Guyana Times International

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INTERNATIONAL

Page 50

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com ISSUE NO. 353

WEEK ENDING july 9, 2017

Guyanese authorities awaiting extradition hearing Arrest of Marcus Bisram in NY

See story on page 3

…murder victim’s U.S. papers were being processed at the time of his death

Grieving widow; Pooja Pitam in front of a Brooklyn courthouse on Wednesday (Photo: Leon Jameson Suseran)

Murder-accused; Marcus Bisram

Murder victim; Faiyaz Narinedatt and his son in happier times

Jagdeo engages Guyanese Diaspora in New York See stories and photos inside

‘A breakdown in moral values in society’ Page 5

…says prominent religious leader on recent attempted bank robbery

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WEEK ENDING JULY 9, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING JULY 9, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Arrest of Marcus Bisram in NY

NEWS 3

Guyanese authorities awaiting extradition hearing …murder victim’s U.S. papers were being processed at the time of his death

T

wo days after the New York Daily News reported that the alleged mastermind behind the November 2016 Corentyne murder, Marcus Brian Bisram, was nabbed in New York, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has indicated that the Guyana Police Force is yet to be formally informed about the arrest.

Blanhum told Guyana Times International that while they had previously submitted a formal extradition request along with the relevant documents for the suspect to be brought to Guyana for trial, the United States (US) authorities are yet to confirm the arrest.

Nevertheless, going forward, the Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) explained that they will have to await the extradition hearing, during which it will have to be proven in court that Guyana has sufficient evidence against the overseas-based Guyanese to warrant an extra-

dition.

Bisram, 28, was charged in absentia in November last for the murder of 26-year-old Faiyaz Narinedatt, a carpenter, who was killed on November 1, 2016, at Number 70 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

The overseas-based Guyanese philanthropist/businessman allegedly ordered four of his allies to kill the father of two, who had rejected his (Bisram’s) sexual advances. It was reported that Narinedatt had choked and slapped the businessman.

The carpenter’s battered body was subsequently found at a staged hit-and-run accident scene. Independent investigations done by the dead man’s family uncovered the gruesome crime, and as such, Police arrested the four suspects, who then confessed that Bisram had ordered them to commit the killing.

By that time however, Bisram had already returned to

the US and the Guyana Police Force has since been trying to have him extradited to face trial. To this end, local law enforcement last November issued a wanted bulletin for the businessman and subsequently contacted its overseas counterparts for assistance in locating the suspect.

The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) subsequently issued a wanted bulletin for Bisram. The Interpol ‘red notice’ urged persons in the United States to contact the nearest Police Station or 911 once the wanted man is sighted. After no response, Guyana then reissued a fugitive warrant for Bisram in March of this year.

This newspaper that despite Bisram being a fugitive wanted for murder on Interpol, he has been roaming freely in New York for the past eight months.

That is until Tuesday when the New York Police Department

Marcus Brian Bisram

(NYPD)/US Marshals Joint Fugitive Task Force nabbed him from his beachfront home in Arverne, Queens sometime around 13:00h.

The following day, he appeared before a Judge at the Brooklyn Federal Court on Wednesday, who ruled that the businessman be held without

bail until his extradition hearing. That date has been scheduled for July 13.

Outside the courthouse, Narinedatt’s widow Pooja Pitam told a CBS New York reporter that it was hard to see the man who ordered the hit on her husband. The grieving woman, who shares two children with the carpenter, said her husband never got to see his now one-year-old daughter. At the time of his death, Narinedatt was awaiting his papers to process to join his family in the Bronx.

Bisram was the sixth person charged with the murder of the carpenter. He was charged along with his 39-yearold bodyguard Orlando Dickie of Stevedore Housing Scheme, Georgetown.

A few days prior, four other persons were charged for the carpenter’s murder. They were 39-year-old Radesh Motie, an continued on page 5

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INTERNATIONAL To contact: Guyana Times International

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

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

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

EDITORIAL Skewed policies in a new socio-political paradigm

O

vertly, Guyana currently has a new socio-political paradigm being promoted and seemingly aspired to

by Government functionaries, with ‘social cohesion’ being one of the primary planks on which the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) campaigned pre-election in 2011 and 2015.

Subsequent to their attaining office, however, a new reality has been discerned, which is the discernment of a seemingly rampant vendetta against perceived People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) supporters, especially in the entrepreneurial– socio-economic sectors, tantamount to economic genocide.

Without considering – seemingly without caring, about the absolute devastation in the lives and actual descent into utter poverty of tens of thousands who are being, and will be affected by the downscaling and eventual closure of the sugar industry, the coalition Government, against all the pleadings and advice of experts in the field, that the socio-economic fallout will not only negatively impact the communities which were established around the sugar estates, but will also drastically affect the socio-economic dynamics of the entire country, they are relentlessly forging ahead with their dastardly plans, regardless.

The rice sector has been taking a battering, as has the entire agricultural sector, with no alleviation foreseen in the immediate or long-term future. Given the fact that under the PPP/C Administration, Guyana had achieved the MDG in food security, this is indeed an unfortunate situation, trending toward the empty market shelves of yesteryear.

Pre-2011 elections and subsequently in 2015, the coalition partners encouraged the electorate to “Vote for Righteousness”, promising accountability, transparency and a stamping-out of endemic (sic!) corruption in Government. Well, they achieved their objective, even if questionably so, and their record is there for the world to judge them – by their actions. Space does not permit the rehashing of the innumerable corrupt, even at times criminal actions that have been blatantly committed by officials of the current Government, but their two-year maladministration of the country has taken public accountability of the nation’s spending to a new low.

Their rhetoric of pre-election promises – parroting the PPP/C mantra “Sugar is too big to fail” and promising “G$9000 a bag for paddy” were merely bait to catch the votes of the traditional PPP support bases, and they succeeded immeasurably.

The approximately 33 per cent decline in the timber industry is also playing havoc with the socio-economic survival of hinterland communities, so to even the most impartial eye Amerindians and Indians seem to be suffering under a multiplicity of discriminatory strategies and policies by the current regime.

The Red House imbroglio; the GECOM impasse; ‘bondgate’; sole-sourcing; contracts awarded to friends, financiers and relatives are merely the tip of the iceberg of what easily looks like blatant discrimination and corruption. The travails of the people are continuing and growing, with VAT on education and its ancillary prerequisites, the parking meter fiasco, et al, the lawlessness of this people-unfriendly Government seemingly has no limit and its taxation policies have absolutely no sanity.

From financial and economic experts to the ordinary man in the street, there have been numerous complaints that the Government is visionless and bankrupt of ideas for development.

David Granger, whether it is acceptable to some and unacceptable to others, is President of the Republic of Guyana, with responsibility and a mandate to deliver optimum service to all the people of this country, irrespective of whether they voted for him or not, so as to enhance their lives and secure their livelihoods, with equity and justice.

As President, he needs to address the concerns of the victims of the skewed and destructive policies of his government.

The New Amsterdam Harmony Group and the Ministry of Social Cohesion on Wednesday hosted Berbice’s first ever Harmony Village- New Amsterdam Culture Fest. In photo: Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo checking out Berbice’s rich drumming culture. (DPI photo)

U.S.-based Guyanese celebrate 4th July

By Dr. Vishnu Bisram

G

uyanese Americans celebrated the 241st anniversary since the declaration of America’s independence last Tuesday with a variety of festivities. It was a family fun day with many choosing it for outing in the park, or beach, or some kind of entertainment or for relaxation. It was a day off from work as it was a public holiday with virtually all businesses, except for essential services, closed. It was a most enjoyable day for the Guyaunese American population as indeed it was for other ethnic groups.

July 4th was a day off to have a good time. Some were seen engaged in drinking on the streets or in front of their homes. Others visited family or hosted reunions. And there was a lot of patriotism exhibited by the Guyanese communities – they played or listened to songs about America and flew flags.

Some flew or waved both the US and Guyana flags.

And some sported lapel pins of flags of both nations.

In several communities, the American flags flew in front of Guyanese homes on the verandah or on the lawn. It is interesting to see the US flag fluttered next to the Jhandis. Guyanese are changing entire neighborhoods transforming former “slum areas” in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens into premium real estate thought unimaginable just two decades ago.

Like their fellow Americans of other national backgrounds, many Guyanese held barbecues in their backyard or in the park. Some did picnics.

Others went sailing and or fishing. Some went to the beaches. Some were seen playing cricket, baseball and volley ball in the park. And in the evening or the night before, some sent off fireworks or crackers and other lit items and or engaged in other activities associated with the day. Many were glued to the TV for the famous Macy’s fireworks. Sadly, two Guyanese families in the Bronx lost their homes to fire caused by fireworks last weekend.

Some Guyanese were sworn in as citizens in New York, New Jersey, and Florida. Some 15,000 immigrants were sworn in as citizens on July 4.

Guyanese, like other ethnic minorities, were only allowed to become residents and later citizens during the 1970s after the 1965 Immigration Act that officially permitted “non-Whites” to settle in the US. The Luce-Celler Immigration Act of 1946, signed into law on 3rd July 1946 by President Harry Truman, granted naturalization rights to Filipinos

and Indian Americans; Indo-Guyanese fall under the Indian American category. These Indians and Filipinos were stranded in the US after the war effort and were denied citizenship. Luce-Celler reversed the Naturalization Act of 1870 which had denied Asians (including Indians) the right to gain US citizenship.

Upon becoming US citizens, the new Americans could own homes and farmland, and petition for family reunification.

However, while Luce Celler Act allowed Asians to become citizens, de facto it barred further immigration. Indians were not allowed to come to the US, except as students, until 1965 when the law was changed. And Guyanese started coming to the US right after that Immigration Act signed into law by President Johnson. Guyanese started becoming naturalized citizens in the late 1970s.

This was followed by a massive wave of Guyanese from the late 1970s, through family reunification sponsorship with some years reaching 20,000 of Guyanese migrants. There is an estimated 500,000 Guyanese immigrants or their American born children living in America. Guyanese are listed as the seventh largest immigrant group in New York.

The Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC), led by Berbician Ashook Ramsaran, issued a release congratulating the people of United States of America (USA) on the milestone of attaining 241 years of freedom and democracy. The IDC is comprised of members from, among other countries, Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname. The release salutes America for “continuing progress in championing the cause of freedom, justice and liberty throughout the world”.

Ramsaran stated: “We are grateful for the enormous sacrifices made for the hard fought independence of USA and the continuing diligence and determination to maintain and advance freedom and liberty which universally endear the USA as a beacon of hope, freedom and refuge for the persecuted and downtrodden”.

The IDC release noted that “USA’s struggle for independence and promoting freedom exemplify the indomitable human spirit to choose and make decisions for the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness, and has inspired nations, racially diverse and ethnic groups and individuals to advance their own struggles for freedom. The USA strives to be introspective and adapt to changing times and recognition of past injustices to better serve the needs of its citizens with established institutions and processes for social justice”.

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WEEK ENDING JULY 9, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyanese in NY urged to mount fight to keep sugar estates alive

Dear Editor, A group of Guyanese nationalists paid glowing tribute to the Enmore Martyrs last Sunday afternoon at the Liberty Palace in Richmond Hill, New York. The Enmore Martyrs incident refers to the cold-blooded murder of several sugar workers during a strike on June 16, 1948. The workers were subjected to inhumane working and living conditions, causing them to take industrial action to force management to improve working conditions. And the British Government ordered troops to open fire on the protesting workers, killing five and injuring scores.

The dead were buried at Le Repentir cemetery. A large crowd, led by Cheddi Jagan and leaders of the PAC and GIWU, marched from Enmore to the Le Repentir cemetery, where the bodies were interred.

“It was not merely a march to mourn the lives of five innocent people; not merely a march to cry for their fallen brothers; it was a ‘march of defiance’; it was a ‘march for freedom’; a march that started the journey to independence,” said Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, who was the feature speaker at the event.

The Richmond Hill event was organised by the Guyanese Solidarity Movement (GSM) 100th Indenture Anniversary Foundation led by Dr. Tara Singh, this writer, and others. I gave opening remarks, reminding the audience about the sacrifices made by the Enmore strikers and those who were injured or killed by British troops. I also spoke about the dire situation of workers from my visit to several sugar estates, particularly Wales, two weeks ago.

Among other speakers were Walter Raghu, a former GAWU official and sugar worker, who spoke of the traumatic situation the sugar workers found themselves in; and Frank Bassoodeo, who spoke about the history of sugar workers and the difficulties rice farmers face as a result of broken promises by

the current coalition government.

Dr. Leslie Ramsammy gave the feature address, on the Martyrs and on the current state of the sugar industry. Dr. Tara Singh served as moderator for an interactive (question and answer) session; Robert Mahase read a poem on the Martyrs; Rohan, the flutist, performed a musical tune with a flute. Mahendra Ramkhellawan, the popular Chutney singer, graced the event with his presence and sang a new CD about how sugar and the closing down of sugar estates was putting workers on the bread line. The DJ and sound system was provided free of cost by Deodat Singh.

Dr Ramsammy claimed that the Government betrayed the sugar workers, and are determined to end sugar production because they see sugar as an important support base for the PPP. “It is political vendetta, not good economics. The decision to close SUGAR is not a policy derived from any good analysis and study, but driven by a wicked political motivation. SUGAR and the sugar workers are collateral damage. In the process, all of Guyana will pay an economic and social price,” Dr. Ramsammy said.

“This is likely to be the last tribute paid to the Martyrs in Enmore with an operating Enmore Sugar Factory, unless we stop the callous plan of the APNU+AFC Administration to close the Enmore Estate”.

APNU+AFC have announced plans to close the Enmore Estate at the end of 2017.

He called on the audience and the public at large to mount a fight to keep Enmore and other estates alive. The organisers plan to host other town hall-type events to keep the diaspora abreast of happenings in their former homeland.

This writer urges the Government to pursue a policy that provides employment for those out of jobs at Wales and elsewhere.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Something is definitely wrong when persons with degrees are robbing banks Dear Editor, A 25-year-old with a degree in agronomy was shot to death on Tuesday as he attempted to rob Republic Bank’s Water Street branch.

What a tragedy that our young people, even those with tertiary qualifications, are resorting to this type of activity. Seventy per cent of Guyana’s population is made up of persons 35 years and younger and it is no secret that feelings of hopelessness and despair are increasingly engulfing our youth. We have one of the highest youth suicide rates in the world.

What an indictment on Guyana and its leaders, past and present.

In May 2015, President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo deliberately misled the young people of Guyana when they campaigned on the promise of jobs for youths. Their campaign poster actually read “Youths – it’s time to vote for jobs”.

Only two months after being elected, President Granger made the following statement, “There is no magic wand. The government cannot provide jobs…”

Only true if you follow the failed neo-liberal, capitalist model of economic development. In a country

as underdeveloped and broken as Guyana, the Government must reject this model, must meaningfully engage in the economy, leading the charge to provide development and jobs.

There is surely something terribly wrong when a country with the potential to be the breadbasket for South America and the Caribbean is not only full of hungry people, but is also now a place where young people with agronomy degrees are robbing banks.

Whatever one thinks about this young man’s action – it is surely one of desperation. And of course, despite the fact that the Police and a private security firm were engaged in a fire fight, I doubt that every effort was made to disable and disarm this young man.

Instead, as usual, the Police shot to kill, becoming not only a law enforcement agency but also judge and jury. Already, I have heard comments such as “he got what he deserved”. Twenty-five-year-olds make serious errors of judgement.

All of us have children who do so all the time. Does this warrant the taking of their lives?

Crime amongst our youth will continue to rise, especially in an environment where they are de-

prived of opportunity and where they are constantly witnessing double standards, hypocrisy and the outright criminal activity of those at the highest echelons of this society.

What a tragic state of affairs we find ourselves embroiled in.

In the words of Martin Carter: “All are involved, all are consumed.” None of us can escape responsibility for this state of affairs.

The sins of a society are the sum total of the sins of all of its people.

Frantz Fanon said it best in The Wretched of the Earth: “The collective struggle presupposes collective responsibility at the base and collegiate responsibility at the top. Yes; everybody will have to be compromised in the fight for the common good. No one has clean hands; there are no innocents and no onlookers. We all have dirty hands; we are all soiling them in the swamps of our country and in the terrifying emptiness of our brains. Every onlooker is either a coward or a traitor.”

Sincerely, Gerald A Perreira Leader Organisation for the Victory of the People (OVP)

Many unanswered questions on SOCU and law books

Dear Editor, Recent reports in the print and electronic media indicate that the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) which has been doing an excellent job so far, applied to the court for a warrant to search the home of the former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall for among other things 15 Commonwealth Law Reports.

SOCU alleged that Nandlall is unlawfully keeping those books.

Relative activities after then left me wondering – wondering why SOCU applied in open court for the warrant. Wondering why the application for the search warrant was not made in chambers. Wondering why the Chief

Magistrate took the unprecedented action to read the warrant in open court. Wondering why Her Worship instructed SOCU’s officials to return hours after to uplift the warrant. Wondering why SOCU did not approach a Justice of the Peace and Commissioner of Oaths to Affidavits to endorse the warrant. Wondering if there is a shortage of Justices of the Peace and Commissioner of Oaths to Affidavits in Georgetown, as is the case at West Coast Berbice and other locations. Wondering if only a Chief Magistrate can endorse a warrant for SOCU to search a home for evidence in relation to a crime under investigation.

Wondering if in my policing

days when I used to obtain and execute warrants signed by Justices of the Peace and Commissioner of Oaths to Affidavits and not the Magistrates my actions were unlawful. Wondering if the law has changed in relation to obtaining a search warrant since I retired from the Guyana Police Force.

Wondering when will someone in authority clear the air in respect of this legal morass. Wondering if somewhere along the line there was an ulterior motive. I am wondering. I am still wondering.

Yours faithfully, Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner Police (Retired)

of

Guyana Govt should seek advice from oil and gas experts in the Diaspora Dear Editor, Press reports state that massive amounts of oil have been discovered in Guyana, and foreign company ExxonMobil has been contracted to explore and carry out the extensive operations to market the “black gold”.

While ExxonMobil is spending tens of billions of dollars in the exploration process, concerns are being expressed by Guyanese within and outside of Guyana about the arrangement between the Government and ExxonMobil. The latest came from Nigel Hughes, an outstanding attorney and Director of Guyana Oil and Gas Association (GOGA).

Two prominent and highly qualified Guyanese in the diaspora — Dr Tulsi Singh, who has been in the oil business for decades in Midland Texas, and Sam Boodhoo,

CPA, CA, a certified professional accountant of Canada, who had given professional advice to several oil companies — feel the Guyana Government should be very cautious in signing its final agreement with ExxonMobil.

Boodhoo has written a paper on Guyana Oil Dealings, wherein he highlighted the pitfalls and stressed that Guyana should establish a corporation owned and controlled by Guyanese to manage the oil resources. He feels that there might be deficiencies in the negotiation process. Dr Singh, on the other hand, who was not too optimistic that Guyana would earn billions from the oil, is now of the ‘view that the Republic would benefit tremendously because of three factors: (1) Hess Corporation, a 30% owner in ExxonMobil, is making financial arrangements for the Guyana project;

(2) XOM, as the operating partner in Guyana, has confirmed a G$4,4 billion on the deal, and XOM has engaged SBM Offshore NV, a Dutch offshore oil and gas behemoth, to convert a huge crude oil tanker into a floating production storage and offloading platform.

The minister responsible for the oil Industry, Raphael Trotman, an attorney who is not an expert in oil, should seek the advice of Guyanese in the diaspora who are experts in the field and who are willing to offer their advice.

Two other Guyanese entrepreneurs – Brian Ramphal of California and Mc Sood Amjad of St Maarten – have also expressed their concern and want to ensure that Guyana is not taken for a ride by foreign big business.

Sincerely, Oscar Ramjeet

news 7

WEEK ENDING JULY 9, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

GuySuCo continues community outreaches

…Uitvlugt 40,000 tonnes target ‘achievable’ – Estate Manager B y L akeram B hagirat

F

orty thousand tonnes of sugar by 2020 is achievable but lack of labour would severely hamper that target, according to Uitvlugt Estate Manager, Yudhisthira Mana. However, Mana identified that if that target is not met then the estate would incur a loss.

Mana was at the time addressing a gath-

some 18,000 tonnes of sugar by the end of 2017.

Forty thousand tonnes challenge

The greater the target, the greater the challenges of achieving that, Mana says.

He adds that the major hindrance towards achieving the target is the failure of workers to attend work. Some 375 workers, harvesters and planters, from the Wales Estate refused to

ular basis to maximize production.

Mana told the gathering that he is confident that the agricultural team at the Uitvlugt estate would be able to reach the target but adequate labour is needed. “We have the ability, we have the commitment, we have the togetherness to make this a reality…we recognise that we don’t have adequate labour force to take us

Some of the stakeholders gathered at the outreach

ering of sugar workers, community leaders and residents of Uitvlugt Village, West Coast Demerara. The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is conducting a series of community outreaches in sugar dependent communities throughout the country. This comes on the heels of the closure of the Wales Estate and the Government’s proposed closure of the Enmore, Rose Hall and Skeldon Estates.

The aim of the outreaches includes creating awareness of the need for employees to show up to harvest cane and mobilising community leaders and other stakeholders, such as customers, suppliers, government, private and civil society sectors around the importance of improving attendance on all Estates.

With the closure of the Wales Estate, the sugar cane processed at the facility is sent to the Uitvlugt Estate and, according to Mana, the target of 40,000 tonnes of sugar by the year 2020 is an ‘achievable’ task. He noted that the factory is expected to produce

take the approximate 45 minutes commute to the Uitvlugt Estate and as a result, production is severely hampered.

“We will be the only sugar producing estate in the Demerara region and we will not have to go up to Berbice for sugar to supply our demands anymore,” Mana explained.

He made those statements while presenting the Uitvlugt Estate Improvement Programme (UEIP) to the stakeholders.

However, when questioned about the cost attached to the factory upgrade, to facilitate the achievement of the proposed target, Mana was unable to provide an answer.

The estate would require over 520,000 tonnes of sugarcane to achieve its target requiring some 6,005.9 hectares of land to be cultivated. This would create employment for over 1,700 persons and would influence communities along the West Bank and Coast of Demerara and the East Bank of Essequibo.

Part of the UEIP encourages members of the communities to encourage the workers to attend work on a reg-

through 40,000 tonnes of sugar,” he related.

“Not reaching the 40,000 tonnes will definitely increase the cost of production and everything that depends on the revenue coming out of that will be stymied,” he added.

The New GuySuCo

GuySuCo’s Senior Communications Officer, Audreyanna Thomas, spoke extensively on the ‘New GuySuCo’ and how it seeks to diversify the sugar industry. She noted that the plan proposes a two-component approach- the sugar component and the diversification component.

The sugar component includes the amalgamation of the AlbionRose Hall, Blairmont and Uitvlugt Estates with an expected 147,000 tonnes of sugar produced annually.

This estimated production will support the demands of the markets with the break down being 25,000 tonnes for local consumption, 50-60,000 tonnes for CARICOM and Regional markets, 12,500 tonnes for the US market and 50,000 tonnes for the World markets.

While the diversification aspect includes exploring the possibilities of the aquaculture – the rearing of tilapia and dairy farming – the establishment of two milking farms at the Wales Estate. There are feasibility studies conducted on both aspects and favourable reports have been handed in.

Thomas said that the new GuySuCo would see massive training programmes for employees so that they would be able to fit-in in alternative careers.

She noted communities affected by the closure of estates and those in areas where estates are still operable are ‘vulnerable and susceptible’ to the challenges of GuySuCo. She added that this needs to change and as a result, they are embarking on the Sustainable C o m m u n i t y D e v e l o p m e n t Programme since they see an immediate need for it. She notes that this programme in-

A worker from the Uitvlugt Estate interacting with the panel continued on page 12

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WEEK ENDING JULY 9, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Broomes breaks silence Man charged over offensive Facebook post about T&T PM on house rent fiasco – says Govt has an obligation to provide a home for her

J

The sum of $500,000 was being dipped from the public coffers and spent monthly on rent for this house for Minister Broomes

unior Natural R e s o u r c e s Minister Simona Broomes has made it clear that as a minister of Government serving the people of Guyana, the Administration under which she serves has a responsibility to provide a home for her.

Broomes’ comments were made on Tuesday, in what is said to be a “silence breaker” since the issue was brought to the fore less than a month ago.

The Minister came to the spotlight after it was revealed that some G$500,000 was being dipped from the public coffers and spent monthly on rent for a house she was occupying.

Broomes, who hails from the mining district of Bartica in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), said when she accepted the govern-

Junior Natural Resources Minister Simona Broomes

mental post, she was already living in her own home.

“I avail myself for people and the people of the country. Concerning the renting of a house, Government gotta find a place to put me in.

Government brought me from my home, not a house; I don’t live in a house,” Broomes said in an online recording re-

leased by a government information outfit.

She said she came from a home where she has her family.

“It’s not a walk in the park. A government that is standing up against corruption and fighting corruption, I don’t want nobody build no house and give me as a gift.

We know in the past, people get a whole house in the name of a gift. I am not in a supermarket; I am not up for sale. I have been listening and reading the rumours; they have not touched me. I don’t have anything in my closet. I am that ordinary woman (Simona Broomes) and I would maintain that. I just ask God every day to keep my heart in the right place. He bring me here to serve the people.

I’m a humble servant,” she said in the online video.

P

olice have charged Rayad Mohammed, the man who wrote a Facebook post directed at Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, his wife and daughter.

Mohammed, who apologised for the disturbing post when it became widely known, has been charged with sending a grossly offensive message, an offence under the Summary Offences Act. Mohammed was detained by police last Saturday and remained in custody until last night, when he was granted his own bail and allowed to leave the San Fernando Police Station.

“Someone should find ROWLEY daughter and wife and slit their throats N rape them” was the post linked to Mohammed last Friday.

The statement was condemned by most, and on Saturday, Mohammed messaged the Express with an apology.

He wrote: “I Rayad Ryan Mohammed am

Rayad Mohammed

truly and deeply regretful about the post that went viral yesterday. It was said in anger and I meant no harm or malicious intent to anyone in the Rowley family. I was simply very angry by the state of crime in the country and what appears to be the lack of concern from those in authority. The offending post has been removed”.

Mohammed is expected to appear in the Siparia Magistrates’ Court today.

Section 106 of the Summary Offences Act Chapter: 11:02 states: “Any person who (a)

sends any message by telephone which is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene, or menacing character, (b) sends any message by telephone, telegram, which he knows to be false, for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to any other person, or (c) persistently makes telephone calls without reasonable cause and for such purpose as mentioned above, is liable on summary conviction to a find of $200 or to imprisonment for one month.”

(Trinidad Express)

Barbados-bound cocaine mule nabbed Eugene F Correia International Airport

A

rank attached to the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) on Monday nabbed an outgoing passenger at the Eugene F Correia International Airport, who had ingested several cocaine pallets.

According to reports, 35-year-old Eaion Kwesi Kaman Le Blank of Lot 101 Ogle Street, Triumph, East Coast Demerara, was scheduled to fly to Barbados on Monday.

However, he was observed acting in a suspicious manner and was subsequently detained for questioning during which he admitted to swallowing the pellets.

The suspect was then escorted to a city hospital where he was medically examined and remained hospitalised.

As of 12:00 noon on Tuesday, he excreted several suspected cocaine-filled pellets. Investigations are ongoing.

T&T mother-of-eight goes to jail: Charged with child cruelty (Trinidad Express)

T

he mother arrested after a video was posted on social media showing a woman abusing an infant boy, appeared in court on Tuesday.

Mother of eight Beverly David was taken before a Sangre Grande Magistrate charged with cruelty of a minor according to the Children’s Act. David was granted bail of $100,000.

However, she remained in custody because she was unable to secure bail.

As a result, David was remanded in prison custody and will reappear on July 18.

NEWS 9

WEEK ENDING JULY 9, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Granger cautions regional heads to ready themselves ahead of trade talks with UK, EU

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utgoing Caricom C h a i r m a n , Guyana’s Head of State, David Granger, has chided his regional counterparts even as he cautions they should ready themselves for a changing international climate replete with uncertainty and complexity.

President Granger was at the time addressing the 15 Caricom Heads of Government at the opening ceremony of the 38th Conference of Heads currently underway in Grenada.

The Guyanese President served as the Caricom Chairman over the past six months and in his address to the regional Prime Ministers, Presidents, Premier and members of the international diplomatic corps, he warned Caricom it “cannot cling to an obsolete model of insularity in light of these international changes”.

Expanding on the international uncertainties that threaten the very existence of the Caricom grouping, Granger pointed to the recent election of Donald Trump in the United States of America – one of Caricom’s key trade and bilateral donor partners – and pointed to the uncertainty that obtains as a result.

In his cautionary message to the regional leaders gathered at the Grenada Trade Centre on Tuesday, the Guyanese leader pointed to the uncertainties that have arisen for the Region as a result of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, referred to commonly as Brexit.

Granger used his time at the podium to also draw reference to EU’s policies towards Caricom and stressed that “after the expiration of the Cotonou Accord, is uncertain (ty)”.

He spoke too of the likely impact of changes in the policies of the African Union (AU) and its impact on the Caribbean in light of its association to the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States.

According to the Guyanese President, “Six months has been a long time in international relations, as we have seen in the US, UK, EU and the AU…This semester has provided ample opportunities for the Community to work together to protect our vital interests at the levels of citizen, country and the Community.”

15 identities

Delivering his blistering assessment of the 15-nation Caribbean Community grouping, Granger said, “The mirage of 15 airlines, 15 cricket

President David Granger

teams, defence forces and 15 embassies in the capitals of the world might mesmerise a few sentimental romantics, but could deplete the treasuries of our States.”

According to the outgoing Caricom Chairman in his starkest warning to regional leaders since taking office, “the Community has vital strategic interests to protect and promote in its international relations”.

He said it was imperative that Caricom engaged foreign States to preserve its interests and “the Community also must ready itself for negotiations with the UK, EU and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States”.

CSME

He instead suggested that the Community, “challenged by the constantly changing international situation, must redouble its efforts to ensure a more safe society for its citizens, more stable economies for its countries, deeper solidarity and a more secure hemisphere.”

Turning his attention to the sore issue of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) and its less-than-desired rate of implementation across the Region, the outgoing Chairman reminded his regional counterparts that the initiative was the Community’s best response to the inevitable changes in its traditional markets in Europe, the prevalence of economic liberalisation and the emergence of economic blocs.

“The CSME is still the best vehicle to allow small states to compete in the global economy while promoting economic and social development.”

He told the Caricom Heads of Government, including incoming Chairman, Dr Keith Mitchell of Grenada, “CSME is the most ambitious project attempted by the Community; it must not become its most ambiguous.”

According to Granger, “CSME, especially given the present uncertainties facing the Region’s international relations, must be accelerated in order to create a single economic space.”

Diaspora

Following the Opening

Ceremony of the 38th Conference of Heads of Government, Granger used the opportunity to venture to the Mt Cinnamon Hotel in Grenada, where he, along with Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, met with members of the Diaspora for an engagement at a reception.

The President, in his interaction with Guyanese living in Grenada, reminded them of his appeal to the regional Heads of Government.

He told those Guyanese in attendance at the reception, “I feel we in the Caribbean have to be very alert to what is taking place in the world,” and again drew reference to developments in the US, UK, EU and A. “We cannot afford to be left behind.”

According to President Granger, “we cannot afford to drag our feet in coming together,” and must in fact work towards being a community acting in unison in order to be able to exercise any clout in negotiations with the US, UK, the Organisation of America States, Britain, the European Union or any of the other power blocs.

Invest in home

Turning his attention to domestic affairs, the President reminded attendees of the important role of the Diaspora in the development of Guyana as a nation and in the determination of its development trajectory.

The President drew reference to the fact that most Guyanese who travel abroad such as those residing in Grenada often times improve their education and financial standing, making them viable investors for opportunities existing at home.

Cops grilling schoolboy over stabbing death of Berbice taxi driver

Murdered, Deonarine Laljit

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Murdered, Deonarine Laljit

taxi driver was on Wednesday afternoon stabbed to death by a 15-yearold passenger on Line Path Public Road in Skeldon, Corentyne, during an alleged misunderstanding.

Thirty-seven-yearold Deonarine Laljit of Lot 223 Back Street Hong Kong, Number 72 Village, Corentyne, was stabbed once to his neck and face and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Skeldon Hospital.

Based on reports received, the victim, who was the brother of a senior Police rank in B Division (Berbice), collected the 15-year-old at No 59 Village and was heading to Line Path when an argument ensued between them.

During the argument, the teen reportedly whipped out a knife and stabbed the driv-

er twice and as the car came to a halt, he made good his escape. The injured driver exited his vehicle and walked a few feet before collapsing.

Public-spirited citizens immediately alerted the Police who arrived at the scene some time after and began their investigations.

The man’s body was subsequently taken to the hospital where doctors on duty confirmed his demise.

Acting on information, Police ranks went to an abandoned house at Line Path where the teenage suspect was arrested. He was also found to be in possession of the murder weapon. This newspaper was told that after Laljit was stabbed, he was relieved of the cash he was carrying and other valuables.

The teenager is being further grilled by detectives. When this publication made contact with the dead man’s relatives, his motherin-law, Mala, explained that they were at home when they received a telephone call informing them that her sonin-law was shot and injured.

She noted that without hesitation, the family members rushed to the scene only to find the body of the man covered with a white sheet in a pool of blood. She noted that the Police were at the time conducting their investigations after which his body was taken to the hospital.

The woman explained that the now dead man worked as a cane cutter to provide for his family, but after some time, he started to work his car as a taxi to make ends meet. The aggrieved mother-inlaw further stated that based on reports gathered, Laljit was stabbed and robbed of his valuables by the teenager who was later arrested.

She noted that the now dead man was a kind-hearted individual and would give people a free ride when they did not have money to pay the fare. Laljit was also described as a caring and loving father.

He leaves to mourn his wife, two children and three brothers among other relatives.

The Police are continuing their investigations into the stabbing incident.

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WEEK ENDING JULY 9, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Hundreds of 2 accused of murdering “threesome peeper” charged cattle die in Black

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wo prime suspects accused of battering to death Kumar Persaud, also called “Radika”, after he was caught witnessing them engaged in a threesome (ménage à trois) on a beach in Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) were on Tuesday afternoon brought before the court of Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Ethon Gibson, 21, and Deon Samuels, 19, both sailors from Parika, Region Three (Essequibo

Islands-West Demerara) are alleged to have murdered Persaud on June 21. Reports are the now deceased was severely beaten by two men and a woman after he continued to look at them while they were engaged in the sexual act. The men reportedly requested that the deceased refrain from watching them, but in a drunken state, Persaud continued to look. As such, he was “cuffed” and kicked about his body.

The beating was witnessed by another person who was also looking at the act from a different angle. Moreover, it is alleged that the men have since confessed to murdering the victim. They were not required to plead to the indictable charge when it was read to them by the Chief Magistrate, and would remain on remand at the Camp Street Prison until July 21, when they are expected to reappear in court.

Bush Polder flood

ICT could help to bridge communication gap in Caricom – Granger

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s regional leaders meet for another Caribbean Community (Caricom) Heads of Government meeting in Grenada, President David Granger, the outgoing Chairman of the regional body, said the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) will be on top of the agenda.

Granger told a delegation of Guyanese media operatives that ICT could serve to eliminate the communication barriers faced among the 15-member states of Caricom, while admitting that distance cannot be easily overcome given the complexities of the Region.

“The Caribbean is a peculiar jurisdiction.

You are talking about 3000 square kilometres of sea space and from as far as The Bahamas to Paramaribo. The distance can’t be easily overcome.

Communication has always been a problem and ICT will be on the agenda for this Caricom meeting,” he added.

The Guyanese Head of State stressed that ICT

M President David Granger at the podium addressing the other Heads of State and audiance at the opening ceremony of the 38th Heads of Government in Grenada

could be used to drive the message of regional integration to a higher level.

“Yes, we always need to do more to educate our citizens but what I would like to say a lot is being done. It’s through ICT we will try to bridge this gap. Caricom headquarters has done a lot.”

Granger said that governments and the regional media also need to play its part. “Regional integration is not sexy.

When things go bad, there is a lot of news coverage but there is a lot of day to day work going on in the Region, it’s not just reported on,” he claimed.

According to him, there are many things happening within the Region but these issues are hardly ever reported.

“The way we deal with disease, education and functional cooperation but it’s happening all the time,” Granger said because these are not sexy topics.

Referring to his stint as Chairman of Caricom, the President said the Region was able to put more clearly in focus the need for the community to speak with a single voice. He referred to a meeting which was held in Washington in May this year, which required

all regional Foreign Affairs Ministers to agree on a common response to the crisis within the Organisation of American States (OAS).

“We were able to use various devices, particularly face to face conversations and teleconferencing as far as possible.

It’s a work in progress and we understand the concerns of member states and we will continue working. It is one of the pillars of the community, so we have to continue to ensure there is no difference between various states and this is what diplomacy is all about,” Granger said.

3 remanded for multimillion-dollar robbery

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eyoud Amin, W i n s t o n McKenzie and Andre Vierra were on Tuesday afternoon hauled before the court of Georgetown Magistrate Judy Latchman and remanded to prison in relation to a multimillion-dollar armed robbery just over a month ago.

The trio was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on May 20, 2017 at Craig Village, East Bank Demerara (EBD), while armed with handguns, they robbed Dai Su Cheng of one minibus valued at G$2.3 million, fish glue valued g$25.7 million, cellular phones and a quantity of cash, a total

Feyoud Sundar exits the prisoner’s chute

value of G$28,780,000.

Amin’s lawyer related that her client resided in Meadow Bank on the East Bank of Demerara and was willing to lodge

all travel documents pending trial. The lawyer in an attempt to secure bail sought to establish that Amin, 29, was a well-rooted fami-

ly man who was gainfully employed as the manager of a family business in Meadow Bank.

Meanwhile, the court heard that McKenzie had a fixed place of abode in Eccles, EBD, and is a boat operator by profession, while Vierra related that he was occasionally employed as a taxi driver and had a permanent residence in Meadow Bank. Police Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt objected to bail considering the seriousness and prevalence of the offence and the fact that a dangerous weapon was used in executing the crime.

Bail was refused and the trio was remanded to prison. They were ordered to return to court on July 12.

Animals lie dead in the floodwaters

ore than a thousand heads of cattle have died within the last few days as a result of flood waters at Cookrite Savannah in the Black Bush Polder, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

When this publication visited the Savannah on Tuesday, carcases were seen in varying stages of decomposition. Farmers have put the daily death toll at more than 20. The animals have little or no food to eat and the area stinks of rotting flesh.

More than 1000 acres of land are under water, up to chest high in some sections. About 40 farmers occupy Cookrite Savannah, which is situated between the four polders – Johanna, Mibicuri, Yakasary and Lesbeholden. There are about 7000 heads of cattle along with sheep, goat and horses. The farmers reported that so far, more than 1000 heads of cattle have died and close to 20 horses.

Peter Crawford has 600 heads of cattle in the Savannah and already about 150 have died. Another farmer, Nico Greene, who owns 200 heads, said 50 of his animals are missing. He is fearful that they are dead. His brother, Compton Greene, who owns 400 heads of cattle, told Guyana Times International on Tuesday that he lost 10 horses and 60 cows as a result of the floodwaters.

The farmer watched helplessly as the animals developed fevers and then became too weak to stand. One farmer, Seenarine Deonarine, has lost about 100 of his 700 cows.

Sultan Munroe reported that he has lost close to 200 of his 500 cows.

Speaking also with this publication, female farmer Raberta LaRose

reported that he lost 300 heads of cattle and about 100 sheep. She said efforts were made to get her animals to dry land risking the chance that they will be impounded.

Cattle farmers are also doing the same. However many of them say they can only bring out a small portion.

Lucy Monroe, another female farmer, has already lost about 15 of her 100 heads of cattle. She is of the view that an engineer needs to visit the savannah to find a solution to save the remaining animals.

According to the farmers, only one of the three sluice doors is being operated at Adventure, while the pumps at Eversham and Number 43 Village are not being put into operation.

Region Six Chairman David Armogan had previously told this publication that the regional budget for fuel was cut by close to 50 per cent and as a result, the administration will be unable to carry out much of the work it did in the past.

Regional Vice Chairman Dennis DeRoop on Tuesday said he was aware of the situation and had been seeking the assistance of the cattle farmers to provide transportation to get the regional engineer to visit the area.

Cookrite Savannah is only accessible by boat.

Meanwhile, with no answers to the problem after two weeks of flooding, the affected farmers went to the regional office of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Tuesday seeking assistance. The staff at that office, Gobin Harbhajan, told this newspaper that he wrote the Prime Minister as well as Agriculture Minister Noel Holder on the issue.

(Andrew Carmichael)

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WEEK ENDING JULY 9, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Constitutional Reform Bill for National Assembly before recess cess, Government had touted major changes to the governance structure, including separate elections to elect a President and National Assembly members; the capping of presidential powers; and changes to the composition of service commissions, among others.

T h e Constitutional Reform Steering Committee that was established will be responsible for effecting the changes to the Constitution when Government finalises its decision on the reforms.

CRSC Chairman Nigel Hughes handing over the report to The Committee, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in May last year which comprised of former by Attorney fter months of headed a n t i c i p a t i o n , Nigel Hughes, who had Director of Transparency and the coalition compiled and submit- International Government will final- ted a report to Prime Attorney Gino Persaud, Harold ly be moving to have the Minister Nagamootoo in Professor former Constitutional Reform April last year. That re- Lutchman, Geeta and Consultative Bill port is yet to be made Magistrate be laid in the National public. However, over Chandan-Edmond, and Assembly before the the past months, the pro- was chaired by attorparliamentary recess in cess of the drafting and ney and former AFC review of the bill was on- Executive Member Nigel August.

Hughes, was established A statement going.

Nagamootoo had told by the Sub-committee on from Director of Affairs the Government reporters at a press con- Parliamentary Information Agency, ference last year that reportedly without conImran Khan, said that he wanted to consult sultation from the parthis decision was taken with the parliamentary liamentary Opposition.

In fact, former on Tuesday during the Opposition on the conweekly Cabinet meet- tent of the Bill, as he General Secretary of ing. Prime Minister would like to have full the People’s Progressive Moses Nagamootoo support for its passage. Party (PPP) Clement chaired Tuesday’s meet- He noted that the Bill Rohee had explained after the ing among the Council of is not controversial as shortly he himself has reworked Commission was estabMinisters.

“The coalition it based on the previ- lished that his party Government views ous Constitution Reform was not invited to field the laying of the Bill, as process which any representative to Constitutional Reform he was involved in since the committee. He noted that the party views and Consultative Bill in 1996.

Constitutional re- the persons appointed as the National Assembly as a major advancement form was a hot topic “APNU/AFC hacks” and in the process towards during the 2015 General “residents of Office of the constitutional reform,” and Regional Elections President”.

Moreover, he mainthe statement from campaign, with the A Government said.

Partnership for National tained that the PPP was For proud of its accomplishIn August last year, Unity/Alliance (APNU/AFC) ments as far as constiGovernment had estab- Change lished a Constitutional coalition promising to tutional reforms piloted Reform Steering undertake the task. As back in the 2000s were Committee (CRSC), part of the reform pro- concerned.

A

Former cop remanded for 2015 fraud M

agistrate Leron Daly rejected defence counsel Bernard DaSilva’s application for bail while upholding that the court will not release Paul Watson pending trial on the grounds that the former Policeman has pending fraud matters before the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

The 40-year-old father of two and resident of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo was hauled

before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday morning. It is alleged that the accused between March 1, 2015 and June 12, 2017, with intent to defraud, obtained G$790,000 from Gouind Sundar, under the pretence that he was in the position to obtain a firearm licence for the VC. DaSilva questioned the grounds for bail refusal, contending that the other matters were

all but mere allegations as he pronounced time had lapsed since the alleged commission of the offence while questioning why his client was only now being charged with the offence.

The court further heard, through the lawyer, that Watson has a decent job and posed no flight risk as he had no interest in avoiding trial. Bail was refused and the matter adjourned to July 14.

“Unconscionable and immoral”, says WPA of Govt paying hefty rent for ministers

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ven as Government has removed itself from the rent fiasco involving payment of rent for two junior Ministers, coalition partner the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) has condemned the move saying it is “unreasonable”.

Government has already distanced itself from the debacle involving rent payment for Junior Natural Resources Minister Simona Broomes and Minister Valarie Patterson, saying it is a matter for Parliament and Clerk of the National Assembly.

On Tuesday the WPA, a junior member in the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition, said it is unreasonable that that kind of money is being spent in this fashion.

WPA Executive member, Dr David Hinds said what is sad about the situation is that the very Ministers already have many benefits awarded to them. That, he said, is “unconscionable and immoral”. Hinds said there is no reason why the Ministers should not pay their own rent.

“If somebody from Linden or Berbice gets a job in Georgetown, they have to find money to pay for their own housing, or travel back to their home. Why should there

Dr David Hinds

be a separate standard for Ministers?” he questioned.

Guyana Times International was told that Finance Minister Winston Jordan had requested of the Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Issacs that the cap on rent be reduced to G$300,000. However, the WPA said that amount is still too much. Dr Hinds said it is difficult to talk about a particular figure, since persons in the Public Sector are continually feeling the economic squeeze.

“What we know is that public servants in this country work for an average G$100,000 (before tax); we understand that every time we come to talk about teachers and public servants salary we have to negotiate. Against that background a category of workers cannot be treated in that way. This is a matter of morality. How could you as governors say to the rest of the pop-

ulation, we cannot give you 10 per cent, how can you in all conscience turn around and pay a rent for G$500,000?” he questioned.

Last Friday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said the matter involving the payment of house rent for serving Ministers of Government is not addressed at the level of Cabinet, but Parliament.

In fact, he said such funds come from that budget of the National Assembly.

The issue of Parliament paying the rent for Minister Broomes came to light when she became the subject of a court action initiated by her former landlord, who had taken her to court for rent owed.

Regarding the availability of houses in Campbelville – Echillibar Villas, a Government community – Harmon said when the Government took office the properties there had been in a “rundown state”. Since then, he said Government has been spending large sums of money to rehabilitate and “as residences are rehabilitated, then persons are put into them”. He said there are a huge amount of persons in Government service who require Government housing, however, Government is unable to provide it.

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WEEK ENDING JULY 9, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Owner of alleged hijacked car used in foiled bank robbery was sentenced for gun possession

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he owner of the car intended to be used by the bandits after the foiled Republic Bank robbery on Tuesday has since been arrested and it proved that he is also a convict who was sentenced in absentia in 2016 for firearm and ammunition possession.

This was confirmed

by Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum on Wednesday during a telephone interview with Guyana Times International. He further stated that the man, whose name was withheld, was charged on April 23, 2015 and was granted bail.

However, since his release, he did not show up for any of the hearings and, as such, the presiding Magistrate sentenced him to four

Dead: Elton Wray

years in prison.

Ever since his sentence, he has evaded the law. He was taken into custody on Tuesday after he claimed that his car was hijacked a day before the planned robbery. The Crime Chief further told this news-

paper that it is too early to determine whether or not he is a part of the robbery, while noting that investigations are ongoing.

However, the two other suspects in the robbery, Jamal Haynes and Keron Saunders remain in Police custody and are being further grilled in connection with the foiled robbery on the Water Street banking establishment which has left Elton Wray dead.

Blanhum told this publication that the Police will approach the High Court for an extension in the detention period since the 72 hours will expire shortly.

Foiled robbery

Pandemonium broke out at the Water Street location of Republic

Injured: Jamal Haynes

Bank after Haynes held a colleague hostage while the others demanded money on Tuesday morning.

Nevertheless, members of the contracted security firm were alerted of the suspected bank robbery and

called the Police for assistance. Upon realising that the area was surrounded, Haynes held a bank staff at gunpoint and escaped into the vendor’s arcade.

Wray on the other hand did the same and ran towards another section of the vendor’s arcade where he made his way into a cook shop and pretended to be a cook. He was trailed and the Police opened fire, fatally wounding him.

In addition, Keron Saunders surrendered to Police and it is suspected that a fourth made good his escape.

Now investigators are trying to ascertain if the taxi driver who claimed his car was hijacked is the fourth.

Meanwhile, a car bearing registration number PWW 1452 and which belonged to Wray was found parked at the Plaza Bridge in South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

The dead 24-year-old man, also referred to as “Peas”, was an agronomy graduate from a

Injured: Keron Saunders

Chinese University and worked as a Research Assistant at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

He was the son of a senior rank within the Guyana Police Force. With respect to Saunders, Police sources have confirmed that he is known to the Police but they could not confirmed if he was actually charged for any crime. On his Facebook profile, there are photos of guns and large sums of money.

GuySuCo continues community ... from page 7

cludes the need for improved attendance at the estates and urged the community members to join the GuySuCo Voluntary Network so that they can be informed of the happenings of the sugar industry.

Wales still operable

Following the closure of the Wales Factory, in December of 2016, GuySuCo began its diversification process by planting some 200 hectares of seed paddy on what used to be sugar cane land.

According to the estate’s manager, Devendra Kumar, sugar is an ever-evolving process and one that has been bringing in ‘pretty’ low returns. In justifying the diversification of the estate, he said that the industry needed to be reshaped and retooled to become a multifaceted one.

Kumar said that over 6,500 hectares of seed paddy is needed to supply the demands of the rice industry in Guyana and committed to doubling the current number of hectares under cultivation at Wales. He added that the diversification would see workers, who opted for severance, be given the opportunity

to lease lands for dairy farming or other crop production.

The first meeting, was on Thursday last, at the Wales Community Centre and the sugar workers stormed out following a dispute between the former Estate Manager of Wales Factory and the workers. However, the workers say that they are not going to attend the Uitvlugt outreach although some of them work at the estate.

They related that they would continue to call for their severance pay since Uitvlugt Estate “is share blows.”

At Thursday’s meeting, the workers were told that they would be fired if they fail to turn up for work at the Uitvlugt Estate.

However, the workers stood their ground and informed the GuySuCo officials that they refuse to attend work at the estate.

Since the closure of the Wales Estate in December of 2016, some 1700 workers have been directly affected and thousands of persons in the Wales and surrounding communities indirectly affected.

WEEK ENDING JULY 9, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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Man confesses to killing 4-yr-old stepson

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awle Samuels, a 29-year-old man who was implicated in the murder of his fouryear-old step-son, Jamal Nedd, at Buck Hill, Wismar Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) has admitted to killing the boy.

The accused, who appeared before Justice Nareshwar Harnanan at the Demerara High Court on Tuesday morning, pled guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter, after initially saying that he was not guilty of murder.

It was reported that the lad’s mother, Nesha Naranjan had left her son in the care of Samuels with whom she had formerly shared a relationship.

However, there was an incident which ensued between the accused and the boy’s aunt, Felicia Tello on February 6, 2013.

On that fateful day, the woman ran out of the home shouting a series of accusa-

Guns being smuggled into T&T via jet skis & ports (Trinidad Express)

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Self-confessed child killer, Rawle Samuels

tions as Samuels charged after her. The boy had reportedly shouted to his aunt to run and Samuels turned his attention to the child, stabbing him five times.

The knife was left plunged in the lad’s back. Nedd was pronounced dead on arrival at the Linden Hospital Complex.

The sentencing of Samuels has been set for July 18, pending a probation report. He was represented by Defence Counsel Maxwell McKay while the case was put forward by Prosecutors Shawnette Austin, Siand Dhurjon and Lisa Cave.

here is a $100 million illegal gun trade in this country and some of the drugs and guns are being smuggled in via jet skis and possibly through 40 per cent of containers at the ports that are given a “green light” without any checks.

This was some of the startling information disclosed before the Parliament’s Joint Select Committee (JSC) into the National Security Ministry yesterday, at the Parliament Building, International Waterfront Centre, Port of Spain.

Even Police Service Senior Superintendent of Armoury Leroy Brebnor seemed to be taken aback when it was revealed by Comptroller

of Customs and Excise Glenn Singh that 40 per cent of containers that come into the country are not checked because the owners of these containers are deemed to be compliant.

“What concerns me most, and it should concern the whole of Trinidad and Tobago, is that 40 per cent, that is my biggest problem right now, because if I am importing and I can get through, once or twice, unchecked, I’m expecting to get through the third time, fully loaded,” said Brebnor when he was pressed to provide information on what the police were doing to stem the flow of illegal guns into the country. Prior to the meeting, the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) did a presentation to the

JSC on illegal guns.

Opposition Senator Wayne Sturge questioned Singh on what percentage of containers are searched as he noted a container seized in Valsayn some years ago with 100 high-powered firearms. Singh said 60 per cent of the containers are seized and the other 40 per cent are given “free clearance. They are free to dispose of the contents as they see fit”.

“That is very risky in today’s Trinidad and Tobago,” said JSC chairman Fitzgerald Hinds.

Singh, when pressed with questions, also admitted that there are “transgressions” where officers do not do their duty and ensure compliance. The issue of integrity with personnel in the various agencies– the Customs and Excise Division; Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago; T&T Police Service; Airports Authority; and Coast Guard–was an issue echoed by all the heads present.

Brebnor took immediate interest in the statement that 40 per cent of containers were not searched.

“I listened to that and that confirms and compounds the situation we are in at this present state because if 40 per cent of your containers can go unsearched, then you can imagine what really goes on, the numbers that we are finding on a daily basis and then numbers that the strategic services have put up could triple,” he warned.

Singh said a risk management committee is responsible for “clearly defined criteria” which is put into a system and a person is given the green light to clear their containers without searches based on their history and compliance.

Sturge said it was obvious that the people who run the gun trade are not “small people” given that the trade is $100 million-plus. He asked whether it was not common sense that the 40 per cent or the “rich people” should be the ones to focus eyes on.

Singh said that was a highly subjective statement and there is no criteria for “rich people” and those who get the green light are those that are established businesses

that are highly compliant.

“Are you saying that it is beyond the capability and the mal-intent of captains of industry to be importing illegal firearms?” asked Sturge, to which Singh assured there were no “free rides” given that random checks are done.

Senator Nigel De Freitas interjected, saying that if someone is going to be involved in illegal activity the very thing that they want to be is to become compliant.

“It just stands to reason that those that are compliant are the ones to look at,” he said.

Brebnor said the number of illegal firearms in the country should “send shivers through all of us”.

He again raised the issue of the 40 per cent of containers that come in freely without scrutiny.

Hinds said there is another system, “the dark net”, where persons can simply place an order and illegal weapons come to their door in the mail.

“I am fully aware of that, it is happening,” said Brebnor.

Brebnor also raised concerns with “yachties” that come to Trinidad and check in with the relevant authorities and also lodge their weapons but they are given a six-month entry, during which they can slip out and return with illegal arms.

Hinds asked whether there were other means by which illegal guns were coming into the country and William Alexander, acting Commissioner of Prisons, revealed that jet skis are now a means of smuggling.

“Just recently I learnt of another way to bring drugs and guns into Trinidad and Tobago is via the jet ski, they are saying it takes approximately two hours or less to use a jet ski to move from Trinidad and Tobago to the Venezuelan coastline and there is some compartment within the jet ski that they put these items. We would need to look at that,” he said.

Singh said four mobile scanners have been in the country since 2015 but they are not yet operational because they are awaiting a contract to be signed off for their maintenance.

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Bahamian PM underlines importance of free and fair elections in CARICOM member states

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he strong tradition of free and fair democratic elections that are a hallmark of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) – a sentiment expressed by one of the newest leaders in the Region, Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Alexander Minnis – was made as he addressed the opening ceremony of the 38th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom in Grenada.

Prime Minister Minnis had moments earlier lauded the efforts of Guyana’s President David Granger for his stewardship of the work of the Community during his stint as Chairman – himself facing a backlash in his homeland over the delays in the appointment of the Chairperson

Heads of State at the opening ceremony of the 38th Heads of Government in Grenada

of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

The Bahamian Prime Minister told those in attendance at the Grenada Trade Centre that his recent election to office in May last and presence at the Caricom Heads of Government Meeting, “reaffirms the strong tradition of free and fair democratic elections that are a hallmark of Caricom.”

The newly elected Prime Minister in his presentation spoke to some of the other challenges facing the region including climate change, a push for renewable energy and tackling non communicable diseases but singled out corruption as one of the more formidable challenges to Governments across the region.

Zero tolerance

According to the Bahamian Prime Minister, “corruption remains a formidable challenge to small and developing countries (in the region).”

To this end, Prime Minister Minnis informed the regional leaders that his recently elected Administration has adopted a firm zero tolerance stance on corruption.

“We are determined to brutally confront this challenge. In this regard my Government has implemented a policy of zero tolerance for corruption.”

According to Prime Minister Minnis, “all Ministers have been told that they would be immediately dismissed if they are found out to be soliciting or accepting payments.”

He told the bi-annual gathering “we will implement strong anti-corruption laws and measures.”

Prime Minister Minnis did also use his time at the podium to publicly thank President Granger for his tireless chairmanship of Caricom during the past six months.

The recently elected Prime Minister did use his time during his inaugural address to lament “Caricom is a community of the people we serve not a club of officials and politicians.”

Challenges

Also addressing the gathering of leaders of the 38th meeting of Caricom Head of Government was Secretary General, Irwin LaRocque, who spoke to some of the challenges that still face the Region.

He outlined challenges in the health sector such as the treatment of non-communicable

diseases which can cost member states as much as five per cent of their entire Gross Domestic Product.

He spoke too of crime and security being a regional problem that requires a regional solution.

LaRocque used the occasion to laud the progress made with regards regional legislative instruments and expressed optimism that the Regional Leaders will sign on to the Caricom Arrest Warrant Treaty at the ongoing conference.

The challenges associated with climate change were also noted

by LaRocque and the region as well as other financial challenges posed to the region as a result of blacklisting or the loss of correspondent banks.

The Secretary General was optimistic in his outlook that “as daunting as challenges are, none can survive the collective ingenuity of the people of the Caricom.”

According to LaRocque, “we have proven that no challenge can daunt us.”

The ceremony got underway at the Grenada Trade Centre, under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr Keith Mitchell.

Jamaican cop found guilty of 17-yr-old girlfriend's murder

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policeman who was on trial for the murder of his 17-year-old girlfriend in Westmoreland is to be sentenced on July 28 in the Westmoreland Home Circuit Court after being found guilty by a jury.

After 20 minutes of deliberation, Linval Aird was convicted following a unanimous guilty verdict by the seven-member panel.

According to the prosecution, Aird, a constable assigned to the Westmoreland CIB, was romantically involved with the deceased, Shauna-Kaye Clarke.

There were no eyewitnesses to the murder, and the prosecution's case was based solely on the circumstantial evidence of 14 witnesses, one of whom testified that on April 11, 2010 at about 9:00 pm, the couple was seen in a motor car which was parked on Great George Street in Savanna-la-Mar. The witness also heard explosions.

Expert evidence suggested that the shooter was outside the car when shots were fired at the victim seated on the inside. During the trial, which commenced on June 5, it was disclosed by pathologist Dr Sarangi that, based on the injuries Clarke sustained, the shooter would have been less than two feet away when the firearm was discharged.

Clarke's death was due to haemorrhagic shock resulting from gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen.

A month after Clarke was killed Aird identified another man as the shooter. It was also disclosed during the trial that all except five spent shell casings were found on the outside of the car and one expended bullet that was found inside the car came from the service firearm issued to Aird.

He was arrested and charged in September 2010. (Jamaica Observer)

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Nations’ boss says private schools vindicated with NGSA results

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ith the coalition Government opting not to revoke the highly controversial 14 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on private tuition and instead waiting to have it reviewed next year, stakeholders against the move have stated that the 2017 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results proved that the imposition of the tax was flawed in the first place.

Among the 163 students who made up the top one per cent at this year’s NGSA examination, 86 of them are from private schools, while the remaining 77 students were from public schools. Elevenyear-old Saskia Twhair from School of the Nations secured the top spot with 523 marks from a possible total of 529.

Director of that school, Dr Brian O’Toole, who was outspoken against the VAT on education, pointed out that this year’s NGSA results are interesting since it contradicts some of the arguments that were put forward to support the move.

“A few arguments were put up about why the VAT was put into place and a couple of the statements made were that we don’t need private schools because their results are no better than the public. Whilst I don’t particularly want to be encouraging dichotomy between private and public, clearly these results show that only 400 students from private school wrote this Grade Six Assessment and a totally disproportionate number of the children from the top one hundred were from the private schools,” he outlined during an interview with Guyana Times International.

The educator noted that this should be reason enough for Government not to make any policy decisions that would affect the work of private schools, which also aims to mould and build the nation’s children.

“So, really in the national interest, to do anything to punish the private schools is illogical because definitely they bring in good results for the whole of Guyana so we should be supporting, encouraging, nurturing and not putting up barriers,” the Director stated.

Dr O’Toole, who also heads Nations University, went on to reveal that as a result of the VAT on education, the school has seen approximately 100 students drop out.

Nevertheless, the ed-

Dr Brian O’Toole

ucator expressed that he is proud of the efforts of those who were against the imposed taxation, particularly his school’s sixth formers, who were the ones to champion the petition with some 15,000 signatures. “It’s hard to ignore those kinds of numbers,” he asserted.

Since the announcement of VAT on school fees in the 2017 Budget, stakeholders, including the Opposition’s People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and even the coalition Government’s minority party Alliance For Change (AFC), have come out condemning the move as scores of parents and students cried out against the additional burden placed on them, calling for the decision to be repealed.

However, back in April, Cabinet decided that the VAT on private education would remain in place for the rest of year and will be reviewed along with all VAT measures for the 2018 national Budget.

Meanwhile, the issue of pitting the performance of private schools against that of public schools has been described as an unfair comparison. Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson, on Friday pointed out that one cannot fairly compare the performance of about 450 private school students against 13,000 plus students from the public school system. A total of 13,657 wrote the NGSA examination this year.

On the other hand, Education Minister Nicolette Henry explained that within the public school system, apart from the number of students being large, they do not have a system whereby they expel children who do not perform at a certain level.

Henry continued that there will always be children whose abilities will not match their peers and so as a Government, they cannot fail those who are left behind. To this end, she said that her Ministry has recognised the importance of providing each child with the opportunity to reach their full potential.

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Social ills abound as rice industry challenges in Wakenaam continue

Wakenaam is heavily dependent on the rice industry

By Shemuel Fanfair

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ver since the cancellation of the Petro-Caribe ricefor-oil deal in 2015, rice farmers have faced steep challenges continuing in the industry.

Before the deal had ended, farmers received premium rates for their paddy, with some earning as much as G$9000 per bag. As previously noted, farmers are now coping with decreased rates ranging from G$1800 to G$2500 per bag of paddy. Apart from the depleted earnings farmers are getting, the time frame in which they could start receiving payment for their crop is being stretched out by millers. This ongoing situation has caused spinoff consequences for many persons whose livelihoods are dependent on the rice industry.

Wakenaam, located at the mouth of the mighty Essequibo River, is an island that is heavily dependent on the rice industry. However, in light of the prevailing challenges, farmers have strived to reduce production costs in an effort to remain in the industry.

Meanwhile, others who saw the financial challenges as too burdensome opted to halt rice cultivation altogether and instead focused on cattle rearing and cash crop farming.

This change, however, has had far-reaching impacts as many youths

were left to cope with reduced opportunities for employment, as rice farmers sought to downsize their operations.

According to reports this newspaper has received, a number of social issues have been exacerbated by the lack of employment, with a now heavy dependency on drug use among the ill effects. A resident recently disclosed that alcohol and marijuana use continue to plague the social fabric of the once serene rural community.

“One of the major issues we have right now is drug abuse, mainly marijuana and alcohol use. Most of the youngsters abusing the alcohol a lot and we [also] have domestic issues; a lot of married couples are being separated,” the resident who spoke on the condition of anonymity observed.

Another noted that the downscaling of the industry has added to the employment deficit.

“They don’t have much job opportunities on the island. Of recent, there is a slowdown because of the rice industry; you don’t have much people planting. The persons who used to get jobs with the rice industry [was reduced] as people cut their investment, so obviously jobs would cut,” another resident said.

It is thought that more social and counselling programmes are needed on the is-

land. Guyana Times International was told that religious groups have begun to craft measures to tackle the issues on the island. To this end, the Belle Plaine Sarah/ Friendship Sanatan Dharam Mandir started special Hinduism classes which will include special sessions on dealing with social issues. It was explained that local representatives from the temple will conduct the lectures, while invitations will be extended to other organisations which focus on social activism.

It is, however, believed that additional counselling services should be made available on the island as inhabitants may be reluctant to disclose the issues that affect them to persons with whom they are familiar.

“It’s a small island; everybody knows what’s happening here and in having discussions, people may not want to reveal all their problems; they are not open-minded. We need more support. People don’t want to talk about their problems. [We need] an agency here where people can sit and tell someone their problems,” a youth leader told this publication.

In late 2015 and early 2016, El Niño conditions plagued the country and many Wakenaam farmers suffered huge losses as many acres of rice were lost. This was compounded by rice millers taking months to pay farmers for paddy supplied months prior. When this publication visited the island in 2016, residents noted several challenges including rising costs of equipment and spares, a lack of seed paddy and fertiliser subsidies and reduced engagement of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

Single mothers urge perseverance, independence …as they vend to sustain their children

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enifer Rodiques of Capoey Mission became a widow years ago, but never gave up in providing for her eight children. This 51-yearold widow could be seen standing with two other women in the sweltering heat at the junction of Capoey Amerindian village in Region Two (Pomeroon – Supenaam), vending.

During an interview with this newspaper, these women all had one

thing in common — perseverance and independence. Rodiques related that she awakes as early as 04:00h to harvest produce from her farm, after which she would journey to the “road head” to sell her produce to the public without even having breakfast.

The sacrifice she endures is for her children, whom she adores dearly. Rodiques said that on a daily basis she stands behind her stall selling

pineapples, kuru, awara, pears and vegetables to sustain her livelihood.

She has been doing it for over 10 years, and enjoys the independence it has brought her. She said some days are challenging, but she never gives up.

“Some days the sun is so hot and no one buying, sometimes you just looking out for when a car will stop and somecontinued on page 22

Granger urges Diaspora in Grenada to invest in Guyana

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President David Granger distributed special buttons as tokens to Guyanese living in Grenada

resident David Granger said that the diaspora has an important role to play in the Guyana’s development and urged them to use their skills and education which they have acquired overseas to help to transform the country.

He was at the time speaking to Guyanese, who reside in Grenada, where he is currently attending the 38th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

Speaking at the event, which was held in Mount Cinnamon, the Ministry

of the Presidency quoted Granger as saying, “When you travel overseas; some of you improve your education, some of you improve your employment and you could invest back home… We can produce everything that the Caribbean needs but we need investment. We need people who are prepared to come back and invest.”

He explained that because of the vastness of the country, the education sector has been severely constrained and said that Information Communication

Technology (ICT) can be a means through which the quality and standard of education in Guyana is improved. In this regard, he encouraged the diaspora to help ensure that Guyana’s children are part of the technological revolution.

Speaking of the strength of the Caricom, the immediate past Chairman, said that if member states recommit to a united, one-Caribbean front, the region can be a formidable force in the international community with significant influence and voting power.

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Manufacturing sector blasts Govt for Single mothers urge burdensome tax measures perseverance... from page 21

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he Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) has blasted the Government’s tax measures and lack of an economic plan, saying its policies were harming rather than helping the manufacturing sector.

Newly elected President of the GMSA, Shyam Nokta, vehemently made this declaration as he addressed participants at the annual mid-year dinner hosted by the GMSA a few days ago.

The tension was palpable as Nokta voiced the GMSA’s concerns and pointed out that “there is no lack of will among the manufacturing businesses”, but the GMSA is often constrained by challenges such as access to finance, cost of electricity, and market access.

And there could be no question that the Government got the message, as Finance Minister Winston Jordan was present as an invited guest and feature speaker at the event.

Nokta noted that while Government has made public commitments to create an enabling environment, its removal of items from Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption and implementation of other negative tax measures and policies belie these utterances.

“Such measures, coupled with increasing domes-

Newly elected President of the GMSA, Shyam Nokta, and Finance Minister Winston Jordan share a light moment at the recent GMSA dinner

tic demands and imported substitutes in the case of the wood processing sector in particular, have been unhelpful to value adding and encouraging the manufacturing sector,” the business executive said.

Encouraging the Government to provide assurances that it had remedies for the malaise affecting the economy, Nokta called on the Finance Minister to provide information on the Government’s policy position.

In addition, he called for the Government to make known its wider economic plan relating to other productive and export sectors.

New breed

In his rebuttal, however, Minister Jordan warned the GMSA against depending on Government to promote opportunities for them.

According to Jordan, what Guyana needs is a new

breed of investors.

Rebutting the contention that the coalition government has not done anything for the manufacturing and services sector, Jordan said: “In addition to the wide-ranging concessions granted by previous administrations, there have been several legislative and operational changes in support of the manufacturing industry in Guyana, (implemented) since May 2015.”

Jordan said exemptions on duty for raw materials and for imported machinery to be used in the manufacturing process have been maintained. He also related that the importation of raw materials has not been subject to excise tax since last year. Waivers on duty and taxes for items not listed on the approved list of raw materials were also cited by the Finance Minister.

But he noted the prereq-

uisite that applications have to be made to the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED).

The minister pointed out that the VAT rate was reduced from 16 per cent to 14 per cent, and manufacturers with a revenue flow that is below G$15 million are exempted from registering for VAT. Jordan also proclaimed that the manufacturing sector benefitted from a reduction in the corporate tax rate — from 30 per cent to 27.5 per cent.

The sector’s meagre contribution to Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was recently highlighted

by Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President Deodat Indar. According to Indar at a recent press conference, the sector is starved of incentives.

“There is little to nothing in terms of incentives (that) manufacturers get,” Indar said. “Look at the value of the GDP that manufacturers carry; it’s miniscule. We don’t even make a hammer in this country. So for us to really seriously think about manufacturing, we cannot have a seminar (for) a halfday (and expect we) would (be able to) look at all the top-of-the-line problems manufacturers have. We need to dig down in those issues,” Indar had said.

Front right: Melissa James, Natalie James and Jennifer Rodiques

one will buy out your produce, so you can go home,” the mother of eight said.

Like Rodiques, another mother of eight, Natalie James, does the same thing and endures similar struggles.

She also vends next to Rodiques, and sells a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. James said she survives on farming and vending, all of which she does by herself. Her children would sometimes assist her in the afternoon after school.

She, too, starts her day early, then ventures on the road to sell.

Twenty-six-year-old Melissa James also sells cash crops. Farming is

the only means by which she earns an income.

James is the sole breadwinner for her family. She related that the Capoey area has a lot of pear plants that grew naturally, and she would usually wake up very early to go pick up whenever it is in season, so that she can earn a living. James said despite the sun, she enjoys vending and being able to manage her household.

All three women reside at Capoey Mission.

Their advice to single women just like themselves is to not give up, but to continue to fight the struggles to provide for their children.

(Indrawattie Natram)

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WEEK ENDING JULY 9, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Wakenaam rice Guyanese Diaspora in NY fearful farmers still owed country could return to 1980s …miller cites country’s economy as reason for non-payment

Members of the head table at the event

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A rice field

By Shemuel Fanfair

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s the weeks and months go by, farmers in the Essequibo island of Wakenaam are still encountering difficulties in acquiring payment for their paddy.

Early last month, this newspaper highlighted that many of the farmers were not paid for paddy produced for the crop that ended in April.

Guyana Times International understands that a delegation of farmers recently visited one of the main millers to appeal for their outstanding payments, which amount to millions of dollars.

However, one farmer who preferred to remain anonymous told this publication on Sunday that that miller detailed a series of excuses that chronicled why farmers cannot yet be paid.

“They try he yes; they even went, and the miller tell them about the crisis (in) the country, how it going and all [kinds of things],” the farmer observed.

The rice farmer expressed frustration at not having enough money to purchase the requisite materials to continue rice cultivation. “If ‘Rice Man’ do business, he got to have money [to] do he business; but they (the millers) just want to use the farmers,” this farmer angrily stated.

Withholding payments to farmers is in contravention of the Rice Factories (Amendment) Act of 2009, which stipulates that farmers need wait no longer than the mandatory 42 days before being paid for their paddy. According to the Act, the manufacturer (miller) is required to pay the paddy producer (farmer) half the amount due that farmer within two weeks of receiving that farmer’s paddy, and the remainder of the liability must be liquidated within 42 days of the parties signing the agreement of paddy sale.

Less than one month ago, it was an-

nounced that, through a fertilizer credit system which Government had termed a cost-effective approach to assisting farmers, rice farmers can access fertiliser and repay the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) at the end of each crop. This newspaper was told that although Wakenaam farmers are able, under this arrangement, to obtain the 6:25:25 fertiliser, they need to likewise access urea, to blend with what was provided, but have been told that this chemical is not available.

“The expense is too much; and if you had cash at hand, you can able to do something better. Everybody done shy back, them just waiting on their money to buy fertilizer,” a farmer told this publication on Sunday.

The Agriculture Ministry disclosed last Friday that 17,000 tonnes of paddy have been shipped to Mexico in a deal said to be worth some US$17 million (GY$3B), and 43,000 tonnes more will be shipped to the Central American country over the next two months.

However, the days of farmers getting premium rates for their paddy crops have since passed, following the end of the PetroCaribe (rice-for-oil) deal which was cancelled

by Venezuela in 2015.

Under that arrangement, farmers accrued some G$9,000 per bag of paddy, but this has been reduced to between G$1800 and G$2,500, depending on location.

When Guyana Times International interviewed the farmers earlier this month, their reluctance to engage in production this year was noted, but was understandable, considering that they are owed for their produce. One miller who owes farmers millions of dollars had reportedly switched off his mobile phone and had refused to take telephone call from farmers at that time.

embers of the G u y a n e s e Diaspora in New York have expressed fear that Guyana might be heading down the same path it did in the 1980s, when there were dictatorial rule and economic hardship, which led to many of them leaving the country to seek better lives.

These were the views expressed by many of those in attendance at a meeting with former President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo on Sunday in Richmond Hill, New York. Jagdeo was on a visit to New York, where he has been meeting with the Guyanese community there.

The meeting was also attended by former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government Ministers, Dr Leslie Ramsammy and Irfaan Ali. Also in attendance was Dr Peter Ramsaroop.

Alluding to what is taking place now in Guyana in terms of an economic decline, the planned closure of sugar estates and hardships faced by thousands of Guyanese,

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo addressing the Guyanese Diaspora in Richmond Hill, New York on Sunday

some Diaspora members reminded those at the meeting of their experience and why they were forced to leave their homeland. They expressed fear that this could affect their families back home and the Government could create greater economic hardship for the people.

Guyana Times International understands that the more than 300 people that were in attendance at the meeting raised concerns about the management of the Guyanese economy, issues relating to crime, the sugar industry and many other topical issues facing the country.

Jagdeo used the opportunity to brief the

Diaspora on Guyana’s status from an economic standpoint and pointed to areas where they could get involved. He told them that democracy was being threatened in Guyana and the lack of an economic plan and vision by the Government would severely impact the country.

The former Guyanese Head of State also drew reference to a recent statement made

by Finance Minister Winston Jordan who said that the local economy was being held up by arrears. Jagdeo said the Minister’s statement pointed to the fact that there were new income and revenues being generated in Guyana, apart from the 200 plus

taxes that the coalition Government has put in place.

He also highlighted how the major sectors in the economy were feeling the squeeze from these new tax measures. These include: mining, forestry and other key economic sectors.

On Thursday, Jagdeo also appealed to the Diaspora and the International Center for Democracy (ICD), to help Guyana protect its democracy and the separation of powers locally.

The former Guyanese President also used the occasion to remind the Diaspora members of the need for “far-reaching constitutional changes” in Guyana. And he has also accused the recently-formed Social Cohesion Ministry of being used in a partisan manner, “and dividing our people”.

Jagdeo was adamant this Government was only focusing on oil to be the solution for Guyana.

But he said, “Oil can be a blessing or a curse… Oil can cause runaway price increase for the poor.”

“There is no fairness anymore,” he added.

Jagdeo calls on Diaspora to protect Guyana’s democracy

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ormer President Bharrat Jagdeo has made an appeal to the diaspora in the United States to help Guyana protect its democracy and the separation of powers locally.

He has since made a made a direct appeal to the International Center for Democracy (ICD) – on Friday evening at the Russon on the Bay, Cross Bay Boulevard, and Howard Beach, New York where he was invited as guest Speaker.

The former Guyanese President was at the time speaking at the launch of the International Centre for Democracy, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) which is seeking to promote and implement programs, sustain and strengthen freedom and democracy, empower vulnerable groups to effectively participate in national and regional development,

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo addressing the gathering on Friday evening at the Russon on the Bay, Cross Bay Boulevard, and Howard Beach, New York

end hunger and poverty, and establish social justice as non-negotiable national goals and obligations.

Speaking to the large gathering of members of the diaspora, the former President appealed for supporters to lobby leaders in the diaspora to guard and safeguard democracy in Guyana.

“We have a lot of leaders in the United

States… Please use your influence to lobby them to protect democracy in Guyana and in other countries,” according to the Former President.

He told those in the diaspora, “I want to ask all to help us in Guyana to build democracy and protect the separation of power… Get involved.”

The former President, addressing the launching, used the occasion to

also remind of the need for “far-reaching constitutional changes.”

According to the former President, “The Ethnic Relations Commission is not functioning.”

He has also accused the newly formed Social Cohesion Ministry of being used in a partisan manner, “and dividing our people.”

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WEEK ENDING JULY 9, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

EU payment: Jagdeo says Govt’s figure a “total falsehood” O

p p o s i t i o n Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has debunked claims made by Government that under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) leadership, Guyana received G$348 billion in European Union (EU) funding between 2006 and 2013, and did not utilise these funds properly or used them where they were most needed.

In fact, Jagdeo has rejected the statements as a “total falsehood”, stating that the contention being peddled that the EU paid to Guyana that huge sum of money as compensation for the 36 per cent cut in preferential market prices for sugar is far from the truth.

The former Head of State pointed out that the

total sum paid to Guyana was approximately G$30 billion. “Indeed, the final instalment of G$5.4 billion was paid to the coalition Government in October last year. The sum of G$348.5 billion is over ten times the sum actually received

by Guyana,” he said in a statement.

Further, more than G$30 billion was spent by the PPP/C Administration on the Skeldon Factory alone, Jagdeo said, while making a commitment to address this issue more expansively upon his return to Guyana later this week.

Meanwhile, former Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy also commented on the issue, labelling the Government’s statement

as a blatant attempt to distort the truth.

“The fact is the EU provided budgetary support to be allocated over several sectors.

Sugar and infrastructure were priority areas for support. The PPP Government provided support to Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) for over G$30 billion during that time, much more than the EU could have provided for sugar,” Dr Ramsammy said.

The former Minister said the statement that Guyana received G$348 billion was a “fantasy”.

Dr Ramsammy has since called on the EU to correct what he described as “misinformation”.

Last week, during the post-Cabinet press briefing, Minister of State,

Joseph Harmon had said that the PPP/C received G$348 billion, which was supposed to have been plugged into projects that would make GuySuCo more competitive as well as be able to explore diversification.

Harmon claimed that if the money was spent on the sugar industry, Guyana would not be facing the situation of having to bail out GuySuCo to the tune of billions of dollars annually.

Also last week, the EU announced the closure of its funding programme, which saw Guyana benefiting from billions in budgetary support to aid in sugar sector reform.

EU Ambassador to Guyana, Jernej Videti said while the last grant was issued in 2013,

it was not released to Guyana until last year after the country failed to meet the necessary criteria required.

The EU Sugar Grant was established to compensate for the 36 per cent cut in preferential market price after the World Trade Organisation (WTO) had ruled that the preferential market access violated global free trade rules.

A total of 1.28 billion euros were allocated for disbursement to the sugar protocol countries benefiting from the programme to help them adapt to the new market conditions. Guyana received its first instalment in 2006.

The Guyana Government has moved to downsize and diversify the sugar industry.

However, this move has since attracted countrywide protest action with many, including the parliamentary Opposition and the largest sugar workers representative body, the Guyana

Former Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), calling on the coalition Administration to reverse its decision.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder recently presented a “White Paper on the Future of the Sugar Industry” to the National Assembly, revealing plans to close the Enmore and Rose Hall Sugar Estates, sell the Skeldon Sugar Factory, reduce the annual production of sugar, and take on the responsibility of managing the drainage and irrigation services offered by GuySuCo.

Man killed in Soesdyke/ Linden highway accident

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n unidentified man was on Sunday evening struck dead by an allegedly speeding car on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

Reports are that the driver of motor car HC6634 was heading in a southerly direction when, in the vicinity of the one-mile Swan Turn, the pedestrian — shirtless and clad in a pair of long pants — attempted to cross the public road but ran into the path of the car and sustained severe injuries to his body. He allegedly was under the influence of alcohol.

Rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His body was transported to the Lyken Funeral Home to await identification and post mortem.

The 45-year-old driver, a resident of Kuru Kururu on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway, was

arrested and is assisting with investigations. The breathalyser test he underwent has cleared him of driving under the influence.

An eyewitness told this publication that the dead pedestrian had earlier been seen imbibing at a shop in the area. From reports received, another driver had earlier spotted him attempting to cross the road as he walked along, and had reportedly stopped for him to so do. An argument had reportedly ensued between the two men.

During that argument, the driver of HC 6634, who was heading toward Splashmin’s Fun Park, took the turn and slammed into the man, who was reportedly standing on the roadway. His body was reportedly flung into the air, and landed onto the windscreen of the motor car before tumbling onto the roadway.

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By Venessa Low A Chee

E

Miss United Continents Guyana 2017, Divya Yabindranauth

ven before getting into pageantry, USbased Guyanese Divya Yabindranauth, who currently holds the Miss United Continents Guyana 2017 title, has assiduously given back to her homeland. Her interest in pageants extends far beyond being a beauty queen, as she uses the platform to forward her humanitarian work.

Recently, Divya launched a fundraiser for the Saving Hands Emergency Aid, Inc. (SHEA) Charity – a USbased charitable organisation she has been working with for over three years. Under the theme “Saving Lives, Bringing Hope”, Divya is encouraging all to make a generous donation to SHEA. Raised in Tucshen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, Divya migrated to the United States of America at the young age of 13. Divya has seen first-hand the struggles of some of her fellow Guyanese when it comes to healthcare and finding adequate treatment. From a very young age, she vowed to one day make a measurable difference. Three years ago, she joined forces with Saving Hands Emergency Aid, Inc., a non-profit organisation aimed at providing financial medical assistance, coupled with pro-bono or subsidised medical treatment for families in need.

As the Lead Regional Volunteer for SHEA, Divya seizes every opportunity as a gateway to continue in helping others and making a difference in the world.

She assists with finding treatment services, raising funds, meeting with patients (especially children), and interactions on person-to-person basis.

Now, Divya’s goal is to raise GYD$1 million for SHEA. Thus far, she has received over

GYD$55,000 via donations from her families, fans and supporters.

“This is my personal fundraiser for the SHEA Charity. I hope

by August 1, 2017, you will help me meet and exceed this fundraising goal. I have pledged to help raise funds to aid in their mission. SHEA has been, and continues to be, a lifesaving portal for bridging the gap between healthcare and poverty in Guyana. I am kindly asking all of you to make a contribution to the SHEA Charity, so that we can continue our lifesaving work. Whether it’s $1 or $1,000 your gift will make a difference for someone who otherwise cannot help themselves.

Let’s come together as One People, One Nation and One Destiny to see how we can successfully save and transform lives one patient at a time,” Divya encouraged in her official press release.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, the humanitarian said that wining the Miss United Continents crown would not only be a “huge accomplishment” for herself, but will “help to put Guyana on the map in the world of pageantry”.

“The possibilities will be endless as it will open the door for many opportunities. It will give me the platform to continue my mission to raise awareness for the underprivileged, who are in need of urgent medical care, via SHEA Charity.

In addition, the Miss United Continents crown and title will allow me to be the voice of many who needs their voices heard.

I will work diligently to represent the Miss United Continents organization, purposely fulfilling my mandate to the crown and at the same time continue to work with my charity to not only provide health care services to Guyana, but to other countries that have people who need continued on page 33

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Eating using the Mukulah mudra

'Bare-hand' eating

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n Guyana, eating with the hands is a norm. It is a cultural tradition that was passed down to us from our ancestors. Of course, there are certain foods – known as “finger foods” in some cultures – that require using the hands. For other cultures in Africa, India

and the Middle East especially, there are meals which, though they are not called “finger foods”, are traditionally eaten with the hands. Some call it “hand-to-mouth” or “bare-hand” eating.

‘Seven curry’, a favourite dish served at Guyanese weddings and

Hindu religious functions, is a meal that is “expected” to be eaten with the hands. People scoff at others who are seen eating ‘seven curry’ with a spoon, or, (even worse) a fork. Many would agree eating this meal with the hands is far more satisfying.

Interestingly, this tradition of using the hands instead of cutlery is a custom many Guyanese inherited from Indian as well as African ancestral tradition. In Africa, like India, eating with the left hand is considered disrespectful – and unsanitary.

Within the Indian culture there is an old saying, “Eating food with your hands feeds not only the body but also the mind and the spirit.”

According to ancient Ayurveda, all the nerves connected to the main parts of our body are interlinked and end at the hands and feet. The ancient native tradition of eating food with the hands is derived from the “mudra” practice, which is prevalent in many aspects within Hinduism.

Mudras are used during mediation and are very prominent within the many classical forms of dance, such as Bharatnatyam.

Kangula mudra is taking food with the thumb, forefinger and mid-finger. Engage this mudra when eating long, slender pieces of food.

As we bring food to our mouth in kangula mudra, the palm of the hand

faces upward, evoking the spirit of consciousness as we touch upon nature. This mudra cultivates a gentle reverence for nature's precious gifts. The first mudra, Ghronikah, activates and balances the element of earth within the body.

The earth element controls our sense of smell and gives us added vision to “smell our way”, that is, to be keenly aware of our connection to Mother Nature.

Kadambah mudra crouches the five fingers around firm, solid food. This mudra is reserved for eating roundshaped fresh fruits that fit neatly in the palm of the hand, such as mango. Practicing this mudra helps us to remember to be grateful for every speck of nature's food.

Mukulah mudra is eating with all five fingers tightly knitted together. In this mudra, a minimal quantity of food is taken at a time, for example, ten grains of cooked rice. The mudra is used in annaprashanam, or the ceremony of first feeding, one of the 16 samskaras, usually performed in the fifth or sixth month of a child's life. It is said “every

bite of food must serve to awaken cosmic memory of the first food we, as conscious human beings, imbibe from the ‘mother's nectar’.”

Fingers are considered to be one the most vital and precious parts for any type of action. According to ancient texts of Ayurveda, each finger is related to one of the five elements.

Thumb is fire, forefinger is air, middle finger is ether/space, ring finger is earth, and little finger (or pinky) is water. Each finger is said to aid better digestion process by releasing digestive juices and makes the person conscious about taste and smell.

Ayurveda scholars believe that each finger aids in the transformation of food, before it passes on to internal digestion. This belief states that “gathering the fingertips as they touch the food stimulates the five elements and invites ‘agni’, the fire of digestion, to bring forth the digestive juices. As well as improving digestion the person becomes more conscious of the tastes, textures and smells of the foods they are eating, which all adds to the pleasure of eating”.

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‘Aspects of European-Guyanese Heritage’

By Petamber Persaud

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he Guyana Heritage Society has once again manifested its proclivity in executing its mandate with the publication of a new book, “Aspects of EuropeanGuyanese Heritage”, which was launched in Guyana on April 10, 2017.

The cause or the motto of the Guyana Heritage Society is: “To Protect and Preserve”.

Its main objective is “to promote research on Guyanese heritage through lectures and publications and the preservation of indigenous skills related to the national heritage”.

The Society has so far reprinted the following rare and out-of-print books: “Story of Georgetown” by James Rodway; “Centenary History of British Guiana, 1831-1931” by ARF Webber; “The Twelve Views in the Interior of Guiana” by Robert Schomburgk.

The Society has also published the following new works: “History of Victoria Village”

by William N. Arno; “From Ashes to Ferro-Concrete: A History of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception 1914 – 2014” by Joanna Collins-Gonsalves; “Aspects of European-Guyanese Heritage”

by Guyana Heritage Society.

“Aspects of EuropeanGuyanese Heritage” is a collaborative effort among the European Union, National Trust of Guyana and the Guyana Heritage Society, all of which are deeply involved in the safeguarding particular parts of and by extension the world’s heritage.

The mottos of the above three entities interlace to a common end. The motto of the National Trust of Guyana is: “Safeguarding and promoting our heritage”; the motto of the Guyana Heritage Society

‘Aspects of European-Guyanese Heritage’ published by the Guyana Heritage Society (Photo by Amanda Richards)

is: “To protect and preserve”; and the motto of the European Union is: “Unity in Diversity”.

According to the Ambassador/Head of the European Delegation in Guyana, Jernej Videtic, writing the foreword of “Aspects of European-Guyanese Heritage”, says that “promotion of culture is a vital element in the European Union’s external relations”.

That foreword sets the tone of the publication with some eye-openers. For instance, Guyana is known as the land of many waters and these waters have given the country its “technical and industrial heritage”. In another instance, the reader is given three terms to ponder namely “cultural diplomacy”, “cultural cooperation” and “cultural dialogue”.

Cultural heritage is important in that it can attract tourism and boost economic growth as it helps in job creation.

Cultural heritage encourages competitiveness in a way lead-

ing to better creation of products. Culture drives creativity and innovation thereby releasing knowledge. And for these reasons, cultural heritage must be protected.

Other eye-openers in the book proper include the ‘secret sex life’ of the country’s national flower; the revelation that all ‘Dutch Bottles’ did not originate in the Netherlands; not all Dutch family names are originally from the Netherlands; and the ‘jenever’ indigenous to the Netherlands was ‘copied’ by the British and ‘re-branded’ as gin.

The book contains 43 aspects of European/Guyanese heritage showcasing the influence on and contribution to the country via the Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, French and British. Although these aspects seem to be of a ‘loose sequence’, they come together to justify the publication of the book by painting a holistic picture of a common heritage with emphasis on signal heri-

tage aspects. So included are scholarships on architecture, language, religion, foods and beverages, discovery and exploration, flora and fauna, history of wars and colonisation, sugar and slavery and a cursory mention to indentureship.

With respect to architecture, there are references to the forts; City Hall; Stabroek Market; St. George’s Cathedral; and Hog Island Windmill. There are also two articles that stand out on this aspect: “Cross-Cultural Architecture: Early 20th Century Mandirs” and “Green Architecture in 1857”. With respect to religion, there is a historical overview on the Roman Catholic Church in Guyana.

Of tasty interest is the article “Garlic Pork and other Culinary Contributions of the Portuguese of Guyana”.

There many other fascinating stories like the empoldering of the country by the Dutch, introduction of education by the British, the story of rice

in Guyana and of early nation builders like Laurens Storm Vans Gravesande, Walter Roth, Robert Schomburgk, the D’Aguiar brothers, among others.

Guyana is a land of many waters and it is a reminder that waterways were responsible for the advent of adventurers and colonisers. On the waterways of the world, the history of the country unfolded and was written as the book states: “European colonization of the Guianas in the seventeenth century is often characterized as turbulent and conflict prone.” It was near waterways that the forts were built and towns established.

Of interest, the French was responsible for the establishment of Georgetown as in contrast to the Dutch whose focus was on the construction of forts rather than towns.

We owe much to the French who wanted to have a “Capital which will become the business centre; where Religion will have a temple, Justice a palace, War its arsenals, Commerce its counting-houses, Industry its factories and where the inhabitants may enjoy the advantages of social intercourse”.

“Aspects of EuropeanGuyanese Heritage” was not intended to be ‘the history of Guyana’, but the bits-andpieces offering should and would intrigue the reader.

Although the publication was a collaborative effort, the driving force behind the success of this project is the Society’s president, Mr. Ben ter Welle.

The Guyana Heritage Society can be contacted via email: guyanaheritage@hotmail.com Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com

Beyond being a beauty...

Sharing out goodies to a local children's home

medical care but can't afford same. Of course, I will fulfil all my duties as a ‘queen’,” she declared.

Patrons who are interested in making a contribution to Divya’s worthy cause can do so by visiting Miss United Continents Guyana on Facebook.

All funds received will be donated to SHEA Charity directly. To find out more about SHEA, visit http://savinghandsemergencyaid.org Under the directorship of Missosology Guyana, Divya Yabindranauth was appointed Miss United Continents Guyana 2017. She will travel to Guayaquil, Ecuador to

compete in the 2017 edition of Miss United Continents. This will be the second time a Guyanese beauty will be competing in this pageant, which will see the participation of different countries from all over the world battling it out in Evening Gown, Swimsuit, National Costume and Interview segments. The finals of Miss United Continents are scheduled for September 23, 2017.

Divya expressed sincere gratitude to everyone who has continued to support her on this once in a lifetime journey and vowed to make her country proud.

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Hindus for Selfless Service – Guyana

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he uniqueness of ‘Hindu dharma’ and the culture practised by the Hindu community have a significant contribution to the benefit of humanity.

Hindu dharma is not a ‘religion’, but a way of life. That means it is not just about ‘beliefs’, but how we act in this world.

Proper action leads to the ultimate goal of ‘Moksha’ (liberation).

In the west, Hindus were forced to change their way of life or ‘dharma’. The duties that go with different roles have been forgotten.

The heroic roles of pundits and Mandirs have to be supported and supplemented for the inculcation of Hindu values, and needs the creation of role models in the wider society.

The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) – Guyana, which translates to Hindus for Selfless Service, is dedicated to the organising of Hindus into their social roles in the modern world – in accordance to the principles of Sanaathan Dharma.

Values leading to good character cannot be transmitted by words, but by action.

The practice and even knowledge of our social obligations and relationships have broken down.

HSS family

It is therefore essential for Hindus living in Guyana to develop unity and harmony in their communities to effectively promote these salient features. Their contributions to the economic, social and cultural way of life is widely acclaimed and recognised.

It is with all of this in mind that HSS Guyana was birthed in 1996. For

The members of HSS believe that the changes they want to see in our world and society have to start with them. Notably, they believe that service to fellow humans, and society, comes before their personal needs and wants. These are HSS’ core values, which have also been the pillars for the organisation and its

To act in accordance with Sanaathan Dharma we have to break old habits and form new habits prescribed by Sanaathan Dharma.”

HSS Methodology

Ideally, a ‘Shakha’ meets daily at a specific time and place for one hour on an open field.

During that time a number of specific activities (yoga, Indian mar-

the new environment is intended to break old habits or ‘sanskaras’, hence to build role models within our communities.

HSS seeks to impart the following qualities in its members: Self-confidence, enthusiasm, discipline, volunteerism, punctuality, cooperation, strength, fearlessness, knowledge-

of Sanaathan Dharma as one and represents this unity by designating the saffron flag of Sanaathan Dharma (Bhagwa Dwhaj) as its preceptor/Guru.

For the past two decades, HSS has held numerous activities beneficial to communities. It held Ayushpa - suicide prevention seminars, 1996-1997; Parivartana - response to widespread conversion of Hindus; response to floods, 20052006; first Hindu Unity Day; National Diya, 2015; Indian Arrival Mela, 2016; Abolition Day, 2017; International Day of Yoga, 2015-2017; initiated the call for yoga to be included in the Physical Education curriculum in schools.

An excerpt of HSS’ letter to the Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, reads: “We would like to formally pro-

The male youth group of HSS

the last 20 years, the organisation has been involved in many activities at grassroots and national levels. With a flat organisational structure, members are all seen as equals. Despite their physical attributes (age, sex, qualification and religious persuasion etc), roles are determined by members’ willingness to undertake responsibilities.

growth in Guyana and its branches around the world - also in India.

HSS’ philosophy states: “We are all the result of inherited characteristics (gunas) and our actions in our environment. We cannot change our gunas, but we can change our actions and environment. Repeated actions result in habits through the formation of sanskaras in our minds.

Ramayan Chanting Heritage Camp 2017

tial arts, games, and others – ‘shareerik’) and some discussions on social issues facing youths and how Hindus can deal with them in the community (charchas) are conducted by the members of both gender (Swayamsevaks – male and swayamsevikas - female/volunteers).

The activities are intended to impart the new habits or ‘sanskaras’ and

seeking, leadership and patriotism.

The organisation’s yearly activities include: Shakha- weekly meetings at various locations across Guyana; Hindu Training Camps, which are held for one week annually; Hindu Heritage Camps, which are held on a weekend four times a year; National Hindu Unity Day; Indian Arrival Expo; Abolition of Indentureship Mela; National Diya – annually; International Day of Yoga activities; yoga sessions at various locations across the country; Blood Donation Drives; medical outreaches and health symposiums.

Aditionally, HSS collaborates with other organisations to observe and participate in events, showing that there is unity in diversity and HSS’ strong belief in its ‘shastras’ that “Vasudaiva Kutumbakam- We See the World as One family”.

HSS views all sects

pose that yoga be introduced into the Physical Education curriculum of the public schools of Guyana - primary and secondary divisions.

We were very enthused when your predecessor signalled in 2015 that Physical Education would receive an increased emphasis in the school system because of the need to develop healthy bodies and minds. This is a core belief and practice in the HSS. “Yoga is a physical activity that has almost no cost in its implementation, save trained teachers who would also benefit from such training. HSS is willing to discuss the modalities of initiating such a programme with you or any official you may designate.

Fundamentally, our role could begin with “training the trainers” at the Cyril Potter College of Education and also interventions in schools in areas where our members reside.”

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F

ollowing the successful execution of three programmes, the Youth Ambassadors Guyana 2015 has em-

Ambassadors were tasked with implementing projects within their communities, incorporating the knowledge and

had recently lost their home in a tragic fire.

Building on what was already accomplished, Youth Ambassadors Participants of the UpForYouths Summer Program during the disaster relief fundraiser

Participants of the Emerging Leaders of Guyana Program during the camp day at Camp Kabouyak

barked on yet another notable initiative aimed at developing Guyanese youths, equipping them with the necessary skills to take on leadership roles within their schools, workplaces and communities.

In August 2015, a group of six high school students and one adult mentor journeyed to the United States to participate in the annual Caribbean leg of the Youth Ambassadors Program (YAP). That three-week cultural exchange, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, focused on civic engagement and exposed the participants to training in leadership, teamwork, communications, as well as project planning and execution. The programme also included a 12-day homestay with American families, along with a series of skilfully crafted activities aimed at offering 42 participants belonging to the six different countries from across the region lifechanging experiences.

Upon return to Guyana, the Youth

skills gathered from the three-week exchange.

One month later, the team ventured into two high schools outside of Georgetown with a mission to engage students in extra-curricular activities (namely sports and drama), while targeting a number of social issues.

At the same time, the Ambassadors used sports and drama to help youths develop an interest in giving back to communities, ultimately making a contribution to the development of their country.

After the successful completion of the first project, the group of young leaders maximised on the experience gained to initiate and implement a ‘summer’ programme geared at helping young Guyanese unlock their potentials, while awakening their social responsibility towards their country. This undertaking, dubbed the UpForYouths Summer Program, saw an excess of 35 participants engaged in a twoweek experience, during which they were able to organise a disaster relief fundraiser to help a single-parent family who

Guyana 2015 even pulled off a Professional Development Program during their Christmas vacation last year. The Emerging Leaders of Guyana initiative provided a unique opportunity for 25 young adults to thrive in the world of work and/or in their pursuits of higher education.

To date, the few selected to represent Guyana on YAP 2015 has influenced the lives of over 100 young Guyanese, who in turn have gone on to impact change within their communities.

Given that the ultimate goal of these undertakings is to inspire a sense of social responsibility and enhance the capacity of young Guyanese to execute charitable ventures within their communities, the Youth Ambassadors Guyana 2015 has now turned their attention to groups in need of support to realise their service project ideas. As such, the Guyana Youth and Social Entrepreneurship Program (GYSEP) was birthed.

GYSEP is aimed at engaging young Guyanese

in service to their country through employing the strategies of business and innovation. This fourth initiative of the 2015 Youth Ambassadors seeks to increase the capacity of emerging change-makers by developing their projects ideas to be implemented across the country. Also, the programme provides an ideal opportunity for emerging change-makers to benefit from charitable experiences, while promoting growth through the execution of civic initiatives.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine,

Natisha Mokutnauth, Youth Ambassador 2015, explained the objectives of the newly conceptualised initiative and provided an overview of her team’s dedication in giving back to the country.

“We are cognizant of the fact that only a few are fortunate enough to benefit from the Youth Ambassadors Program.

Therefore, it is our goal to extend the knowledge and skills gained from the life-changing experience to create an army of change-makers to assist in our work to impact social change in Guyana,” Mokutnauth pointed out.

The young leader added that with every programme executed, youths learn from the experience. As a result, youths “improve on their efforts to develop an enhanced approach in tackling many of the prevalent social issues affecting our societies”.

Mokutnauth explained that the programme is targeting

your community, we encourage you to apply to our programme and let us help you develop your ideas.”

The programme is set for four days in July (15th, 17th, 19th, and 22nd) and will be hosted at the Raquet Centre, Camp Road, Georgetown.

The unique experience will wrap up with a Youth and Project Exposition, which will allow the groups showcase their initiatives to members of the public, while vying for one of the two spots in the grand takeaway. That is, two groups presenting the most impacting ideas will benefit from further coaching which will be conducted by business and digital marketing expert, Dr. Rosh Khan of SocialRank and the Master Class Institute.

Groups interested in participating in this programme are invited to visit the Youth Ambassadors Guyana 2015 Facebook page for access to the online appli-

Participants of the Emerging Leaders of Guyana Program in photo with Dr. Rosh Khan

Youth Ambassadors Guyana 2015 joined by students of the Hope Secondary School during their service project

groups of 3 to 5 persons between the ages of 1825 who possess ideas for service projects, but are in need of assistance in developing and executing their initiatives. At the end of the programme, the groups will be better able to implement their projects, which are to go in effect in the following months.

In her call for applicants, Mokutnauth urged: “If you are a member of an organisation or just a group of friends looking to give back to

cation or to obtain more information. Application to GYSEP is currently on-going and will remain open until July 8, 2017.

The Guyana Youth and Social Entrepreneurship Program was initiated and will be facilitated by the Youth Ambassadors Guyana 2015 in collaboration with a number of local organisations.

This effort is supported by the U.S. Embassy Georgetown and is accessible to all Guyanese fulfilling the criteria and is free of cost.

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Opposition Leader engages Guyanese community in New York

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Commemorating…

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…futility he movie “Born on the 4th July”, was a mega hit because it hit a raw nerve in America back in 1989. It tells the story of a young man, born on the 4th July – the same as the US Republic, of course – who volunteers like a good patriot fresh out of high school for the Marines to fight in the Vietnam War. His coming-of-age in that crucible of imperialistic overreach, opened his eyes to the horror of war and their disconnect from those who are in the trenches.

Caricom was also born on the 4th of July – and your Eyewitness knows that date wasn’t chosen through mere coincidence. Those WI leaders who decided to move beyond the opening gambit of CARIFTA – the Caribbean Free Trade Association, also intended to form “a more perfect union” – as the American “founding fathers”. Just a decade before, the WI Federation had fallen asunder under the inbuilt disabilities inserted by the British – and even Arthur Lewis couldn’t put it together again.

But the leaders didn’t give up – first with CARIFTA and then Caricom. We were to be a COMMUNITY! Meaning WE West Indians were going to work together to make the dream of achieving developed country status a reality – starting on July 4, 1973. In 1989, when the movie hit the screens, Guyana had hit rock bottom – the then PNC Government had to go to the IMF on bended knees to bail us out. On that option, Burnham presciently had said “Over my dead body!!”

But we had to swallow their bitter (poisonous?) medicine – we were vying with Haiti for the “lowest on the totem pole” award! So, you’d think we’d be one of the most vociferous supporter of Caricom – if for nothing else than “there’s strength in numbers” and all that, no? And we were! WE stretched ourselves above and beyond to make our contributions – even housing the Secretariat here. But what did we get? Free movement of citizens? How about that “Guyanese bench” at Barbados airport? Investment in our agricultural land? How about cutting their nose to spite their face by dropping “The Jagdeo Initiative”?? etc… etc…

So there comes a time, when – like that veteran in the movie – we have to look at this whole Caricom venture a bit more dispassionately and see what it’s doing to us. Now that we’ve struck oil, we can expect everyone and their uncle in Caricom to vie to become our “besties”. Nothing wrong with that – but we have to evaluate who allowed us to have some dignity in the bad old days.

And who kicked us into the dirt! …”assishness” We’ve frequently had occasion to mourn, like the character from Dickens, that surely the law isn’t an “ass” for taking some ridiculous stand or another. Like jailing a fella for simply having raw materials for a decent spliff in his possession! But it looks like there are folks in our society who’re determined to ensure the identity of “assishness” and the law.

Take the fellows at SOCU. They’ve already made asses of themselves for filing a charge against ex-AG Anil Nandlall for 14 Law Reports costing the grand sum of US$2500 – when it was clear they had no case – and in any case, had already spent 10 times the US$2500!! But now comes the quintessence of SOCU’s “assishness”.

They filed request for a “search warrant” for the law reports to a Magistrate. But when Nandlall pointed out the High Court had already issued a prohibition against seizing the “Commonwealth Law Reports” they claimed they were actually looking for ‘Law Reports of the Commonwealth’!!

Can you believe that?

Is this a comedy routine or what?? …elitism Your Eyewitness has to concur with that letter writer who claims the NGSA simply reinforces class distinctions, since it assumes at least a middle class background.

But, he has to ask…”What’s the solution?”

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Constitutions, Constitutionalism and Constitutional engineering

By Ravi Dev

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hile Guyanese on both sides of the divide are complaining about “governmental abuse”, they need to be reminded that they have the power to constitute their government any which way they want through the crafting of a constitution; and to insist their rules be followed.

Constitutions describe the allocation of state power amongst the various branches of government, as defined by the constitution itself; prescribe the rules by which those powers would be conferred, and also includes procedures by which the Constitution may be altered.

In a fundamental sense therefore, a constitution is, or should be, the embodiment of a social contract crafted by “we the people” for our governance. In a divided society like ours, it is critical that the institutions created by the social contract are seen as just in the allocation of power; or they will be seen as illegitimate, and contested.

However, the British idiosyncrasy of an “unwritten constitution” should remind us that explicitly stated rules in and of themselves may be necessary, but are not sufficient. The rules have to be embedded within, and be supported by a wider political culture that gives life to the rules in developing the wider network of informal traditions, accommodations, informal pro quid quos that make stable societies function.

“Constitutionalism” defines a political scheme in which law, rather than men, is supreme. Political authority is exercised according to law, which is to be obeyed by all, including the governors, who cannot depart from law by whim. British constitutionalism arose out of the struggle for personal freedom and escape from arbitrary political will, while Continental Europe focused more on the self-determination of each group. Guyanese should resonate to both these imperatives.

We should also recognize, after our recent history, that our fundamental problem is of the use and inevita-

ble abuse of power. The challenge is to prevent that abuse and direct it to good ends. This notion is rooted in the fallibility of man… the belief that no man or group of men should be entrusted with absolute power over other men. This tendency is exacerbated when a country has groups that are racially or ethnically different, as Guyana does, since it becomes so much easier to demonise the “other” and resort to extreme measures to assert one’s position.

The constitution, as a social contract, defines government’s legitimate political actions. This confirms that all state power emanates from the people, and that sovereignty and all reserved powers remain with the people. Constitutionalism, then, is infused with the ideology of Liberalism, which views men as naturally free and rightbearing individuals who need and establish governments that they can, may, and should, control. But, in Guyana, we also belong to groups that bequeath identities that must be respected.

In Guyana, where we cannot pretend that our values were shaped by some commonality looming out of a hoary past, it should be self-evident that the several groups need to sit down together and craft an appropriate social contract; and this is where “constitutional engineering” comes in.

As stated above, the constitution of a country allocates and limits the powers devolved by the citizens to the institutions of the state, and also specifies the rules and procedures for selecting officers who are to authoritatively exercise such powers. As such, the incentives for creating a New Political Culture would have to be built into a Constitution. This conscious “Constitutional Engineering” is now a major tool in the kit of state-building and functional political behaviour. For Guyana, the rules of the political game can be structured to accomplish three tasks: institutionalise moderation on divisive ethnic themes, to contain the destructive tendencies and to pre-empt the centrifugal thrust caused by ethnic politics.

We have to state our

democratic objectives up front, and choose institutions which may deliver them, and then incorporate those rules in our constitution.

The point, of course, is that effective constitutions have to originate in the genius of the people confronting the exigencies of their circumstances. What we are proposing is that the democratic state Guyanese hope for will not just fall into our laps. We have to selfconsciously struggle to craft it.

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WEEK ENDING JULY 9, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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Schoolleaver

atiricus hurried over to the Back Street Bar. The results of the Common Entrance examination had just come out, and he knew that would provide a good gyaaf over the fellas’ weekend drinks.

When they’d written the exam, the name for the “school leaving” exam was called “Common Entrance”, and that was the only name by which they referred to it subsequently. “NGSA” was something they just couldn’t wrap their tongues around.

“Eh! Eh!” exclaimed Bungi when they’d settled down at the back with their beers and cutters. “Me hear dem pickney do prappa good in Maths dis year!”

“Remember how you were good at Maths when we were in primary school, Bungi?” asked Hari.

“Maths??” asked Satiricus. “The man was so good in everything he topped the school at Common Entrance! But his mother sent him to the backdam.”

“Ah nah she fa’lt,” said Bungi quietly. “Wid de ole man dead, ah me decide fuh guh in de backdam. An’ de Maths help me fuh count how much manure me throw!” He grinned.

“But how come most of these children still can’t pass Common Entrance?” Hari asked plaintively as he ordered another round.

“Budday! A wha mek you do good in skool?” asked Bungi as he looked at his two friends.

“To get a good job,” answered Satiricus.

“Same here,” agreed Hari.

“Ah na da de ans’a?” Bungi asked. “Wha mek dem pickney guh buss dem head if dem na know dem guh get jaab?”

“I’m not so sure about that,” said Satiricus doubtfully.

“A’rite,” said Bungi. “Tell me: whe’ mos’ a de jab deh?”

“Georgetown,” said Hari.

“An’ whe’ mos’ a dem tap student come fram?” continued Bungi.

“Georgetown,” admitted Satiricus. “Most country schools did badly.”

“And wha’ kine a jab abee gat in country?” Bungi went on.

“Cane cutting and rice farming,” conceded Hari.

“Me case close,” grinned Bungi. “A’yuh gat fuh buy beer fram now!”

WEEK ENDING JULY 9, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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46 feature

By Odeen Ishmael

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ne day as Tiger was walking by the seaside, he saw a crab a little distance away throwing into the sea some small round objects which soon after would jump out from the water and return to him.

As Tiger moved closer, to his surprise, he noticed that the crab was actually removing his eyes and throwing them into the sea.

“What are you doing, my brother?” Tiger asked in great dismay.

“Oh, I am just playing with my eyes,” the crab replied.

“Well, you seem to be having quite a good time,” said Tiger. “Show me how you do it.”

But the crab was not willing to do this.

“Look here, Tiger,” he said, “I can’t make you play this game with your eyes because a big shark is in the sea.”

Nevertheless, Tiger insisted and finally the crab agreed to show him how the game was played. As Tiger looked on, the crab removed his eyes and threw them into the sea while singing softly, “Go my eyes, go to the middle of the sea. Go, go, go!”

Now to retrieve his eyes, he began to sing this other tune, “My eyes, from the middle of the sea, come back to me, come back to me.”

And immediately, the crab’s eyes leaped out of the water and returned into their sockets.

Tiger was amazed, and excitedly he shouted: “I want to play this game! Remove my eyes and throw them in the sea as you did with yours.”

But the crab discour-

WEEK ENDING JULY 9, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

aged him. “I can’t let you play this game,” he told Tiger, “because a big shark is in the sea and he may eat up your eyes.”

But Tiger was eager to play this game.

After continuous pleadings, the crab finally agreed. He removed Tiger’s eyes and threw them into the sea while singing loudly, “Go eyes of Tiger; go to the middle of the sea. Go, go, go!”

And his eyes leaped out of his head and flew into the sea.

Without sight and surrounded by total darkness, Tiger became very frightened and he jumped about and roared loudly.

“Bring back my eyes! Crab, bring back my eyes!” he roared angrily.

But there was no response from the crab, so the extremely scared Tiger tried on his own to get back his eyes by screaming out loudly “My eyes, from the middle of the sea, come back to me, come back to me.”

However, nothing happened. His eyes remained at the bottom of the sea.

Realising the situation, Tiger became even more afraid, and jumped and roared louder and louder. Then the crab spoke quietly to him, “It is because you are screaming and roaring that your eyes refuse to obey you.”

Tiger immediately stopped roaring. “Please, my brother, help me get back my eyes,” he begged the crab.

Then the crab sang sweetly, “Eyes of my brother, from the middle of the sea, come back to him, come back to him.”

Tales…

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…of moral rottenness

our Eyewitness just can’t take it anymore with this stench from the pus of moral rottenness oozing out of the PNCled coalition government, as the media continues to scratch the surface of the façade of sanctimoniousness they adopted when in Opposition.

They have been wallowing in every moral failing they accused the PPP government of committing, and this is what makes it unforgiving.

They cannot excuse the rapacious behaviour of their functionaries on the ground that they “didn’t know this could happen”. Forewarned should be forearmed. The point that they haven’t been able to prove their strident charges against the PPP (Nandlall law books are the best they can do??

Puleeese!!) makes their present orgy of raiding the public purse even more revolting.

And let’s not think it’s only the PNC; they at least have the excuse they’re keeping up their party’s tradition. Let’s just look at “Mr Holier-than-thou” Rupert Roopnaraine from the

And the eyes immediately returned to Tiger’s face and his sight was restored.

As this was done the crab advised, “Now, take care of your eyes. If you play this game, the big shark in the sea could swallow them.”

Naturally, Tiger was most happy to regain his eyes, and he felt that he had become alarmed too quickly when his eyes were in the sea. So he felt that he must play the game once more.

He begged the crab to have his eyes thrown into the sea once again but to no avail. But when his continued pleas finally got on the crab’s nerves, he finally decided to do what Tiger wanted.

So the crab sang loudly, “Go eyes of Tiger; go to the middle of the sea.

Go, go, go!”

Tiger’s eyes jumped out and again flew into the sea.

But just then the big shark was swimming in the area and he swallowed them as they sank to the bottom.

Of course, neither Tiger nor the crab knew of this, so they were not alarmed. Tiger himself was more relaxed this time and was not afraid of his blindness. After a little while, he said to the crab, “Please call back my eyes.”

So the crab sang sweetly, “Eyes of my brother, from the middle of the sea, come back to him, come back to him.”

But this time the eyes did not return!

So the crab sang out once more, but still the eyes failed to come back.

The blind Tiger, realising that something had gone dreadfully wrong, also sang sweetly, “My eyes, from the middle of the sea, come back to me, come back to me.”

But his eyes failed to

WPA — a sitting senior minister of the government. Whatever happened to that corporation he and a host of hustlers formed to “develop” Durban Park for their big Jubilee Bash?? How many millions did they collect from businesses?? Why can’t they reveal who those businesses are, so we can be spared the exercise of connecting the dots when certain businesses collect their “political investments”?

As Minister of Education, he can put his foot down and prohibit poor people’s children from writing more than 10 subjects at CSEC. So what if they do that, hoping to snag one of the few scholarships being offered to the complete student pool?? HIS daughter was able to get her scholarship with less than 10 subjects, didn’t she? Not to mention that his then junior minister, Nicolette Henry, also huffed one.

But this “house rent” scam is in a league all by itself!! Okay, the 50% raise for ministers was hard to swallow — especially when 10% couldn’t be found for the government workers who actually do all the work the ministers take credit for, and the pay raise had to be investigated through investigative journalism by GTimes — but the people of Guyana swallowed. Then came the obligatory tinted black SUV with chauffer, maid, gardener, security guard (with luxury toilet!) and G$25,000 “housing allowance”. It was more difficult, but again Guyanese swallowed.

But to be now informed that while all that raping of the treasury was going on, junior ministers were secretly getting rentals of G$500,000/MONTHLY paid for by Parliament is just too much. And it’s not even “affirmative action”, since the Amerindian junior minister from the deepest Rupununi was forced to live in the government “Villas”.

come back.

“Where are my eyes?” he roared in anger.

“I warned you not to play this game,” replied the crab. “It’s possible that the big shark swallowed them.”

That made Tiger even angrier and he jumped and roared and blindly tried to hit the crab. But the crab managed to keep away from him and finally crawled into the sea to escape.

So the lonely, blind Tiger remained on the beach for many days. Because he could not run, he could not hunt and so he began to starve.

He was dying of hunger when the paiman of the area found him stretched out near to some bushes.

“What happened to you?” enquired the piaman. “You look as if you are starving.”

“I’m very ill,” groaned Tiger. “I’m blind and hungry, because the crab caused my eyes to jump into the middle of the sea, and they never came back.”

“You really look very ill,” observed the piaman.

“Please help me,” begged Tiger. “When I recover I will hunt deer for you.”

Feeling sorry for him the piaman told him, “Stay here while I go and search for some medicine.”

He then looked for a curi tree and collected the yellow gum on its stems and returned to the seaside where Tiger was waiting. He built a fire and melted the gum into a thick liquid in a small pot.

“What are you do-

ing?” asked Tiger impatiently.

“Have a little patience,” replied the piaman.

When the molten gum was ready, the piaman ordered Tiger to bow his head. He then drained the molten gum into Tiger’s empty eye sockets, one after the other.

At first, Tiger did not feel anything, but when he straightened himself, he screamed in pain. And he rolled on the sand and roared loudly.

“Why is someone as strong and fierce as you roaring so much?” asked the piaman.

“It is because my eyes are burning badly,” Tiger responded.

“Then you must open them so that the breeze will cool them,” directed the piaman.

Carefully, Tiger opened his eyes, and at first everything seemed to be yellow in colour.

Gradually, his eyesight returned, and when he looked into a nearby pool of clear seawater, he noticed that he had clear, shining yellow eyes.

“You can go now to hunt deer for me,” the piaman ordered.

And ever since that time, Tiger continued to hunt deer for the piaman to repay him for those shining yellow eyes.

Story, published with permission from author, is taken from “Guyana Legends – Folktales of the Indigenous Amerindians” by Odeen Ishmael, published 2012.

Ishmael is a veteran retired Guyanese diplomat.

He retired from the diplomatic service in June 2014. He last served as Guyana's Ambassador to Kuwait, taking up that post in January 2011.

What next? That warehouse rentals are paid for even when there’s no warehouse? …in Maths Looks like Maths is also a challenge to the EU and some in the local press. They announced that, between 2006 and 2016, the EU delivered G$348 BILLION to Guyana in support of our sugar industry for the 36% cut in prices they unilaterally imposed back in 2005. Now you’d think the EU would know this was RIDICULOUS! After all, the TOTAL amount they’d allocated for all 71 countries in the ACP to compensate for breaking their Lome/ Cotonou Protocol on sugar was 1.2 billion Euros. This works out to around G$348 billion Guyana dollars!! So did Guyana get ALL of the money?? Sheesh!! But of course, the Muckraker jumped all over the PPP to have them “explain” what they did with theG$348 Billion.

Even though, on Jan 24, 2015, they reported, “To date, Guyana has received over G$31B since the execution of the Guyana National Action Plan (GNAP) in 2006 on Accompanying Measures for Sugar Protocol Countries alone.” And that after holding up payments, the EU gave the final G$5.4B to APNU in 2016.

Total?? G$36.4B!! …and fishy stories Agri Minister Holder acknowledged Climate Change is affecting the ocean’s salinity. And to deal with Guyana’s adaptation, he’s introducing new species of fingerlings!

He plans to restock the ocean when we can’t even farm tilapia in ponds.

news 47

WEEK ENDING JULY 9, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Mahdia to attain township status before year-end

What’s new…

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…about the PNC changes? he PNC are gearing up for 2020, and much of their changes in personnel is to facilitate them winning that game-breaking election. After 2020, with oil flowing and all these carpetbaggers running around, it will be most difficult to change the momentum gained. Take the retirement of Oscar Clarke as the General Secretary of the PNC. All this is meant to do is to change the optics of what constitutes the PNC in the most crucial factor – ethnic composition. By substituting Amna Ally for Clarke, the PNC are hitting two demographics that they would like to splinter away from their arch foe, the PPP. Amna Ally is phenotypically “Indian”, and they will be hoping that with her as the General Secretary of the PNC, they can assert with a straight face that Indians are represented at the “very highest level” of that party! So what if there’s only one PS out of 17 that’s an Indian?

One minister, Amna Ally, who was moved from the Ministry of Social Cohesion to the Ministry of Social Protection, is worth more than all of them!!

Amna Ally has been around the block and some with the PNC – starting with the youth arm back in the day. Did she ever raise a squeak when Indians were rabidly discriminated against then by the PNC? She was an MP from 2001, when all hell broke loose from Buxton and dozens of Indians were arbitrarily executed by African freedom fighters. Was there even a whimper?

Naah…Amna Ally has proven her loyalty to the PNC’s cause. But she makes good optics, baby!!

Then Amna Ally also makes good optics for being a Muslim. In the grand strategy left by Burnham, and which the experienced Oscar Clarke has been freed up to fine tune, the Muslim segment of the Indian demographic is cleavage they can widen. Note the PNC’s wooing of the Muslim community, which has ranged from awards to zealotry in protestations of commonality.

But, very sadly, Amna Ally’s appointment as General Secretary is one more proof that, for the PNC, it’s gonna be more of the same ole, same ole. Didn’t Burnham make Jai Narine Singh his first general secretary of the PNC? Didn’t he soon quit in disgust and exit? Since then, the figurehead Indian was mostly the Chairman – witness Cammie Ramsaroop and Winston Murray.

What power did they ever wield??

But Amna Ally is no Jai Narine Singh; she is more than happy to be a token. After all, doesn’t she get to retain her Ministry of Social Protection portfolio, with all the perks that earns her? …with graft?

On the matter of the “Case of the SuperInflated Rental” the PNC are busy playing that old tune by Shaggy, “Wasn’t me!!”

Enquiring minds wanted to know how come Parliament was paying her mammoth rental when the “housing allowance” is only G$25,000. This is spending out of the Consolidated Fund, baby.

Doesn’t there have to be some sort of approval?

“NO!” says the Parliamentary Clerk (PC). A “housing allowance” is different from “housing rental”! And the latter is an “administrative” decision. But, hold it! Does this mean if perchance some out-of-towner decides to hold up at the Marriott at G$1,000,000/monthly, the PC would cough up? Has he absolute discretion over spending from the Consolidated Fund?

The Finance Minister says the PC’s answer is adequate. No wonder our economy’s tanking! …on NGSA? So the trend continues: the private schools, sending up just 400 students, dominated the top 1% performers at the NGSA. Imagine, 12,929 public schoolers couldn’t match them!

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ommitted efforts are being made to establish a Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) for the community of Mahdia to facilitate its journey to township status.

This was announced by the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Gavin Gounga, who told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan is expected to visit the community shortly to install an Interim Management Community (IMC).

This IMC will manage the NDC until the expected Local Government Elections in 2018 which will see the duly elected local representatives taking over.

The mining community is expected to be gazetted as a township before the end of 2017 and the formation of the NDC is one of the loose strings that need to be tied as the time for Mahdia achieving township status draws closer.

Gounga explained that a list

of persons eligible to serve on the IMC has already been submitted to the Minister as he further disclosed that Minister Bulkan was also expected to commission a tractor to the community, to facilitate the removal of solid waste around the area.

The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government in 2016 granted township status to three communities Mabaruma (Region One); Bartica (Region Seven); and Lethem (Region Nine) and while Mahdia was among the communities expected to achieve this status, the process was delayed largely owing to issues related to the demarcation of the constituency boundaries and the non-existence of the NDC. According to media reports, Minister Bulkan has assured that the challenges related to the attainment of township status for Mahdia were being addressed through a work programme.

The formation of the new towns is part of the Government’s

policy and vision of fostering national development through regional and local empowerment.

By standing as administrative centres in the respective administrative regions, these towns will provide key governmental services to communities.

President David Granger believes that the founding of these towns will generate economic activity towards the development of “a single economy”. Granger recently emphasised the need for Guyana to build an entrepreneurial class, access cheap energy, bridge the Essequibo River and diversify the national economy to reduce its dependence on the “six sisters” – rice, sugar, bauxite, gold, timber, and fish.

Mahdia is a small community in the Potaro-Siparuni district with a population of approximately 4500, comprising Guyanese of various backgrounds. Economic activity in the community is centred on small and large-scale gold and diamond mining operations.

48 Bollywood

Celina Jaitley pens emotional tribute for her father

WEEK ENDING JULY 9, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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elina Jaitley paid an emotional tribute to her late father, Colonel Vikram Kumar Jaitley on Wednesday expressing that “nothing truly prepares you for the loss of your parent”.

The actress, who is currently expecting twins, outlined her father’s contribution towards the country and acknowledged the full military honours he got during the ceremonial sendoff.

Celina took to her Facebook account on Tuesday and posted: “Nothing truly prepares you for the loss of your parent, not even prolonged illness of your loved one. You only realise once they are gone that you will never see them or hear their voice again or feel the warmth of their hugs. We always take for granted the fact that they are well & alive wherever they are and go about our lives.”

Talking about the laurels and achievements of her father, Celina shared that he was known as Tiger in

the Infantry.

She said: “He served the Maneaters of 17 Kumaon, commanded the incredible infantry battalion of the Maneaters of 16 Kumaon, with two wound medals from multiple gunshot & shrapnel injuries in 1971 war, Sena Medal for counter terrorism insurgency.

“He was an expert in mountain warfare and counter terrorism studies and military law. Our father is deeply mourned by the officers and jawans of his battalions and the troops he commanded and served with on various stations.”

He died after prolonged illness earlier this week.

Hoping to get a sign from her father that he is fine in the “soldiers’ heaven”, Celina ended her tribute saying that she will miss her father “dearly Daddy Pig”.

Celina is married to hotelier Peter Haag, with whom she already has two children. (Indian Express)

‘Naagin’ actor Mouni Roy set to romance Salman Khan’s brother-in-law Aayush Sharma

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ouni Roy; the actor who was recently given the Face of the Year award, is popular for television shows. After the success of Naagin, the actor is also set for her Bollywood debut with none other than Akshay Kumar in the movie titled Gold. But if recent reports are to be believed, Mouni also has another film in her kitty. Yes, she has reportedly been approached for a film called Raat Baaki. Interestingly, Salman Khan plans to launch Aayush Sharma, his brother-in-law in the same film.

So finally Salman is ready to show some love for his fan girl Mouni. It looks like it. An official confirmation on the same is awaited, but a report by DNA says the buzz is high. Though many Mouni Roy’s fans always believed that Salman Khan would launch her sooner or later. In fact, in an earlier interview, DNA quoted a source who said, “Salman had seen the same spark in Sonakshi Sinha when he launched her in Dabangg.

He sees Mouni as being extremely desi, a traditional Indian heroine draped in a

saree. He is looking at launching Mouni in one of his forthcoming home productions.” The buzz is also high that Mouni might be in Dabangg 3 too.

But Mouni Roy knows well that all fame and love she is enjoying today is because of the television industry, and thus her plans are clear that she will never ditch the small screen. With all these Bollywood projects, many must be wondering that as soon as Mouni enters the glamorous showbiz world, she may quit the television industry. But in her interview with HT, she assured that she will never hurt her TV fans.

Mouni Roy is all on to turn around to the small screen industry. She recently confirmed that she will remain devoted to TV because it is through this industry that she rose to fame and reached the stage where she is today.

In the interview, Mouni has spoken about her successful television career and whether she’ll continue to work or not after doing Bollywood movies.

(Indian Express)

t is very rare when you see two big stars and stellar performers coming out in support for each other for their films. This is exactly what happened at the screening of Sridevi’s movie MOM, where diva Rekha turned up to spent some amazing time with Sridevi, who completed her 50 years in films recently.

The screening, which was hosted by Sridevi and Boney Kapoor, saw their daughters Jhanvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor in attendance

too.

With every appearance, one can say these actors are proving that age is just a number, and they still can make the present lot of leading ladies run for their money. Apart from Sridevi’ entire family and Rekha, it was Sara Ali Khan and Ishaan Khattar who grabbed the limelight.

Well, it seems the next generation of Bollywood is already in the game as these young guns know how to stay in news.

Among the MOM star cast, Nawazuddin

Siddiqui, who plays a grey character in the film, was seen attending the screening too, but Akshaye Khanna gave it a miss. Apart from them, the film also stars Pakistani actors Sajal Ali and Adnan Siddiqui in pivotal roles.

During the press conference of MOM in Delhi, Sridevi said, “Being a mother helped me a lot to get into the character. But I kept myself in a shell in order to stay in the character. I don’t know if it was a conscious or subconscious decision but I never thought about my children or family while shooting. I did not communicate with them at all. The only communication I had was with my team members.”

The film, which has been produced by Boney Kapoor, will release on July 7. (Indian Express)

Asin and husband Rahul Sharma are a power couple

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sin had an interesting body of work in Tollywood as well as Bollywood. However, ever since she took a sabbatical from films after marrying the co-founder of Micromax, Rahul Sharma, nothing exciting has been reported from her end. But the couple recently had their first interview post marriage, and thanks to their fan clubs, we go to see a glimpse of the photoshoot.

HELLO! magazine India got Asin and Rahul featured as one of the powerful couple. Asin, post marriage, has kept her personal life quite secretive.

Barring the times, when her gal-pals from the industry share some pictures with her whenever they are in Delhi,

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efore Padmavati, actor Ranveer Singh has something more to be excited about. The hunk is set to be immortalised in the form of a wax statue at the Grévin in Paris, France, that too on his birthday. Ranveer will be the third Bollywood star to get a statue after Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai. Ranveer has made a name for himself in Bollywood in a short span of time and has given some stellar performances as an actor in RamLeela, Bajirao Mastani, Lootera and Dil Dhadkne Do. He was last seen in Yash Raj Film’s Befikre opposite Vaani Kapoor.

Befikre was infact the first Bollywood film to be entirely shot in France with a major portion in Paris. Ranveer had obviously loved the Parisian experience and enjoyed spending time in the French capital. Speaking about the birthday launch of the statue at the Grévin, Ranveer said in a statement, “It’s a truly special birth-

we hardly get any glimpse of Asin, or know about her whereabouts. But thanks to this coverage, her fans will get to know her equation with husband Rahul.

“Best friends forever Rahul and Asin Sharma” – is what reads the caption of the image shared by the fan clubs, and description goes as, “Their life is a celebration of success, power and hard work. Hello! Meet the couple for their first ever interview post marriage.”

In the interview, Asin talked about the relationship she shares with husband Rahul. “We have a great relationship, which is based on friendship, love and respect. He is my best friend,” said Asin.

Asin got married to Rahul Sharma in January 2016. The Christian wedding ceremony was followed by Hindu rituals near Delhi. The 30-year-old Ghajini star called only close friends and family in the extremely private event.

The only Bollywood star present was actor Akshay Kumar who happens to be a close friend of both of them and played a significant role in getting Asin and Rahul together. (Indian Express)

day present and one that will always bring back beautiful memories of Paris. I love all things French, and am grateful to the museum that they have given me a permanent place in wax in their home and their hearts.”

Even one of Befikre’s songs was launched at the iconic Eiffel Tower. On the occasion of the actor’s stopover in Paris to announce the screening of Befikre, on 11 October 2016, the sculptor Eric Saint Chaffray and the Grévin’s artistic teams met Ranveer to gather the data they needed for creating his waxwork. “I love Paris”, he said, “I wouldn’t mind coming back every month”.

Ranveer’s wax figure will be on view in one of the Grévin’s most prestigious venues, the Hall of Columns, not far away from Shah Rukh Khan, Céline Dion, Leonardo Di Caprio, Angelina Jolie, among many others. (Indian Express)

WEEK ENDING JULY 9, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘Spider-Man Homecoming’ actor Robert Downey Jr says Tom Holland is a very physically talented guy

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ctor Robert Downey Jr says Tom Holland is the right man to follow in the footsteps of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield as superhero Spider-Man. Speaking with Sunday Herald Sun, Downey Jr praised Holland, reports news. com.au.

He said: “Tom is the perfect man for the job.

He’s enthusiastic, bright and gifted, a very physically talented guy by virtue of his dance and acrobatic background. He has just the right com-

bination of elements required to bring a new take on the character.”

Holland, 20, was introduced as Spider-Man last year in Captain America: Civil War. He is now looking forward to his first solo movie Spider-Man: Homecoming.

He will also be seen in Avengers: Infinity War, which is slated to release in 2018. Holland will follow up his act in “Avengers 4”, and then a second solo outing is also planned.

Holland follows in the footsteps of Tobey

Maguire, who starred in Sam Raimi’s original trilogy of Spider-Man movies, and Andrew Garfield, who played Spider-Man in the two Amazing Spider-Man reboot movies.

The movies will air in India on Star Movies and Star Movies HD on Saturday as part of Star Movies #Trending, through which the channel will bring movies associated with the big franchises onto the small screen in anticipation of the release of the new part.

Meanwhile, Tiger Shroff would be giving the film a Bollywood touch by lending his voice to Spider-Man: Homecoming’s Hindi version. Tom Holland recently watched Tiger’s previous performances and was extremely happy about him doing the Hindi version. (Indian Express)

‘Baywatch’ box office collection: Film earns $151.2 million worldwide

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eating all the negative reviews, Priyanka Chopra’s Baywatch, managed to earn as much as $151.2 million, as informed by trade analyst Ramesh Bala. Priyanka Chopra made her Hollywood debut opposite action star Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron in the film. Previously she had already gained international popularity for her role in the American television series, Quantico.

Baywatch is a comedy movie based on the popular American television series by the same name. Priyanka Chopra was seen playing the role of the main villain, Victoria Leeds. While the Indian audience saw her as a dutiful wife in Bajirao Mastani, her seductive dance number in Ram-Leela was its high point. She also played characters with grey shades in Aitraaz and Fashion. But her fans in US, who have seen her as the American hero in Quantico, saw her smoothly carrying a negative role for the first time in

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ylvester Stallone has posted a monochrome photo on Instagram where the younger version of him sits ruminating before the building where he used to live in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen neighbourhood. The film in question, the huge commercial and critical success Rocky was the film that really began the Stallone phenomenon and established his position as one of the biggest action heroes in the world. The Stallone phenomenon has continued till today.

“When I wrote all the Rockys I drew on my childhood memories. This is A neighborhood called Hell’s

Hollywood 49

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie reach ‘solid agreement’ to co-parent their six kids

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here was once a time when Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt gave couple goals. Then their divorce news broke hearts of their fans, and eventually there came a time when they couldn’t even stand each other. But now both the actors are making an effort for the sake of their six children – Pax, Maddox, Shiloh, Knox, Vivienne and Zahara. The actors have reached a solid agreement that they will coparent them.

“When Brad and

Angie talk, it’s just about the kids. Usually he’s ringing one of the phones to speak to them and Angie will pick up. Or, sometimes they talk directly about any child related issues that arise,” Hollywoodlife.com reported.

The report also warned fans, to not get their hopes up as the divorce is still happening.

They have only restricted their conversations to their children. “Brad and Angie both have excellent management and legal teams dealing with

all the other stuff, so neither really sees the point in calling just to have a friendly chat or rehash old business,” mentioned a source to Hollywoodlife.com Brad has reportedly been quite straight forward with the kids and has not given them any false hope. Another report in OK Magazine said, that the War Machine actor often reminds the kids of their divorce when he and Angelina are in therapy.

Not very long ago, the whole family was spotted spending a quality time in London. Although the trip was short, it had some good influence on Brad Pitt.

“He’s back home now with a new perspective on his life, his career, and his place in the world. Brad is hopeful about his future now that he has returned stateside after the whirlwind trip that included several countries,” an insider told Hollywoodlife. com. (Indian Express)

‘Wonder Woman’ flies past ‘Batman vs Superman’ to become highest grossing DC film Baywatch.

Various reviews of Western media had criticised Baywatch, however, amidst all the bad reception, our desi girl managed to shine. Both Priyanka Chopra and Dwayne Johnson have been invited by the Academy too. The board, has however been criticised for lack of diversity in terms of nominations, awards and representation.

(Indian Express)

kitchen , New York… we lived in the building directly behind me … Years later we moved to Philly.#HELL’S KITCHEN,” Sylvester Stallone captioned the image. After Rocky, Stallone played the titular Rambo characters in the Rambo series of films, which cemented his position in Hollywood. In Rambo, Stallone plays a troubled US Special Forces veteran Rambo who is a one man army, pretty much an unstoppable force of nature.

Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff is going to step in the shoes of Rambo in a remake set in an Indian setting. Sylvester Stallone had posted in

response: “I read recently they are remaking Rambo in India !! ..

Great character.. hope they don’t wreck it .”

In Rocky, a sports drama, Stallone played the role of the fictional Rocky Balboa, an Italian-American boxer.

It was a rags to riches story and went on to get three academy awards – in the Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Film Editing categories.

Stallone was also nominated in the Best Actor category. The film also accumulated $225 million over the budget of a mere $1.1 million He also wrote the script for the film. The film has engendered six sequels.

(Indian Express)

T

he Wonder Woman phenomenon is simply unstoppable.

After becoming the live action film with highest domestic plus worldwide earnings for a film directed by a woman (Patty Jenkins), it has now become the highest grossing movie yet in the DC Extended Universe in the domestic (US) market. There have been four films as yet in the DC Extended Universe (shortened to DCEU) starting from Man of Steel, Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad and Wonder Woman.

Driven by glowing reviews and unconventional promotion, Wonder Woman had employed limited promotion as compared to previous

movies. The publicity it has engendered was mostly word of mouth.

Despite this it became one of the biggest films of the year and most critically acclaimed film yet in DCEU. Justice League is also slated to be released this year.

According to Forbes, Gal Gadot-starrer Wonder Woman has so far accumulated $330.533 million (and counting).

In comparison, Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice closely follows with $330.366 million, Suicide Squad has drawn $325.100 million and the first film in the DC Extended Universe Man of Steel got $291.045 million. DCEU has had disappointing run so far.

They are far behind in the race against Marvel

Cinematic Universe’s films like the Avengers and Iron Man series.

The critical success of Wonder Woman has breathed a new life in the universe and a lot of hope for DCEU rests on the Justice League, its flagship film coming this year. Another film in the universe, Aquaman will be released next year.

Although overtaking the domestic earnings of other DCEU movies, Wonder Woman still lags behind them when it comes to worldwide earnings. It has earned $663.648 million so far, while Batman vs Superman collected $873.260 million, Suicide Squad collected $745.600 million and Man of Steel collected $668.045.

(Indian Express)

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HERO CPL 'Early Bird’ tickets on sale now …Florida to welcome galaxy of int’l stars to biggest party in sport on weekend of 5-6 August

T

he Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is delighted to announce that ‘Early Bird’ discount tickets for the USA leg of matches - which will take place on the weekend of 5-6 August in Central Broward Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida – are on sale now online.

In total four matches, comprising of back-toback doubleheaders between Guyana Amazon Warriors against Chris Gayle’s St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, and reigning champions the Jamaica Tallawahs against Barbados Tridents, will take place over an action-packed weekend in Florida.

Fans that purchased tickets for last year’s Florida swing of matches, were given a 72-hour window to book tickets earlier this week and fans who buy tickets early will enjoy further advance opportunities and benefits for Hero CPL matches. The remainder of tickets are on public sale now.

Fans have the oppor-

tunity to book their tickets now for what is set to be a highly-contested weekend of cricket, with prices ranging from USD $35 (uncovered mound) to $225 (VIP) for both matches on each day.

Tickets purchased for each day gain entry to both fixtures which start at 11am and 3pm.

For full details on ticket prices and match dates visit www.cplt20. com.

Welcoming the ticket announcement, Hero CPL COO Pete Russell

said: “We are pleased to release the first tranche of tickets for our return to Lauderhill, Florida this week and believe that the American, West Indian and international audience are in for a treat of top quality cricket and a fan-friendly taste of Caribbean culture.

“Last year’s inaugural staging of matches in Central Broward Stadium was a huge success with over 30,000 fans in attendance and we are committed to

creating a competitively-priced event for a growing and passionate cricket audience in the USA and the Caribbean.

“We are excited about bringing the biggest party in sport to mainland USA again this year, and fans can expect a carnival atmosphere that is typical of the Hero CPL, incorporating a unique Caribbean vibe around the stadium, all weekend.

“Some of the biggest

West Indies and international stars, including the likes of the great Chris Gayle, Australia’s Chris Lynn, Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi, Tridents captain Kieron Pollard, Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara, Tallawahs’ recently recruited star batsman Lendl Simmons, Pakistan all-rounder Sohail Tanvir and New Zealand superstar Kane Williamson, will be lining out for their franchises this year and they will be keen to start their campaigns on a winning note.

“So fans can be sure that the action on the field will be as exciting as the party off it for all members of the family. We would encourage supporters to buy their tickets early to avoid dis-

appointment as we’re expecting full houses this year.”

The remaining tickets for the other six venues will go on sale as soon as the starting times are announced in the coming weeks.

HERO CPL F I X T U R E S , LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA: Saturday, 5 August: Guyana Amazon Warriors v St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots (Lauderhill, 11am), Barbados Tridents v Jamaica Tallawahs (Lauderhill, 3pm) Sunday, 6 August: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Guyana Amazon Warriors (Lauderhill, 11am), Jamaica Tallawahs v Barbados Tridents (Lauderhill).

(Story and photos by CPL)

Griffith captures road race

W

Christopher Griffith crossing the finish line

earing Team Evolution colours for the first time, Christopher ‘Chicken Legs’ Griffith powered on the last half mile of the Guyana Beverage CompanyTampico 63 Mile Road race to beat Team Coco’s Jamal John to the finish line on Monday.

The cyclists rode off from in front of the company’s Berbice office at Palmyra, East Coast, Berbice, to the No. 51 Police Station before returning to the starting line for the finish.

Griffith crossed the finish line in a time of

2hours 26 minutes and 37 seconds ahead of Jamal John.

His (Griffith) teammate Paul De Nobrega placed third, while Andrew Hicks finished in fourth, Raul Leal fifth, Andre “Padlock” Green 6th, Curtis Dey 7th, Steve Fernandes 8th, Romello Crawford 9th and Alanzo Ambrose 10th.

Early in the race the peloton which comprised of Griffith, John, De Nobrega and Hicks made an early headway and separated themselves from the bunch.

The breakaway group

then turned the heat on as they approached the turning point. Griffith signaled his intention to break away, as he took control of the race from No.46 Village.

Jamal John maintained his composure keeping abreast with Griffith in the closing stages of the race.

It was then a fierce battle to the finish line.

Each senior rider received a case of Turbo energy drink compliments of the sponsor.

The winners of each category all received cash incentives and a trophy.

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Warriors’ preparation camp commences on July 25 “The core of the Amazon Warriors from 2016 has been retained but it has been a year away from each other and it is good to get that camp and back in gear since they want to hit the ground running when the

By Akeem Greene

T

he Guyana Amazon Warriors will gather on July 25 for a one-week preparation camp ahead of their first match in the Hero Caribbean Premier League on August 5 in Florida against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

According the Warriors’ Assistant Manager John Ramsingh in an interview with Guyana Times International Sport on Wednesday, sessions will be held at the National Stadium, Providence and headed by coach Roger Harper and assistant Esuan Crandon.

The camp concludes on August 2.

With six new comers to the Squad, namely Chadwick Walton, Rashid

get to Florida”, Ramsingh stated.

With the exception of the West Indies Tour to England, the August 4 to September 9 tournament will not be clashing other major actives which will possibly allow the entire

this time we will go to the beach and take a bath because it was previously stated, the Warriors will go the beach and don’t take a dip but I think we will take a dip this year”.

Ramsingh’s analogy about the beach was

leg of matches online at Kyazoonga and at the Central Broward Stadium in Florida and the Assistant Manager encouraged fans to support the team and those who can travel to take the opportunity.

Guyana Amazon Warriors Assistant Manager John Ramsingh

Khan, Steven Taylor, Keon Joseph, Gajanand Singh and Roshon Primus, Ramsingh contended that the camp will be integral to bonding of players.

Players withdraw from Australia A tour A ustralia's players have chosen to withdraw from the Australia A tour of South Africa after there was no material progress made in pay talks between Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers Association this week.

The decision was reached by the Australia A squad - led by Usman Khawaja and Travis Head and also featuring Glenn Maxwell, among others - in Brisbane on Thursday morning after Cricket Australia asked for a determination to be brought forward by a day for logistical reasons.

Players had previously stated, via a series of 14 ACA resolutions at an emergency executive meeting in Sydney on Sunday, to pull out of the tour if no progress was made in talks this week. While CA and the ACA have been in discussions, neither side has been prepared to back down from their opposing views on a fixed revenue percentage model for the next MoU - CA wish to break it up, the ACA to retain it.

"It is with great frustration that with no progress towards resolving the current dispute, Australia A players confirm they will not tour South Africa," the ACA chief executive Alistair Nicholson said. "This decision is made in support of more than 200 male and female players who are now unemployed, and is consistent with Sunday's ACA Executive meeting resolutions.

"By making this call, the Australia A players have sacrificed their own ambitions for the collective; an incredibly selfless act that shows their strength and overall commitment to the group. All players are deeply disappointed at the behaviour of CA which forces this course of action, given the players would rather be playing for their country.

CA refuse to attend mediation or offer any genuine flexibility in the MOU negotiations. And without mediation it's hard to see how there can be the progress necessary to reach agreement. The players want to make sure all men and women who play the game are treated fairly, and that grassroots funding is not drained by a top-heavy bureaucracy. The ACA again calls on common sense to prevail and for the CA CEO [James Sutherland] to attend mediation."

Legal advice sought by the ACA confirmed that no players are contractually bound to tour even if they have existing multi-year state contracts. As the relevant resolutions stated: "The players have resolved that, un-

less contractually obliged, no male or female players intend to play for a Cricket Australia (CA) team whilst fellow players remain unemployed due to the absence of an MOU. All Australian professional cricketers are not obliged to and are unavailable to Tour South Africa as a part of the Australia A team without an agreed MOU." Responding to the decision, a CA spokesman said the board was disappointed by the cancellation of the tour and indicated all associated costs would instead be diverted to fund grass roots programs.

"Cricket Australia (CA) is disappointed that players have today confirmed that they are unwilling to take part in the Australia A tour of South Africa," he said.

"CA has never and would never attempt to compel any player to represent Australia at any level if they were unwilling to do so.

"The Australia A tour was projected to cost CA in the vicinity of $250,000 to stage.

All funds that can be recouped as a result of not touring will be allocated by CA to the National Communities Facilities Fund.

Australia A squad members with multiyear state and BBL contracts will continue to have these honoured.

"Cricket Australia regrets that players have made this decision despite progress made in talks between CA and the ACA in meetings over the past week. These talks included regular communication between CEOs. While a new MOU has not yet been agreed, CA is of the view that these talks should have enabled the tour to proceed as planned. CA will continue to work towards a new MOU which is in the interests of both the players and the game and calls upon the ACA to show the flexibility clearly now needed to achieve that outcome."

Haroon Lorgat, the chief executive of Cricket South Africa, said the host board had contingency plans in the event that CA could not fulfil its touring commitment, which was to feature a series of four-day matches and a triangular limited overs series also featuring India.

Australia's next touring commitments are for two Tests in Bangladesh starting in late August and then a limited overs tour of India in September and October. The federal sports minister, Greg Hunt, has stated that the Australian government would be prepared to intervene if the dispute threatened the home Ashes series due to commence in November. (ESPNCricinfo) Daniel Brettig is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo.

Gelling as a team is critical for total performance

squad to stay for the duration of the tournament.

This the Assistant Manager believes bodes well for a change in their championship fortunes after being in three of the four finals but yet not winning.

“CPL was very strategic in choosing the dates to suit this window period where there is no other world tournament to make all players available because of that and the composition of the Amazon Warriors I think

based on the team reaching three of the four finals but yet not copping the coveted championship trophy.

The other members of the squad include; Martin Guptill, Rayad Emrit, Sohail Tanveer, Christopher Lynn, Jason Mohammed, Veerasammy Permaul, Assad Fudadin, Steven Jacobs, Steven Katwaroo, Shimron Hetmyer and Muhammad Ali Khan.

Tickets are currently on sale for the Florida

After playing in Trinidad and Tobago and then St. Lucia, the Warriors will have four home matches from August 17 to 22.

On the 17th, they play the Jamaica Tallawahs; after which they play arch-rivals Trinbago Knight Riders two days later. The Warriors then clash with the Barbados Tridents on the 20th, and then have their final home match against the St Lucia Zouks on the 22nd.

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Get to know your Guyana Amazon Warriors Full name: Martin James Guptill Born: September 30, 1986, Auckland Current age: 30 years Playing role: Opening batsman Batting style: Right-hand bat Bowling style: Right-arm off-break

G

uptill or ‘Marty G’ as he is fondly called by fellow countryman and commentator Danny Morrison, has been the rock at the Warriors’ toporder since the inception of the tournament in 2013 and only having an absence in 2015 when he played for St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots. He has consistently been among the runs in One Day International Cricket, notably making a double-century (163-ball 237) in the quarter-final of the 2015 World Cup against the West Indies.

His CPL stats are consistent, averaging 32.8 at a strike rate of 121.5 in 35 matches. The intimidating batsman’s presence in the 2016 edition was curtailed due to international duties

but it is understood that the player will be with the Warriors for the entire season this year.

Hitting boundaries off of good-length deliveries at will is not the only attribute the batsman possesses since he has the aptitude to rotate the strike and bat through an innings, to help the Warriors post or chase challenging totals.

‘Marty G’ had a quite outing in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) playing for the Kings Punjab XI and is eager to making a defining impact for the Warriors.

His message for the fans was: “Our crowds are the best in the Caribbean. Come down to Providence Stadium and watch us take on

some of the best from around the world. All of your support means so much to our guys and we appreciate everyone coming down and being behind us. This is our year!”

The dashing New Zealand batsman has given bowlers nightmares with his pristine boundary hitting ability and fans should be on the look-out for some balls in the stands.

It is not only with bat in hand he can change the dynamics of the match since he is extremely acrobatic on the boundary ropes with a safe pair of hands and also his cat-like reflexes in the covers.

Full name: Assad Badyr Fudadin Born August: 1, 1985, Guyana Current age: 31 years Playing role: Top-order batsman Batting style: Left-hand bat Bowling style: Right-arm medium-fast

B

ig hitting is not what he is known for since his match winning potential lies with gutsy desire to be present at the end of the innings with the team earning positive results. This will be his third year with stints in 2015 and 2016 but his on-field presence has been limited to six matches, all of which were played in 2015.

That year, he played a significant role by scoring a 43ball 54 while opening the batting which helped the Warriors thrash the Jamaica Tallawahs in one of the round-robin matches.

Though making a Test debut in 2012, his international ca-

reer has been a stalemate with only three Tests to date under his belt.

The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club player has had some West Indies A-team exposure recently but the stints have not being rewarding.

Given the exposure this tournament gives, Fudadin is already in preparation mode to be at his best.

He is also an asset in the field and 2017 could be the year of Assad Fudadin.

He also made a call to all Warriors,

“Must say to the fans they have been excellent over the years supporting us and we will continue to excite and entertain you as a team so come out and support your Warriors”.

A former West Indies u-19 player is pure stroke-maker once in full flow and is a handy asset to have at the top-order to support Martin Guptill, Steven Taylor, Chadwick Walton and Shimron Hetmyer.

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