Guyana Times International

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You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com ISSUE NO. 314

WEEK ENDING October 9, 2016

‘Irresponsible and dangerous’

…Guyana complains to UN over reports of illegal mapping of Essequibo by VenezuelaSee story on page 3 Cops hold one over brutal murder of Tuschen Page 46 taxi driver

‘25 scandals in 16 months’

Page 7

Guyana launches One Laptop Per Teacher project President David Granger presents a Laptop to a trainee teacher during the launch of the One Laptop Per Teacher initiative at Cyril Potter College of Education in Guyana on Wednesday. (Photo by Carl Croker)

Opposition alleges widespread corruption in Govt

USAID provides initial US$1.5 million for the Caribbean in wake of Hurricane Matthew

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NEWS 3

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‘Irresponsible and dangerous’ …Guyana complains to UN over reports of illegal mapping of Essequibo by Venezuela

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he Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has begun investigations into whether Venezuela has in recent days beenconducting illegal flights over Guyana’s Essequibo territory to which it has resuscitated claims, with a view to creating maps for that country which will include two-thirds of Guyana’s territory.

This is according to Foreign Affairs Minister, Vice President Carl Greenidge, who on Wednesday during an interaction with media operatives at the Georgetown Club, called the action “irresponsible and dangerous” on the part of the Venezuelans, if substantiated.

Vice President Greenidge said the matter has already since

been communicated to the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

According to Greenidge, there are currently unconfirmed reports emanating from our western neighbour that that country has been conducting flights over Guyana’s Essequibo “with a view to completing an atlas of Venezuela which will include two thirds of Guyana”.

Greenidge told the local media that the information has since been passed on to the GDF with a view to investigate and substantiate whether the claims are in fact true.

Conceding the Guyanese military’s shortcomings to undertake such a mission, Vice President Greenidge

said international help has been sought.

He reminded too that as recent as last week, Guyana left with the Secretary General a document which “sets out our concerns about the escalating behaviour of Venezuela and the consequences of some of the steps taken”.

According to Vice President Greenidge, the entire affair is “something we view with the greatest concern”.

He told media operatives Venezuela was reportedly also doing digital mapping of Guyana’s sovereign territory with the aim of getting details for its maps, “but the over flights themselves are illegal in international law”, should the report of them prove true.

The news of the il-

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge updates media operatives on Wednesday evening on the possible illegal flyovers made by Venezuela

legal flyover comes on the heels of a condemnatory statement issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Guyana a

day earlier lambasting a statement by the Venezuelan Government on the 117th anniversary of the 1899 Arbitral

Award handed down in Paris regarding the border controversy between Guyana and that councontinued on page 7

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WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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EDITORIAL

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Agriculture in Guyana

f this is October, then it must be “Agriculture Month”. And so it is, with the Ministry of Agriculture taking out full page ads in all the dailies to announce the “theme” for this month – “Exploring new production frontiers: in pursuit of climate resilience”.

There was also the obligatory month-long series of activities designed to “not only focus on the resuscitation of the agricultural sector to increase efficiency, but will target the advancement of small and medium scale farmers across the ten administrative regions.”

But what does this really mean for farmers in Guyana today?

Last year, as with every other year for decades, there was also a different theme, that one being “Exploiting our Strengths; advancing agriculture and social protection”, not forgetting the month-long series of “activities” to “give life to the theme”.

This approach evidently sees agriculture as an undertaking in which a different “theme” will come to fruition within a year so as to move on to the next theme. Is this realistic?

How is “Exploiting our Strengths; advancing agriculture and social protection” related to “Exploring new production frontiers: in pursuit of climate resilience”? Exactly what was done to “advance agriculture” last year? The Government and the Minister of Agriculture announced that rice, the largest agricultural crop in Guyana, employing the largest number of workers, was a “private” enterprise and marketing the product was not the responsibility of the government.

One wonders why, in every foreign embassy and consulate – even in such a minuscule country like ours – there is an “economic desk” that promotes the products of that country. One wonders why G-20 developed the concept of “trade for aid” and exactly what our government has done to utilise funds from that initiative to market rice when it had already washed its hands of that task.

The Government also arbitrarily announced the closure of Wales Sugar Estate, West Bank Demerara, without even a single consultation with the 1700 workers or its trade unions.

They had to learn of their fate from the newspapers; and the Minister of Agriculture obdurately did not see it fit to engage the workers or the affected communities surrounding the Estate.

This year, as they were presumably crafting their theme for this year’s Agriculture Month, the Minister just as suddenly and arbitrarily announced that the government was going to convert 484 acres of canefields to growing rice.

Exactly how is government going to improve “social protection” by entering the rice industry, which cannot find markets for its present private farmers’ production when it would now be competing with them?

It is our hope that government is not giving up on the coastal agricultural “bird in the hand” in pursuit of its hinterland “bird in the bush” as adumbrated in this year’s theme. It its announcement of Agriculture Month last week it noted: “The Government of Guyana’s 2015 Manifesto has indicated development of the hinterland as a priority, with implementation of policies for development of the Intermediate Savannahs, as well as the Rupununi Savannahs. The Intermediate Savannahs have long been considered as the next frontier for the nation’s agricultural development. In this vein, the Ministry of Agriculture has aligned its work programme to realise the Intermediate Savannahs as the next agricultural centre, and has also prioritised the implementation of policies for development of the Rupununi Savannahs.”

While there is unquestionably a need to develop the intermediate and interior savannahs, as was highlighted by the Minister and his high-level team on their visit to the Rupununi during the middle of last month, the challenges presented will take huge amounts of resources – technological, human and material.

We suggest that we do not waste the hundreds of years of efforts by slaves, indentured and freemen to make the Guyana coastland among the best drained and irrigated lands on the planet. Let us consolidate these lands for Agriculture rather than building “apartments and condos” on them.

Some students of the Precious Jewels Nursery School in Georgetown, Guyana, pose with their teachers for a photo op. on Teachers’ Appreciation Day, which was observed on Wednesday, October 5, 2016.

The need for a more ‘consensual’ form of democracy

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ctober 5 passed without much fanfare even though it was the 24th anniversary of “free and fair” elections being returned to Guyana.

Starting in 1968, the PNC under Forbes Burnham had rigged elections to thwart the democratic will of the Guyanese people and keep his party in power.

In the post-WWII period, there had been great expectations raised in the minds of the populace that independence

dence four years before Guyana.

This was the “first past the post” (FPTP) method that divided a country into “constituencies” from which a Member of Parliament was elected from a field of party or independent candidates. The virtue of this system, still in use in all the Commonwealth countries, is that it takes democracy closer to the people by having them directly electing their MP to represent them.

from colonial Britain via democratic elections would augur a life of prosperity and dignity for all Guyanese. It was self-evident to the populace that the wealth of the colony had been “drained” to the “Mother Country” and once that “drain” was staunched, it was assumed standards of living had to rise.

That it did not after 1966 – and in fact the Guyanese economy collapsed – made the demands for “real democracy” even more intense. But very early on, however, it was seen that even “democratic elections” were not as straightforward as was thought.

During the lead-up to Independence, British Guiana had the identical method of “democratic elections” as all Britain’s former colonies that would later transition from the “British Empire” to the “Commonwealth”, including Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago that received indepen-

The Proportional Representation (PR) method, which was introduced in 1964, treated the entire country as one constituency with two claimed virtues. The first was that it allowed small parties to be elected to Parliament since their support in the total electorate was agglomerated and this also helped reduce the strength of the larger parties.

Secondly, that the representation of the parties in Parliament would be more reflective of their actual support.

But because it had been widely discussed even before the 1964 elections, everyone knew PR was simply an “outcome determinative” manoeuvre to remove the PPP from office. This lessened the legitimacy of the Government.

After 1992, there were changes in the Constitution whereby Guyana now has a “hybrid” electoral system with elements of both FPTP and PR and there

have been no recent complaints of “exclusion” by political aspirants.

The PPP governed under “free and fair” elections and while there were claims and counter claims of electoral distortions, these have not delegitimised the results of elections.

But questions about the efficacy of “democracy” itself as practised were raised on the question of whether its economic promise can be fulfilled.

The challenge is one that arises in all deeply divided societies: while the Government may have received a majority of the votes, its legitimacy is questioned by a large swathe of the populace that did not vote for it. Its practices are also scrutinised for “discriminatory” effects, as rewards to party supporters inevitably follow the cleavages in the society. Thus, directly after the 1992 elections, the PNC strenuously raised cries of “ethnic cleansing” in the Public Service.

Matters escalated after the 1997 elections, and riots and other violence forced President Janet Jagan out of office and created a siege mentality in the succeeding PPP regimes. While the PPP wiped off the debt and maintained a healthy growth rate averaging four per cent during its 23 years at the helm, it was not as high as it could have been if the entire society had put their shoulder to the wheel.

The lack of legitimacy in the new government in the eyes of a large section of the society following the polarising 2015 elections, and the economic stagnation should raise the question whether the adversarial form of democracy should not be challenged by a more consensual one.

NEWS 5

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Govt summons Chinese company to meeting over US$150M airport expansion project … says project “woefully” behind schedule

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he Public Infrastructure Ministry is unhappy with the progress being made by China Harbour Engineering Ltd (CHEC) on the US$150 million Cheddi Jagan International Airport Extension Project and has since decided to haul in the contractor for a meeting to address the unsatisfactory issues.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry on Wednesday, among the concerns to be addressed is the fact that CHEC is still to submit the final construction drawings of the new arrival terminal building.

This complaint has been a recurring problem with the CHEC team which has time and again failed to meet deadlines in submitting critical designs for approval.

The Ministry has also identified among other problems, the keeping of the agreed schedule for the completion of the project and has signalled a proposal which would see the “fast-tracking of the project via simultaneous works to the runway/new arrival terminal building

the designs, plans, schedules and assigned resources before the scheduled meeting.

Thorne said that the CHEC’s management has already been contacted with the intent to have unsatisfactory areas rectified.

Negative publicity

CHEC workers engaged in pile driving recently on the US$150 million CJIA Expansion Project

and renovations of the existing terminal building.”

Additional manpower The Ministry has proposed to CHEC that works on the new terminal be conducted in parallel with works on the existing building and runway, but said too that it is cognisant that “this proposal will require additional manpower and equipment to achieve the December 2017 deadline.”

Among the other contractual concerns listed

by Government with regards to the controversial Chinese contractor

– CHEC – is the timely delivery of concrete onsite; the procurement schedule for equipment and the progress of the works on the generator room and fire pump station.

The Ministry reported Project Manager Carmichael Thorne as saying, “We are progressing but we can do better…

There are areas we can improve on and these are areas that the contractor can improve on by upping the efforts.”

CHEC has since been asked to provide supporting documents detailing

CHEC recently found itself on the receiving end of negative local publicity after it was discovered that the Chinese company had inked an agreement with a Surinamese-based company for the supply of some 300,000 tons of stone for the CJIA project, at a price of US$7.5 million.

The news was met with consternation on the part of local suppliers that have since lodged complaints with local representatives, coupled with the increase calls for Government to have the arrangement re-negotiated since preference should be given to local suppliers.

Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, had also come in for intense flak after he told media operatives that Government was essentially powerless to revoke

Trucks delivering aggregates for the CJIA contractor

the contract since it was a private arrangement between CHEC and the Surinamese-based company.

The Public Infrastructure Minister had also come out in defence of the arrangement saying that CHEC had opted for the cheaper alternative in the supply of crushed stones for the project.

President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) had also come out in support of greater protection for local content in the undertaking of such large projects.

The US$150 million Project has been one of the bug-bears of the current coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Administration ever since it was in Opposition.

It had argued, among others, that the contract was unfavourable to Guyana and was in fact borne in corruption.

After taking office in May last year, it almost immediately halted and renegotiated the project, after which it was restarted with a December 2017 completion date.

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Jagdeo’s lecture in Miami was well presented and received Dear Editor, “We black people…” These words were uttered by someone whom countless Guyanese would be shocked that these words came from his mouth. But yes, Guyana’s former president and current leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Friday evening in delivering the 18th annual Eric Williams Memorial Lecture in Miami, did say “we black people” and “we are black people” as he spoke of the people of the Caribbean.

He also identified one of the reasons for US presidential candidate Donald Trump’s popularity, the failure of the status quo (meaning mainstream politicians and political parties in the US) to address a number of stereotypes and misconceptions, one of which is that black people are lazy and criminal and “just want to live off welfare.”

This is just not true, Jagdeo told his audience of Caribbean Americans and others, including a Bahamian delegation that included Foreign Minister Fred Mitchell.

In an earlier letter to the press, I had indicated the resentment by many Guyanese to the invitation extended to Jagdeo to speak at this prestigious lecture series and to my sharing information on Facebook about the event.

I am in no way associated with the organising of the event, but was accused of trying to legitimise Jagdeo, who many feel is racist, corrupt and ultimately responsible for the deaths of people during the reign of the phantom squad during his tenure as president. I also said in that letter that I am in no position to legitimise or dismiss anyone.

Well, on Friday night Jagdeo sought to, and was successful, in further legitimising himself. While I did not agree with some of his arguments, I would be dishonest if I said anything other than the fact that his lecture was informative, thought-provoking

and well presented.

He displayed a familiarity with the issues regarding global trade and development, Caribbean integration, or lack thereof, and US domestic politics. He offered suggestions/solutions to some of the challenges he identified facing the Caricom region.

His presentation was well received and some attendees later told me “he was statesmanlike.”

Notwithstanding all the ranting and raving on Facebook about Jagdeo’s invitation, not one Guyanese who feels so strongly about his alleged wrongdoings during his tenure as president turned up to ask any questions of him.

No one has even written a letter to the Eric Williams Foundation requesting an explanation of the invitation extended to Jagdeo.

I asked two questions of Jagdeo and one had to do with Guyana.

My question had to do with the Venezuela claim, which I make sure I raise in every public forum.

His answer was in keeping with the Guyana position on the claim and he said it is difficult to predict how a Trump presidency would impact the controversy.

At the cocktail reception which followed, I quite audibly greeted Jagdeo as “my black brother” and then proceeded to quietly ask of him to juxtapose his “we black people” against his “beating drum in the morning” remarks just prior to the last election and those reportedly made during a recent speech in New York.

He explained that on both occasions, sections of his remarks were excluded so as to remove the context and meaning of what he said. He told me he had explained this at press conferences in Guyana.

Like him or hate him, Jagdeo will continue to be a key factor in the political life of Guyana for the foreseeable future.

Regards, Wesley Kirton

Dr Walter Rodney was very concerned about the development of African people Dear Editor, I recently attended the screening of a documentary film titled W.A.R. Walter Anthony Rodney produced

by Clairmont Chung.

The film was screened as part of the Kwame Ture Memorial Lecture Series during the Emancipation Day celebrations in Port of Spain, in August this year.

After viewing the film, I became more convinced that the academic and politician, Walter Rodney, was very concerned about African people in the Caribbean and Africa as well as in his own African culture and identity. He must be highly commended for embracing his ethnicity and not denying it as his political colleague, Rupert Roopnaraine.

I had expected that Roopnaraine would have complemented Rodney by having the same interest in Indian people, their traditions and identity. I was disappointed in Roopnaraine who did not learn a thing from his guru, Rodney.

The documentary featured interviews with Rex Nettleford, Eusi Kwayana, Clive Thomas and

Rupert Roopnaraine. Former IndoGuyanese WPA front-liner, Moses Bhagwan, was not interviewed in the film.

The film depicts Rodney as being preoccupied with the African Liberation Struggle. Was Roopnaraine involved in any Indian Liberation Struggle in Guyana or elsewhere?

Rodney was either affiliated to, or had established, the Black Writers Congress, Black Arts Movement and the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA).

Was Roopnaraine either affiliated to, or had established any Indian literary group or Indian social movement?

In 1966 Rodney lectured in African History at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

Was Roopnaraine ever interested in teaching Indian history or literature in Guyana or in the Indian Diaspora? The documentary highlighted Rodney’s classic How Europe Underdeveloped Africa (1972). I would have expected that Roopnaraine would have

complemented Rodney’s research with a book on the Unspoken Story of Indian Holocaust: the history of manmade famines in India during nearly two centuries of British rule (1757-1947) when 1.8 billion Indians died mainly of starvation.

What are Indian leaders and intellectuals like Roopnaraine afraid of, and always running away from, their own shadow?

Roopnaraine is now Minister of Education in a black-based coalition party – A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) + Alliance for Change (AFC). He is now in a partnership with a party that reportedly assassinated Rodney, his close friend and colleague, in 1980 when President Forbes Burnham was in power in Guyana.

As a Minister in Government now, Roopnaraine is more likely to sacrifice the interests and welfare of Indians in Guyana in keeping with his denial of his Indianess.

Sincerely, Dr Kumar Mahabir, San Juan,Trinidad and Tobago

PPP/C has a good track record of transparency and accountability Dear Editor, Since the PPP/C demitted office, the present regime has conducted several forensic audits, using firms and individuals that have expressed political opposition to the PPP/C, even hostility.

Despite the fact that these auditors have found no evidence of corruption, the media continues to spread disinformation.

The Stabroek News’ editorial of September 26, 2016, in its first paragraph said that under the PPP/C government “…there was a heavy veil drawn across the huge procurement sector.” This statement is untrue and completely unfounded.

We need to first reflect on what the PPP/C inherited when it assumed office in 1992.

The PNC, which now leads the APNU/AFC regime, had no tendering process. Contracts for projects, goods and services were given to their cronies and party financiers.

The PPP/C administration not only changed that system, they introduced an open bidding process and implemented systems to establish and enforce transparency.

These included inviting members of the media and representatives of the tenderers to the opening of the bids.

The media, therefore, clearly played a role in this process and yet the Stabroek News’ editorial speaks about a “heavy veil,” which shows either ignorance or anti-PPP/C bias and an intention to revise history.

The PPP/C was the first government in the entire region, and probably still is, whose Cabinet gave up its right to award contracts and only kept a “no objection” for contracts valued at more than G$15 million.

It was the PPP/Civic that not only suggested the establishment of

a Public Procurement Commission (PPC), but also passed the necessary legislation for its establishment.

Why it was not passed is the question that has been frequently asked and answered many times.

Yet some sections of the media continue to ignore the explanation given and continue to repeat the halftruths and lies of the APNU/AFC. It was not put in place because of the intransigence of the then PNC/ APNU/AFC opposition.

At the level of the Public Accounts Committee, the then Opposition attempted to take over by trying to appoint the majority of members of the PPC. They even proposed, unofficially, that they appoint the chairperson. They wanted to control the PPC. In 2011, when the combined opposition got a one seat majority in Parliament, they became more belligerent. They wanted to appoint all members and to remove the Cabinet’s no-objection’s role.

The APNU/AFC were doing their utmost to bring the country to a halt. This was evident in their actions when the first Budget of the 10th Parliament was presented to Parliament. The APNU/AFC cut important developmental projects from that first budget. They also cut subsequent budgets.

Moreover, they opposed the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project, the Marriott Hotel, the Specialty Hospital, the Anti-Money Laundering Bill, etc. These are but a few important projects designed to advance the social and economic development of our country.

Despite all of this negative position of the APNU/AFC in opposition, the PPP/C was ready to establish the PPC.

However, after clearly seeing the intentions of the Opposition, the PPP/C proposed the establishment of the PPC, but that Cabinet retains the right to give its “no objection.”

The Opposition even refused to make this concession. Clearly, the establishment of the Commission in such circumstances would have brought the country to a standstill.

That was not an option.

It is apposite to note that the two parties now in government have adopted the same formula to establish the Commission that they rejected while in opposition.

Moreover, the reason that the PPC is not yet operational is because the regime is trying to subvert it. They claimed that they are recruiting the staff for the PPC. Staff recruitment is a function of the Commission itself and not the government. Clearly, they want to saddle the PPC with a PNC support staff. Through this mechanism, they hope to tighten their grip on the PPC. The abovementioned editorial is high in praise of the regime establishing a Bid Protest Committee, (BPC). Implicit in the article is that under the PPP/C Government this did not exist and that no appeal was tolerated. That is not true.

Under the PPP/C, a Bid Review Committee was set up to examine complaints and appeals whenever they were made. This comprised technical persons from the Ministry of Finance and the ministry/agency concerned.

True, it was not a permanent committee, but established as the need arose. This Bid Review Committee is just another “job for the boys/girls” scam.

Donald Ramotar Former President

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WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com from page 3

‘Irresponsible and dangerous’... try.

The missive from the Foreign Affairs Ministry said Venezuela marked the occasion with an insulting statement unworthy of a law-abiding member of the international community.

“Its statement is a reaffirmation of Venezuela’s disrespect for the rule of law among nations. It is a frenzied display of ill temper from forces with whom history has caught up, revealing the tangled web of falsehoods on which their specious claims to Guyana’s Essequibo were built,” the Ministry’s statement said.

“The Venezuelan statement of October 4, 2016 perpetuates the falsities that have marked its predatory campaign and have continued in relation to Guyana’s maritime space. Its greed for territory has added a new dimension of Guyana’s maritime resources,” it said.

According to the Ministry, “Guyana continues to uphold and respect the Arbitral Award of 1899. It will defend its validity in the world’s highest courts and expose Venezuela’s sordid efforts to besmirch Guyana’s development agenda.”

Outgoing United Nations Secretary General Ban has pledged to assess the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela before he leaves office.

Guyana launches One Laptop Per Teacher project P

resident David Granger on Wednesday launched the One Laptop Per Teacher’s Project at the Cyril PotterCollege of Education (CPCE), coinciding with World’s Teacher Day celebrations.

Some 168 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) students, as well as first year teachers of CPCE were the initial beneficiaries of the pilot project, which is a rebranded initiative of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) One Laptop Per Family Project.

During the launching ceremony at the teacher’s training college, President Granger underscored the importance of this initiative in paving Guyana’s pathway to the digital world.

“I do not see information technology as a luxury, as an option. It is a necessity and any Government that wants an educated population has to look upon information technology as an obligation and not an option… Information Communication Technology (ICT) education, as I said, is no longer optional. It is obligatory, it is mandatory. Citizens of the 21st century must be trained in ICT whatever their career, every child and every teacher must be schooled in Computer Science and it must be mandatory at this college,” he stated.

Guyana has already progressed in this regard since students and teachers from the CPCE’s Tain Campus joined the event through Government’s Internet network.

In fact, the President interacted with the gathering there via microphone and digital screens.

Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes, in her remarks disclosed that over the

President David Granger and Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes pose with the first batch of beneficiaries of the One Laptop Per Teacher initiative

last three weeks, more than 100 education institutions were connected to the Government’s fibre optic network. She noted that Government intends to expand this programme to ensure all of Guyana is digitally connected.

“Today’s official launch of the One Laptop Per Teacher’s programme gives our teachers an important tool to work with and is a vital component of Government’s all-encompassing programme to raise the national level of digital literacy and to improve Internet connectivity, and most importantly, it is a means to introduce Internet access to our unserved hinterland and interior locations,” she explained.

The laptops were procured with assistance from the Chinese

Mother fined G$100,000 for abandoning child on road

A

mother who on Tuesday appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty charged with endangering her infant was ordered to pay a fine of G$100,000 or face an alternative sentence of three months in prison.

Jewel Coates, 35, of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and was not required to plead to the charge.

It is alleged that on September 30, 2016, she wilfully contributed to her three-week-old child being in need of protective intervention.

During the hearing, Coates told the Magistrate that she did not want the infant anymore and as such, decided to get rid of her.

She explained that her decision stemmed from frustration over problems with the child’s father.

However, the prosecution contended that on the day in question, Coates was followed by family members after she left with the child.

According to a member of the family, Coates put the baby on the roadway and walked away, but subsequently returned after a dog approached the

Jewel Coates

child.

She picked up the child and took her to another location where she once again put the child on the corner of the road and ran away.

The child was picked up and the matter was reported to the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost. Coates was later arrested and charged for the offence.

Government.

The first batch of laptops will be distributed to teachers at the CPCE’s Turkeyen and Tain campuses and the top performers at the National Grade Six Assessment.

Subsequently, a national distribution of laptops to teachers will commence in the later part of this year.

Meanwhile, the children who received laptops are Nathan Gangadeen of North Georgetown Primary, Tianna Budhram of Windsor Forest Primary, Tarico Henry of Green

Acres Primary, Wallyndee Roberts of Mae’s Schools, Mark Sharma of Mae’s Schools and Celine Farinha of Peters Hall Primary.

The teachers who received their laptops are Serena Samwaru of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Golda Griffith of Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo), Rinson Rose of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Welsey Apple of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and Yaavendra Ramsaroop of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

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WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Govt announces plan to Opposition alleges resuscitate Co-ops in Guyana widespread corruption in Govt ‘25 scandals in 16 months’

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he A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, led by President DavidGranger was elected to office just over 16 months now and the political Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has concluded that the coalition Government has already been embroiled in more questionable practices than the PPP/C which ruled Guyana for 23 years.

The Office of the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Wednesday said it has been diligently monitoring the APNU/AFC Government’s use of public funds and the levels of transparency and accountability; issuing an eight-page ‘dossier’ on 25 “scandals” of the Government over the past 16 months.

“The APNU/AFC Government has been exposed with more scandals and corruptions in 16 months than successive PPP/C Administrations were accused of in 23 years,” Jagdeo’s office said, adding that between June 2015 and August 2016, 14 months of the coalition Government, some 16 “scandals” were uncovered.

But Jagdeo’s office said that the month of August 2016 “took the cake”with the exposure of the Sussex Street Drug Bond deal, the BK International and Government of Guyana’s G$1 billion “out-of-court” settlement and the issuance of two fuel licences to Chief Executive Officer

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

(CEO) of the Guyana Water Inc, Dr Richard Van West-Charles.

Among the other “scandals” highlighted by Jagdeo’s Office are the questions which still linger over the inauguration of President David Granger, the alleged removal of eight containers of steel by BK International from the Public Health Ministry compound, the dismissal of close to 2000 Amerindian Community Service Officers (CSO), the appointment of 33 foreign honorary advisors, as well as a number of Presidential and Ministerial advisors.

The Opposition also listed the selection of a disqualified company to complete the Specialty Hospital, leading to an abandonment of the project.

It also highlighted the D’Urban Park Development project, pardoning of convicted felons, the US$16 million settlement with Surinamese company, RUDISA, the Georgetown “Clean-up Campaign” and debt write-offs for Demerara Distillers Limited and other businesses by

the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Mayor and City Council, as well as the controversial Georgetown parking meter contract.

The PPP said that for September 2016, there were four new scandals.

The coalition APNU/ AFC campaigned on a platform of accountability and transparency and to bring and to deep-rooted corruption in public offices.

In April 2016, the US Department of State said that corruption continued to be among the leading human rights problems facing Guyana.

“There remained a widespread public perception of corruption involving officials at all levels, including the Police and the judiciary,” the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2015, released by the Department, said, adding that there were very low prosecution of public officials found to be corrupt.

The Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI) had concluded that there was facilitating and proliferating of corruption in the country, pointing to a number of questionable appointments by the Government, conflict of interest involving at least one Minister and interference in the work of some autonomous agencies like the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

However, President Granger had distanced his Government from any corruption, stating that critics should look at the Private Sector where corruption is rampant.

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Some members of cooperatives present at the meeting

he Social Protection Ministry’s Labour Department is working to resuscitate cooperatives across Guyana. This announcement was made by Minister within the Social Protection Ministry with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott, who said there are plans to have youths involved in the process.

On Monday, Scott met with members from the cooperative societies in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) at the Toevlugt/Patentia Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC). The meeting was held at Good Intent Village.

Scott said the Ministry planned to visit all the cooperative societies to assist them in restructuring their systems and those that are able to manage themselves properly would be assisted further. He said for those that are corrupted, interim management councils would be set up to ensure systems fall in line.

According to Scott, the Ministry plans to bring on stream thrift societies and a children credit union.

The Minister plans to have another meeting with members of the cooperative societies of Region Three since one meeting was not enough to cover all the issues of the Region.

Earlier in the year, Scott had said his Ministry was working on crafting a policy to boost the cooperative society movement.

There are currently over 1000 functioning cooperatives in Guyana, all of which are currently being audited.

“What we need to have in place is total accountability: auditing accounts that must be audited and a cooperation existing between the league and each cooperative because we need to understand that we have obligations to the league, we need to understand that we have obligations to the members,” Minister Scott said.

Linden convicted robber nabbed with unlicensed gun, ammo

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Twenty-fiveyear-old man of Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden, who was recently sentenced in absentia to five years’ imprisonment for armed robbery and the unlaw-

ful possession of firearm and ammunition, was on Monday arrested by Police ranks at his home.

Eon Ward, commonly known as “Killa” Ward will now face an additional charge since the Police unearthed an unlicensed 9mm Ruger Semi-Automatic Pistol with seven matching rounds of ammunition.

Once the charge is read to him, he will be taken to prison to commence his five-year sentence.

“Killa” was charged on October 19, 2011 for three counts of armed robbery. Police in 2011 stated that he relieved Carlos Brown of two cell phones on October 14, 2011 at Co-op Crescent, Mackenzie while being armed with a firearm.

On the said day, he, along with an accomplice, robbed Richard Alves and Michael Pooran of G$1,056,950 in cash. The money belonged to Edward B Beharry Company Ltd. In addition, Police accused Ward of robbing Veronica Fonttanelle of close to G$500,000

Convicted robber Eon Ward

in cash and a quantity of cheques, property of Utility Services Co-op Society Limited. This occurred in June of 2011.

Ward was apprehended by Police after a highspeed chase through the streets of Mackenzie.

After making several court appearances, he was released on bail during the trial, and was a no-show for the ruling.

He was sentenced in his absence and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He had been in hiding until his arrest on Monday.

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WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana establishes No acceptable reason for long joint commissions delay in swearing in of PPC with African, members – Opposition Leader Asian countries

Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge

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uyana has established joint commissions with several African and Asian countries in its bid to expand its diplomatic connections throughout the world.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge said the initiative was born on the sidelines of the 71st United Nations General Assembly in New York through meetings between members of the Guyanese delegation and senior Government officials from other countries.

Some of the countries with which Guyana has entered into joint commissions are Spain, Ghana, Liberia and Nigeria, according to the Foreign Affairs Minister.

“We would have drawn to their attention the various challenges we have, what our plans are as regards UN, our expectations, what arrangements we would like to have with them in terms of economic diplomacy and what types of cooperation we would want to have with them in terms of educational cooperation, cultural exchanges, the sale of products, opening of markets, and in all those cases, we did agree to establish joint commissions,” Greenidge stated.

He explained that each country would appoint teams to meet annually to implement the tasks as agreed upon by the Heads of Government.

Thereafter, a review of this process will take place to assess the progress made in strengthening diplomatic relations among the nations involved.

Only recently, Guyana entered a joint commission with Trinidad and Tobago as well as Saudi Arabia.

Barbados and Guyana have also signed a Third Joint Commission, which is intended to foster cooperation in tourism and other sectors.

Joiner in custody over alleged rape of eightyr-old girl in Berbice

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n East Bank Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) joiner is now in custody after he was caught in a compromising position with an eight-year-old child.

Reports are that the 49-year-old man lured the girl and her brother to his home where he committed the act.

According to a Police source, the child lives with her 27-year-old mother, who is a domestic worker and has two other children.

It was reported that on Friday, while the victim and her brother were on their way home from school, the joiner called the child and asked her to make a purchase at a nearby shop for him. She reportedly complied and then went into the house while her brother waited outside.

After a while, the child’s brother went into the house in search of her and saw the self-em-

ployed joiner lying on his sister.

He ran out of the house and raised an alarm. The matter was reported to the Police and the joiner was arrested.

The victim reportedly told Police that on several occasions she and her brother would visit the suspect’s home and he would give them food and sometimes money.

Following the report to the Police, the victim was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where she was examined by a doctor who gave a certificate on his findings.

According to a source close to the investigation, the girl’s hymen was ruptured. Police have since prepared a file on the matter as they seek to prosecute the accused.

The file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DDP) for advice.

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he Office of the Leader of the Opposition on Tuesday said that the Government’s seemingly deliberate manoeuvres at delaying the swearing in of the five-member Public Procurement Commission (PPC) is “highly suspicious”.

The National Assembly on August 8, 2016, in a historic twothirds majority vote, approved the appointment and establishment of the Commission which will comprise of Emily Dodson, Carol Corbin, Ivor English, Sukrishnalall Pasha and Dr Nanda Gopaul.

But, almost two months later, Jagdeo’s Office said the Commissioners are still to be sworn in and Government continues to make all sorts of excuses as to why the Commission has not been in place.

It singled out a recent statement by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo that the delay is due to the Government fixing the salary and office for the PPC, while President David Granger on October 1, 2016, was quoted as saying that while a date and time for swearing in had been announced, concerns about the drafting of the Term of Reference (ToR) is being delayed.

The Opposition Leader’s Office pointed to Article 212 of the Guyana Constitution which makes the independence of the Commission clear regarding the election of

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

the Chairman and deputy by the members; the establishment of the Secretariat and hiring of the CEO and staff by the Commission; the approval of the National Assembly of the terms and conditions of the CEO and two senior staff.

“The parliamentary Opposition reiterates that the setting of the Terms of Reference [ToR] is not the remit of Government but of the Commission and Commissioners itself where only the National Assembly and the Public Accounts Committee have specified roles,” Jagdeo’s Office stated.

It said therefore that it will “vehemently oppose” the involvement of the Government or any of its agencies in setting up the TOR of the Commission, the hiring and setting of salaries of staff for the Secretariat in the absence of the properly constituted and sworn in PPC, which

will be a violation of the Constitution.

“There is no acceptable reason for further delay in the swearing of the Commissioners,” Jagdeo’s office said, adding that “When the recess is over the PAC chaired by the PPP will be ready to carry out its responsibilities as outlined in the Constitution.”

Jagdeo’s office reminded that while in Opposition, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) used its majority to remove Cabinet’s “No objection” role in the award of contracts and subsequently holding the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing for Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2013 “ransom” in the ninth Parliament until, PPC was appointed and established, therefore, “this delay is not just inexplicable, it is immoral belying their rheto-

ric over the last 13 years and election promises.”

The Opposition said that it expects the PPC when sworn in will make investigating the several corruption scandals level against the Government a priority.

“With 25 scandals and corruption listed over the last 16 months, the parliamentary Opposition expects that one of the first things the Commission would have to investigate is the drug bond scandal and other questionable contracts which are in violation of the Procurement Act and regulations implemented by all levels of Government and State agencies.”

The Public P r o c u r e m e n t Commission is expected to reduce or prevent corruption in procurement by monitoring procurement and the procedure to ensure that the procurement of goods, services and the execution of works are conducted in a fair, equitable, transparent and cost effective manner.

Its functions include monitoring and reviewing all procurement systems; procedures of ministerial, regional and national procurement entities and project execution units; monitor performance with respect to adherence of regulations and efficiency in procuring goods and services and execution or works; investigate complaints; investigate irregularities; initiate investigations etc.

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WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9 , 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Greenidge says Ambassador Ally poses ‘no danger at the moment’ …to remain on the job as investigations continue

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uyana’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr Shamir Ally remains on the job even as the Foreign Affairs Ministry continues its investigations into financial crimes in the United States for which he was fined, but substantive Minister, Carl Greenidge believes that “there is not a danger in him being on the job at the moment”.

Greenidge made this disclosure on Wednesday evening during an impromptu interaction with members of the media at the Georgetown Club.

According to Greenidge, the Foreign Affairs Ministry continues to have dialogue with Dr Ally, since “we are looking into the matter; we need from him answers on some things and then we will take a decision.”

The Minister, in seeking to explain Government’s hesitancy in sending Dr Ally off the job pending an investigation, said it was taking into account the nature of the infraction which in this particular case was a civil action dating back almost two decades.

“As far as I am concerned, there is not a danger in him being on the job at the moment,” Greenidge said, even as he confirmed that Government was still awaiting a formal report from the Ambassador, as he explained that “the process is not finished”.

Asked about the fact Dr Ally did in fact suppress the information, the Minister confirmed that during the vetting of Dr Ally for the position of Ambassador, reports were not flagged in the US which essentially point to the fact that he was accused of financial crimes by the US Securities Exchange

Commission (SEC).

According to Greenidge, “We had in this case in checking on his background gone through the process twice and these matters didn’t arise.”

Selective information

He did seek to point out that generally, when persons present themselves for vetting for a job, they are essentially selling themselves for the position and forthcoming information could be selective and “of course, one has to ask for an explanation as to why”.

The Minister did concede too that the entire affair has proven to be a learning experience and Government would in the future have to do many things differently.

Minister Greenidge also used the opportunity to defend Dr Ally’s acumen, saying that the appointment was based on his skills and not the fact that he was a key financer of the Alliance For Change (AFC) –the second largest party in the coalition Government.

The Foreign Affairs Minister used the occasion to explain that some of the appointees to diplomatic posts are invariably political types, “in the sense that some of them are required to work with public… they have to be politically attuned.”

Background/skills

Speaking directly to the embattled Ambassador to Kuwait, Greenidge said while he was not seeking to offer a defence, he would make an observation that Dr Ally “does have a background; he does have some skills and those skills are relevant to the job”.

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WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9 , 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana’s UK greenheart market in jeopardy

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he United Kingdom Government has made a decision to cease the importation of greenheart from Guyana on the grounds that the logs are not coming from sustainably managed forests, a move which has left both the local private sector and government contemplating their next move.

The decision is costing Guyana millions in revenue, since greenheart accounts for 90 per cent of exports to the UK. The trade took a drastic nose-dive in 2014 all the way to August, 2016. It has been reported that in 2015 there was a 65 per cent decline in the trade, with the industry bringing in US$1,143,706.40 earnings— a marked decline in the 2014 earnings (US$ 3,245,338.24).

Currently, both parties are in discussion with the local logging companies and other affected stakeholders to iron out the issue.

Chairperson of the Guyana Manufacturers Association, Mahindra Chand, noted that the decision has the ability to ruin Guyana’s forestry image; it has already tarnished Guyana’s Sustainable Forest Management efforts, while negatively impacting the level of local and foreign investments.

“The decision has brought on the introduction of a non-tariff barrier, double standards and regulation. It also directly impacts value-added, jobs, businesses, while causing thousands of indigenous people to be unemployed,” he explained, adding that foreign exchange is being lost, and rural livelihood and development are stymied due to lost opportunities even with the FLEGT in place.

He said too that the decision was made without consultations with the forest authorities and stakeholders.

According to Chand, in May 2015, the UK Environmental Agency issued a technical note or an advisory to its contractors for the Government funded projects which state inter alia “greenheart from Guyana” is not currently available from category ‘A’ certified legal and sustainable sources. He stated that category ‘A’ indicated that the timber is not certified.

He expounded that there is currently insufficient Category ‘B’ Evidence (based on the UK Government requirements) to prove it is from sustainably managed forests, though there is adequate evidence to prove legality.

“So they have singled out greenheart to say that there isn’t sufficient evidence for it to qualify under category

b,” he said, adding that the UKEA’s technical note went on to state that a decision has been made that we will apply timber procurement policy rigorously and that we will only buy timber from legal and sustainable sources.

This currently prohibits

ed that there is no change in the UK Government’s procurement policy and that the requirement remains for legal and sustainable products that can be confirmed either by a FLEGT license, by an independent forest certification scheme or provide other evi-

the purchase of new greenheart from Guyana as it does not have sufficient evidence based on the UK government requirements that forests origin are sustainably managed.

He stated that since the issuance of the advisory the UK contractors have been forced not to use greenheart even though it is and always will be the best timber for the job.

Notably, he said on September 27, 2016 the British High Commission respond-

dence that meets the criteria.

The British High Commission Chand related, stated that it is the responsibility of individual UK Government departments to follow this guidance.

Chand however urged the Guyana Government to rectify the matter since jobs and businesses are being lost, along with rampant unemployment in Indigenous communities.

He recommended that the Government of Guyana,

through its High Commissioner in London, should contact the relevant UK Government Ministry with responsibility for UKEA to begin talks or negotiations.

He suggested further that the forest sector (the GMSA/ FPA) and the GFC should help to prepare the necessary documentation to confirm compliance with Category B and WTO implications.

Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin indicated that any problem that affects local industries does concern the government and “greenheart is more than a local industry, it is part of our Guyanese identity.”

This particular problem, he said, is having a harmful effect on greenheart products and that government was aware of it for some time and has been engaging the local private sector.

Meanwhile, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, promised that they will link hands to find a solution, adding that the government has met with the Private Sector Commission to develop a plan of action forthe issue.

He indicated that, “despite whatever mischief has been put into the public domain” Guyana’s verification system has been tested and proven legitimate.

Youth Development Initiative rolled out at Lusignan Primary School cy… I told the teachers we have to work assiduously to ensure that each child is being given what this programme intends for them to have.”

Several parents expressed appreciation about the First Lady’s initiative and vowed to support their children at home. Mr. Brentnol Halley whose son Jamal Halley is a Grade Four pupil at the school, said he was pleased that the First Lady introduced

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First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger (seated, second left) along with the teachers and students at the opening of the Youth Development Initiative at the Lusignan Primary School.

irst Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, yesterday, said that she was optimistic about the impact that the Lusignan Youth Development Initiative will have on its beneficiaries, at a simple opening ceremony, held at the Lusignan Primary School.

Mrs. Granger said that the initiative was birthed from an idea she had about involving parents in the delivery of education to their children. The first project under this initiative was introduced last year in Buxton at the Buxton/Friendship Primary School. “I have to say, based on the results in Buxton, I have high hopes for Lusignan as well because we had kids who had start-

ed Grade Four in the Buxton/Friendship area who did not know [how] to read and by the end of the year… there was great improvement,” Mrs. Granger said.

Over the past couple of weeks Mrs. Granger met with teachers and parents of students from this school about the initiative and although there were minor setbacks, she believes that they had shown a keen interest in the programme and, therefore, took a decision to go ahead with it. “We felt that since the teachers were so engaged in it [the meetings] we would go ahead with it… What this project aims to do, basically, is to look at the students in the school and help them to achieve their full potential,” the

First Lady said.

Meanwhile, Acting Head Mistress of the Lusignan Primary School, Ms. Loretta Dos Santos said that the Initiative aims to make the school and community better. “You parents play an integral role in this the education process… Do not feel what we’re doing here is a waste of time. In time to come, you will see the benefits,” Ms. Dos Santos said.

In an invited comment, she expressed confidence about the impact that the initiative will have on the students’ development. “I believe that the children, who are benefiting from this programme would be better off academically, in the areas of mainly, literacy and numera-

the project in the school.

“For me, as a father I will see that he’s in school and in school regularly… I will play my role at home… I will do what I can do,” he said.

Ms. Marina Premsukh, whose daughter Hema Persaud is a Grade Five pupil at the school, shared similar sentiments. “This is something good to help the small ones…My [kids are] slow, but I expect better things [be-

fore the] year is out, they must learn to read,” she said. (GINA) The Initiative is expected to last throughout this school year.

Initially, 50 students were targeted for the programme but that number was increased to 80 following feedback from the school.

Sessions are expected to be held from Monday to Wednesday, and will focus on Reading and Mathematics. (GINA)

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WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana publishes booklet on 117th Joe Singh to investigate corruption allegations against anniversary of 1899 Arbitral Award broadcast authority members T

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Minister of State, Joseph Harmon handing over the Terms of Reference (ToRs) to Major General (Retired) Joe Singh

he Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the investigations into the allegations of corruption and misconduct madeby Kenwin Charles against members of the Guyana National Broadcasting Association (GNBA) Board were on Wednesday handed over to Major General (Retired) Joe Singh, MMS, by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon at his office at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Major General Singh will conduct an inquiry into the allegations, and is expected to submit his report to the Prime Minister of Guyana by October 31, 2016.

Minister Harmon, in a brief statement, said that President David Granger had requested that the inquiry be conducted. “[The President] is very confident that you’ll be able to discharge your responsibilities,” Minister Harmon told Major General Singh after having pro-

vided him with the instruments of his appointment. Minister Harmon also assured him of his full support throughout the course of the investigations.

In an invited comment, Major General Singh said that he would work closely with the Legal Adviser from the Ministry of the Presidency,Geeta Chandan Edmond to ensure emphasis is placed on the gathering of detailed information so that a report could be completed and handed over to President Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in a timely manner.

In mid-September, Charles had alleged that GNBA Directors Anthony Vieira and Victor Insanally attempted to ostensibly force him out of business.

Both Directors have since threatened legal action against the entity’s Chairman, Leonard Craig for publicly making a statement on the issue.

he Foreign Affairs Ministry in Guyana on Tuesday condemned a statement by the Venezuelan Government on 117th anniversary of the 1899 Arbitral Award handed down in Paris regarding the border controversy between Guyana and that country.

A statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Guyana said Venezuela marked the occasion with an insulting statement unworthy of a law abiding member of the international community.

“Its statement is a reaffirmation of Venezuela’s disrespect for the rule of law among nations. It is a frenzied display of ill temper from forces with whom history has caught up, revealing the tangled web of falsehoods on which their specious claims to Guyana’s Essequibo were built,” the Ministry’s statement said.

It added that Guyana on the other hand marks the occasion by the issuance of a booklet in English and Spanish – The New Conquistadors/Los Nuevos Conquistadores – which gives an account of the Tribunal’s Award and Venezuela’s sixty-year recognition and respect for it. The booklet commemorates the award of one of the most prestigious judicial tribunals ever assembled under its most eminent Russian Chairman.

“The Venezuelan statement of October 4, 2016 perpetuates the falsities that have marked its predatory campaign and have continued in relation to Guyana’s maritime space. Its greed for territory has added a new dimension of Guyana’s maritime resources,” it said.

According to the Ministry, the New Conquistadors offers to the entire world the true account of these events and illustrates the urgency of the need to bring this egregious Venezuelan misconduct to an end as the international community grapples for the supremacy of law and order worldwide.

“Guyana continues to uphold and respect the Arbitral Award of 1899. It will defend its validity in the world’s highest

courts and expose Venezuela’s sordid efforts to besmirch Guyana’s development agenda. The New Conquistadors tells the story of these unworthy actions and the threats they continue to pose to Guyana, the Caribbean and beyond through their attack on the sanctity of treaties on which human civilisation depends,” it added.

Outgoing United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has pledged to assess the border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela before he leaves office.

During a meeting with Guyana President David Granger on the sidelines of the just concluded UN General Assembly, MrBan Ki-moon said his assessment will most likely be given in November.

Granger, who accepted the timetable, has committed to providing the Secretary General with any additional information needed to complete the assessment. “We have been very impressed with the seriousness with which you have approached the problem and your own sincerity… We have been personally convinced that you want to bring closure to this matter,” the President said.

President busy creating diversions to protect Ministers from public scrutiny –Rohee T

he A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Government is facing mounting criticisms over a number of contracts and other deals which many consider to be “shady” or “questionable” transactions, leading to fresh accusations that the 18-month-old Administration is mired in corruption.

The most recent broadside came from People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Clement Rohee, who lambasted President David Granger who he said was busy trying to create diversions to protect his Ministers from public scrutiny.

“When Mr Granger said there was corruption in the Private Sector, he was obviously shielding his Government from public scrutiny and encouraging the public to look elsewhere for corruption and not in his camp,” Rohee told a Monday morning press conference called by his Party.

He added that the President’s claim was “another

use of the device of deception by the President to obfuscate the rampant corruption in the APNU/AFC Administration”.

Rohee sought to support his contention with examples, including recent questionable actions by the Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Water incorporated (GWI), Dr Richard Van WestCharles, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) procurement fiasco and the controversial single-sourcing of a makeshift pharmaceutical bond by the Public Health Ministry.

Already, a number of independent anti-corruption campaigners have taken President Granger to task over his apparent inaction when it comes to accusations of corruption involving top Government officials.

TIGI’s take

Earlier this year, the Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI) issued scathing assessments of the Government, essentially concluding that the coalition was

for conflict of interest after it was revealed by this newspaper that she applied for and was issued a mining permit after she was appointed a Government Minister. She was also criticised for her significant mining interests, while having ministerial oversight of the mining sector.

US State Department Report

PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee

facilitating and proliferating corruption in the country, pointing to a number of questionable appointments by the Government and interference in the work of some autonomous agencies like the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The TIGI had also criticised Junior Natural Resources Minister Simona Broomes

Further, in April 2016, the US Department of State said that corruption continued to be among the leading human rights problems facing Guyana.

“There remained a widespread public perception of corruption involving officials at all levels, including the Police and the judiciary,” the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2015, released by the Department, said.

It noted, however, that the Government responded to the report, but did not elaborate.

The report also stated that while the law required public officials to declare their assets

to the Integrity Commission, the Commission has not been constituted.

It added that the law set out both criminal and administrative sanctions for nondisclosure to the Commission by public officials, but, no such publication or convictions occurred during the year.

However, President Granger in an effort to exculpate his Government has said that corruption in Guyana was more rampant in the Private Sector and non-State organisations than in his Government.

He said the real contributors to corruption were those who committed crimes of tax evasion, smuggling, narcotics trafficking, trafficking in persons and money laundering, none of which really emanate from within Government, but rather, benefit the Private Sector, offshore banks and tax havens.

“It is my view that corruption in Guyana is most widespread outside of Government,” the President had declared.

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Ali slams Govt for ‘abandoning’ PPP/C projects

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

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he coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government is being accused of badly mismanaging and now abandon-

ing major projects left by their predecessors, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) which has led in part to the drastic decline in the nation’s economic performance.

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) point man on the economy, Irfaan Ali, has since called on Government to not abandon projects such as the PPP/C’s 1000 home project, since they hold the potential to turn around the nation’s economic performance.

According to the former Government Minister, the APNU/ AFC should, “forget who left it there; who negotiated it, let’s do it in the interest of the people.”

He was adamant that the resources are there to ensure that the projects can be completed and drew reference to the Specialty Hospital, the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project, the 1000 homes project, homesteads along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, the creation of Sillica City, incentivising the manufacturing industry and the diversification of the sugar industry along the lines of co-generation.

“We already negotiated it,” he said, in reference to the financing for many of the projects since abandoned by the APNU/AFC. Ali has also blamed incompetence on the fact the economy has been performing this sluggishly as conceded by the Finance Minister Winston Jordan in his mid-year report.

“If you have incompetence in implementing the investment programme, then it will have a negative effect on economy,” said Ali. He has predicted too that “it will be worse this year because the books will have to be closed earlier.”

Ali was at the time drawing reference to the fact that the 2017 Budget is slated to be presented on December 5, coupled with the fact that halfway through this year, the Government was unable to spend 50 per cent of what was allocated.

“All that is happening is that you will be having new resources coming and will not be able to spend old resources.”

The unspent monies, he said, will have to be returned to the Consolidated Fund and the nation would not have been able to benefit

Opposition MP, Irfaan Ali

from the Government’s investment programme.

He said too that such a position will have major cost implications, since many of the projects will now be attracting more commitment fees on loans and extended periods of management and supervision fees among others.

“There is major cost implication,” the former Minister said.

He said the APNU/ AFC Government can find the resources to turn things around since the resources are there but must be used strategically.

Citing an example of a waste of scarce resources he drew reference to the Durban Park facility which was completed to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars but only ever used twice.

According to Ali, the PPP/C is willing to pit its human resources behind implementing many of the projects.

Jagdeo

He pointed to former President Bharrat Jagdeo, saying he is recognised internationally as a credible resource on climate change.

He said organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations and the African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) states have been utilising his services “because they see the value of the asset.”

According to Ali, “we have to mature ourselves, we are a small country, we have limited human resources and these days, so many are leaving that we cannot afford to overlook or bypass what is available and what can help us.”

The former Government Minister is adamant that “unless we are able to move in that direction and understand this is an important aspect of continuity, credibility and sustainability we continue to shoot ourselves in the legs.”

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

6-month maternity leave commendable, but will put a strain on private sector – Dookhoo

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Former Private Sector Commission Chairman, Ramesh Dookhoo

ormer Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Ramesh Dookhoo on Monday stated that while the Government’s proposal for six months of maternity leave was commendable, it would put a strain on the Private Sector.

Dookhoo said although the proposal was “nice sounding” and creditable on the Government’s end, it would cost both parties money.

“I’m already hearing murmurs from the Private Sector that it will be costly for them,” he said.

Recently, the Social Protection Ministry, along with the Public Health Ministry, announced a proposed six months’ maternity leave for mothers, and two weeks’ paternity leave for fathers.

Currently, the mandate for three months of maternity leave contradicts the World Health Organisation (WHO) call for mothers to breastfeed their babies for six months. The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has highlighted the need to support women in balancing work and family, especially when it comes to breastfeeding their babies. Public health recommendations are based on research that established health benefits from breastfeeding, ranging from reduced infections and improved IQ in babies, to lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer in mothers.

PAHO added that promoting breastfeeding in the workplace increases benefits for employers, including superior employee loyalty to companies as a result of gratitude and satisfaction, and reduced absenteeism because breastfeeding employees’ babies get

sick less often and less severely.

Thus, PAHO recommended that employers implement policies, including paid maternity leave, paid breaks for breastfeeding, a dedicated room for breastfeeding in the workplace that is private and hygienic, and flexible or reduced working hours for breastfeeding mothers.

WHO had further advised that Governments implement the maternity protection legislation and related measures consistent with the International Labour Organisation’s 2000 Maternity Protection Convention, which calls for at least 14 weeks of paid maternity leave for new mothers, as well as breastfeeding breaks and facilities in the workplace.

Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence has indicated that the Ministry hoped to have the proposal brought before Parliament in 2017.

Alluding to the financial implications of this move, Dookhoo added, “Cost is a big thing for the Private Sector if someone is off of their job for six months, then you would have to have someone to replace them and that means you would be paying two salaries, but it is good.”

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton, has long bemoaned the fact that mothers were currently only able to breastfeed for three months.

He pointed out that if the health sector would recommend six months’ exclusive breastfeeding, there should be discussions about mothers being granted six months’ leave.

The Public Health Minister stated that while this might burden employers; in the long run, it would be worth it.

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New army Chief of Staff sworn in

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Colonel George Lewis receiving the badge of rank of Brigadier from his predecessor Brigadier Mark Phillips and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President David Granger

fter 35 years of distinguished military service, Colonel George Lewis was on Monday promoted to Brigadier and then swornin as the new Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) at Camp Ayanganna.

During an interview with the media after his inauguration, Brigadier Lewis said he has already ignited discussions with the Guyana Defence Board on a number of pertinent issues relative to the army.

“Our mandate is to provide border defence.

We have some challeng-

es there we definitely have to work on; it may require recapitalisation, acquisition of new equipment. We are in discussion with the Guyana Defence Board, we have identified the issues and we are working to resolve them,” he stated.

Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President David Granger, expressed congratulations to the new Chief of Staff as he urged him to stay true to his mandate.

“The (Guyana Defence) Board is confident that Brigadier Lewis is the most senior and best qualified officer to perform the

functions of the high office of Chief of Staff…He has an unambiguous mandate to apply his military education, military expertise and military experience to protect the citizens and defend the territorial integrity of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana,” President Granger stated at the swearing-in event.

Predecessor Brigadier Mark Phillips also congratulated his successor on his achievement as he reflected on the legacy he created during his three-year tenure.

“I think I am leavcontinued on page 28

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Vreed-en-hoop fatal accident: Senior Officer under close arrest

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Superintendent of Police stationed in D Division (West Coast Demerara) has been arrested following the fatal accident at Vreeden-Hoop, which claimed the life of a 65-year-old woman.

Anmarie Deonarine, of Lot 144 New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, WCD, was killed sometime around 11:30h on Tuesday by motor vehicle PRR 4446, which was being driven by the Divisional Crime Chief.

In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, the Police said that a breathalyser test was conducted on the senior officer by the Traffic Chief himself and no trace of blood alcohol was recorded.

However, acting Divisional Commander, Leslie James, told Guyana Times Internationalon Wednesday that the senior officer involved in the incident has stepped down from duties to “facilitate an impartial investigation.”

According to reports, the elderly woman was heading to a relative’s house a short distance away when she was hit by the vehicle which

Dead: Anmarie Deonarine

was heading in the western direction.

Deonarine’s eldest daughter, Geeta, related to this newspaper that she was told that her mother was walking on the road when a speeding car struck her. Geeta denied claims reportedly made by the driver that her mother was walking onto the road when she was struck.

“She was in the corner because when we go to the hospital, we find dried grass in her head.

If she was in the middle of the road, how did she get grass in her head,” she explained.

M e a n w h i l e , Guyana Times Internationalspoke with an elderly villager who witnessed the entire incident, confirming that

the vehicle was indeed speeding before coming into contact with the woman.

The pedal cyclist explained that he was riding towards the East when he observed the speeding car hitting the woman, and then dragging her about 20 feet before she was released from under the car.

“After the car pull she down and drive ‘way with she, it throw she off by the pave and continue driving onto the road and then stop a little further up the road,” the man recalled.

He continued that the senior officer exited the vehicle and stopped a Police car that was passing the same time and they rushed with the injured woman to the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

The man, who also assisted in transporting the woman to the hospital, explained that Deonarine was breathing when they picked her up but she succumbed on the way to the medical facility.

The mother of three was described as a very loving and cheerful person who would go out of her way to assist anyone in need.

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Two confirmed cases of microcephaly in Guyana – Health Minister

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ublic Health Minister Dr George Norton has confirmed that two cases of the birth defect Microcephaly have been detected within the last three weeks in Guyana but the ministry is uncertain if it is linked to Zika.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), microcephaly is a condition where a baby’s head is much smaller than expected. It can occur because a baby’s brain has not developed properly during pregnancy or has stopped growing after birth, which results in a smaller head size.

Norton stated that the while the virus is an isolated condition, it has occurred before in Guyana, prior to the prevalence of the Zika virus. He stated that on average Guyana records three cases of the birth defect per year.

“We have two cases, one after the other. It is not something new,” he said, noting that the ministry has not yet linked the cases to Zika but has not ruled it out.

The virus is transmitted to people through

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton

the bite of an infected Aedesaegypti mosquito, which also spreads the dengue and chikungunya viruses.

These mosquitoes live in standing water in buckets, flower pots, old tyres and vases. They prefer to bite people and so lives anywhere near people. These mosquitos bite during the day and night.

Norton stated that the ministry has taken blood samples from the mothers and sent them to the Caribbean Public Health Agency in Trinidad and Tobago for testing.

“We are waiting to see if the microcephaly babies are linked to Zika,” he added.

The CDC indicated

that birth defects tracking systems have estimated that microcephaly ranges from 2 babies per 10,000 live births to about 12 babies per 10,000 live births in the United States.

The causes of microcephaly in most babies are unknown. However, some babies have microcephaly because of changes in their genes or exposures during pregnancy.

The CDC scientists announced that enough evidence has accumulated to conclude that Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of microcephaly and other severe foetal brain defects. The condition can be diagnosed during pregnancy or after the baby is born.

Presently, there is no known cure or standard treatment for microcephaly and because it can range from mild to severe, treatment options must range as well.

Babies with mild microcephaly often don’t experience any other problems besides small head size. These babies will need routine check-ups to monitor their growth and development.

Technical, vocational students to receive monthly stipend

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

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tudents attending the technical and vocational training centres at Mahaicony, Leonora and Upper Corentyne will begin receiving a monthly stipend, Government announced on Friday.

Cabinet, at its most recent meeting, agreed to a proposal for the Education Ministry to pay stipends to students at technical and vocational training centres at Mahaicony, Leonora and the Upper Corentyne. The centres were said to have been established to provide “second opportunities” for youth to develop skills that would enable them to obtain gainful employment.

According to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, it was observed over the past three years that only approximately 46 per cent of the students enrolled managed to graduate.

“The major reason for this was cited as the high cost of transportation.

It was also noted that the completion rate for courses given in collaboration with other institutions, such as the board of industrial training where stipends were given, was much higher.”

The stipends approved with effect

from September 1, 2016, will be paid to students of the centres as follows – Mahaicony $2500, Upper Corentyne $2500 and Leonora $4000 per month.

Meanwhile, Cabinet has also approved the appointment of members of the National Accreditation Council (NAC) for a period of two years. The members appointed are Vincent Alexander as Chairman; Winifred James Kippins, Member (Association of Caribbean, tertiary institutions (acting); Archibald Clifton, Member (Council of Technical Vocational Education and Training – (CTVET); Sophia Hunte, Member (Teaching Service Commission (TSC), Clem Duncan, Member (Private Sector Commission (PSC); Dr Dawn Fox, Member (Minister’s Representative); Andrew Grant, Member (Department of the Public Service (MOP); Camille Robertson, Member (University of Guyana); Jennifer Cummerbatch, Member (Education Ministry); and Samantha Alleyne, Member (Guyana Teachers’ Union).

The Council has as its mission statement; “to develop a coherent and integrated quality assured tertiary education sector” is the external quality assurance agency for higher education in Guyana and is legally mandated to register all post-secondary and tertiary institutions operating in Guyana.

The Council also ensures that institutions and programmes accredited and permitted to operate meet or exceed stated educational quality criteria that include appropriately designed course programme structures, adequate resources and learning outcomes, and assessment strategies that are at an appropriate level for qualifications awarded.

President calls on UG to design programmes based on needs of country

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he University of Guyana delivers an output of approximately 2000 graduates annually and there is always the hue and cry of insufficient job opportunities for these persons.

In fact, it has been said that the programmes being offered at the country’s premier tertiary education facility does not match the skills demanded by the country’s economy.

To this end, President

aired on Friday.

According to the Head of State, he does not want a weak Science or Engineering faculty, but needs strength there. The President noted that the University should undertake a study on the needs of the country and advise government accordingly so that steps can be taken to ensure that the local populace is equipped to fulfil the demands of the country.

“It is an issue and

versity we are going to have,” he stated.

On the other hand, the President outlined that his administration is going to do its part with much emphasis on the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

He noted that even at the level of the National Grade Six Assessment, it can be seen that such an approach has proven beneficial.

“We will be directing

David Granger is calling on the institution to be more considerate of Guyana’s needs and to design their programmes accordingly.

“The University (of Guyana) itself must understand the needs of the country. Yes we need lawyers, yes we need people in the (social sector) but they must take a holistic view at Guyana’s needs over the next 10-20 years. (The University of Guyana) must take a strategic look at Guyana’s educational needs and direct their resources there,” he stated during The Public Interest programme, which was

young people, in their choice of subjects, must articulate their career objectives or desires so that we can have a university which is more responsive to their needs as persons, as well as to the national needs in terms of development,” he noted.

In this regard, Granger noted that the matter needs to be worked out by the University of Guyana’s Council and the Education Ministry, along with staff and students of the university.

“I don’t believe it’s a settled matter and we need to decide as a country what type of a uni-

more funds and more resources to those subjects. Those are subjects which Guyana needs – it’s to developing our hinterland, it’s not develop mining, it’s to develop our natural resources and there needs to be a shift of focus,” he posited.

Moreover, the President explained that options remain available for students to choose their career paths, which is most likely in the humanity and social sciences or natural sciences.

However, he recognises that these fields more often do not offer employment in the job market.

(VahnuManickchand)

Father of 3 killed after tree tumbles on him in Pomeroon

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wood cutter from La Union, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), was killed after a tree crashed on him at Apiarco in the Upper Pomeroon River. Dead is Moses Gonsalves, 51, also known as “Squash”.

Reports are that Gonsalves left his Essequibo Coast home weeks ago venturing into the Pomeroon River to harvest wood. He was accompanied by a worker Rayan Lloyd.

This newspaper was informed that on Thursday Gonsalves was left cutting wood while Lloyd went to fetch some materials from another

Dead: Moses Gonsalves

location.

According to the now dead man’s daughter, Sherena Gonsalves, the family received the tragic news Friday morning.

The saddened daughter said Lloyd, who works as

a handyman with her father, informed the family of the incident.

“He told us that a tree fell on daddy and killed him. He said he heard the chain saw noise stop but he thought daddy was taking a rest (but) after some time he went and discovered him in a pool of blood.”

She related that her father was then transported by Police to the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital where doctors confirmed him dead.

Police have since taken statements from Lloyd.

Gonsalves leaves to mourn his wife and three children.

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Guyana to construct international laboratory for biodiversity I

n keeping with the country’s green development agenda, a vast amount of land will be protected in an effort to conserve the environment. In this light, President David Granger announced on Saturday that the construction of an international laboratory for biodiversity will commence soon in the compound of the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation Development, in Region Nine (Upper TakatuUpper Essequibo).

This revelation was made by President Granger while officially declaring opening the second annual National Tree Day event at Iwokrama, Region Nine on Saturday.

“As we continue to advocate the importance of sustaining our environment, importance must be given to the repercussions that the effects of climate change may have on our developmental path. Therefore, it is vital that we enforce measures which can withstand whatever negative effects climate change

President David Granger plants the first tree at Fair View, Region Nine.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder and Senior Staff of the Ministry look on at the opening of the second annual National Tree Day event

can have on our environment,” the President said.

The President also referenced present and future developmental projects which he noted have been “leading the way” in Guyana’s sustainable development trajectory. Among those mentioned were the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) through the Guyana REDD+ Investment

Fund (GRIFF) initiatives which fosters partnership between Guyana and Norway on issues of climate change, biodiversity and sustainable low carbon development.

M e a n w h i l e , Agriculture Minister Noel Holder explained that while risk factors of climate change differ by country, Guyana’s Government has taken an “holistic approach” by embracing various risks

and accounting for synergies and trade-offs.

“Indeed, one of the most effective ways for agriculture to adapt to climate change could be to increase its resilience.

What we would focus on is the various risk management strategies to deal with such changes such as the Flood Risk Management project, and the more recent recommendations of the Kingdom of Netherlands

Dutch Risk Reduction (DRR) Team,” Holder posited.

National Tree Day 2016 is being held under the theme, “Sustaining Biodiversity: Plant a Tree”. It is the hope of the Agriculture Ministry to use the annual event to create more awareness on the importance of trees for food, medicine, fibre for clothing and woods for shelter.

Holder referred to this year’s theme which he noted reflects on building a “resilient agriculture” sector as a means of adapting to the effects of climate change.

M e a n w h i l e , Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock said Guyana’s recognition for its forest conservation has been “enormous”, noting the importance that plants play in the country’s sustainable development agenda.

“The gains to be derived remains enormous, however, for this to be fully realised, there must be a strong collaboration from both Government and the Private sector… Initiatives such

as the soon to be constructed lab, which was announced by the President, will aid in bridging the gap between the coast and hinterland,” Allicock expressed.

Also attending the event were, Country Representative, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Mr Ruben Robertson, Mayor of Linden, Carwyn Holland, Permanent Secretary of the Agriculture Ministry George Jervis and Head of Department and staff of the various sub-agencies within the Ministry of Agriculture.

The National Tree Day event forms part of the Agriculture Ministry’s calendar of activities in observance of its month-long celebration where the sector’s performance and the contribution farmers make towards Guyana’s development is celebrated.

This year, Agriculture Month is being held under the theme, “Exploring new production frontiers: in Pursuit of Climate Resilience.”

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Guyanese nurses should be better Guyana’s best graduating paid, says GPHC Chairman law student treated

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hairman of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Dr Carl Max Hanoman is calling on the government to increase nurses’ salary or face losing them.

Hanoman stated that he is currently in the process of asking for an increase in nurses’ salary— something, he said, he has appealed for more than once.

Hanoman stated that while it is arguable that nurses at the GPHC are the highest paid nurses in the country, they are also the ones under the most pressure.

He explained that the Corporation has considered the conditions under which the nurses work and had ensured that certain allowances are incorporated into their salaries.

Chairman of the GPHC, Dr Carl Max Hanoman

Noting that he hopes to improve the quality of nursing care in the Corporation, Hanoman is appealing to government to hike the pay.

“I’m appealing to those in power to look after nurses if not we will lose them and we don’t want to lose them,” he said, explaining that the hospital’s major con-

straint is a shortage of nurses and that that shortage leads to poor quality healthcare.

“The more nurses we get the better is the hospital and how do we get more nurses is if we pay them more money. We have to encourage them,” he said, adding: “I hope the government sees this vision”.

Nurses complain incessantly that they are being forced to work and study under poor conditions, most times with a shortage of lecturers and slow internet access.

However, their major protest has always been for better wages.

In 2013, GPHC nurses had staged several protests outside of the hospital Accidents and Emergency Unit, objecting to what they said was a “measly” salary increase.

Ramson resigns as MP to further studies in UK

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Charles Ramson Jr

e o p l e ’ s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Parliamentarian Charles Ramson Jr on September 30 tendered his resignation as a Member of Parliament in order to pursue a Masters in Oil and Gas at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom.

In his letter to Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Barton Scotland, the young parliamentarian explained that he applied to pursue a Masters in Oil and Gas Enterprise Management given that Guyana was moving in the direction of becoming an oil and gas producing nation.

“It is absolutely critical for our national development that we have Guyanese who are technically trained in the oil and gas sector. This is particularly important for us as a nation in this preparatory phase as we frame the relevant pol-

icy, law and vision if we are to avoid the often cited ‘resource curs’ commonly associated with oil and gas producing nations,” he stated.

Notably, Ramson was also awarded a full scholarship from Chevening, a prestigious scholarship competitively awarded on a global scale funded by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

The PPP/C has already been engaged in consultations to find a replacement MP.

Disappointments

Meanwhile, in his resignation letter, Ramson expressed disappointment over two pertinent issues which prevailed during his time in Parliament.

Firstly, he was deeply concerned over the lack of youth representation at the parliamentary and cabinet levels.

“This is particularly regrettable given the

youth drive leading up to the election and now young people feel betrayed and voiceless,” he stated.

Secondly, he said there needs to be a stronger commitment for national unity: “The current APNU/ AFC Government has made it pellucid that it is not committed to the realisation of the most fundamental desire of the Guyanese people – national unity – by demonstrating its unflinching position of not sending bills to a Parliamentary Select Committee despite the pleading from us on the Opposition side. Sending bills to a Parliamentary select committee happened virtually as a matter of course especially in the last eight years under the PPP/C Government.

The squandered opportunity which cannot now be regained would have framed the success of politics by forging a working relationship among political leaders in a country plagued by divisions in politics and race or a combination of both. Admittedly, this may have slowed the process but being able to work together despite differences is the extolled virtues of a democracy. This is really what the Guyanese people would have wanted first and foremost from us Parliamentarians – lasting unity forged in struggle rather than notional unity spoken in the abstract.”

to grand welcome

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hile urging other youths to strive for what they want and to be successful at it, Latoya Roberts was on Sunday afternoon treated to a grand welcome at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) after graduating as the best Law student from Guyana in Trinidad last week.

The Calphay’s Seventh-day Adventist Youth Federation welcomed the 28-year-old with great pomp and enthusiasm.

In tears, the surprised young woman accepted gift and hugs from her loved ones and those whom she made proud with her accomplishment.

Commencing her studies in Guyana, she moved to Trinidad to complete her studies. Roberts graduated with a Law degree from the Hugh Wooding Law School.

Roberts is also an accomplished athlete and the winner of the female sprint for ten consecutive years in Guyana.

Speaking with Guyana Times International, Roberts said that the welcoming is one that she did not expect. She thanked those who welcomed her, saying that they all are like “family to me”.

Alluding to her journey to success, the woman said that it was not an easy task, noting that being away from her family proved most difficult.

Roberts explained that financially, it was

Best graduating student Latoya Roberts

also a struggle for her family and those who assisted.

The young lawyer disclosed that she has already identified a prominent attorney that she will be working with as she begins her new journey.

“I have already identified an attorney that I will be working with, but really, I am not sure what the future holds, I am interested in a number of different areas,” Roberts relayed enthusiastically.

Speaking about her achievement in copping the award of best graduating student, Roberts said, “I have not been able to find the correct adjectives to describe my emotions but I am definitely honoured that I made my country proud.”

Being a religious person, she thanked God for her accomplishments and for bringing her through her journey, stating that nothing could have been possible without His hands in her life.

President of the Calphay’s Federation, Gerald Gittens pointed out that Roberts is indeed an outstanding example for others to follow: “The federation, we do feel very honoured for her because she sets an example for other young people for which, if they commit themselves to hard work, there is no height that they cannot reach.”

Over 20 students last week graduated and have all returned home in recent days.

Corentyne mother, daughter succumb after ingesting poisonous substance

Dead: Madojri Sawh

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mother and daughter are now dead after ingesting a poison-laced soda on the Corentyne, Berbice, reportedly over financial troubles.

Dead are Madojri Sawh, 55; and her 17-year-old daughter Diana Sawh, of Grant

1404 Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

According to reports, at about 13:00h last Saturday, Madojri and Diana Sawh were alone at home when they mixed the lethal drink.

After consuming the poisonous substance, they remained locked in the house for three hours before Diana called out to a bother who lives next door, indicating that their mother had ingested poison.

He arrived and found his mother lying on the floor vomiting and frothing.

Several neighbours rushed to the house.

According to reports, Diana initially claimed that she had not con-

Dead: Diana Sawh

sumed any of the toxic drink. However, when she accompanied her mother to the hospital, she started to vomit. After being questioned, she admitted that she also drank the poison-laced drink. She was then admitted as a patient.

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‘Guyana has much to gain by strengthening relations with China’ …Ramkarran says Govt must reevaluate its attitude to Chinese investors

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hina has been good for Guyana; aid and investment have flowed liberally and Guyana has benefited greatly but unfortunately the present government, when in opposition, took a negative position on the activities of Chinese companies in Guyana and it has brought some of that sentiment in its policies.

This is the view held by former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran, who over the weekend in his converstationtree.org outlet called on the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government to embrace China and the opportunities that exist for

Guyana.

Ramkarran made his position public on the heels of that nation celebrating its 67th Anniversary, an occasion at which Head of State, President David Granger pledged continued cooperation with China and its peoples.

The former Speaker did observe that some Chinese companies have not adhered to investment agreements and this has resulted in the impression that all Chinese investments are questionable.

During the celebrations held locally by the Chinese Embassy, Ambassador Zhang Limin did warn Chinese companies operating lo-

Finance Minister Winston Jordan shares a light moment with Ambassador Zhang Limin during celebrations held on Friday last at the Embassy

cally to ensure they abide by the local laws.

Ramkarran, in his appeal to the APNU/AFC Government to seek to foster better relations with China, conceded

that the reputation of the Chinese has suffered as a result of the Skeldon Sugar Factory, which they constructed but did not live up to its expectations.

“Little has been said about possible design flaws of Skeldon, for which the Chinese were not responsible, which it is alleged may have been an important factor in its failure to produce.”

He pointed too to the Marriott Hotel, which was built by the Chinese and had attracted significant criticism particularly over the refusal to provide jobs for Guyanese, in addition to what some had called the ‘shadiness’ of the entire arrangement.

According to Ramkarran however, the government’s hostility to this project may well have been responsible for their reticence in commenting on its quality.

He was adamant that Guyana has much to gain by consolidating and strengthening relations with China at this time, “when the economy is in serious difficulties with declining production and declining economic growth, except in mining.”

According to Ramkarran, “It is about time that the Guyana Government re-evaluates its attitude to Chinese investment.”

He pointed to the fact that Chinese businesspeople are the same as any other anywhere in the world: “Unless they are held to their contract and their activities are monitored, both for their benefit and for Guyana’s, the tendency would be that chances are taken.”

According to Ramkarran, “Given a free reign, as has happened with the past government, will result in constraints being challenged… China’s National Day is an appropriate occasion for the Government to make a determined effort to encourage Chinese investment in this guava season.”

According to the former Speaker, “For developing countries, China has been good… Aid has been granted without suffocating strings…

Investments have flowed and many developing countries have benefited enormously.”

He did concede that there have been many criticisms of China’s aid and investment in developing countries by developed countries, coupled with talk about exploitation of natural resources and the toleration of undemocratic practices.

Following a toast with Chinese Ambassador

Former Speaker, Ralph Ramkarran

Zhang on the occasion of its Anniversary on Friday last at the Chinese Embassy, President Granger in his remarks, used the occasion to remind of the longstanding relationship between the two countries dating back to October 1971 United Nation’s resolution, supported by Guyana, meant to recognise the role of China and its representation at that forum.

He said too that Guyana and China share common values including the mutual non-interference in each other’s affairs, “cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of international peace and security.”

The President used the occasion to recognise that both Guyana and China share a common interest in the promotion of sustainable development, particularly in the area of renewable energy.

According to President Granger, Guyana has been observing with keen interest, China’s introduction of its 13th fiveyear plan for 2016 to 2020 which is committed to achieving a green economy by introducing green low-carbon industries— something the two countries share in common.

“Guyana through its own green agenda has similar objectives; we look forward therefore to intensifying cooperation between our two republics in our common quest to ensure greater use of clean green low carbon technologies and renewable sources of energies.”

Recognising China as one of the world’s largest and fastest growing economies, he said Guyana “welcomes especially the introduction of the multilateral multibillion-dollar platforms, such as the People’s Republic of China/Latin American/ Caribbean, industrial cooperation investment and infrastructure funds.”

An initiative, he said that, “will certainly strengthen our economic relations.”

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Dismantling of local New army Chief of Staff... drug network critical to reducing crime rate

from page 28

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resident David Granger has stated that in tackling the mounting crime rate in Guyana, focus should first be placed on dismantling the local drug network, which he believes is the driving force of criminal activities.

Speaking on the weekly televised programme ‘The Public Interest’, the Head of State called drug trafficking the “mother of all crimes”, pointing out that most criminal activities stem from the narco trade.

According to the President, as long as narco trafficking is prevalent, crimes such as gun running, money laundering and execution murders will continue to exist. “…as long as drugs

keep coming into this country, it will be very difficult to control crime.

Narco trafficking is the mother of all crimes…

The huge amount of money that is generated in narco trafficking can be used to order executions, recruit rogues who could carry out crimes (foot soldiers), they can get young people to sell their drugs and they can bribe law enforcement officers,” he stated.

Granger mentioned the role narco trafficking has been playing, particularly between 2000 and 2015, in contributing to the country’s crime wave which has been on a consistent high during that period.

He continued explaining that while there is no

single answer to curbing the illicit drug trade, emphasis must be placed on the root of drug networks and that is what his administration is working on.

The President noted that Government has recognised that narco trafficking is a transnational crime, and that it has the responsibility to ensure that Guyana’s land space and borders are more secure and free from the illicit trade.

He mentioned the recent discovery of an illegal aircraft in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and noted that local law enforcement is yet to establish a connection to the narco trafficking network. However, he stated that while this incident shows how easy it is to illegally get into the country, the discovery of the aircraft shows that local law enforcement is stepping up their ante.

Furthermore, the Head of State sought to respond to criticisms that the coalition regime is yet to dismantle any local drug network, reminding that the country’s narcotics situation has been built up over the last 60 years and cannot be easily infiltrated.

New Chief of Staff, George Lewis taking the Oath of Office in the presence of President David Granger on Monday at GDF Base Camp Ayanganna

ing a team of officers who are well trained, well experienced under my command, we have started a process that we refer to as operational readiness where we have improved our ability to conduct operations through any part of Guyana utilising any resources that we have and more importantly, improving the quality of life of all military bases throughout Guyana,” he stated.

Lewis was enlisted on September 1, 1981 and eventually promoted to colonel back in 2011.

He also attended a number of courses in and out of Guyana as part of his development including the Standard Officers’ Course No11; 76 mm Cannon Specialist Training; Junior Command Staff Course; Supervisory Managers’ Development ; Advance Field Artillery in Venezuela; Senior Command Staff Course; Advance Field Artillery Officer Course in the United States; Defence Resource Management in Belize; Military Science of Strategy and Campaign in China; Command and General Staff in the USA;

Managing Democracy in a Democratic, Market-based Society, United Kingdom; Caribbean Defence and Security Course, USA; and National Authority on Chemical Database in Finland.

Lewis also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Management from the University of Guyana and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Central Michigan University.

He has held numerous appointments along his way to becoming chiefof-staff which include Commanding Officer of 1 Artillery Battalion; Officer Commanding (acting) 21 Artillery Company; Second-in-Command 1 Infantry Battalion Group; Commander (acting) 1 Infantry Battalion Group; Base Commander, Base Camp Stephenson; Commanding Officer Air Corps; Staff Officer 1 Intelligence & Security, Defence Headquarters; Commanding Officer 1 Infantry Battalion; Inspector-General, Defence Headquarters; and Deputy Chief of Staff/Colonel General Staff, Defence

Headquarters.

Additionally, Lewis has attended several seminars and conferences during his career. Among them are Peace Keeping Operation (North-02) Symposium El Salvador; Regional Air Force USA; Regional Air Force Counter Drug (RAFC) Conference, USA; Chiefs of Air Forces of the Americas, USA; Regional Counter Drug Conference, USA; Regional Intelligence Seminar and the Annual Guyana/Brazil Military Exchange Meeting, Brazil.

Lewis was also part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Haiti during 1995/1996.

He has been awarded the Military Efficiency Medal; the 25th Anniversary Medal; United Nations Peace Keeping Medal, United Nations Mission in Haiti (1996); the 40th Anniversary Medal, Guyana (2005); Military Service Medal; Colaborador Emerito do Exercito; Medalla do Pacificador-Brazil (2011); Border Defence Medal, Guyana (2016) and 50th Anniversary Medal Guyana (2016).

feature 29

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

G

uided by its motto, “Utilising E d u c a t i o n Forces, Promoting Green Resources”, the young, energetic members of the Eco Trust Society are focused on the sustainability of their environment.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Madhavi Indarjeet, one member of Eco Trust, spoke of her experiences working with the organisation and how it helped her become a guardian of her environment.

“As a member of Eco Trust Society for the past two years, the experience has left me with a wider appreciation for the environment. It has impacted my lifestyle by making me conscious of eating healthier, employing the three R’s [reduce, reuse and recycle] at home and recognising my duty towards the environment. By participating in activities through the society, I have had the chance to gain valuable knowledge and meet with other environment advocates and people involved with environmental related organisations,” she stated.

The Eco Trust Society is a social, and the only environmental, group operating under the School of Earth

Display on recycled plastic bottles

Spreading messages of love and awareness of the environment on Main Street

Eco Trust members at International Coastal Cleanup in 2014

and Environmental Sciences, known as SEES, (now a faculty) at the University of Guyana.

Founded in 1992, the Society later became dormant, but was resuscitated in 2005 by a vibrant and enthusiastic executive body. It participated in a host of activities in fulfilling its mission to save and spread awareness on sustainability of the environment.

In 2005, Eco Trust members took part in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Annual Green Walk in observance of World Environment Day and participated in a

tree planting exercise.

Members also attended World Environment Week Lunchtime Seminar series, 2nd National Capacity Building Workshop for Environmental Clubs and displayed posters at Environmental Concert held by School of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

During the year 2006, Eco Trust continued with the hosting of a range of activities with a membership of approximately 67 active students including the executive committee members. For UG Career Day, held during March 2006, Eco Trust presented a poster describing its objectives, roles and activities. On March 23, 2006, three members of Eco Trust hosted ‘talks’ at St. Andrew’s Primary School, Georgetown, and St. Andrew’s Primary School, Coven John, for World Water Day, where the importance of water and the methods of sampling were explained to the recently established environmental clubs at the afore-

mentioned schools.

Eco Trust is focused on ensuring its aims are fulfilled. Madhavi stated that the Society’s executive body wishes to become more recognised in its quest to foster a culture of sustainability and a greener future.

“The society is also committed to promoting a mutually supportive environment among its members. The members will continue to motivate each other to stay true to the motto and use our voices and actions to defend the environment and ensure sustainable development to create a better tomorrow,” Madhavi declared.

Additionally, the Society was involved in capacity building exercises, inclusive of the IADB-CPDC Workshop in Techniques for Successful Proposal Writing and Resource Mobilisation, held in January in Guyana and April 2006 in Barbados.

The then Vice-President of Eco Trust was a representative of the organisation at the International Youth Conference for Self-

Cooperation held in St. Lucia during the month of May. This conference was hosted by the Caribbean Youth Environmental Network (CYEN), Caribbean Regional Environmental Programme, the United Nations International Student Movement and the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

Eco Trust promoted several activities aimed at raising environmental consciousness among its members and youths on campus. One such activity was the beautification of the environs around the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Faculty of Natural Sciences through the planting of a number of exotic tree species.

This activity was done to commemorate World Environment Day. Since then, the Eco Trust Society is actively involved in a number of activities (both as host and participant) and workshops.

The Eco Trust Society is focused on environmental advocacy,

activism and education; conservation practices; the sustainable and equitable use of resources; the reduction, reuse and recycling of waste.

Its activities include Christmas Feeding Program; Christmas Orphanage Drive; Food Drive for World Food Day; the World Environment Day Program; the World Earth Day; tree planting exercises; recycling plastic bottles; providing benches for seating (recycled from wooden crates); spreading messages of love for the environment in schools and on the street.

The Society also actively participates in Earth Hour hosted by CYEN; International Coastal Cleanup initiative; seminars and workshops; ‘green’ walks; Energy Week Walk; University of Guyana’s Career Day; Tutorial High School’s Career Day; and New Campbellville Secondary School’s Open Career Day. Students of SEES automatically become members of the society; there are approximately 124 members in the Eco Trust Society.

The society strives to equip members with a valuable experience, a strong ethical outlook, and intellectual fulfilment from the societal activities. All university students, from any degree discipline, are encouraged to help the society in addressing local environmental and sustainability issues that relate to wider problems in the Guyanese society.

For more information, go to Eco Trust Society on Facebook, ecotrustsociety on Instagram or @EcoTrustSociety on Twitter.

A member (right) educating students on conservation of the environment

30 FEATURE

Ric Couchman by

Petamber Persaud

(E

xtract of an interview with Ric Couchman, Georgetown, Guyana, September, 2016.

Mr Couchman is an outdoorsman who would be launching four books of poetry on Friday Oc. 21, 2016 at the International Learning Institute, Queenstown) PP Whenever I introduce a book, I’d usually describe it as a treat – a literary treat, a literary delight.

But to be introducing four books – I’d say this is a banquet. I noticed that in one of these books, you advised the reader against rushing through the poems. In other words, you advised the reader to savour each poem like taking a sip of honey.Why have you taken to poetry to express your thoughts?

RC It really began in high school. Well, we could go a little way back – one of the unique aspects of education in the past was the introduction of nursery rhymes to children; so I grew up on nursery rhyme and there was something fun about them. What I particularly love about nursery rhyme was the stories they told. And they were short, compressed but the stories were palpable, rich, funny and I loved them.

PP Also they were teaching aids – we learnt to count, we learnt the days of the week, the number of days in a month etc., etc., without the didactic and pedantic elements.

RC In addition to that: my high school teacher, Marjorie Cambridge, was a phenomenal teacher, who with enthusiasm and passion, shared with the class, the poetry we studied.

And then we were introduced to narrative poetry…

PP A Book of Narrative

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

Verse RC I still have my copy to this day….

PP Before we have a go at the poems, let’s locate Ric Couchman. Who is Ric Couchman?

RC I was born in Bagottown on the East Bank [Demerara, Guyana] and I literally spent my formative days in trees. I loved climbing trees, fruit trees of course, especially during the school holidays, form morning to evening…

I remember there was this jamoon tree at the back of the yard which was not too far from the bank of the [Demerara] river, and I could see what’s happening all around me and I would quietly sit there and observe things – the goats eating the plantain skins on the rubbish heap; I would watch the fishermen walking along the sea dam going to their boats; I would hear the different exchanges between parents and children, and adults and adults…So I was essentially a watcher, an observer.

Also I had a strong imagination. I would spend a lot of time drawing stick figures, creating stories…Then there was the cinema. My mom would take me to the nearby cinema…

PP Rajmahal or Indramahal, I can’t remember which although I spent my August school holidays in Peter’s Hall – the next village.

RC The Indramahal.I was enamoured by the black and white movies.So I consider myself to be a lover of the arts, all forms of art.

And a thinker. And the thinking aspect was born and bred right here; my intellectual background has its basis here in our country, Guyana, I didn’t have to go abroad to get that; we had a solid educational foundation in Guyana.

I attended Covent Garden Secondary School and it was a fantastic experience….

PP As you talked about trees, I recall that one of our foremost historians, Clem Seecharan, declaring that he came from bookless world yet he would find himself sitting in trees reading, reading while keeping watch over the cattle in the pasture and he has gone on to write huge tomes of history.

Now it seems as if this is another tip for emerging writers – climb a tree and observe.…

RC Yes, there is something about a tree – it is majestic, sublime, silent, yet pregnant with thoughts, it

is full of life and energy, it gives birth that which we can use for nourishment… the tree is something special especially in a country like ours; it’s an awesome thing to sit in a tree, among its branches…

PP Jeremy Poynting did publish an essay on Guyanese literature and the landscape and here we are making a direct reference to a particular aspect of that landscape – the tree.

Now, this talk of the tree has me thinking about the sea – trees and seas – and about great pieces of literature that were influenced by the seas, and the many splendid holidays I spent in Peter’s Hall, neighbouring to Bagottown, where you spent your formative days.

In Peter’s Hall, I passed much of my time in trees, fruit trees, and boating… but above all, I like visiting the farm of my grandparents which was located in Mocha [Village] and there I acquired the taste for peach…

here also where there was little or no human sounds, I felt the calm, and peace and quietude despite the fact it was sometimes made eerie by the bloodcurdling cries of the jumbie birds …

RC Let’s not forget the tree in folklore which brings to mind the silk cotton tree in the backdam…I’ve written about it in one of these books; it is called ‘white lady under di silk cotton tree’…

PP There are poems and there are poems, there is poetry and there is poetry, what is different about your poetry?

RC Well, from a literary point of view, I’ve combined them with photographic images which complement the theme/subject of the poems…Secondly, the poems are universal while coming from someone who comes out of a Caribbean context and a South American context, depending on which one I claim…Thirdly, there is a Western influence intertwined in them…

Books by Ric Couchman

PP Like how you have used the Guyanese folklore in your poetry RC Yes. But to go a bit further, there is a strong classical influence; I grew up on Greek/ Roman/Latin literature and so my poetry is filled with allusions to the above and to world events and people…

But although my poetry may appear sophisticated and sort of intellectual, there are readily available to the average reader PP …because of the way you use the language…

RC ...Yes, and each of my poem tells a story…

PP Earlier, we touched on your efforts to put your poetry to music but before we expand on that let’s looked at a vexing subject: the decline in the imprecation of poetry… (TO BE CONTINUED) Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@ yahoo.com

feature 31

Exploring wild Guyana WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Biologist reminisces of his work and discoveries in Guyana’s interior

U

ncovering new species of amphibians and reptiles in Guyana, some found nowhere else in the world, Philippe J. R. Kok, a “taxon-oriented scientist”, is certainly someone you would enjoy chatting with.

The 45-year-old holds a PhD in Biology. He was born in the (Democratic Republic of Congo, where his father was a medical doctor for the Kilomoto mines. Philippe has been working for more than 20 years as a research associate at the Royal Belgian Institute of Naturals Sciences, and is working at the Free University of Brussels since 2009, where he also teaches a course entitled “Field Herpetology” (a course he taught four times in Guyana).

Guyana Times Sunday Magazine had the privilege of interviewing the

Exploring the summit of Yuruanitepui, looking east towards Guyana

scientist, who outlined some of his most exciting discoveries in Guyana.

Guyana Times Sunday Magazine (GTSM): Why did you choose Guyana as one of the countries to conduct research?

Philippe J. R. Kok (PK): I have a long interest in studying the herpetofauna of the Guiana Shield, and I was invited by a colleague to a conference in Georgetown back in the early 2000s to present some of my research done in French Guiana.

That was my first visit in Guyana. Although the airplane company lost my bag, thus making my first journey a bit difficult, I immediately fell in love with the country and its people. There is a very special blend in Guyana that I immediately appreciated. The country still has large pristine areas, and I like to be in Philippe at the base of Kaieteur Falls

the field far from civilization. It was also the opportunity for me to get closer to the famous “tepuis” (tabletop mountains) that I dreamed to study since I was a child. Shortly after my first visit, I got the chance to start a project about the herpetofaunal diversity in Kaieteur National Park. That was enough to make me become addicted to Guyana.

GTSM: Do you work with a team in Guyana?

PK: Yes, most of the time. I have been actively working with many Guyanese, including colleagues from UG, parataxonomists, rangers, and even gold/diamond miners who got interested in my research. I have fantastic memories working with some of them, and I am sad that I cannot get in touch with some of these miners these days as they live a simple life with poor communication. I always tried to have my Guyanese colleagues involved in my research and publications, and I even dedicated some new species to them. For instance, Oreophrynella seegobini is dedicated to Giuliano “Kinky” Seegobin, a great guy working in the Chenapau area.

GTSM: What's the focus of your research in Guyana?

PK: My research focus extends beyond Guyana alone. I have several main research topics, which include the evolution, systematics, taxonomy and biogeography of amphibians and reptiles in the Neotropics, more specifically in the Guiana Shield. My work now primarily focuses on vertebrate evolution in the Pantepui region (the socalled “Lost World”).

I try to understand

the spatial patterns of biological diversity (my models being the amphibians and reptiles) and its causes through geological time, which implies to better understand the relationships between all these species - their genealogical history to make it simple. To achieve this, I am documenting the diversity of amphibians and reptiles (describing new species when I find them), and collecting DNA to perform molecular phylogenies. At the end, I hope that my research will help to take adequate measures for the conservation of these fantastic animals and their habitats.

The data collected are published in scientific journals. The specimens are kept in museums to allow other researchers to access them and study them.

GTSM: What are some of your exciting discoveries?

PK: I have been lucky to make several great discoveries. I described many new species and even genera of amphibians and reptiles (among them 17 new species from Guyana, one of them dedicated to the former Prime Minister of Guyana, Honourable Samuel Hinds for his constant support in my research).

I also rediscovered one of the rarest mammals in the world, the Roraima mouse, on the summit of Wei-Assipu-tepui in Guyana, which allowed us to develop new hypotheses about the evolution of rodents in the area.

I was actually the first to take a photograph of that species alive, and probably been the first to be bitten by one of these extremely rare mice. Maybe one of my most interesting findings is that the genetic diversity among tepui summit species of amphibians and reptiles is much lower than everyone expected. For years we thought that these animals were living in isolation for millions of years, but my research showed that we were wrong. Most of these populations have been in contact relatively recently.

I still have many nice discoveries unpublished as I am still working on them.I am conducting (or have conducted) my research in two main areas in Guyana: the Pakaraima highlands

Exploring a small cave on the summit of Wei-Assipu-tepui in Guyana

(from Kaieteur National Park to the summit of Mount Roraima) and in Iwokrama. These locations were chosen because they fit the purposes of my research. More than ten years ago, I conducted some research in the South Rupununi savannah.

GTSM: What are your current and future projects in Guyana?

PK: I have plenty projects in the area. I am currently working on a research project about the population dynamics and population genetics of amphibians and reptiles on Mount Roraima.

The idea is to follow individuals (using extremely small transmitters) to see how far they move on the

tepui. I also investigate the relationships among individuals to see if some populations are isolated on some parts of the summit, or if they all mix. I also have the project to write a field guide of the amphibians and reptiles of Guyana, but I still need to find some sponsors.

I love Guyana because it is wild, and I hope it will remain like that for many, many years. I am also fascinated by the many different cultures living all in a pretty stable harmony. I think it is an example for many countries.

For more information on Philippe’s discoveries, visitwww.philippekok. com (Photos copyright to Philippe J. R. Kok)

"Hypsiboas liliae" - new species from Kaieteur National Park, which Philippe dedicated to his daughter, Lili Kok. This species is known only to Guyana

"Gonatodes timidus" - a new lizard species from the Iwokrama Mountains, which has not be found anywhere else since

32 FEATURE

E

pilepsy means the same as “seizure disorders”. It is said that “public perception and treatment of people with epilepsy are often bigger problems than actual seizures”, which is why the Epilepsy Foundation of Guyana (EFG) is an unwavering ally in the battle against this debilitating medical condition.

EFG is an association of physicians, health professionals and allied and para-health professionals and other persons of any sort – including epileptics themselves – in Guyana, committed to promoting the equal health care access for people living with epilepsy in Guyana, and the rights of people suffering from seizures, especially in the areas of health, education and employment. The Epilepsy Foundation of Guyana was registered on Nov. 14,

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The Epilepsy Foundation of Guyana seeks to dispel superstitions about epilepsy while enabling epileptics 2014 under the Friendly Societies’ Act. EFG is a Provisional Chapter of the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and will become a fully chapter after ratification by the IBE’s 2107 General Assembly.

In an interview with the Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, president of EFG, Dr. Thomas Singh, said that the idea of an Epilepsy Foundation of Guyana was first mooted in 2011 at a meeting of the now-defunct Justice, Compassion, and Peace Commission of the Guyana Presbyterian Church (GPC), set up to “...allow the GPC to respond to issues that otherwise could not be accommodated in a timely fashion within the existing structures of the Church; and … allow the GPC’s constituency, i.e., the members of the church, to feel that their church is indeed concerned with the

UG students, supporters, and members of the Epilepsy Foundation during an awareness walk in 2015

issues that affect their daily lives”.

EFG’s objectives are to raise awareness and engage in advocacy about epilepsy/seizures, and especially that it is a medical condition that can be managed; and to dispel myths and superstitions about epilepsy; help people to know how to recognize and deal with seizures when they occur, whether at home or elsewhere; work to end discrimination, at the workplace, in schools and elsewhere, against people suffering with epilepsy/seizures; advance the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and management of epilepsy by making available to medical practitioners, hospitals, schools, and agencies and individuals dealing with people suffering with seizures/epilepsy, the lat“Aside from dealing with the still present danger of est medical research on seizures epileptics must also cope with a number of epilepsy (including any potential side effects of their medication which may have newly developed medicaa considerable effect on their daily lives”, says EFG

tion and epilepsy surgery); provide advice and counselling to people suffering with epilepsy/seizures and to their families, and especially to provide guidance on the treatment and management options available to them; promote and work towards the development and implementation of a national strategy for the prevention and control of epilepsy and encourage the drafting and enactment of appropriate legislation to support the achievement of the Foundation’s objectives. It also aims to collect data on epilepsy and seizures, and start a Guyana Registry on this disability. Additionally, the EFG hopes to more generally encourage and facilitate education, training and research in epilepsy, and to support the work of agencies and individuals that are committed enhancing scientific knowledge about epilepsy; engage in fundraising, networking, pub-

lic relations and other activities that would aid in the achievement of the objectives stated here. It will also work in collaboration with any agency or organization in Guyana or elsewhere that has objectives similar to those of the Foundation’s.

“Currently, we are addressing the supply of anti-seizure medications as this is often disrupted, a circumstance that is very difficult on persons whose seizures are controlled by medication. We are also working on an arrangement with the GPHC to ensure that epileptics who come to us can be seen by the neurologist there. We plan to do an audit of epilepsy services and to begin to develop a database that would give a statistical sense of epilepsy in Guyana. We shall be conducting various education and public awareness programmes and starting a support group for epileptics and their families. Annually, we participate in the UG Medical Students' Association's Epilepsy Awareness Walk and Health Fair,” Singh outlined.

Singh added that EFG hopes to improve how peo-

ple with epilepsy are perceived, accepted and valued in Guyana; ensure that they get the best medical treatment and medication available and that this is done in an affordable way; and help people with epilepsy/seizures to be able to participate as fully as possible in all life experiences.

“As a fairly new organization, we do not have that many challenges and have been fortunate to get funding for our main activities from Guyana Goldfields Inc. We thank GGI for its support, and welcome contributions from other agencies. However, a significant challenge is to get people to recognize that epilepsy is a neurological condition or disorder; and that it is not a phenomenon of the spirit world!” Singh declared.

He pointed out that improving health care in Guyana will require more doctors trained in neurology (adult and paediatric) and the acquisition of an EEG machine (used for both medical diagnosis and neurobiological research), along with the training of technical personnel.

For more information, visit Epilepsy Foundation of Guyana on Facebook.

Standing: Dr. Andrea Lambert (left), Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Guyana, and Dr. MallikaMootoo, Vice-President of Epilepsy Foundation of Guyana.

Seated: Two doctors from the United Kingdom who collaborated with the Foundation in 2015, Dr. LyviaDabydeen (seated at left) and Dr. Laura Mantoan

feature 33

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Part I

British historian James Rodway (1848 -1926) wrote regularly about the colony of British Guiana, from which today we are able to learn of many aspects of our early history. One such is the story behind the names of many of the plantations of the day that have now become our towns, villages and neighbourhoods. Here is an edited excerpt of his essay entitled, “The Names of our Plantations”, published in the Timehri: the journal of the Royal Agricultural and Commercial Society of British Guiana (1911).

T

he estates that have been named at different times amount to about two thousand. I shall not attempt to enumerate them all for the majority give

no trouble; they are simply old world place-names transferred, as is done in every new country.

There is more interest in those names which either anticipate or commemorate the struggles and triumphs of the early settlers. The name was not necessarily given at the time of the grant, it follows therefore that some are retrospective and give us a peep into the life of our pioneers.

No doubt they thought a good name might bring good fortune; possibly they invoked the goddess in such names as Lucky Hit, Lucky Spot and Goed Fortuin.

Unfortunately however their hopes were often disappointed and the estates went to rack and ruin; to-day most of them are taken over by the forest.

Successes proved failures, Good Hopes end-

ed in despair. Freedom (Vryheid) meant slavery a century ago; Paradise and the Garden of Eden were hardly abodes of happiness; even Arcadia has lost its ideal position as a coffee plantation. El Dorado did not bring its owner gold, and notwithstanding its supposedstrength, Gibraltar became of little consequence.

In looking over a chart where the names are inserted we can see the course of settlement.

Until 1740, no one could get land unless he was a Dutch subject; it follows therefore that the names in the neighbourhood of Kyk-over-al, and on the upper Berbice and Canje, are Dutch.

After 1740, Essequibo was opened to all nations with a consequent influx of English from the West Indies, followed later by a

Chinese doctor, Georgetown, British Guiana. No date

Entrance to Botanical Gardens, British Guiana

Charles Waterton arrived in Georgetown in 1804 to manage the plantations [names shown in red on map] of his father (Walton Hall) and his uncle, Christopher Waterton (La Jalousie and Fellowship), who had returned to England. In The Argosy, published in 1883, Walton Hall is recorded as being part of Hampton Court, the most northerly plantation in the colony. Walton Hall Estate now has a rice mill licensed by the Guyana Rice Development Board (as at 2009) (overtown.org.uk)

fair number of French.

The upper Demerara was largely English (or Barbadian), the French occupied the West Bank and the sides of the Canals, with a few on the East and West Coasts.

Until the British conquest however, the coast from Mahaica to the Corentyne had been neglected; then came the boom in cotton and a succession of English planters, who, of course, gave British names.

Here we find Albion, Chiswick, Hammersmith, Epsom, Brighton, Clifton, Liverpool, etc. Dunrobin, Fyrish, Auchlyne, Kilmarnock and Tarlogie, as well as Carnarvon; proving that English, Scotch, and at least one Welshman were present.

The Canals and their neighbourhood have Middlesex, Westminster,

and Vauxhall —Versailles and Bordeaux — Ostend and Vriesland, indicating that the three nationalities were neighbours.

Although the United Kingdom is most conspicuous on the East Coast, we find Chateau Margot, La Bonne Intention, Mon Repos, etc., French, and Goedverwagting, Sparendaam, etc., Dutch.

The Barbados system of naming estates from the owners, without any addition, is hardly known here (Ogle is an example), but Little England is well to the fore as might be expected, especially in those named Halls.

We have Barbados Hall, Planter's Hall, Bounty Hall, Tranquillity Hall, Airy Hall, Quaker's Hall, Harmony Hall, Carlton Hall and Broom Hall. (Walton Hall is named after the Yorkshire

family mansion of the Watertons.)

Personal names are represented by Waller's Delight, Keirfield, and Christianburg, the last from Christian Finet, the original owner, a Swede; Huis't Couverden is doubtful.

A conspicuous class is named after ladies of the family, e.g., Kitty, Sophia, Cornelia Ida, Eve Leary, Ann's Grove, Elizabeth Hall, and Susannah's Rust (rest). A curious name is Amelie's Waard, probably meaning the house of Amelia's host, guardian, or landlord.

An affectionate son would perpetuate his love to a father or mother by Le Bon Pére and La Bonne Mere, a kind brother by Sisters or Two Sisters, and a father by De Kinderen (the children).

(TO BE CONTINUED)

34

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Caribbean innovators urged to take advantage of World Bank funding project

C

MC – Climate change innovators in the Caribbean can access funding to develop their projects through the World Bank’s Entrepreneurship Programme for Innovation in the Caribbean (EPIC).

These innovations include clean technologies in energy, water, agriculture, transport, among other areas, that are designed to mitigate the effects of and adapt to climate change.

“There are many opportunities for Jamaicans and the rest of the Caribbean to utilise climate change to increase employment, economic development and sustainability,” said Karlene Francis, the Operations Officer at the World Bank.

Francis said that beneficiaries under the Caribbean Climate Innovation Center’s (CCIC) Boot Camp and Accelerator programmes, which are part of the EPIC, can

Karlene Francis, Operations Officer at the World Bank

also access additional funding and networking opportunities.

She noted that support is available for women entrepreneurs and for the creation of mobile innovations.

Francis said the World Bank recently launched a crowd funding online course for Caribbean entrepreneurs.

She said that crowd funding is an easy way to gain funds from investors using an online plat-

form and to qualify for the CCIC’s Boot Camp and Accelerator programmes, persons must be engaged in developing technologies in the areas of energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, waste water management, or resource use efficiency.

The CCIC is a consortium under the Scientific Research Council and the Trinidad-based Caribbean Industrial Research Institute.

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Star of the week

news 35

Carmen Jarvis launches autobiography ‘From Seedtime to Harvest’

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resident David Granger, last evening, attended the launch of an autobiography of 91-year-old Ms. Carmen Jarvis entitled “From Seedtime to Harvest”. The book’s title was adopted from the lyrics of The Bishop’s High School’s song where she was a student and later head teacher. The event President David Granger and Ms. Carmen Jarvis share was held at the a light moment at the event at the Georgetown Club Georgetown Club.

Delivering brief ues and standards some al and textured work. It remarks, President Granger shared fond of which have been lost… contributes to our underrecollections of a young were it not for them standing of the people of Ms. Jarvis with whom Guyana would have been Guyana, especially peohe worked in the 1990s a very different place,” ple of Barbadian ancestry,” he said. on two publications; he said.

Meanwhile, Professor Mrs. Jarvis thanked the ‘Guyana Historical Journal’ and the ‘History Dr. Vibert Cambridge those who contributGazette’. He said that spoke about the Guyana ed to the completion of Anniversary her book, particularly without her support 50th Celebration, her daughter, who asthese publications would Literary never have been printed. which was held in May sisted in the typing and “Ms. Jarvis is what 2016, which sought to en- Dr. David Dabydeen would be described in courage the launch of bi- with whom she shared modern day parlance as ographies and autobiog- a close working relaan iconic Guyanese. I raphies in Guyana much tionship for many years think when we consid- like what was penned by and who wrote the preface of her book. She doer some of the revers- Ms. Jarvis.

“From Seedtime to nated copies of the book es that we have faced we are very grateful for Harvest is a valuable to the National Library, that generation of per- contribution to our un- the Guyana Girls Guide sons, who were born in derstanding of contem- and the University of the 1920s because they porary Guyanese history. Guyana.(MOTP) transmitted certain val- It is a multi-dimension-

R

oland Trotman is a 21-year-old model eyeing the international runway. Trotman attended Head Start Nursery School; North Georgetown Primary and Kingston Secondary, where he graduated after CSEC. Presently, Trotman is an employee at the Guyana Revenue Authority assigned to the administrative service unit. Relatively new to modelling, Trotman said he is “so far enjoying the experience” as it allows him to express his “bold fashion sense”. He added “besides the exposure, modelling helps young people to develop self-confidence”. Trotman is signed to KAST Talent Management and did his first modelling gig at the recently held Style Mission fashion event earlier this month. To date he has modelled for notable designers Sonia Noel and Neilson Nurse. Although Trotman is passionate about his venture into modelling, his main focus is on developing academically. The aspiring public relations officer aims to pursue a career in public relations and communications studies. Concerning his modelling career, he would like to collaborate with the “big names” of the fashion industry, regionally and internationally.

Trotman’s advises youths to “stay in school and get an education. Stay away from negative and violent activities. For those who would have completed school and feel as if you are never going to get a job, just hang in there; you are going to get that call. With our society being flawed with so many limitations, the least you can do is aspire to be all that you can be”. (Photo by Shamer Hescott)

36

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

This week's Crossword

This week's Puzzle

see solution on page 47

No shame…

I

…on warehouse graft

t’s clear there are elements in this government who have no shame. None! But then you’ll always find such miscreants in any random collection of folks. And when that collection isn’t random, but those who seek “government wuk”, the “shameless quotient” jumps by a factor of at least 10! Anyhow, that was the reaction of your usually stolid Eyewitness when he heard the Junior Minister of Health declaring the Bottom House Warehouse hasn’t been nixed – it’s actually been receiving government drugs!!

Shameless! At the final handing over by the US-built 26,000 sqft Government pharma bond at Diamond, the Junior Minister offered another “reason” for the rental of the Albuoystown bottom house- “… you know there are times where we have several containers, sometimes four (at one time) so it can be packed to capacity.”

Now let’s pick some sense from nonsense. From one side of her mouth the Minister accepts that the facility has more than enough capacity to store ALL the purchases of the government. Got that? ALL. So if it’s “packed to capacity” – which means MORE than the government could possibly store – why would FOUR more containers suddenly arrive with pharma?

Is the Ministry of Health in the habit of buying TWO years supply of drugs? No wonder we’ve got all these “expired drugs” dumped at Haags Bosch!

And then… this Minister thinks the Albuoystown bottom house – with no loading docks and one gate – can handle FOUR containers of pharma? Madame Junior Minister – since you’re a medical doctor – your humble Eyewitness will put that claim in terms you may be familiar with. Unloading four containers simultaneously would be like using a turkey baster to deliver an injection into the human eye! Ouch!!

But let’s return to the main news – that Larry Singh will be getting away with the most barefaced scam since Ocean’s Eleven. Has the outrage meant nothing to President Granger? Your Eyewitness likes Prezzie and all that – but the buck stops with him.

What more proof does he need? There were so many “smoking guns” – how did Larry know about the need for a warehouse, the prepaid rent/buying price; the lie about comparative pharma storage rentals etc, etc – it looked like the Fineman’s last shootout!

What this (sordid) episode does is to encourage all and sundry in the government – from the lowest clerk in the Public Service to the Police rank on the beat – to increase their runnings. What’s all this nonsense about “no corruption” they’ll ask. If three Cabinet Ministers can’t find wrongdoing in this scam… why worry?

If them “big ones” can do it…why can’t they? …on juice for our children The feeding programme in our schools is supposed to help those most needy: to give at least their kids the basic nutritional requirements for them not to be malnourished. By now, all of us should know about the effects of malnutrition – including underdevelopment of the brain. And of course this leads to intergenerational poverty and misery.

So when someone in the Ministry of Education’s Procurement department connived to pass off fruit juices from Suriname rather than our own higher quality locally produced “Topco” you’re talking about some real bottom feeders here. You can’t sink lower than a snake’s belly? Well whoever did this (dirty) deal just succeeded.

The latest revelations confirm this. When the story initially broke, the shill from the government (the DPI) immediately announced shrilly that tests by the Government Analysts showed the foreign drink had more “fruit juices” than the local one.

Not so!! Says the Analysts. They couldn’t do the testing and went by the labels supplied.

But were never given the local label!! Owmaan! …on diaspora helpers The letter from the APNU/AFC diaspora helpers still haunts your Eyewitness. It was such a cri de coeur. The deep wrenching sobs could still be heard.

Couldn’t the administration at least give them some certificates of appreciation?

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

TRAVEL & tOURISM 37

An ideal getaway

T

he Hot and Cold Lake is the northern section of the Itiribisi Lake, located in Essequibo. It was formed naturally between the sand hills of Mashabo to Onderneeming, and is sourced by many natural springs, and by rainfall. The lake drains into the oceanthrough Riverstown Creek.

The name ‘Hot and Cold’ came about when visitors swimming in the water experienced warm water, followed by cold patches all around the swimming area. This is due to an underwater spring close by, spewing cold water into the lake, giving the effect of being hot and cold.

After the blocking of the drainage at its lowest points in 1980 by Lindsey Parkinson as the second phase to the Tapakuma Irrigation Project for rice in Essequibo, the Hot and Cold Lake grew deeper and took up a larger area where a popular picnic and campsite was developed alongside one of the san-

Panorama of the Lake

dy hills.

This beautiful and serene lakeside campsite is owned and operated by the Amins. It is located about three miles inland of the Suddie village and is nearby to the newly developed Lil Red Village and Onderneeming Village.

To get there one must follow a loam trail with overhanging trees.

It takes about 20 minutes to get to the campsite from the Suddie car park. At the hilltop, above the campsite, is abreath-taking view.

This ideal getaway offers pristine nature and serenity.

The lake is the perfect location for camping, cook-outs, boating, swimming, bird watching, fishing and enjoyment of outdoor activities due to its spacious surrounding.

The Hot and Cold Lake is definitely a must-see for nature lovers when visiting Essequibo.

(Information by R. R. Chan.

Photos by Marco Basir)

A place of relaxation and serenity

Residents of the nearby village fishing at the Lake

Boat ride on the Lake The campsite hill towers 80ft above the Hot and Cold Lake

38 feature

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

I

n memory of her sister who lost her battle to cervical cancer, Jacqueline Marshall is resolute in her efforts to educate others on the disease and the benefits of early detection.

In April 2016, Jacqueline started The Anciee Shondel Marshall Cancer Awareness Foundation in honour of her loving sister, Anciee Shondel Marshall.

“The Foundation is in memory of my (our) beloved sister, daughter, mother, friend who passed away on March 10, 2016 due to cervical cancer. Shondel died with a lot of unanswered questions pertaining to this disease. Actually, she wasn’t aware of it until three weeks prior to her death. That is why my mission is to spread awareness on cancer, en-

Anciee Shondel Marshall

courage others to educate themselves on this disease, make necessary

lifestyle changes, and, most importantly, early detection,” Jacqueline

Anciee was known as a 'hardworking individual'

said in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

Jacqueline added that cancer took “a big chunk” out of her life due to the loss of her sister. She pointed out that her “beef” (fight) against cancer will be an ongoing one. Through social media, Jacqueline strives to reach a wide cross-section of people to spread awareness on cancer.

She uses every opportunity presented to her to speak to people on preventative methods and to comfort families “affected or afflicted by the disease”.

“It doesn't matter what type of cancer it is; cancer attacks from any angle, so I’ll fight from any angle! I take comfort in knowing Shondel knew we loved her. She was a beauty inside out and a very genuine person. She was very ambitious and hardworking.

Her fight with cancer was a silent and short one. She put up a great fight until she couldn’t anymore. Shondel went beyond and above for the people she cared about.

That is why this foundation is my way of saying to her and all those who are dealing with cancer that I will fight on in whatever small or large way,” Jacqueline declared.

Jacqueline said she is focused on getting certified teams of counsellors to help families deal with the consequences of this disease. The Foundation’s plans also include increasing the

Jacqueline Marshall continues to spread awareness on cancer in memory of her loving sister

volume of awareness campaigns throughout the region.

“I have a lot more planned; they’re baby steps in reaching my goals, but I’m going to keep fighting the good fight for my sister and all those affected by cancer,” she avowed.

Anciee Shondel Marshall is survived by her two children: Nicholas, 16, and Chastain, 7 years old.

According to Jacqueline, Nicholas lives with his grandmother (Jacqueline and Shondel’s mother), and Chastain lives with her dad.

“We try to get them to spend time together as much as possible, because it still is very hard on both of them having lost their mom at such a young age. I had the privilege of spending six

weeks with them, and it’s clear that Chastain needs that motherly attention.

However, I must give credit to her dad for all that he's doing as a single parent for his daughter. Nicholas’s dad also plays his part. This is the very reason I would like to have the Foundation get to a point where it can assist children who have lost a parent or parents to cancer. I'm happy now with the relationship I have with the kids and their fathers. At the end of the day I want to fulfil my sister’s dying wish “to take care of her babies”,” the doting sister disclosed.

For more information on how you can help Jacqueline’s fight against cancer, visit The Anicee Shondel Marshall Cancer Awareness Foundation on Facebook.

news 39

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

USAID provides initial US$1.5 million for Caribbean in wake of Hurricane Matthew

This photo which shows a scene from the devastating impact of Hurricane Mathew in Haiti was provided by the UN Mission in Haiti CMC

T

he United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will be providing an initial US$1.5 million to assist Caribbean countries affected by the passage of Hurricane Matthew.

“We have announced US$1.5 million for the region; US$1 million of food aid is just being announced right now,” David Harden, USAID Assistant Administrator for the US Department of State’s Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance, told a press briefing here on Wednesday.

“As of a day or so ago, we had announced US$500,000 for the nonfood items, such as shelter, blankets, hygiene kits, household items, and water purification equipment…. if there are further needs, we’re prepared to deploy more commodities and more relief supplies from Florida and potentially from Italy if required.”

Meanwhile, Kenneth H. Merten, Special Coordinator for Haiti and the State Department’s Deputy Assistant Secretary, said the US continues to work in partnership with the Government of Haiti to assess the extent of damage in Haiti and to prioritize humanitarian cleanup needs.

“The goal of the US as a friend of Haiti and a partner looks beyond the day to day now, as we have for decades,” he said. “For us, the priority remains the safety and security of US citizens.

“We have issued Travel Warnings for Haiti, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and a Travel Alert for Cuba apprising US citizens of imminent and dangerous storm conditions,” Merten added.

“We’d like to remind everybody that it’s important to be aware and to read our Travel Warnings and Travel Alert, which provide our embassies’ emergency contact and other information, and it allows people to get the most re-

cent information that we have available in their hands,” he continued.

In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew in the Caribbean, United Nations emergency response teams have been deployed to Haiti and Jamaica to coordinate rapid assessments and support disaster response.

According to a statement issued by UN Secretary-General Ban Kimoon’s spokesperson, although the full extent of the impact remains unclear, the Haitian Government has reported that several lives have been lost and at least 350,000 people need immediate assistance.

The statement also noted that the UN is in contact with the authorities across the region and stands ready to assist with response and recovery if required.

At a regular briefing at UN Headquarters in New York on Wednesday, a UN spokesperson told journalists that the entire southern part of the country, including capital Port-auPrince have been affected and the south-east tip of the island suffered the brunt of the hurricane.

The UN officials said the main bridge connecting the capital to the south was also swept away, cutting off access.

Teams have since been deployed from the UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination , which is managed by the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs .

On the ground, the UN said they are logistically supported by the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti .

The UN SecretaryGeneral has also expressed solidarity with the people and Governments of Haiti, Cuba and other countries in affected by the storm.

The UN chief lauded the preparedness efforts of the Cuban authorities, media, and civil society to protect people’s lives and economic assets.

In Cuba, more than 377,000 people were evacuated, 1,640 metric tonnes

of food were pre-positioned in safe areas, and measures were taken to protect communities and infrastructure threatened by strong winds, rains, storm surge and floods, the UN said.

In a separate statement on Wednesday President of the UN General Assembly Peter Thomson also expressed deep concern for the people of Haiti, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Bahamas and other countries in the Caribbean, “as they struggle to cope with the effects of the hurricane,” and offered his condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives as a result of the storm.

“As a Fijian who has witnessed first-hand the power and devastation of such destructive tropical cyclones, I fully empa-

thize with those facing up to the damage,” he said, adding: “The world must

stand with the victims at this time as people of goodwill everywhere recognize

their suffering and stand ready to offer a helping hand.”

40 fashion

D

esigner Sonia Noel’s newest collection, The Sonia Noel Man, offers cool, casual, trendy tops/shirts in “contemporary cuts” for the stylish man.

These fashionable bespoke pieces are made from durable fabric,and are ideal for any guy who wants

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

to “stand out from the crowd”.

This collection will be showcased at the Guyana Fashion Week slated for November 6-13 at Pegasus Hotel.

For more information, call 2263099 or visit Guyana Fashion Week on Facebook.

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana’s unique “racism”

By Ryhaan Shah

F

ollowing up on last Sunday’s column on the rise of nativism, Guyana’s rather unique “racism” also bears some investigation.

Racism is an ideology of domination based on the idea of biological and cultural superiority of one or more groups which is used to justify the treatment of others as inferior. Whole societies can be structured along racial lines or there can be, as occurred during the Burnham era, institutionalised racism where AfricanGuyanese were favoured by the very structure of government and society.

But Guyana does not conform to all the sociological norms of racism.

Here, the “racist” term is especially reserved for Indian-Guyanese who speak from their perspective as Indians despite constitutional and human rights guarantees to their identity.

While the Indian communities are the ones that suffer racial/ political attacks, in a perverse twist, they are also the ones condemned as the country’s “racists”, and the violence against them is justified by a wide swathe of society including a number of Indian-Guyanese.

The twists and turns that have led to this unique “racism” havetheir roots in Guyana’s colonial past.

The Indians who were viewed as “acceptable” were the educated professionals like the Luckhoos and Ruhomons. They had converted to Christianity and, in the process, had subsumed their Indian identity.

These were the Indians who “arrived” into colonial society.

At the other end of the colonial experience were men like JB Singh and Ayube Edun of the British Guiana East Indian Association. The majority of Indians subscribed to their view that our future lay in honouring the heritage of our foreparents.

When Dr Cheddi Jagan entered politics, he might have succeeded as a champion of the working class had the PPP remained whole.

However, the split with Burnham refashioned him as an ethnic leader, a role he never relished or wanted for himself.

To the socialist Jagan, the Indian professional and business class was the despised

bourgeoisie. He, too, needed to recast his supporters into another image to satisfy his ambition of being a true leader of all Guyanese.

To this end, the PPP generally ignored the ethnicity of their followers and the specific issues that came with it. This while Burnham fully embraced being an African leader.

Adding to “racism” in Guyana is the ideology of “oneness” with its jingoism of “love and unity” which is simpleminded enough to enjoy popular support. Within this context, Indians who value their cultural identity are viewed as “racists” for rejecting the sameness required to be “one”. Because the “all awe is one” jingle sounds nice to the ear, no one stops to consider that the message speaks to a clear disrespect for cultural and ethnic diversity just as Brexit does in the UK and Trumpism is doing in America.

It promotes the dominance of “one” over every “other” – the textbook definition of racism.

For Indians to even speak of race makes us “racist” and when the stumbling block to Guyana’s progress and development is the race divide between Indians and Africans, this becomes problematic: how do you address the problem if simply stating it makes you racist?

Many, therefore, say nothing. They embrace the ideology of “love and unity” even when, as exemplified by the Coalition Government, it is nothing but empty rhetoric. But being accepted into the lie is more rewarding than addressing the truth. It leads some Indians to self-hatred and to justify their hate, they need to accuse culturally secure Indians of “racism”.

African Guyanese’s pride in being African is never viewed as racism and they are content with this inequality which shuts out Indians from engaging in the vital discourse on race and racism. Indians who persist endure the abuse of being called “racists”.

In his quest to be a Guyanese leader, Jagan helped to create this inequality. The PPP continually placates African Guyanese in order to win them back, and often at the expense of their loyal Indian supporters.

Independent Indian Guyanese who address Indian issues are seen

as political threats to the PPP and the accusation always levelled at them is that they are “racists”, an accusation that is readily picked up by African Guyanese and Indians who continue to support the idea that the only acceptable Indian Guyanese is the colonised “mimic man” who subsumes or forgoes his Indian identity.

It is time to push the reset button and get everyone on the same page where to address the race issue does not make you racist and where the mindless jingoism of “oneness” is accepted for the disregard for diversity that it is.

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42 news

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Dr Insanally appointed Guyana’s Permanent Representative to OAS

D

r Riyad Insanally is Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States (OAS).

He presented his Letters of Credence on September 30 to OAS Secretary General Luis Almargo at the OAS Headquarters in Washington DC, USA. The career diplomat reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment “to upholding the principles es-

tablished by the OAS Charter fully cognisant of the virtuous circle we’re all seeking to close – that of democracy, human rights, multi-dimensional security and integral development.”

DrInsanally was appointed as the Permanent Representative to the OAS earlier this year.

He previously served as the OAS Representative in Trinidad and Tobago and was also an adviser to the previous OAS

OAS Secretary General Luis Almargo accepting the credentials of Ambassador Riyad Insanally

Assistant General.

Secretary

On September 16, 2016, Dr Insanally pre-

sented his Letters of Credence as Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States of America, toOAS Secretary General Luis Almargo.

A m b a s s a d o r Insanally began his diplomatic career in 1990 at the Foreign Affairs Ministry as a Senior Foreign Officer.

Dr Insanally also served as Senior Trade Adviser to the Guyana High Commissioner in the United Kingdom, and as

consultant at Caricom and other international agencies. The Guyanese scholar is the holder of a PhD in languages from Harvard University.

SG Almargo told DrInsanally that his experience made him invaluable to the OAS. “You’re very well prepared for this post and your help will be extremely invaluable,” Almargo said at the simple presentation ceremony.

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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44 art & culture

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

"Forest Lotus" by George Simon. Acrylic on canvas

“H

o m a g e to Denis Williams”, an exhibition of artworks by indigenous artists, currently ongoing at Castellani House, is the most appropri-

ate title to celebrate Indigenous Heritage Month (September) for several reasons.

Dr. Denis Williams (1923 - 1998) was a pioneer archaeologist and anthropologist

Untitled by Guy Marco. Acrylic on canvas

who in 1974, nearly 50 years ago, founded the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, which was the precursor for several prominent cultural institutions in Guyana, such as the E.R. Burrowes School of Art (1975), the Museum of African Heritage (1985), and the National Gallery of Art, Castellani House (1993).

Dr. Williams himself was a distinguished artist and writer who studied, lived and worked in London in the late 1940s to late 1950s. From 1957 to 1967 he was teaching Art and Art History at several universities in Africa, during which time he penned and published numerous articles on the classical art of West Africa and a book “Icon and Image: A Study of Sacred and Secular Forms of African Classical Art” (1974, New York University Press).

While teaching in Africa, in Sudan,

"Broken" by Devina Deputron. Acrylic on canvas

Williams discovered archaeology, but it was not until his return to Guyana, circa 1968, to live and work in the Mazaruni District, that his interest was reawakened upon discovering artefacts of the indigenous peoples in the area.

In 1973, by letter, he engaged the Smithsonian Institution and stated his interest and optimism in investigating and chronicling, in a structured way, the "antiquities" and the "arts" of the indigenous peoples to put things into historical perspective.

In 1974 he was appointed the Director of the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, which he founded in the same year. This new appointment fuelled his drive to commence intense archaeological activities and excavations in the various regions of Guyana, which resulted in countless findings, revelations and documentation for the next 24 years of his life, until his death in 1998.

This year's exhibition, in celebration of Amerindian Heritage Month, and exhibitors

"Shaman" by Victor Captain. Acrylic on canvas

led by the artist and archaeologist George Simon, an understudy of Dr. Denis Williams, continues a trend where the sacred and secular art forms of the indigenous peoples, bound in a wide variety of media, are summoned for expression and interpretation.

The artists remained true and steadfast to their creations, and for this reason the exhibition continues to flourish, as in past years, with numerous creations where motif, form and subject matter competes and jostles for dominance, but collectively and subtly creates its own aesthetics and harmony.

In these times of uncertainty, where the threats of de-culturation are great, these exhibitions are a constant reminder of who we are and the vision that we have. Should our culture and cultural institutions be de-emphasized by whatever powers may be then, we as a people may be left rootless.

“Homage to Denis Williams” art exhibition continues until October 15, 2016 at Castellani House, located on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown. Admission is free. For more information, call 225-0579.

(Text by Ohene Koama, Curator: Castellani House)

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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46 news

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Cops hold one over brutal murder of Tuschen taxi driver

O

ne male suspect has been apprehended over the murder of the 24-yearold taxi driver who was found slumped in his motor car, on Tuesday evening, with two gunshot wounds aback Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo.

According to a police source, the suspect was taken in for questioning after he was observed by other hire car drivers behaving in a suspicious manner.

This publication was told that the suspect was heard making specific inquiries about the taxi

Rolun Jodmie and his wife, Tarmattie Kumar on their wedding day

driver sometime before the gruesome discovery was made.

The young man, iden-

tified as Rolun Jodmie, also known as Vishal, was found shortly after 19:00hrs on Tuesday, by

a fellow taxi driver who had just dropped off his passengers at their various destinations at the back of the Scheme.

Investigators are working on the theory that the man was killed during a robbery since several of his belongings were missing, including his wedding band, a chain, his cellphone and his day’s earnings.

Jodmie leaves to mourn his wife, twoyear-old son, mother and siblings along with other relatives and friends.

Investigations are ongoing.

3 women jailed for embezzling G$48M

T

hree women were on Tuesday jailed for four years each after they were

Georgetown; had all pleaded not guilty to the charge.

In a packed courtroom

sons to embezzle in excess of G$48 million in credit from Telecom Solutions Inc.

The covicted women escorted by Police Officers

found guilty of fraudulently converting in excess of G$48 million from Telecom Solutions (Guyana) Initially, the women – Melissa Naughton, 39, of Robert Street, Better Hope, East Coast Demerara; Candacie Marshall, 26, of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown; and Oladara Christian, 28, of Shell Road, Kitty,

before City Magistrate Leron Daly, the sentence was handed down to the three tearful women while the Magistrate noted that the women of mature ages were fully aware of their actions and continued.

The charge stated that between June 25, 2008 and November 23, 2009, they conspired together with other per-

The Magistrate stated that the court and society condemn the exploitation of employees towards employers.

Defence Attorney Glen Hanoman who represented Naughton and Christian requested that the court grant his clients non-custodial sentences based on President David Granger’s remark that “there is no place for

women in prison.”

The trio was found guilty by Magistrate Daly on August 31, 2016, after it was found that the prosecution had proven its case against the women beyond reasonable doubt.

The women’s lawyers at the previous court hearing – Adrian Thompson, Ronald Burch-Smith and Everton Singh Lammy – had requested probation reports on the women after they were found guilty of the offence.

In 2011, the women were employees of the company where Naughton and Christian served in the capacities of cashiers, which they were responsible for selling large amounts of Digicel credit via a computerised system.

It was reported that Marshall was the person who, from time to time, solicited the customers.

According to reports, the two cashiers had invalidated several transactions which were written off, after which they would revalidate those transactions and sell them to persons and receive the proceeds for themselves.

Ex-T&T Special Forces officers accused of attempted arson, possession of illegal weapons (Trinidad Guardian)

C

hief of Defence Staff Brigadier Rodney Smart said yesterday’s attempt by two discharged Special Forces soldiers to allegedly burn a house in Princes Town was part of yet another attempt by the criminal element to destabilise the

country.

The two—Cpl Steve Douglas and Lance Cpl Devon Edwards—were arrested by police hours later at Munroe Road, Charlieville, Chaguanas.

Smart was speaking during a special news conference hosted with acting Commissioner of Police Harold Phillip at the Office of the Prime

Minister, St Clair. He said it was called to clarify information on the incident, adding that the weekly meeting of the National Security Council was also held yesterday.

Smart said the incident was “an attempt by those criminal elements who would want to place our society in a destabi-

lising condition.” He said the Defence Force would assist the T&T Police Service with its investigations.

Smart said Douglas and Edwards “were discharged because they were not displaying the behaviour we felt that junior leaders should display.” He said they were soldiers for 18 and

Lessons in authoritarianism… …to UG students odern youths can’t live without their smartphones that connects them to their world. And your Eyewitness uses the word “their” advisedly since they’re promised that they can choose who to tune in or tune out. Literally.

Unfortunately for them, there are a few contacts they can’t tune out if they want to climb up the totem pole – one of them being the University, where they’re supposed to learn the skills that’ll make them manoeuver in the world of adults.

Well, this weekend they learnt a valuable lesson: in Guyana the rule of officialdom is “do what yuh want widdem!” “Dem” being students at this stage of their lives – but it’s a tag that they’ll wear for the rest of their lives. Unless, of course, they join officialdom and get a free pass as “one of the crew”.

And what was the specific lesson in arbitrariness, you dear readers without college-enrolled kids, ask?

Well that even though students paid up their fees, collected their receipts… were assured they could now hit the books, they were informed via e-mail on their smartphones and other electronic devices that “Ooops! You have to pay another 5 per cent of the fees!!” Meaning for the regular, nonprofessional degree programmes means another $8000!

Your Eyewitness is very pleased that students – via the same devices that they can also send out and share their opinions faster than the old village gossip – are riled up and are threatening to storm the rickety gate at UG tomorrow morning. It’s not just the money – even though $8000 might be chicken feed to Ministers who pocketed a whopping 50 per cent salary increase – it certainly isn’t for most parents who’re studying with their subsistence wages. But more than that it is the principle of the increase and its method of informing students.

Two years ago, when the fee structure was raised, it was specifically spelt out for the 2014, 2015 and 2016 school years. This year it was supposed to be $160,000 (from the original $127,000) – plus a $50,000 “Facilities Fees” up from $10,000. And imagine the UG administration thought they were gracious to inform the students they wouldn’t be changing “late fees” on the $8000 increase – of which they were never informed!!

In typical authoritarian fashion which the students will have to live with daily as adults with the government they will vote for, the UG czars claim the increase was voted on 2 years ago, but not announced!! Really? What other tidbits are being held in abeyance?

Is this ambush one of the US ploys that’ll be used by the new Vice Chancellor in running UG??

So whatever happened to “informed consent”?? …to Govt’s overseas handmaidens It was oh so poignant… this letter from Asquith Rose. For years and years he’d been writing missives (hurling “missiles”?) against the PPP from his New York habitat. More often than not he was do-authored by Sase Singh, an ex-PPP member.

They railed against all the horrible things the PPP had done to Guyana and its treasury. A posse of scribblers formed around them.

They became poster boys for the AFC and with a marriage in the air by 2015, picked up pens on behalf of the APNU/AFC alliance. Oh they worked their fingers to the bone with their letters appearing almost daily in the local dailies – especially the Muckraker. They even hosted the soon Prezzie-andPM to be. Raised funds and all that.

They did say they were doing it all for their country. But something funny happened on the way to the swearing-in of their former “boostees” – the latter forgot their boosters. The woebegone scriveners just dashed off “demands” to Prezzie.

Patriotism has a price? …to corruption fighters The Procurement Commission’s been thirteen years in the making. This government promised it in three months. 18 months later we’re told “no TOR”!!!

Fiddling while the country’s looted?

M

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WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

www

Women and the end of Indentureship

Where’s Harry?

S

atiricus was stumped and his furrowed brow was a dead giveaway to his buddy Cappo, as they nursed their beers in the Back Street Bar. Things were “brown” for Cappo since the sugar factory had stopped grinding and he had to hang up his cutlass for three months. He needed Satiricus to be in a good mood to supply the elixir of life.

“Wha’ mek yuh face suhsa-wa, Budday?” he asked with forced jollity. “‘E might lef” suh, yuh know!”

“I just can’t figure out how they let Harry get away,” Satiricus confessed.

Cappo knew at once who Satiricus was talking about: they had been following the case for a year. “Me hear de law does wuk in mysteer-yas ways”, Cappo grinned. “An’ yuh know justice blind!”

“Cappo, this is no laughing matter, you know,” said Satiricus sternly. “Justice is being subverted.”

“Sato, a wha’ yuh a fret suhfa?”Cappo asked as he finished off his beer. “Widt’ing suh bad, Harry a circulate nuff money now, yuh know!”

“What you mean?” demanded Satiricus.

“Budday w’ende harres’ de man, a six pack a de coke bin missin’,” said Cappo knowingly.

“Ah de Police tek da.”

“You right Cappo, but nobody talking about what happened to the missing 6 kilos,” admitted Satiricus.

“Well, since da a sell fuh US$10,000 a pack yuh talkin’ ’bout $12 million share out wid de Police,” smiled Cappo. “And dey does spend da right away!”

“That stimulates the local economy,” said Satiricus as he nodded his head. “And Harry did say the Police put in their thumb with $13 million cash and took out their thumb with only $10 million!”

“Mo’ money circulatin’ bai!” grinned Cappo. “An’ t’ink how much ‘e bin gat fuh pay affdem Police who bin a wa’ch ‘e!!”

“But they said the Police wasn’t watching him!” protested Satiricus.

Cappo just smirked. “An’ na talk wha’ happen fuh ‘e an’ e gyaal crass to Suriname.

De man alone a wan industry!”

“But what about justice?” complained Satiricus.

“Justice na only blind,” said Cappo softly, “‘E gat fuh be clean! Den ‘e guhwuk!”

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

Anu Dev

D

“Remember one-third quota/Coolie woman./ Was your blood spilled so that I might reject my history?”– Mahadai Das, “They came in ships”

uring last May, “Arrival Month”, I wrote some pieces about the contributions of women during the period of Indian Indentureship, which lasted between 1838 and 1917. With the 100th anniversary of the End of Indentureship coming up, I thought maybe I could share a few thoughts on the role women played to bring about that end.

In the line from Mahadai Das’ poem above, she’s referring to the quota stipulated as to the minimum number of women that had to be recruited for each shipment of “coolies” – as the Indian Indentureds were scornfully called. With those numbers, you can imagine what the competition for women did to social relations on first the ships and then the logees. Murders and choppings and desertions were rampant.

On the ship Allanshaw’s voyage to Guyana in 1885, along with my maternal great-great grandmother, was a woman Maharani who was raped by some sailors during the voyage and died. Her story is told as “Maharani’s Misery: Narratives of a Passage from India to the Caribbean”, by Professor Verene Shepherd, one of the present champions of the Reparations Movement. It should be read by all persons in the Caribbean to get a glimpse of what it took to bring the half-a-million Indian Indentureds to the Caribbean.

Seventeen persons died on that voyage and were thrown into the “Kala Pani” – the dreaded “Black Waters”.

To secure women for their “one third” quota from a 19th century India where women were completely sequestered, even the recruiters (“arkatis”) must have been challenged. Most of the female recruits were listed as “single” and there is much evidence that there was a high percentage of youthful widows. At that time, they could not remarry and would have lived a very miserable life of semi-servitude if their in-laws were willing to keep them, or more frequently, not a much different one in their home village.

Even in modern India, many widows have a liminal existence of “betwixt and between” the living and the dead and it is not surprising that many of them in the 19th century were persuaded to start a new life in a foreign land. Some of them went into relationships in the depots while they waited for the ship’s complement of immigrants to be filled. They would be described as “married” before the final boarding. This behaviour – breaking of caste rules! – scandalised later commentators such as Gandhi, one can imagine their reaction to the reality on the plantations when women were in such demand that even older widows with children could remarry – between religions

much less caste boundaries.

Additionally women were harassed by both white overseers and Indian drivers for sexual favours and it should not shock the sensibilities of anyone that several women would have voluntarily entered into “liaisons” with men in power. How much different is it in the modern world of the office world? Starting in the beginning of the 20th century, Indian Nationalists started to take up the cause of overseas Indentured Indians – mostly because their degradation gave life to their claim to be “brown Englishmen”. The “cause” of “protecting Indian women abroad attracted the greatest interest and even attracted one of the top Indian Nationalist of the time – Sarojnie Naidu.

Women were also an integral element in the several episodes, beginning in 1872 in Devonshire Castle on the Essequibo Coast, when immigrants protested their working conditions – including abuse of women – and the Police were called in to open fire. In Rose Hall, Canje in 1913, 15 Indians were shot and killed – including one woman. News reached India as the matter was discussed in the Indian Legislature.

When a similar number of Immigrants were killed in Fiji in 1915, this served as a death knell to Indian Indentureship which was finally ended on March 12, 1917.

Ex-T&T Special Forces officers accused of attempted arson... from page 46

14 years respectively and were both discharged in 2014.

“We felt that given the level of leadership that we had entrusted in them, they were not demonstrating the (required) qualities. As a consequence they were discharged,” Smart said. He expressed “severe disappointment” about yesterday’s incident, noting they were “once trusted” and expressing concern that the two “could allow themselves to be used in such a way by the criminal element.”

In response to questions, he said Douglas “committed certain disciplinary misdemeanors that should not be committed at the level he was at,” while Edwards “had been involved in an altercation with another member of the Defence Force (and) he was discharged.”

Smart said the Defence Force “continuously looks at its people in terms of their professionalism.

If at any time we ascertain there are people who should not be in

Ex-Special Forces officers Devon Edwards, left, and Steve Douglas, who were held by the Highway Patrol with illegal guns in Charlieville, Chaguanas, on Wednesday. (Trinidad Guardian photos)

our ranks we discharge them, so

it is a continuous process.”

48 Bollywood

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

My career is well balanced, Aishwarya's 17-year-old picture with Amrita Arora is says Swara Bhaskar as beautiful as she is today S

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o points for guessing, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was born beautiful. We got proof.

That too a 17-year-old picture!

AishwaryaRaiBachchan is one actor who gives us beauty goals every second day and she, for sure knows how to break the internet. But these days the actress is trending not because of her upcoming film or events but because of her throwback pictures.

A few days back, an 18-year-old picture with her latest on-screen love interest from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Ranbir Kapoor was making rounds on the internet. But now her fans are gushing over another throwback picture posted

by MalaikaArora Khan’s sister Amrita

A

rjun Kapoor looks up to his uncle Anil Kapoor. He says more than his on-screen charisma, he is inspired by the veteran actor for the way he leads his life off the camera.

“So, more than inspiration – I’ve seen the journey, so for me, if I achieve whatever I do it will be out of the fact that I have learnt from watching him for a long period of time and it’s more the off-camera stuff that is more inspirational. On camera, of course, what he’s done is

T

Arora. Amrita recently took to her Instagram handle, to post a picture of her and Aishwarya, and ever since, the picture is breaking the internet.

Amrita Arora caption the picture “Serious throwback! Day ummmmmmm #Ashnme #allof17yearsold #prabudhadasgupta #coffeetablebook.”

If we go by the image, it seems that it is from days when Aish was a model and had not entered the Bollywood industry. Well, seems like the friendship between these two actors goes much back in time. And the former beauty queen has always looked a diva. We should thank Amrita for reminding us about Aish’smodelling days and giving us major nostalgia. (Indian Express)

amazing,” Arjun said in a statement.

The son of producer Boney Kapoor made his debut with “Ishaqzaade” in 2012, and went on to do films like “Gunday”, “2 States”, “Tevar”, and “Ki &Ka”. Arjun says that growing up around Anil was a “very big paradox”.

“You know, subconsciously, I have grown up around having him next to me while I have watched him on screen. It is a very big paradox to live in, where I’m eating rajmachawal and looking at him

he ban on Indian films by owners of Pakistani cinemas in response to the Indian ban on Pakistani actors can only boost piracy, industry insiders say.

Last week, Pakistani cinemas declared an indefinite ban on the screening of Indian movies following the Indian Film Association’s ban on Pakistani talent in Bollywood, the Dawn reported on Wednesday.

Khorem Gultasab, General Manager of Super Cinema, Lahore, said 50-

and then I am watching the big screen,” he said.

The actor opened about his equation with actor-producer Anil during an episode of “Vogue BFFs”. The episode will air on Saturday on Colors Infinity.

Meanwhile, Arjun Kapoor is experiencing many firsts on the sets of his upcoming flick, Half Girlfriend. After dancing to Bollywood tunes on the busiest streets of New York City’s Times Square, the actor has relived the B’town’s epic scene from Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol starrer Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge but with a twist. While the original scene saw Shah Rukh Khan standing on a train, extending his arm for actress Kajol, in its revamped version, Arjun is the one trying to reach Shraddha Kapoor. (Indian Express)

60 percent of the revenue generation in Pakistani cinemas came from Bollywood movies.

But the ban decision was taken to “show solidarity with our army and our Pakistani actors”, he was quoted as saying. Pakistan is the third largest market for Indian films, he added.

Now re-runs of old Pakistani films are hitting cinemas along with current films. But Gultasab admitted that Pakistani cinemas can’t survive on Pakistani films alone. According

wara Bhaskar, known for films like Tanu Weds Manu and Nil Battey Sannata, says her career is a well-balanced one.

“I feel that my career is well balanced in terms of doing big budget commercial films or content-driven small budget movies. I have done TV shows like ‘Samvidhaan’ and ‘Rangoli’,” said Swara.

“As an actor, we always crave for doing something good and different types of work,” said the actress, who will be seen in the web show It’s Not That Simple.

Speaking about her new web series, the actress said, “It is an interesting story. It is a new platform for me…working on a web series. I am

making a debut on this platform. The concept is quite fresh and honest and has been told from an unapologetic point of view about relationships.”

“Relationship, marriage, commitments and an extramarital affair can be viewed from a woman’s perspective.

The entire concept inter-

ested me a lot,” she added.

The series is directed by Danish Aslam, who had helmed Break KeBaad.

The six-episode web series features Swara along with Vivan Bhatena, Akshay Oberoi and Karan Veer Mehra.

(Indian Express)

Why Shobhaa De finds Sonam Kapoor ‘super hot’

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hobhaa De, who sparked a war of words with Sonam Kapoor by calling her a “lassie who lacks oomph”, has now referred to her as “super hot”. It’s a way from Shobhaa’s end to extend an olive branch to the Khoobsurat actress. Inspired by online portal eBay India’s campaign titled #ThingsDon’tJudge, Shobhaa took the first step towards reconciling with Sonam.

On Wednesday, she tweeted: “Saw this ad #ThingsDontJudge but people do. Inspired to make amends. Sonam Kapoor, I got it wrong: You are super hot.”

Recently, as a guest contributor for Buzzfeed, the actress clarified how she succumbed to pressure when she was only 13-years-old, how even after becoming a movie star it took her years to believe she looked the part and how she’s in a healthier space now.

Kapoor wrote, “Like every girl, I spent many nights through adolescence leaning into my bedroom mirror, wondering why my body looked nothing like it should. Why does my belly crease? Why do my arms jiggle?

Why am I not fair? Why are there dark patches under my eyes? Why am I taller than boys my age? Do stretch marks ever go away? Will this cellulite stay forever?”

Sonam’s tiff with Shobhaa started when the author criticized her film “I Hate Luv Storys” in one of her blogs, labelling it as “I Hate Dumb Storys” and calling Sonam “a lassie who lacks oomph”.

Later, the actress posted on the social media platform: “Guys please don’t take Shobhaa De seriously. She’s a fossil who’s getting no action and going through menopause. So just for her.”(Indian Express)

to him, the lifespan of any Pakistani film was one week while a blockbuster would last two weeks.

Fifteen Pakistani films were released last year. This year, six films have been released, of which three flopped. Like many, Gultasab hopes the ban on Indian movies is lifted soon, the Dawn reported.

“Pakistan and India are neighbours, and they will be, they are not going away anywhere. If they cannot be friends, they need to learn to co-ex-

ist,” the Dawn quoted him as saying.

NadeemMandviwalla, owner of Atrium Cinema in Karachi and Centaurus cinema, said the ban on Indian films will, in the long run, hurt legitimate business. “The winner is the pirate.”

Bollywood flicks Pink, BaarBaarDekho and MohenjoDaro were playing at Cineplex before they were removed. And Mirzya and Shivaay won’t be released. (Indian Express)

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ songwriter Rod Temperton dies

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he songwriter behind Michael Jackson’s greatest hit Thriller, Rod Temperton, fought a long battle with cancer and passed away at the age of 66 in London. The talented composer wrote Jackson’s classics including Rock With You, Thriller, Baby Be Mine, and The Lady in My Life.

In fact, the legendary writer has been responsible for many hits that we have ever heard from MJ’s era.

Reports reveal that the sad news was announced by Jon Platt,

Chairman & CEO of Warner/Chappell.

He also said that the death had taken place last week. Ever since the news has been announced, tributes have started pouring in. One of the fans wrote on Twitter: “Rest In Peace Rod Temperton. The ‘Thriller’ songwriter has passed away after a battle with cancer. Our thoughts go out to his family.”

“His family is devastated and request total privacy at this, the saddest of sad times,” Platt added.

Those paying tribute include Chic guitarist Nile Rodgers, who tweeted: “Your genius gave us a funkier world!”.

He also posted a picture of Temperton won a Grammy Award in 1990 for his work on Birdland, from Quincy Jones’s album Back on the Block.

He was nominated for two Oscars in 1986 for his work with Jones on the soundtrack for The Color Purple.

Not just MJ, the songwriter has written songs for huge artists including Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin, The Brothers Johnson, George Benson, and Quincy Jones. His other credits include Boogie Nights, Off the Wall, Give Me the Night, Sweet Freedom and Always and Forever.

He was considered one of the most important songwriters and composers in contemporary pop.

(Indian Express)

Hollywood 49

Boys need to be effortless and scruffy, says Priyanka Chopra

P

riyanka Chopra, who is busy shooting for the second season of American TV show Quantico, says men who do their eyebrows gross her out. She feels men should be effortlessly scruffy. Asked about her views about men who manscape, Priyanka said during an episode of American talk show “Live with Kelly”: “I hate it. It’s gross”.

“There’re something’s

only women should do, please. Boys need to be effortless and scruffy, I mean well put together but not so put together,” Priyanka added.

The Indian actress, who is on a roll on a global scale, also spoke about Global Citizen Festival, which took place here last week and saw her having a good time with Hugh Jackman and his wife.

She praised the ini-

tiative, saying: “We are always complaining about how do we change, the government’s not this for us or the people are not changing this for us, this initiative says you do something about it.”

The former beauty queen made heads turn on the red carpet at the 68th Emmy Awards with her scarlet ensemble.

And the actress says she is over twirling now.

“I am so over twirling now. When you wear a dress like that, then you can twirl, it was like miles of chiffon and it matched the red carpet and it was like a princess moment. That’s how it started,” she said. Priyanka is currently busy with Season 2 of “Quantico”, aired in India on Star World and Star World HD. (Indian Express)

Jackie Chan-starrer ‘Kung Fu Yoga’ to release on January 28 Lindsay Lohan braves the pain

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egendary actor Jackie Chanstarrer Kung Fu Yoga is all set of its release. Actress Amyra Dastur, who will be seen sharing screen space with the Rush Hour star, took to Twitter to share the release date along

with the film’s poster.

The film will thus hit the screens on January 28 next year.

Amyra tweeted: #KungFuYoga all set to release on the 28th of January 2017!!! #WaitForIt Kung Fu Yoga, a Sino-

Indian project, is a part of the three-film agreement signed between the two countries during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to India.

The film also stars actor Sonu Sood. It is reported that the Hindi film stars have performed some adrenalinpumping action sequences and even a Bollywood number, choreographed

by Farah Khan, for the movie.

Directed by Stanley Tong, the action comedy film is also shot here and Iceland, where Jackie got Amyra a farewell cake, as a warm goodbye gesture from him.

This is not the first time that The Legend of Drunken Master star will be starring along Indian actors. Chan has previously collaborated with Bollywood actress MallikaSherawat in his 2005 film “The Myth”.

(Indian Express)

Benedict Cumberbatch hints at ‘Sherlock Holmes’ ending after Season 4

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ctor Benedict Cumberbatch has hinted that popular series Sherlock might end after Season 4.

The 40-year-old star, known for playing private detective Sherlock Holmes, said the upcoming season might be the end of an era, reported Variety. “It might be the end of an era. It goes to a place where it will be pretty hard to follow on immediately. We never say never on the show.

I’d love to revisit it, I’d

love to keep revisiting it, I stand by that, but in the immediate future we all have things that we want to crack on with and we’ve made something very complete as

it is, so I think we’ll just wait and see,” he said.

Cumberbatch revealed that the idea of never playing the character again would be galling. (Indian Express)

after losing ‘half her finger’

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indsay Lohan is not just a pretty face.

The Hollywood star is also a tough woman and she has proved it well. The Mean Girls star was in high spirits during her meeting with a Syrian family in Istanbul. Her happy face could well be misinterpreted, but her bandaged finger had a different story to tell.

Lindsay was doing the humanitarian work despite being in acute pain.

She did share some nice videos on her Snapchat while visiting local families to show support to Syrian refugees, but we know it was a tough task for her considering she had lost a portion of her ring finger some days back. Lindsay met with a bad accident during her boating trip to Turkey three days back.

Lindsay suffered a serious finger injury and it was no less than horrific. The 30-year-old almost lost half of her ring

finger when she tried to pull the heavy anchor of a boat. In a video she posted on her Snapchat, she showed her injured finger and spoke, “This is the result of me trying to help anchor, the boat by myself. My poor finger.” The actress even captioned the video as, “I almost lost my finger from the anchor.

Well, I lost half my finger. Thank goodness we found the piece of my finger. I just had a surgery to fix it. It hurts so bad.”

According to reports, Lindsay tried to pull the heavy anchor of the boat and got entangled in it.

Though initial stories claimed that Lindsay chopped off her entire finger, the actor personally cleared the air on Twitter. She wrote, “To make this very clear.

The bottom part of my finger was ripped off.

It was not “chopped” or “severed”. As much as Lindsay is known for

her films and music, she has a better profile in terms of humanitarian work. She has been lending support to the cause of Syrian refugees for sometime now. She even showed solidarity and shared a serious message about the issue on her Instagram. The picture has the Turkish flag attached to it and is captioned as, “Let us start paying some attention. “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love” – Mother Teresa #Start #helping the #refugees suffering in #Syria. As promised. #istanbul stop #massacreinaleppo” Now we know Lindsay is unstoppable, and no accident can come in her way of work.

The way she interacted, laughed and spent some quality time with the Syrian kids, only makes her a strong woman in every manner. Hats off!

(Indian Express)

50 sport

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyanese golfers score Ming ends F1600 big at Suriname Open season with yet another podium finish I

n what can already be deemed a tremendous debutant season for Calvin Ming in the Formula 1600 series, Ming added the icing to the cake on Sunday at the Virginia International Raceway when he finished second in the 21st and final race of the series.

Ming, who narrowly missed the podium with two fourth place finishes on the earlier rounds on Friday and Saturday required a

Ming in action during one of his race

photo finish to determine the winner, as himself and championship winner, Neil Verhagen, were too close to call at the chequered flag.

However Neil, who drives for team K-Hill had the benefit of drafting off Calvin heading to the final corner.

When Guyana Times International Sport spoke to Ming’s correspondents in Virgina by virtue of them receiving support from Mings

Products and Services, BM Soat, National Sports Commission, Buy Me Auto Sales and Coffee Bean Eatery, the driver had stated that it was a great experience.

Ming said, “It was a good experience to finish on the podium again and a good way to end the season,” adding, “I

“The line-up of drivers this year, where everyone was so talented. We had a good set of drivers with us; everyone brought something different to the table so it was a good learning experience.”

While he may not have won the

13 of the 15-member Guyana contingent at the Suriname Republic Bank Golf Invitational Tournament, October 2016. From left: Alfred Mentore, Dr Philbert London, Patanjalee Persaud, Lakeram Ramsundar, Troy Cadogan, Kalyan Tiwari, Mike Gayadin, John Tracey, Deanand Bissessar, Patrick Prashad and Parmanand Persaud. Sitting are Shanella Webster and Christine Sukhram

G

Think the season overall for my first year in USA was really good; I learned a lot and I’m just looking forward to 2017.”

The driver, who finished a close fourth overall in the Championship behind K-Hill drivers Verhagen, Peter Portante and team mate Phillippe Denes was full of praise for his team.

“It was a good season with them, Team Pelfrey; they have helped me out so much with the coaching, the mechanics, I can’t give them enough thanks.”

Championship, Ming derives that many positives came out of the championship.

“Originally, when we started the F1600, we did it so we can learn as much as we can going forward into the higher championships from next year, what I take away from next year is a lot of car control,” Ming said, adding, “What people know or may not know is that the F1600 don’t have any down force with no wings so I’ll take away all like the car experience I’ve learnt here.”

Ming is now expected to undergo testing with INDYCAR for a new formula car next year.

Rockaway cricket club wins CCL west division championship.

uyanese golfers had an impressive outing in neighbouring Suriname at the weekend at the Suriname Republic Bank Open Invitational Golf Tournament.

Among the victors from Guyana were 2015 Digicel Guyana Open champion Shanella Webster and rookie Deanand ‘Deno’ Bissessar, who was on his inaugural trip to the event.

While Veteran female golfer Christine Sukhram finished second in one of the many categories.

Webster took the Ladies’ first or ‘A’ Flight by storm, in the just concluded event which was held at the Golf club Paramaribo Course, Paramaribo.

She created history by becoming the first Guyanese lady to win the A Flight.

Webster sealed the deal after several attempts which saw her finishing third in 2015 in the Ladies ‘B’ Flight when she produced a fantastic play to come up to third from eighth position on the first day, nine points behind the winner of that Flight, Hanka Wolterstorff.

With smiles, Shanella (h/cap 17, points 69,) elatedly explained that she kept her cool and sought to play every hole on its own merit, undisturbed by the good or poor play of the competitors in the field.

Meanwhile, past Guyana Open lady champion for some eight consecutive years, veteran, Sukhram (h/cap 9, points 66), added to the Guyanese performance by coming second in the A Flight. Christine also won the Best Gross in the female category.

There were more to come from the Guyanese contingent as Bissessar won

in his field. The lone Guyanese in the ‘C’ Flight, Bissessar (h/cap 26, points 65) brought first in that Flight. Meanwhile, Kalyan Tiwari and Christine Sukhram recorded the Longest Drive on day one in the male and female categories respectively, while Alfred Mentore recorded the Nearest to The Pin and Shanella Webster the Longest Drive on day two.

In addition, Dr. Philbert London, (h/cap 24, points 66,) placed fourth in the Men’s ‘B’ Flight, dropping there because, according to him, sympathizing with an older player who had lost his ball, he lost focus and concentration at that hole, enough to drop two or three points into fourth.

The Suriname Open Golf Tournament was played under the Stableford System over two days.

Golfers’ total scores were taken from 36 holes to determine their final placement, however, individual day prizes were awarded for the Longest Drive and Nearest to The Pin performances.

Participating countries this year were Australia, Curacao, French Guiana, Guyana and host Suriname.

In the Ladies category there were two flights. The first Flight of eight golfers with handicaps ranging between15–21, along with Christine (h/ cap 9). The second Flight of seven golfers with handicaps 24–33. In the Men’s category, there were three flights; 28 golfers in the first or ‘A’ Flight were of handicaps 4–15; 17 in the second or ‘B’ Flight of handicaps 14-25; and 12 in the third or ‘C’ Flight of handicaps 26–30.

Scotiabank Men’s Caribbean Cup….

Golden Jaguars need to rise to the challenge – Shabazz

By Akeem Greene

T

Rockaway cricket club wins CCL west division championship. The Rockaway cricket club wins the CCL west division championship against Pioneer cricket club. The match was played at 150th st and rockaway blvd, the weather was sunny and ready to play. Javed from Rockaway and Darmin from Pioneer went to spin the toss.Pioneer won the toss and elected to batted first making a total of 174 runs for 3 wickets. M.Persaud had the top score of 68 runs, and T.Singh makeing 65 runs. For the bowling side Mark tyrrell of Rockaway got 6 overs for 28 runs and 1 wicket, also

Balchan Baldeo got 6 overs for 25 runs for 1 wicket. Now for the Innings of Rockaway.

Rockaway top scored with Lyon Scott (37) mark tyrrell (30) , and Shines (30),.

Rockaway was in a terrible situation in 15 over where Rockaway was 71 for 5. The game was on when shines came in making an incredible 30 off 18. Next comeing in for shine was lyon scott making rockaway win the game making 37 runs. Best Bowling figures for pioneer was N.Drepaul 6 for 27 runs for 2 wickets , and D.khmraj 6 for 1 madein for 0 wickets

he National Football team, the Golden Jaguars are in round three of the Scotiabank Men’s Caribbean Cup, and if they progress, a historic achievement will occur as they will qualifying for the prestigious Gold Cup for the first time ever.

The first two hurdles the team must cross are that of nemesis Suriname and the formidable Jamaica Reggae Boyz and according to Head Coach, Jamaal Shabazz, the team must rise to the challenge.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday eve-

ning at the team’s final practice session at the Leonora stadium before departure to Suriname today (Thursday), the coach firmly stated the team must overcome the challenges presented.

“We want to look with courage and confidence going into the game against Suriname and try to get the result we want; we have to accept the situation and do the best for our country, it’s not ideal but its good when you are able to face challenges and overcome them.”

Shabazz added “While we are not satisfied that we got the best preparation, we have come to understand that

life is full of challenges and in football when you get the squad together and the players are united and motivated to play, challenges die a natural death.”

On Saturday, the Jaguars play Suriname at the Andre Kamperveen Stadium (Paramaribo) from 16:30h and in the last four encounters between Guyana and Suriname; the Guyanese have triumphed thrice while drawing once.

Commenting on the composition for the squad for the match, the coach explained that it is a good mixture of youth and experience and more so, they choose players continued on page 52

sport 51

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Golden Jaguars assist in raising breast cancer awareness

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embers of the national Football team, the Golden Jaguars team joined forces with the Guyana Cancer Foundation in their annual tree wrapping exercise, becoming the first sporting team to come on board with the programme, which has been doing this event for 11 years.

As breast cancer awareness month commenced internationally on Saturday, the team members as well as other public spirited citizens and members of the foundation took to the Camp Street Avenue, Georgetown where every tree was wrapped in a vibrant pink cloth designed with the Breast Cancer insignia in an effort to raise awareness to the fight against the disease.

While this is the 11th year of the event,

Golden Jaguars stars (from left) Warren Creavalle, Brandon Beresford and Anani Mohamed played their part in the Guyana Cancer Foundation’s annual tree wrapping exercise

this is the first year that the Foundation is

acting independently as a registered organiza-

tion, previously operating as a committee un-

der Avon.

Golden Jaguars player, Brandon Beresford shared his sentiments about this initiative.

“It is always good to raise awareness about things like this, the more people see this, the more they could donate, help out or even help raise awareness themselves, so it is always good to show our support.” Beresford related.

Warren Creavalle, another Jaguars player also gave his views on the awareness of the problems males face, pointing out that “I think as males, they are our counterparts and we owe it to them as equals to come out and show support in these issues that are vital to them and show that we care about them.”

President and Founder of the Foundation Bibi Hassan

explained that this is the first time she has had a sport team join in and it is a pleasure to have them on board.

Hassan indicated that there will be a church service at the Brickdam Cathedral on Oct 9, international day of wear pink for support on Oct 21 and the breast cancer walk from Parade Ground on October 22.

Guyana will take on Suriname this Saturday in Paramaribo in the first of two matches in Round 3 of the Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup 2016.

The Jaguars next assignment will be at home at Leonora Stadium when they take on Regional powerhouse, the Reggae Boyz out of Jamaica on October 11 as they aim to qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Out of words to describe Russell’s disciplinary the win - du Plessis hearing resumes bulk of the runs, someone to go on and get a hundred, we had two blokes do that," Smith said. "It's a very tough loss. Today was our quarter-final to keep us in the series and when you get to halfway and you've got 370 on the board, you don't lose too many games with 370 on the board.

"For them [bowlers], it's about trying to bowl their best ball as much as posFaf du Plessis (Photo: whoisbiography.com) sible...we just haven't been able to do it as well as we t was hard to work out which would have liked. captain was more stunned after "It hasn't gone to plan so far, that's South Africa's incredible win over for sure. I'm sure the guys will be able Australia in Durban. to take a lot out of playing against But it was left to Faf du Plessis to these South African batters. There's sum up a result that looked highly un- some quality batters in their line-up likely when Australia ran up 371 bat- and you've got to learn to play against ting first at Kingsmead, and even more the best if you want to play internaso when a middle order stumble left tional cricket."

South Africa needing a miracle - duly Much has been written and said provided by a thumping innings from about Australia's understrength bowlDavid Miller. ing line-up on tour, which again copped "To win a game like that when heavy punishment throughout. But du you're supposed to lose, when you're Plessis was pointed in stating that down and out then you have someone could not take anything away from his put their hand up and take you across team's achievement. the line, it's as good as it gets," du "I think as an international team Plessis said. "I don't have any words to you cannot use that as an excuse, nevbe honest. er," he said. "I've been part of a South "I think there's a lot of people if you African team when we had no Dale asked them 3-0 to South Africa against Steyn and no Vernon Philander in our the No. 1 team in the world, they would Test team, and you can't use that as an have possibly laughed. It just shows excuse. which direction we're going as a team "You have to find a way as a team to at the moment, we've played some re- try and compete against the best teams ally good cricket in all formats and I'm in the world and we didn't in that sereally excited about what lies ahead. ries against England and it would have "I'm just out of words, I'm so happy been a lot different with the two of at the moment because I never would them playing. have thought 3-0 would have been pos"But you can't use that as an exsible against this Australian side." cuse, you have to find a way as a squad Steven Smith bore the thousand- to try and compete. There's a little bit yard stare of a captain who has now of inexperience there but they would be lost seven of his past nine matches in the first guys not to blame their weakcharge in all formats. All he had asked ened attack. They're the No. 1 team for, from his batsmen in particular, in the world and they know they still had been achieved, still he ended the have to put up a good fight against night in defeat. us."(ESPNcricinfo) "I wanted the top four to get the

I

T

Andre Russell

he Independent Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel hearing to determine whether West Indies cricketer Andre Russell violated a whereabouts clause is scheduled to resume this morning at 10:00 at Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston.

Jamaica AntiDoping Commission (JADCO), represented by attorney-at-law Lackston Robinson, alleges that the 28-yearold Jamaican player was negligent for three filing failures between January 1, 2015 and July 25, 2015.

On September 28, during the previous sitting of the hearing, Queen’s Counsel Patrick Foster, the lead attorney representing Russell, probed possible procedural breaches related to two alleged filing failures in July

2015.

In the midst of tense exchanges with JADCO witness Nadia Vassell, Foster searched for loopholes in her testimony that pointed to negligence on Russell’s part.

Foster noted e-mail correspondence between Vassell and a person by the name of Will Quinn, who was described as acting on Russell’s behalf as his agent/manager.

Foster noted that in Vassell’s e-mailed response to Quinn on July 20, 2015, regarding an extension request to allow Russell time to file his whereabouts, that she copied several recipients, including JADCO Executive Director Carey Brown, but not the cricketer.

After approximately 45 minutes into the hearing, Foster ended his cross-examination of

the JADCO employee.

Robinson, who had completed examination-in-chief of Vassell on September 19, opted not to re-examine the witness. The panel then announced the October 6, 2016 continuation of the hearing.

Robinson is expected to call Brown and JADCO employee Tajae Smith to provide witness testimony on behalf of the commission.

Thereafter, the respondent’s legal team is set to present his defence. Russell is expected to be the main witness.

JADCO is accusing Russell of failing to file his whereabouts,) resulting in him missing three doping tests over a 12-month period.

Under World AntiDoping Agency (WADA) regulations that amounts to a failed test.

The rules require that athletes make their whereabouts known to local anti-doping agencies to facilitate testing.

An athlete may face a ban of up to 24 months if found in violation.

The disciplinary panel comprises Chairman Hugh Faulkner, Dr Marjorie Vassell, and former Jamaica cricketer Dixeth Palmer.

Russell, a prominent West Indies all-rounder, has represented Twenty20 (T20) cricket franchises in India, Bangladesh, Australia, and England.

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WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

43 exciting matches set for Guyana Softball Cup 6

GMR&SC President gives thumbs up to successful drag racing season – shifts focus to CMRC meet

- 10 North American teams confirmed

F

Garvey C Harry (front row, extreme left) along with executives of the GFSCA and sponsors of Guyana Softball Cup 6 at the launching at the Demerara Cricket Club Pavilion on Tuesday

rom November 4 through 6, 43 exciting matches will be played in Guyana’s leading softball tournament, Guyana Softball Cup, at venues throughout the City and at the Ogle Community Centre ground. This was revealed by the executives of the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) at the launch of Guyana Softball Cup six at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) Lance Gibbs Street Queenstown, Georgetown.

A total of 24 teams will vie for honours in the Open and Master categories in the tournament which is in its six phase. Those teams, 10 of which are foreign teams, from New York, Florida and Canada while the others will come from various parts of Guyana.

Of the 43 games, 36 are preliminaries, four will be semifinals, plus the male open and masters finals along with a female 10/10 exhibition game.

Prizes for the champion teams are; in the open category Winning trophy

and G$800,000, runner-up trophy and G$200,000 while the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the final will receive a trophy. The overall Player of the series will receive a cricket bat gold pendant (14 carat) with diamond encrusted compliments of Steve Jewellery.

Meanwhile, prizes for the champion team in the male masters category are; Winning trophy and G$600,000.

Runner up is trophy and G$150,000.

MVP of the final will take home a trophy while player of the series will earn a cricket bat pendant (14 carat) with diamond encrusted compliments of Steve Jewellery.

There will also be plaques for special performances including centuries and five wicket hauls compliments of the Trophy Stall. Proceedings on the final day will get underway at 11:00 hours at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground when the two finals and an exhibition match is set to play.

Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) President, Raj Boodhoo

L

ast Sunday’s “Drag Warz 2” brought the curtains down on what the Guyana Motor Racing &Sports Club (GMR&SC) President Raj Boodhoo hails as a successful drag racing season and now the focus for the club will be the hosting of the final leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) on November 13 at the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri.

When Guyana Times International Sport spoke to Boodhoo he explained that “Sunday’s drag racing meet was successful, it helped build the hype for the highly anticipated November meet.”

The final drag race meet saw the likes of Sean Persaud being crowned the champion of the eight-second category thrilling the thousands in attendance while driving a powerful Toyota Caldina. Persaud picked up from where Nazurdeen Mohammed left off as he

had he had the town talking with the excitement his Nissan GTR brought.

Quizzed on his view on the level of attendance to watch the quarter-mile dash the President revealed that it was a “very good turnout” and has air marked a target of 20,000 fans for the November meet.

Guyana, who are defending champions have struggled this season and are sitting on third on the points table with leaders Trinidad and Tobago having an sizable lead but Boodhoo is still optimistic that Guyana can produce a good showing on home turf. As such the President disclosed that close to 150 competitors are expected to arrive for the meet and they will be making improvements to the club house and making other necessary seating arrangements for fans.

Though the script in who will be the champion drivers seems to be written already, the motor cycle category is still open, as the Vieira’s clan will be going head to head to ride off with the title.

Currently, Mathew leads the points standings but if former champion Stephen wins all of his three races he will be able to regain a title he has won four times in the past. However, Elliot, though mathematically cannot defend his title, he will be hoping to have his own fun by claiming race-day champion driver.

In the coming weeks, the GMR&SC is expected to roll out various plans to increase the attendance at what is the biggest race event on their calendar of events. The South Dakota, which is referred to as the ‘Mecca of motor racing in the Caribbean’ usually attracts in excess of 20,000 spectators for the final leg of the annual CMRC and this year the numbers are expected to increase significantly.

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Golden Jaguars need ... who had previous knowledge of playing against the opponents.

“We have a good blend of youth and experience; the fact that we playing to world class opponents, Suriname has been a long time now, a worthy opponents for Guyana and Jamaica is considered the top team in Caribbean football; the surprise pick may be Anthony Abrams, he is 37 but he has played a lot in Suriname so he is a horse for that cause, Quincy Adams, Walter Moore have also had experience playing there”, the head coach explained.

He further stated that “We chose a squad for this trip that we feel are quite capable of getting us a result that we desire, it is a difficult time and we need a crew that could weather the storm”.

Some new additions to the squad are USA based winger Cash London who plays for Cal Poly San Luis in California, goalkeeper Andrew Nestor who plays for St. Francis in Brooklyn New York and Anani Mohammed who recently signed with Mexican Second Division team Atalante; Kai McKenzie Lyle, a 6ft 5 goalkeeper who plays for Barnett in the English Division Two and USA born midfielder Warren Creavalle who plays for the Philadelphia Union in the MLS. After playing the Dutch on Saturday, the attention will be turned to the Reggae Boyz on Tuesday for clash at Leonora but the coach says the focus is on Suriname for the moment.

“It’s all about the attitude we bring to the task now, we want to take it one

Jamaal Shabazz

step at a time, Suriname is the team we have to play now and we are focused on that and we want to go in with the right mental approach and right level of enthusiasm; we are up for the task” the confident Shabazz disclosed.

The full squad reads: Goalkeepers – Kai McKenzie Lyle, Andrew Nestor, Alex Murray Defenders – Jake Newton, Samuel Cox, Quincy Adams, Walter ‘Boyd’ Moore, Adrian Butters, Colin Nelson, Anani Mohammed Midfielders – Dwight Peters, Cash London, TrayonBobb, Christopher Nurse, Brandon Beresford, Warren Creavalle, Daniel Wilson, Kevin Beaton Forwards – Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams, Vurlon Mills, Marcel Barrington, Pernel Schultz. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

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