case. On Tuesday, a 12-member jury was empanelled to hear the case in which several witnesses are expected to testify.

“Roach” jailed,fined G$1.5M for narco trafficking

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man who was nabbed at a local airport with 592 grams of cocaine, was on Wednesday jailed after he made

Rudolph Muir, also called “Roach”, of Enterprise, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (EBD) admitted to Magistrate

Convicted drug trafficker, Rudolph Muir

an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Fabayo Azore that he had swallowed 72 pellets of cocaine for the

purpose of trafficking.

The 32-year-old man confessed that on June 18 and 19 at the Eugene F Correia Airport, he had 592 grams of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. As such he was jailed for three years and fined G$1.5 million.

In court on Wednesday, Muri said he was paid US$1700 to traffic the illegal substance.

Muir was nabbed at the airport after he was spotted by drug enforcement officers perspiring profusely.

He was transported to a city hospital where he excreted 72 pellets filled with cocaine.

At the time of his arrest, Muri was an outgoing passenger on a Liat flight to Barbados.

Working to improve public image of hospital – GPHC CEO

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cting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), retired Brigadier George Lewis, has announced that the public image of the hospital will soon be improved.

According to Lewis, he has been analysing the needs of the facility.

Speaking recently to the media, the acting CEO noted that it is important for the human relations aspect of the hospital be improved.

“We need to work on the human relations aspect, they are some rifts between different parties within the organisation including the doctors, nurses and the administration, so we need to look at that and we need to work towards getting all parties here to work together as a whole to make the Georgetown Public Hospital the best primary care hospital within the country,” Lewis said.

He added that he will be working in conjunction with the other heads of departments of the hospital towards this goal.

Nevertheless, the CEO applauded the efforts of the professionals at GPHC but noted however that their contributions are not known.

This, he added, also must be improved.

“My observation during my walk around of the institution was that we have lots of dedicated hard working professional here and they give their best under trying conditions but their contributions are not known outside there,” Lewis said.

As such, he said that the public image must be improved so that people can see the “good” coming out of the facility.

He added that often times the public is not aware of some of the challenges the medical facility faces.

Over the years, the public perception of

GPHC has reached an all-time low and many have expressed a lack of confidence in the facility.

Murder victim Devindra Deodat

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ne man is now dead and his brother injured following a brawl inside the New Amsterdam penitentiary on Wednesday afternoon.

Prison officials confirmed that 27-year-old Neeshan Jagmohan, of Lot 28 Belvedere Squatting Area, Corentyne, was killed after he and his brother, Ramnarine Jagmohan, were attacked by three fellow inmates.

The two brothers along with a third, Tameshwar Jagmohan, are on remand for separate murders and made another court appearance on Wednesday morning at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court.

Following their return from court to the correctional facility, the siblings were attacked. Neeshan Jagmohan was stabbed multiple times to his abdomen and was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Ramnarine Jagmohan is being treated at the medical facility. His condition is listed as critical. Officials at the Prison were unable to provide a motive for the attack, but the suspects were placed in solitary confinement as investigations

continue.

Both Ramnarine and Neeshan Jagmohan were accused of murdering Devindra Deodat, also called “Dave”, a businessman of Hampshire Squatting Area, Corentyne, on October 7, 2013.

The businessman was chopped and shot dead after a group of masked men stormed the grocery shop which he operated. The masked men also chopped Deodat’s wife in the head and shot her father, Rafeek Abdul.

The men were recognised by the business-

Naresh Rooplall, who were all shot dead in Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder on July 21 last year. Two others were charged along with Tameshwar Jagmohan for the murders.

Earlier in the year, the three siblings were injured during another brawl at the New Amsterdam Prison.

During that fight, an inmate, Asif Hamid, 22, of Kingston, Corriverton, Corentyne, was stabbed to his abdomen, feet, and hands. In addition, 19-yearold Davanand Dhandhari was wounded to his head,

Ramnarine Jagmohan and Neeshan Jagmohan

man’s wife after they unmasked themselves following the attack. The Jagmohan brothers were identified by the victims during an identification parade.

One of the siblings was released from prison on the same day that the businessman was attacked and murdered. He was reportedly incarcerated for unlawful possession of a firearm.

M e a n w h i l e , Tameshwar Jagmohan was charged for the murder of 37-year-old Pawan Chandradeo; his 15-yearold son, Jaikarran Chandradeo; and his 33-year-old brother-in-law,

and stabbed thrice to his hands. It was reported that Hamid and one of the brothers, Tameshwar Jagmohan, were involved in a fight over a mobile phone during which Hamid dealt Jagmohan several punches to his face and took control of the phone.

This, however, prompted Jagmohan’s older brothers, Ramnarine and Neeshan, to intervene.

They stabbed, beat and chopped Hamid several times with ‘jukas’ and other improvised weapons.

All of the men who were involved in the January 8 brawl were on remand for murder.

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 25, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Prevention of discrimination Critical concerns omitted from Ministerial bill in pipeline – SASOD “Code of Conduct” …no penalties, vague timeframe for officials to take action

From left to right: SASOD Human Rights Coordinator Ernestine Leonard, SASOD Managing Director Joel Simpson and SASOD Board Secretary Alana Da Silva

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The Code is expected to cover Ministers, Members of Parliament and public office holders

he long-awaited ministerial Code of Conduct has been gazetted by the coalition Government, but despite the concerns raised by Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI) when it reviewed the draft, some of its most critical recommendations have been ignored.

After reviewing the document earlier this year, one of TIGI’s main recommendations had been for penalties the State could impose for specific breaches by Ministers and officials to be incorporated within the Code of Conduct.

According to the anti-corruption advocate, the Code was silent on these penalties.

But while the Code lists transgressions such as taking and soliciting bribes, exhibiting discrimination while discharging one’s duties and using public property for unofficial purposes, the Code remains completely silent on what form of penalties, if any, it will take.

At the time, TIGI had complained that while there was focus on breaches of the Code, the President, David Granger, and the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, were identified as the relevant authorities for administering disciplinary action.

Since the Code was silent on specific penalties for breaches, TIGI had warned that this left these two officials with the responsibility to determine the penalties.

TIGI had noted that instead of leaving this to the will of the very people the Code would govern, specific penalties for some breaches should be laid out.

“This will improve public confidence in the process. The Code itself needs to be fleshed out in

much greater detail, and we strongly recommend taking guidance from model legislation such as the UNCAC.” But the amended Code of Conduct makes no mention of any disciplinarians. In fact, Article 12, which TIGI said made mention of the President and his Minister, has been removed.

No timeline

Other problems that TIGI identified with the draft were the absence of a specific time limit for resolving conflicts of interest involving Ministers and public officials in Article Four. It had noted that phrases like “as soon as practicable” could lead to abuse.

This advice has gone unheeded by the Government, with Article Four (1) stating “that public officials would not allow private interest or the pursuit thereof to conflict with their duties or improperly influence conduct”.

“Provided that any such conflict that tends to interfere with the proper discharge of his or her public duties shall be reported to the Integrity Commission for guidance on a resolution as soon as practicable in favour of the official duties of the person in public life.”

And while TIGI had warned the Government against leaving it up to the conflicted Minister to avoid conflict of interest situations, Article Four (3) states that public officials will “take reasonable steps to avoid, resolve and disclose any material conflict of interest, financial or non-financial, that arises or is likely to arise”.

It seems that one of the few changes that were made in accordance with input from the transparency advocate

was expanding Article Eight, which deals with sexual misconduct of public officials.

TIGI had expressed criticism of Article Eight, saying that it only referenced sexual misconduct while performing official duties. According to TIGI, “this is an unnecessary and undesirable restriction.” The organisation had made it clear that sexual misconduct, whether on or off duty, must disqualify anyone from continuing to hold the post of a public official.

In the gazetted version of the Code, Article Eight (1) states that no public official shall “pursue a course of conduct which amounts to offensive sexual comments, gestures or physical contact or such conduct of a criminal nature under the Sexual Offences Act.” Part two of Article Eight goes on to prohibit sexual misconduct while a public official engages in official duties.

In addition, it prohibits an official from using their authority for “sexual gratification”. Again, however, the Code does not specify any steps the Government would take against such deviants, independent of criminal proceedings under the Sexual Offences Act. A committee was appointed in 2015 to review and strengthen the draft Code of Conduct.

Last year, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman had stated while handing over the document to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo that the Commission had reviewed similar documents from Africa, Europe and other parts of the Caribbean.

But TIGI has been critical about the overall lack of specificity in the continued on page 11

he Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) said it has received a commitment from the United Nations Developmental Programme (UNDP) to fund the drafting of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Bill and the process has begun.

SASOD Managing Director Joel Simpson said the UNDP was in the process of advertising for a consultant with the expertise in legislation drafting to commence the process of drafting the bill to address sexual orientation and gender identity.

He added that the LGBTQ advocacy body agreed to draft the bill in order to fast track the process of decriminalising same-sex intimacy and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

A team from SASOD met with Attorney General Basil Williams to discuss the repealing of the anti-buggery law and the task was given to them to draft a bill to incorporate all they are asking for. The advocacy body then took up the challenge and sought

the support of its international partners.

The UNDP agreed to fund the drafting and once the consultant was hired, the bill would be ready in a few months.

SASOD, in collaboration with the American University Washington College of Law, chronicled Guyana’s voting records and responses on LGBT human rights issues at international fora and presented the report recently.

The report highlighted the country’s failure to comprehensively address LGBT human rights issues such as discrimination and marginalisation.

The Government had responded to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), in April, saying that the issue of decriminalising same-sex intimacy would be taken to a referendum. Several Government Ministers supported this position.

However, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said the issue of a referendum was never brought to Cabinet and as such, that was not the position of the Government.

Minister Lawrence mulls heightened security at health facilities

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ublic Health Minister Volda Lawrence wants the support of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) as she mulls beefing up security at medical facilities nationwide.

A release from the Public Health Ministry said that Minister Lawrence wanted perpetrators of attacks on health workers to face the full brunt of the law and be given “the maximum penalty” for turning health facilities into combat zones.

After a verbal altercation between a guard and a patient at a health centre in Sophia, Greater Georgetown, the latter, after threatening to shoot the security official, returned the following day armed with a machete hidden in a backpack, the Public Health Ministry stated.

According to the Ministry, the staff at that Sophia health facility are understandably “not feeling safe” in their work environment.

Minister Lawrence, the press release stated, is worried by the heightened danger faced by health workers who have endured sexual as-

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence

saults, physical attacks and racially-charged verbal threats from irate, drunken and short-tempered persons seeking medical care.

While Lawrence admits being uncomfortable with armed security at health facilities becoming a norm, she maintained that the “safety of health workers and patients is my priority”.

Only recently, hospital staff at the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) suffered assaults by patients and/or their families, drawing intense Government, regional and national concern and criticism.

Lawrence met with Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) authorities and securi-

ty officials to help craft a blueprint to reverse what doctors at the institution said were years of aggressive behaviour from angry patients and/ or their families who were either drunk or upset at the time spent before getting medical attention.

The situation arose when a drunken relative of a patient exploded in rage, damaging hospital property, assaulting emergency room doctors and making threats before escaping. That person remains on the lam.

Since that meeting, D Division (West Demerara) Commander Leslie James has ramped up security at the West Demerara Regional Hospital with support from the Region Three authorities.

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Guyana parking meter fiasco: Renegotiation committee granted one-month extension

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e o r g e t o w n Mayor Patricia Chase-Green says she is awaiting the recommendations of the Parking Meter Renegotiation Committee (PMRC) before making a pronouncement on whether paid parking would remain under Smart City Solutions Inc (SCSI) or be scrapped and retendered.

Chase-Green told Guyana Times that PMRC Committee Chairman Malcolm Ferreira has requested an additional month to wrap up consultations and prepare a report for presentation to the M&CC; and the Council voted on, and approved, this request.

Town Clerk Royston King has since written Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, informing him of the additional month’s suspension.

The M&CC had, on May 13, 2016, entered into a contract with SCSI for metered parking to be implemented in Georgetown.

However, the project, having come under intense scrutiny, was rejected by various public and private stakeholders, the Opposition, and even some Central Government officials over the clandestine way it was being foisted unto the populace, its prohibitive pricing, and the contracting company’s general disregard for the way the new mechanism was introduced to the public, among many other concerns.

The project had become effective in late January 2017, but sev-

Mayor Patricia Chase Green

eral large protests calling for the contract to be revoked were staged in front of City Hall, while multiple stakeholders took the M&CC and the SCSI to court over the matter.

Under pressure, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, who had initially passed the by-laws bringing parking meters into effect, ordered on March 21, 2017 that it be suspended for a period of three months, to facilitate renegotiation of the terms of the contract.

The Parking Meter Renegotiation Committee (PMRC) was established on April 26, 2017, one month after Minister Bulkan had suspended the paid parking initiative. Its members are Malcolm Ferreira (Chairman), Noelle Chow-Chee (VC), Roopnarine Persaud, Ivelaw Henry, Trichria Richards, Carlyle Goring, and Heston Bostwick.

Consultations are ongoing, and stakeholders are encouraged to visit the Council

Chambers to meet with PMRC members and submit their proposals.

Asked about the possibility of refunding citizens who would have purchased parking meter credit in bulk quantities, Mayor ChaseGreen has said it is too early to make a pronouncement in this respect, and that she would have to await receipt of the PMRC report in order to be guided in her actions.

The PMRC’s terms of reference (ToR) were drafted and approved by a majority of City Councillors. The ToR authorises the PMRC to “engage with all stakeholders within the parameters of the framework agreed upon by the Council, Cabinet and Smart City Solutions (SCSI), to seek to determine what terms of the agreement can and should be negotiated to bring the contract in harmony with the desires of the Council, Central Government, SCSI and the citizenry.”

Mayor Chase-Green has since withdrawn herself from participating in any matter relating to renegotiation of the contract, since she, Town Clerk Royston King, and Councillor Oscar Clarke are the ones who had signed the contract to implement the controversial project. PPP councillors have likewise withdrawn from participating in any matter relating to renegotiation of this contract, since they also were against paid parking from the inception.

Critical concerns omitted ... language used to craft the Code, leaving loopholes open for Ministers and others governed by it to escape sanctions. It had noted that “this lack of specificity appears as low commitment to integrity in public office and it can ultimately impede the effectiveness of the Code and erode public confidence”.

Articles

The Code of Conduct is made up of 11 Articles.

Article One prohibits public officials from taking bribes, while Article Two focuses on discrimination. Article Three prohibits public officials from accepting “any gift, benefit or advantage from anyone, (except) personal gifts from a relative or friend”. This provision, it states, does not

apply to gifts received on behalf of the State.

Article Five states: “No public (official) shall use his or her official influence in support of any scheme or in furtherance of any contract or proposed contract or other matter in regard to which he or she has an interest.”

Article Six has provisions for ensuring confidentiality. It prohibits public officials from disclosing any information that is classified as privileged or confidential, to any unauthorised person. Article Seven prohibits officials from using public property such as money, equipment, supplies or services for unapproved purposes.

Article Nine prohibits public officials from

from page 10

accepting “lavish or frequent entertainment” from any person or entity that the Government has or may have dealings with. This, the Article notes, includes invitations to sporting events and concerts.

Article 10 prohibits officials from using their office in an improper manner for personal gain, while the final article forbids anyone in public life from having outside employment “except with the written consent of the relevant authority”.

Signing off on this code, which is expected to cover Ministers, Members of Parliament and public office holders, was Prime Minister Nagamootoo.

T&T man falls to death running from rain

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ropical Storm Bret is being indirectly blamed for the death of a 43-year-old construction worker in East Trinidad yesterday.

Andy Manyair died during a desperate dash to escape the heavy rains brought by the storm, when he fell and broke his neck.

It was first reported that Manyair fell off the roof of his home at Mt Pleasant, Arima, while trying to secure the galvanize sheets from being ripped off by Bret.

However, a relative confirmed yesterday that Manyair, a part time DJ, fell some ten feet to his death at his recently constructed Las Lomas home while running through heavy rain.

They believe Manyair, who went by the sobriquet “DJ Channas,” was crossing the wet decking pan he used as a makeshift bridge from his home to the roadway when he slipped and fell sometime between 3 am and 4 am yesterday.

Relatives believe after spending some time stuck in his car due to the heavy rains, Manyair decided to run home. He was found some time later in the drain under the makeshift bridge, bare-

Andy Manyair

ly breathing. They said when the contacted the emergency health services they were told what to do assist him until they arrived. Unfortunately, by the time medical officials arrived Manyair had died.

“He was a real dedicated family man. He build this home from the ground up and made sure his family moved in for Christmas gone.

Right now the family not taking this well at all,” a female relative told the T&T Guardian.

Relatives said earlier in the day Manyair, fa-

ther of a 2-year-old son, had complained about the hazardous nature of makeshift bridge in the rainy season.

Bret grew into a storm from a tropical depression around 5 pm on Monday and by 5 am yesterday had already passed, leaving millions in destruction in its wake.

Bret affected Trinidad and Tobago as well as Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines and continued westward, losing its storm status yesterday.

(Trinidad Guardian)

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Jagdeo lashes back at ‘incompetent’ Trotman …says Minister lacks knowledge of matters relating to his Ministry

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hile Natural Resources M i n i s t e r Raphael Trotman’s verbal outburst in the National Assembly on Thursday evening has been viewed by some as a major hype for the Government, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Monday said the minister’s “fatuous antics” were designed to cover up his incompetence and lack of knowledge on subject matters relating to his ministry, as well as economics and finance.

Jagdeo told a news conference on Monday that his presentation had angered the minister, and this had led the minister to behave in a manner “improper” for a sitting Member of Parliament (MP).

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

However, the Opposition Leader observed that Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, did not attempt to reprimand the minister, but had instead allowed him to continue with his rants.

The former Head

of State said he has always regarded Trotman as a mediocre lawyer, Speaker of the National Assembly and minister of government, and he was not surprised

by Trotman’s action in Parliament.

“He was smarting

from the exposure of his incompetence.

Rather than trying to defend it, he descended into his antics,” Jagdeo observed.

Jagdeo recalled that Trotman had attempted to get the Speaker to have him barred from speaking, and when that did not work, “because he knows of his own deficiency — he cannot respond without somebody writing a brief for him to those matters that were raised in the debate,” he started to attack him.

“Being incapable of responding to technical and economic analysis, what do you do? You descend into this fatuous antic that he displayed in the Parliament. I’ve never seen somebody’s face contorted with rage as he has displayed in

Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman

Parliament. He was shaking uncontrollably and largely because he felt incompetent and exposed, so he went after me,” the Opposition Leader said.

Although some persons were surprised by the minister’s behaviour in Parliament, Jagdeo said it revealed Trotman’s true nature as an individual.

“Trotman has been trying to carefully cultivate an image of efficiency, reasonableness; that he is sophisticated, suave, and he is above the fray. I believe he is slick, inefficient, and one of the most hostile people in the APNU/AFC coalition; and this behaviour is the real Trotman. What you saw there, we’ve seen it on the street corners and in many places.”

Generally speaking about the Government’s posture and general mode of response to critiques about policies and programmes that are highly questionable, Jagdeo said they (Government) have become “this very touchy when you expose their incompetence and their lack of vision for Guyana.”

In reflecting on some of the points he had made during Thursday’s debate in Parliament, Jagdeo told the local media that his presentation was based on facts that the Government was unwilling to accept; and instead of taking the statements as a piece of advice, they decided to attack him.

Jagdeo mentioned that he was basically advising the Government to paint an entire picture of the prospects and opportunities of oil and gas, as well as the risks associated with that new industry. “When we pointed out the risks, they said that’s the profit of doom, but that is a realistic assessment of what could be prospects or negatives of the industry,” the Opposition Leader asserted.

The trained economist stated that Government was focused on emphasising on the prospect

that large sums of money will flow in, because “it suits their narrative of selling hope of a brighter future.” However, he strongly believes that they are doing an inept job of managing the current sectors.

“And that is why they are so hostile and angry about any narrative that tries to paint a balanced picture of the oil industry. Any right- thinking Guyanese can relate to this, because if oil prices can bring large quantities of money, if oil prices globally are very low, then these huge sums of money we are talking about may not materialize for significant periods,” he added.

The former Head of State, pointing to an example, recalled that when the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) left office in 2015, a barrel of crude was US$120.

However, within a matter of six months, it had dropped steeply to US$28, before climbing back to US$50 within the last two years.

Another argument that Jagdeo thinks had angered the minister and coalition Government is the fact that he had raised concerns that there was no clear or well-thought-out assessment of the oil industry in Guyana, yet emphasis was continuously being placed only on the prospects.

Jagdeo argued that if this continues, then the Government could eventually end up destroying the rest of the economy, especially if the so-called brighter future through oil never materialises.

Touching on another important issue that is often discussed by Trotman: the setting up of a Sovereign Wealth Fund for the oil industry, Jagdeo said that although the Government has not revealed many details about how it would go about setting up this fund, he had suggested that the Norwegian model, which insulates the spending from the political process, be used.

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UK to expand trade with Caribbean post-Brexit – High Commissioner Quinn

British High Commissioner Greg Quinn

By Shemuel Fanfair

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he United K i n g d o m ’ s Department for Exiting the European Union has recently confirmed that negotiations to leave the bloc will begin today, June 19. However, concerns have once again surfaced over the country’s financial commitment to developmental projects and aid it funded in Guyana and the wider Caribbean. However, according to British High Commissioner Greg Quinn, his country is seeking to broaden trade with the Caribbean region in the near future.

“What is very clear is that the UK wants to expand and increase its activity and its trading relationship and range of trading partners, so the message to take from that is that there is going to be a push actually to expand the relationship with all of the countries and all of the organisations in all of the regions we trade with, and that includes Guyana both as a bilateral relationship and also as a member of Caricom and the Commonwealth,” the UK High Commissioner stressed.

Quinn confirmed this approach at the sidelines of his country’s renewed sovereignty claims over the Falklands Islands when a member of the territory’s Legislative Assembly visited Guyana last week. The Ambassador told media operatives at his residence in Georgetown that while the UK will soon embark upon new trade talks, it will be some time before the country officially leaves the 28-member bloc.

“Don’t forget the fact that we still remain a member of the European Union until we physically leave, so our ability to negotiate separate agreements is very restricted, because we can’t do anything which goes against the EU; but certainly, there’s a lot of consideration being given within the UK as to what the relationship globally on trade will be once we

leave,” Quinn committed.

He indicated that Britain would continue to lend its support to the Caribbean, and further noted that it is unlikely that funding for projects would be reduced.

Some projects are being funded by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

“If you look at the assistance which is coming to Guyana from the UK now compared to 5 (or) 10 years ago, it is significantly larger. We have got the 53-million-pound (sterling) worth Caribbean Infrastructure Fund, and there’s another 8 million pounds funding, an increase in FCO funding,” he noted.

Earlier this month, the British High Commissioner told this newspaper that support and country relations would remain strong despite whichever candidate had won the June 8 elections. Though Prime Minister Theresa May was re-elected to the post, her party amassed fewer seats, losing its majority in the British Parliament. Some reports had suggested that EU exit talks could be stalled. However, from all indications, it is expected that the country’s government will honour the will of those who voted in the 2016 referendum for Britain to leave the EU. Following the country’s decision to exit the bloc, Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge posited that nothing was expected to change. And Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque had also pointed out in June 2016 that he did not foresee Brexit having a drastic impact on relations with Caribbean States.

“I don’t anticipate our relationship in terms of Europe to be directly affected… We don’t anticipate any diminishing of relationship of the EU, and certainly not the UK; our relations are very strong,” he stressed last year.

It is anticipated that Brexit negotiations will take as much as two years to complete.

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 25, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Greenidge calls on Caribbean region to treat Cotonou Agreement with “urgency”

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Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

uyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, has said that the Caribbean region needs to recognise the financial security the Cotonou Agreement affords the region.

Minister Greenidge, speaking to reporters on Friday, said the Agreement with the European Union (EU) is “the largest source of concessional financing” to the region. However, the region remains distracted by Brexit (Britain’s exit from the EU).

The 2000 Cotonou Agreement, which comes to an end in 2020, is considered a comprehensive partnership agreement between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states; which, among other things, has a common goal of eradicating poverty.

Minister Greenidge noted that there is still confusion among Caribbean states on the benefits of Cotonou.

“There is great confusion over what, where our own interests lie, and even understanding the arrangements that we are party to,” he said.

Guyana is doing its part to

“strengthen our own trade capacity,” Minister Greenidge pointed out. “The largest source of development funds to this region is Cotonou, and yet we’ve spent more time talking about Brexit.

When you think about it, it is ridiculous,” he contended.

While concerns are justified about the possible tariffs that products entering the British market may now attract, Minister Greenidge pointed out that the region has a “firm agreement” with the EU. Earlier this month, President David Granger and Minister Greenidge were part of the State delegation to the European Development Day (EDD) forum in Brussels, Belgium, where Guyana participated in the discussions on the future of the Cotonou Agreement.

The Minister noted, however, that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is still to make arrangements “to ensure that discussions take place and the level of analysis is raised, so that the region can have a position” to represent when the ACP countries meet.

According to a GINA report, the Minister noted that there is need for the matter to be treated with “urgency”.

Later this month, June 22-23 in Cancun, Mexico, the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) Ministers will meet with the EU Commissioner for Development, to be updated on the EU’s views on the type of agreement, regional enlargement, and institutional arrangements in the process towards a renewed agreement which will replace the ACP EU Cotonou Agreement, which expires on February 29, 2020.

New Chairman says liberalisation of telecoms sector top priority

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he much-anticipated liberalisation of the telecommunications sector is a top priority of the Public Telecommunications Ministry and the new Public Utility Commission (PUC).

The assurance was given on Wednesday by Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes and the new PUC Chairperson, Attorney-at-Law Della Britton. Britton was sworn in on Wednesday at State House by President David Granger.

According to Britton, the Commission is being retooled to work speedily towards liberalisation.

“We are on the eve of liberalisation, so the Commission is being retooled and I hit the ground running tomorrow to have it in place. All the necessary directives have to be put in place, because our mandate under the new regulations will expand beyond what is currently in place.”

The two bodies are working towards a July month-end deadline for the freeing up of the monopoly on the telecommunications sector. Britton said her team, which comprises a dynamic group of professionals, is well schooled in the critical areas to take the process forward.

Minister Hughes said the legislation, which was assented to by President

New PUC Chairperson Attorney at-Law Della Britton taking her oath of office before President David Granger on Wednesday at State House

David Granger last year, has a number of new requirements that the Ministry was working through. Coupled with that, she said negotiations were ongoing between GTT and Atlantic Telecommunication Network (ATN), covering two tracks at the same time.

“The outstanding issues are issues in terms of the new pricing for spectrum (the main one) and then, of course, the process by which we would then receive applications for new licences.” She said the system and process were completely new and would therefore take time to plan, recruit the right persons and move ahead.

T h e Telecommunications Bill was first introduced in 2011. However, it was revised in 2013 before being sent to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee in the 10th Parliament,

and was near conclusion when that Parliament was prorogued in 2014 by the then President, Donald Ramotar.

When the legislation was taken before the National Assembly by the Government, the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had called for the Bill to be sent to a Special Select Committee for further consideration, but Minister Hughes had argued that the Bill had been long promised and was overdue.

The sector, she emphasised, must be an open one, so that the country can progress and not lag behind its sister Caricom countries and the rest of the world.

The legislation provides for the fostering of an open, competitive telecoms sector to which investors will be attracted, and in which a fair, competitive environment for sector participants is created.

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 25, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WPA calls for fast-tracking of overdue constitutional reform

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anting a reduction in the powers of the President, the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) said it is time Government moves to fast-track constitutional reform.

The WPA said on Monday that it is dissatisfied at the pace with which Government is moving in dealing with constitutional reform; a major plank of its 2015 elections campaign manifesto.

Executive member, Dr David Hinds said his party has always fought for constitutional reform, and had its hand in the inclusion of that part of the coalition campaign manifesto.

“We feel that constitutional reform is critical to everything that we are doing, because constitutional reform has to do with where the State (for example) is reconstructed. It has to do with the allocation of power; it has to do with the whole question of ethnicity and the sharing of power in this country”.

He said the WPA feels strongly that the President has too much power.

According to him, despite some modification to the Constitution in 2001, presidential powers are still too much, and the party wants to see a modification of those powers.

“So there are some things that we feel need

WPA Executive Member, Dr David Hinds

to be done immediately and constitutional reform should be put on the table as a central plank”.

Hinds said governments come and go, but it is important that there are rules of engagement. He said there is need for rules of engagement that will assure Guyanese that their security is guaranteed constitutionally.

“So we will argue in the [A Partnership for National Unity] APNU for a kickstart of the process and make good on our promise”, Dr Hinds promised.

He reminded of the committee headed by Nigel Hughes which submitted its report to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo since last year, but nothing has yet begun to take shape.

“We are very clear, that having put in the manifesto… we in the WPA have fought in every manifesto for constitutional reform”.

The report submitted by the Hughes committee is still sitting before Cabinet

and the process appears to have been stalled. This has led to public speculation that Government has lost interest, although some G$80 million was allocated to the process.

The agreement made in the Cummingsburg Accord regarding constitutional reform reads that the President should be elected by a majority of electors; that there should be separate elections for the presidency and National Assembly; Executive powers should be shared between the President, Prime Minister and the Cabinet.

The Cabinet should comprise members of the parties which have achieved at least 15 per cent of the vote at the national elections; the supreme organs of democratic power should be the President and the National Assembly; and the Prime Minister shall be the person who secures the second highest votes in the presidential elections.

It promised too that the Executive powers and responsibilities of the Prime Minister should be increased to include some executive powers and responsibility over the Cabinet; the members of the Cabinet would be subject to the approval of, and removal by, the National Assembly and the immunities of the President would be reduced.

Man gets 18 months jail for rum shop brawl

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ilton Springer was last week sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment by Wales Magistrate Clive Nurse after he pleaded guilty to unlawfully and maliciously wounding 49-yearold Errol Graham in a violent altercation that took place on May 16, 2017 at the Bow George Bar at Goed Intent, West Bank Demerara.

Magistrate Nurse opined that, based on the severity of Graham’s injures, Springer should have been charged with attempted murder.

Graham, of Sisters Village, WBD, was counter-charged with wounding Springer. He pleaded not guilty, and was granted bail in the sum of G$35,000.

According to the facts of the case, Graham, who was at the Bow George establishment, was about to go home when he was attacked

by Springer and another man, who together dealt him several chops about the body and managed to hold on to him before he fell to the ground and lose consciousness.

Graham said he next remembered being a patient at the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he was treated. He later reported the ghastly crime to ranks at the Wales Police Station.

In providing an explanation to the court at Friday’s hearing, Springer told the Magistrate that he did chop the victim, but he had done so in self-defence.

Springer said Graham was drinking at the shop when he, the accused, “sent a boy” to purchase cigarettes for him, and Graham then put his hand around him, saying that he wanted to kill him.

“I pull out me cutlass to protect meself, and I fire chop at he; we never had problems before,” Springer told the court.

Hilton Springer will serve 18 months for chopping Errol Graham

When Magistrate Nurse retorted that it didn’t make sense that Graham just walked up and attacked Springer, the accused responded that he also had been cut to one side of his body, but his medical report never stated that he was injured to his side.

The court, however, disbelieved that the scar Springer displayed had come as a result of the incident in May, as the medical report indicated that Springer was cut to his hands and fingers.

The Magistrate highlighted that, even in self-defence, the chopping was excessive, and he rebuffed the defendant’s pleas for mercy. The 18-month prison sentence was imposed against Springer, but the duo will return to court on July 6, as Graham denied allegations that he had assaulted Springer.

WEEK ENDING JUNE 25, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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Oil revenues: Guyana ‘Bizarre act’ must be condemned, taking steps to avoid says Nandlall “resource curse” Minister Broomes’ selfie video

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Finance Minister Winston Jordan shares the head table with Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, and Dr Valérie Marcel of the New Petroleum Producers Group

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uyana is in the process of designing a dedicated fiscal framework with prioritised clear objectives to be put in place before oil production starts in 2020.

According to Finance Minister Winston Jordan, the Guyana Government is looking to “adopt a coherent macro-economic management strategy that fosters economic growth and sustainable development outcomes”.

Jordan made these comments at the opening of a two-day seminar hosted by the Chatham House’s New Petroleum Producers Group.

Oil revenues provide a “golden opportunity” to reverse “centuries of mis-development”, the Minister noted.

Guyana has been continuously warned that if it does not properly manage its oil revenues, it could retard economic development. This is commonly known as the resource curse. Oil revenues will be used to invest heavily in core traditional sectors to reduce full dependence on oil to sustain the economy, the Minister said.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release,

Minister Jordan explained that Guyana will also rely on a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) to guard against the resource curse. “We will ensure that the elements of this fund are compatible with the developmental objectives of the Government,” he said.

Guyana’s draft SWF was created with input from the Commonwealth Secretariat, and has since had input from other international agencies, including the World Bank.

The Government is looking to have the SWF in place before Guyana’s first oil.

Meanwhile, the Minister emphasised that there has to also be management of domestic expectations in tandem with the resources.

“People are already calling (asking) when we are going to start distributing money, so it is extremely important that we are able to manage domestic expectations,” Jordan said.

The Ministries of Natural Resources and Finance along with country representatives from Trinidad and Tobago are participants in the twoday seminar, which will examine mechanisms for saving petroleum revenues.

n civilised democratic nations, a Parliament is always a very high deliberative forum where laws are passed and the most important issues affecting people, both nationally and internationally, are articulated. It is for these reasons that the precincts of our Parliament and its chambers are regarded as hallowed and sacrosanct.

It is against this backdrop that the unparalleled exhibition of Minister within the Natural Resources Ministry, Simona Broomes, a sitting member of the House, must be viewed.

Former Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall posits, “It is difficult to decipher whether the Honourable Member was engaged in an act of humour or whether she was serious.”

He was making reference to the now infamous social media post by Broomes, done in the style of Allison Hunt who is currently in Paris.

According to Nandlall, “Those of us who troll the social media would know that she was mimicking the antics of a Guyanese holidaying in Paris using the sacrosanct and sacred chambers of the National Assembly as her stage.”

Nandlall said, “What is perhaps most befuddling is that the Honourable member obviously did not think that what she was doing was at a minimum abnormal, if not heretic, because she took the liberty of sharing it with the world via the social medium of Facebook.”

The selfie video rant by Minister Broomes, awarded by the United States as an anti-Trafficking in Persons (TIP) hero, has sparked a backlash for her on social media with thousands of users criticising her.

According to Nandlall, “This bizarre act of a member of the House and a minister of the Government must be condemned in the strongest possible manner. It simply cannot be jus-

tified. Irrespective of which side of the political aisle one is, one will be forced to accept that such an exhibition can only bring odium and ridicule to the hallowed halls of the House and lower it as an institution in the estimation of right-thinking members of the public.” “…. It is of little difference whether there are actual proceedings taking place at the time. Over centuries, an entire compendium of conventions, customs and practices have evolved, all intended and designed to protect and preserve the majesty of that institution called Parliament,” Nandlall argued.

He pointed out that they are all applicable and are invoked during parliamentary sessions and, most specifically when there is a sitting of the National Assembly.

He noted, too, that these conventions, customs and practices find expression in the Constitution, the laws, Standing Orders and all leading texts dealing with Parliaments.

They include certain privileges and immunities with which Parliamentarians are clothed when they are on their way to Parliament, within the precincts of Parliament or while they speak or act in the Chambers of Parliament. These include immunity from arrest, service of legal process and from suit for anything done or said in Parliament.

Indeed within the precincts and Chambers of Parliament, Parliamentarians and members of the public are enjoined to adopt a sober mode of attire and the content of speeches in the National Assembly are regulated by rules which prohibit the use of certain expressions which are deemed “unparliamentary”.

Nandlall alluded to the fact that the Speaker was responsible for order and decorum in the house. “Regularly, Members, in particular, in the Opposition, are

Minister Simona Broomes

upbraided for their behaviour in the House. I was restrained several times from merely alluding to matters pending in the court, though I had no intention of discussing the merits of the case in a way that may prejudice its outcome – which is the rationale for not discussing matters which are the subject of pending litigation. In one instance, I was prohibited from completing my presentation because I referred to a newspaper article which I did not have on me at the time.”

Nandlall further noted that, “Only recently, the Speaker withheld his consent from the Economic Services Committee visiting communities and holding discussions with citizens on the future of the sugar industry.

The Speaker did so on the basis that he cannot be satisfied that the decorum attendant to the proceedings of Parliamentary Committees would be observed.

More to the point, Members of Parliament were treated to a scathing lecture by the Speaker, not so long ago for using their phones to take pictures in the House. Now we have an entire movie broadcast to the cyber world, filmed, narrated, directed, edited, choreographed and produced by Ms Simona Broomes.”

“Against this background, and based upon the sentiments of thousands of Guyanese expressed in the social media and elsewhere, a nation awaits to see how the Speaker will treat with this matter,” Nandlall declared.

PPP/C MP slams Govt for deliberate delay in setting up of LGC

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overnment’s reluctance to establish the Local Government Commission (LGC) is seen as a deliberate attempt to trample on local democracy; and it exposes the coalition’s “falsity”, former Local Government Minister and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament (MP) Ganga Persaud has said.

Persaud said it is extremely disappointing that after all the statements and concerns expressed by the coalition Government, to enhance democracy and to rush bills while promising to give more autonomy to the local Government bodies, the LGC is yet to be established.

“I think it has really exposed the real thinking behind this Government. When in Opposition, the local Government and establishing the Local Government Commission was the salvation for local democracy in this country. Now in Government, the Local Government

Commission is seen as a monster that will eat away at local democracy,” Persaud told Guyana Times International on Sunday.

The former minister also chastised Government for its delay in appointing nominees for this important body, claiming that “it’s a deliberate ploy, because the minister wants to use their terms, he wants to be the control freak, to hug up all the sources of power and roll them up under his thumb.”

Persaud went on to state that it is more unfortunate, given all the major promises made by the now Government to restore local democracy, give greater autonomy to people, and allow them to manage their own affairs, so that local Government can grow to the benefit of all Guyanese.

“I don’t know how the minister Mr (Ronald) Bulkan can really rest; if he does get a chance to, knowing that his strong advocacy has all been exposed as falsity,” Persaud asserted.

PPP/C Ganga Persaud

Another PPP Member of Parliament, Neil Kumar, has also accused the coalition Government of trying to do everything in its power to frustrate the smooth running of Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) after that party had been soundly thrashed at the March 2016 Local Government Elections.

Kumar had also said that if the LGC is not established soon, the entire machinery of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) would

be shut down, and the only function of the Elections Commission would be that of identification cards’ distribution at all the permanent centres.

The Opposition indicated recently that it plans to convene consultation with members of the coalition Government. The Opposition is also prepared to resubmit a new list of nominees for the post of Gecom chairman.

Although the parliamentary Opposition named its nominees to the LGC since last year, the Government has so far failed to make any nominations. This has resulted in a deadlock.

In the 2016 budget estimates, some G$30 million have been allocated by the Government to the non-functioning LGC. When asked, Bulkan had stated that this was to allow the Commission to operate independently of Central Government.

The LGC, when established, will have oversight over

the various local authority areas in the country. It would also be responsible for appointing officials in the NDC and local authority areas, as well as approving budgets for the NDCs. By law, the Commission is to be made up of eight members — four nominated by the Government, one from the unions, and three from the Leader of the Opposition.

Former acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba and former Local Government Ministers Norman Whittaker and Clinton Collymore were nominated as the PPP’s representatives on the LGC. In addition, the Committee on Appointments had recommended that Andrew Garnett of the Guyana Local Government Officers Union be appointed as the union representative. Government is the only stakeholder yet to fulfil its responsibilities to nominate representatives to the Commission.

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 25, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘Brace yourselves for tough times’ – Jagdeo warns Guyanese G uyanese have been put on notice to prepare for bitter days ahead in Guyana, due to the alleged mismanagement, incompetence, and political hardline positions that the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)/Alliance For Change (AFC) Coalition Government continues to take.

This is according to former President and current General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Bharrat Jagdeo, who claimed that the Guyanese economy is slowly shrinking; there is higher unemployment, rising income inequality, and a shrinking middle class.

“Every time we were

in Government, we always had a positive attitude to the future. We will come to you and talk about our plans for the future. When I come here tonight, the only message I can bring to you is a sad message: that things are going to get significantly worse in your lives and in the lives of Guyanese, before it gets better when the PPP resumes office,” he told a recent political meeting.

Jagdeo said while the coalition Government remains in office for the next few years, because of their inept economic vision, they will continue to generate excuses as to why the Guyanese economy is floundering and why people are losing jobs, rather than tackling the fundamen-

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

tal problems. He said people’s lives will only change for the worse.

The former Head of State pointed to the 200 new tax measures that were introduced last year, stating that they have not yet kicked in

fully, but when they do, Guyanese will feel the squeeze.

“You will see the cost of living going up, the business community will be unable to survive in the new tax environment,” he stated,

noting that with constant harassment from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), these businesses will not feel driven to invest and create more jobs in the future.

“So, you would see not only deterioration in terms of cost of living going up, but less jobs being produced in the future because no one wants to invest in this country. And right now, people are losing jobs rather than them creating jobs that they (government) promised,” he further stated.

Jagdeo, a trained Economist, also highlighted that when the new policy measures taken in the sugar industry take affect this year-end, this will create more chaos in Guyana, but more particularly in communities that depend heavily on the industry for their survival.

Another key sector of the economy is mining. And Jagdeo said the two percent turnover tax which has been changed to 28 percent and imposed on small miners will also have a negative impact on their operations. “It is only when they have to file their income tax return at the end of the year that they would realise that they are liable to thousands of dollars more of taxes, and many of them will fall out of mining,” Jagdeo said he foresees.

Shifting his attention to the local forestry sector, the Opposition Leader said there is already a collapse of this sector, as people can’t find markets for their products. And equally important, he noted that construction activity has gone down to some optimal levels, largely because of the taxation policy implemented under the coalition Government.

“In retail trade, because they are taking so much money out of the economy through taxation, the Value Added Tax (VAT) alone will give them about G$21 billion more this year, taking it out of people’s pockets. They are sapping the lives of economic activities in Guyana, and therefore retail trade is going down and almost every business you talk to is laying off people,” he laminated.

Baseless

The Opposition Leader also termed the Government’s argument that the PPP left

the economy in a decline as “baseless and far from reality”. As a matter of fact, Jagdeo said, Finance Minister Winston Jordan told the National Assembly a few months ago that the PPP did a good job at managing the economy.

“That’s the picture of Guyana; and every single day you listen to this Government, rather than addressing the economic decline, rather than saying ‘hold on a minute, we have to ensure that rice, sugar and bauxite and all the other sectors of the economy do well’, they have now latched on to a couple of excuses that they are cleaning out corruption from the economy that is why things are bad.”

He recalled than when the PPP took office in 1992, Guyana’s debt was nine and a half times the size of the local economy. It later grew, and Guyana repaid a large sum of its debt. “From the time the PPP left office, it was less than half the size of the economy, and the debt servicing in 1992, according to Carl Greenidge himself, was 153 percent of revenue of all taxes collected,” he added.

When the PPP left office in 2015, it was four percent of revenue.

“So we left them a lot of money, and that is why they could have passed the three biggest budgets in our history even though they are claiming we don’t have money and we left them a bankrupt economy.”

He noted that when the PPP/C demitted office, Guyana was the fastest growing country in the region, with 10 years of continuous growth. “We left 165 billion in recurrent revenue, US$700 million in the central bank, and 40 billion dollars in the semi-autonomous agencies through these private accounts…so if as they claiming, so many persons were not paying taxes…why it is that Guyana was making rapid progress and was defying all odds?”

Jagdeo also pointed to the coalition’s previous budgets, which totalled some G$700 billion in the past few years. He said, “That is not the symptom of a country that doesn’t have money. But what are they doing with the money they collect; they are spending it on themselves.”

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Capturing the Essence of Fatherhood

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hrough their art, Shimuel Jones and Michael Griffith capture the meaning of fatherhood, saying that fathers should not only be financial providers, but also nurturers.

Shimuel Jones is a Guyanese artist noted for possessing immense skill in painting, drawing or sculpting. His thoughtprovoking piece “Father and Son” depicts a son embraced by his father.

“What is most significant about this painting is the book that the child is holding. As a father, it is important to not only be a monetary provider, but someone who nurtures the mind of his children. Reading is one of the many ways a father

Drawing Competition receiving the Bronze Medal and Honourable Award 2012; Folklore Exhibition - In commemoration of African Heritage Month in Guyana 2011; Guyana Visual Arts Competition shortlisted 2009; Seventh Biennial Republic Bank Sponsored Drawing Competition receiving first prize.

Explaining his artworks capturing the essence of fatherhood, Michael Griffith said: “My piece with the family more or less depicts the father’s willingness to care for his family. The gentle kiss on the forehead is a sign of respect and patience. His outstretched arms enclosing them signify him being a protector. This union

A heart-warming painting by Griffith

can educate and nurture the minds of his children,” Joel explained in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

Being the third of his siblings, he described his childhood as “pretty interesting” since he safely enjoyed it. Jones’ father is an artist, so one can say he was born with this special talent, which was also nurtured by his father.

This ‘nurturing’ eventually helped Jones become a notable artist. His accomplishments include working for a number of charities in Guyana and showcasing his works at many art shows, including performing art shows.

Jones’ exhibitions and awards include Marriott Hotel Guyana exhibition (2016); Inter- Guiana Cultural Festival (IGCF) Georgetown, Guyana Competitions 2016; Wine and Art Competition 2015; Jazz and Art Exhibition 2013 - Carifesta XI Paramaribo, Suriname; Nola Hatterman Art Exhibition - Paramaribo, Suriname 2013; Tenth Biennial Republic Bank Drawing Competition 2013; Guyana Visual Arts Competition, receiving the Promising Artist Award 2013; InterGuiana Cultural Festival (IGCF) Cayenne French Guiana; University of Guyana Graduating Class Exhibition 2012; Ninth Biennial Republic Bank

between mom and dad serves as an example to the observing child. My other drawing with the father and daughter captures the bond between a young girl and her dad.

Her adoration for him is mirrored in the way she kisses him, as if she’s saying, ‘Thank you for being my dad.”

In an interview with this publication, Griffith mentioned that he grew up in a humble home in South Georgetown. He revealed that he had to drop out of school at 16 to contribute to his family.

“In order to accommodate my desire to draw I had to find a flexible job without supervision so I sold watches on the pave. I practiced my art, improving my skills with experience alone. In September 2009, I joined the Burrowes’ School of Art’s evening one-year certificate programme. This was significant in polishing my drawing skills. After that my life changed and I took art as a profession more seriously,” he recalled.

Knowing the importance of a father figure, due to his personal experiences, Griffith dedicatedly cares for his own family, especially his two daughters.

His dedication to his work, in order to provide for his family, has helped him to receive many accolades. For his outstanding

portraits, the artist copped first prize in the Guyana

Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition 2012 and

first prize in the Guyana Visual Arts Competition

and Exhibition 2014.

30 feature

By Utamu Belle

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ne of my fondest childhood memories of my father, which will remain with me forever, is him carrying me on his shoulders to watch the fireworks display to ring in the new year. I am usually overwhelmed when I get nostalgic about my father, because I realised that spending quality time with him was one of the things that brought joy to my little heart.

Today, we celebrate the unconditional love of all fathers, whether biological or adoptive.

Sunday Times Magazine interviewed two hardworking fathers in Linden for this special Father’s Day feature. They recalled their experiences as fathers and the impor-

WEEK ENDING JUNE 25, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

tance of “being there” for their children.

Joel Gonsalves is a young father of a five-year-old daughter. He admitted that having a daughter has been a bit of a challenge, as he believes “extra care is needed when raising girls”. However, he enjoys every bit of his role as a father.

“Seeing a smile on her face is what brings me happiness. Once she looks through the window and sees me, she would run down the steps and jump up on me. That is what brings me joy; to know that every day I can put a smile on her face. I would give her the world; I would give her everything,” the father declared.

Joel described a “good father as one which sets the right example” and “teaching children that some-

Victor Fernandes

Joel Gonsalves

times they may not get everything they want”, a lesson he teaches his daughter.

What irks Joel are fathers who neglect and abuse their children.

“I can’t see how anyone can abuse their own blood. I'm very peculiar with my daughter. I'm very protective of her,” he declared.

Joel quipped that his only impediment as a father is that he spoils his daughter.

“What I find is that some parents don't really have plans for their children’s future. So I would advise them to ensure they do. When you invest in their future and they’re successful, then you have had your reward as a parent,” he urged.

This publication also interviewed Victor Fernandes, father of a 28-year-old daughter. He explained that fatherhood comes with

“numerous responsibilities and commitment”.

“As a father, you have a responsibility to nurture and mould the family, give guidance, ensure security in every respect, ensure that financial needs are met and everything is provided for,” the doting father expressed.

Victor said he and his daughter have “always been friends”, because he wants her to feel free to approach him anytime. He gives her advice as a father and also as a friend.

Expressing disappointment in those fathers who have neglected their roles, Victor said: “There are fathers who are not respected because they are absent from their children’s lives. Being a father is a sacred and serious role; it should not be taken lightly.”

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The ‘Superdad’ from Essequibo A single-parent, amputee and toy maker, Richard Moshette is defying all odds to care for his three children

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wo years ago, Richard Moshette made a life-changing decision to amputate his right leg, due to diabetes. This “difficult decision” was made to ensure he would live to care for his three sons, but losing his leg was not Richard’s only heartrending loss.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Richard disclosed that after he was diagnosed with diabetes, and had to later amputate his leg, his wife left him after 13 years together.

“She left me and our three sons. It was the saddest moment.

Living without a wife is one of the most dif-

Crafting his toys

(Tariq, Kevin and Eric) is the sole breadwinner of his family.

Richard said he not only fulfils his responsibilities as a father, but tries to “fill the gap” as a result of his wife’s absence, “providing the love and attention” his sons need.

The doting father also mentioned that although he struggles with just one leg, he ensures his children’s breakfast and lunch are prepared before they go off to school.

“Getting around on one leg is difficult and tiring, but I am determined to earn so that I can send my boys to school. I only had primary education, but I want my boys to be educated and have

mill and requested “scrap” wood, which he crafted into a fun toy tractor. Subsequently, he made a toy Hymac, a truck and an entire house. Richard’s wooden toys were applauded by fellow villagers, which motivated him to continue his craft.

The crafter said one of his toy tractors would take almost one week to build, as he spends time “neatly chiselling” them. Toys range from GYD$3,000 to GYD$12,000 – depending on what is requested.

“I spend sleepless nights trying to earn an extra dollar for my children. I will never give up as a father.

Richard's sons

ficult experiences.

There is no one to advise you when life gets complicated. But, I am determined to continue caring for my children, and to exercise faith,” Richard declared.

A resident of Anna Regina New Housing Scheme, in Region Two, the 42-year-old father of three sons

a bright future,” the devoted father expressed.

Before his amputation, Richard worked as carpenter; however, he had to search for another source of income after losing his leg. That was when he remembered making toy tractors during his childhood. He then visited a nearby saw-

Though the money isn’t a lot, as I don’t get much orders, I still try to make ends meet. I am determined to make my children happy,” Richard conveyed.

The toy maker said he is grateful to God and his mother, Rosie Moshette, for giving him faith and support.

His advice to his

Richard displays his handcrafted toys

fellow single fathers is “to have patience and always think positively; only then will things work out”.

This publication also interviewed Richard’s 15-year-old son, Kevin, who communicated that he truly admires the determination of his “superdad”.

“I won't trade him for anyone else,” Kevin said staunchly.

Kevin stated that on Father's Day, he and his brothers make a card for their father, recognising his invaluable efforts.

During the interview, Kevin expressed his gratitude for his father by hugging and kissing him.

Richard’s mother also expressed admiration for her son’s efforts in caring for his children. She said

Richard aptly takes care of his household without seeking her help, and for that she is proud.

Outlining the benefits of getting a prosthetic leg, Richard said it will aid in him

Kevin lovingly hugs his father

being more mobile and be better able to provide for his sons. He also hopes to get more orders for his toys.

To contact Richard, please call 592-6128612.

(Indrawattie Natram)

34 travel & Tourism

P

arabara is a small indigenous community located in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo), along the scenic Kuyuwini River.

The village was founded in 1969 and was occupied by six households. Now, the village is populated by persons who have migrated from different communities, amounting to about 23 households. The residents’ first language is Wai-Wai; second, Wapishana; and

WEEK ENDING JUNE 25, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

A section of the village

third, English.

Major economic activities in this quiet and scenic village are farming, fishing and hunting.

A primary school, ‘health hut’, church, ‘rest house’ and village office are Parabara’s main buildings. (Village information from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs website, http:// moipa.gov.gy. Photos from http://mykenlara-guyana. blogspot.com)

Canoe moored at Parabara landing

Scenic mountain and savannah on the way to Parabara

The village is rich in flora, like this large canopy liana also called a 'Bush Rope' tree

Loaded canoe arrives at Parabara landing on the Kuyuwini River

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‘The Father of Trade Unionism’ H

ubert Nathaniel Critchlow [often referred to as the “Father of Trade Unionism”] was born in Georgetown on December 18, 1884. His father, James Nathaniel Critchlow, had emigrated from Barbados and was employed as a wharf foreman by the Booker Group of Companies, while his mother Julia Elizabeth Critchlow, née Daniels, was originally from the Essequibo coast.

Young Hubert Critchlow attended the Bedford Wesleyan Primary School, but left when he was 13 years old, after his father died.

He had reached up to Standard 4 (equivalent to Grade 6 in [today’s] schools), but he felt that he had to find a job to help maintain his home.

While attending school, Critchlow excelled in sports and continued to do so as a young man. He soon became a popular sports figure, and during the period 1905-1914 he was the country's middle-distance athletic champion.

He was also a good footballer and cricketer.

Soon after Critchlow left school, he worked as an apprentice at the Demerara Foundry, and at the turn of the century, he obtained employment as a dock labourer on the waterfront. Due to his active representa-

A

December 1918, he and a small delegation of work-

ers met with the Governor, Sir Wilfred Colet. It was after this meeting that Critchlow developed the idea of forming a trade union, and he immediately began making the arrangements for its for-

mation. The union, the British Guiana Labour Union (BGLU), was eventually established on January 11, 1919. The union experienced numerous problems on its establishment. The employers saw it as a force

it had more than 7,000 financial members comprising waterfront workers, tradesmen, sea defence and road workers, railroad workers, balata bleeders and miners, some Government

employees and hundreds of sugar estate labourers. Branches of the union were also set up in various parts of the country.

Critchlow was employed on a full-time basis by the union, and he never stopped being a spokesman for the workers, and publicised their griev-

tion should not allow him to have such high responsibilities. These members, who were in the minority, wanted a doctor or a lawyer to lead the union. In January 1920, at a meeting of the union, a motion was introduced requesting Critchlow to hand over all the union's funds to Dr.

T. T. Nichols, and two lawyers, J. S. Johnson and McClean Ogle.

But the motion was rejected by a huge majority and a vote of confidence in Critchlow was passed. Today, a statue of

Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow

tion of his fellow workers during the 1905 strike in Georgetown, his popularity grew. He continued to champion workers' rights, and was always called upon to represent their case to employers in the years that followed.

During the strikes in 1917, he represented the interest of waterfront workers in collective bargaining, and by then was regarded as the leader of all waterfront workers.

He became even more popular when he helped to secure increase wages for them.

In the period of 191718, Critchlow led a petition for an 8-hour day.

He was pressured by the Chamber of Commerce to withdraw his name from the petition, after all the other petitioners were forced to do so, but he obstinately refused.

He was immediately fired from his job and blacklisted from obtaining employment, and he had to depend on assistance from close friends for sustenance.

Being unemployed, he devoted all his time to the campaign for the 8-hour work day. In

Statue of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow on the lawns of the Parliament Building (Photo by Amanda Richards)

aimed at fomenting industrial unrest, and issued open threats to workers who were union members. Despite this, membership grew and by the end of its first year,

ances and demanded improved working conditions and better wages for them.

But he faced opposition from the more educated members of the union who felt that his limited educa-

Critchlow stands on the lawns of the Parliament Building. (Information from “The Guyana Story - From Earliest Times to Independence” by Dr. Odeen Ishmael)

positive father-daughter relationship can have a huge impact on a young girl's life. A father's influence in his daughter's life shapes her self-esteem, self-image and confidence. This is solidified by the Miss World Guyana 2017 contestants.

Sunday Times Magazine interviewed a few of the contestants who spoke about the bond with their fathers.

Hemwantie Seodat noted that “a father is neither an anchor to hold us back nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light to show us the way”. She described her father as her “hero” and expressed her love and gratitude for him.

Sharda Pramdeo said: “This Father’s Day, let us give thanks for the innumerable blessings we’ve received from both our earthly fathers and our Heavenly Father.

To all those special people in our lives we call daddy, dad, baba, papa or father; we honour you with all the love and respect you deserve, especially for the efforts you have made to make our lives so fruitful!”

Crystal Wills poetically said: “The man I call my father, he is a giant with big strong hands that hold my heart in his own. The words he speaks are apples of gold that can melt a heart of stone. His laugh is contagious; his smile sincere; his life is a book read far and near. His love gives generous helpings to all; for a father, you see, is always on call. His thoughts are old-fashioned, and sometimes his clothes; but godliness clothes him from his head to his toes. He has numerous flaws, which he often speaks of, but our family is blind and covers in love. Long after he’s gone, a sweet legacy stays filling the hearts of our family with praise.”

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West Indian History and Literature by Frank Birbalsingh

By Petamber Persaud

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rank Birbalsingh is not contented to rest on his laurels in any area of his expertise, including deserved labels/titles such as ‘literary critic’, ‘prolific book reviewer’, ‘exceptional anthologist’, ‘cricket historian’, ‘oral historian’, ‘specialist of West Indian and IndoCaribbean literature’ and ‘author’.

His achievements include massive, and oftentimes, ground-breaking scholarly works like “Jahaji Bhai: An Anthology of IndoCaribbean Literature” (1988); “Indenture and Exile: The IndoCaribbean Experience” (1989); “Indo-Caribbean Resistance” (1993); “Jahaji: An Anthology of IndoCaribbean Fiction” (2002); “Passion and Exile: Essays in Caribbean Literature” (1988); “Frontiers of Caribbean Literature” (1996); “Novels and the Nation: Essays in Canadian Literature” (1995); “Neil Bissoondath: The Indo-CaribbeanCanadian Diaspora” (2005); “Guyana and Caribbean: Reviews, Essays and Interviews - The Rise of West Indian Cricket” (1996); “The People's Progressive Party of Guyana, 19501992: An Oral History” (2007); “Indo-Caribbean Test Crickets and the Quest for Identity” (2014); and “Guyana: History and Literature” (2016).

Resting on his laurels is not an option for Birbalsingh; rather, he now sits back and rearranges the feathers in his cap, shaping and designing them into monumental literary works. He aims at additional targets in his lifelong quest to share knowledge, correct falsification of our literary heritage and to bring elucidation. This is what he does in his two most recent publications: “Guyana: History and Literature” (2016) and “West Indian History and Literature” (2016).

The comprehensiveness achieved in “Guyana: History and Literature”, Birbalsingh tries to replicate in “West Indian History and Literature”, with slightly less success. With “Guyana: History and Literature”, he was dealing with the history and literature of one country – a place close to his heart, a place on which he was writing since his first major publication. With “West Indian History and Literature”, the scope of coverage/scholarship ex-

Frank Birbalsingh

tends to numerous countries - all with varying cultural, social issues and political backgrounds - even though all of these countries share a commonality in sugar, slavery, indentureship, colonialism and Anglocentric economic model, which had ‘psycho-sociological effects that instilled and codified cultural imitativeness, subservience and habits of dependence’.

Birbalsingh, a master anthologist and oral historian, was up to the challenge, producing yet another document of immense value.

“West Indian History and Literature” covers the history and literature of the Anglophone Caribbean, the West Indies - a region that was Columbus’ mistake a mistake of a name that has come into common usage.

Basically, this significant document contains 88 reviews of books by 81 authors, of which more than one third are women writers. The themes explored are wide-ranging with far-reaching effects, coming from way in the past and reaching into the present, including exploitation, healing, innovation, psychological mimicry, identity, universal transience, emigration and the diaspora, divisions in race, colour and class, independence and its aftermath.

The most formidable element of this book is that its author relies heavily on works of fiction and poetry, staking his reputation of sound

scholarship.

But Birbalsingh knows the landscape too well to falter in his quest, as he states, “writers of historical fiction” … steer... “dexterously… between history and fiction, without slipping completely into either”. He is circumspect and his reputation is intact, in fact, his reputation has grown.

And Birbalsingh supports his claims with samples of literature from the mid-nineteenth century to the present day, bringing to the fore rare and out-of-print texts.

For instance, to kick-start his history of the region, Birbalsingh uses texts like “The Discovery of Guiana” (1596) and “Creoleana” (1842), the first novel by a nativeborn author.

To mark the end of slavery and the beginning of the Indian experience in the Caribbean, he cites “Busha’s Mistress” (1855); “Corentyne Thunder” (1941); and “The Cup and the Lip” (1953).

Fast forward to independence, which did not bring the promised changes, he turns to the pages of “Independence” (2014), and other works.

Then there was the creation of the diaspora and the pains of homelessness in the pages of “A Distant Shore” and “The Small fortune of Dorothea Q”. Along with the history of the region, Birbalsingh matches the history of the region with the history of its literature in a seemingly seamless manner.

In the end, it is “all’s well that ends well” or so we hope as addressed in the closing paragraphs of both the preface and introduction in the book.

In the preface, it states that “‘West Indian History and Literature’ offers observations, opinions and reactions that prove defiant, sustaining, enduring” and “a human capacity to endure trial and tribulation until evil exhaust itself”. And the introduction concludes with the moot that Caribbean experience is a collection of remnants and bits and pieces coming from our varies ancestries and “that daily, human transactions are largely a matter of mixing memories and matching fragments, improving, devising and creating in a continuing, daily, Caribbean effort to survive and endure”.

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

Tall tales…

I …and integrity

f there was anything to that Pinocchio story, PM Moses Nagamootoo’s nose should be reaching further than his outstretched hands by now when it comes to the Integrity Commission he’s supposed to’ve launched over a year now. You remember the Integrity Commission, don’t you Dear Reader?? Yeah… that institution the PNC refused to participate in for a decade and a half because they said Bishop Randolph George, head of the Anglican Church, wasn’t a “fit and proper” person to head it!!

So since then, even though it was the law of the land that all Members of Parliament report their income and assets to the Integrity Commission, the PNC MP’s refused to do so. So, who cared they were breaking the law – certainly not them! But when they slinked into Government leading the “APNU/ AFC coalition”, suddenly they became all hot and sweaty about a “Code of Conduct” for their MP’s and Ministers. NOT the Integrity Commission.

Raphael Trotman, then in charge of “Governance”, announced the Code would be built on a foundation of the Ten Principles of Public Life – accountability, dignity, diligence, duty, honour, integrity, loyalty, objectivity, responsibility and transparency!! That took months to compile!! During which time, of course, such “accountable” acts like collecting of private funds by a Minister of Government for constructing Jubilee Stadium slipped through the absent Code of Conduct net.

Then “Governance” was handed off to Nagamootoo (who should’ve had it in the first place, under the Cummingsburg Accord). What to do about the Code of Conduct? You couldn’t very well implement it when warehouses had to be set up by Government Ministers, Ministers had to get scholarships when they were on their jobs and so on. But Nagamootoo – with 50 years of experience at this sort of thing – came to the rescue!!

Like Christopher Columbus of yore, he discovered the Integrity Commission to which he would yoke the Code to that Commission. But hold it! That needed legislation to mesh the institutions. So the Code was passed to the Parliamentary Drafting office for “Drafting” – NOT stalling! And that’s where it stood while mega pharma contracts were hived off illegally to foreign companies who built arches and donated fridges…and suchlike.

But now, two years later, Nagamootoo glided down from the mountain top and burning bush and announced the combined “Code of Conduct and Integrity Commission” is nigh upon us! While he didn’t have two engraved stone tablets, he assured us it will address, “issues of bribes, discrimination, gifts, conflict of interest, use of official influence, handling of classified information, use of public property, sexual misconduct and entertainment.”

Does “use of official influence” exclude helping sons-in-law? …at Culture Ministry Over the last couple of hundred years, there’s been an ongoing debate about what’s usually purveyed as “culture”, is actually elitist “high culture”. There’s since been a sustained movement to rope in the more mass-based “culture of the people” into the swing of things. In Guyana, it seems the Culture Department in the Education Ministry has taken its mandate rather seriously. This was first exhibited at the Jubilee celebrations when the Ministry – under the direct direction of its Minister – introduced the “culture of confusion” that permeates every Guyanese mass event – from weddings to bus parks.

At the ongoing Public Account Committee’s (PAC’s) hearings we now see the mass “culture of corruption” has also been taken up by the Culture Department of the Ministry. Quite blithely, the PS announced that somehow the employment of 50 persons slipped off the radar when it came to following the proper hiring procedures. But of course, it didn’t…really.

They just introduced the “common touch” of hiring “we own” into the Ministry! …and fishy stories Once again, we’re hearing that tilapia will be the salvation of GuySuCo. Didn’t Burnham and the PNC try this back in the day when they were trying to make sugar workers redundant?

That’s when the GNS failed to break GAWU’s 177day “recognition” strike!!

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Unity…

…in coalitions? he meeting between Prezzie and the WPA might’ve been precipitated by the demotion of the latter group’s co-leader, but it seems that the larger issue of the internal relationships within the APNU umbrella was raised.

They’ll all be meeting in July, but we don’t know the agenda as yet. It should be interesting, however, if for no other reason than that it reminds Guyanese exactly who’re in this “coalition” with the PNC. In case you’ve forgotten, back in 2011, when it was launched, we were told “A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)” consists of the PNCR, the WPA, the GAP, the NFA, the Guyana People’s Partnership (GPP), the Guyana National Congress (GNC), the Guyana Association of Local Authorities, the National Democratic Front (NDF), and the Justice for All Party (JFAP). Did we get them all??

As your Eyewitness noted recently, all these groups were really just adding “lipstick to a pig” – in the memorable phrase of President Obama. Do any of you, dear readers, recognise any of them – with the exception of GAP and WPA? These latter two are probably the only groups with any kind of name recognition; but folks could be excused for going along with the PNC’s dismissal even of them.

With GAP, which had insisted on the distinction most folks thought was without a difference — calling itself a “hinterland” party, rather than an Indigenous Peoples’ Party — it was clear that party had no clout in the Government. Why else would the latter include Amerindian land issues with African ancestral land issues? GAP not only shot itself in the foot, but plunged a spear into its heart.

It really boggled the mind of your Eyewitness when the Govt insisted the agreement on Amerindian lands — part of the agreement with Britain to grant us independence (Annex “C”) — could be made the subject of a CoI. What was there to “inquire” into? Anyhow, if it’s not “sayonara” to GAP, it ain’t “Hakuna Matata”!!!

As for the WPA, what more can be said about that party that hasn’t already been muttered?

Before that July meeting, shouldn’t the WPA at least vet the words of the PNC via their actions on Roopnaraine? So exactly what will he be doing over at the Ministry of the Presidency? Looking after the Public Service, as was first announced?

In other words, the Coalition’s answer to Jennifer Westford? Or will be in charge of the “Department of Innovation and Education Reform”, as we just heard? And exactly what is THAT? Your Eyewitness figures that, at the July conclave, the PNC will just remind its “partners” they really hold no pieces in the game of chess that’s realpolitik!

Checkmate!! …on crime fighting?

On one hand, we hear the police are really on the ball when it comes to crime fighting! All kinds of positive figures have been tossed out to convince us of that “fact”. But with statistics, what’s covered up is always more revealing (pun intended) than what’s exposed! For instance, what’s this nonsense about the police is so hapless on the “assassination threat” to Prezzie, the poor man was forced to launch a CoI to look into the matter??

All the man in charge of the police — Public Security Minister Ramjattan — could say was, “All of us didn’t like what was playing out. It was taking a long time, the witness wasn’t turning up, confrontation and a number of things concerning all of that.” The GPF’s been boosted from 3000 to 4000 trained operatives, and we can’t have a “confrontation” when Prezzie’s facing a threat!!!??

What nonsense! Obviously Prezzie knows it’s a conflict of interest for him to craft the ToR of a CoI when he’s the target.

But what can he do? …and victory Your Eyewitness was enthralled by Pakistan’s victory over India in the Champion’s Trophy final.

Those fellas were united in defending the honour of their beleaguered country.

And they came through like true champions.

Pakistan Zindabad!!

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Rodney: On Organising

By Ravi Dev

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hirty-seven years ago, Dr Walter Rodney was assassinated when he was just thirty-eight.

While we thought he was too optimistic on the potential of socialism to eradicate racism, and even more so about including Indians in the Caribbean under the banner of “Black Power” in 1969, we still believe the proposal he made the following year on organising Guyanese Indians and Africans was most realistic. We published it several times since 1998, hoping for a positive responsive from African Guyanese activists.

Without success.

Dr. Rodney said: “Let us take the fact that over the last decade, Indians and Africans in Guyana have been at one another’s throats for a variety of reasons, internal and external, and that there is a tremendous amount of illwill and suspicion on both sides; let us take that fact. Now some people deny this, and talk about racial harmony, but it is not so.

It may be submerged, but it is there; it has to be there: the system ensures that. But what can we do about it? I feel that there are at least two levels at which one must try to organise against the prevailing condition of racial antagonism.

“One must organise within the African community, within the Indian community, too, to build different forms of consciousness, different types of social bases, which will ultimately be the form of a new State; and simultaneously, one must begin to find effective revolutionary integrative mechanisms, both organisational and ideological, in terms of people, purely and simply people, you know, as contributors to the new concept of group consciousness, group power; as, for example, like putting six persons, three Africans, three Indians, not just in form of a symbolic show (they have, of course, to be ideologically consistent and so on), but put-

ting them in a meaningful, nationally-powerful position of leadership, and as a unit.

“Now, you have, at the second level, to begin to indicate what you would like the society to be like, what that unit should be about, because if you organise separately, this may well be construed by each group as something exclusive and hostile. So you have at the same time, while doing that bringing together, which is historically necessary, to produce the integrative mechanisms and act in the kind of fashion and use the kind of language which makes it clear to the other group (let’s say the African and the Indian are the main groups) what the national aims are, what the country’s Socialism wants to achieve in spite of race. We have a number of other people, including the Amerindians, the original inhabitants of the country, who are the most neglected. Our integrative mechanisms must be organised to include that group….

(As) we move towards Socialism, we’ll also be, in the process, contributing to the total eradication of racism in its most violent forms, a racism which has arisen through the slave trade, slavery, indenture, class and colonial oppression.

“What we must try to understand (and this is a point I’m always trying to make very clearly) is that there is no contradiction between saying that at this particular point in time a man needs to assert his given identity, so that at another point in time he won’t need to assert it; it would be taken for granted, the whole business of identity, because people will respect that fact in the changed society, where race will have no marks of identification whatsoever on which anybody can (lean) for support or for whatever.

But it is a respect which no group has at the moment, at the moment in the present system in Guyana.

“And I think that within our community of Guyana, different ethnic groups need to assert their identity, need to put themselves

together, to pull themselves together, and when they have, and when they can operate on the basis of mutual respect, which they are not now doing, then I think the way will be clear for building a new society, a society of a mixed unit through Socialism. But first, the various groups must be built up, made conscious of their own potential, their own dignity, their own power, as Guyanese.”

Rodney was a prophet of emancipation.

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WEEK ENDING JUNE 25, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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orn in Georgetown, Guyana, and raised in California’s Silicon Valley, U.S., hairstylist Marcia Hamilton is known for her ability to mesh old school beauty with up to the minute trends and techniques.

She discovered her passion for art and style at an early age, but against her mother’s predictions, Hamilton had ambitions of becoming an auto mechanic. After a series of life changing events, destiny led her to the inevitable path of a career in hair care.

Hamilton began her hair care education under strict training from the Pivot Point Academy Program in the U.S. and later continued her advanced education at the Vidal Sassoon Academy, Redken International and Toni & Guy Academy.

From there, she moved to Los Angeles and began assisting various celebrity hairstylists.

She forged a name for herself while collaborating with stylists by applying her knowledge and skill in hair colour to create unique styles for international stars like Brandy, Eve, Kelly Roland and Serena Williams. With fierce determination and a curiosity for the unknown, Hamilton started venturing to New York where she was mentored by hair industry giants Orlando Pita, Guido Palau, and Teddy Charles.

The hairstylist has worked on numerous fashion shows for Oscar De La Renta, Tom Ford, Caroline Herrera, Derek Lam, Marc Jacobs and Dian Von Furstenburg.

She draws her inspiration from these experiences, which is evident in her uninhibited approach when creating iconic looks for clients and innovative projects.

US-based Guyanese hairstylist Marcia Hamilton

When Hamilton is not coiffing in her private studio, at the Juan Juan Center in Beverly Hills, she can be found on sets, creating magic from Los Angeles to New York. She divides her time between cities working in beauty, print, film, music video, runway and advertising. Her artistic creations frequently appear in publications like Teen Vogue, Nylon, Shape, Essence, Vanity Fair and W magazines.

Hamilton has created the looks for epic music videos like Willow Smith’s (actor Will Smith’s daughter) “Whip My Hair” and Usher’s “OMG”. She has also coined iconic looks for major celebs, advertising campaigns and hit television shows. Her list of collaborators includes Pink, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Cindy Crawford, Zoe Kravitz, Target, Pravana, Macadamia Oil, Disney, TNT and many more.

For more information on Marcia Hamilton, visit www.marciahamilton. com

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raditionally, throughout the world, the month of June is associated with weddings and “June brides”. It is felt that if a marriage is consummated in June, it is perceived as a blessing and the chances of love and affection would unite couples into an everlasting bond.

Whether this is true or not, there are some Guyanese customs to which couples would adhere, regardless of the consequences: “Don’t look back while going up the aisle”; “jumping the broom”- a West African tradition; “don’t ever let a dog eat your wedding cake”; “don’t sweep one’s foot with a pointer broom prior to marriage”, are just a few.

The following are some true funny stories surrounding weddings in Guyana.

Cow itch powder or stinging nettle

It is believed that a bride must be attired in: “Something old; something new; something borrowed; something blue”, for good luck, and no bad omen would befall the marriage. However, at one Guyanese wedding, the bride borrowed

WEEK ENDING JUNE 25, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

a glove from her dear girlfriend, not realizing the friend had a crush on the groom. The friend wilfully laced the glove with “cow-itch or stinging nettle” powder, – a powder that would induce intense itching. At the wedding ceremony, before the exchange of vows, the problem began. The itching was very severe. Apparently the powder was transferred and dispersed to certain discrete parts of the bride’s anatomy. The itching was very noticeable and created an embarrassing scene. The groom, unaware of the problem, and in disgust, disappeared from the altar and the wedding was called off. Guess who was waiting outside the church to console him?

Wedding cake

It was also understood that if you are single and you place a very small piece of wedding cake behind your right ear, you would enhance and accelerate your chances of getting married. A 65-year-oldman, who would remain nameless, attended a well-known Guyanese wedding ceremony. In desperation he applied

enormous amounts of wedding cake behind both ears. To make a long story short, he is still single today at 84.

Catching of the bouquet

The custom where the person who catches the bouquet is believed to be the next to marry is very evident at weddings.

Before one wedding reception, the bride made arrangements with her best friend – her maid of honour who was single – to throw the bouquet in her direction. Somehow, the boyfriend of the maid of honour got wind of the plan. When the bouquet was released from the bride, the boyfriend intercepted and caught the bouquet. The maid of honour was so upset she ranted and raved. One month later, the boyfriend married someone else.

Dowry

It is customary at a Hindu wedding for the father of the bride to offer a satisfactory dowry to the groom. As long as the groom does not eat, the father has to continue offering possessions.

At one such Hindu wedding, the groom was not satisfied with the house and land that were of-

fered. Not until he was promised a number of cows and sheep did he eventually eat, which showed his acceptance.

After the wedding, he went to collect his dowry but was greeted with a severe beating by the family members. He then realized that the fatherin-law never owned a house or any cattle in his entire life.

Marriage vows

During a wedding ceremony the preacher asked, “Does anyone know why these parties should not be joined together, speak now or forever hold your peace?”

One member of the wedding party shouted, “The

groom is gay.” Without any hesitation the bride blurted out, “So what? I know he is gay, he is always so joyful and happy.”

Rising up first

It is understood that when couples kneel at the altar to exchange their vows, it is thought that whoever gets up first will live longer than the other. In the haste to get up first, the groom accidentally stood on the bride’s dress causing her to fall prostrate at the feet of the pastor.

Pigeons

It is normal after the wedding ceremony to throw rice grains over the married cou-

ple for good luck as they leave the church. The groom, clad in a white suit, and the bride, wearing a gorgeous white gown, were greeted with a huge amount of rice grains landing on their heads. Suddenly, a drove of hungry pigeons appeared, stood on their heads, and had a feast.

Simultaneously the pigeons decided to release some droppings which landed all over the married couple, leaving a random polka dot design on the white apparel of the couple. ( By Edgar Henry. Published in the Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. June 2012 Magazine)

Walter Spence

Dmitri Allicock

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By

orn and growing up in the Upper Demerara area of Linden, I have come to appreciate the great achievements of those who have lived there and contributed significantly to society and representing Guyana on the international map. One such individual is Walter Spence.

Walter Spence may be the first Guyanese to ever win an Olympic medal. He competed for Canada in the 1928 Olympics, winning a bronze medal.

Walter Percy Spence, born March 3, 1901, was a swimmer from British Guiana who competed for Canada in the 1928

Summer Olympics and 1932 Summer Olympics. He immigrated to the United States and held several national swimming titles there.

Spence was born in Christianburg, British Guiana, the oldest of eight children – four brothers and four sisters. His father was Scottish and worked as a big game hunter and guide, while his mother was Indian. Spence learned to swim in the Demerara River, along with his brother, where they survived many piranha bites. He and two of his younger brothers, Wallace and Leonard, became international champion swimmers. Two of the four Spence sisters also swam competitively, although not at the level of their brothers. The youngest Spence brother, Harold, showed great promise but was killed in action in World War II before his swimming career could take off.

After becoming the top swimmer in British Guiana, Spence moved to Trinidad and began competing there. After losing a freestyle race to a swimmer from Chicago, his first-ever loss in that type of competition, Spence decided to pursue training in the United States.

He arrived in the U.S. in 1923, where he eventually gained U.S. citizenship.

He began his U.S. career with the Brooklyn YMCA team, swimming the breaststroke and three-stroke individual medley. By 1925 he had broken ten world records and was the top point scorer at the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) national championships that year. He later competed with the Penn Athletic Club in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

He competed for Canada in the 1928 Olympics and won a bronze medal in the 4x200 m freestyle relay event. He was also sixth in the 100 m freestyle event and sixth in the 200 m breaststroke event. Four years later he was fourth in the 4x200 m freestyle relay event. He was also fourth in his semifinal of the 100 m freestyle event and fourth in his semi-final of the 200 m breaststroke event and did not advance in both occasions. He later represented British Guiana at the 1938 British Empire Games. He won the silver medal in the 220 yards breaststroke contest and finished fourth in the 110 yards freestyle competition.

In 1930, Spence enrolled as a freshman at Rutgers University. He set the collegiate record in the 100 yard freestyle and earned the highest point score at the 1934 NCAA championships. In 1934 he also broke the world record in the 300 yard three-stroke individual medley. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism on June 9, 1934.

After leaving Rutgers, Spence swam with the New York Athletic Club (NYAC). His two younger brothers, Wallace and Leonard, joined him in the United States in 1926 and 1928, respectively. The brothers competed for the NYAC in the three-stroke medley relay, with Wallace swimming the backstroke, Leonard the breaststroke, and Walter the front crawl. Together, they won the 1933 AAU championship title in the event and later set the world record during an exhibition at Rutgers. Joining with Peter Fick, they won the four-man 400-yard freestyle relay at the 1935 AAU championships.

After retiring from swimming, Spence worked as an insurance salesman for the Security Mutual Life Insurance Company in New York City. He married Sheila O'Connor and had five children: David (born c. 1942), Harold (born c. 1947), Donald (born c. 1950), Sheila (born c. 1952), and Wendy (born c. 1953).

Spence was killed in an accident on October 16, 1958 in White Plains, New York, while trying to board a train at the North White Plains station. He was on his way from New York City to his home in Hawthorne and had stepped off the train to call his wife during a stop at White Plains. When the train began to debark, he ran to catch it and attempted to re-board, but slipped and fell onto the tracks. He suffered severe injuries to his legs and died at White Plains Hospital an hour and a half later.

Nine years after his death, in 1967, Walter, Wallace, and Leonard Spence were inducted together into the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

The Spence family of Christianburg, Upper Demerara, survives today but in limited numbers. Most have migrated around the world. Some of them are my precious relatives.

Now, Walter Percy Spence is celebrated as one of the best swimmers ever produced by the rivers of Guyana.

news 47

WEEK ENDING JUNE 25, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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Baigan seeds

atiricus didn’t mind the rain. While he remembered his old primary school rhyme on the hurricane season claimed “June – too soon”, he wasn’t surprised Guyana was getting a drenching from Bret.

The fellas had a fall-back plan which never failed them – to retire into the maws of the Back Street Bar. So that’s where they were, recovering from their enforced Father’s Day sabbatical!

“Suh wha’ guh aan wid yuh guv’ment, Sato?” Bungi said as he leaned over the table to he heard over the rain on the roof.

“What you mean?” replied Satiricus with feigned innocence.

“Na play schupid wid me, bai,” Bungi retorted. “Yuh know damn well ah talkin’ ’bout how dem chrow out Roop Na Rain!”

“Not his problem, Bungi!” butted in Hari, with a wide smile. “Nagga Man and Rum Jhaat, still in place!”

“That’s right, old friend,” Satiricus said. “My leaders in the KFC are still VP’s you know!”

“Dem a “VP” a’rite – Very Pathetic!!” sniggered Bungi. At the surprised looks from his friends, he added with a blush, “Me l’arn da fram me da’ta!”

“I’m impressed!” confessed Hari.

“What you mean by that?” asked Satiricus – with some heat, this time.

“Well, at leas’ de WAPA fella dem mek some naise w’en Prezzie put de lash pan Roop Na Rain,” answered Bungi. “Wha’ Nagga Man an’ Rum Jhaat do w’en Prezzie pull out all dem teet’?”

“Bungi, that’s not fair!” complained Satiricus. “My leaders are still holding the jobs they were promised!”

“Fram wah me a see” replied Bungi. “Dem GET Larwah and dem a still hol’ Larwah!!”

“Don’t answer that, Sato,” said Hari placatingly. “But why don’t you suggest to Nagga man and Rum Jhaat to also meet Prezzie?”

“Yeah!” chortled Bungi. “Den abee guh see who gat mo’ seed dan baigan!”

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Creolese

atiricus was pleased. He’d just read that some very educated person named “Came Bridge” – who used to write a fancy column in the Kronic – was part of a project to teach Creolese at UG. This was good news for the country, and he couldn’t wait to get over to the Back Street Bar. The fellas were already ensconced at the back table. They had to have been there for a while, since the table was already forested by beer empties.

“How come you fellas started so early?” he asked Bungi – who was signalling furiously at the waitress to bring a beer for Satiricus.

“Early?” slurred Bungi. “Like yuh fuget me get lay aff since de guvment close dung de suga fact’ry!”

“I didn’t forget,” replied Satiricus. “But I didn’t think you and Hari would’ve been here throwing back so early!”

“I took the day off,” reported Hari with a big goofy grin. “Too much rain!!”

“Anyhow, Bungi, I have some good news for you,” said Satiricus as he polished off the beer with one practised long gurgle, and signalled with his left hand to the waitress for another.

“Wah da?” asked Bungi. “Me ole paadna Cappo come back fram New Yaa’k, or dem a open back de fact’ry?

“Better than that, ole friend!” said Satiricus as he picked up his second beer and slapped the table. “I have a job opening for you and your cane cutter friends.

You will be working in air conditioning!”

“Really, Sato?” asked Hari. “Janitors at the new Call Centre?

“Naah!” smirked Satiricus. “Teaching at UG!!”

“A wah wrang wid yuh head, Bai?!” exclaimed Bungi.

“Wah rass me guh teach? How fuh sha’pen cutlass?”

“You cane-cutters will be teaching the 8000 UG students “Creolese”,” said Satiricus gleefully. “That’s what you speak, and it’s now a compulsory subject!!”

“Jeez!” smiled Bungi bashfully, “An’ me na even bin know me ah talk wan nadda lang-wij name “Creolese” all dis time!!”

Cops hunting deportee over brutal murder of ex-wife P

olice in Berbice are on the hunt for a man after he hacked his ex-wife to death and escaped after plunging into the Canje River.

Dead is Mintie Karamchand, 40, of 19 Sheet Anchor, Berbice.

The restaurant waitress and mother of five, was killed at her home in the presence of one of her children.

The suspect, 47-yearold Goldburn December, is said to have fled the scene. Police are on the hunt for him.

December and Karamchan separated eight years ago after a 20-year relationship and he migrated to Suriname but was deported last month and returned to Sheet Anchor.

It is still unclear what triggered the brutal attack. However, the couple’s second child, Drucilla December, 21, said her mother returned home at 06:00h on Wednesday.

She related that even though her father had moved back home, he and Karamchand had not rekindled their relationship. “He try touching her since he come back but she says that she have somebody and that she don’t want anything to do with him and I tell him not to touch

Dead: Mintie Karamchand

Mummy, and since then he never try to touch her again,” the daughter related.

Meanwhile, she noted that shortly after her mother arrived home, an argument broke out between her and her mother. According to the young mother, she decided to move out with her baby but her mother said she will move and started to pack some of her belongings. She said she went out of the house and then heard a loud voice coming from the lower flat and rushed to investigate. As she got close to the window, she saw her mother covered in blood jumping out of the window. She said her father was at the time holding a chopper and she went between her parents in an attempt to protect her mother.

At the time she was holding her baby who is a few days old. “He tell me to move and I run outside and holla for help…”

She noted that December picked up a bench and went towards her mother but she did not see what happen next since she was trying to get assistance.

Eyewitnesses say December used the bench to hit the woman in her head. According to one neighbour, Vanessa Artiga, after inflicting the injuries, December fled. Artiga said she was told of the incident and rushed over by which time other neighbours were flocking into the yard and Karamchamd was lying in a pool of blood. Shortly after, she saw the suspect returning to the yard.

“She was breathing then the husband, which is Goldburn, he run back inside the yard and he say, ‘Oh you ent die yet, you hard fo die.’ And he pick up a short piece of wood and give she like three or four hit on she head.”

Artiga said the Police were contacted but they were advised to take the victim to the hospital and then go to the station and make a report.

A taxi was called and the badly injured woman was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Asked why December was not apprehended, Artiga said that there

Suspect: Goldburn December

was not enough manpower to do so.

According to Drucilla, many persons were afraid of her father including her 23-year-old brother. She referred to him as a person who frequently consumed alcohol. This practice, she said, started before he left Guyana and was one of the reasons for the separation. She noted that after being deported, he had not been taking many drinks but recently returned to his old habit.

Meanwhile, residents say the man left with a rope and headed for the Canje River. According to one eyewitness, they were on a wharf and saw a man wearing only trousers. The man swam the river and used a tree to climb onto shore in the vicinity of the National Psychiatric Hospital. At the time he was not carrying anything in his hands.

Vietnamese, Mauritian diplomats accredited

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s Guyana seeks to strengthen ties with its international neighbours, President David Granger has accredited two new diplomats of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Republic of Mauritius.

The Guyanese leader accepted the Letters of Credence from the Vietnamese Ambassador and Mauritian High Commissioner at State House on Main Street, Georgetown.

The newly accredited Vietnamese Ambassador, Do Ba Khao, highlighted his country’s own outstanding Gross Domestic Product (GDP) performance over the past three decades, while recognising that Guyana continues to maintain political and economic stability despite external challenges not only in the Region but the world.

Nevertheless, the non-resident diplomat noted that this renewed bilateral will see the two countries benefiting from each other in their respective national development.

“The Government and people of Vietnam are very pleased with the new step to develop our traditional relationship and cooperation. We would like to further our bilateral relations,” Ambassador Do Ba Khao stated.

Delivering remarks, President Granger outlined that both Guyana and Vietnam have identified similar areas such as coast to coast protection, forest protection, bio-diversity cultivation as sustainable development priorities in their environmental strategies.

Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Guyana, Do Ba Khoa presenting his Letters of Credence to President David Granger in the presence of Minister of State and Acting Foreign Affairs Minister, Joseph Harmon and Director General in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Audrey Waddell at State House on Wednesday

He recognised too that the countries have both adopted the 2020-2030 agenda for Sustainable Development as well as signed the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change. To this end, the Guyana Leader underscored the progress Vietnam has made in these areas, saying Guyana in pushing its green economy agenda, looks forward to benefit from its 42-year-old diplomatic relationship with Vietnam.

Meanwhile, President Granger in his remarks to the non-resident Mauritian diplomat, Sooroojdev Phokeer, outlined that the adverse effects of climate change pose common challenges to the national development goals of the two countries.

On this note, the Head of State pointed to the need for Guyana and Mauritius, as member countries of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States, to continue coopera-

tion within that framework on matters relating to Small States.

“Guyana looks forward to consolidating its cooperation with Mauritius… (since it) is moving towards the establishment of a green state; one that will place emphasis on the protection of our environment, on the preservation of our biodiversity, the provision of ecotourism and ecoeducational services, and on the promotion of renewal energy and practicable measure to ensure climate adaptation,” the President noted.

The Mauritian High Commissioner, on the other hand, said this renewed bi-lateral relations would pave the way for the two countries to achieve common goals as Small States.

Diplomatic ties between Guyana and Mauritius was established in December 1992.

48 Bollywood

WEEK ENDING JUNE 25, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Pooja Bhatt on comeback: I’m returning as an alcoholic cop after I decided to quit alcohol P

ooja Bhatt is all set to return to the silver screen in a movie adaptation of economist Abheek Barua’s crime novel City of Death, which she will produce too. The film rights to the novel, published last year by Juggernaut Books, have been acquired by Pooja’s production company Fish Eye Network.

City of Death introduces Sohini Sen, a middle aged, pill-popping alcoholic detective. When a young woman from a well-connected family is found beheaded, Sohini is tasked with investigating the case. But it turns out to be a political minefield with the tabloids baying for her blood. Apart from producing the film, Pooja will be playing the lead role of Sohini.

“The plot, the milieu and especially the characters grabbed me and left me gasping by the end of it. The themes of depression, ad-

diction, false appearances and corruption make it relevant to the times,” says Pooja. Barua, Chief Economist at HDFC Bank, says it is “immensely gratifying to have someone of Pooja’s calibre make and more importantly act in the adaptation of my book”.

“Pooja’s imaginative cinematic vision for ‘City of Death’ makes her the perfect acquirer of this book. She truly gets the core of this dark story,” says Anish Chandy,

head of business development at Juggernaut Books.

“My friend Kaustav Narayan Niyogi recommended the book and even as I was reading it, I wanted to get back on the set to play this character. This came as an electric shock because that part of my life was no longer a priority. I called my dad (Mahesh Bhatt) to make this guilty confession and he assured me that it was a good feeling, as did my producer-partner, Sheel Kumar,” she told Pune Mirror. She added on a jovial note, “The joke is that I’m making a comeback as an alcoholic cop after I have decided to quit alcohol.”

Pooja was last seen in Everybody Says I’m Fine in 2001.

The film is set to go on floors in December 2017. With her onscreen coming back, fans are definitely in for a treat. (Indian Express)

Surviving for 38 years in Bollywood isn’t easy, says ‘Mubarakan’ actor Anil Kapoor

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eteran actor Anil Kapoor, who is geared up for his upcoming comedy film ‘Mubarakan’, says that surviving in the Hindi film industry for over three decades is not an easy thing.

“I am working in this industry for last 38 years and in these years, I did various kinds of roles and surviving in this industry for 38 years is not easy thing to achieve. I feel, I must have done something right in all

these years to hold my position in the industry.”

Anil said at the trailer launch of “Mubarakan”.

The 60-year-old, who made his Bollywood debut with Padmini Kolhapure in “Woh Saat Din”, also advised young actors to do films which are family entertainers.

“I want to urge all young actors to do family entertainers which have comedy, emotion and drama if they want to play longer innings in the industry. Films which have entertainment and message is the best combination to have as an actor and ‘Mubarakan’ has all ingredients of typical commercial family entertainer,” he said.

“Mubarakan” is directed by Anees Bazmee.

This is the fifth time the actor and the director have collaborated.

(Indian Express)

Disha Patani has the perfect rhythm as she dances to Beyonce’s number

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t has become impossible to ignore Disha Patani and her presence on social media, thanks to her active posts. We might not have seen her on the silver screen for quite some time now, but Disha has made sure to hog headlines with her hot pictures and dance videos which she regularly shares on Instagram. We must say, the actor needs no publicity or PR as she knows how to make the most of the social media.

This time, the reason for all eyes turning on her is her latest performance on Beyonce’s number which is winning over the internet yet again. The MS Dhoni: The Untold Story star has posted a video with her dance guru and friend where she is seen acing every single dance move. In the video, Disha is turning up the temperature as she

moves to Beyonce’s “Hey Mrs Carter”. While the song itself is sure to get your foot tapping, Disha has got the rhythm right as she sways and moves perfectly.

A few days back, Disha’s massive fan base went berserk when the actor posted a picture in a floral swimsuit and asked someone to take her to the sea.

On the work front, Disha is gearing up to star opposite her rumoured beau Tiger Shroff in Sajid Nadiadwala’s Baaghi 2. After the single “Befikra” this is the first time that the alleged lovers will be seen painting the silver screen with their love. Though Disha and Tiger have remained tight-lipped about their relationship, their regular outings and pictures from their movie and lunch dates are enough to prove the naysayers wrong. (Indian Express)

WEEK ENDING JUNE 25, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Marc Webb feels that Chris Evans is perfect for role in ‘Gifted’

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arc Webb says that Chris Evans playing Captain America came with “a certain baggage” and that is what made the actor the right choice for his role in the film, Gifted. The 42-year-old director says that the part of Frank Adler required equal bits of darkness and humour to it, which the Captain America star brought naturally, thanks to his previously played superhero persona, reported

The Independent.

“We needed someone who had a little bit of darkness while also having some humour, plus a little sarcasm, all of which fit Chris perfectly,” says Webb. In the movie, Evans portrays a single man who looks after his incredibly intelligent niece, played by child actor Mckenna Grace, 10.

Webb says that Evans still has a certain sense of masculinity that American actors lack in

today’s world. He told The Independent, “It’s a weirdly tricky thing to find young, male, American actors like Chris. There’s Chris Prat and Chris Pine. Then there are lots of Brits and Australians who are masculine. There’s maybe a darker quality to their masculinity. As a director, it’s an interesting thing to go out and search for those actors.

Maybe Americans come off as a little sensitive, I don’t know.”

Talking about Gifted, he adds, “It’s a sweet movie. It’s not a cinematic masterpiece but it celebrates good things. It’s got a big heart, and it was fun to make. Audiences really appreciate that and it’s actually something quite rare to find in the cinema. It’s a different facet of American culture in a really positive way.”(Indian Express)

‘The Mountain Between Us’ shooting was much harder than Titanic: Kate Winslet

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ctress Kate Winslet says that working in her forthcoming movie The Mountain Between Us was harder than working for her career-making role in Titanic. “This was much harder than Titanic because we really were at 10,000 feet and it really was -38 degrees Celsius. I definitely had Titanic flashbacks, freezing cold, falling into that cold water,” said Winslet. “It was definitely reminiscent of certain other rather challenging, strenuous experiences I had 20 years ago.” She added.

When asked whether she and her friend Leonardo (DiCaprio) will come together for any project any time soon, Winslet said no, reports eonline.com.

“At the moment, no. There’s nothing that Leo and I have planned. I would love to work with him again one day but who knows? It might not happen until we’re 70.” Winslet said. Both actors have also worked in the film Revolutionary Road in 2008 apart from Titanic.

The Mountain Between Us hits theatres on October 6, 2017. Kate Winslet is paired with British actor Idris Elba

who is known for his performance as Stringer Bell. He is also a lead with Matthew McConaughey in The Dark Tower based on Stephen King’s book.

The Dark Tower is slated to be released on 4 August, 2017.

In The Mountain Between Us, Kate Winslet and Idris Elba play photojournalist and surgeon respectively who are stranded in the wilderness after their plane is crashed. They have to survive extremely cold conditions in High Uintas Wilderness with injuries.

The film is based on the novel of the same name written by Charles Martin.

(Indian Express)

Ariana Grande writes emotional letter for fans after her ‘Dangerous Woman’ tour

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op star Ariana Grande has thanked her fans for their loyalty and support since the May 22 terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena. Grande has written an emotional letter to her Instagram followers after completing the European leg of her Dangerous Woman tour. The 23-yearold singer had finished performing when the terror attack had happened at the indoor venue, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

“At the close of this European leg of my Dangerous Woman tour, I just wanted to thank you properly for the overwhelming love and support you’ve shown me, my crew, and each other during this challenging time. Spending this time with you this month has been so very healing and special! Thank you for being here,” she posted.

The chart-topping star also thanked her fans for the “generosity” they had shown in relation to the One Love Manchester show, which was staged

to raise money for the victims of the attack. The event, which was held at Emirates Old Trafford, was attended by around 50,000 people and also featured performances from a number of big-name stars, including the likes of Katy Perry, Justin Bieber and Liam Gallagher. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity in supporting One Love Manchester and for helping the families as much as you possibly could. Thank you for bringing your absolute brightest, most passionate, contagious energy to these shows and for wiping my tears away. I’m immensely grateful I hope you can feel my love, wherever you are because I’m sending you all that I’ve got. See you so soon. (sic),” she posted.

Meanwhile, the singer is set to become an honorary Mancunian on July 12. The singer is to be recognised by the city after raising money for those affected by the terror attack. (Indian Express)

Hollywood 49

Nicole Kidman opens up about her feelings after split with Tom Cruise

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ctor Nicole Kidman said she felt out of place after she split from actor and former husband Tom Cruise. Recalling the time when the 50-yearold star won the best actress Oscar for her portrayal of Virginia Woolf in 2003 film The Hours, Kidman said she had no one to celebrate with her, reported The Daily Telegraph.

“I still don’t have a life, what is wrong with me? Who do I jump on the bed with, and order pancakes with?” recounted the Lion actor.

The Academy Awardwinning actress was married to Cruise for 11 years and the former

couple parted ways in 2001. They share daughter Isabella, (24) and son Connor, (22). Kidman is currently married to singer Keith Urban and has two daughters Sunday, 9 and Faith, 7 (through surrogacy).

Recently, the actor celebrated her 50th birthday with friends and family. Talking about her birthday celebrations, she said, “I’ve already been to Australia and saw my mom and it’s too far for her to travel but my sister is coming over with all her children. She has six kids. That’s it for me, I don’t need any big parties; I just need my family around me. If I have

my family around me, I am happy.”

On being asked about ageing and turning 50, she cheerfully said, “I’m absolutely embracing it.

I try to embrace all parts of my life now because I think you just go wow.

I’m so lucky, so blessed.

I’m making an effort to go back and see my mum in Australia and spend time with her. I’ve got the whole summer off so I’m just kind of relaxing.”

The Big Little Lies actor adds she is looking forward to her birthday celebrations that will include a trip back to her native country, Australia. (Indian Express)

50 sport

WEEK ENDING JUNE 25, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Green Machine, USA Windies Women to play South clash possibly for increased prize money shifted to July 29

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Whichever date is decided upon, a high octane clash is expected between both sides

uyana’s National Rugby team, the Green Machine, were initially set to do battle with USA South Panthers on July 1 for the Rugby Americas North (RAN) 15s title but due to unforeseen circumstances, the match has possibly been shifted to July 29.

According to a source close to the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU), the extension was given by RAN as the Panthers were not able to secure tickets for the entire team travel to Guyana for initial date.

The source explained the confirmation on the date and possible venue will be made when

the Local Organising Committee meets on Friday (June 23).

It was also disclosed by the source that the extension will aid in their preparation and promotion of the event.

The meeting of the teams comes after they defeated Trinidad and Tobago 24-17 to win the South Championship.

The prediction was that Guyana would have to travel to Mexico City to play the home side in the North versus South final.

Last year Guyana lost lost 32-3 to host Mexico.

However, Mexico suffered a 39-17 loss to Cayman Islands on Saturday, which meant that USA South topped

their group. It is understood that Panthers had 11 points compared to Mexico and Cayman Islands, who both ended on nine points.

This translates into Mexico falling from 9th to 12th in the Americas’ Rankings. The Cayman Islands move up one spot to 11th. There are also gains for Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago.

In 2014, the Green Machine etched their names in the history books after edging the Panthers to claim their maiden RAN (formerly North American and Caribbean Rugby Association) 15s title with a come-from-behind 30-27 win.

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KOLKATA, INDIA - APRIL 03: West Indies celebrate their teams win over Australia during the Women's ICC World Twenty20 India 2016 Final between Australia and West Indies at Eden Gardens on April 3, 2016 in Kolkata, India. (Photo by Matthew Lewis-IDI/IDI via Getty Images)

ONDON, England – West Indies Women will be vying for a winner’s cheque of US$660,000 when they open their campaign in the ICC Women’s World Cup which bowls off Saturday.

The top prize is part of an overall tournament bounty of $2 million which, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC), is 10 times the amount on offer at the last World Cup in India four years ago.

The losing finalists will walk away with a handy $330,000, with the losing semi-finalists each pocketing $165,000.

Teams bowing out at the group stage will still collect $30,000 each with each preliminary round win rewarded with $20,000.

West Indies Women enter the June 24 to July 23 tournament as one of the favourites following their capture

of last year’s Twenty20 World Cup in India.

They have also excelled in the 50-overs format, reaching the final of the 2013 World Cup and also finishing fourth in the ICC Championship last year to be one of four teams to earn automatic qualification for the pending tournament.

The Caribbean side has had a rough last three weeks, however, losing all their unofficial warm-up games.

They play their first official ICC warm-up against Pakistan in Leicester today before taking on South Africa in their final warm-up in Oakham.

West Indies open their preliminary campaign with a rematch of the 2013 final against reigning champions Australia in Taunton. (Jamaica Observer)

Ming, the new F4 champion in Mexico

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Standing Tall! Calvin Ming lifts the winning trophy on the podium

verseas-based F4 Driver Calvin Ming continues to write his own chapter in Guyana’s Motor racing history. On Saturday at the world famous Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez Formula 1 Circuit in Mexico City, Ming sealed the top spot in the Mexican NACAM FIA Formula 4 championship series.

According to reports from Mexico, Ming started off the weekend activities of the 8th and final round by turning in the fastest times during the first practice session. He later went on to qualify and start race #1 in second position.

After leading the race for several laps, he encountered some problems with the engine’s performance when it started losing power. Having carefully calculated the various permutations, and being aware that he had a 55-point lead, he nursed the car to a fourth place finish, knowing that in this position he would emerge as the champion of the series, irrespective of whether or not he participated in the two other races on Sunday.

Stanley Ming, Calvin’s father and

manager, felt the efforts of the members of the Ram Racing Team, which is owned by retired Mexican Air-force General Jose Antonio Ramos and meticulously managed by his son ‘Pato’, were undoubtedly major contributory factors to the entire team’s successes during the series.

He also extended sincere thanks and appreciation to the Mexican officials, and especially Flavio Abed and his brother Felipe Abed, “who provided invaluable support and guidance from the beginning of our participation in the series”.

The veteran motor racer added, “To my extremely supportive fans in Mexico, Guyana, and Guyanese around the world, the Ming family members are buoyed and encouraged to make our best efforts, as proud Guyanese, to keep the Golden Arrowhead flying high”.

On Sunday, Calvin started in Position 4. He took the lead from lap #1 and never looked back, winning from Alexis Carreno in P2 by 11.85 secs, with Alexandra Mohnhaupt in P3.

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Boxing Referee Agard does it differently -key to success

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ne Star boxing referee/judge Ramona Agard who recently created history in Guyana when she became the first from the Land of Many Waters to be selected to officiate in the South American Youth Games attributed her continued success to “doing things differently”.

Agard, who was notified of her selection by way of a recent letter from the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) said that she is more overjoyed at being selected to officiate at the tournament which is slated to take place in October of this year and hailed her selection as a plus for Guyana.

“I am overjoyed, elated and overwhelmed” a grateful Agard told Guyana Times Sports,

Romona Agard made history when she became the first Guyanese referee to be selected for officiating at the South American Youth games

she pointed out that she does things differently as she keeps abreast with the ever changing International Boxing Association (IBA) rules by doing a lot of research, reading and by asking

questions of colleagues.

Agard maintained that she sticks to the rules and practices what she is taught. “At all times I just stick to the rules, do what I was taught, control the ring, control the bout and I am in charge at all times.”

Interestingly, Agard has always been selected to referee in the finals of her international tournaments.

The humble but experienced referee extended gratitude to President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle and his executives, her supportive family, international colleague Trinidadian James Beckles who is a three star referee and K.A Juman Yassin the president of the Guyana Olympic Association.

Eastman, Williams sparkle at 2017 Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic NY

Hamzah Eastman (left) took third spot in the 2017 Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic NY

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uyana’s Hamzah E a s t m a n and National Champion Geron Williams turned in good performances placing second and fourth respectively in the 2017 Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic in New York on Sunday.

Coco’s Cycling’ Eastman came in second

behind Thomas Gibbons who won the Harlem Skyscraper Classic.

Stephen Hall came in third while Geron Williams was fourth, two other Guyanese riders Stephano Husbands and Shaquel Agard participated but finished 20th and 24th respectively.

The Harlem Skyscraper Cycling

Classic was created in 1973 by David Walker—a former New York Police Officer and NYPD Community Affairs Officer in Harlem’s 25th Precinct.

The Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic was designed as a community event focused on bicycle racing and safety programs for youth.

Within three years, the race became one of the premiere attractions of the United States Cycling Federation.

Each year the race draws over 400 United States Cycling Federation (USCF)—(now known as USA Cycling) licensed cyclist from the greater NYC area, national and international riders, as well as hundreds of community participants.

Trinidad to host CPL 2017 finals

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he Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has announced that the finals of the 2017 tournament will take place at the new Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Trinidad from 5th to 9th September.

According to a CPL press statement, the four matches will see the exciting conclusion to the Biggest Party in Sport which will draw in spectators and television viewers from around the world.

“Trinidad & Tobago is a vibrant hub of Caribbean cricket and will be an ideal host for the finals, that will see the top four teams from the league stage fight it out for the Hero CPL title”, CPL said.

The Brian Lara Cricket

Academy is a state-of-theart 100,000sqft training and competition venue with a capacity of 15,000-seats.

This fantastic facility will be hosting its first Hero CPL matches and the teams will be able to make use of the world-class outdoor nets and training complex. The North Tower at the academy also houses the ultramodern written press and broadcast areas.

Damien O’Donohoe, Chief Executive Officer of the Hero CPL said: “We are absolutely delighted to be bringing the Hero CPL finals to Trinidad & Tobago. There is nowhere that can host the CPL finals quite like Trinidad & Tobago. We would like to express our thanks to the Trinidad & Tobago govern-

ment, especially the Prime Minister, Keith Rowley and the Minister for Youth and Sports, Darryl Smith.

“CPL is without doubt the biggest sports event in the Caribbean and has attracted huge international attention so this is a great opportunity for Trinidad & Tobago to showcase everything that makes this country so special to hundreds of millions of viewers around the world. Sports tourism is now creating lots of much needed jobs in the region and so Trinidad and Tobago are set to really benefit from hosting these games.

“Trinidad and Tobago were fantastic hosts of the 2015 Hero CPL finals and I am sure that the games at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy will be even better in 2017.”

Minister Smith said: "What better tribute could we ask for the Academy's namesake and the cricket loving citizens of Trinidad & Tobago? The CPL has become a true spectacle for the game and is enjoyed by cricket lovers across the Caribbean and the world.

When the CPL officials visited last month and discussions began, I was quietly confident. We will ensure that it will be one of the best finals in the tournament's history."

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Pakistan move closer to direct qualification for 2019 World Cup

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akistan's triumph in the Champions Trophy has pushed them to sixth in the ICC ODI rankings, and closer to direct qualification for the 2019 World Cup in England.

Pakistan, who began the tournament placed eighth, gained four points to move past Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, who are now ranked seventh and eighth respectively. Hosts England and the seven highest ranked teams at the cut-off date of September 30, 2017, receive direct qualification for the next World Cup. "We've got two years until the 2019 World Cup," Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur said after beating India in the Champions Trophy final. "We've got the monkey off our back in terms of qualifying. We now have two years to identify a squad we want to take forward and give them enough game time."

In the ODI bowlers rankings, Pakistan's Hasan Ali, who took 13 wickets in five games to be named

Player of the Champions Trophy, broke into the top 10, leapfrogging 12 of his peers to claim the seventh spot.

Batsman Babar Azam moved up three positions to reach a careerhigh fifth spot in the batting rankings. Babar scored 133 runs in five Champions Trophy games, without a fifty. Fakhar Zaman, who scored two fifties and a hundred in the tournament, was among the top 100 despite playing just four ODIs. The top four spots in both the batting and bowling rankings - with Virat Kohli and Josh Hazlewood in the lead remained unchanged.

ODI team rankings 1. South Africa (119) 2. Australia (117) 3. India (116) 4. England (113) 5. New Zealand (111) 6. Pakistan (95) 7. Bangladesh (94) 8. Sri Lanka (93) 9. West Indies (77)

ICC mulls scrapping Champions Trophy T he ICC is once again mulling over the prospect of scrapping the Champions Trophy, in favour of two expanded World T20 tournaments in a four-year cycle. Talk of the impending demise of the tournament has become almost a ritual.

And with the next edition tentatively inked in for 2021, in India, David Richardson, the ICC CEO, said the body is considering scrapping the event to capitalize on the popularity of the T20 format to open the tournament up to more teams.

"It's always been quite difficult to distinguish or differentiate between the two 50-over global events," Richardson said. "With the World Cup becoming a ten-team event, it's almost like the World Cup is becoming more like the Champions Trophy, which I think is a good thing.

"I think it (World Cup) will still be a longer event. The World Cup format will allow the best chance for the best four teams to get into the semifinals. So it takes away the risk of maybe a rain-affected game or one poor game having a huge impact on the tournament like it can be in this tournament (Champions Trophy). But still, highly competitive matches hopefully.

"And then, whether the Champions Trophy in 2021 stays a Champions Trophy, or we move to two World T20s - that still needs to be discussed and settled.

It's a possibility, yes. I wouldn't say it is categorically going to happen be-

David Richardson

cause, as we've seen, the Champions Trophy on its own is a very good event and very well-supported, particularly in the UK, where you get support for all teams. So let's not be too hasty in writing it off, but to be honest and frank, there is consideration for moving towards two World T20s in a fouryear cycle."

Two World T20s in a four-year cycle, Richardson said, gave the ICC a chance to open the tournament to more Associate teams, a balm to the decision to curtail the number of teams at the 2019 World Cup to ten. That decision drew flak from Associate players, with Ireland and Scotland cricketers quite vocal.

"Having two World T20s in a four-year cycle gives us an opportunity to globalise the game to a great extent, open the tournament to more teams - 16 or maybe even in a longer term to 20 teams," Richardson said.

"It's easier to be competitive in that format, and thus easier to accommodate more teams."

Richardson's thoughts will hardly come as a surprise.

In 2012, it was decid-

ed that the last edition of the tournament would be held in 2013, as the ICC sought to introduce a World Test Championship from 2017, and there was talk of scrapping it even as long ago as the time of the 2009 event. However, the significant commercial success of the tournament in England in 2013 - a short, sharp competition that featured eight teams - led to its retention at the expense of a World Test Championship.

The ICC, however, is discussing the idea of a two-year Test league, with a 9-3 format - the top nine Test countries compete among themselves and against the three lower-ranked teams comprising Zimbabwe, and most likely Ireland and Afghanistan (depending on whether they earn Test status), which could also put some strain on the international calendar.

The 2017 edition, Richardson said, highlighted the importance of context, and the ICC CEO was happy with the success of the tournament.

"Overall, very satisfied with the Champions Trophy (2017). Across all aspects of the event, really, from the enthusiasm of the volunteers - cricketeers, as they were called - to the broadcaster viewership, the digital content that we put out, umpiring, player behaviour, pitches ‌ everything went well. The cricket has been great. It shows that if you've got context and competitive teams, you will have a great event." (ESPNCricinfo)

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