Guyana Times International

INTERNATIONAL THE BEACON OF TRUTH

for FRee distribution guyanatimesinternational.com

You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com

Jagdeo highlights two-faced stance by coalition Govt ISSUE NO. 320

WEEK ENDING November 20, 2016

See story on page 3

… questions Green’s PM pension, benefits

Naya Zamana 21 – Lost in Time set for this weekend in New York

Flashback: The cast of Naya Zamana 21 – Lost in Time take a final bow after their performance in Guyana. The show moves to New York this weekend at the York College Performing Arts Centre with high hopes of wowing the crowd there as they did in Guyana. (Naya Zamana (Guyana) Facebook photo)

Page 9 ExxonMobil seeking to fast Officer in Charge hid in a track work in Stabroek “safe place” as gunmen block, activates Section Page 5 attacked Police Station 31 of Petroleum Act Bartica Massacre Trial

Granger worried about violent deportees from US

…says “we don’t want people here to contribute to that form of criminality” Page 22

2 news

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

BaiShanLin sells off Cacique Palace …still awaiting word from GRA on way forward – source

E

mbattled logging company BaiShanLin Forest Developers Inc has put on the chopping block the Cacique Palace aback the Princess Hotel, East Bank Demerara which it had purchased recently.

According to an advertisement published in the Wednesday edition of the Guyana Times newspaper, the entity is advertising for buyers.

The Cacique Palace and Banquet Hall began construction in preparation for the 2007 Cricket World Cup; however, the US$3.5 million project was never completed and opened for business despite a G$30 million cash injection by the then Government.

To recover its monies, the previous Administration had established a team comprising the developers and other facilitators to negotiate a sale.

This obtained in 2009 when the then Government, as well as the owners of the Cacique Palace and Banquet Hall, entered into an

The Cacique Palace aback the Princess Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara

agreement wherein the Government would have acquired and completed the construction of the edifice.

The property had stayed vacant on the market for a number of years before BaiShanLin snapped it up as accommodation for its employees as it expanded its operations locally.

The controversial Chinese logging company has, in recent months, found itself in dire financial straits, causing the Guyana Revenue

Authority (GRA) to levy against company property and equipment in excess of Gy$1.5 billion said to be owed to the tax authority.

The Guyana Government has since terminated the Investment Agreement with BaiShanLin and the entity was asked to repay the fiscal concessions it had been granted for the importation of machinery, equipment and vehicles to the tune of Gy$1.5 billion.

The two entities have

since entered into closed doors negotiations in order to sort out an amicable agreement.

Guyana Times International was told by a source close to the negotiations that BaiShanLin had been asked to prepare a proposal for the GRA with regard to its initial commitments in Guyana.

This was done, but according to the source, the GRA is still to respond to BaiShanLin on the way forward.

The revenue col-

lection agency had launched an investigation to determine if the terms and conditions under which the tax exemptions were granted had been complied with.

BaiShanLin was found to have breached the terms and conditions outlined in the Investment Agreement.

According to the Revenue Authority, BaiShanLin failed to undertake the activities of the project specified in the Investment Agreement with re-

gard to the setting up of a modernised wood processing facility in Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

The tax collection body also found that the company failed to procure and provide all the investment and other financing required by the undertaking, in the estimated sum of US$150 million over a threeyear period from the time of signing of the Investment Agreement.

The company had found itself in even more hot water when the Guyana Forestry Commission moved to seize all of the forestry concessions held by BaiShanLin, including those controlled through Joint Venture Arrangements with local companies that held Timber Sales Agreements.

The company had sought the assistance of the Chinese Development Bank along with the local embassy in its search to secure an investor to no avail.

Bandits rob businessman at traffic light A

n East Coast Demerara businessman was left traumatised after bandits on a motorcycle robbed him at a Main Street, Georgetown traffic light.

The incident occurred just after midday on Wednesday, in front of the Finance Ministry.

Guyana Times

International understands that the businessman had just left a Water Street, Georgetown bank and was on his way home when he was attacked. It is believed that he was tailed by the bandits from the bank.

According to reports reaching this newspaper, the businessman was in his Toyota Hilux pickup

along with another person at the traffic light, at Main and Lamaha Streets, Georgetown when two men rode up alongside them on a CG motorcycle.

This newspaper was told that the pillion rider jumped off the bike and tried to open the door of the pickup; however, it was locked. This prompt-

ed the bandit to whip out a firearm and discharged a single gunshot into the window.

The gunman then grabbed a bag, containing an undisclosed sum of cash, from the men in the pickup, before joining his accomplice on the motorcycle and speeding away.

Eyewitnesses related their shock at the speed at which the perpetrators operated.

“All this happened in less than 20 seconds.

What was chilling is how easily these guys operate… That was criminally motivated; that’s our reality. I’m still in awe at what I just witnessed,” one eyewitness, who was also in his vehicle at the traffic light, wrote in a social media post.

Luckily, no one was injured in the incident.

The Police are investigating the matter and are reviewing CCTV footage obtained from the area.

Of recent, there have been many robberies committed by thieves on motorcycles across the country. However, some good investigative work

by Police detectives recently saw the arrest of

a 26-year-old serial robber of Lot 86 Nelson Street, Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara, who is believed to have used a motorcycle with his accomplice to commit a spate of robberies on gas stations and supermarkets along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

Uriel Mentore was charged and placed before the courts on six counts of armed robbery and attempted robbery between October 19 and November 11, 2016, during which he stole in excess of Gy$3.3 million in cash and valuables.

The first charge states that on October 19, he robbed Shivo’s Supermarket at Nonpareil, ECD; then on November 3, he robbed Wisdom Supermarket at Vryheid’s Lust, ECD;

and the following day, he attempted to rob Daily’s Supermarket located at Park Street, Enterprise, ECD. The accused was also charged for robbing R Prashad’s Service Station located on the Mon Repos Railway Embankment, ECD on November 5, attempting to rob the Shell Gas Station at Ogle, ECD on November 9, and robbing Viscom Electronics at Mon Repos Public Road, ECD on November 11, during which he was nabbed.

The Police had confiscated the motorcycle and two full-faced protective helmets that are believed to have been used during the commission of the crimes. Mentore was remanded to prison until December 15.

NEWS 3

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Jagdeo highlights two-faced stance by coalition Govt … questions Green’s PM pension, benefits

F

ormer President and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo was flabbergasted that the very politicians who previously cried about the “raping of the Treasury” to fund pensions, salaries and benefits of past Government officials are now moving to the Parliament to grant former Mayor Hamilton Green a Prime Minister’s pension package.

“Suddenly, from not being able to afford for Jagdeo, they cut our benefits and increase benefits for 27 Ministers, three Vice Presidents, a Prime Minister and a President when they got into Office,” he expressed during a news conference on Thursday at Freedom House, in Robb Street, Georgetown.

Jagdeo charged that Government must demonstrate what contributions Green has made to Guyana to deserve the pension and other benefits of a

Former President and Opposition Leader, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

former Prime Minister.

“I don’t understand, so the City Hall has been given all these benefits and they don’t see anything wrong with this at the time when the City is looking for money from the Government,

Hamilton Green enjoys all these benefits that are way above what I will probably get and now the Government has taken this over. Is this not duplicitous,” he outlined.

Jagdeo pointed out that he has no problem with persons who have served the country enjoying certain benefits post-retirement, but he opined that the duplicity of the Government is what bothers him.

He reminded that during the campaign trails, the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change both made noise about the pension he was earning, which was seven-eighths of his salary.

He noted too that the then Opposition decried the Ministers’ salaries, complaining that it was too exorbitant.

In fact, it was Moses Nagamootoo who coined the term “fat cat salaries” and ac-

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo

cused the then Government members of living a “Cadillac lifestyle in a donkey cart economy”.

But upon assumption to Office, Nagamootoo who is now Prime Minister, admitted to pushing for Government

Ministers to earn a 50 per cent increase in salary.

This was subsequent to the Government moving to the National Assembly to slash the benefits enjoyed by past Presidents of Guyana.

Jagdeo pointed out that now Nagamootoo rakes up about Gy$11.2 million from the coffers monthly and for someone who once frowned upon Government Ministers travelling first-class, has been doing an awful lot of first-rate travels.

“It’s just duplicitous,” the former President expressed.

Asked whether he will support the Bill for Green to be granted the PM benefits, Jagdeo said he will first have to discuss the matter with his MPs. However, he did promise an interesting debate when the Bill is presented at the next sitting on November 21.

4 views

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

INTERNATIONAL To contact: Guyana Times International

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

Tel no: (592) 227-0704, 227-0709.

Fax (592) 225-8696, 227-0685 Email: guyanatimesint@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Fighting climate change

G

uyana stands on the precipice of becoming an oilproducing economy and while the knowledge that oil-producing countries are at an advantage economically is comforting, there is an oxymoronic dynamic that is involved with this particular situation.

On one hand, there is Guyana’s push for a “green economy”, which is premised on the reduction of our carbon footprint, while on the other hand, Guyana is advancing the proliferation of oil for economic gains. The end result of which will invariably add to the already colossal greenhouse gas emissions that come with the extraction, production and consequent burning of oil.

Oil production, it seems, is inevitable based on the information being disseminated from ExxonMobil that Guyana has a recoverable resource of between 800 million and 1.4 billion oil-equivalent barrels. With that inevitability comes the oxymoronic dilemma mentioned above.

We do believe that if Guyana becomes an economy which is based on oil, it will be at a crossroad, that is, from its local push for a green economy/ fighting climate change, and from its international obligations and treaties (COP 21) seeking tangible compliance in the reduction of the world’s carbon footprint from developing countries.

Research has shown the deleterious effects associated with climate change. One of the largest contributors to climate change is greenhouse gases and primary among those gases is Carbon Dioxide (CO2), which is produced naturally, but is excessively exacerbated through human activity such as the burning of fossil fuels (oil).

Ironically, the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases are the developed countries, such as the United States, the European Union members, China and Canada among others.

However, the countries that are required to do the most in terms of avoiding further climate change damage are the poor and developing countries. They are being cajoled by developed countries through international organisations to implement changes counterproductive to their projected growth by not utilising the route already advanced and taken by the said developed countries years before.

It is for this reason, former President Bharrat Jagdeo articulated for and succeeded in getting funding from Norway (a developed country) to simply put, pay for Guyana to keep its forest intact. This move ensured that Guyana was compensated for not going down the traditional route of exploiting its natural resource via rapid deforestation for economic gains.

Clearly, Guyana will come under some form of scrutiny and criticism if it digresses from its much-touted going green and combating climate change disposition towards one where the end result would lead to the proliferation of greenhouse gases by contributing to the oil industry and its consequent ills.

To stay clear from such murky waters maybe Guyana should go the route that it did with its forests. A feasibility study should be done to determine the net positive and negative impacts that would be derived if Guyana chose not to mine its oil reserves. Guyana could then be compensated for not going down the path of extracting its reserves.

It might be a farfetched idea taking into consideration the legal ramifications and the amount of resources already invested by ExxonMobil to find and extract oil off of Guyana’s shores and to drill two wells already. However, in the final analysis, even the most entrenched agreements can be restructured and compromised.

It all depends on how serious we are in fighting climate change and protecting the world for the future generations to come.

President David Granger (third row centre) joins the other Heads of the various delegations for a photo-op at the Twenty-Second Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Morocco

Guyana represented at Caribbean2030 Leaders’ Network

O

ctober marked a turning point for the Caribbean2030 initiative. Convened in 2015 with the aim of encouraging innovative thinking for the Caribbean region, the diverse, forward-thinking group gathered – for the second time in the UK– at Wilton Park (West Sussex).

The genesis of the network, as explained by economist Dr Damien King, Co-Executive Director of the Kingston-based Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CAPRI), is the realisation that “we may need to conceive of a vision for the Caribbean beyond what the existing institutional structures are designed for”.

According to the Body in a release, it is for this reason that it convened its first meeting in June 2015, with politicians, innovators, entrepreneurs, education leaders, communications specialists, diaspora members and more in a bid to bring together the new and next generations of Caribbean leaders and build an entrepreneurial spirit of collaboration across the region.

The second meeting recently held in the UK saw local Guyanese representatives selected by the British High Commission.

They were Clairemont Cummings (Cofounder and Managing Director of the Corum Group), Ryan Hoppie (Founder of the Come Alive Network Inc), and Rosh Khan (Founder / Director of Social Rank Media and the Masterclass Institute). Rosh Khan was also asked to facilitate a group session on the topic of Open Data.

According to the Network “priority was given – as a strategy was outlined through a full schedule of working groups and plenary sessions – to initiatives with high potential for impact, enabled by leveraging the skills and networks available within the group as well as the research published

by CAPRI in both areas, which will serve as a theoretical basis for evidence-based action.”

The third, and latest Caribbean 2030 meeting, held on October 12-14, focused on two of the priority themes: IT Infrastructure and Open Data towards Good Governance, and Green Growth.

The Caribbean 2030 Leaders’ Network defined Open Data as the “proactive release of Government Data in a format that can be freely used, reused and redistributed by anyone for any purpose” and in artic-

ulating the need for countries to adopt an Open Data policy outlined that “it has been instrumental, where adopted, in improving efficiency within administrations, as well as ensuring accountability within government structures. It has also been a driver for entrepreneurship, providing emerging services with the data needed to best tailor their product to the needs of an ever-evolving market, as well as for job creation, in light of the need for the provided data to be analysed.”

In hoping to build a culture of openness and transparency, the Caribbean2030 Leaders’ Network will be seeking, over the course of the next year, the following actions: 1 – Advocating for governments to promulgate Open Data Policy and relevant Access to Information acts where they do not currently exist; 2 – Amplifying the work of the Caribbean Open Institute as it seeks to advance the Open Data agenda across the Caribbean; 3 – Promoting transparency and good governance principles.

Green Growth, the second area of focus for the Network, was defined as the means by which the current economy can make the transition to a sustainable economy. In this field, the following targets have been set, and divided between members of the new Leaders’ Network: 1 – Advancing Sustainable Waste Management practices through input to styrofoam and plastic policy processes in Jamaica, and application of relevant best practices to other Caribbean islands; 2 – Evaluating SDG and BCorp indicators in relation to the Caribbean, and adopting/adapting relevant indicators, in order to attract sustainable investments to the region; 3 – Evaluating current perverse incentives seen as barriers to green growth, and advocating for the elimination of certain of those incentives.

The Caribbean2030 Leaders’ Network said that CAPRI, which has been instrumental in coordinating the activities of the first three Caribbean2030 meetings, will take on, over the course of the next year, the role of a Secretariat for the newly formed body, ensuring accountability throughout the process, as well as optimal communication within the group.

NEWS 5

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Centennial Arch in Linden taking shape – foundation work completed, erection commences

Yu, in his remarks at the launch of the centennial of bauxite mining observances in August, had outlined plans to commemorate the community’s significant milestone, with the setting up of the arch.

Chairman of the Bauxite Century Board, Horace James, recently noted that the Committee had made a decision to have the arch situated at the closest point where Mackenzie, Wismar and Watooka meet, since those areas have close ties with the history of bauxite in Linden. He added that it would not only be a structure for vehicles to drive under, but a symbol which depicts the history of Workers erecting the Centennial Arch Linden. at the construction site on Tuesday The arch is expected to be onstruction of the bauxite unveiled on November 21 at an Centennial Arch in Linden, opening ceremony. James said it will Region 10 (Upper Demerara- consist of an emblem of all the bauxite Berbice) continues to take shape with companies in Guyana. Since the arch the foundation work already complet- will be located at a strategic point on ed and the erection of the arch current- one of the main thoroughfares, trafly underway. fic diversions continue to be carried The management of private- out occasionally to facilitate the conly-owned Linden-based bauxite com- struction process until its completion. pany, Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Motorists are being urged to take cauIncorporated (BMGGI), is constructing tion at the location and to take heed the overhead arch at Casaurina Drive, of the notices for detour through the Mackenzie, at the Linden Hospital Watooka and Fair’s Rust bypass.

Complex (LHC) junction.

In keeping with the approved relThe erection of the arch, which evant traffic safety requirements, the is being constructed at a cost of company has posted signs to effectiveover Gy$20 million, commenced on ly guide the flow of traffic. A full road Tuesday following the completion of closure was put into effect on Tuesday, its foundation work. to facilitate the erection of the arch.

BMGGI General Manager (ag) Eric (Utamu Belle)

C

ExxonMobil seeking to fast track work in Stabroek block, activates Section 31 of Petroleum Act

E

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman (centre) receives the letter of notification from Jeff Simons, Country Manager of ExxonMobil along with representatives from Nexen Energy and Hess Corporation

xxonMobil, in collaboration with its partners Nexen Energy and Hess Corporation, is seeking to fast track work in the Stabroek block.

Earlier this week, the company, according to the Government Information News Agency (GINA) officially gave notice of its find of commercial quantities of oil in the area via a letter to the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman at the Ministry’s boardroom, Brickdam.

Minister Trotman noted that the notification given by the oil company is one that is required by Section 31 of the Petroleum Act. The Minister pointed out that it is the first time in Guyana’s 50-year history as an independent nation, that the section of the Act is being activated.

“This is a profound and watershed moment in the development of our country … so there is great humility and great responsibility that comes with the handing over and receiving of this letter,” Minister Trotman explained.

Additionally, the Minister said that the

Ministry is fully aware that every decision and action taken will have an impact on Guyanese for centuries to come. The Minister pointed out that Government is working diligently with the various partners to meet expectations, and to build capacity for the oil and gas sector.

Vice President of ExxonMobil, Erik Oswald, along with representatives from Nexen Energy and Hess Corporation noted that they are excited about the prospects of being able to produce the oil found in the Stabroek block.

“What you are seeing today, is the beginning of a very large effort which will unfold over the next few years as we finalise our plans, and implement them, trying to develop this field,” Oswald stated.

Only recently, ExxonMobil moved its ‘Stena Carron’ drillship, to test the third prospect of the Stabroek block. The oil find in Guyana has been attracting the attention of major companies, with a number of them seeking to obtain exploratory permits.

6

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Trump was not expatriate Guyanese American choice for President!

Dear Editor, Hillary Clinton was projected by all and sundry to be the overwhelming favourite to win the Presidential election.

She was the popular choice amongst immigrant communities, not least in West Indians and Guyanese, all across America-especially here in the largest concentration of expatriates-“Little Guyana” or Richmond Hill and environs.

Clinton’s defeat surely was not due to money, effort and voter outreach, because she outspent Trump and received more votes nationally than him.

So how come Donald Trump

won, precipitating one of the most stunning upsets in history and prompting unprecedented widespread protests in a country which touts its democratic processes and readily accepts election results?

Clinton said the FBI is to blame for her loss after its embattled Director Comey sent a letter to Congress based on vagaries and speculation only days before the election, announcing he was reinstating an investigation into whether she mishandled classified information when she used a private email server while being Secretary of State.

Although Comey an-

nounced a week later that he had reviewed emails and continued to believe she should not be prosecuted, the political damage had already been done, and the die was cast for Clinton’s defeat. Like the Titanic, her candidacy was doomed to sink in spectacular fashion. In contrast to her primary rival Bernie Sanders, Trump went for the jugular, and an exemplary trailblazer’s life and legacy has been tarnished and truncated prematurely.

Here in “Little Guyana,” thousands came out to vote for Hillary in record numbers.

However, our hopes were de-

stroyed, again! We have relived another painful loss, and a reminder that we are a nation of double standards.

The same FBI Department crushed our efforts to attain recognition and empowerment, just as they did when civil rights leader and community activist attorney Albert Baldeo ran for public office in 2010, when they overreached an impossible theory that Baldeo’s use of his own money in a City Council election to repay his loans was a federal crime. Baldeo was acquitted of the underlying charges, but his non-peer Manhattan jury, after a long deadlock, convict-

ed him of obstructing crimes he did not commit, a legal and illogical conundrum.

Similarly, the fallacy that the FBI’s actions are as American as apple pie, has perfunctorily gutted a great woman’s efforts, and we will be the losers for their egregious actions for generations.

It is time for Congress to rein in such perverse actions of federal law enforcement officials, who are already immune from accountability.

Kim Miller 125-09 Liberty Avenue Richmond Hill, NY 11419

So many university Is history repeating itself? graduates, too few jobs Dear Editor, I read in most of the daily newspapers that the University of Guyana has once again produced over a thousand graduates for 2016 – 1628 to be exact. While this is indeed commendable, I was struck by one thought while reading; how many of these holders of degrees, diplomas and certificates will find meaningful employment where they will be able to utilise their new found academic prowess? I am sure many others are thinking the same thing.

Many will find themselves forced into “temporary” occupations in bars, stores and offices that can turn uncomfortably permanent, and this is a reality that we cannot hide from. These individuals must have asked themselves why they bothered writing dissertations and studying for years, just so they can run up a large “debt” – in reality many have not cleared their student loans and many have borrowed to do just that so that they may be able to graduate. I know of at least one dozen such young people in this very position who graduated less than two years ago and who are still struggling to find meaningful employment. Some may argue, “at least it pays the bills right?” This reality does not bode well for current University students.

Guyana simple does not generate sufficient hitech, high-income jobs.

Traditional graduate occupations in the public sector – teaching is the outstanding example – are hardly booming, given unattractive salaries. In the private sector, the usual professional routes are often also difficult to crack – as it is a matter of who you know. From veteri-

nary practice, to journalism, the supply of willing graduates often exceeds the ability of the professions to absorb them. Exceptions, such as some fields of engineering or IT, merely prove the point that demand and supply are badly out of equilibrium.

That said, some newwave jobs, such as the archetypal entrepreneur in a digital start-up, are there for the taking by the motivated graduate. This is not as fanciful as it sounds: Bill Gates (Microsoft), Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook), Michael Dell (Dell Computers), Steve Jobs (Apple), Evan Williams and Jack Dorsey (Twitter) didn’t even finish their degree courses. Few of them must worry about “what might have been” if they’d got that degree. So the fact that graduates are not always going into the sort of jobs their parents went into – often with big corporate “lifetime” employers – may not be quite as distressing as it first appears.

As for entrepreneurship, I can also list about a dozen names of graduates who were looking for the next ‘big thing’ and who ended up investing in businesses only to have it fail in the first few months. Not for lack of trying, but owing to a struggling economy, where disposable income has dwindled.

The reality is that students who probably won’t get that much out of university will be deterred from applying. And those that have achieved their certification will migrate.

In Guyana we have a lot of BA’s and BSc’s with honours working as shelf-stackers and sales assistants; that cannot be right.

Sincerely, Richard Ince

Dear Editor, The Government, in the height of a crime wave, is speaking about too many legal guns being around. It seems that someone misled the President into saying that some legal gun owners rent their weapons to criminals. The way it was put, one gets the impression that the President believes that this is a widespread practice.

However, no proof, no examples were offered to substantiate that claim. If the President had made that statement in Parliament, he might have been asked by the Speaker to leave the chambers due to lack of evidence.

Persons have already pointed out that every legal weapon has to have had a forensic test by the Police. They keep those records and check them whenever a crime is committed to see if they can find a match from their records.

This is widely known. We have had no reports of this phenomenon. Therefore, we may ask why is such a statement being made when there is no case, or at best very, very few?

Is this a preparation by the regime to rescind the licences of some persons?

When the PPP/C came to office is 1992, it established a system of priority for granting licences. Three categories were identified. Business persons, the reason for this is clear, this group of persons are the main targets for bandits; farmers, to protect their crops and livestock; and Amerindians, this is important for them in their pursuit of hunting.

Historically, the PNC, due to their anti-people policies, had denied these groups permission to own their own weapons.

Indeed, one of the early moves of the PNC regime, when it took power in 1964, was to take away the shotguns from farmers that an earlier PPP Government had granted.

This was seen as racial discrimination, since IndianGuyanese farmers were the victims of that policy.

Now too, at a time when the crime rate is high, this announcement appears to be ominous.

The first target would be the

suspected PPP/C supporters.

Disarming these people would make them even more vulnerable to the criminals. With the knowledge of an unarmed business sector and unarmed farmers, criminals will become emboldened.

It is also of interest to note that whenever bandits are captured or killed during robberies, the regime makes statements of condemnation. Recall, too, the riots in the Georgetown Prisons when the Government sent two senior ministers to speak with the prisoners.

Contrast that with the attitude towards the victims of crimes. No sympathy has been expressed or no visits have been made by members of the regime.

Maybe the criminals have sensed this; that is why when the two bandits were captured in Eccles earlier this month, they were cursing the crowd.

Is history repeating itself?

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President of Guyana

Fighting domestic violence together Dear Editor, The tragedy of domestic violence in our community is often examined in the media. It seems all the more heartbreaking when it occurs at our very doorsteps, leaving the community asking how such a thing can happen.

Though it may be a relief to name a person or agency as responsible, to do so vastly oversimplifies the complex reasons why persons continue to suffer abuse.

Even as the society grapples with the reality and the responsible agencies struggle to meet increasing needs with ever

dwindling resources, persons, especially women, continue to be at risk. They will still suffer unimaginable abuse and will have changed, and all will seem well until the next tragedy occurs. The cycle will repeat itself until the community comes forward to meet the challenge.

We can all help by becoming educated about the true reasons behind abuse and in turn, educating others in the community. It is time for the communities to become part of the solutions.

I am sure that we have many allies in the fight to stop abuse, agencies that provide

mentoring, counselling and adequate housing, outreach to young families, food and job skills training. There are neighbours and family members who can also step in to provide assistance or simply lend an ear to listen. Still, we need more people to step forward and make a commitment, small or large, to ensure that those most vulnerable among us are safe from harm. We cannot wait for the next tragedy before we take action.

Sincerely, Petra Singh

news 7

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Bandit shot, killed by NAPS to target youths in HIV/AIDS testing drive police in Berbice T

A

n unidentified male who reportedly drew a loaded firearm at Police ranks responding to a report of larceny of sheep, was fatally shot by one of the ranks with a service revolver, at about 06:20h on Wednesday morning, in a farm house at Mount Sinai, which is one of the suburbs of New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Police said the man drew a loaded firearm at the rank who shot him.

Guyana Times International understands that the dead man, called “Blackie”, lived on the Essequibo Coast. He is reported to have been farming marijuana 40 miles up the Berbice River for several months and would normally visit New Amsterdam to sell his product. Persons could only confirm that he has an East Indian girlfriend who lives in Georgetown.

According to the Police, three Police ranks, one armed with a service weapon, proceeded to a location at

The farmhouse at Mount Sinai

Lochaber Village, West Canje.

The ranks then proceeded towards the entrance of the farm house and were immediately confronted by a male, who rushed into the house, armed himself with a handgun and attempted to shoot the armed Policeman, who followed closely behind him.

During the confrontation, the rank discharged his firearm several times at the suspect, who fell.

The man was rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

An unlicensed silver coloured Taurus pistol and six live matching rounds were retrieved.

Several articles were discovered during a search of the house, including a Plum cellphone, two silver finger rings, one silver chain, one Compaq laptop computer, and other electronic gadgets.

The first four items were positively identified by one Ravendra Bipram, 27, of Anchorville, Port Mourant, Berbice, as his

property.

He was allegedly robbed at gunpoint about 19:30h on November 11, 2016, at Smithfield Access Road, New Amsterdam, by a male fitting the description of the deceased who brandished and discharged a round in his direction from a silver handgun.

Police say the house is allegedly owned by a known convict who lives at Mount Sinai, New Amsterdam.

According to the Police, following the discovery of the firearm and electronic gadgets, a team of officers went to the Mount Sinai residence and arrested a 28-year-old male from Sand Hills, Berbice River, after an unlicensed Taurus pistol with 10 live matching rounds was found on his person. The house was searched and one laptop computer, seven cellular phones, a pair of binoculars, two motor cycles, a motor car and a lighting plant were also found and taken into custody.

The owner was not at home, the Police said.

Sugar industry’s future...

Govt won’t leave unions out of talks – Harmon

M

inister of State, Joseph Harmon has assured stakeholders that the workers’ unions representing the labour force of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) will not be left in the dark during Government’s deliberations on the future of the ailing sugar industry.

The cash-strapped and highly-indebted sector has been at the centre of controversy for a number of years, with many advocating for its closure, while some argue that the sugar company just needs restructuring to turn things around.

The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

For Change (APNU/ AFC) coalition was strongly against the previous Administration’s continuous multibillion-dollar bailouts for GuySuCo; however, now

in Government, it continues to do same until it arrives at a decision about the future of the industry.

Government already launched a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the state of GuySuCo and the sugar industry, and is in the process of implementing some of the recommendations made in the CoI report.

Additionally, a Cabinet sub-committee is currently considering the options in relation to the future of GuySuCo, including the possibility of shutting down the entire industry. The Committee is expected to submit its report by mid-November continued on page 8

he National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) is re-introducing its national days of testing for HIV/AIDS, ahead of World Aids Day, which will be observed on December 1.

This exercise commenced on Wednesday and will run until Sunday at all 62 fixed voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) sites, as well as the 17 temporary booths countrywide. The initiative, which is being held under the theme “Test and start a new life for HIV Prevention”, is to encourage the Guyanese population to go out and get tested.

However, National VCT Coordinator attached to the NAPS, Debra Success-Hall, outlined that while it is important for everyone to get tested and know their status, they will be targeting youths and young adults during this testing drive period, since the infected population has gotten younger.

She explained that the Secretariat’s programmatic data has revealed that persons between the ages of 15 to 19 and 20 to 25 are infected and are being di-

agnosed on a daily basis with HIV. This, she noted, calls for urgent actions to be taken.

“We need to ensure that we do something urgently to ensure that we are able to decrease that. We have our in and out of school youths, and we have to probably go back to the drawing broad and develop a new strategy to deal with these (young) people,” she stated.

On this note, Success-Hall urged the Public Health Ministry to engage the Education Ministry so that there can be dialogue on how to go about getting senior students tested.

“It is disturbing what is happening (with young people) and we need to take control,” she posited.

M e a n w h i l e , re-launching this ‘week of testing’ initiative was the brainchild of Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton, who underscored the importance of persons being tested for HIV/AIDS. “I am inviting the general public to know their status. It’s no doubt that many a times there are persons who don’t know whether or not they are HIV positive. Gone are the days

when that used to be a sort of death sentence, now it has become a chronic infection because of the possibilities (of treatments) that exist now,” he stated.

Moreover, the Minister noted that the theme of this testing drive can be aptly applied to either of two scenarios. The first being that a person tested negative will have the opportunity to adapt measures to ensure their status remains the same; while secondly, those who are tested positive will now be able to adapt a life-style that can prolong their health.

According to statistics from the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), some 40,331 persons were tested for HIV/ AIDS from January to the end of July. The statistics for the remainder of the year will be available at the end of December.

It was pointed out that given the high costs of conducting these tests, it has been found that it would be more cost effective to target groups that are in the higher risk categories such as youths.

8 NEWS

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

7 arrested in Number GPSU gives Govt 70 ‘body on road’ death month end ultimatum S H Salary increase..

aving already rejected the Government’s proposed ‘interim’ payout of salary increases for 2016 at a differentiated rate of one to 10 per cent, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) wants the Administration to return to the bargaining table by month-end.

This position was adumbrated by the GPSU on Tuesday, as it indicated that it wanted Government to immediately and clearly address its position on the agreed mechanism for addressing the deadlocked negotiations on wages and salaries.

The GPSU is adamant that it is in Government’s own interest and the interest of all Guyanese that the issue of the emoluments of the nation’s Public Servants be treated with the level of urgency and importance which it deserves.

“There is, even at this time, manifest evidence that demands are being made of Public Servants and the Public Service that are inconsistent with the rewards that they are being offered,” the GPSU stated.

According to the public missive issued by the GPSU, it is both disappointed and concerned over the fact that the Government’s negotiators do not appear to attach the deserved level of urgency in dealing with the aforementioned issues in a fair and reasonable manner.

“We believe that this posture ignores the continuing anguish and frustration of Public Servants and sends a

GPSU President, Patrick Yarde

message that might even raise questions about the extent to which any serious value is placed on the contribution that Public Servants make.”

It said too of equal importance, “the GPSU ponders the seeming dichotomy between the publicly articulated desire on the part of the Government of Guyana for meaningful and comprehensive public service reform, on the one hand, and the seeming disposition of indifference to hastening the pace of the ensuing negotiations on wages, salaries and allowances, among other things, in the other.”

According to the GPSU, “it should be made clear that it is not realistic to anticipate a qualitatively enhanced Public Service in circumstances where little corresponding attention is being paid to adequately incentivising Public Servants to rise to challenges that are being set them.”

The Union said it had been its expectation that the negotiations between itself and the Government of Guyana would have, by now, re-

alised much more than an ‘unreasonable and unacceptable’ wages and salaries offer and that “we would have at least arrived at a point where the talks would have resulted in some measure of seasonal satisfaction… That, regrettably, has not been the case.”

The Union said it was on record as having clearly stated its rejection of the 2016 wages and salaries increase offer made by the Government and deemed the payout made in October 2016, to have been an interim measure.

“As a consequence, the Union called for the speedy return to the negotiating table to address with alacrity the remaining issues on the agenda, including allowances, de-bunching, increments and other conditions of services for Public Servants.”

The GPSU noted too that it was the expectation of Public Servants that the appropriate mechanism for ensuring continuity in the wages and salaries negotiations would be effected with due haste and there would be an early return to the negotiating table in order for the various other unfinished items to be dealt with.

It was observed that while there have been exchanges of correspondence between the Union and the Government of Guyana on the matter over the past several weeks, it is the view of the Union that the Government is not attaching to these matters the merited level of urgency and importance.

even persons were on Tuesday taken into custody as Police probe the death of 26-year-old Fayez Narinedat of Number 70 Village, Corentyne.

On November 1, 2016, the carpenter’s body was discovered lying on the road with marks of violence.

The body was discovered at about 03:45h at a scene which appeared to be that of a hit-and-run accident.

Divisional Commander Kevin Adonis has said the matter is being considered a homicide; however, following an autopsy conducted by forensic

Dead: Fayez Narinedat

Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh, it was revealed that Narinedat suffered a fractured skull and spine among other injuries. Dr Singh’s findings revealed that the father of two was not hit while in a standing position, Police had been looking

The body of Fayez Narinedat as it was found on the road

for evidence to support the theory of a road accident.

However last week, Guyana Times reported that family members of the dead man were calling for a proper investigation after circulating flyers which gave a detailed account of what may have transpired, prior to the discovery of the body.

The information was purportedly given by an eyewitness who has since gone into hiding, fearing for his life.

The alleged eyewitness claims that Narinedat was at a party hosted by an overseas-based Guyanese at Number 70 Village, the evening before.

Family members had reportedly called for an investigating team from Georgetown to handle the matter. Three days ago, one of the persons named as a suspect, reportedly assaulted the man who allegedly produced the flyer. There are reports that the matter was reported to the Police and the response was not satisfactory.

On Tuesday, a team consisting of members of the Major Crime Unit visited Berbice and met with a few persons at Number 70 Village before making the arrest.

All of those arrested are persons who were reportedly named in the flyer.

Govt won’t leave unions out of talks ... from page 7

outlining what approach should be adopted.

During a recent post-Cabinet press brief-

ing, the Minister of State disclosed that the Government was committed to working with the workers’ unions – the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE).

“The sugar unions are a part of the stakeholders in this matter and we welcome any input from the unions in dealing with these issues,” he said.

He also encouraged the unions to make contact with the Government, rather than jumping to the media when they have issues to resolve, noting that more progress would be made in the first instance.

“We consider the unions to be a very, very important stakeholder in the industry and we would never leave them out of the considerations about the future of sugar in this country,” Harmon said.

The unions have criticised the Government and GuySuCo for not involving them in consultations regarding critical decisions made which will affect the welfare of the workers, as was the case with the Wales Sugar Estate.

Meanwhile, Harmon had outlined that the worst option was to maintain the status quo, that is, to do nothing and allow the Corporation to go along as it is, since there would be serious implications for the national treasury, which may incur the cost of some Gy$18.6 billion in 2017 and another Gy$21.4 billion in 2018, if nothing changes.

GuySuCo already has an excess of Gy$80 billion in debt, notwithstanding the fact that only recently, the cash-strapped entity was asked to repay a loan of almost Gy$4 billion, which it received from Central Government as part of its Gy$12 billion subsidy last year.

NEWS 9

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Opposition PPP/C Officer in Charge hid in a “safe place” to finally get its as gunmen attacked Police Station day in Parliament Bartica Massacre Trial

BY SHEMUEL FANFAIR

– wants full disclosure on D’Urban Park, Parking Meter Projects

T

he 65 members of the National Assembly are expected to next Monday turn their attention to the business that has been promulgated by the political Opposition – this is after the Opposition business had been hijacked by Government during the recent sitting.

On that occasion, the leader of the Government’s business in the House had moved a motion – in keeping with the

proposed motion that “the Government of Guyana – through the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Communities and the Ministry of Legal Affairs – has reviewed the parking meter contract and has found that the contract may have violated tender procedures; that the contract is too much in favour of the parking meter party and that the cost is burdensome.”

Meanwhile, former Junior Finance Minister,

Parliament Building

Standing Orders – to have Government’s business take precedence, namely a debate, to approve the policies that had been outlined by Head of State David Granger when he addressed the House on its return from its 2016 annual recess.

According to the Order Paper for Monday’s sitting, “By an Agreement between the Government and Opposition, with the approval of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Private Members’ Business shall be given precedence at the sitting on 21st November 2016.”

On that occasion, Chairperson of the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Irfaan Ali, is slated to move a motion on the Parking Meter Project being implemented in the capital city – Georgetown.

Ali and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) will be looking to garner Government’s support to have the National Assembly call on the Auditor General to immediately conduct a forensic audit into the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), including the parking meter contract.

Ali contends, “There are many legal hurdles and protocols to address, including the yet unresolved critical issue of whether the Mayor and City Council have authority over public roads such as Regent Street, Water Street and Avenue of the Republic.”

He has observed in his

Bishop Juan Edghill is also expected to seek the House’s approval for an inquiry into the multimillion-dollar D’Urban Park Project.

Edghill, in his motion on behalf of the PPP/C, is looking to have Government come clean on the finances and others aspects in the development of the project.

The former Junior Finance Minister is looking to have full disclosure on the names of the individuals and the private organisation, which were in charge of this project from its inception, to the April takeover by the Public Infrastructure Ministry, the donors and their contributions in cash and/or kind who contributed to the initial phase and completion of the Jubilee D’Urban Park Development Project.

The list of contractors and the process of procurement used to secure those engaged and the budgeted and actual costs for every phase of the project completed and a projected final cost for the overall project among other queries.

The Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira is also expected to move a motion named and related to the report from the Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service.

Teixeira is looking to have the members of the House call on Government to have the contents of the report be placed on the order paper, in order to facilitate a debate on its contents and recommendations.

R

etired Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and former Officer in Charge at the Bartica Police Station, Luis Goulding, took to the witness stand at the Demerara High Court on Wednesday where he testified to hiding in a “safe place” where he retreated after gunshots rang out at the station on the evening of the February 17, 2008. Goulding told the 12-member jury that on that dreadful night, he was walking towards his workplace at about 21:00h when a woman of Amerindian decent made remarks to him and soon after he scurried into the “safe place” not far from the station which he identified to be a house near the Modern Hotel.

He told the jury that the gunshots he heard coming from the direction of the station lasted for about 20 minutes.

Goulding said he contacted two senior ranks via mobile phone and occasionally continued peeping from the house as the events unfolded.

“After the gunshots, I decided to remove from the safe place,” the retired senior officer explained.

The jury then heard that just as Goulding was about to go back onto the road, he saw a vehicle, identified as the Land Rover – with registration plates PKK 162 – belonging to the Police. He testified that there were eight men in the vehicle; two in the front seat, two in the back seat, two were in the tray and the other two were at the bonnet of the vehicle.

He pointed out that as the vehicle approached where he was standing, he retreated to the “safe place” where he could hear the said vehicle turning in the direction of the stelling. The then Officer in Charge said he subsequently came out of hiding some five minutes after the vehicle passed and heard the sound of a speed boat engine.

Later on, he heard the boat move off from the Bartica Ferry Stelling.

With the coast clear, Goulding said he went over to the Police Station where he met with sec-

Mark Williams, Dennis “Anaconda” Williams and Roger Simon are accused of carrying out the Bartica Massacre

ond in command, ASP Michael Sutton – who testified at the trial on Tuesday – and other ranks.

Goulding told the court that he informed his subordinate ranks that they should stay as they are.

The retired ASP also noted that in the upper flat of the Police station, he saw two injured Police ranks; Constables Benjamin and Campbell, who bore marks of what appeared to be blood and gunshot wounds. He further testified that he saw the dead bodies of two Policemen in the kitchen and that of Constable Ron Osborne in the compound downstairs, still with one hand holding on to the gate.

After receiving some information, Goulding explained that he went to the Stelling where five men had been shot dead. He further testified that after Police went to the scene, the bodies were removed and subsequently transported to the Bartica Public Hospital where they were examined by a doctor and medex.

Under cross-examination

by Defence Attorneys Roger Yearwood and Shapheir Hussien, Goulding stated that whatever he would have observed on that fateful night, would have been affected as he was traumatised over the events.

After concluding his testimony, presiding Judge Roxanne George

announced a two-week court break and adjourned the matter to December 6.

Additionally, Denzil Spencer who had taken the stand earlier in the trial testified that he identified the body of his uncle, Edwin Gilkes, who was employed as a security guard at Banks DIH at the time of his demise. Gilkes was buried on February 27, 2008, at Bartica.

Mark Williams, Dennis “Anaconda” Williams and Roger Simon are the three accused standing trial for the brutal attack, while Celbert Reece and Michael Caesar both pled guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. They will know their fate on December 16.

The five, allegedly being a part of the Rondell “Fine Man” Rawlins gang attacked the town and fatally shot 12 persons, namely Police Lance Corporal Zaheer Zakir and Constables Shane Fredericks and Ron Osborne. Additionally, Edwin Gilkes, Dexter Adrian, Irving Ferreira, Deonarine Singh, Ronald Gomes, Ashraf Khan, Abdool Yasseen, Errol Thomas and Baldeo Singh were the civilians killed.

The Bartica attack occurred weeks after another attack at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, where 11 persons were killed.

10 news

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20 , 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

PPP demands appointment Special needs teachers of new judges require continuous training

T

he People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is calling on the David Granger-led Administration to address the shortage of judges in the judiciary now.

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee, during a news conference on Monday, expressed concerns over the shortage of judges which he said is affecting the administration of justice to the detriment of the citizens.

“We are aware that there are dire shortages of judges in the judicial system,” he stated.

Reports indicate that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) made recommendations to the President for the appointment of several judges to the High Court and the Court of Appeal several months ago.

However, to date, no such appointment has been made.

“The retirement of Chief Justice Ian Chang SC has created quite a void in the judicial system. He was replaced by the Honourable Justice of Appeal, Mrs Yonette Cummings-Edwards, thereby leaving the Court

– Education Minister

S

of Appeal, a three-member Court, with only two judges. Every time the Court of Appeal sits, a Judge from the High Court is required to leave all of his/her cases in the High Court to go to the Court of Appeal. The consequences are chaotic in the High Court,” he stressed.

Rohee also highlighted that the work of the crucial constitutional and Administrative Law Court is severely affected by this situation.

This is a specialised Court which was established to exclusively hear and determine, with dispatch, allegations of the citizens’ of constitutional

violations and abuse of power by the Executive branch and by public officers.

“In the circumstances, we call upon President David Granger to swiftly act upon the recommendations of the Judicial Service Commission as he is obliged to do under the Constitution of Guyana,” Rohee urged.

He pointed out that under President Ramotar’s Administration the complement of the judges of the High Court was increased from 12 to 20, specifically, to avoid the problems currently affecting the administration of justice.

pecial Needs Schools must be equipped with physical, educational and sufficient human resources to enable small group teaching and individualised programmes.

This is the view of Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine.

The minister also said that special needs teachers need to be able to benefit from continuous guidance and oversight provided by specialists. The minister was at the time delivering remarks at a special ceremony held at the Diamond Special Needs School in recognition of a grant from ExxonMobil to equip the school’s teachers for the delivery of special education.

The minister said that the ministry also recognises that upgrading the knowledge and skills of Special Needs teachers is crucial to addressing the needs of children with specific disabilities. With this in mind, he explained that the ministry has begun negotiations with the Step by Step Foundation for children with autism.

“The foundation and the school it runs can provide excellent theoretical and practical training opportunities for the ministry’s teachers,” the

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

minister said. Minister Roopnaraine said that the ministry needs to provide such training for selected teachers across Guyana, “so that children with autism in all regions can benefit from excellent educational opportunities.”

The Education Ministry has made a good start in addressing the needs of children with specific disabilities, but in addition to teacher training, Minister Roopnarine said that there are a number of other issues that the ministry still needs to address.

“We need to improve public awareness, and reduce the stigma associated with the physical, mental and behavioural

challenges of our special needs children.”

The ministry also needs to address the difficulties that these children face using public transport and in finding suitable employment opportunities, he said.

The grant from ExxonMobil not only provides for a training course for the teachers, but also funds disability-friendly physical works, including pantry and washrooms at the Diamond Special Needs School.

The ceremony marked the completion of the physical works and the commencement of training. The latter is being facilitated and certified by the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) of the University of Guyana.

G u y a n a ’ s Constitution requires that all children should have access to appropriate educational facilities, but because of the absence of appropriate physical facilities and trained teachers to handle special needs, and the individual challenges of special needs children, inclusivity is not always appropriate, hence the need for schools like the Diamond Special Needs School.

Police probe sale of nurses’ exam papers … resitting deferred

T

Some of the protesting nursing students

he countrywide re-sitting of the Professional Nursing Programme Student’s Examination was placed on hold until Police wrap up its investigation into the allegation that the papers were sold to students beforehand.

Nursing students recently protested over the Guyana Nursing Council’s (GNC) decision

for them to retake the final exam after it was discovered that the papers were compromised.

Highly annoyed by the turn of events, some of the nursing students attached to the New Amsterdam Nursing School took to the streets to express dissatisfaction in suffering the consequences of a few others.

“We are unhappy of a

decision to punish an entire country for the mistakes of a few. On top of that, the papers for the examination are being printed by the Council; it means that it was leaked from the Council, so we are annoyed because we don’t know why we should be punished for something that occurred in their organisation,” one of the nurses said. continued on page 12

news 11

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20 , 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Pension package

Hamilton Green to reap Gy$20M annually from taxpayers … to also get free maids, bodyguards, drivers, duty-free concessions

P

eople’s National Congress (PNC) stalwart Hamilton Green will next month begin receiving a multimillion-dollar pension packaged being calculated at almost Gy$20 million annually, in a move that is being described as a “vulgar” rape of the Treasury.

The move comes in the form of a legislative package being piloted by the Finance Ministry under the hand of substantive Minister Winston Jordan who is scheduled to lay a Bill in the National Assembly next week that will give Hamilton Green a pension that is pegged to the current salary of the sitting Prime Minister.

Former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall has since calculated that this will result in Hamilton Green getting approximately Gy$1.4 million as pension per month.

Additionally, Green will also get the facilities to which a former President is entitled; that is, free electricity, water, telephone, Internet, drivers, bodyguards, maids and office staff, as well we duty-free

Former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall

concessions.

This means that Green’s pension package amounts to in excess of Gy$20 million annually.

News of the legislative package to benefit Green surfaced earlier this week when the National Assembly released its Order of Business for its next sitting on Monday.

According to the parliamentary Order of Business, Jordan will present to the House, on behalf of

Government the “Prime Minister Hamilton Green Pension Bill”.

That Bill, according to the description in the Order Paper, will pave the way for an Act “to provide a pension, benefits and other facilities to Hamilton Green, Prime Minister from 1985 to 1992, to enable him to live in keeping with the high office he occupied”.

Guyana Times International has since seen a copy of the proposed legislation which outlines that the Prime Minister Hamilton Green Pension Act 2016 and shall come into operation on December 1, 2016.

The Bill inherently and explicitly states that the pension that Green is receiving since retirement shall be discontinued with effect November 30, 2016, in order to facilitate the larger package being catered for in the Bill.

According to the proposed provisions in the Bill, “Notwithstanding anything in the Pensions (President, Parliamentary and Special Offices) Act, Prime Minster Hamilton Green shall be paid a pension in accor-

PNC stalwart and former Prime Minister, Hamilton Green

dance with Section 4 of the said Act based on the salary paid to the Prime Minister, as though he actually earned the said salary, taking into consideration his record of service as a legislator.”

Another of the provisions in the Bill, is that the former President (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act 2015 shall, subject to such modifications as may be necessary, apply to Prime Minster Hamilton Green and for that purpose wherever the word

“President” occurs it shall be substituted by the words “Prime Minister.”

According to the proposed legislative package, “Prime Minister Hamilton Green shall continue to receive any other benefits and facilities provided for in any other law.”

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall in lambasting the move by the coalition Government recalled that Green served as Prime Minister from 2005 to 1992, “that is, an entire generation ago and before every person who is 25 years and younger were born…This is nothing but a vulgar rape of the Treasury.”

Nandlall is adamant there are many important issues affecting the welfare of “our people, especially our children and the elderly, that are competing for scarce financial resources which we are told cannot get done, yet this Government decides to use these scarce finances to give Green such a huge pension… Imagine, with all the problems facing the people of this country that is this Government’s priority.”

12 news

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Jagdeo scolds Dharamlall over “unacceptable” comments about President

Guyanese entrepreneur to meet President Obama in Peru

…urges supporters to desist from hateful attacks against Govt

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo reprimanded People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP) Nigel Dharamlall over his derisive attacks on President David Granger and issued a call to all Party supporters to desist from making hateful comments about the Government.

Dharamlall has developed a track record of making social media posts known for generating a lot of controversy, some of which have caught the attention of the Police.

His most recent attack against the Guyanese Head of State received a backlash from Government, his own Party and members of the public.

The parliamentarian posted: “Even though I didn’t support your party you have still been LUCKY to be installed as President of Guyana by GECOM. Since then though, your Brainlessness has been in Overdrive. Everything that comes out of your Mouth makes you sound foolish…I’m worried that people are thinking that you are a Dud…” He was at the time ranting about the crime wave in the country.

“You are our President… get rid of Ramjattan…get rid of the criminals…get rid of the thieves…in and out of Government…Mr President I edited the original post…because some of my friends ad-

MP Nigel Dharamlall

vised me to…but I’m pissed off nonetheless… even though I’m in the Opposition I was hopeful that your platoon of military advisors and yourself would have been able to quell the crime situation…but unfortunately it has gone beyond control…I may not be politically correct sometimes but people are losing their monies, limbs and lives daily…and yet you seem flippant about the demise of our citizens…Give orders to the police to kill these mofos/thieves…

Stop pardoning them…

Your oblivion to our suffering is giving strength to the criminals…ONE LOVE!!!”

But during a news conference on Wednesday, Jagdeo said the Party would not tolerate such behaviour, noting that persons could be critical of the Government without using hateful language.

“I’ve looked at the comments and I find them unacceptable. In fact, reprehensible. I believe that I’ve been critical of the President and his policies; the Opposition has been in the past. We have criticised each other, but it

should never get personal. It should never get personal,” he charged.

Jagdeo, also a former President, added that “we can deal with the venality that is happening now, the proneness of this Government to be corrupt, the duplicity and incompetence using language that is not hateful and personal”.

In this regard, the Opposition Leader urged supporters to conduct themselves in a respectful manner and advised if they must be critical of the Government, to do so responsibly.

Jagdeo said he already has spoken to the junior parliamentarian on the matter and he has since apologised for his behaviour.

In a subsequent post on Facebook, Dharamlall said: “Dear President #Granger I’m sure you are a thick-skinned leader… as all politicians ought to be…however, some of your supporters feel that I have been too harsh in my criticisms of you…Let us bury the hatchet…you lead the country without racial and political discrimination; without fear of the criminals; without dubious and partisan policies; without corruption; without disrespect to the Amerindians, vulnerable, elderly, youth and disadvantaged AND I shall steer clear of you…

To you and your supporters #MyApology for the unwarranted things I earlier posted that may have caused you harm…

ONE LOVE!!!” (Devina Samaroo)

W

Abigale Loncke

hen Abigale Loncke applied for the 2016 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) in the United States, she never expected that she would be competing against 250 young entrepreneurs for the best business pitch in Washington, DC neither did she plan on travelling to Peru to meet the US President.

Loncke is the founder of Community Health Care, an agency which offers home care service for elderly persons, the sick, disabled, and children. The agency also gives back to the society by providing training for women, who are in need of employment and a second chance at life. Locke’s team would integrate these women into society, teach them life skills and offer them jobs within the company.

She was one of the four Guyanese selected to represent the nation at the YLAI. The

initiative brought together 250 young leaders from Latin America, the Caribbean and the United States for an exchange programme that involves internship and skills-building workshops. The YLAI is the brainchild of President Obama, who committed to empowering young people around the world by ensuring that they have the network and skills to fight global challenges.

The programme began on October 5 in Texas and ended with a summit in Washington, DC in early November.

Over the six weeks, participants exchanged experiences in startups, small businesses, Non-Governmental Organisations, and similar entities in cities throughout the United States and in partnership with community groups and American universities.

The 250 participants further developed their

business plans through an entrepreneurship curriculum and workshops. They were trained and mentored by the Chambers of Business Commerce in the US and by influential business persons.

After a successful business pitch in Alabama, Loncke was selected to attend the APEC Summit to meet the President, making her the first young entrepreneur to win the first half of the YLAI in the US. She stated that although, she did not win the best business pitch prize in Washington, DC, the experience was enough to last a lifetime.

“I am glad that I was representing Guyana. I carried my flag with me all the way…and even though I didn’t win the Washington prize, I’m grateful for the experience and the knowledge I have gained from some of the best entrepreneurs in the world,” she told Guyana Times International in a recent interview.

Loncke said she was amazed that she was selected with a few of the other finalists to attend the summit in Peru with Obama. “I never expected this. We were told because of his schedule and the US elections, he was unable to meet with the YLAI entrepreneurs and so a few were selected to meet with him in Peru,” she added.

Loncke left Guyana on Wednesday for Peru for the summit and will meet with Obama on Saturday November 19th at a town hall meeting.

Police probe sale of...

From page 10

Additionally, they argued that the time for a re-sit is too short since they were not given adequate time to prepare for another examination.

However, intervention by the Public Health Ministry on Monday saw this decision being deferred until Police complete their probe into the alleged breach.

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton, told media operatives on Tuesday that the Ministry’s Health Policy Committee met with the Nursing Council and other stakeholders to discuss the matter when it was decided that a re-sitting of the examination should be contingent to the findings of the investigation.

Dr Norton explained that if the extent of which the papers were leaked was major, then

most likely students will have to retake the exam but if it was to a minimal level, then alternatives would be explored to grade the budding nurses.

He said proposals have been made for the coursework of the students throughout their three years be used to determine their success as an alternative to rewriting the exam.

However, if it comes down to having to retake the examination, the Minister said a decision will have to be made regarding which organisation will spearhead the initiative.

He explained that if the Nursing Council is found to be greatly corrupt, then an independent body will have to set the papers, while efforts will be made to revamp the GNC.

Asked about possible penalties for those found culpable, the Minister said that is up to the courts to decide.

He also did not say definitively if students found guilty of purchasing the exam papers will be punished. When prompted, the Minister said “you can only buy if you are being sold.” Dr Norton empathised with the nursing students and asked them to be patient while the matter is being resolved.

He emphasised that it is of utmost importance that the problem is solved in a timely manner since the nursing sector is always in need of young professionals.

Some 250 nursing students stand to be affected by the decisions made in relation to this matter.

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

13

14

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Police launch Christmas security plan – increased foot, vehicle patrols for city

W

ith the Christmas season almost here, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Monday laid out what it said was its security plan for the period between November 15, 2016 and January 15, 2017.

The security plan entails strategies to be taken by the Force that will counter any plans by criminal elements to take away the joy and peace of the Christmas season.

Not only will officers in ‘A’ Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) be doing their best to prevent the possible rise in crime during this period, but steps will also be taken by the Traffic Department to monitor traffic flow, which is bound to build up during this time.

‘A’ Division Commander Clifton Hicken said there would be an increase in foot and vehicle patrols around the city, particularly at hot spots such as banks, hotels, night spots and other business places. The Division will also continue what has been described as social crime prevention, which has seen many recent successes, and will coordinate with the Criminal Investigation

A Division Commander, Clifton Hicken

will have the responsibility of ensuring that their ranks are posted on time, given directions to ensure no misconduct and have their meals so that they could focus on duty.

“Markets will be targeted, suspected drug houses will be targeted,” he told the media at the launch.

Partnerships

‘A’ Division has also been partnering with the City Constabulary, Hicken reported, to ensure that incidents of crime are minimised in the markets as well.

Constables have also been helpful in apprehending persons who have been soliciting passengers.

In addition, the Commander said the City would again be divided into various sectors, with senior officers heading each division.

Security officers at the launch of the Christmas security plan

Department (CID) to target other hotspots.

Patrols

“What is important to note is that foot patrols will be working between 07:00h and 13:00h and 12:00h to 19:00h each day so we will have an influx of Police. Motorcycles and vehicle patrols will be on a 24-hour basis from the 22nd to the 25th of (December), and days that follow,” he said, adding that during the period, section commanders

Speaking on the inroads made by the Division in addressing the crime situation, Hicken spoke of many partnerships with community and faith-based organisations to meet particularly the youth in selected areas.

He said the open door policy which the Force has was also sending a clear message to the public that it was part of civil society and they must work together.

NEWS 15

16 news

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Lindeners decry Fallen heroes remembered reintroduction of tollbooth at wreath-laying ceremony …business community foresees hike in commodity prices

M T

The tollbooth located in Linden

he much anticipated tollbooth recently reinstituted by the Linden municipality is now attracting a number of complaints from the business community, who are claiming that the tollbooth is draining the already stifled economy.

As a result, many of the businesses are strongly contemplating increasing the prices of their goods.

The tollbooth was declared open for business on October 31, 2016 by Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams, in the presence of Minister within the Ministry of Communities,

Valarie Patterson; Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira; Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland; Deputy Mayor Waneka Arindell; Regional Chairman Renis Morian; Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph; Deputy Director of Community Development Council, Sandra Adams; Regional Democratic Councillors and Municipal Councillors.

Many of those affected explained that their profits and turnover prior to the tollbooth were very slim but now it is even less since they have to pay an additional hefty fee.

According to the proprietor of one gen-

Toll charges

eral store, who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity, his business will not be able to make enough profits to further expand since he is required to pay a toll each time a truck passes the tollbooth with goods.

“I understand that the council need to make money but they have to look at it on our side as well. How feasible will it be for my business to pay toll fare every time it pass with goods in it?

Sometimes I have more than three trucks coming a day with goods and paying this fee will not work out well for me,” the annoyed businessman stated.

According to another business owner who frequents the community from the LindenSoesdyke Highway with his fruit produce on a canter, it is no longer economical for him to visit the town since his profit is spent paying the toll.

He explained: “I cannot afford to pay a tollbooth just as I enter a town and by the time I reach around two corners another toll booth is there.

When I pay the one at in the central town, I have to pay another and it is not working out for me. The council need to make some changes on people’s behalf.”

Meanwhile, Mayor Holland at the opening ceremony of the tollbooth had stated that the tollbooth would garner significant funds for the town: “The revenues will assist with the repairing of roads and other infrastructure that are being destroyed as a result of the traversing of heavy-duty and lumber trucks.”

Veterans witness the Remembrance Day wreath-laying ceremony

en and women of the armed forces who sacrificed their lives were last Sunday honoured at the 2016 Remembrance Day ceremony.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, performing the functions of the President, together with veterans, Cabinet, Joint Services, diplomatic community and a large number of Guyanese, gathered at the Cenotaph on Main Street, Georgetown, for the ceremony, a release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) stated.

Minister Greenidge in his statement said, “We are forever indebted to them for their supreme sacrifice in the cause of peace and freedom. Their example strengthens our resolve to maintain our efforts for a world at peace with justice, and prosperity for all peoples.”

Greenidge urged the gathering to remember those Guyanese who, since Independence, have made sacrifices for Guyana and died executing those services. He acknowledged those working assiduously to defend “our territory and our patrimony throughout our country.”

Members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of regional and international bodies and organisations participated.

Additionally, the ceremony was preceded by prayers from religious leaders of the Christian, Muslim and Hindu faiths, and two minutes of silence, during which attendees were encouraged to think or pray “in remembrance of those who made the great sacrifice.”

After the ceremony, Greenidge was given a military salute during a march past by the Joint Services and Guyana Veterans Legion Association at the corner of Main and New Market streets.

Remembrance Day is observed in Commonwealth countries on the second Sunday of November.

The War Memorial, also known as the Cenotaph, was unveiled on August 14, 1923 by the then Governor Graeme Thomson. It is a national memorial to Guyanese soldiers who lost their lives in World Wars I and II. Inscribed on it are the words: Devotion, Humanity, Fortitude and Sacrifice.

Acting President Carl Greenidge taking the salute at Remembrance Day parade after the laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph

Members of the diplomatic corps also participated in the event. In photo, British High Commissioner Greg Quinn laying a wreath

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

17

18 news

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Stop it! TIGI calls for end GPF records success in 216 to politicising of crime major cases

I

President David Granger (right) met with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo at the Ministry of the Presidency

n light of President David Granger’s tirade that the mounting crime situation is organised with the intention of embarrassing his Government, the Transparency Institute of Guyana Incorporated (TIGI) has called for a cessation in the politicising of crime.

“Crime should be handled by the Police and not politicians.

Make the topic of crime politically neutral. No Government of Guyana has been able to stop crime in the last 20 years; hence, no contemporary Guyanese politician or political party can sincerely lay claim to the solution to crime,” TIGI said in a statement on Monday.

The organisation suggested that the political leaders should cooperate to tackle this problem and agree on a moratorium in order to consolidate all available re-

sources in the fight.

Recently, Granger said the spiralling crime situation was part of an organised effort to embarrass his Administration.

TIGI said the President’s stance on the issue was disappointing since “crime is crime regardless of who is involved and everyone involved should be handled as criminals”.

It stated further that his statement not only failed to assuage public fear, but may do greater damage by inciting partisan discord among citizens even as they continue to be affected by the violent crimes. “We hope that this is not a precursor to disproportionate or burdensome measures to create an aura of addressing crime,” TIGI said, adding that the Opposition was also guilty given the lampoon and rhetoric it continues to flog.

TIGI stated that the politicising of crime was conflict-ridden and a feed on the wrong class of emotions within the population.

“No level of crime is tolerable and crime is too consequential for such blasé treatment,” it pointed out, underscoring that the use of crime for political advantage was inconsistent with the political leaders’ responsibilities to the people and at odds with collaboration.

“It is, therefore, not surprising that over time, the Government has been fixated on making comparisons of crime rates to baselines that are often meaningless and which offer no comfort, while the troubling theory that it is within the interest of the Opposition to see crime spiral out of control is kept alive,” TIGI said.

The organisation also stated that there was confusion in calculating crime statistics and it cringed at the “realisation that the story sometimes matters more than the problem”. Furthermore, a general thread through these articles, perhaps with a few exceptions, is fuelling of the political cleavage.

TIGI lamented that at a time when there should be a war on crime, it was offensive that the top echelons of the Police Force were bickering rather than spending every moment advancing citizens’ security. “This should not be tolerated. This development is dereliction of duty insofar as it reroutes attention and especially disrupts the functioning of the Force.

− calls on public to be more supportive

T

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) said it has made some significant inroads in solving several major cases so far for this year, and has also called on the general public to give its support as it sought to reduce the high incidence of crime.

Last Monday, Crime

Chief Wendell Blanhum said the successes, notwithstanding the challenges, had been many and could not have been possible without the commitment, patience and dedication of every member of the Force.

He noted that the Force was able to solve continued on page 21

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

19

20

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS 21

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Granger to engage Trump as Caricom chair P resident David Granger will be the first Head of State to initiate dialogue with President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump as part of a multination bloc.

The President made the disclosure last week when he met with journalists for his weekly televised programme, “The Public Interest”.

Speaking on the Donald Trump Presidency and its effect on the Caribbean Community (Caricom)—of which he will assume the chairmanship shortly—the President at the time said it, “means a lot and it means a little.”

Explaining his position, Granger noted that over the past two decades, Caricom has been engaging US Presidents, among them George Bush, Bill Clinton and more recently, Barack Obama.

Granger said he is confident that Caricom will in similar fashion be engaging the Donald Trump administration.

The President has since disclosed that when he assumes Chair of Caricom early

US President-elect Donald Trump

US President Barack Obama

Former US President Bill Clinton

President David Granger

in the coming year, he will be looking to initiate talks with the Donald Trump administration on behalf of the region.

He was quick to point out that even though the US Government will effectively be a new administration; there remains continuity through the numerous partnerships in the region, such as the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.

Granger said that he is confident there will be no significant shifts in the US’ policy towards the Caribbean and has in fact encouraged the incoming President-elect to con-

tinue with those initiatives implemented by his predecessors Clinton and Obama.

President Granger also used the occasion to downplay the possible mass re-migration of Caribbean and Guyanese nationals as a result of the rhetoric associated with the US President-elect.

In fact, the President said he has in recent times been looking to woo members of the diaspora to return to Guyana: “I wish some of them would return and help to develop the country.”

He pointed to the fact that many Guyanese living in the

USA would have over time, accumulated some level of capital, improved qualifications and experience, all of which would benefit not only Guyana, but the region as a whole.

Granger said he is optimistic that over time, as Trump continues to receive advice and prepares for his presidency, some of his hard-line views would be modified.

The President said he was not in any way worried that a Donald Trump Presidency will be harmful to Guyana and Caricom: “No I am not afraid that any action he

will take will be harmful to Guyana, he is a businessman, he is a tycoon, a magnate,” the President observed, saying, “if he can help to stimulate business in Caribbean and Guyana, I am for it.”

Granger said he would in fact like to see more US and North American Investors coming to Guyana to assist with its green energy programme, mining and manufacturing, among other sectors: “If that is the type of businessman he is, I would welcome investment from the United States.”

Guyana is an unspoilt gem that has to be discovered - National Geographic team

National Geographic Journalist, Marco Barneveld

A

visiting team from National Geographic has described Guyana as one of the nicest, unspoilt countries in the world and a gem that has to be discovered.

Journalist Marco Barneveld and photographer Rene Kaster were in Guyana on a Familiarisation Tour (FAM Tour), which began on November 7 hosted by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) in observance of Tourism Awareness Month 2016, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

Barneveld said that he has been enjoying Guyana tremendously: “It’s one of the nicest unspoilt countries we have been to, one thing that must be said here (is) that we were seduced by your rum to come here.”

The journalist explained that they were in Alaska and while having a conversation about rum and which rum is better, a Guyanese who was present asked if they ever tried Guyana’s rum; when they did, they were left speechless.

He noted that the rum was not the main reason why they should visit, but “it was definitely the push.”

Barneveld also said that they have seen Georgetown and the

interior, and they have also been to Costa Rica, which has many American tourists: “frankly I don’t understand why they are not coming here. It’s a non-spoiled gem that has to be discovered!”

Kaster noted that he was surprised by the beauty of this country and pointed out that he has seen many places, but none “as beautiful as Guyana”. Kaster also pointed to the hospitality of the people in the communities they visited.

He said, “the people are great as well, how they talk to you, how they behave, how they look at you, the humour they use and they are very friendly.” Tourism Awareness Month is being observed under the theme: “Tourism for All – Building Partnerships for Tourism Development”.

GTA’s Logistics Manager, Carla Chandra, expressed gratitude to Wilderness Explorers for their partnership in hosting the duo from National Geographic.

Chandra said that GTA continues to recognise FAM tours as a very cost-effective means of marketing the destination (Guyana); many of which, she noted, have delivered results.

“FAM tours have gotten us listed in catalogues, expanded our sales distribution, (and) features being done in international publications, including the National Geographic Magazine.”

She added that FAM tour participants are offered a firsthand opportunity to experience Guyana’s products and services: “It’s only when someone is armed with the actual experience that they can positively and actively sell the destination, in this case Guyana, so with this, the GTA will continue to partner with the private sector to host many more FAM trips.”

President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association

GPF records success in 216... from page 18

National Geographic Photographer, Rene Kaster

Guyana (THAG), and Product Development Specialist at Wilderness Explorers, Andrea de Caires said that in September she had the pleasure of attending the Adventure Travel World Summit in Alaska, where she met the journalist and photographer.

The THAG President said they told her that they were going to be in Suriname and she urged them to visit Guyana: “Marco and Rene and I were in conversation; they mentioned that they were going to Suriname and I was like you are right next door, you have to come discover Guyana, South America.”

De Caires said they took on the challenge and spoke to their Editor-in-Chief, and through partnership with their tourism partners, “they were able to bring and host them and to give them all the magic of Guyana in a short period of time.

“They were able to go to Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and spend four hours and learn about our rum, went on a 206 (plane) without the doors on to Kaieteur to take great pictures, they also stayed at Surama Eco Lodge and overnighted,” THAG’s President explained

the murder of British teen Dominic Bernard, who was killed and his body dumped in a Corentyne, Berbice village in March of this year. That case, he said, began as a missing person case, but evolved into murder. He said accurate and timely intelligence enabled Police to arrest both prime suspects and others who were implicated in the crime.

Another case that was solved was the triple murder on the Corentyne in July. According to the Crime Chief, the breakthrough in that case was as a result of patience and commitment by investigators, who were able to nab all four suspects.

Investigators were also able to crack the case of what was first treated as a missing person’s case – the murder of Simone Hackett back in April. Her reputed husband and a taxi driver were charged with her murder.

Blanhum spoke too of the murder of Professor Perry Mars in May. He said Police were able to solve the crime in a matter of 12 hours – discovering some juveniles committed the act.

Police were also able to solve the case of the disappearance of Babita Sarjou, who went miss-

ing several years ago.

Her husband and his accomplice were arrested for her murder this year.

Among the other successes was the solving of a cold case some 17 years old.

Speaking at the Police Christmas plan launch on Monday, Blanhum said the Force still needed the support of the public and stakeholders, in order to maintain law and order and ensure the security of the people.

Blanhum also spoke of the challenges being experienced, including the inability to extract CCTV footage from crime scenes as well as the poor quality of some footage, and witnesses failing to attend ID parades. In an effort to tackle the latter, divisional commanders were being asked to visit the victims and persuade them to attend the parades. That strategy has been garnering some success, Blanhum said.

Meanwhile, in addressing concerns that licensed gun owners may be renting their weapons to criminals, Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud said there has not been any evidence collected to link licensed firearms to crime scenes.

However, Police have been investigating that possibility in several cases based on information.

22 NEWS

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Granger worried about violent deportees from US …says “we don’t want people here to contribute to that form of criminality”

T

US President-elect, Donald J Trump

he election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States of America (USA) has seen some expressing concerns, since he has among other things, committed to deporting all illegal migrants from that country when he officially takes Office.

President David Granger has since expressed some level of concern with regard Guyana’s ability to handle any possible influx of Guyanese being deported from the USA. The President was at the time engaging the local media for his weekly television programme— The Public Interest—and when

questioned on the matter said bluntly “we don’t have the capability.”

He was speaking to the possible influx of de-

portees involved in the commission of violent crimes.

The President was adamant that Government will be looking to work with its US security counterparts with a view to being notified when such persons are being deported to Guyana.

Granger conceded that there is still some degree of narco-trafficking in Guyana in addition to execution-type murders and “we don’t want to have people coming back here who contribute to that form of criminality.”

“We want to be better prepared,” the President said, as he

disclosed that the issue is something the Public Security Ministry is aware of.

According to President Granger, “we will have to put measures in place to ensure deportees do not try to perpetrate crimes when they get back here but it is something we must prepare for.”

US President-Elect Donald Trump has repeatedly over the course of his election bid pitched the idea of deporting all illegal immigrants from the US with particular reference to Mexicans—with whom the Americans share a land border.

The remarks have

President David Granger

however sent shockwaves across the US’ migrant communities including Guyanese, some of whom are resident illegally in that country.

Trump Policy

Head of State Granger is of the view however that such practices cannot be condoned and it is within the right of any sovereign nation to ensure and take actions to minimise the impact of those abuses.

According to Granger, the deportation of illegals from a country “is not a Trump

policy.”

No country, he said, “tolerates illegality and if there are abuses it is quite within the right of a sovereign state to minimise the impact of those abuses on the host country.”

He pointed to the fact that Guyana has over the years deported a number of persons from within its borders coupled with the fact that illegal Guyanese have been deported from other countries, including neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Suriname.

NEWS 23

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Joint Services raid A GT, NA prisons

Guyana reaches out to US for assistance with border controls

… weapons, weed, cell phones, wine among contrabands found

Some of the contraband items recovered by the Joint Services during raids at the Georgetown and New Amsterdam Prisons

A

s Government heightens security activities across the country following credible information of a potential domestic threat, the Joint Services conducted raids at the Georgetown and New Amsterdam Prisons, during which several contraband items were unearthed.

This was disclosed in a release from the Ministry of the Presidency on Saturday. The joint exercise – ‘Operation Safe Guard’ – was conducted by ranks from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in collaboration with the Guyana Prison Service.

Among the contraband items found and seized at the Georgetown Prison were 21 improvised weapons and knives, 20 razor blades, 558 grams of marijuana, 22 cellular phones and five gallons of homemade wine, along with a number of other banned items.

However, a lesser number of items were found at the New Amsterdam Prison during the impromptu search exercise, which concluded sometime around 11:30h on Saturday at the Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) penitentiary.

In total, the raids unearthed 21 weapons, 22 cellular phones and eight phone chargers, as well as four phone batteries and five SIM cards, 558 grams of marijuana along with a quantity of ziplock bags and bamboo wrapper, nine packets of cigarettes and 45 lighters, one arrow, two scissors, four grabber hooks, 20 razor blades, one tattoo machine, Gy$300 and TT$200 in cash, and some five gallons of homemade wine.

According to the statement from the Ministry of the Presidency, the security forces are concerned about the fact that the Georgetown Prison was last searched on September 23, 2016, which means that the contraband items accumulated in just under two months.

Nevertheless, Government is assuring the public that it will continue to work closely with the Guyana Prison Service and the Joint Services to address on-going security weaknesses at the nation’s correctional facilities.

“The Guyana Police Force, along with the Joint Services where necessary, will continue to scale up security activities in targeted areas to ensure the security of residents and visitors across Guyana as the country enters the holiday season and in light of the up tick in criminal activity. The Government of Guyana continues to urge citizens to cooperate with the security forces,” the statement from the Ministry detailed.

In March, a similar raid at the Georgetown Prison resulted in one of the most deadly unrests in the country, causing the death of 17 inmates and injuring several others, including prison officers at the city penitentiary.

Inmates on remand at the facility started to protest after prison officials seized several contraband items during a raid at the Capital A section on March 2, 2016. In retaliation, the prisoners started several fires that night and another the following morning, which turned out to be deadly.

Consequently on March 4, 2016, angry inmates lashed out again, kicking out the entire wooden wall of one of the buildings located South in the compound. This behaviour prompted Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and Minister of State Joseph Harmon to meet with 18 prisoners who voiced their concerns about the living conditions in the Camp Street penitentiary.

Government subsequently conducted a Gy$13 million Commission of Inquiry into the prison unrests, which highlighted some of the main issues affecting the penal facility such as overcrowding and relapse into criminal behaviour after serving time.

s government continues to explore ways to remove illegal firearms from the streets and curb gun-smuggling, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan has recognised the need for additional resources to police the country’s porous borders.

In a video released by the Ministry of the Presidency on Saturday titled “Border Control”, the Minister explained that Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) along with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) have strengthened their efforts along the coast of Guyana to curb smuggling activities.

However, he pointed out that there has been an increase of illegal guns coming in through the porous borders from neighbouring Brazil and Venezuela, a situation which local law enforcements are not fully equipped to arrest.

On this note, Ramjattan disclosed that he has lobbied the United States during a recent visit with the State Department for assistance in strengthening Guyana’s border controls under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI).

He noted that the Americans recognised the challenges Guyana face and have indicated their willingness to sup-

Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan

port the country.

Following that US trip, the minister had told reporters that this request was based on new patterns observed by local law enforcements.

“I did identify border controls because more and more the evidence is that from Brazil, we are having more small arms coming in. So whilst we have sharpened up in relation to interdictions of guns coming in from North America through our GRA system and the airplanes, we have to also have our eyes in the Brazilian territory which is a very long porous border too,” he disclosed.

Minister Ramjattan had noted too that such surveillance will be expensive, since it would more or less come in the form of an airplane or satellite imagery.

“I don’t know but we told them we would like to have surveillance equipment, if it’s not going to be airplanes then

drones that can go a good hundred miles and come back at some command centre probably in Lethem… In these exercise of trying to stop drugs and firearms from entering in Guyana, if all of that is what we will require, they have made a commitment that yes there will be assistance in that regard.”

Meanwhile, President Granger had also expressed concerns over illegal weapons entering Guyana from Brazil and signalled intentions to up border control to get these guns off the streets: “Our biggest problem is the fact that we have a border with Brazil which is the border’s largest producer and exporter of small arms. Many illegal weapons are traced to Brazil.”

The Head of State also surmised that private licensed firearm holders are renting their weapons to criminals and posited that he would like to have firearms to be taken out of the hands of private citizens, noting that only law enforcement should be carrying weapons.

That statement did not go down well with the public as criticisms mounted against the president since many believe that having personalised weapons is an avenue of protection against criminals, who are now perceived to be emboldened.

Budget Day is now Nov 28

F

inance Minister Winston Jordan will present the country’s estimates and expenditure for 2017 on November 28, 2016, a week earlier than was previously announced.

Earlier this year, Government had announced that Budget 2017 would have been presented on December 9.

However, Speaker Dr Barton Scotland in “Parliament Corner” – a column published in the dailies – announced that the Budget will now be presented on November 28.

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Chief Whip Gail Teixeira said on Monday that her Party was consulted on the change; in fact, it was herself and Government Chief Whip Amna Ally who met and agreed on the change.

According to Teixeira, the date was brought forward as it was found that leaving the presentation on December 5 meant that the actual debates could run into Christmas Eve. The PPP/C had late last month said it did not support the passage of an early budget, noting that the dynamics of the situation limits its scrutiny of Government’s performance.

The PPP/C is contending that it will not get to examine and compare the actual expenditure for 2016, since the 2017 Budget will be presented and debated while the 2016 Budget is still being implemented.

Former Junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill explained that the books

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan

for the fiscal year close on December 31; therefore, if the Budget is presented before that date, then figures on the various Ministries and agencies’ performance would not be available for comparison during the budget debates.

Edghill maintained that there was no haste for an early budget presentation, noting historically, the country’s budget was presented in the first quarter of the fiscal year. He noted too that there were already mechanisms in place for the interim spending of the Government, which is 1/12 of the previous budget, until the new budget is presented and passed.

24 news

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Region 10 residents benefit from Home Improvement Subsidy - 259 residents benefit country-wide

J

ust in time for the holidays, 31 residents from com-

munities in Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Berbice) were last week

the recipients of the Gy$50,000 Jubilee Year Home Improvement

Some of the other Region 10 beneficiaries of the Home Improvement Subsidy

Linden Deputy Mayor Waneka Arindell hands over a voucher to resident Maple Skeete

Subsidy, an initiative of the Ministry of Communities, Central Housing and Planning

Authority (CHPA).

Twenty-nine of the successful applicants are from Linden while two hail from Ituni, Berbice River. Region 10 was the final Region to benefit from the country-wide project, with the exception of Region 8.

The initiative targeted allottees in housing schemes and regularised squatter settlements developed by the CHPA. Minister within the Ministry of Communities Valerie Adams-Patterson, while speaking at the distribution in Linden Friday, noted that the ministry has wrapped up the initiative in the other Regions.

She revealed that the CHPA had made a decision to commit Gy$15 million to the initiative and had initially anticipated handing over 300 subsidies, however due to poor response only 259 vouchers were given.

During her address to recipients at the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN), AdamsPatterson further said Government is cognizant of the fact that there is a link between poor living conditions and other social ills. She noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) in an article titled “Housing and Health”, made calls for the development of healthy housing as a means of combating diseases and injuries.

As such, she declared the Government aims to give every eligible Guyanese adequate and affordable housing in the form of a house lot or a home. In this regard, she said Government has embarked on the process of building cohesive communities.

AdamsPatterson disclosed that the project was carefully worked out so funds will be used for its intended

use: “It is to bring improvement to your home…and let me say that this is just the beginning “, she told recipients, while adding, “The vision of our President is not just to give a house lot…”

Minister Patterson said Government is currently working on new initiatives with the aim of refocusing on housing and continues to maintain meaningful partnerships with various organisations. This she said aims at making housing solutions a possibility, in an effort for families to escape the scourge of substandard living.

Meanwhile, CHPA senior Community Development Officer Donna Bess-Bascom said the subsidies are not being disbursed in the form of cash, but rather vouchers to secure hardware items to effect home improvement works. The vouchers are redeemable at three selected suppliers within the Region.

Bess-Bascom outlined that eligibility for the programme was based on income, as the initiative sought to target low income families.

She said low income families were also required to complete 100 per cent of payment for their houselots while the requirement for those in CHPA regularised squatter settlements is 50 per cent. Persons who benefitted were also required to be living on the said house lots, in addition to their commitment to provide the necessary labour required.

Bess-Bascom highlighted that of the 732 applications distributed nationally, 494 were returned to CHPA. Of those returned, 259 were deemed eligible.

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

25

26

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

27

28 news

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Preparations in full swing for PPP’s 31st Congress

P

reparations have intensified as the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) ramps up its activities for one of the most important events on its calendar this year, the Party’s Congress.

PPP Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha, during a press conference on Monday at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown, highlighted that the Congress would provide for a comprehensive overview of the Party’s performance since the last Congress and outline a strategic direction in keeping with the Party’s Programme and Guyana’s present social, political and economic situation.

He said the delegates and observers would examine the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government’s stewardship so far, initiate discussions and make recommendations to the Party on the way forward.

Mustapha also said that emphasis would be placed on strengthening the Party’s structure and unity, as the PPP seeks to provide sound, consistent, steady and reliable leadership, and to continue to work towards improving the quality of lives of all Guyanese.

Mustapha, who is the Chairman of the Central Congress Committee, said the body was meeting weekly as the momentum intensified, and reported regularly to the Executive Committee of the Party.

He noted too that people on the ground were in full preparation for this upcoming event.

“At the level of the Party, groups across the country are in the process of preparing motions and resolutions, initiating fundraising activities, identifying delegates, observers and nominees to contest the elections to the Central

1628 students graduate from UG

I PPP Executive Secretary, Zulfikar Mustapha

Committee of the Party. All logistical arrangements are well on stream. At the local level, our comrades are well advanced in their preparation and the mood of the people in Essequibo is very high as they prepare to host the PPP for our 31st Congress,” he expressed.

According to the Executive Secretary, the highlight of the Congress will be the Central Committee’s Report to be presented by the Party’s General Secretary Clement Rohee, the address

by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and elections to the Central Committee of the PPP. Congress will be hosted at the Cotton Field Secondary School in Essequibo from December 17 to 19, under the theme “Strengthen the Party, Defend Democracy, Onward to Victory”.

n what was history in the making, a student from the Faculty of Health Sciences secured the valedictorian spot at the 50th Convocation of the University of Guyana (UG).

Kibwey Peterkin, 23, who read for his Bachelor’s Degree in medicine, garnered the President’s Medal for Best Graduating student at this year’s graduation ceremony on the university’s tarmac last Saturday evening. Peterkin was one of 1628 students who successfully completed Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates in programmes across faculties.

Peterkin, in a blue tie that matched his dyed hair colour, credited his success to the devotion that his mother and family gave throughout his period of study. He told his fellow graduates that as they are embarking on a new chapter, they should bask in their success.

“We will make Guyana great again…graduates, congratulations; we must bask in this moment. We have finally completed a chapter that we started five years ago; today we now embark on a new and exciting chap-

ter. Even as we drink in the nostalgia of our memories made here, although our future may be uncertain, although we may not know what tomorrow holds [but] a famous street poet said: it’s time for us the conquer the world,” the jubilant young man posited.

“Commit to your craft, we have to write new chapters of innovation,” Peterkin further encouraged.

He told his colleagues that they should strive to be the best version of themselves.

“Be the best version of us that we can be, we have to devote ourselves each and every day to doing things great,” he opined.

Peterkin encouraged the class of 2016 by referencing a social media post which stated: “If Donald can do it, so can you”.

Being this year’s Valedictorian, he garnered Best Graduating Student in the Health Sciences Faculty, and Moderator and Registrar of the University, Dr Nigel Gravesande remarked that this was the first time that this has ever occurred. (Shemuel Fanfair)

A section of the 1628 students who graduated on Saturday from the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus, during its 50th Convocation exercise

WEEK

ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

D

esigner Andy Cummings recently launched his ‘Pre-Fall 2016’ collection inspired by the concept “last light interaction”.

“When I visited where I grew up, I was hoping to grow as an individual, but all did not go as I planned. I wanted to quit the fashion industry. Then one night, I had a vision in which I saw a little white light that kept getting brighter. When I entered the light, I saw people in radiantly white garments; they were singing softly. One of them came up to me and told me that all is not lost, that I

fashion 29

was just having a ‘last light moment’.

Maybe it was my mom I saw, but that experience was my inspiration to not give up. This collection was inspired by that vision,” the designer recalled in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

Cummings’ collection features fashionable designs that are perfect for upcoming graduations or any elegant occasions.

To contact the designer, call 6722243 or email a.acummings68@yahoo.com (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

30 feature

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The Silent Archives

Untold stories of plantation life in

By Clive W. McWatt

I

labourers with whom he

encounters, and the exotic fruit which he brings to life with a brush stroke.

This simple narrative relates back to a BBC television programme.A few years ago, the BBC’s Antiques Road Show featured a large folio of watercolour sketches depicting scenes of plantation life in Demerara.

A gentleman had brought to the Antiques Road Show, for the expert’s advice, a family archive

ply drawn, but they are visual images of his life and surroundings, which must have given his parents back home some idea of the life he endured in a far-flung British colony.

The sketches in themselves present some clues to his identity; such as the names of the ships on which he voyaged to Guiana, the S.D. Mossell, and we can identify from his sketches the names of the plantations like La Bonne Intention, where he worked in 1876, and even a house

n 1871, a young Englishman, or more likely a Scotsman, arrives on the “puttah-puttah” shores of Demerarato, according to Christopher Hedgethorne, “turn its mud into sugar and its sugar into gold”.

The young man writes regular letters home to his parents.

Accompanying each letter is a watercolour sketch illustrating his newfound life in British Guiana. The sketches include the ships on which he sailed, scenes of daily life on the sugar estates where he works alongside the diverse ethnic

Book cover

unique personal record of one man’s life. It is an example of an important archive on the social history of plantation life in colonial Guyana.

There maybe many more such collections of personal primary matewith a folio of sketches and letters produced by his great-great grandfather who had emigrated to British Guiana in 1871 as a young man to work as an overseer on the plantations. He remained in British Guiana until 1902. We are not told the name of the young man nor do we know the name of his descendants.

The sketches in themselves are the work of an amateur artist: sim-

all the vicissitudes they incurred.

To this end, there is no tangible place where the story of plantation life is told: a heritage farm museum, or a plantation house which defines and depicts the

where he resided in Brickdam.

The expert valuation of the archive then was £10,000, but it was not up for sale. The owner had invested in the conservation of the material and determined that it was too precious a family heirloom to be sent to an auction room.

Efforts have been made Sketches from the writer of early life in British Guiana

through the producers of the Antiques Road Show to make contact with the gentleman in possession of the archive, but to date there has been no response. Perhaps the clues in the sketches would prompt others to investigate.

This collection of watercoloursketches, accompanied by over one hundred letters, is a

rial that British expatriates have taken back to Britain and which may be buried away among family papers and archives and we need to keep a look-out should they turn up eventually.

Georgetown, in particular, is unique in the world as a city which evolved out of plantations. Such a plantocracy determined peoples’ lives and their livelihoods and

way of life and the agricultural economy which produced ‘King Sugar’.

Perhaps such a resource would encourage interest and motivate those who are able to make contributions in the form of written memoirs or artefacts.

The illustrations featured today were captured from a BBC TV screen.

C h r i s t o p h e r Hedgethorne “Mosquito Mansion and My Misadventures in Mudland” (Matador, 2015) is not related to this particular story, but makes for a good read as the book tells the tale of a young boy who is sent to Guiana in the 18th century to work with his uncle who runs a plantation. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

feature 31

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

The inspired art of Photographer Phillip Williams

Panoramic photo of a village nestled among rolling hills

W

hether or not you want to tell a storyor capture the beauty around you, photography is essential for fulfilling a creative vision. This ‘vision’ is what Guyanese photographer Phillip Williams expertly creates through his lens.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Phillip talks about how his passion for what many consider an “art form”

Ant hill captured in natural light

the lens you were able to focus on one slice.

As I got older I realized that they were memories and moments I wish I had captured and preserved, but I never owned a camera. When I finally got a camera I ensured that special moments were captured and saved.

My constant use of the camera and the fact that I began to share the images caused people to become interested. Their kind

emerged into a career for me as it is something I love.

Sunday Times Magazine: What do you like photographing?

Phillip Williams: My preference would be landscapes. I like the stories that are generated from a beautiful landscape.

Sunday Times Magazine: What is your focus when photographing?

Phillip Williams:

Evening scene

and the requirements for ‘good’ photography.

Sunday Times Magazine: What sparked your interest in photography?

Phillip Williams: I recalled as a child I looked through the viewfinder of an old camera my uncle had and I was amazed at how it was possible isolate a scene by framing just the portion of the world you want. It’s like the world is a huge cake, but when you look through

words also encouraged me. Then friends started to ask if I could take photos of their weddings. One can only imagine the fear; this is an important moment for them and they are asking me to capture it. Well, one wedding led to another and here I am today.

Sunday Times Magazine: Is photography a hobby or career?

Phillip Williams: Both. Photography is very therapeutic, but it has

These days I shoot more portraits, since that is mostly demanded by clients. When doing portrait photography, I try to capture the essence of the moment; the emotions; and the vibe of the moment.

Sunday Times Magazine: In your opinion, what are the requirements of ‘good’ photography?

Phillip Williams: It’s not the camera. It’s personality; your ability to

Photo evoking a sense of serenity

connect with the subject (especially when doing portraits), it’s being artistic; your ability to capture the relationship between colours, highlights and shadow. It’s about education: you have to learn the camera and the rules of photography –then break the rules and get creative.

If it were about the latest camera, then I couldn’t keep up. However, camera selection grows with your experience.

Sunday Times Magazine: Do you consider photography as an

art form?

Phillip Williams: It’s an ‘art’ you develop over time. Photography is mostly subjective; it’s about how you see the world, what makes you happy and learning to merge your happiness with the majority of your clients’ requirements.

Sunday Times Magazine: What are your plans for your photography career?

Phillip Williams: I want to share the knowledge I have acquired and empower others. The won-

derful thing about teaching is that you are forced to learn more.

I also do a lot of corporate work with organizations. I will also be working with the University of Guyana’sFaculty of Education and Humanities for its graduation ceremony.

For more information, visit Phillip Williams Photography on Facebook, call 622-1616 or email Phillip@psmediagy.com (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

32 feature

A J Seymour (1914-1989)

By Petamber Persaud

T

he 100-yearstory of bauxite in Guyana is documented to a large degree in the files of theGovernment of Guyana; in files of North American governments;local and foreign newspapers,

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

and nonfiction texts like“The Rise and Fall of Guyana Bauxite” by Sylvester Carmichael; “Nationalisation of Guyana's Bauxite: The Case of Alcan” by M. Shahabuddeen;“The Story of Alcan” byDuncan C. Campbell;“Demerara Bauxite Company” in the Mackenzie Miner, and “Mine workers of Guyana” by Odida T. Quamina.

Some of the missing parts of that history – like the human interest accounts – are being recreated by our imaginative writers. Some of the books by these writers were on exhibition at the Linden Branch of the National Library,coinciding with the centenary celebra-

tion of the bauxite industry in Guyana.

The history of the Linden Branch Library is interwoven in the history of Linden,for it is recorded that this library service dates back to 1955 when the first collection of books was housed in a building situated at Wismar Street and Arvida Road,now known as Republic Avenue, and that the sum of $70,000 was donated by the Demerara Bauxite Company (Demba), to construct the present building, and that the land was donated by the Greater Development Trust of Mackenzie.

Following are some of those writers whose works speak directly to

mining and related issuesin the mining town:

Carmen Barclay Subryan

Carmen Barclay Subryan, born at Mackenzie, a descendant of the Allicock family, is the author of three novels in her ‘Blackwater’ Trilogy: “Blackwater People”, “Blackwater Children” and “Black-water Women”, which trace her family roots; roots that are intertwined in the rise and fall of the bauxite industry in Guyana. She has also written two volumes of poetry: “Reprise” and “Rachel's Tears”.

Steve Connolly

Steve Connolly was born in Mackenzie to Canadian parents.

University of Guyana lecturer and author Gentian Miller

His book, “Children of Watooka”, is a fascinating tale of the boom and bust of Guyana’s bauxite, and the little-known ties between Guyana and Canada.

Importantly, however, it must be noted that our bauxite was instrumental in the outcome WWII: helping the allied forces in winning that war.

Eyes; he who moved a shift…where dust kept him in vogue/With three hundred other men, red ghost moving/Through sand and the machinery; and quick/Injuries pervaded…

And elsewhere: “Wismar of red laterite dust that had no business in soup”.

Berkley Semple

Gentian Miller was given a special award in 2006 by the Guyana Prize for Literature for her first book of poems, “Routes, Roads and Rivers”. Miller also made mention to the mining area especially in her poem“Wismar”: This one born in Wismar/Lil before the disturbance…/was a terrible time/…senseless burnings and killings… dead bodies/looking out of the boat-windows. / Limbs littered the deck

Berkley Semple’s first book of poetry, “Lamplight Teller” won the 2004 Guyana Prize for Literature. In his second book of poems, he made mention of the mining area, especially in the poem“Wismar”: In Wismar sand torture the bare soles…

Dreams become brittle in their birth/ambition stillborn In other poems: The bauxite dust clouded my father’s/

Gentian Miller

continued on page 42

Cover of “Bauxite, Sugar, Mud” by P. Wendy Dathan

feature 33

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Part II

removed from the trough and pounded in a mortar, the seeds being either picked out by hand or allowed to remain.

The mush is drunk with a little honey, and mixed with more or less water according to taste, some preferring it thick and others thin.

The fruit of the Awarrapalm (Astrocaryum tucumoidet) [ Called Astrocaryum vulgare today; also known as the tucum/tecum palm] also furnishes a common beverage.

The soft seed covering is cut off in thin slices, a quantity of which is pounded up in a mortar so as to form a sort

Ite (Mauritia flexuosa) palms

W

hile much is known of the indigenous piwari/paiwarri and kasirri drinks, documentation of other fermented and non-fermented drinks of this group of Guyanese remains sketchy, and perhaps over time some have even ceased to be produced.

Prolific historian James Rodway, has become oftentimes the sole source of our much- undocumented national history, and here he provides some insight into the seemingly lost and for-

gotten traditions of indigenous Guyanese.

Non-fermented liquors

The Turn (Oenocarpus Bacaba) and Manicole (Euterpe edulis) drink, being prepared on identical lines may be described together. When the fruits are ripe (i.e., black) the palm is felled – if one is not inclined to climb.

They are packed in baskets, carried home, where they are placed in the wooden trough and warm water poured over them.

(Boiling water would render them hard.) Here they

The troolie palm (Manicaria saccifera)

Fruits of the manicole palm (Euterpe edulis)

are left for twenty minutes or so when they will be found soft. They are then

Estate hospital, Plantation Diamond, East Bank Demerara, British Guiana

of thick paste. This will " keep good " for, say, three days and during this period, portions of it may be mixed with honey or sugar-water according to taste.

The Paripi palm (Bactris minor) is utilised by the Caribs for obtaining a sweet drink from the fruit.

From the arikodako and hitjia berries, the Arawak names of two plants that I have not hitherto succeeded in identifying, are obtained as drinks by pounding, picking out the seeds, mixing the remainder with water, and straining.

Both used in the Pomeroon district: the former also on the Berbice, where it is spoken of by [Chas D.] Dance as " very delicious." This author also mentions a drink made from the Hiawaraballi berries – the Tabarahuih of the Akawais – but no further particulars are furnished [Since writing the above, Mr. Stockdale has kindly identified the Hitjia berries as Byrsonima spicata.]

the Water withe, a species of Vitis (Entada polystachya): “My men sought for and found a number of these vines which had wound themselves round the stems of large trees.

Cutting them of as high as they could reach, they severed them quickly lower down, obtaining portions of stem some five feet in length and from three to six inches in diameter.

Holding these vertically, the sap, which appeared to be nothing but pure clear cool water, ran quickly out, and was caught in a cup and drunk. From one length of the largest size we obtained at least a pint of water”.

In periods of drought, the old-time Arawaks of the Pomeroon would obtain water from the young troolie (Manicaria saccifera) fruits after breaking them: there is nothing strange about the taste of this water with which I have more than once refreshed myself.

The wild pine (Tillandsia spp.) provides the thirsty traveller with miniature water-tanks in the sheathbases of its leaves. So also Schomburgk, when on Mt. Warima, expresses himself: " Several others of the families related to that genus cover the rocks with their foliage; each like a natural cistern, yielded us upwards of a pint of water — that which was on

the top, clear and pure, the remainder filled with residue and a slimy matter peculiar to the plant; the water is however well tasted, and our Indians drank copiously of it.”

Since the Ite (Mauritia flexuosa) palms grow only in moist soil or swamps, the same traveller relates how, when he failed to procure water by digging at the foot of their trunks, he knew that his search would prove hopeless anywhere else in the neighbourhood.

He furthermore speaks of the Wapisianas of the Takutu digging holes on the edges of certain swamps to collect water.

Manicole palms (Euterpe edulis) are also said to be a sure sign of the vicinity of water.

Dance is responsible for the statement that in the tropics, the Indian finds his way to the rivers by barking a tree, well knowing that in a line with the thickest part is the path to the river.

Wild honey may be mixed with water and drunk, but there is no record of its ever being left to ferment. " Even in its natural state, this honey differs from that of European bees in that it is not viscid, but almost as fluid as water and has a sub-acid highly fragrant taste.”

(Everard Im Thurn: “Among the Indians of Guyana”, 1881) (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Water

Town Hall, New Amsterdam circa 1924

In times of scarcity, water may be obtained from the sap of various creepers, etc., from the sheath-bases of the leaves of certain plants, and from the soil in close proximity to one or two kinds of palm.

[Barrington] Brown at Camuti Mt., Essequibo R., thus speaks of procuring water from a vine called

Wild pine (Tillandsia spp.) on tree

34 feature

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Global Shapers Community

W

Engaging teachers in Paramakatoi in a fun exercise

hat started as an empowerment workshop for students in the indigenous community of Paramakatoi (Region Eight), morphed into something much grander.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Rosh Khan, former curator of Global Shapers Community Georgetown Hub, mentioned that under the theme of education, and as an extension to the ‘Headstart!

Stationery Drive’ initiative launched a few years ago, this empowering trip to Paramakatoi was done.

“We wanted to be

even more impactful with the Amerindian communities we assisted, which meant spending more time in the communities and delivering empowerment and training sessions - both for the students and teachers,” Rosh explained.

During the visit to Paramakatoi, Rosh and current curator Sondra Cheong were able to conduct several activities: computer literacy tutoring for 30 high school students of the Paramakatoi Secondary School; empowerment sessions with teachers; empowerment sessions on leadership and communication with the

high school; career guidance with Grades 11 and 12 students; group discussions on teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, and domestic violence with the female students in dormitory; session with the village captain and members of the village council on leadership and strategic management practices.

“We are beyond inspired. The excitement and enthusiasm from the students is something we can never forget. It is evident that the youths are thirsty for knowledge.

We will continue to work with the community of Paramakatoi and others.

There are multiple proj-

Global Shapers Community - Georgetown Hub's curator Sondra Cheong conducts computer training classes

Sondra Cheong delivering a powerful address to the students

ects and follow-up visits currently being planned.

Also, the village council members were very receptive to our visit.

With more support and capacity-building training for communities like Paramakatoi, there is no doubt that Paramakatoi will be a thriving community. Personally, I fell in love with the people.

I believe the power of Paramakatoi is its people. Yes, the scenery was unlike anything I have seen before but even so, what truly captivated me was that distinct authenticity of the people of Paramakatoi. A kindness. A quiet resilience.

A sense that although there were difficulties, that it will be weathered.

And a sense that there is so much culture yet to be shared with the world. I tell my colleagues now, ‘I

left a piece of my heart in Paramakatoi’,” Rosh expressed.

The Global Shapers Community is an initiative of the World Economic Forum. It is a network of city-based hubs developed and led by young leaders between 20 and 30 years’ old who want to develop their leadership potential towards serving society. To that end, hubs undertake projects to improve their communities.

The Georgetown Hub is the first to be convened in the Caribbean.

It is a diverse, innovative, extraordinary group of young people who are working to make a change around causes that are important and require attention. Its members work together because they

are convinced “collaborative action is much more powerful than individuals working in isolation”.

Since its inception, the Georgetown Hub has launched a library in South Pattensen, East Coast of Demerara; provided school supplies to over 400 students in hinterland communities; partnered with other youth NGOs for leadership sessions; hosted a communications workshop and continue to do more projects.

If you would like to join the work of the Global Shapers community, visit Global Shapers Community - Georgetown Hub on Facebook or call 592-2251842. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Talking to students about teamwork and communication

35

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Star of the week

Applying to University

A

gain, I find myself compelled to write about school matters. But it is in my nature, as currently my occupation is that of a student.

Today, my primary focus is applying to university, since I am ravelled in the process myself at the moment. Applying to university or just thinking about one’s future is a daunting task- to say the least.

It’s a long, complicated and for most, an incredibly important process.

For many, like myself, we are looking to further

K

nown as Guyana’s “fittest man”, 21-year-old Dillon Mahadeo is an award-winning champion in CrossFit and Olympic weightlifting. From a very young age, Dillon was involved in sports. In high school, his extra-curricular activities involved track and field, swimming, table tennis, cricket, basketball and football.

He always strived to do his best in these activities because he “hated to lose”; he was awarded the coveted title of “Champion Boy” at the end of every school year in high school. Dillon played table tennis at the national, regional and international levels, representing Guyana in a number of competitions internationally. In 2013, Dillon decided to join the gym,becominginvolved inweightlifting. Within a year, he competed in his first Powerlifting Novices Competition, winning his weight division. In 2015, he competed in his first CrossFit competition, earning 2nd place.

Dillon then competed in the U.S.A. at CrossFit Chilli Fitness Trek, winning first place. In October 2015, he also secured the top spot at the GTM Fitness Expo. In 2016, he competed in E-Networks Fitness Challenge and earned the title ‘Fittest in Guyana’.

Additionally, in August 2016, Dillon competed

in CrossFit 12-12-12 Throwdown in Trinidad where he placed third in the Caribbean.

In November 2016, Dillon won the GTM Health and Fitness Expo for the second time.

In June 2016, he was selected for the national weightlifting team to participate in the Pan American Weightlifting Championships in Cartagena, Colombia. Presently, Dillon is preparing to compete in a weightlifting competition in Barbados during this month.

According to Dillon, to get fit requires “discipline and commitment in and out of the gym; nutrition, rest and recovery; theoretical practice, attaining mental toughness and pushing your body and mind to the absolute limit every day in the gym”. The fitness personality said he “always strives to be an inspiration to others”. His goal is to set an example for Guyanese males to lead healthy lives, develop self-confidence and improve their personal appearance through diet and exercise.

Apart from training, Dillon’s spends his time between engineering school and earning practical hours and managing a family business. He believes that “prioritizing is key”. Dillon’s ultimate goal is to one day represent his country at the Olympics.

our studies in the US, or Canada. To clear the air, this is not because I do not have pride in my country, or I do not wish to see it develop, but it’s because I simply cannot study what I would like to here. That being said, going through this process of applications, the most important bit of advice I can offer to younger students is start early.

If you’re looking to head to the US, understand that you’ll have to write the SATs and that these tests are written at a few specific times each year. Ensure you sign up for the one that will allow you to receive your

Ashley Anthony

grades in time to apply to your chosen universities.

Be sure to check the requirements of these universities to determine if you’ll need to write the subject tests or the essay.

Maybe even consider sitting the exam more than once so as to get your best possible grade.

Also, be sure to request your transcripts and letters of recommendation early, as well as projected grades (if you require them), since your school may take a long time to process and fulfil your requests. It would be unwise to request a transcript just two days before the deadline for application.

You’ll be incredibly busy too, since you’ll most likely have to write essays for your application.

While this is just my small input, one thing you should do is try to learn as much about the process as you can. Talk to students studying abroad, studying here, and weigh the pros and cons. And if you can, even try speaking to a few professors too.

36

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

This week's Crossword

This week's Puzzle

see solution on page 47

The “threat”…

Y

…to national security

ou careful readers out there will notice your Eyewitness used “scare quotes” over “threat” in his caption. That doesn’t mean he’s necessarily doubting Prezzie and the authorities who assured that there was, in fact, such a “threat” – causing them to yank our men in green from their barracks to join our men in blue (khaki?) in the streets. He’s merely signalling that the word “threat” was the one actually used by the authorities.

Now cynics immediately snickered at what they considered to be a rather transparent ploy to distract the citizens huddled in fear at the unfolding crime wave. The government, after all, to a large extent owes its incumbency to their assurance that if it’s one thing they knew, it was “security”. Their word. They pointed to the presence of all those be-medalled military advisers and ministers and heads of CoI’s as proof positive of their “security” bona fides. But yet, here crime is washing over the country like a tsunami, while the best the government could do is to issue a tsunami of statistics! That didn’t do much for their image… not to mention the confidence of the huddled masses.

Even though they mightn’t actually be followers of Lenin, your Eyewitness can just see Prezzie hunkering down with his security brain trust (at Camp Ayanganna after a Cabinet meeting?) trying to answer Lenin’s seminal question, “What is to be done?” Ahhh… what would your Eyewitness give to’ve been a fly on THAT wall!! If the “threat” was the Venezuelans, he can just imagine the army brass raring to put into practice all that military might they displayed in Operation Greenheart! Your Eyewitness got tingles when he remembered the “lizard crawl” he learnt as a kid in school back in the eighties to take on the Venezuelan when they were rattling their sabres then. Not one spring cuirass!!

If the threat was armed gangs like during the “troubles” – which, Prezzie explained to Parliament, exploded full blown with no connection to politics, much less the PNC – then he can just hear ex-COP Felix promising to “head them off” as he did during the Agricola Massacre. But alas, it was most likely just the threat of another Prison Riot and burning of mattresses in the offing, since all that came out of the “red level” threat announcement was the joint forces raiding the jails and seizing cell phones and some “shivs”. That’s “jail-made knives” not the cricketer!

Remember Security Minister Ramjattan’s last visit to the Camp Street Jail? After he caved in to all their demands, they promised they’d be “good boys”!!! …at the borders The Security Minister was also in the news on the porous border issue which he claimed to have “solved” a couple of weeks ago at the Caribbean Basin Security meet with the US. At that time, he assured the nation that after his proposal, the US was going to deploy some “unmanned aircraft” – read “drones” – in Guyana, complete with their base, which would be a hundred miles from the border.

After your Eyewitness pointed out some obstacles in his pie-in-the-sky proposal – even the US can’t support such a programme on its Mexican border because of costs, Ramjattan seemed to’ve backed off.

Asked about guns shipped across our borders, he now mentioned some “Police outposts” along the borders. Now he knows we can’t even fill our quota of Policemen for our coastal needs… how’s he “gonna” (his favourite Americanism!!) get them into the jungle. Since he obviously reads your Eyewitness, why’s he avoiding the proposal to deploy our soldiers to do the job they’re mandated and trained to do?

Like protecting our borders? …to electoral stability Now that Steve Surujbally’s signalled that the politicians won’t have him to kick around every five years, there’ll be weeping and waiting and gnashing of teeth!

Let’s see them agree on his replacement!!

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

travel & tourism 37

into the deep south

Walking towards the village from Gunn's Strip (Photo by Alexi LaRose, alexiala.wordpress)

M

asakenari, located in the Upper Essequibo River area of Region Nine, means “mosquito place” in Wai-Wai. Masakenari village was established in 2000 when flooding forced the community to move from its previous location at Akotopono,6km north-east of Masakenari.

The village, which is a 45-minute walk from Gunn’s Strip, an area famed for its fishing, is populated by the WaiWai who continue to maintain their rich cultural heritage and practices.

Aerial view of Gunn's Strip (Photo from guyanaaerial.blogspot)

Aerial view of the village (Photo from guyanaaerial)

Aerial view of Gunn's Strip (Photo from guyanaaerial.blogspot.com)

Masakenari is part of the Konashen Amerindian District, which is also known as Guyana’s first Community Owned Conservation Area (COCA), considered among the last of Guyana’s pristine rainforest environments.

The village has a primary school, a COCA office/village office, church buildings, teachers’ quarters, health post, community benab, guesthouse, a women’s training centre and a village kitchen.

38 art & culture

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

A

A creative ceramic piece

The artist working on one of his ceramic pieces

Ceramic mugs and tray

Goblets moulded by Andy

Contemporary vase

Decorative pieces

ndy Anthony Cummings is a gifted ceramic artist, who is using the ancient art to enhance modern homes.

Born in B e r b i c e , Andy attended Belladrum Nursery School then went on to Number 29 Primary School and wrote his CSEC exams at Belladrum Secondary School.

Subsequently, he attended E. R. Burrowes School of Art where his major was ceramic and minor textile design and textile construction.

“While at secondary school, my love for art grew. I was placed in a science class and I didn’t do anything art related.

This was depressing as I really wanted to pursue art. After secondary school, I decided to enrol at Burrowes. It was something I never regretted. At my graduation, I was awardedBest Graduating Student and Best Ceramic Student.

I feel I was born to become a ceramic artist because when I was a child I remember making things with mud.

This passion for moulding and creating works of beauty hasn’t died,” Andy recalled in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

After graduating from Burrowes, Andy decided to participate in the National Visual Art Competition and Exhibition where two of his artworks were featured. In 2012, his ceramic pieces were featured in a number of small exhibitions in Guyana. In 2013, a few of his artworks were exhibited at Carifesta in Suriname. In 2015, Andy held a one-man exhibition in his hometown, Berbice, titled “Becoming Human”.

Notably, the artist works have been featured in several magazines in Guyana and the Caribbean.

The artist pointed out that he enjoys the process of transforming simple clay into ceramic items that are both functional and beautiful. He mentioned that being a ceramic artist is challenging because of the fragility of the material he works with.

“Ceramic artists always have to pray for the best whenever we put work to the fire as we are never sure of its outcome.

But that is also the excit-

ing

part o f this art process: mouldi Artist n gAndy a n d Anthony u manipl Cummings a t ing

simple clay into works of art. My family has strong Christian values so Bible teachings were the centreof my life. I guess it’s why I’m fascinated with the human form. In the Bible, God says he made man from ‘dust’. This moulding technique inspires me and I guess that’s where my love for human forms comes from as a ceramic artist,” he mused.

Andy added that when he is creating, he becomes “one” with his work as he invests all his emotions in “producing art that aims to bring joy and beautify lives”.

“I have always been fascinated with my Guyanese culture.

I also love nature because of the beautiful nature scenes of where I grew up. Where I grew up, nature and my culture play a very important role as to what and where I get my inspiration from. Things around me also provide great ideas: from the black and brown waters to the fisherman who blows the conch shell to local folklore. I have found that my interest in local flora and fauna is a big impact on what I create as an artist,” Andy explained.

Focusing on using his creative talent to enhance, Andy has also ventured into fashion designing. He entered and won the Guyana Model Search and Designer Portfolio competition, founded by veteran designer Sonia Noel. He also copped the title ‘Most Promising Designer’ in the competition with his fashion collection, Blue Intensity.

“At the moment, I am making small pieces for craft shops in Guyana and Suriname. However, my aim is to open my ownceramic shop, maybe in the next five years.

I am very happy that God has given me this creative power, which I can now share with others,” he declared.

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

feature 39

T

he Rockstone T o u r i s m Association (RTA) last weekend teamed up with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Tourism Department of the Business Ministry to present the 11th annual Rockstone Fish Festival in the remote Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Berbice) community.

While some ventured for the sampling of various fish delicacies, others undoubtedly went for the adventure associated with the exotic, naturist side of the picturesque community of Rockstone. The fish festival held over two days – Saturday and Sunday – attracted many people from across the country, who went to explore as well as be entertained.

Saturday saw the hosting of the annual camping event, nature walks along the trail and numerous fish cooking activities, while on Sunday the Rockstone landing hosted the customary opening ceremony when patrons were also treated to river tours around Gluck Island, boat trips to Sand beach, nature walks, in addition to fish catching, cooking, scaling, roasting, and deboning competitions, among other activities.

The event was also graced by visitors on board a helicopter which settled at the edge of the bank of the river for a few minutes, much to the amusement of those present.

As customary, the fish festival saw intense competitions with winners being awarded trophies. While two participants were disqualified at this year’s event, at-

Participants during one of the activities at the Fish Festival

tendees were thrilled by the variety of fishes caught which competed in various categories.

The largest catfish (23 inches) was caught

by Sharan Ramishwar while Sarwan Kumar caught the largest pariah (11 inches). The two also teamed up and won the prize for the heaviest catch (18lbs) and the biggest lukanani (13 inches).

Though the turnout to the festival was not a grand one, those present, including families, took the time to indulge and relax in the entertaining atmosphere.

Speaking at the opening event, GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh noted that there is a very high interest in the Rockstone Fish Festival, which is known to be attended by a wide cross-section of people. In this vein he stressed the need for more effective planning, pointing out that the festival has a lot of potential. Haralsingh said

These two gentlemen showcase part of the catch of the 2016 Rockstone Fish Festival

events such as these are what people need in Guyana.

He added that the Ministry of Business, the Department of

Tourism and the GTA were very pleased to collaborate with the com-

munity of Rockstone to host the event.

Haralsingh said that while GTA has shown support with the organisation of the event since 11 years ago, it could be better organised. He also stated that had it not been for the motor racing championships held the same day, there would have been a larger turnout. Nevertheless, Haralsingh noted that GTA will continue to work alongside the Rockstone community with the promotion of the annual festival, which is notably the only fish festival in Guyana: “We will continue to work with Rockstone because this is a very unique event: It’s the only fish festival in Guyana and this can grow to be much larger.”

40

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Indentureship ended? …what has really changed?

N

ext March 12, it will be 100 years since Indian Indentureship was effectively ended. But what has really changed?

When the workers protested management’s breaking of their contracts, the standard responses were: charging them criminally; ejecting them from the plantations; docking their pay and ever so often, calling in the police to shoot them down after like dogs.

The immigrants had very few partisans in authority to champion their cause – even though there was supposed to be a “Protector of Immigrants” department. After an 1869 protest by immigrants at Leonora, a sympathetic ex-magistrate wrote a devastating critique of the abuses of immigrants. It led to the usual British response: a Commission of Enquiry in 1870-71 – right before five protesting workers were shot and killed at Devonshire Castle in Essequibo in 1872.

But the abuses continued unabated and in 1896 at Pln Non Pariel, another five immigrant workers – protesting slashed wages – were gunned down and fiftynine wounded. A champion of their cause came from an unexpected source: Bechu, an indentured Indian who had arrived two years before, bound for Enmore.

He wrote a letter to the Daily Chronicle that inspired other Indians in the colony to defend their exploited compatriots in the sugar fields.

Bechu wrote: Sir, Will you kindly permit me, through the medium of your widely circulated paper, to say a few words with regard to the official investigation which has been made concerning the rate of wages paid to the indentured workers on Pln Non Pariel?

Being a coolie myself, and an indentured one in the bargain. I have up to now refrained from saying anything in the matter but as I see it mentioned in last Saturday’s issue of The Argosy that the referees after due enquiries are satisfied that the wag-

es paid for punt loading and cane cutting is ample, and that the price for weeding is only a trifle below the usual rate.

I am curious to know on what they have based their decision.

Prior to registering myself for service in this colony, I, in common with the rest of my countrymen, had to sign an agreement which is printed in three different languages and which reads as follows: [Bechu then reproduces in detail the terms of the agreement with reference to (1) Period of Service. (2) Nature of Labour. (3) Number of days per week for labour. (4) Number of hours daily for labour.

(5) Monthly or daily or task work rates – for men, women and children. (6) Conditions as to return passage and (7) Other conditions.

Bechu then delivered his indictment.]

It will be observed from paragraphs 4 and 5 above that every male immigrant above 16 years of age is entitled to a rate of wage of not less than one shilling per day and every male and every female under 16 is similarly entitled to a wage of not less than 8 pence per day for seven hours of work in the field and ten hours in the factory and when performing extra work shall be paid in proportion for every extra hour of work.

[Bechu details how these rules are violated preventing workers from earning even the measly stipulated wages.]

In this colony however, an agreement appears to be binding on one side only, for we constantly see coolies being brought up for neglecting to attend work?, for not completing their task?, and for many such trivial breaches in contract, but in not a single instance have I seen a Protector charge an employer for not fulfilling his part of the contract…Is this fair? …[Bechu concluded] “Verily unto everyone that hath been given and he shall have abundantly; but unto him that hath not shall be taken away even which he hath.”

It is really an indict-

By Ravi Dev ment on our humanity that 120 years after Bechu, sugar workers still have to protest broken agreements – most recently API! But this time they face the arbitrary and draconian decision to close Wales and to have the “Cutlass of the Massa” hanging over their heads till December on the possible closure of the entire industry.

41

42 feature

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Bauxite, Boom, Bust ... or floated in the river…

All in reference to the racial conflagration of May and July of 1964.

Shireen Noble is the author of “Intertwined”focusing on domestic violence.

Honorary Lindeners

Apart from those writers who were born in that area, there were others who lived for a while in the mining town.

A. J. Seymour and his wife Elma Seymour lived for five years in Linden, making signifi-

cant educational and cultural contributions to that community, as recorded in their respective autobiographies “The years in Puerto Rico and Mackenzie”, and “A goodly heritage”.

In her book of poems “Yearnings of a woman” Nikita Medford, who grew up in Linden, did what many of “her gender are still seeking the courage to do, that is to share their intimate yearnings and emotional struggles”.

Michelle Yaa Asantewa, wholived for seven years in Linden, is

from page 32

the author of “Guyanese Komfa: the ritual art of trance”, and other books.

Zahra Freeth author of “Run Softly Demerara” lived for four years in the mining town.

Patricia Wendy Dathan,author of “Bauxite, Sugar, Mud”, lived for more than sixteen years in the mining area.

The Linden Branch of the National Library is to be commended for highlighting the literary aspect of the community, an aspect that is too often overshadowed by the

pomp and ceremony of a national or local community event.

This ought to be a reminder that our writers value us in their words, holding up to us a mirror of our action (and inaction)and we must be mindful of our writers; respect our writers and cherish our writers: fruits of the earth, like our bauxite, diamond and gold.

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

Michelle Yaa Asantewa

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

43

44 feature

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Daughter of Guyanese football legend lands primetime TV role

A

Kylie Bunbury at a Disney event

merican television network FOX premiered its new primetime series “Pitch” starring actress Kylie Bunbury, the daughter of Guyaneseborn retired professional football player and International Football Ambassador for Guyana, Alex Bunbury.

Kylie is a talented actress and model born in Ontario, Canada in 1989 to a Polish and Swedish American mother, Kristi Novak, and Guyanese-born Canadian father, Alex Bunbury.

Kylie’s father was a professional football player who won the sixth most caps alltime for the Canadian men’s soccer team. She has two younger brothers, Teal and Logan.

Teal followed in his father’s footsteps and is also a professional football player for the New England Revolution.

The Canadian actress of Guyanese descent made her acting debut in 2010 at age 21

as Kathleen on NBC’s long-running soap opera “Days of Our Lives”.

Over the years she had roles in Disney feature film “Prom”, in Fox’s “The Sitter”, ABC Family teen drama “Twisted”, CBS’s

drama series “Under the Dome”, and, most notably, the lead female, Suhad, in SPIKE TV’s limited series, “TUT”.

Prior to her acting career, Kylie spent two years in London and then

Football star Alex Bunbury, Kylie’s father

Kylie poses for a “Pitch” poster

seven years in Portugal, where her father played professional football. Her family then moved to Minnesota, USA, where she developed an interest in modelling.

In 2007, while a senior in high school, Kylie began her modelling career in the Twin Cities, signing with Minneapolis-based Vision Management Group. She quickly be-

came one of the agency’s top commercial models, securing regular stints for top brands such as Target, Vanity Clothing and Abercrombie & Fitch.

After three years, Kylie decided to move to Los Angeles and pursue an acting career. She studied acting at the highly regarded Playhouse West School and Repertory Theatre in Los Angeles under Robert Carnegie.

The multitalented actress also possesses the talent for singing and playing the guitar and can be seen on her Instagram page performing Bob Marley’s “Don’t Worry ‘Bout a Thing”.

Referred to as “daring and ground-breaking”, “Pitch” is the story of baseball pitcher Ginny Baker (played by Kylie Bunbury) who immediately rises to fame when she is called up by the San Diego Padres and becomes the first woman in major league base-

The actress in character on the set of “Pitch”

ball. She immediately sets about proving herself to her teammates, starting with team captain and catcher Mike Lawson. The two share an immediate chemistry, putting Mike in the middle of tensions between the beautiful new player and certain teammates who don’t appreciate a woman out on the mound. Not all of her fellow Padres are so averse to change, with centre fielder Blip Sanders providing support through her journey.

The 8th episode of season one is slated for release on Nov. 17, 2016.

(http://guyanesegirlsrock.

(Guyana Times org)

Sunday Magazine)

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

45

46 feature

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Hundreds thrilled at Courts Christmas tree light-up H

undreds of children and adults flocked Main Street, Georgetown, on Friday evening as furniture giant Courts Guyana Inc hosted its annual Christmas tree light-up. The streets were packed beyond capacity with people watching the much anticipated light-up.

Meanwhile, managing director of Courts, Clyde De Hass, underscored the importance of giving back to its customers: “We would like to welcome you to our road show which is our way of giving back to you our customers.”

First Lady Sandra Granger, who addressed the gathering, reminisced on the biblical story of Christmas.

“Can you imagine the joy and excitement of the three wise men when they followed that star to Bethlehem? Can you imagine the feeling of Joseph and Mary at the birth of Jesus Christ?

Can you imagine how frightened the shepherds who were tending their sheep? The Christian calendar this season is known as the advent, it is the season where we celebrate the birth of Jesus and our Saviour,” the First Lady said. She further noted that children especially look forward to the grand celebration and expressed her elation to be a part of the festive celebration: “So let’s turn on the lights and begin our celebration of this season of joy, peace and goodwill

S

towards all! I am so happy to be among the first to wish you all a Merry Christmas.”

In addition, the First Lady thanked the Courts staff and added that Guyanese look forward to Courts Christmas tree light-up to begin their Christmas and hinted

at the frenzy of cleaning that Guyanese undertake.

Courts Road Show Champion Melissa Vandeyar proved why she was a winner of the competition and had the children singing along.

Guyanese artiste, Eddie Niblett partici-

pated in the celebrations and had his fans on their feet to his famous tune of “Love N Unity”.

Upon arrival of Santa Claus and his helpers, the children were even more energetic and shouted as the team drove through the crowd sharing sweets.

T

he National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) is currently exploring the option of increased usage of bio-stimulants which will help to increase cassava yields.

The use of bio-stimulants is being promoted based on research and tests carried out.

These show an increase in the quantity of cassava harvested.

NAREI has already moved towards implementing the use of chemical bio-stimulants.

Research scientist with responsibility for the cassava production programme, Premdat Beecham told the Government Information Agency (GINA): “One of the works that we’re doing is the utilisation of improved farming technologies, that’s the utilisation of irrigation systems, fertilisation systems and the use of bio-stimulants for crop production. Based on results obtained, that would be preliminary results, would have proven that the use of

bio-stimulants has increased crop production more than 45 per cent and this is an encouraging sign, especially for farmers.” NAREI’s programme is aimed at multiplying new and improved varieties of the cassava crop for distribution to farmers across the country.

The Institute is expected to introduce three new varieties of the root crop shortly.

For some time, a number of pilot projects had been execut-

ed in various parts of Regions Three (West DemeraraEssequibo Islands) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica) in the process of expanding production. It has been recognised that there is a demand for cassava in the form of flour and efforts are being made to produce this type.

Additionally, farmers can benefit locally by supplying chip factories with cassava for chip production in the

Draining the swamp

atiricus was back at the Back Street Bar, which was all abuzz with the impassioned discussions on the American elections. As he sauntered towards to his usual spot at the rear, he spied Bungi and Hari already ensconced with beers in hand.

“Hey fellas,” Satiricus said effusively. “How come y’all so early?”

“Yuh know abee grine aff, right Sato?” asked Bungi, as he signalled for a beer for Satiricus. “Dem na gat mo’ cane in de backdam.”

“Yeah… yeah… I know,” said Satiricus with a grin.

“I don’t hear the factory whistle any more. Thank God… I can now get some sleep in the morning.”

“So Sato,” began Hari as he took a long pull at his beer, “Now that Trump is in, you think he’ll keep his promise to ‘drain the swamp’ in Washington?”

“Drain de swamp?” interjected Bungi with a puzzled look. “When abee drain dem field dat dem swamp in de backdam, abee does ketch plenty fish!”

“It’s just an American expression, Bungi,” Hari explained. “In Florida, they used to drain swamps to kill mosquito that cause malaria.”

“So you ‘drain the swamp’ to get rid of parasites,” grinned Satiricus. “And this is what Trump promised to do to all the parasites in Washington.”

“The problem with Trump,” said Hari “is he sees all immigrants as parasites that should be deported when the swamp is drained.”

“But wha mek ayou only a talk ‘bout ‘Merica?” said Bungi. “Me t’ink dem shoulda drain de swamp in Jarge-tong laang now!”

“So who are some of the local parasites you’d like to be gone?” enquired Satiricus, as he signalled for another beer.

“All twenty-seven a dem Ministah!” announced Bungi.

“Man you’re not messin’ around!” said Hari.

“What did they do?”

“Da de prablem,” announced Bungi firmly. “Dem na do waan blasted t’ing and dem suck abee blood wid dem 50 per cent raise!”

“Why Bungi!” exclaimed Satiricus. “That is the definition of parasite!”

“Let’s drink to that!” Said Hari.

Bottles were clinked all around.

near future. This will be in keeping with the Agriculture Ministry’s campaign to “Eat what you grow and grow what you eat”. Based on a Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) report, the Caribbean region and its people can benefit from improved economics and health status as a result of increased cassava production.

“We have quite a lot of products we can get from cassava especially; we had worked with FAO in terms of the utilisation of the cassava for breadmaking, and we did some tests with 20 and 30 per cent of the grated cassava in bread and it came out very successful,” Beecham reported.

The Government of Guyana is working with other member states of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) to diversify their local produce.

This would eventually reduce the Region’s food import bill which currently stands at over US$4 billion annually.

Guyana’s farmers can con-

tribute to regional food security by increasing agricultural output with the exploration of cassava production, and the extensive use of bio-stimulants. A bio-stimulant used for agricultural purposes usually is made of compounds and micro-organisms which can be applied to the soil of plants or the plants themselves to improve vigour, yield, and quality. Bio-stimulants foster a plant’s growth and development throughout its cycle, from seedling to the stage of maturity.

“I know that the Government is focusing a lot on agriculture, especially with agriculture development, and what we are trying to do is do a lot more value addition, and that is one of the components of cassava production where we are lacking, and we need to improve on value addition,” the research scientist explained.

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Realistic Expectations

Stranger in a strange land

S

atiricus was pleased. He was at the Internet cafe at the front street of his village. He went there when he needed to talk to his relatives in New York. Which was when he needed a “lil frek” – a circumstance that was becoming more frequent recently.

But this time he was calling Cappo, his old canecutting friend who’d gotten a 10-year visa and decided to stay over in the states.

“So how you doin’, old buddy?” said Satiricus rather loudly into his mouthpiece.

“Buddaay! De whole country a mek me feel like me deh right in Guyana!” Cappo exclaimed.

“Really?” said Satiricus doubtfully. He didn’t see how the whole of America would do that for Cappo.

“Well, dem jus’ done dem election,” said Cappo excitedly. “And jus’ like in Guyana, de people who lose, start fuh riat and protes’!!

Jus’ like how de Pee an See use fuh do!”

“And why you think they did that just because you are over there?” Satiricus wanted to know.

“Well me sissee tell me da nevah happen befo’!” replied Cappo. “Suh ‘e gat fuh be me!”

“OK! Cappo, quit jokin'” said Satiricus, “How things really?”

“Man now dat dis chap Tramp get elected, me sissee mek me a sleep, andah de bed!”

Cappo reported sorrowfully. “She seh immigra-shan guh raid abee.”

“Immigration?” asked Satiricus in a puzzled voice.

“Bai, even doh me deh pan wan ten-year visa,” said Cappo. “dem only gi’e me one month fuh stay. Me now illegal!”

“Oh Jeez!” exclaimed Satiricus. “I’m sorry.”

“Na worry, man,” said Cappo bravely.

“How t’ings in Guyana?? Me might come back.”

“I’m sorry to tell you this, Cappo,” said Satiricus slowly. “Crime got so bad Prezzie had to call out the army to help the police!

And don’t remind me my leader was Rum Jhaat.”

“All abee does do schupid t’ing, Sato,” said Cappo consolingly. “But me t’ink me radah sleep undah me sissee bed, ova heah!”

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

I

Anu Dev

47

“Expectations were like fine pottery. The harder you held them, the more likely they were to crack.” - Brandon Sanderson, ‘The Way of Kings’

’ve just spent the past two months in paediatrics. And to say that it hasn’t been my favourite rotation might be putting it mildly. But perhaps that was because I had certain expectations going into the rotation and I got disappointed when it fell short of my expectations.

Expectations are powerful things. We all have expectations. We have expectations of our families, of our friends, of our leaders. After all, man is a social being, and the very meaning of “social” implies ‘expectations’.

By social conditioning, we expect certain things. It’s how we’re built.

And those expectations can make all the difference.

If you have unrealistically high expectations of someone, you could be disappointed when they don’t achieve what you expected them to. And it might not even be their fault- they probably did their best. You just expected too much from them.

Conversely, not having high expectations of someone could be interpreted as you having no confidence in that person. And feeling like no one expects you to succeed can be one of the most discouraging feelings in the world.

There needs to be a balance. Keeping your expectations high enough to encourage the person but at the same time not pressure them.

I’m sure everyone at some point has suffered either because of their expectations of other people, or because of what’s expected of them.

And expectations go deeper than just expecting people to succeed or fail. We expect certain behaviour from certain people. We expect friends to have our backs, we expect parents to guide us.

And feelings get hurt, egos bruised, friendships tarnished because of ambiguity about what exactly those expectations entail, because we’re all different people.

We have different world-views. We see things differently.

We interpret things differently.

So if someone doesn’t meet your expectations of them, it could be that they didn’t know what you expected of them. Some things need to be said, to be stated explicitly so there’s absolutely no ambiguity.

There are the supposedly clear-cut rules, for specific roles, like being a daughter or a mother. And those are probably the easiest. You know pretty much what’s expected of you. There are lots of bright neon lines drawn in the sand to make sure you never overstep the boundaries of your responsibility. But even there we face ambiguities in a fast-changing world.

But what about when your roles overlap? People are put into leadership positions over their friends or family members every day.

It’s easier to reprimand strangers than friends. Because it’s your instinct to treat them as a friend not as if you were their boss. But yet, it should still be straightforwardseparate personal feelings from the job, follow protocols.

But the lines get blurred when they expect you to treat them differently, to give them preferential treatment because they’re your friends or family. And then they get hurt when you don’t.

And then there’s the expectations that people have of who you should be or who you should become. The expectations you have to live up to. Persons expecting you to be someone you’re not. Expecting you to choose a specific career when you’re better suited to another career that could be just as good or better.

We all have expectations of each other. We just need to take a good look at those expectations. We need to check whether we expect too much or too little of each other. We need to look at whether our expectations are fair to each other.

What you expect of someone can make all the difference.

Fruit of the poisoned… …Broadcasting CoI n the law of evidence, there’s the rule of “The Fruit of the Poisoned Tree”, which simply points out that if a tree’s been poisoned, it stands to reason the fruit from that tree will also be poisoned. Applied to law, you’d appreciate if the evidence was obtained illegally, it taints whatever conclusion was drawn from it…and is thrown out by the court.

In Guyana, we’re in the throes of an analogous matter. A month or so ago, Major General Joe Singh was appointed as a one-man CoI into a contretemps in the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority Board. After a year and a half of highly publicised outbursts by APNU’s Tony Vieira of the GNBA Board supporting demands by the Muckraker KN that the radio licences granted by the Jagdeo Administration be cancelled and given to entities like them, he was finally publicly upbraided by the Chairman of the Board, Lennox Craig, from the AFC. Craig simply insisted that due process must be followed in whatever process to be used to review the issuance of the radio licences. And this is what Vieira couldn’t stand. He was livid and exclaimed that he was part of the “plantocracy”!! How dare Craig speak his mind? Did he HAVE a mind? Vieira insisted that Craig, as Chairman of the GNBA Board, was in no way possessed of more authority than he, an ordinary board member!!

Craig bore all of this very stoically.

The straw that broke the phlegmatic Craig’s back was when Vieira and another Board member intervened on their own to remove a cable licence from an operator on the Essequibo Coast and give it to another member of the “plantocracy”! Craig intervened. Well…who told him to do that!! All hell broke loose when Craig wanted to look into the matter. He was banished to China – literally – through an offer of a scholarship and Prezzie appointed his old squaddie Joe to be a CoI to investigate the fracas between Craig, Vieira and sidekick.

I

One letter writer to the Muckraker immediately pointed out that Joe Singh had a pretty chummy relationship with one of the parties under investigation.

And we arrive at the fruit of the poisoned tree. Could Singh fail to be influenced by his relationship?

Well, the Report’s out…and only the Muckraker got a copy! And – surprise! surprise! Not a squeak about the case of strong-arming the cable operator on the Coast!

But waxes lyrically about how Craig didn’t want to rescind the “illegal” radio licences issued by the PPP. Imagine that!

Who cares for due process? Or Craig? …crime atmosphere The Transparency International (TIGI) outfit finally woke up to the poisoning of the atmosphere in the rising crime spree that has transfixed the country. But there really was no opacity in the position of the Government that required transparency. Prezzie bluntly claimed that “persons were committing crimes to show the Police and Government are weak”. Earlier he’d compared the present crime rates to those from the “troubles”! And never mentioned that that spike was caused by gunmen in Buxton who claimed they were linked to the PNC. And had declared war against the PPP and their supporters.

But in making the criticism, TIGI made its usual “false equivalency” arguments to blame the PPP – then, when they were in fact under attack and now – when they are merely requesting more vigorous action by the Government. Which is what in the end TIGI is saying. They advised that the Government in general and Security Minister in particular, abandon the placebo of statistics.

And get real with the antidote to the very crime poison. …fornication Seems the “Pope” who was caught in flagrante delicto in a ménage à trois has ceased denial. He asked his congregation for “forgiveness”. And forgave those who trespassed, stole and released the tape.

That’s right. They knew not what they did!

48 Bollywood

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Cairo Film Festival paid tribute to Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and others

T

he 38th Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) kicked off on Tuesday at the Cairo Opera House with an opening show which paid a special tribute to Bollywood celebrities, who enjoy great fan following in the country.

The show, which was directed by Egyptian theater director Khaled Galal, featured Egyptian singer Nesma Mahgoub, who sang a number in which she mentioned the names of international celebrities.

“Bollywood celebrities are my love since very long,” sang Nesma during the show. The photographs of Bollywood celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, director Farah Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Rishi Kapoor, Salman Khan were shown in a video made especially for the event. Three

films from India are participating at this year’s Cairo International Film Festival, which runs until 24 November.

Indian movie “The Narrow Path” by Satish Babusenan and Santosh Babusenan will be screened in the International competition, while “Half Ticket”

by Samit Kakkad will be screened in the International panorama category. The third movie is “Lipstick Under My Burkha” by Alankrita Shrivastava and it will

be shown during the Festival of Festivals competition. This year, the festival features 204 films in all categories.

The Cairo International Film Festival is one of the 14 most important film festivals in the world, and the only one in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, to be accorded category “A” status by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations.

(Indian Express)

Priyanka Chopra on Sarvann: Happy to see ‘long-cherished goal’ becoming a reality

P

riyanka Chopra, who unveiled the first look of her debut Punjabi film production “Sarvann”, says she is happy to see her “longcherished goal” become a reality. She also said the movie will be promoted widely. Sarvann, starring Punjabi superstar Amrinder Gill, marks the second production association between Priyanka’s Purple Pebble Pictures and Vashu Bhagnani’s Pooja Films. “This is a long cherished goal that is seeing fruition and we have many plans for the film’s promotion

across the world. We’re very proud to work with such an amazing team to present this wonderful story,” Priyanka said in a statement.

Amrinder Gill also tweeted the poster of the film to his huge fan base and is already getting an enthusiastic response.

He said: “It is the time that Punjabi films get the recognition they deserve. With ‘Sarvann’, we have such a beautiful collaboration with the biggest names in Bollywood with a movie that I believe audiences will thoroughly enjoy.”

Breaking language

barriers and backing good stories is not new for Priyanka or Bhagnani, who earlier worked together for Marathi film Ventilator.

Sarvann director Karaan Guliani said: “Produced by an allwomen team of Priyanka Chopra, Dr Madhu Chopra and Deepshika Deshmukh, ‘Sarvann’ is a coming-of-age story of a young man who discovers his true identity.”

The film is releasing on December 9.

Recently during an interview, Priyanka said that while everything else is being managed by her team pretty well, she is creatively involved by choosing best scripts for her production house.

She says whether it is for her own film or her production, she is careful about choosing scripts which will interest the audience.

On work front, the actor is gearing up for the release of her Hollywood debut film, Baywatch. (Indian Express)

Sonam Kapoor to win Best Actress for Neerja at Asia Vision Movie Awards

B

ollywood actress Sonam Kapoor will be feted with the Best Actress honour for her performance in the biopic Neerja at the Asia Vision Movie Awards.

The actress will be presented the honour at the 11th Edition of the Asia Vision Movie Awards, to be held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates on Friday, read a statement issued on behalf of Sonam.

Directed by Ram Madhvani, Neerja featured Sonam as Neerja Bhanot, who had lost her life while saving others on a hijacked Pan Am plane.

Sonam has already won some accolades for her performance in the film and was lauded by critics for her role. The actor who debuted with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s

film Saawariya recently shared a nostalgic post about the movie completing nine years. The 31-year-old star shared a poster of the 2007 romantic drama on social media and asked her fans to celebrate the moment with her. Sonam shared stills from the film, with the caption, “And what an incredible journey it’s been so far… #9yearsofSaawariya!

Relive the #nostalgia with me! #SanjayLeelaBhansali #RanbirKapoor.”

While Saawariya,

which was also the debut of Ranbir Kapoor, did not do well at the box office, Sonam went on to win accolades for her later films like Raanjhanaa, Khoobsurat, and this year’s Neerja. As she now nears a decade in the industry, she is playing all her cards right. Sonam is currently gearing up for her next Veere Di Wedding, which also stars Kareena Kapoor Khan and Swara Bhaskar. (Indian Express)

I am besharam, nudity means nothing to me: Ranveer Singh on “Befikre”

R

anveer Singh is one man who has absolutely no inhibitions when cameras around him start rolling. The actor who has stripped down to his undergarment in Befikre told us that he had absolutely no problems in pulling off the scene as physical nudity for him is no big deal.

Talking to indianexpress.com, Ranveer said, “I think I am very com-

fortable in my own body. I am very besharam that way. To be honest, for me physical nudity means nothing. For me as an actor, I am letting you into a much more intimate part of me. When I am going out on screen and emoting, I am really feeling it in that moment and I am letting you into my soul essentially. So I can’t be more naked than that.

So physical nudity for me doesn’t compare. I have put a lot more display that is a lot more intimate.”

Ranveer’s red underwear act from Befikre has grabbed enough eyeballs so much so that even SRK remarked on Koffee with Karan that if Ranveer’s underwear was not padded during the shoot, he (SRK) is a fan. When asked to react to King Khan’s comments,

Ranveer told us, “I have answered that question on Koffee with Karan. You should wait for the episode.” Ranveer will be appearing with Ranbir Kapoor on the popular talk show said that he had a blast shooting with the Tamasha actor.

Post Befikre, Ranveer will move into a period film zone with Padmavati.

While Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor have already called working in the film a huge challenge, Ranveer chose not to slot films as easy or difficult.

“I think to each his own. The other day I was hearing Ranbir speak and he was saying that it is more difficult to act in films like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani or Ae Dil Hai Mushkil where you don’t have a distinctive character and where you have to bring your own personality which is entertaining, engaging and charming enough to add to the character. What you find challenging for perhaps other actors, I will not find it so. It’s a matter of personal preference. For me, I don’t know what is more or less difficult. I am happy and blessed to be working in films that I get to do every day and I do my best.

That is what I can do. Sometimes you have very difficult days on easy films and sometimes very easy days on difficult films. So there are too many factors, permutations and combinations.”

(Indian Express)

Dipannita Sharma to make her digital debut with Ekta Kapoor’s web series

M

odel-actress Dipannita Sharma will make her digital debut with producer Ekta Kapoor’s ALT Balaji’s yet untitled web series. She says the show’s concept drew her to it.

“If this concept was offered to me on any other medium as well, I would’ve taken it up. It’s such an interesting, brave and intense subject and you can trust Ekta to do an amazing job on it. The digital world is an unexplored

space and the creative freedom with it only makes you want to dive deep into it,” Dipannita said in a statement.

The series promises a fresh, modern and relatable tale on how someone can possibly find a soulmate in a person, other than the one they are married to.

The show will see Dipannita in a bold and independent avatar opposite actor Sameer Soni.

The story unfolds as Sameer’s character falls in love with another wom-

an while dealing with situations that Dipannita’s character undergoes.

Talking about her role in the web series, she said: “I play the role of a woman whose husband falls in love with someone else and I must say that playing such a role was emotionally draining. But my co-stars and crew were so wonderful, that getting into the skin of the character came easily.”

Launching early next year, ALT Balaji marks Ekta’s ambitious foray

into the digital domain, with her application, which will showcase exclusive, original and never-seen-before content.

Dipannita, who featured in Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, said: “It’s something I’ve never played before and to get the right emotions to the forefront was very important to ensure the audience experiences what we are trying to bring forth.” (Indian Express)

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Hollywood 49

David Yates to direct all Dwayne Johnson is People’s five Fantastic Beasts films ‘Sexiest Man Alive’, says he has reached the pinnacle

D

avid Yates, who rose to fame by directing the final four films in the Harry Potter movie series, is on board to helm all the sequels of Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them films.

The Fantastic Beasts film franchise has expanded from three to five films and author J K Rowling will be writing the screenplay for the up-

coming movies, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The 53-year-old director said that he has committed to Warner Bros entire prequel series, which stars Eddie Redmayne as magizoologist Newt Scamander.

The first film, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, is set in New York and also stars Katherine

Waterston, Ezra Miller, Colin Farrell, Ron Perlman, Alison Sudol, Carmen Ejogo and Dan Fogler.

“I love making films, and I’ve got a great team, all of whom are like family. I only look at it movie to movie,” Yates said.

The filmmaker said that Rowling is “putting the finishing touches” on the sequel, which he “feels” is “so different from this first film. Much more haunting, like a dream. What she’s doing is really interesting; she’s not repeating herself.”

Meanwhile, Yates is in pre-production for the second film. It will introduce a young (and openly gay) Albus Dumbledore and expand on his rival, played by Johnny Depp.

(Indian Express)

Man from UNCLE actor, Robert Vaughn, dies at 83

A

ctor Robert Vaughn, whose Napoleon Solo on NBC’s spy yarn The Man From UNCLE set TV’s 1960s standard for suavity, has passed away at the age of 83. The iconic actor died after a battle with acute leukaemia, his manager, Matthew Sullivan, confirmed to Deadline.

“Mr Vaughn passed away with his family around him in New York,” Sullivan said.

Vaughn’s lengthy list of credits include “Magnificent Seven”, “Bullitt”, “Towering Inferno” and television roles in “Hustle” and “Coronation Street”. But, he will no doubt be remembered for Napoleon Solo.

UNCLE aired from 1964-68, and paired Vaughn’s elegant, dark-

haired Solo with David McCallum’s blond Russian Illya Kuryakin.

Vaughn had only recently finished two projects- an appearance on Law and Order: SVU and a starring role in the upcoming film Gold Star, about a young woman caring for her dying father.

The actor earned a supporting Emmy for the 1977 “Washington: Behind Closed Doors” and an Emmy nomination for playing Woodrow

Wilson in “Backstairs at the White House” (1979).

Vaughn also appeared onstage, including a 1955 production of The Pilgramage Play in Hollywood, later taking roles in Tom Stoppard’s “The Real Inspector Hound” and more recently, “Twelve Angry Men” at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in 2013.

He is survived by his wife Linda and two children, Cassidy and Caitlin Vaughn. (Indian Express)

Ryan Reynolds loves Deadpool

D

eadpool star Ryan Reynolds recently opened up, in an interview, about his obsession with the movie.

The 40-year-old actor was asked about his favourite Ryan Reynolds movies to which he replied, “Buried, Adventureland.

The Voices, Mississippi Grind.” “I love Deadpool with my last beating heart. I like Van Wilder.

If you watch that, I’m just wholesale robbing from Chevy Chase,” he told GQ magazine. Deadpool is a fictional anti-hero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

The movie follows the life of Wade Wilson (played by Ryan

Reynolds), a former ‘Special Forces’ operative who now works as a mercenary. His world comes crashing down when evil scientist Ajax performs a rogue experiment leaving him with accelerated healing powers and a twisted sense of humour.

“I was banging the loudest drum for Deadpool. I wasn’t just trying to open it; I was trying to make a

cultural phenomenon,” he said.

Reynolds also revealed his first moment with his wife Blake Lively, with who he shares two children.

“No, we were hanging out at this little restaurant in Tribeca that’s open really late, and this song came on and I was just like, “Want to dance?” No one was in there, so it was just totally empty. And it was just one of those moments where halfway through the dance, it was like, “Oh, I think I just crossed a line.” And then I walked her home. And, uh, you know, I don’t really need to go into what happened after that,” he shared. (Indian Express)

D

wayne 'The Rock' Johnson won't mind being United States' next President if given a chance.

Former WWE champ Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson can add People’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ title to his list of accomplishments.

The wrestler-turnedactor was crowned this year’s winner Tuesday morning. The 44-year-old tells the magazine that the honour means he has ‘pretty much reached the pinnacle.’ Johnson is set to discuss his new status with Ellen DeGeneres on her talk show next Tuesday.

Last year’s winner was British soccer standout, David Beckham. Other recent winners include Chris Hemsworth, Adam Levine, and Channing Tatum. Johnson has lent his voice to a character in the animated Disney film Moana,” which hits theaters next week.

Earlier, Johnson says he won’t mind being United States’ next President if given a chance. Addressing Donald Trump’s unexpected victory at the November 8 election, the 44-year-old star says that “anything can happen”, reported AceShowbiz.

“I wouldn’t rule it out. It would be a great opportunity to help people, so it’s possible. This past election shows that anything can happen,” he said.

Johnson may have no political experience, but he is no stranger to participating in political events. Back in 2000, he spoke at the Republican National Convention, where he urged young people to vote. (Indian Express)

Five decades and 200 films later, Jackie Chan finally wins Oscar

J

ackie Chan, the Chinese actor and martial arts star finally received his little gold statuette, an honorary Oscar for his decades of work in film.

When Jackie Chan saw an Oscar at Sylvester Stallone’s house 23 years ago, he said that was the moment he decided he wanted one.

Last Saturday at the annual Governors Awards, the Chinese actor and martial arts star finally received his little gold statuette, an honorary Oscar for his decades of work in film.

“After 56 years in the film industry, making more than 200 films, after so many bones, finally,” Chan, 62, quipped at the star-studded gala dinner while holding his Oscar.

The actor recalled watching the ceremony with his parents and his father always asking him why he didn’t have Hollywood’s top accolade despite having made so many movies.

He praised his hometown Hong Kong for making him proud to be Chinese,” and thanked his fans, saying they were the reason “I continue to make movies, jumping through windows, kicking and punch-

ing, breaking my bones.”

The actor was introduced by his Rush Hour co-star Chris Tucker, actress Michelle Yeoh and Tom Hanks, who referred to him as Jackie ‘Chantastic’ Chan.

Hanks said it was especially gratifying to be able to acknowledge Chan’s work because martial arts and action comedy films were two genres often overlooked during awards season.

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, hosts of the annual ceremony, also bestowed honorary Oscars on British film editor Anne V. Coates, casting director Lynn Stalmaster and prolific documentarian Frederick Wiseman.

The evening was attended by Hollywood’s elite, including Denzel Washington, Lupita Nyong’o, Nicole Kidman, Emma Stone, Ryan

Reynolds, Amy Adams and Dev Patel.

Stalmaster, 88, credited with securing career-defining roles for actors such as Jeff Bridges, Andy Garcia, Christopher Reeve and John Travolta, is the first casting director to receive an Oscar.

Coates, 90, who won the film editing Oscar for 1962’s Lawrence of Arabia and has edited more than 50 films, said she shared her honorary Oscar “with all the unsung heroes” of filmmaking.

Wiseman, 86, whose documentaries include 1970’s Hospital, 1987’s Blind and last year’s In Jackson Heights, said: “I think it’s as important to document kindness, ability and generosity of spirit as it is to show cruelty, banality and indifference,” he said. (Indian Express)

50 sport

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Achilleion Tri-nation Series, Zimbabwe

Holder, debutants help WI to thumping win

W

The West Indies team after a day of success against their Sri Lankan counterparts

est Indies' bowlers, led by Jason Holder and Ashley Nurse, defended 227 on a deteriorating Harare pitch to register a bonus-point win, their first against Sri Lanka at a neutral venue since 1999. West Indies may not have had as much had it not been for enterprising cameos from Jonathan Carter and debutant Rovman Powell.

Holder set the tone with a sensational opening spell of swing bowling in which he picked up two wickets and conceded 12 in five overs.

He had Dhananjaya de Silva caught behind off an inside edge and drew

Kusal Mendis forward with a full delivery that swung away late and took the outside edge.

Nurse took a reversecupped catch in front of his face at second slip.

In between, Johnson Charles effected an agile run-out of Kusal Perera, hitting the stumps directly from square leg.

The pitch seemed to slow down as the afternoon wore on with more than a few balls stopping in the surface. Nurse dismissed Sri Lanka captain Upul Tharanga with one such delivery.

It pitched on leg, drawing Tharanga into a flick, but the ball spun and bounced extravagantly to take the leading edge

and lobbed back to the bowler.

A few overs later, Nurse beat the defense of Asela Gunaratne and trapped him in front with what looked like an innocuous offbreak.

Suddenly, Sri Lanka had slumped to 79 for 6 on a surface that was getting increasingly harder to bat on, making West Indies' score of 227 seem a lot more.

Sachith Pathirana and Shehan Jayasuriya kept Sri Lanka in the hunt with a 60-run seventh-wicket partnership, but too much damage had been done too early. Nurse finished with 3 for 46, while Shannon Gabriel claimed the last

two wickets to return 3 for 31.

West Indies' first away ODI win since the 2015 World Cup was achieved after Jason Holder had lost his sixth straight toss and West Indies were put in. For most of their recent ODI series against Pakistan, their focus was on their biggest strength: power-hitting, as opposed to strike-rotation. It seemed like West Indies had intentionally swapped their strategy, with mixed results.

West Indies' major concern would have been negotiating a testing opening spell in gloomy conditions. Their batsmen were adept at doing so, albeit on a morning with less swing available than in the tri-series opener a few days ago.

Sri Lanka nipped out the openers in that period, including the runout of Kraigg Brathwaite who plonked his bat on the crease while completing a run. The bat jarred in the turf and bounced up as Nuwan Kulasekara's direct hit from mid-on found him short.

Debutant Shai Hope and Evin Lewis, a T20 specialist, were then forced to stabilise a faltering innings. As the

slower bowlers were introduced, the pair looked in so much discomfort in finding gaps that West Indies could only muster 51 runs between overs 11 and 25. The Harare pitch had begun to deteriorate and the Sri Lanka spinners strangled the batsmen. West Indies had cut out expansive shots on their own volition, and Sri Lanka closed the gaps.

Carter, an ODI specialist, found his rhythm from the outset, hitting gaps and finding singles by looking for them. He struck 54, and picked off

two fours and two sixes in a 62-ball knock filled with intent.

Powell displayed his ball-striking ability in his 29-ball 44, an innings that featured two fours and three muscular sixes into the leg side, all a result of a strong bottom hand.

Just when West Indies looked set for a score in excess of 250, Sri Lanka's seamers returned in the end overs to trigger a collapse.

West Indies lost their last five wickets for 18 runs. (ESPNcricinfo)

West Indies Captain Jason Holder rose to the occasion to lead his team to a convincing opening victory over Sri Lanka

sport 51

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Venues, athletes ready for West Indies Women white washed by India Nationals - GTU President - Automatic world cup qualification in limbo

Deandra Dottin gave her best but it wasn’t good enough

L

eft-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad's 4 for 34 helped India women defend 199, after Veda Krishnamurthy's 71 had helped set it up, as West Indies women were

whitewashed 3-0 in the ODI series.

The duo had led India to win in a similar pattern in the first ODI as well Gayakwad had taken a four-for and Krishnamurthy had scored a fifty.

This was both teams' final ICC Women's Championship game. West Indies, who needed just one win at the start of the series to seal automatic qualification to the World Cup next year, remain in fourth place with 22 points. They now have an outside chance of missing out on automatic qualification, should South Africa whitewash Australia in the three-match series which began from November 18. India finished the campaign with 19 points, and will have to earn their qualification to the World Cup. Put in to bat, India suffered a toporder wobble as no batsman from the top four went past 25. India were crawling at 52 for 3 in the 21st over before Krishnamurthy salvaged the innings. She first took the score past 100 along with Harmanpreet Kaur in a stand of 51 for the fourth wicket, and then past 150 in the company of debutant Devika Vaidya with whom she put on 57 for the sixth wicket.

India managed 39 runs in the last 31 balls, after Krishnamurthy fell for 71 (79b, 10x4) in the 45th over.

Vaidya finished unbeaten on 32 off 45, and Jhulan Goswami scored a useful 18 off 16. Chedean Nation, returning to international cricket after seven years, took 2 for 21 from her seven overs.

West Indies' top order gave them a steady start in their chase. Hayley Matthews (44) put on 49 for the opening stand with Shaquana Quintyne (18) and 20 for the second with Kycia Knight (55), before Gayakwad trapped her in front. West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor and experienced batsman Deandra Dottin scored 14 each, but there were no significant partnerships till Merissa Aguilleira (22) put on 46 with Knight for the sixth wicket.

They kept the chase alive, before Aguilleira was run out with West Indies still needing 34 off 32.

Gayakwad then removed Knight, followed by B r i t n e y Cooper, in the 47th over.

She also removed Anisa Mohammed in the 49th in between two runouts, that saw West Indies lose their last five wickets for just 18 runs.

(ESPNcricinfo)

T

Flashback! Linden District 10 celebrates its Championship win of the 55th National Schools Championships

he opening of the 56th Ministry of Education (MoE), Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU) National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming, and Track and Field Championships is just a few days away and everything is on track for the hosting of the event.

According to President of the GTU, Mark Lyte, all the venues and athletes are ready and rearing for next week’s championships.

At the launching of Nationals, it was revealed that there will be the usual 15 districts on board however, Region Eight was not registered at the time and has since make good of their registration, allowing in excess of 1500 athletes to participate from across the 15 districts.

As per norm, the athletes will be housed in the ‘game villages’ which is established by using schools from Woolford Avenue, i.e. Richard Ishmeal Secondary, North Georgetown Secondary, North Georgetown Primary, Stella Maris Primary and Tutorial High School.

However, the venues will see cy-

cling moving away from the National Stadium, Providence, to the National Park, Thomas Lands, while swimming will be at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal and Track and Field remaining at Providence.

Lyte said that “the GTU has already engaged discussions with the management of the venues” and believes that “everything is set and it will be a successful championships.”

Monday the competition opens with Cycling, Swimming and a 10K road race running simultaneously before the opening ceremony at the National Stadium the following day.

Lyte explained that the ever dependent police presence will once again be at the venues as well as the game village.

Fourteen time winners, Upper Demerara/Kwakwani (Linden) District 10 are the defending champions but 14 time champions as well, North Georgetown will have blood in their eyes as they look to dethrone the District 10 and once again be the most successful District in the Championships.

52 sport

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Trinidad reclaim CMRC - Guyana finish 3rd

A

t the end of four legs of highly competitive racing in the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC), Trinidad and Tobago were officially crowned the 2016 country champions on Monday evening at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown.

Trinidad, who lost the title last year by eight points to Guyana, recorded a whopping 1481.5 points, outscoring the second place Barbados by 793 points.

Barbados tally at the end of the four rounds was 688.5 while Guyana finished in third on 648.5; Jamaica (492) Cayman Islands (60) and

CAMS/USA rounded-off the points standings.

However, in the twowheel category, Guyana soared to the top of the table accumulating 647 points with Trinidad being their closest challenge on 169 points.

The respective group winners L-R Doug Gore; Matthew Vieira; Paul Vieira; Mark Thompson; partially hidden is Kurt Thompson, who collected on behalf of Mark Maloney The respective group winners L-R Doug Gore; Matthew Vieira; Paul Vieira; Mark Thompson; partially hidden is Kurt Thompson, who collected on behalf of Mark Maloney

On the individual side, Barbadian Mark Thompson was adjudged the best driver in Group two, accumulating 177 points while Trinidadians Marc Gill (141) and Luke Bhola trailed in second and third respectively; Guyana’s Shan Seejatan was in fourth with 107 points.

In Group three, Trinidadian Paul Vieira soared above the rest with 225 points while local boy Danny Persaud (120) clocked second place ahead of Ronald Worthman (105) and Nazim Gafoor (87).

In the main attraction group, Barbadian Mark Maloney scored

The respective group winners L-R Doug Gore; Matthew Vieira; Paul Vieira; Mark Thompson; partially hidden is Kurt Thompson, who collected on behalf of Mark Maloney

The victorious Trinidad and Tobago team collect their trophy from Seaboard Marine's Peter Perune

173.5 points to win the group four (2WD) ahead of Trinidadian Franklyn Boodhram (147) and Jamaica’s Peter Rae (108); Persaud (60 points) in sixth and Mohan Rangasammy (51 points) in seventh were also some local drivers who placed respectably.

In the group four (4WD) Jamaica’s Doug Gore and his Audi TTR gave him his third title as was able to score 163 points dethroning Guyana’s Kristian Jeffrey was able to finish in second place on 50 points as his Mitsubishi EVO finally came good on Sunday at the South Dakota Circuit, allowing him to win two races.

For the Super stock (600cc) Matthew Vieira led the table with 178 points to win his first

CMRC title. Matthew, who did not, had the best of outings on Sunday, preformed credibly in the other three legs which were held in Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados, which was good enough for him to secure the crown.

2015 champion Elliot Vieira finished in second 147 points while Stephen Vieira, who led the championship for the early rounds finished in third.

Moto America Champion Byrce Prince settled for fourth on 75 points as he led a clean sweep on Sunday riding for Team Mohammed’s Enterprise.

Prince along British Rider, Matt Truelove have signalled their intention to tour to the four countries next year once

the schedule does not conflict with their professional riding in America and England respectively.

Meanwhile, speaking at the presentation ceremony, President of the Guyana Motor Racing Sports Club Raj Boodhoo revealed that the races were a huge success for Guyana and that he is eagerly looking forward to next year, with the hope that more Guyanese riders and drivers tour so the country can regain the championship.

Boodhoo was also extremely grateful for all the support of sponsors and the support staff at the sports club in making the races a success once more.

Titles evenly distributed in Agriculture Month sport finals

T

he sun was out in all its brilliance and so too were the staff of the different agencies affiliated to the Ministry of Agriculture, which hosted its annual Inter-Agency Sport Finals 2016 at the National Park Tarmac last Friday.

Staff put aside their tools of trade for one final time in 2016 and exhibited their sporting prowess and athleticism, much to the delight of a very vocal crowd, who were loud in support of their respective agencies.

Action got underway with the March Pass observed by Director of Sport Christopher Jones, and though only two agencies- the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and the Fisheries Department- were represented, they were well coordinated in their display.

Jones, in declaring the event open, said the day of sport is apt at this moment, as it falls neatly into the Government’s plan to foster social cohesion in Guyana.

He added that the current administration will continue to invest in the development of sport, highlighting the significant role it can play in nation building.

Immediately after the Director’s brief address, the fun began with the lone semi-final of the cricket competition between GRDB and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

Batting first in the 10over contest, GRDB benefitted from 41 extras on their way to 106-7. They were in danger of a lower score had it not been for a quick-fire 20 not out from Walcott, 18 from opener Travis Fung and 13 from G. Ramnauth.

Kawall Mangal picked up 3-7; Bisham Singh (210) and Beecham (2-15) for NAREI, who could only muster 68 in reply, as they lost by 38 runs. Ryan Sukhna was the lone batsman into double-figures with 12 as extras contributed 16.

Bowling for GRDB, Nirman Bahadur was the pick of the bowlers with 3-12; Tyrone English picked up 2-4, while there was one each for Walcott, Ramnauth and Fung.

In the final, GRDB faced Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), who had drawn the bye to the championship game. Deciding to

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder (centre) presenting the winning trophy to the cricket champions, the Guyana Rice Development Board

bat first upon winning the toss, GSA put together 88-7 by the time the overs expired.

A. Narine (16), S. Franklin (14) and C. Fraser (12) were the leading scorers, while extras were 19. Bowling for GRDB, Bahadur was again amongst the wickets with 2-10, while there was one apiece for Walcott, English and Fung.

GRDB then raced to the target, completing the victory in 6.4 overs with just two wickets down. After Bahadur went without scoring, Fung and English took the attack to the bowl-

ers with a partnership of 70 to effectively seal the match.

While Fung was the aggressor, blasting three sixes and a four in 36, English was more content on rotating the strike, before he unleashed two sixes and a four in the seventh over to finish the game. English ended on 22 not out, while extras were again a healthy 22.

For the win, GRDB cricket team received a beautiful trophy and medals, while GSA and NAREI had to settle for the runnerup prizes. While Fung was named Man-of-the-Series

and Highest Run-Scorer, Bahadur emerged as the bowler with the most wickets.

In the preliminary cricket matches, NAREI (148) had defeated Hydromet/ New GMC (126) by 22 runs with Kumar Bishundial making 58 runs and taking a wicket, while GRDB (173) had disposed of Fisheries/ Pesticides (75) by 98 runs with Fung making a 50 off 13 balls.

In the other disciplines, Hydromet defeated GSA in the football final; Head Office won the domino competition; and GSA got the better of GRDB in the vol-

leyball and basketball finals. The cards competition was won by GLDA, while the March Pass was won

by Fisheries.

There were also several novelty competitions, including Lime and Spoon, Tug-of-War, Buns Eating, Beer Drinking and a Heads of Department race.

The winners of these events were all presented with hampers, compliments of New GMC. On hand to help in the distribution of prizes were Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder and Permanent Secretary George Jarvis.

The Ministry of Agriculture would like to thank all and sundry who participated in some way to make the activity a success. Special mention was made of the New GMC and GLDA for donating extra prizes. Gratitude was also expressed to NAREI, MMA, Pesticides, GSA, Hydromet, NDIA, Fisheries, GRDB, GuySuCo for their involvement in this year’s activity. The sport finals brought the curtains down on Agriculture Month 2016, which was held under the theme: “Exploring new production frontiers: in pursuit of climate resilience.”

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

53

54

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

55