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Opposition calls for forensic audit into controversial D’Urban Park Project ISSUE NO. 324

WEEK ENDING december 18, 2016

See story on page 5

Scores Page 3 attend funeral of Guyanese woman murdered in Queens

Dead: Rajwantie Baldeo

Chase-Green returned as Mayor of Georgetown …Duncan says process was ‘tainted’ Page 17 A scene from a Christmas programme that was held at the Marian Academy last Sunday evening in Georgetown. The programme showcased youthful talent in music, dance and drama; and was done in collaboration with WIST Dance Ministries International.

New York to participate in national “Drive sober or get pulled over” campaign Page 15

2 news

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana accredits new Bangladeshi, Finnish diplomats

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, new Finnish Ambassador Jukka Pietikäinen, President David Granger and Foreign Affairs Ministry Commissioner General Audrey Waddell following the accreditation ceremony

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resident David Granger on Wednesday morning accepted the credentials of the new High Commissioner of Bangladesh and the Ambassador of Finland to Guyana at State House, as he seeks to strengthen Guyana’s ties with foreign nations.

The Guyanese Head of State accredited Mohammad Ziauddin as the new Bangladeshi High Commissioner to Guyana, during which time he called for the cordial relations between the two countries to be significantly enhanced, particularly in the area of climate change.

During brief remarks, President Granger stated that Guyana and Bangladesh have shared cordial relations since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1972, sharing common positions on various international affairs, as well as common commitment to the principles and objectives of the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Commonwealth.

The Head of State noted that given that the two countries were highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, this was an area in which they should pursue cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels. As

such, the President said that Guyana looked forward to learning more about the steps that Bangladesh was taking to combat the threats posed by climate change.

“Guyana and Bangladesh together can continue to agitate for increased and more rapid climate financing for small-island developing and low-lying coastal states,” the President remarked.

The Bangladeshi High Commissioner disclosed that he highly anticipated meeting with the President and his excitement stemmed from having absorbed information about Guyana’s history and observed the beauty of the country and its warm and friendly people.

He said that the Government of Bangladesh believed that in today’s globalised world, relations should be strengthened with “friends on distant shores”, adding that his country now saw it as important to reach out to countries in Central and South America to build the bridges of friendship.

“It is now time to explore the untapped potentials of our two countries for further continued on page 7

NEWS 3

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Scores attend funeral of Guyanese woman brutally murdered in Queens T

he Guyanese woman who was hacked to death in Queens, New York on December 6, 2016 was on Wednesday laid to rest after her body was brought back to her native Guyana.

In the company of scores of mourners, the family of Rajwantie Baldeo stood grieving at the viewing and funeral service which was held at the dead relative’s 6th Street Foulis, East Coast Demerara (ECD) residence.

Scores of persons were also present as the body of the 46-yearold woman was cremated at the Good Hope Crematoriumafter the funeral service.

On the day she met her demise, Baldeo who was on a holiday visa in the United States -

Dead: Rajwantie Baldeo

but working as a cookhad left work minutes after midnight when she was reportedly confronted by her 50-year-old husband,

PremRampersaud at the corner of 103rd Avenue and 124 Street, in Richmond Hill, Queens, New York.

According to re-

ports, the couple began to quarrel after Rampersaud accused Baldeo of having an affair with a man she met online.

This subsequently turned into a scuffle, and Rampersaud reportedly stabbed his wife multiple times about her body.He was however caught red handed by eyewitnesses, who noticed that he had Baldeo’s body on the ground and was attempting to decapitate her.

Rampersaud was apprehended and charged with murder and possession of a criminal weapon.

Baldeo’s daughter had spoken to the media recently, and highlighted that her father had always been physically abusive to her

Suspect: Prem Ramperssud

mother, and on numerous occasions had threatened to kill her.

Neighbours of the family in Guyana, had also relayed to me-

dia operatives that Rampersaud had told them that he was going to New York to kill Baldeo. (Ramona Luthi)

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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EDITORIAL

The crime situation in Guyana

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mid countrywide reports of home invasions and armed robberies, the Guyana Police Force has announced that serious crimes were down by 16 per cent at the end of November 2016 when compared to the same period last year.

In every corner of every region, in booming voices and even in hushed tones, the population is crying out for relief, as the bandits respect no quarter and are spreading unease, much like a contagious disease.

The Police, in the release, stated that there was a ‘break even’ in reports of murder with a ‘clear up’ rate of 64 per cent. In addition, the Police recorded a six per cent decrease in robbery under arms where firearms were used, with a 15 per cent ‘clear up’ rate.

Additionally, there was a 17 per cent decrease in armed robberies where other instruments were used by the perpetrators and more so, a 25 per cent decrease was registered with respect to robberies where violence was used.

Despite the consistency with which crime is reported in the media, the statistics point to a vastly different reality. Could it be that the public and the victims are making much ado about nothing? Is the public’s perception of crime so far off from the reality?

Even in the wake of Monday’s heist, where a Corentynecambio dealer was robbed of millions when more than one dozen gunmen, all armed with AK-47s, invaded his property, the Police stated that the continuous monthly reduction in serious crimes was nothing but a testimony to the excellent collaboration among the many stakeholders and the public at large, coupled with the strategies employed by the Force.

Unfortunately, the Corentyne businessman did not benefit from these strategies, as the Police arrived at the scene more than one and a half hours after the 30-minute ordeal. According to reports, the businessman called repeatedly for help, even after the bandits invaded. A neighbour also attempted unsuccessfully to get the Police on the scene. Fortunately, the victim’s’ life was spared, this time.

It is clear that these were no ordinary bandits, as they were all armed with high-power weapons and were prepared for anything.

Yet again, with respect to the seizure of firearms, the Police announced that they were able to clean the streets of 96 unlicensed weapons, including 42 pistols, 28 revolvers, 24 shotguns, and two rifles. Where then did these high-power rifles come from?

Now we need to address the elephant in the room, there has been talk that public perceptions of crime are conditioned, to some extent, by information about its incidence (absolute frequency) rather than by information about its prevalence (relative frequency, ie frequency per head of population) and that the media treatment of crime may unintentionally tend to distort the public impression of crime’s prevalence and seriousness.

Although this was not said publicly, in some quarters there are those who are blaming the media (print, broadcast, social media) and pointing to the increase in reporting of such incidents. After all, this cannot be the reality – the crime situation is not that bad. The statistics prove that. It must, therefore, be the public perception that’s off.

The existing situation is not a deliberate distortion and misrepresentation of the reality, it was not crafted. It is real and being felt by hard-working, law-abiding citizens who are collectively crying out for something to be done. At this point what is needed most is action as we all work together towards building a safer nation.

Even the Honourable Finance Minister Winston Jordan has acknowledged that there is an existing crime situation as “we continue to be bombarded on a near daily basis, about a range of criminal activities, from petty to fatal, that is occurring across our country”.

He made reference to this situation during the presentation of the 2017 Budget estimates, where he proudly announced a myriad of new measures which will allow the authorities to both prevent and respond efficiently to crime. Towards this end, he announced that in 2017, the Government will expend G$29.1 billion to restore public confidence in our security sector.

Whatever its root causes, the tendency among Guyanese to be fearful of serious crime should not be lightly dismissed as ‘irrational’.

Students of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) perform an item at the institution’s graduation ceremony held at the National Cultural Center on Thursday.

Trump, climate change and Guyana

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peaking to the United Nations General Assembly last September, President David Granger reiterated his Administration’s commitment to converting Guyana into a “green state”: “It is a state that will ensure a secure future for its people in the pursuit of a ‘green’ economy. It is one that is proud of its place as a reliable and cooperative partner in international efforts to protect the earth’s environment.”

He pledged that Guyana will “work towards the UN’s Agenda’s goals, particularly, by contributing to limiting increases in global temperatures”. Without making explicit linkages, he was continuing along the path blazed by the Bharrat Jagdeo’s PPP/C Administration that had launched a “Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) back in 2009.

Since then, several countries, including Norway and Japan, have extended help to Guyana in its efforts to build a green economy.

Fighting the impact of climate change then, can be seen as an initiative that has the unequivocal support of both parties across the political divide.

Presenting the 2017 budget, it surprised no one when Finance Minister Winston Jordan announced its theme: “Building a Diversified, Green Economy: Delivering the Good Life to All Guyanese.” However, the incoming Donald Trump US Administration might just throw a spanner into that plan. The US President-elect is on record as unequivocally rejecting global warning: “The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make US manufacturing non-competitive,” he once tweeted. His actions since the election have cemented that position apart from his stating very clearly that he envisages the US increasing its exploitation of fossil fuels.

Presently, improvements in technology have allowed the US to become one of the top producers of petroleum from its shale deposits and

Trump has reiterated his commitment to an “America first” energy policy that is centred on fossil fuels – even coal.

Trump’s nominee to head the very powerful and critical US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, has expressed scepticism about climate change, and he helped spearhead a lawsuit by 28 states to try to overturn President Barack Obama’s Clean Power Plan. He had been one of the most vocal critics of the EPA and has vowed to change its orientation. Other agencies such as the Department of Interior will also be headed by individuals who are climate change sceptics.

More recently, the level to which Trump will go to derail even the US’s present tepid efforts to combat climate change can be gauged from the 74 questions his transition team submitted to the Department of Energy (DoE). All of the questions that relate to present US policy on climate change question its premises.

Believing, inter alia, that the request for the names of the scientists who participated in UN conferences on climate change presaged a witch hunt, the DoE has refused to comply with the request.

From a Guyanese standpoint, with the US acting as a brake on efforts of the leading economies in the developed world to fight climate change, our value as a net “carbon sink”, which President Granger emphasised to Parliament earlier this year, will take a beating. The carbon credits that we could have earned from net polluters such as the US will definitely either disappear or become trivial.

However, our own investments in alternative energy sources such as wind and solar will not be unrewarded since countries such as China and India that are also determined to use climate change mitigation as a spur to their economies will lower the costs of those technologies.

On the other hand, while Trump’s nomination of the chief of ExxonMobil as his Secretary of State might also indicate his ties to the fossil fuel interests, we should remember that we are on the cusp of sharing those interests and we might be in a win-win scenario. Additionally, Guyana will now become possibly more than just a blip on the US State Department’s radar.

NEWS 5

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Opposition calls for forensic audit into controversial D’Urban Park Project …as Govt MPs signal approval for additional G$500M for contractors

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he National Assembly found itself divided on Wednesday over giving or withholding approval for an additional G$500 million to be paid out from the Consolidated Fund to a number of contractors and other persons owed varying amounts for works undertaken on the controversial D’Urban Jubilee Park Project.

The rancour engulfed the House when the Speaker of the National Assembly put to a vote the capital expenditure under the Public Infrastructure Ministry’s budget, but was met with a resounding no.

A division was subsequently called for, resulting in 32 members of the House voting to approve the monies, while 31 members voted against it.

Member of Parliament Odinga Lumumba was absent at the time of the vote from the Opposition benches, while Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, was absent for the Government’s side.

Prior to the division of votes, the House heard

PPP/C MP, Juan Edghill

that on November 22 last, six days before the Budget was presented to the nation – Homestretch Development Inc (HDI) had written to the Finance Ministry indicating that it owes contractors G$500 million more and was looking to have this liability liquidated.

The revelation did not go down well with former Minster within the Finance Ministry, Juan Edghill, who openly questioned the timing of the inclusion of the G$500 million in the Budget, since the

Ministry had only been informed six days earlier.

In fact, Edghill argued that Government was in fact looking to turn over money to a private company – HDI – for works it had done using contractors that company had engaged in the project.

He used the occasion to draw reference to Substantive Minster David Patterson’s assertions that the Government did not actually engage any of the contractors that the Ministry was seeking ap-

proval to be paid over.

Voicing objections and questioning the methodologies to be used, Edghill sought to enquire of the Minister precisely what law of statue would be used to legitimise such a transfer to a private company.

Patterson, in his retort to the House, said Government would be using the same mechanisms that had been used to transfer some G$138 million to Omprakash “Buddy” Shivraj that went towards the construction of the then Buddy’s International Hotel, in addition to another G$38 million that went towards the construction of the Cacique Hotel.

Edghill, however, dismissed this assertion saying those monies in fact represented a loan to the two projects and had not been extracted from the Consolidated Fund.

The Minister denied too the assertion that Government had in fact employed a mechanism to spend some G$900 million on a project from the Consolidated Fund, while at the same time avoiding any kind of

Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson

scrutiny.

The trading of barbs came about when Minister Patterson told the House that the Public Infrastructure Ministry will in fact not be paying any of the contractors owed for works on the project and that the money will in fact be paid to HDI. Among the objections to such a mechanism is that HDI is in fact a private company not even listed under the Ministry’s Government’s list of organisations slated for subsidies and contribution.

Minster Patterson was adamant that the asset in the form of the D’Urban Jubilee Park is in fact an asset that belongs to the State.

Edghill also sought to no avail, to find out whether Minster Patterson, as an elected representative, is comfortable with expending in excess of G$900 million on a project undertaken by a private company where there was no procurement process to get the work done.

Patterson maintained that the project continued on page 9

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Granger’s refusal to respond to Resolution from Guyanese Diaspora in NY insensitive Dear Editor, It is rather unfortunate and extremely sad that the Head of State would stoop so low to viciously attack and criticise his supporters in the Diaspora at a ceremony in Buxton last Sunday. The very supporters who made sacrifices to help him get elected.

This is nothing new. As always, the Head of State is very crafty in misleading the public. He did so on numerous occasions, namely the controversial trip to China, the drug bond scandal, the D’Urban Park project, the audit reports and the several Commissions of Inquiry (CoI), among others.

During the election, he promised that his Government will prosecute those found culpable of corruption, but after spending more than G$250 million of the taxpayers’ money on audits and SARU, no one has been charged.

In July, the Head of State established a CoI to investigate the deaths of Antonio and Joshua George who died in a fire at the Government Drop-in Centre for abused children on Hadfield Street.

Again, he promised to discipline those found guilty of dereliction of duty. The CoI report found dereliction of duty among senior members of the Social Protection Ministry, yet no one was disciplined.

Again, words were not matched with action. So rather than telling the members of the Diaspora to stop writing, the Head of State should match his words with action. He has not only abandoned the youths who voted overwhelmingly for him, but he also told them to become entrepreneurs, while he employed hundreds of pensioners and retired military personnel. The youths do not have jobs, so where will they get the money to invest.

His refusal to respond to the resolution sent to him over a month ago from several groups in Richmond Hill, Queens and in Brooklyn is not only ungrateful and callous, but is also insensitive.

He has shown total contempt for the Diaspora which is a clear reflection of politically immaturity, lack of ideological foundation and the inability to communicate with the public. No mature and sensible political leader would insult his/her supporters in the Diaspora or anywhere else.

Only amateurish and elitist leaders would do such a thing. The Head of State should take a page out of the books of Forbes Burnham, CheddiJagan, Desmond

Hoyte and even Bharat Jagdeo who have always heaped praise and respect upon their supporters in the Diaspora and elsewhere.

Not only did the Head of State launch his political campaign in the Diaspora, but he also begged the members of the Diaspora for money to finance the 2011 and 2015 election campaigns.

In light of this, the Head of State made promises which he has not fulfilled. Neither has he thanked his supporters in the Diaspora for their support. Instead, he chose to meet with a few elitist Guyanese at a US$500.00 a plate dinner at the prestigious Sheraton Hotel in midtown Manhattan who did not raise a finger to obtain funds or mobilise support for him during the campaign. It was an elitist gathering.

Before telling the members of the Diaspora to stop writing and invest in Guyana, the Head of State should first clean up the mess at the Business Ministry which takes over a year to issue a business permit. Let it be known that no smart investor would invest in a country with constant power blackouts, frequent water shortage, high crime rate, rampant corruption and a government that is arrogant and highly incompetent. In the last eighteen months, conditions in the country have worsened to the point where visitors would be risking their lives visiting Guyana, much less to invest. The promise of good governance has turned out to be no governance and exchange instead of change.

Elites tend to insult and mistreat their supporters and then ask them favours, such as to invest in the country. The Diaspora has lost confidence and trust in the Government and many have already disassociated themselves from it. They are young and therefore time is on their side.

Let it be known that members of the Diaspora are not disposable human beings who can be used and abused as was the case in the last election. They have rejected the wishy-washy statement from a dishevelled, irrational and ceremonial leader who has lost his way. Today the poor in the country are experiencing more hardship than any-time before, which is making the PPP very attractive. The shellacking of the coalition Government by the PPP in the Local Government Election is a classic example.

Merry Christmas!

Sincerely, Dr Asquith Rose

History will judge Obama to be a great, unique President Dear Editor, One of the effects of Barack Obama being elected President of the United States of America twice is that there is a level of racism in America that can no longer be ignored. If a man like Barack Obama, so well-educated, so graceful, so intelligent, so charming, can be so reviled and denigrated on a daily basis in some parts of the country and in Congress to the point that he can hardly do his job, you can no longer, as a normal person, ignore the profound problem of race in that country.

Obama and his family have led with class and dignity through all the adversity, he is certainly the best leader of my lifetime, and he will be missed.

President Obama is an exemplary example of goodwill leadership. No matter how vile the opposition may behave towards him, in return he always extends to them his natural de-

cent goodwill, and generously too. There is not likely to be another with his grace for generations. Wish he could know how many do appreciate his efforts.

Michelle is equally a fine example of wholesome generosity, she will succeed at whatever she wishes to achieve. May the days ahead as private citizens be mighty good to them.

Obama has had to endure the most systematically obdurate Congress in United States history, determined to oppose him at all costs. It is a testament to his values and strengths that he has persisted in the face of such callousness, single-minded obstructionism and that he has achieved anything at all.

Obama has been the embodiment of hope and still is. Hope itself is not the achievement of change; it is what gives us the strength to strive for change.

I think history will judge Obama to have been a great

and unique President. He has been at the helm of so much civil rights change, from fair pay, to repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, marriage equality, and affordable healthcare for many millions of Americans.

But I think what he will be best known for is his dignity in the face of abject hatred. His detractors and their supporters have done everything they can to demean Barack Obama and his family, even questioning if he is an American. But noble minded, he has always remained composed and dignified, held his head up high, and that’s why history will judge him to be among the great American presidents.

There have been forty-four Presidents in United Sates history, including Obama. He will be probably 9th to 12th in the Presidential rankings I think.

Yours faithfully, Rooplall Dudhnath

Where is the “good life” for all Guyanese?

Dear Editor, The National Budget is usually a prime opportunity for the government to showcase its roadmap for a country’s fiscal policies, prudent management strategies and robust plans for social and economic development. The Constitution of Guyana prescribed these fundamental budgetary privileges to the Finance Minister under Article 219 to craft the estimated revenues and expenditures for a financial year.

However, the Government of Guyana, A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change has failed to utilise merit of a budget and keep its promises to the Guyanese people. The nation was optimistic that the Coalition Government would have seized their third opportunity to construct a strong budget and deliver on its assurances of accountability, transparency, inclusionary governance and the materialisation of a good life.

Consequently, Budget 2017 has quickly diminished the optimism of the nation due to its inept policies, privation of strategies, and overabundance on taxation. The country is clearly in a state of discontentment and bewilderment because the “utopian coalition regime” has for the third time failed to produce on their campaigned manifestos. Yet, the Minister of Finance saw it fit to commend his Administration on presenting three budgets in just 18 months.

Editor, Finance Minister Winston Jordan’s budget presentation was dressed with many clichés but I think he forgot to include one: it is not the quantity of but quality. It was the minister’s third budgetary presentation and yet no signs of a good life for Guyanese.

As such, what are the commendable things from the 2017 budget? Is it the 14% VAT ordinary Guyanese will be burdened with on water and elec-

tricity? Or were the positives, the increased fees/penalties, the substandard commercial policies, the removal of items on the tax exempted list or the draconian policies on the poor and middle-class Guyanese?

Conversely, Budget 2017 clearly lacked any comprehensive policies for job creation, attracting investment, stabilising the economy or ensuring more disposable income for the middle class.

Rather Budget 2017 is a taxation budget, one filled of new taxes and penalties, a budget devoid of programmes for the public sector, a budget with no measures for remediation of the sugar/rice industries, or has no programmes to combat the precipitous increase in crimes.

Perhaps, these are the commendable standards for the coalition governmental but for the mass of Guyanese it is not!

More alarming, the minister of finance stated the government will issue bonds to finance public programmes.

This is an ominous indication for the investment and multiple sectors of Guyana.

Economically once governmental borrowing increases interest rates will rise and will advisedly affect the borrowing abilities of public/private sectors. Therefore, there will be less accessible capital for the public/private sectors to inject in investment or expanding in business. These events complimented with added taxation can cause the economy to plummet into a recession with increase in the cost of living, higher prices, and unemployment. These are all ominous signs for national and economy wellbeing of Guyana.

If the Coalition Government truly wants to bring growth and stabilise a failing economy, it must revisit the 2017 budget measures. We must remember, it was the A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For

Change coalition, that campaigned heavily on offering 20 per cent increase to the public sector, revitalisation of the sugar industry, attracting new markets for the rice industry – assuring G$9000 per bag, and “stamp out” corruption.

However, the reality of 18 months in Government tells a different story on their achievement on campaign words. Many Guyanese now realised they were lured by the Coalition’s malarkey.

Rather, the Guyanese people saw this administration granting themselves a 50 per cent salary increase but for the third time giving nothing to the public sector.

Budget 2017 has all the hallmarks of a dismal future for Guyana and its immediate effects are already evident in many areas of Guyana. What can Guyanese expect over the next quarter if this budget is passed in the National Assembly?

Guyanese can anticipate a deeper recession with economic downturn, rise in unemployment, closure of more businesses, increase in prices, escalation in the cost of living, contracting in the economy and further increases in hideous crime.

Sadly, it is the ordinary and poor Guyanese who will face the brunt of this anaemic budget. I urge the Finance Minister to withdraw this budget before it devastates the livelihood of Guyanese and the image of Guyana! Many Guyanese are bemoaning this budget, even the stronghold supports of the Coalition.

Editor, I apprehensively hope the Government amend the measures of Budget 2017 and before it gets to the appropriation bill and truly deliver a “good life” to all Guyanese.

Yours Sincerely, Mahendra Hariraj

news 7

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

G$1B approved for problematic hinterland training scheme

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he problematic and controversial Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS), executed under the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry, was on Wednesday given the go-head to utilise almost G$1 billion to fund its programme for 2017, but not before a relentless two-hour long probe of the Ministry’s expenditure in the National Assembly.

The House reconvened and resolved itself into the Committee of Supply in order to consider the almost G$2.5 billion for the Indigenous Peoples Affairs Ministry.

Minister within the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, with the assistance of the Ministry’s senior technical personal fielded an unrelenting grilling from members of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Opposition before conceding to the many hiccups that have plagued the HEYS programme throughout the course of the year.

Launched in 2015 by the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration, the progamme currently trains in excess of 1800 students utilising the services of some 373 facilitators across 112 Amerindian villages.

Funded under allocations for Amerindian Development Projects, the House heard that G$996 million has been set aside for the HEYS

project in the coming year even as Minister Garrido-Lowe failed miserably to give assurances that the problems that plagued the programme in 2016 had in fact been remedied.

PPP/C backbencher Yvonne Pearson used the occasion to ask the Minister to provide an accurate analysis of some of the problems facing the programme since according to reports, not only have the equipment for the training of the youths not been reaching the communities, several of the students and facilitators have had to wait months.

She sought to query of the Minster too what remedial actions have been taken to ensure not only a smoother execution in the coming year, but for the remainder of the year.

Minister GarridoLowe – providing the answers in the stead of Substantive Minister, Vice President Sidney Allicock – admitted to the “hiccups we have been suffering at the Ministry which will be ironed.”

Still unable to inform the House of what remedial actions have or will be taken, the Ministry said discussions have been had, conclusions drawn and measures will be put in place.

She was nonetheless happy to report however that the majority of villages did not wait for the tools promised by the Ministry to begin venturing out into farming, catering, joinery and other

Minister within the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry, Valerie GarridoLowe

such projects.

Minister GarridoLowe admitted to the House that the progress made was essentially without the tools promised by the Ministry but “we will fix.”

The Minister appeared to be at a loss for answers again this time when questioned on solar panels and related equipment to be purchased with the members of the House at the end of the consideration being none the wiser.

It was Opposition Member of Parliament, Nigel Dharamlall – formerly the Permanent Secretary in the then Amerindian Affairs Ministry – who told the House that he is aware of payments made to the tune of G$500 million for the purchase of the solar panels and related equipment.

According to Dharamlall, the items were purchased for homes and industrial type equipment to be used to power the Information Communications

Guyana accredits new...

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development of our peoples. My primary objective would be to strengthen cooperation and the overall relationship between our two countries… I shall remain committed to taking the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries to a new height. I will do my best to bring our two countries closer…

I know that with your blessings that our venture will be successful,” he posited.

Meanwhile, climate change, along with oil production, was also highlighted when the non-resident Finnish Ambassador, Jukka Pietikäinen, presented his Letters of Credence to the Guyanese leader.

After presenting his credentials, the Finnish Ambassador, in brief remarks, pointed out that the significant oil finds over the past two years in Guyana would provide massive opportunities to grow the country’s economy.

To this end, he expressed his country’s readiness to assist Guyana in the process of changing and developing the dynamics of the country.

“The challenge is to translate its future economic wealth into sustainable growth and prosperity of the citizens.

Finland stands ready to support your nation in these endeavours,” he asserted. The diplomat added that his country has the expertise and technology that would be needed by Guyana going forward.

President Granger pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1979, the two countries have shared an amicable relationship, one he hoped would continue in the future as they worked towards common goals, particularly in the area of climate adaptation and mitigation and sustainable energy development.

“We are committed to a low-carbon, low-emission trajectory of development. We look forward to working with you to strengthen cooperation in the areas of environmental protection and climate change mitigation and adaptation, during your tenure… Guyana, a small State, continues to make a big contribution to the global efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. We applaud Finland’s commitment to reduce its emissions substantially and to implement measures to arrest global temperature rises and its support for developing countries in their quest to build greater climate resilience,” President Granger outlined.

Moreover, the Head of State also spoke of Guyana’s ongoing efforts to establish a ‘green’ State, which emphasises protection of the environment, preservation of the country’s biodiversity, provision of eco-tourism and eco-educational services and the promotion of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation.

Technology (ICT) hubs.

Minister GarridoLowe reported to the House that the ICT hubs and related pieces are no longer being catered for under the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry.

Dharamlall persisted to no avail, as he sought to determine the actual location of the equipment since he was certain that the payments had been made by that Ministry.

Public Infrastructure Minster David Patterson attempted to intervene at this point but was prevented by Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland who informed the House that the Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister was more than competent to field the questions herself.

Not satisfied with the forthcoming answers from the Minister, Speaker Dr Scotland informed Dharamlall that “I am not going to have this; I am going to ask you to take your seat…

That is the answer you must take… if you want a different answer you have to ask a different question.”

The unsatisfied Opposition member again questioned, “where is it, is it in a container, is it in a factory,” but was told by Minister GarridoLowe, “I have answered

the member already.”

Heckling from his benches, PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee blurted in reference to the unaccounted for G$500 million in solar equipment, “another scandal.”

The Minister told the House that the Telecommunications Ministry and the E-governance department are overseeing the entire country with regards to ICT. Security service expenses Another of the expenditures that attracted a lively debate in the House surrounded the recurrent expenditures and payments specifically for security services.

Opposition Member Dharamlall observed for the House that between 2015 and 2017 the allocations for security services for the Ministry has in fact increased five-fold from just about G$12M to in excess of G$66M. Minister GariddoLowe indicated to the House that the increase was in fact as a result of the Ministry having to rent a new building and will have to provide security.

Dharamlall insisted that the increase appeared outrageous and in seeking to provide an answer this time around, the Minister sought to

explain the increase as catering for increased electricity charges at the Sophia Village.

The House eventually moved on to considering other items without an answer forthcoming.

The Members of the House heard too that the Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister has allocated as part of its 2017 expenditure, monies to cater for countrywide consultations for the revision of the Amerindian Act. The House was at the time querying a G$106 million – an increase from G$36 million in 2015, for the Ministry Secretariat’s travelling.

Minster GarridoLowe informed the House that the Ministry will be catering for the increased consultation in addition to provisions for a legal officer, increased monitoring of community projects in addition to a consultancy for a women’s and children project.

Monies were also approved in the more than G$2.4 billion Budgetary Allocations for 2017 to fund activities related to the National Toshaos Council, Heritage Month Activities, the Rupununi Rodeo and Music Festival, an ACTO Forum in addition to support to a number of indigenous sporting activities.

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

“Another broadside from the Govt”

Cellphone thief to spend Christmas in jail

…Opposition says in relation to Demerara Harbour Bridge toll hike

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unior Public Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson on Wednesday disclosed that Demerara Harbour Bridge tolls would be increased from next year, a move the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has condemned, calling for its withdrawal.

The issue came up in the Committee of Supply during the consideration of the 2017 Estimates for the Public Infrastructure Ministry when Opposition Member of Parliament Komal Chand enquired whether the Demerara Harbour Bridge would be self-financing, since the subsidy has been reduced from G$150 million last year to a mere G$2 million this year.

In response, Minister Ferguson revealed the intention to hike the tolls. She further disclosed the new fees, and the increases ranged from 50 to 200 per cent.

The tolls will increase as follows: motorcycles – from G$20 to G$40; motor cars – from G$100 to G$200; motor cars (hire) – from G$100 to G$200; motor tractors – from G$200 to G$300; one-axle trailers – from G$200 to G$300; hearses – from G$100 to G$300; motor lorries (class 1) – from G$500 to G$700; motor lorries (class 3) – from G$600 to G$700; goods vehicles (up to 2200 pounds) – from G$100 to G$400, and goods vehicles (up to 4400 pounds) – from G$200 to G$400.

However, there will

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Kennrick Cozier

The Demerara harbour Bridge

be no increases for fourwheel drive jeeps and minibuses, which are currently tolled at G$200 as well as for vehicles with double-axle trailers, which cost G$300 to cross the bridge.

Asked by PPP/C parliamentarian Juan Edghill when the announcement of the toll hikes would have been made since nothing had been said to date, the Junior Minister said that the public would have been informed later this week. The increases will take effect from January 1, 2017.

The Opposition has kicked up a storm on these increases, which it called “another broadside from the Government” even as the Guyanese populace was overcoming the “shock and horror” of the 2017 Budget.

“The Office of the Leader of the Opposition views the astronomical increases in the tolls to cross the Demerara Harbour Bridge as most cruel, crass and insensitive. This measure will

add to the nearly 200odd measures, which have been imposed upon the backs of the Guyanese people in the year 2016,” a statement on Wednesday evening detailed.

The release went on to outline that this increase would no doubt multiply the hardships and sufferings, which the Guyanese population would have to endure in 2017 and beyond.

It further stated that the manner in which the Government concealed this measure from the public was equally reprehensible, as it noted that the information was reluctantly disclosed only after intense scrutiny and questioning by the Opposition Party’s MPs. “We call upon the Government to immediately rescind these proposed increases in tolls for the Demerara Harbour Bridge and we say to the Government, that you have taxed the people of Guyana enough for the year,” the parliamentary Opposition de-

clared.

PPP/C Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) representative Irfaan Ali also issued a statement on the “covert decision” to increase the tolls, saying that such a move would negatively affect the Region’s economy and result in additional hardships for its residents.

“It is also my view that these increases will adversely affect businesses in the Region which are already struggling to survive given the Government’s mismanagement of the economy… This move by the Government is harsh, spiteful and repressive.

It also presents a new wave of “jumbie economics” which is being practised by a very secretive and corrupt coalition Government,” Ali remarked.

He further called on the Administration to abandon plans to increase the Demerara Harbour Bridge tolls.

cellphone thief was not pleased to hear that he will be spending his Christmas in a jail cell after being charged with robbery.

Kennrick Cozier, 24, of 110 B West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Annette Singh.

He pleaded guilty with explanation, in the hope of copping a small fine, but was quick to cry “I don’t understand the law, but I wanted to explain myself that is why I pleaded guilty.

I heard when you plead not guilty, you don’t get to talk.”

The charge against him stated that on December 12, 2016, at Water Street,

Georgetown, and while being in the company of another, he robbed Trebivan Kalamadeen of one BlackBerry cellphone valued G$40,000 and G$2000 in cash.

According to the prosecution’s information, the Virtual Complainant (VC) was walking North along Water Street when he was approached by the defendant who reportedly asked the VC for G$40 of which he did not comply. As such, the defendant and an accomplice attacked the VC and a scuffle ensued.

The Police were called to the scene by eyewitnesses; however, the accomplice managed to escape with the G$2000.

The defendant attempted to explain that he did not commit the offence, but was interrupted by Magistrate Singh who asked him what was his reason for pleading guilty if he is in fact not guilty of the offence.

The defendant was hesitant in his response.

The prosecution also revealed that this is not the accused’s first offence and that a similar offence was previously brought before him.

As such, bail was refused and the defendant was remanded to prison.

He will return to court on December 28.

Rupununi man on G$70,000 bail for wounding charge

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Lawrence France

man who is allegedly the victim of an attempted assassination was on Wednesday brought before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan charged with wounding.

Lawrence France, 37, of Lot 86 Tabatinga, Central Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper T a k u t u - U p p e r Essequibo) pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

It is alleged that on December 9, 2016, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Sean Brusters.

However, the defendant’s Attorney submitted that his client was not guilty of the offence for which he was charged.

The lawyer stated that on December 3, 2016, three individuals

invaded the restaurant of the defendant and attempted to assassinate him. However, their plans were foiled when Police arrived on the scene and they were all arrested.

The defence counsel said too that the Police were in receipt of footage which clearly showed the perpetrators planning out the act. However, he claimed that something was amiss, as while the investigation into the matter was ongoing, his client was arrested and charged with wounding.

Brusters is one of the men who allegedly attempted to assassinate France.

The lawyer further claimed that the wounding allegations were against someone else, but the Police accidentally arrested his client.

He begged for reasonable bail on the grounds that it was the Christmas season.

Magistrate McLennan concurred, saying “in the spirit of Christmas, I place the defendant on $70,000 bail”. The matter will return to the Lethem Magistrate’s Court on March 7, 2017.

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Rice from Guyana, Brother meets tragic death in Suriname to be bid to save sister from bandits released into …sister vows to fight for justice Jamaica – Samuda

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Minister Karl Samuda

ndustry and Commerce Minister, Karl Samuda has announced that rice imported from Suriname and Guyana will be allowed to be cleared from the wharves starting yesterday afternoon.

He made the announcement at a press conference yesterday.

On Monday, the Jamaica Customs Agency temporarily halted the clearance of rice at all ports of entry following reports of so-called plastic rice on the market.

The Bureau of Standards Jamaica be-

gan testing samples to verify whether rice was in fact being contaminated with plastic.

Yesterday afternoon, Samuda said the BSJ had found no evidence of this so far.

He said in the interim the authorities were allowing rice from Jamaica’s CARICOM partners, Suriname and Guyana, to be cleared as the BSJ’s investigations continue.

He cited the historical integrity of product supplied by CARICOM, as the reason for trusting rice from the region.

(Jamaica Gleaner)

Opposition calls for forensic...

from page 3

represents an asset of the State and belongs to the people of Guyana.

Meanwhile, as it relates to the overall expenditure and cash and kind donations, Public Infrastructure Minister Patterson told the House that a total of G$27.7 million was received in the form of donations from private individuals and entities, while another G$37 million came about ‘in kind’.

As it relates to the donations, the Minister provided a list to the House. Among the donors as listed by Minister Patterson are three anonymous contributors, Palm Court, TEOCO, STP Investments Inc, Mohamed’s Cambio and RUSAL, among others.

He listed among those given donations in kind as BK International, Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited, BaiShanLin Forest Developers Inc, Demerara Sand and Aggregates, Barama, Buxton Gas Station, Splashmins, and NABI Construction, among others.

The Opposition member querying the expenditure was adamant during the consideration

that with donations being less than 10 per cent of the G$1 billion price tag, the project could not be one that could be considered as done privately.

He was adamant that it is reasonable to conclude that HDI was just a company that was used to engage private contractors of which ultimately all of the money to be expended was to be paid by taxpayers and without any tender process.

Meanwhile, the Opposition is calling on the Auditor General of Guyana to conduct an immediate forensic audit into all revenues, expenditure and donations received.

In a statement late Wednesday evening from the Opposition Leader’s Office, the PPP expressed its disgust and outrage over the coalition Government’s raiding of the treasury for the additional G$500 million to be plugged into the controversial D’Urban Park Jubilee Project, which is clear proof that the Guyanese people were deceived into believing that the project was privately funded.

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Dead: Matthew Scott

North East La Penitence man was on Tuesday evening shot dead after he rushed to his sister’s aid as she was being attacked by two gunmen outside their home. The incident occurred just before 23:00h.

Dead is 26-year-old Matthew Scott of Lot 291 North East La Penitence, Georgetown.

It was reported that the sister of the now dead man, in the company of another female villager, was walking along Toucan Street heading home and upon reaching in front of her house, two men exited a tinted dark blue Toyota 212 motor car, which was parked nearby and attacked them.

An alarm was raised and Scott rushed out of the house to rescue his sister, but was shot by the bandits instead. Based on reports, he sustained a single gunshot wound to his chest and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Speaking with Guyana Times Internationalon Wednesday, his sister Simone Waldron-Scott related that while heading home, she noticed the strange car parked outside her home but did not think anything of it until the men emerged and attacked them.

She recalled that the men went to the older woman first but she pulled out a knife, which she keeps on her person for protection, and brandished it at the men.

“When she pulled out the knife, they left

her and one of the boys come up to me and gave one cuff straight to my (right) ear. Then we had a scramble and he snatched off my chain, and pelt a shot at me but he missed; so he raised his foot to kick me,” the woman recounted.

At this point, she noted, the other woman raised an alarm to alert family of what was transpiring and the gunman also fired a shot her (elderly woman), but missed again. Nevertheless, the screams and gunshots alerted Waldron-Scott’s family, and her 26-yearold brother rushed outside with her teenage son.

The woman further related that her brother picked up a brick to hit the gunman and that was when he was shot.

“When they come outside, my brother pushed my son away and that’s how he ended up get shoot… I fight back, why y’all didn’t take me; y’all had to shoot me brother, my only brother,” the grieving woman lamented.

Furthermore, the woman related that she saw her brothers’ killer and described him as “fair skin, tall with screwed hair and with a tattoo on his neck… that’s the guy who attacked me and shoot my brother but he ain’t getting off so… I going all out for my brother, I need justice for myself and my brother.”

The expecting father, who was employed as a maintenance mechanic in the ‘Rum Factory’ at Banks DIH Limited, was married only three weeks ago. His wife, who is five months pregnant, was too distraught to speak to the media, but was observed washing away the blood stains in front of the gate as she sobbed in grief.

Meanwhile, Police have since received some information about the incident and are following the leads on the suspects. This newspaper understands that apart from the two suspects, there was also a third person driving the vehicle.

Scott was shot and killed while attempting to rescue his sister during a robbery in front of the family home

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18 , 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Nandlall accuses Court clears way for Cabinet of “hand-picking teachers’ promotion in 2017 favoured contractors”

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he Cabinet Council of Ministers is being accused of hand-picking contractors for specific contracts even as the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) remains inoperable.

This damning allegation is being levelled by former Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who in a recent interview with Guyana Times International, revealed that from all indications and in breach of the Procurement Act, the Cabinet continued to exercise a no-objection power in relation to the award of contracts.

According to Nandlall, the PPC has been appointed over two months ago and the Procurement Act provides very clearly that when the PPC is appointed, Cabinet loses its no-objection role in respect of the award of contracts.

He told this newspaper that “a new trend is now developing…whenever the tender process does not deliver the desired result and produces a contractor who is not a favoured one of the Administration, the ten-

Former Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall

der process is rescinded for some spurious reason, and the process is done all over again with a view to procure the desired contractor”.

The former Attorney General insists “this defeats the entire Procurement Act and indeed, is an affront to the public procurement process”.

He has since charged that the practice was also illegal and was a corrupt act which must end now.

“Significantly, it results in massive delays in getting public works done and services ren-

dered to the people of the country,” Nandlall noted.

All of the members of the Commission were sworn in by Head of State, President David Granger in October last.

The members include Attorney-at-Law Emily Dodson; Carol Corbin, wife of former Opposition Leader Robert Corbin; Dr Nanda Gopaul, a trade unionist and former Labour Minister under the previous Administration; University of Guyana lecturer Sukrishnalall Pasha, and Ivor English, Critchlow College Principal and former head of Transport and Harbours Department.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has, in recent days, been voicing dissatisfaction over the lack of transparency surrounding numerous contracts awarded by the Administration and has signalled his intention to use his office to lodge formal complaints with the PPC. During the swearing-in of the Commissioners in October last at the Ministry of the continued on page 17

The GTU during one of its protests against the TSC

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fter almost two years in limbo, teachers can finally be promoted following the ruling made by acting Chief Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards.

The Teaching Services Commission (TSC), during its monthly statutory meeting on Tuesday, agreed to review the 2015/2016 Promotion List for School Administrators in the new school term.

Teachers were not promoted for the years 2015 and 2016 thus far, owing to the conflict between the TSC, the body responsible for the promotions, and the Union.

Last year, the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) filed an injunction in the courts blocking the TSC and the Education Ministry from executing the promotions.

According to the GTU, the reason for the injunction was to force the two bodies to review their process of promotion, since the Union strongly believed it was severely flawed.

The TSC was using the assessments given by education officers, head-teachers and Regional Education Officers and not the provision of the Rule Book governing the promotion of teachers.

The Union believes that the TSC’s method was defective, since those officials and headteachers could have exhibited favouritism in their assessment of teachers’ performance.

The Union also believed that some officials and headteachers deliberately skewed assessments to stymie the development of teachers with whom they had personal conflicts.

But the TSC decided to challenge the matter, contending that all of its promotions were above-board.

The acting Chief Justice finally ruled on the matter in favour of the GTU, and the TSC has decided to not appeal the decision.

The TSC explained that it was strongly advised by three Senior Counsels to appeal the court order, but since the pursuance of the appeal would result in a long and time-consuming process, the body decided to comply with the court’s decision “on humanitarian grounds”.

“The TSC wishes to state that their decision not to appeal was primarily to avoid any further suffering of the affected teachers which would ultimately also affect the nation’s children,” the body said in a statement to the media.

The TSC explained that it would have a “Special Full Commission” meeting in January 2017 to plan the review process.

The organisation highlighted that the exercise would take a few months since a thorough examination of approximately 5000 applications would be done.

Govt says 17 Post Offices will be upgraded to ICT hubs next year

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eventeen Post Offices will be upgraded to Information Communications Technology (ICT) Hubs in 2017, Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes disclosed during her contribution to the National Budget Debate in the National Assembly last week.

The collaboration between the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), and the Public Telecommunications Ministry will see post offices in Kamarang, Acquero, Mabaruma, Ituni and Aurora among others receiving satellites. They will benefit from Internet connectivity that will be made possible through the E-Government Public Internet Access Points.

Minister Hughes said that ICT connections would significantly enhance the Post Offices’ services such as bill pay-

Telecommunications Minister, Cathy Hughes

ments, same-day money transfer, the envisioned electronic payment of pensions, and online shopping.

The Minister highlighted that there were 64 Post Offices throughout the length and breadth of Guyana, 10 of which were made ICT ready in 2016. She noted that as of November 2016, 47 Post Offices through the country were ICT equipped.

Minister Hughes said that methods of communication have changed,

and this particular source of national revenue had to undergo some alterations.

Additionally, the GPOC commenced rebuilding the Kitty Post Office in 2016 and construction would soon conclude to serve the residents of that locality.

Hughes said that in 2017, further enhancement would be made to the Post Offices’ premises and security.

This will see the renovation of the Anna Regina and New Amsterdam Chief Post Offices based on the budgetary allocation for capital works in 2017. Additionally, the GPOC will also seek to regularise its properties and acquire land titles which are currently in the name of the Colony of British Guiana.

Ownership of land titles will allow the Corporation to acquire funding to improve its infrastructure, Minister Hughes pointed out.

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18 , 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

CID rank wins top honours at 2016 Police Awards

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he Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Criminal Investigation Division (CID), on Tuesday, held its Christmas Luncheon Awards, where the Division’s top performer, Corporal Prem Narine walked away with several awards.

At the CID Christmas Luncheon and AwardsCeremony, which was held at the Mess Hall, Police Headquarters Eve Leary, Georgetown, Narine along with several other ranks were honoured for their outstanding and long hours of dedication to the GPF. In addition to being awarded the Best Cop, Narine also nabbed Best Rank from the Major Crimes Unit (MCU).

Corporal Narine’s unit also copped Best Section, which was shared with the Crime Intelligence Unit.

In accepting his honours, the Corporal pointed out that these awards show family members of ranks

Detective Corporal Prem Narine of the Criminal Investigation Department as he receives his award for Best Detective of 2016 from Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud at the Force’s Christmas Luncheon and Award Ceremony hosted at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary on Tuesday

that they have something to show for spending so many hours away from home.

“These awards are not just a symbol of performance at work, but it shows your family that the time [spent] away

from home doesn’t go unrecognised,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Justice Brassington Reynolds, who was the featured speaker, congratulated the GPF’s administration and leadership for its initiative to recognise the

work of officers. He further encouraged ranks to maintain integrity in carrying out their duties. “[Ranks need to understand] the pressures which confront the ordinary citizen in their everyday lives and exer-

cise good judgment in the prosecution of your duties, using no more force than is necessary for you to achieve your mission,” Justice Reynolds noted.

He urged ranks to observe the COP acronym, reminding them to be caring, obedient and to always prepare for the eventualities that may arise.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum noted the timeliness of the awards and praised the Force’s efforts in solving cold cases, notably the Babita Sarjou case. The Crime Chief highlighted many of the challenges that ranks face on a daily basis with several “sleepless nights”, time spent away from families, especially in pursuit of “high profile cases”.

Senior Superintendent Hugh Jessemy was specially honoured before he retires in a few weeks after 35 years of service. Sergeant Benjamin and Corporal Pitama of Major Crimes Unit were

also honoured for refusing a G$4 million bribe from two women who allegedly attempted to cover up evidence in the murder investigation of Corentyne Carpenter Faiyaz Narinedatt.

Meanwhile, other ranks receiving honours included Constable Calvin, who nabbed second best CID performer, while Sergeant Warde of the Interpol department nabbed that unit’s top honour. Other section awardees were Constable Thomas from Fraud Squad; Constable Fraser – Registry; Constable Atherly-Ward – Criminal Records Office; Corporal Scarce – Forensic Laboratory; Corporal Blair – Crime Intelligence Unit; Lance Corporal Augustus – Supreme Court; Corporal Pitama –Trafficking in Persons; and Constable Barnes – Serious Offences Unit.

Awards were also given to best performing ranks in Divisions A to G.

Guyana records -4% export growth rate for 2015 – IDB

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n light of a contraction in sales to the United States and Canada, Guyana suffered a restrained decline in exports of negative four per cent in 2015, according to recently released InterAmerican Development Bank (IBD) report.

The report highlighted that for the six Caribbean countries for which 2015 export data were available, estimates showed an aggregate decline of 23 per cent, or nine percent when Trinidad and Tobago is excluded. While the most pronounced contraction was observed in this latter country (-27 per cent),

followed by Suriname (-14 per cent), Belize (-13 per cent), Jamaica (negative seven per cent), Barbados (negative five per cent), and Guyana (negative four per cent).

The principal markets of the Caribbean – the United States (US), the European Union (EU), and the sub-region itself – all showed negative performances. The report revealed too that Guyana’s decline was attenuated by higher shipments to Panama, to Caribbean partners, and to the EU. Guyana’s export growth rate for shipment to the US declined by negative six per cent in 2015.

Meanwhile, reduction in exports from Barbados (negative five per cent) responded mainly to the decline in intra-regional shipments, which offset the increases in sales to the US and to the EU. The European Union and Mexico are the partners that most contributed to the decline in the exports of Belize (-13 per cent).

All principal trading partners contributed to the seven per cent decline in Jamaica’s exports in 2015. The most relevant, due to their weight in the total, were with the US, the EU, and the Caribbean sub-region.

The estimated re-

duction in exports from Suriname (-14 per cent) was due to lower purchases from the United States. On the other hand, the collapse in oil prices severely affected the exports of Trinidad and Tobago (-27 per cent), with the US and intra-regional partners being the destinations that mostly contributed to the contraction.

According to the report, in 2015 Latin American and Caribbean exports experienced their greatest decline since the international financial crisis, with an estimated reduction of 14 per cent. Although to a large degree, this rate reflected the impact of the sharp contraction in the prices of the commodities that make up the regional export basket, the report stated that weak performance of manufactured goods was also a factor.

“There was an almost immediate impact of the extra-regional decline on the levels of intra-regional trade, evidence of the strong linkage of the

economic cycle of Latin American and Caribbean countries with the performance of the external sector. Only in the case of the Mesoamerican countries is the sub-region functioning as a countercyclical outlet for exports,” the report read, adding that for 2016, the risks for Latin American and Caribbean export growth are tilted to the downside.

It noted that there are no signs of a reversal of the downward trend in commodity prices, which are approaching the levels seen at the beginning of the export boom in the early 2000s. Additionally, the modest growth of the United States and of the European Union are now combining with the deceleration of the Chinese economy and with the erosion of intra-regional demand to lower overall real export demand.

Finally, the divergence in monetary policies in the United States and the Euro zone make a sustained appreciation of the dollar more likely, which could accentuate

deflationary pressures on regional trade.

Therefore, the IDB stated that given the current environment, it is urgent to implement trade promotion and facilitation policies that contribute to reverse the downward trend and to support trade diversification.

So far, estimates for 2015 indicate that the merchandise exports of Latin America and the Caribbean will show a contraction of 14 per cent.

“This would mean the largest drop since the international financial crisis, and a result that will take the total value of exports close to US$915 billion, barely above the 2010 level,” it said, noting that foreign sales will fall for the third consecutive year.

Unlike previous years, when performance was varied across sub-regional groups, in 2015 the contraction was estimated to affect nearly all countries.

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

T&T rattled by another quake, over 100 aftershocks since last Tuesday

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rinidad and Tobago was rattled by an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.6 on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after the country was shaken by a 4.2 magnitude quake.

The Trinidad-based Seismic Research Centre

was also felt in Scarborough, Arima and Port of Spain.

Last week, the SRC head Dr Joan Lutchman, warned Trinidad and Tobago to be prepared for more aftershocks following last Tuesday’s 6.1 magnitude earthquake that sent

(SRC) at the St Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI), said that the latest quake occurred just after midnight and was located Latitude 11.19N and Longitude 60.99W. It had a depth of 16 kilometers and was felt in places west of Scarborough in Tobago and Arima and Port of Spain in Trinidad.

As had been the case on Monday, there were no reports of injuries and destruction to property. The SRC said that the 4.2 magnitude earthquake occurred on Monday at 1.26 am (local time) and

many people scampering out of their homes into the streets.

Lutchman said that since the earthquake late Tuesday evening, the country has experienced more than 100 aftershocks.

“We have actually had over 100 aftershocks associated with that event last evening. The aftershocks will continue for several months.

We will have some that will be felt. We will have possibly an earthquake greater than magnitude five associated with this sequence that will definitely be felt,” she added.

(CMC)

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Trotman announces major policy development for 2017

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he Natural R e s o u r c e s Ministry will see significant improvements during the new fiscal year 2017 through the review and revitalisation of policies in some critical areas.

This is according to Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman who last week said that to support the continued development and implementation of robust policies related to natural resources, while coordinating the work of implementing agencies under the purview of the ministry, and monitoring and evaluating the agencies’ work programmes, a financial commitment to the tune of G$579,879 million is necessary to cover the ministry’s recurrent and capital expenditures.

Speaking on the Strategic Plan and Policies for 2017 through 2021, while addressing the National Assembly, Trotman said the ministry has requested the assistance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2017 to revise and update the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Strategic Plan (2013-2018) and Monitoring and Evaluation. He said that since assuming office, the Ministry has undergone significant institutional changes, and as such, it would be a timely initiative to update the strategic plan.

Updating strategic plan

Trotman spoke of the revision of the National Forest Policy and informed the house that for the New Year, the minis-

Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman

try will continue to update and/or create policies and laws relating to the conservation, management, protection and sustainable development of the nation’s forest resources.

“There have been changes in Guyana’s economic, social and political landscape over the last six years since the previous forest pol-

icy was crafted. An updated forest policy will mark a significant shift in emphasis from the development of the timber potential of our forests to management of the forests’ multiple downstream goods and services for national benefit,” the Minister told the House.

He said the current policy of 2009 aims at dissuading the export of logs while encouraging value-added manufacturing of forest products.

He said it is obvious that this policy was honoured more in the breach than in observance.

As it relates to National Log Export Policy, Trotman said in the interest of strategically enhancing the competitiveness of Guyana’s Forestry Sector in 2017, the Government has

commenced review of the National Log Export Policy to develop a new policy for immediate implementation: “We cannot underestimate the role that mining plays in the nation’s social and economic development.

Mining generates jobs and significant revenues.

With improved governance, the sector can advance economic diversification and the creation of jobs and enhance sustainable investments in health, education and infrastructure. These positive benefits are difficult to achieve in the absence of a strong policy framework.”

He noted that it is for this reason that the ministry through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission will have a completed draft of the Mining Policy in 2017. He also announced that there is an ongoing review of the bauxite interview with a particular emphasis on the feasibility of an alumina plant.

Legislative gaps

Trotman said there is also need for a Legislative Review that would enable improved governance and the development of a sustainable extractor sector. He noted that in 2016, the Ministry had tasked its regulatory agencies with identifying strategic priorities, legislative gaps in their existing Act and Regulations, and more recently, a review of the fees and fines that are stipulated by their legislation.

Following the re-

views conducted, it was deemed that the Acts and Regulations were out-dated and many loop-holes were identified and as such, there was a need for the revision of the legislative framework that governs the extractive sector.

In the area of Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) Trotman said Guyana remains committed to advancing its REDD+ preparatory activities through the Readiness Fund of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF). With the financial support of the FCPF through the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), a Technical Cooperation valued at US$3.8 million will allow Guyana to undertake a series of REDD+ readiness activities, designed to create the basis for Guyana to receive payments for reducing carbon emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and for supporting conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.

Specifically, he said this cooperation will support improvements in the organisation and strength of institutions for REDD+ readiness, including robust consultations and meaningful participation of stakeholders; and the preparation of the Guyana REDD+ Strategy to facilitate access to additional funding under performance-based incentives.

ECD teen on bail for attempted robbery

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young man of Lot 121 Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara, was released on G$100,000 when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for attempting to commit a felony.

Travis Sears, 18, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that December 2, 2016, at Croal Street, Georgetown, he attempted to rob Gavin Peters while being armed with a knife.

The Prosecution stated that on the day in question the teen attacked Peters while he was walking along Croal Street.

The defence attorney in attempting to secure bail told the court that his client has a fixed place of abode and his client has no pending matters or has ever been convicted of any criminal offence.

The prosecution however vehemently noted that the accused gave Police his home address as Lot 121 South Ruimveldt ant not the address established as by Police. The Prosecution objected to bail on the grounds the accused is trying to mislead the court.

The Defence attorney outlined to court that there must be a mixedup in addresses since his client only have one fixed place of abode.

Magistrate Faith Mcgusty granted the teenager bail and ordered that he return to court on December 21, 2016.

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

New York to participate in national "Drive sober or get pulled over" campaign - additional Troopers deployed to crackdown on impaired driving

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

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overnor Andrew M. Cuomo yesterday announced that New York State will participate in the national “Drive Sober or get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign to crackdown on impaired driving this holiday season.

According to a statement from the Governor’s Office, drivers can expect sobriety checkpoints and an increased number of Troopers patrolling New York roadways. State Police will enforce the national campaign Friday, December 16, 2016 through Sunday, January 1, 2017.

“Too often, impaired drivers cause accidents resulting in injury, death and heartbreak,” Governor Cuomo said. “Reckless driving is a crime and this national crackdown will help strengthen our law enforcement during one of the busiest times of the year to keep New Yorkers safe. I urge everyone to drive responsibly and remain vigilant on the roads this holiday season.”

During the crackdown campaign, Troopers will be watching for distracted drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up, and drivers violating the “Move Over Law,” which requires motorists to exercise extreme caution when passing emergency vehicles that are stopped in or on the side of the road.

In addition to State Police, local law enforcement agencies will also be participating in this national crackdown.

Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement vehicles.

The CITE vehicles allow Troopers to more easily identify motorists who are using handheld devices while driving. These vehicles blend in with every day traffic, but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated, the Governor’s office said.

DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner and Acting Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Terri Egan said, “State Police and local law enforcement work year round to keep our roads safe and this end of the year crackdown will be no exception.

Even one drink can be a matter of life and death on the road. I urge New Yorkers to always use a designated driver and be safe this holiday season.”

During last year’s crackdown, State Police issued more than 32,000 tickets, including more than 11,000 for speeding, 810 for distracted driving and 348 for the “Move Over Law.” There were also 477 people arrested for DWI and six people killed in crashes.

In addition, 33 counties and 115 local law enforcement agencies participated in the Holiday Season Crackdown last year, resulting in 134 DWI/DWAI arrests, 11 DWAI-Drug only arrests, 99 other arrests and 1,570 vehicle and traffic summonses.

To keep our roads safe this holiday season, the New York State Police and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offer the following tips: Plan a safe way home before the celebrating begins; Before drinking, designate a sober driver; If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation; Use your community’s sober ride program; If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement; and If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.

In addition, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation collaborated on the “Have a Plan” mobile app, which is available for Apple, Droid and Windows smartphones. The app enables New Yorkers to locate and call a taxi service and program a designated driver list. It also provides information on DWI laws and penalties, and a way to even report a suspected impaired driver.

For more information on traffic safety enforcement in New York State, please visit www.safeny. ny.gov.

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National Assembly hosts children’s Christmas party

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peaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland on Saturday hosted the National Assembly’s annual Children’s Christmas Party.

The party attracted scores of anxious and excited children from the Sophia Care Centre; the Mahaica Children’s Home; the Education Ministry’s Resource Unit for the Blind and Visually Impaired along with children of the staff of the Parliament Office.

They all packed the lawns of the Parliament Office to receive their Christmas gifts and refreshments and to see Barney, Elsa, Ollaf and Santa Clause.

The party included a short “official” segment chaired by children of the Parliament staff and included poems, and songs performed by staff’s children. During this segment, Dr Scotland greeted the children, and explained to them that the National Assembly’s

…Duncan says process was ‘tainted’

Children flock to play with Olaf at the Speaker’s party

Annual Children’s Christmas Party began with his predecessor, Raphael Trotman.

“It is something that I look forward to and it brings a great sense of pride, joy and humility when I see the excited look on the faces of the children and the expression of gratitude from

their parents.” The party provided an opportunity for children as well as parents and caretakers to socialise and interact with the Speaker and other Members of Parliament, including Richard Allen, Michael Carrington and Harry Gill.

“To Sir, With Love” author dies at 104

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R Braithwaite, the Guyanese author, educator and diplomat, whose years teaching in the slums of London’s East End inspired the international bestseller “To Sir, With Love” and the popular Sidney Poitier movie of the same name, has died at age 104.

Braithwaite’s companion, Ginette Ast, said that he became ill Monday and died at the Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center in Rockville, Maryland.

Schooled in Guyana, the US and Britain, Braithwaite wrote several fiction and nonfiction books, often focusing on racism and class and the contrast be-

Chase-Green returned as Mayor of Georgetown

tween first world and colonial cultures. He was regarded as an early and overlooked chronicler of Britain from a nonwhite’s perspective, his admirers including the authors Hanif Kureishi and Caryl Phillips.

He also served in the 1960s as the newly independent Guyana’s first representative at the United Nations and later was Ambassador to Venezuela. Upon his 100th birthday, he received an honorary medal from his native country for lifetime achievement.

“To Sir, With Love”, his first and most famous book, was published in 1959. The autobiographical tale about how a West Indian of patrician manner scolded, en-

The late ER Braithwaite

couraged and befriended a rowdy, mostly white class of East End teens, who in turn softened him, was an immediate success and a natural for film. Poitier played Braithwaite (renamed Thackeray) in the 1967 release and the pop star Lulu was featured as one of the students. The title song, performed on screen and on record by Lulu, became a Number One hit.

Nandlall accuses Cabinet Presidency, President Granger noted that the Constitution of Guyana mandates the establishment of the PPC. It was supposed to be established over 14 years ago, but was delayed time and again over differences between the Opposition and consecutive Administrations of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on the members, and law changes.

Granger stressed that the Commission’s purpose was to ensure that the procurement of goods and services and execution of works were conducted in a fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective manner, according to law, and such policy guidelines as may be determined by the National Assembly.

“The Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana is sacrosanct. Its

from page 10

provisions must be observed and applied scrupulously. Its authority must never be diminished or ignored. The establishment of the Public Procurement Commission represents respect for the supreme law of the land,” the President urged.

The Head of State at the time also iterated the body’s commitment to the principles of accountability and transparency in the conduct of public business.

“The establishment of the Commission evinces the importance of ensuring equity and fairness in public procurement. I congratulate you – the members of the Public Procurement Commission – and urge you all to be faithful to the oath you have just sworn.”

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Councillors voting at Thursdays special meeting held to elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor

atricia Chase-Green has been returned to the position of Mayor of Georgetown after Sherod Duncan withdrew just before the Georgetown Mayor & City Council was set to vote for a new mayor.

Just before the vote, Duncan announced that he was withdrawing from the process which he said has been “tainted” with “ministerial” intervention and that councillors have been “coerced” to give their support in a particular direction.

In a Facebook post, Duncan also announced that he will not be contesting for the Deputy Mayorship as that position requires someone more in tune with the incumbent Mayor’s thinking and work ethic.

Lionel Jaikarran is the new Deputy Mayor.

The deputy mayor, who had been at loggerheads with Chase-Green and Town Clerk Royston King especially as it relates to the soon-to-be-introduced parking meter system, said this is not what he had hoped to do but he has been forced

into this direction.

President of the Guyana Market Vendors Union (GMVU), Eon Andrews told this publication that he supported Duncan since he (Andrews) is of the view that Duncan has a vision for the city.

"Chase-Green only concerned about touring and bringing back initiatives that would negatively affect Guyanese, like the Parking Meters," he said.

The vice president of the GMVU, Carol Carter, also told this publication that they wanted present Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green out because she was only "oppressing the vendors." She also reiterated that Chase-Green held no vision for the vendors of the city.

Other vendors related that it was their opinion that Duncan was more people friendly and seemed to listen to the cries of the vendors. They further described Duncan as a man of "integrity" and "honesty".

Chase-Green and Duncan have been at loggerheads for quite some time now, especially with the soon to be installed parking meters project.

Sophia taxi driver dies after crashing into utility pole at Linden Highway

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father of three is now dead after he crashed into a utility pole at the SoesdykeLinden Highway on Monday afternoon.

Trenton Dazzell, 29, of Lot 124 B Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre in an unconscious state after he lost control of his vehicle, PRR 915, and crashed into a utility pole, a short distance from the Soesdyke bridge.

Guyana Times International was told that at the time of the accident, the road was wet which caused the vehicle to skid, after which it toppled twice before slamming into the pole.

The man was pulled from the wreckage and rushed to the hospital where he immediately underwent surgery, but succumbed during the process.

When this publication visited the dead man’s home, his brother Kennard Dazzell said he received a call and

Dead: Trenton Dazzell

was told that his brother might have been involved in an accident.

After checking at the Diamond Hospital, he was told that the man had died and was at the Lyken Funeral Home awaiting identification.

“When I arrived there, I saw his feet and immediately, I knew it was him,” the grieving brother said.

He further related that he subsequently visited the Police Station, but was not given much information about the accident.

“The Police were saying that he passed them

and a couple of minutes later they received a call that there was an accident. Apparently, he lost control at the bridge and swerved into a GTT pole and flipped a few times and he was thrown from the vehicle to the parapet.”

He was picked up and rushed to the hospital but efforts to save his life were futile.

The surviving Dazzell brother used the opportunity to give caution to road users.

“That is why persons need to be careful with the current situation that we have right now and they really need to be careful.”

Dazzell was described as a very high-spirited person who would light up any room he entered.

The dead man leaves to mourn his wife and three children; ages two, three and six, along with his brother and other siblings.

This is the eighth fatal accident for the past week on Guyana’s roadways.

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Granger rates “Operation Safeway” as successful

…even as 7 die in one week

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he Guyana Police Force’s “Operation Safeway” has been regarded as a success by President David Granger, even as fatal accidents and incidents of persons driving under the influence continue to increase.

Over the past few days, the number of road fatalities recorded has been alarming and points to the level of recklessness occurring on the roadways.

But President Granger debunked claims that road crimes were escalating, noting that “Operation Safeway” resulted in a reduction in road accidents.

“The rate of fatal accidents since Safeway was launched to now … saw a reduction…As part of “Operation Safeway”, there is a more stringent enforcement of people driving under the influence,” he stated during his weekly televised “The Public Interest” programme.

For the period September 15 to October 16, 2016, Traffic Chief, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan had report-

Some of those who tragically lost their lives in the road accidents over the past week.

From left: Simon Kendall,Mark Mc Coy, Ryan Ragubir and Dr Haimant Haimraj

ed a 36.3 per cent reduction in fatal accidents compared to the same period last year. He said a total of 6421 charges have been made against drivers for various traffic offences since the inception of “Operation Safeway”.

Nonetheless, there are concerns that “Operation Safeway” is not addressing the root causes of the road problems, including the inconsiderate behaviour of drivers who refuse to stop for pedestrians to cross the roads at pedestrian crossings.

Not too long ago,

CCTV footage of two children getting struck down by a truck as they attempted to cross the busy road at Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) went viral, sending shockwaves throughout the nation.

Although the children stood at the crossing – signalling their desire to get to the other side of the road – for quite a number of minutes, the vehicles on the highway sped by.

Luckily for the children, though they were ran over by a truck, they survived.

The past few days

have recorded a distressing number of road fatalities, including those of children.

Two men also died tragically on Sunday evening when a motorcyclist collided with a pedestrian on the Rupert Craig Highway.

The motorcyclist was reportedly speeding when he collided with the pedestrian, who was allegedly under the influence.

In a separate incident at Lima Sands on the Essequibo Coast, a 49-year-old driver was arrested and was now assisting with investi-

gations after the tractor he was driving ran over a five-year-old girl, who died instantly.

Last Friday evening, a carpenter was struck down by a motor car while crossing the public road at Houston, Greater Georgetown. The carpenter, Ryan Ragubir, was walking behind two work colleagues who were also crossing the road at the time the car knocked him down.

Also on Friday, Dr Haimant Haimraj, 26, died at the Suddie Public Hospital, Essequibo Coast, after he reportedly lost control of the mo-

torcycle he was riding and crashed into a fence.

According to investigations, speeding has been attributed as the cause of the accident which occurred about 17:45h on the Vilvorden Public Road, Essequibo Coast.

On Thursday, an 11-year-old student, Simon Kendall, of Tagore Memorial Secondary School in Berbice, was struck down in front of his home at Number 46 Village, Corentyne, by a car driven by a driver whose licence was suspended.

Also on Thursday, a young man who was en route to visit his grandmother at a city hospital collided with a minibus, whose driver was reported to be under the influence. The young man, who sustained a punctured lung, is now battling for his life.

Finally, last Tuesday, a 14-year-old boy, Mark McCoy, died instantly after he was struck down by a minibus. Reports indicate that the child rode his bike into the path of the minibus in the vicinity of Diamond, EBD.

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Over 4000 child abuse cases recorded in 2016 – CCPA

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he CuyuniMazaruni district (Region Seven) has recorded the highest number of reported child abuse cases for the year so far.

The Social Protection Ministry’s Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) made this disclosure at its 2016 Staff Conference on Wednesday morning.

CCPA representatives from the Monitoring and Evaluation Department, Latoya Beckles and Mark Baksh, disclosed that for the period January to October under review, the country saw 4259 cases of which 3209 were related directly to child abuse, whereas 965 recorded reports concerned other welfare matters, including child trafficking and child labour.

The preliminary statistics showed that 58.3 per cent of girls suffered abuse, while 41.7 per cent was recorded for boys. The age group four to seven was the most vulnerable group, with 27.3 cases per every 1000 children in the same category.

The Region Seven area, which is principally a mining district, also showed the highest rate of child abuse cases at

Head of the CCPA, Ann Greene

47.4 per every 1000 children, while Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) came in next with 17.4.

Meanwhile, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) ranked third with 14.2 per 1000 children.

Region Seven also ranked highest in the categories of neglect, sexual abuse, physical and verbal abuse.

Region 10 was ranked second for sexual abuse cases, while Region Four was placed second in the child neglect category.

Parents were said to be the main perpetrators of child abuse across the regions, with 76 per cent.

The numbers further revealed that of this 76 per

cent total, mothers accounted for nearly half of the cases at 48 per cent, whereas fathers reflected 23 per cent of the cases. The three years and younger age group was identified as the most vulnerable category for boys in the CuyuniMazaruni district.

The final statistics will be released next year when numbers for November and December are added, the CCPA noted.

In 2015, over 3000 reports of child abuse cases were recorded at the Agency. Head of the agency, Ann Greene had told media operatives that neglect accounted for the highest number of reports and that reports of sexual abuse had surpassed 600.

Greene had further added that last year, the agency needed to find alternative care for over 500 children who were placed in foster care and institutional care.

“We try to make institutional care as the last resort, but most times, institutions are all we have to provide alternative care for a child; and it is not the best care but it’s life-saving for children sometimes,” Greene had expressed.

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Guyanese undergo suicide Struggling Capital projects: Public Infrastructure Ministry prevention training in New York has 3 weeks to spend G$9B Bank will be in Guyana from next week so that formal agreement could be finalised on the two revised projects.

CORE

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Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson

he Public Infrastructure Ministry was only able to spend G$14 billion out of the G$23.3 billion it was allocated for capital works in 2016.

As such they will have three weeks to spend the remaining G$9 billion before the ministry is required to close its financial books and return all unused monies to the Consolidated Fund.

Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, made the disclosure this past week and revealed that under the allocations for Capital Works for the Ministry only 60 per cent of its programme was completed as at December 6 last.

Minister Patterson made the disclosure as he was making his contributions to the debates on the 2017 National Estimates and lamented the pace with which the Ministry has been going about with the Public Sector Investment Programme.

According to Patterson, the pace of implementation in 2016 was not as anticipated “but we have improved capacity,” He told the House that the Public Infrastructure Ministry has since been able to put district engineers and clerk of works in each administrative region.

Providing a review of his stewardship of the Public Infrastructure Ministry during the course of the past year, Patterson disclosed that recurrent expenditure by the Government agency was only 80 per cent of what it was allocated for the entire year.

Overall, out of G$6.45 billion the Ministry was allocated, G$5.345 billion was expended (82.82 per cent), according to Patterson.

Waterfront development

Turning his attention to some of the Ministry’s plans for the upcoming year, Minister Patterson said Government will be looking to vigorously pursue the Georgetown to Ogle Waterfront Infrastructure Development and Enhancement Project.

Patterson recalled for the House that during his Budget 2016 presentation, he had listed a myriad of projects to be funded by the Government of Guyana and the UK – Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (DFID).

Providing an update, Patterson told the House that after reviewing the situation, the preferred option of the Donor is for one large project which would stand out and could be easily visible.

He said in a subsequent discussion that the Ministry had proposed another huge project, with two revised projects, namely the creation and/or restoration of modern Waterfront Recreational Areas between Kingston and Ogle and Stabroek Market and Vreed-en-Hoop, along with improved accessibility between Waterfront Development at Seawall and Stabroek Area.

He told the House that the acquisition of a dredge is also part of this project.

Minister Patterson told the House too of the other project which involves the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Linden to Mabura Road and the construction of a Bridge across the Kurupukari River at Kurupukari Crossing.

He disclosed that it will be the Caribbean Development Bank which will be responsible for overseeing these projects and a team from the

Patterson used the occasion to announce too that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure will embark on a new initiative in 2017 that will lend to environmentally sustainable communities namely the Community Organised for the Restoration of the Environment (CORE).

According to Patterson, CORE “is a unique initiative that will see the establishment of 20 community groups across all of Guyana’s regions.”

He said each region will have two teams, except Region Two, which will have one team, and Region Four, which will have three teams.

Some of the identified communities are Moruka, Port Kaituma, Number 51 to Moleson Creek, Kato, Mahdia, Bartica, Lethem, and Linden.

According to Patterson, the initiative is designed to supplement the work of the Special Projects Unit of the Ministry in such a manner that it provides for the environmental upgrade, drainage, and sanitation improvement and general aesthetics of the works being undertaken by the Unit.

Speaking of the Ministry’s plans for the upcoming year, Patterson disclosed that works have already commenced on the installation of lights, for the very first time, in Yarrowkabra and “we will be expanding into new areas in 2017.”

He told the House that some 50 areas have been identified and include the 14 Friendship Squatting Area; Rosignol Cultivation Area; Mainstay Housing Scheme; Number 30 Village; and Goodland, Canal Number One. He said too that the ministry will in 2017 invite and establish Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) for generation from renewable resources at Anna Regina and Bartica.

The Minister said 2017 will also see the ministry pursuing an aggressive meter upgrade programme using Advanced Metering Infrastructure compatible meters with the 2017 target set at 16,000 meters. (Gary Eleazar)

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The POTS delegation during one of their training sessions in New York

ight members of the volunteer group Prevention of Teenage Suicide (POTS) Guyana, recently concluded a two-week suicide prevention training workshop in New York, United States, where they were also able to raise funds for the organisation.

The training focused on Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) which is an intensive, interactive and practice-dominated course designed to help persons recognise, and review risks, and intervene to prevent the immediate risk of suicide.

The trainers of this workshop are certified by Living Works, INC as accomplished practitioners in suicide prevention, intervention and post-attention.

In addition to the training and workshop, the director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline arranged for POTS to visit and conduct a radio interview which raised approximately US$2000, which will aid in their continuous school outreach programme.

According to the suicide prevention organisation, these workshops and training assisted its members and volunteers in becoming more efficient and effective in undertaking various duties and is beneficial as they continue our journey to eradicating suicide in Guyana.

Vice president Ruth English-Wilson described the overall experience as “wonderful yet challenging”. “(I) appreciated the way in which the training helped me

in learning new ways to tackle suicidal situations when someone is speaking to you in an indirect manner.”

She further added: “The workshops taught the group that many challenges will be faced ahead, however, they should all be strong-minded to tackle them,” she expressed.

Ravindra Mohandeo, Operations Advisor and Manager of Tour Committee, described his training experience a, “tremendous one”. He said he gained a lot from the exposure and he was truly grateful for the opportunity. Mohandeo further explained: “I was given the opportunity to share some of our stories and experiences from victims we dealt with in the past and also share ways in which we dealt with these cases. In addition, I was also taught new ways on how to deal with these victims, apart from refreshing myself from the knowledge and information that was previously taught to me.”

The POTS delegation also visited the New York Mental Health Unit Helpline and was shown the procedure under which they receive calls. The POTS team was enlightened on the technology behind the system and the extent to which the calls are received.

POTS-GUY is a non-profit organisation founded by Guyanese-born Lisa Punch.

The organisation will launch its new campaign next year, targeting Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) communities.

Texila American University-Guyana hosts 3rd annual graduation ceremony

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The graduates taking their oath

he Texila American UniversityGuyana hosted its 3rd annual graduation ceremony last Saturday, which saw over 25 Guyanese and American students graduating in medicine and nursing.

Twenty-seven students from the Guyana campus and five from the United States of America received their Doctor of Medicine Degree, while three students received their Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo at the ceremony noted that the graduates should all be proud of their accomplishments: “You are now, I should say, doctors and nurses and so I cherish the moment with nostalgia and memories of how important these rituals are in our lives. You’ll look back at this moment with pride and emotions at the moment you received your certificate… and reflect on the glorious road that you have travelled.”

Nagamootoo assured that the sac-

rifices made by the graduates are recognised: “You have made a commitment to leave your homes and to travel to a distant land to invest in your future and it was not a choice that was made easily, it was a choice that had to be decided upon by your parents who would lose you for years, who would wish that they were with you, by your loved ones for those who are married, your partners and those of you who are mothers and fathers, your children.”

President of the University, Saju Bhaskar, in delivering his speech, dispelled rumours that the University will be closing its doors: “I am proud to say that we are not closing down, we are growing with a multimillion-dollar campus in Providence which will be inaugurated expectedly on the 14 of January by the Honourable President of Guyana.”

He further congratulated the graduates for the path they chose and their ensuing successes.

22 NEWS

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Overseas-based Guyanese opens multiDoctor died from purpose service station in Buxton multiple injuries, Region 2 accidents

5-year-old from crushed skull – autopsies Dead: Dr Haimant Haimraj

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he autopsy conducted on five-year-old Orissa Williams, who lost her life tragically on Sunday in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), died as a result of a crushed head sustained from the accident.

The autopsy was conducted by Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh, on Monday at the Suddie mortuary.

Meanwhile, the 49-yearold driver remains in Police custody pending investigations. Charges will be laid against him shortly.

The accident involved a tractor bearing registration plate 21496, and trail-

er TBB 4806, owned and driven by Ganga Persaud, who is also a hire car driver from Lot 11 Lima Sands, Essequibo Coast.

Information revealed that the tractor was proceeding north along the Lima Sands Access Road, while two pedestrians, namely Ivor Courtman (Junior) and Orissa Williams, were standing on the eastern side of the road facing west.

According to Police information, Orissa was in the process of running across the road when she fell on the eastern side of the road. One of the rear wheels of the tractor recontinued on page 23

…President urges Diaspora to invest more in Guyana

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resident David Granger on Sunday afternoon while addressing Buxtonians urged the Guyanese Diaspora to invest in their homeland.

The call was made as villagers gathered for the grand opening of the Wilson’s Gas Station, located on Buxton Public Road, East Coast Demerara.

The multipurpose service station was built by Morris Wilson, an overseas-based Guyanese, who did not put his country of birth on the backburner but seeks to provide employment for 70 Guyanese, mainly Buxtonians.

Supplied with fuel from the Guyana Oil Company, which is partnering with the owner, the gas station will also house a Churches Chicken outlet, a GTT branch, a Western Union outlet, a Minimart and a medical centre which will employ two doctors.

President Granger applauded this while noting that villages such as Buxton are what nurtured modern Guyana and as such, its develop-

President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger on Sunday attended the opening ceremony of Buxton/Friendship Gas Station. In this Marceano Narine photo, Mrs Granger assists the proprietor’s granddaughter in cutting the ribbon

ment is one which brings great happiness.

He called on the Guyanese Diaspora to invest in their country of origin in order to uplift and move the country forward.

The Head of State further encouraged innovations by Guyanese and urged that they trust in local entrepreneurship since this is needed, “in order for us to move away from those jobs that are available to our Guyanese youths such as going into the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) as the only resort”.

Granger further called for infrastructure to be built in communities that will attract investors to

Guyana: “We need more infrastructure in communities countrywide as this will no doubt attract investors to our land.”

The Head of State added that Guyanese especially those that are abroad should think of putting down industries in our communities: “They must think of investing in communities such as these and they should put down industries here.”

Additionally, President Granger once again made the call for Guyanese to rely on local produce not only in Guyana but abroad in support of local farmers and businesses. In closing the President said: “It

is time to make Buxton great again.”

Meanwhile addressing the gathering, the owner of the service station said that he is delighted to have been able to contribute in the way he did to his country even though he has moved aboard.

Following the addresses, First Lady Sandra Granger, assisted by a grandchild of Wilson, cut the ribbon, thus opening the service centre.

Also in attendance were former Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green, General Secretary of GTUC, Lincoln Lewis and Director of Sports, Christopher Jones.

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

President defends decision to pardon convicted criminals …but says none met criteria for 2016 Independence Anniversary

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fter pardoning some 60 criminals on two occasions last year, President David Granger has stated that no convicts were pardoned during the Independence celebration this year since none of them fully met the criteria set out.

The pardoned criminals programme is an initiative of the Guyanese Leader to give young “petty” offenders a second chance at life.

The criteria used to select the beneficiaries include prisoners who are facing short sentences; those incarcerated for petty, non-violent offences; and those between the ages of 18 and 24.

However, speaking on his televised programme – The Public Interest – President Granger explained that while there was a list of persons selected to be pardoned using the criteria set out, many of them were convicted on cocaine trafficking charges, an offence which he considers serious, given the coun-

try’s ongoing battle with the illicit drug trade.

“I didn’t pardon anyone at the time of Independence because many of the persons who would have normally been eligible for pardon were in fact convicted for trafficking cocaine – not possession of a few grams of marijuana but trafficking. I’m not going to tolerate trafficking, I’m not going to tolerate murder and I’m not going to pardon anybody who’s got blood on their hands,” he posited.

According to the Head of State, while he would like to see more young people out building a life for themselves and their families instead of being in jail, he will not be pardoning anyone who has not fully met the criteria outlined.

Successful programme

“There is a policy, there are criteria for determining who is likely to be pardoned and generally, I would continue to pardon people who met those criteria but so

President David Granger

far persons who have not met those criteria will not be pardoned. I don’t pardon people for the sake of pardoning, I pardon people to give them a second chance,” the President asserted.

On the other hand, Granger believes the pardoning programme is successful, referring to two instances where beneficiaries of the initiative had taken full advantage of the second chance to turn their lives around.

He noted that only a few weeks ago, a female who was pardoned last year graduated from the

‘Sustainable Livelihood Entrepreneurial Livelihood’ (SLED) programme.

The President added too that he is heartened to see the positive impact of this programme particularly as it relates to the young women and mothers who were given an early release from prison.

“I’m very happy from time to time to receive letters particularly from women who have been pardoned and who are grateful. They felt that that pardon has turned their lives around…So

I think that the quality of mercy, the quality of compassion is an important quality for a Head of State to possess,” he stated.

While President Granger confirmed that no prisoners were released for the Independence celebrations, he did not say whether the pardon will also be extended for the Christmas season as was done last year.

In addition to the 40 prisoners who received pardons in June 2015, last December the President extended pardon to another 20 female prisoners who are mothers so that they can return home to spend the holidays with their children. However, only 11 of them met the criteria and were released.

A similar situation had existed in June of that year, when the President announced pardons for some 60 prisoners but only 40 were released.

This decision of pardoning criminals had caused and contin-

ues to build uneasiness among Guyanese, especially business owners.

Persons were also calling for the identities of these convicts to be made public, however it was explained that this would hinder the reintegration of these young people into society.

But this position changed back in May this year, when Kelvin Bates, 19, among the first batch of pardoned prisoners, was charged for a spate of robberies in Corentyne, Berbice.

Minister Ramjattan had subsequently this newspaper that he will consider releasing the names of the new set of prisoners who were scheduled to be released this year.

“Of course if asked, we will release the names of all those who will be pardoned. It is an obligation in the name of transparency that the Minister release all the names of those who are on parole and pardoned,” he had declared.

‘Exciting promise of change in 2015 has Doctor died from not materialised’ - Ramkarran multiple injuries...

from page 22

F

ormer People’s Progressive Party (PPP) stalwart Ralph Ramkarran has stated that in light of the 2017 “taxation” Budget, Government seems to be giving the impression that it has neglected efforts to grow the economy and has become satisfied with marking time until oil arrives.

He stated in his weekly column, “The Conversation Tree”, that with Guyana’s economy declining, the income of the Government has also declined significantly, along with its ability to spend. Therefore, he posited that in making its decision on the Budget, the Government found itself between a rock and a hard place –it had to settle on whether to reduce spending in proportion to its reduced income or sustain the same or a similar level of previous public spending, by raising funds by way of taxation and borrowing.

“It chose the latter course by imposing or increasing taxes on individuals and businesses.

It has also increased the amount that it will borrow next year, eliminating any prospect of a decline in interest rates,” he said, adding that the taxation measures will only reduce burden on the “well-off and on companies”, while the burden on low- and medi-

Ralph Ramkarran

um-income earners will be increased.

“The promise of an expanding economy to meet the growing needs of the Guyanese people will not be achieved by this budget. Large-scale projects and big-ticket items have been shelved or are on the back burner. Barama has packed up its forestry operations, because no one is capable of making a decision on its application for a renewal of its lease.

Investors complain that decisions on proposals are not being given serious or any consideration.

Decision-making, they claim, appears to be at a standstill and no one seems willing or capable of pushing projects that will benefit the nation,” he said.

Ramkarran highlighted that the “exciting promise of change in 2015 has not materialised”, and without an overarching strategy for the growth of mining, for-

estry, rice, agriculture, hydro-power, technology, construction and other sectors, and constant and relentless efforts to remove roadblocks and encourage business, the Government gives the impression, which may or may not be true that it has abandoned serious efforts to grow the economy.

M o r e o v e r , Ramkarran added that if it was the Government’s plan to wait until oil has arrived, that was not a plan at all. He went on to state that for both the population and businesses, the elimination of the zero-rated status and imposition of exempt status on a range of goods and services will result in higher prices to consumers, as the cost of VAT on inputs for those goods and services will make them more expensive to produce.

“The burden will have to be borne by consumers, as some businesses have already indicated,” he said, adding that it was also untrue that the imposition of VAT on water and electricity would not affect low-income consumers. Instead, he indicated that the cost of production of all goods and services that utilise water and/or electricity would go up and would inevitably be passed on to the consumer.

“The consumer,

therefore, gets a double whammy. First, he/she has to face the increased cost of goods and services that lose zero-rated status as regards VAT. Second, he/she has to face the increased cost of goods and services that use water and/or electricity in their production. Any relief by way of reduced income tax or VAT for low-income earners will be far outweighed by the increase in the cost of living due to zero-rating and VAT on water and electricity,” he explained.

GRA powers

Furthermore, Ramkarran noted that the proposed power to be given to the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to raid the bank accounts of defaulting taxpayers and/ or to prevent them from leaving Guyana has caused fear.

He underscored that the Commissioner General already has the power “under Section 102 of the Income Tax Act of garnishment”, that is, requiring entities, which would include a bank, which owe a taxpayer who “is liable to make a payment of tax”, to pay the sum to the Commissioner General.

Therefore, he stated that the Government needed nothing more.

Family members in shock over the tragic death of the five-year-old

portedly ran over her head.

The child suffered severe head injuries and was immediately transported to the Suddie Public Hospital where doctors pronounced her dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, the autopsy conducted on the remains of 26-year-old doctor, Haimant Haimraj revealed that he died as a result of multiple injuries due to the motorcycle accident. That autopsy was also conducted on Monday

by Dr Singh at the Suddie mortuary.

DrHaimraj, who was attached to the Suddie Hospital, died after he lost control of his bike and crashed into a fence.

According to investigations, speeding has been

attributed as the cause of the accident, which occurred at the Vilvoorden Public Road, on the Essequibo Coast.

Reports are that about 17:45h on Friday, the doctor was riding a motorcycle with licence plate CF 9645 south along the eastern side of the road, at a fast pace, when he attempted to manoeuvre a left turn in the road. He reportedly lost control and crashed into a chainlink fence on the western parapet of the road.

Haimraj was immediately rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery, but died during the process. The man had recently returned from Cuba after completing his medical studies.

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Several persons in custody over Berbice cambio dealer robbery

Robbed cambio dealer: Devendra Churaman

E

leven persons, including an ex-Police Officer, are assisting Police with their investigation into Monday morning’s high-profile robbery committed on a Corentyne cambio dealer.

Following the rob-

bery, investigators arrested seven persons within the first 24 hours.

Following other leads, on Tuesday four other persons were taken into custody, bringing the total in custody to 11.

In the wake of the robbery, Divisional

Commander, Senior Superintendent Errol Watts, assured that security will be beefed up in the bordering town of Corriverton for the holiday season. According to the Commander, the additional ranks to be stationed at Springlands are highly trained and capable of dealing with any eventuality.

On Monday, a gang of 15 heavily-armed bandits hammered their way into the home of a Corriverton cambio dealer situated at Lot 93 Albert Street, Kingston, and carted off with G$20 million in cash, and in excess of G$1 million in jewellery.

The men used AK47 rifles and shotguns in their military-styled operation, which lasted about 20 minutes.

The house at Albert Street, Kingston that the bandits targeted

Firecrackers were also used by the bandits.

The men, who were all armed with assault rifles and a cutlass, used a sledgehammer to break open the grilled window to gain access to the house. They then ham-

mered open the steel door leading to the bedroom in which the Cambio dealer, DevendraChuraman, also called “Katak” was occupying.

Neighbours described the incident as terrifying. “It sounded like a war zone,” one neighbour said, while another said her husband was at work and she was in fear that the men might target her home. More frightening, she explained, was the fact that it was possible that her husband would have come home in an attempt to ensure her safety.

According to another neighbour, Reana Sookhai, she did not hear the initial hammering sounds when the men were breaking into the

building. “My dog was barking and that was when I get up to go and see, but when ah open the door to come out, is then I hear the gun shot and a didn’t worry come out. I didn’t know if was fire rocket or gunshot but then it start going off over and over…” the woman related.

The Commander stated, “that is why we are re-enforcing the Police Station with ranks that can adequately deal with any eventuality.”

He explained that Corriverton is a busy town with lots of foreign currency passing through the town as a result of the town’s geographic linkage with neighbouring Suriname.

Moruca man granted G$100,000 bail over assault, wounding charges

A

25-year-old miner of Moruca, North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini) was granted bail in the sum of G$100,000 when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on two charges.

Shane Blake pleaded not guilty to the charges which stated that on December 4, 2016, at Moruca village, he assaulted Arnold Terrence so as to cause actual bodily harm. It was also alleged that on the same day he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Armando John with intent to maim, disfigure or disable or cause actual bodily harm.

According to Police Prosecutor Simone Pyle, on the day in question, the defendant and the Virtual

Complainants (VCs), who are known to each other, were engaged in a football match when a misunderstanding ensued.

The misunderstanding led to the defendant picking up a piece of wood and hitting one of the VCs which sparked the interest of the other virtual complainant, who came in for some lashes as well. One of the VCs lost two teeth in the process.

Police Prosecutor Pyle continued that the VCs were rushed to a nearby hospital and were later transferred to the Suddie Public Hospital.

Blake was granted G$50,000 bail for each offence. The matter was transferred to the Acquero Magistrate’s Court where the defendant is scheduled to make his next court appearance on January 4, 2017.

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The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

By Petamber Persaud

feature 29

Theatre Then and Now (Part One)

Desiree Edghill

(Extract of interview with Desiree Edghill, Georgetown, Guyana, November 2016. Edghill is Director of Artiste in Direct Support, a versatile theatre personality, a health activist and educator.)

PP: We cannot divorce the drama from theatre in Guyana because the history of theatre in Guyana is characterized mainly by highs [high drama] and lows [low gravy]; there is a school of thought that views the fortunes of theatre as a reflection of the state of country’s fortunes.

Theatre in Guyana started with the Coffee House Theatre and the Minor Theatre and the Theatre Royal all the while evolving until the concerted effort that resulted in the founding of the Theatre Guild Playhouse in 1957. But, just before that movement, there were other efforts like the Sugar Estate Drama Festival and the British Guiana Dramatic Society among others…

As we’re on highs and lows of theatre in Guyana, what period did you start theatre?

DE: I started theatre in 1979 with the Guyana Stores Group – the PEWITT (People Working in Total Togetherness). I was working with Guyana Stores at that time and I was asked to join the group. I didn’t think I was a dramatist at that time, but I was having an altercation on the floor when the PR passed and heard me extolling myself and he turned to me saying that they were putting on a play and he would like me to play a part. Of course I replied that I was not an actress

to which he said that I didn’t know that I was acting with that attitude and that was the same attitude he was looking for to fill the part… so that was where it all started.

PP: What was the state of theatre then and the state of the country at that time?

DE: Well, at that time theatre was not an important part of my life: I was a mother, a single mother, looking for a job, so I was not a part of theatre when I started. I became a part of the theatre in 1982 at Theatre Guild when our group used to perform there. Also, at that time, we had Rolland Phillips who was part of our group, while he was working at the radio station. Allan Cooper was part of the PEEWITT group, Sydney Benjamin was our choreographer and there was Leon Saul who was one of our directors…

PP: Ras Leon Saul has being around theatre quite a while!

DE: Yes, he has.

The chairman of theatre Guild at that time was John Rawlins and he came and saw a production I did in 1981 at St. Rose’s – we used to perform at the St. Rose’s High School which had a beautiful auditorium – and the production was the ‘Porknocker’ wherein I played the prostitute...

So John Rawlings came and saw me, and at the end, he called me to say there was a reading for a play at the Theatre Guild – ‘Juno and the Peacock’.

At that time there was Anthony Stewart, Ulita Anthony, G. Walcott, Godfrey Noughton, Howard Lorimar – they were the people in that production. So when John Rawlings invit-

ed to do the reading, I said I was not into acting, to which he responded that I suited the part for I looked like Anthony Stewart’s daughter who was brown-skinned with blond long hair and I had lovely long plaits. However, Andrea Charles and I read for the part; I did get the part.

PP: We’d return to that later, but I’d like for us to expand on the fact that a number of corporate entities were hosting their own little, in house drama groups…

DE: Guysuco Drama Group, City Hall…

PP: Ian Valz…

DE: Yes, he was from the City Hall group and he was the one who did ‘House of Pressure’ with others from that group first performing ‘House of Pressure’.

Yes, there were many little drama groups around apart from the Theatre Guild, but it was at the Theatre Guild where you really got your training to learn the stage craft.

I remember when I went to do production there; I had to become a member of the Theater Guild workshop, which was held every Monday evening…

PP: You had to be a rounded person – theatre personality…

DE: …Yes, you had to be – you couldn’t just jump on the stage. We rehearsed for that play for over three months, which meant you had to take time to get to that point - into character.

I don’t think we do long rehearsals now…

PP: …And it shows in contemporary theatre

– missed lines, missed cues, lighting off- cue, long blackouts…

Let’s dwell a bit more on that training.

DE: ‘That’ training was my foundation…

But that wasn’t all; you also had to learn backstage, stage management, lights, sounds, you also had to learn front of house apart from cleaning the theatre…you had to clean your house – that’s how it was presented to us.

PP: By doing all these things, theatre was getting into your blood.

DE: Yes! You became a part of the theatre and theatre became a part of you.

PP: Something that is missing now?

DE: Although we now have the National Drama School, the kind of dedication and commitment given at that

Giving a presentation on stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV

time is also needed…At the time though when I entered theatre at the Guild, local theatre was now becoming vibrant – we were having writers: Paloma Mohamed, Ian Valz, Ronald Hollingsworth, Harold Bascom, Mr. Grannum – a whole lot of people

started to write local theatre, a lot of people were gravitating towards local theatre…(To be continued) responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Desiree in character during a play in 2009

30 feature

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Handmade bracelets

A

lisa Khan, a selftaught artist/ crafter, uses her talent to create beautiful things to beautify people’s lives.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Alisa said creating unique handmade jewellery pieces and modern statement decor was not her “first choice, but it has always been a hobby”.

“I do a lot of research, I read a lot of blogs that are similar to my creations and I try to focus on what I love, that way I will always put out something my clients are proud of. I like to create accessories and art you cannot find in

stores. I always aim to ensure everything about my creations say one-ofa-kind. For example, my pressed flower art, no two pieces are the same – and that’s the beauty about it,” Alisa stated.

For the artist, her biggest inspiration is nature. She collects a plethora of seashells from local ‘beaches’ and fresh flowers from her neighbourhood.

With these, the possibilities of what she can create are endless.

“I use pressed flowers to create unique abstracts and images instead on conventional painting and drawing.

It is really different and it is fun to create. For

Gold accent seashell necklace that be worn two ways

my pressed flower art, it started as an idea to preserve a memory: when someone gives you flowers your first thought is, 'Oh I wish I could keep them forever'. Well now you can do so in a beautiful way. Similar concepts just grew from there, because who doesn't love flowers, right? As for my jewellery making, I love pieces that truly are unique.

I make a lot of them from seashells because they are all so different,” the artist explained.

Alisa noted her satisfaction comes from when her clients are genuinely satisfied with what she created. She said it is a “good feeling seeing

someone wearing an accessory you made or you see a framed flower art with your signature at the bottom in someone’s home”.

Alisa’s goals are to develop her talent and help underprivileged children use art and crafts as a vehicle of self-expression and to explore their creative capabilities.

“You never know what you are good at until you try it. This I know personally and I want to help underprivileged children explore their talents through art and crafts,” she declared.

The crafter’s “adornments” are perfect as gift items for “nature lovers, book lovers, and all those who love unique art”.

For Christmas, Alisa offers unique gift ideas that can be personalised. She also does artistic calligraphy and can incorporate favourite quotes on pressed flowered frames or neck-

Alisa Khan

laces.

“My advice to youths is to believe in yourself and trust what you can do. This gets easier when you have a support system, because there will be days when your projects may not be successful, but with encouraging friends and family you will always

'To the moon and back'. Perfect gift for loved ones for the holidays

stay on track. Mine has been nothing but supportive and I could not have done it without them,” Alisa expressed.

For more information on Alisa’s work, visit Adornments on Facebook or @adornmentsbyalisa on Instagram.

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

'Breathe'. Pressed flower

travel & tourism 31

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Shea Rock

Scenic view of Shea Rock (Photo from mykenlara-guyana.blogspot.com)

S

hea village is situated in Region Nine about 100 miles south-east by dirt road from Lethem and approximately nine miles from the base of the rolling Kanuku Mountains.

The area comprises mostly pristine forest and savannah with notches of hills, dales, as well as creeks,

streams and rivers. Shea has a population of more than 300 Wapichana people who have maintained subsistence farming as means of livelihood.

The most famous site in the village is the Shea Rock, which is regarded as a “sacred landmark” by the Wapishiana nation.

Houses and benabs in the vicinity of Shea Rock (Photo by mark47 on www.panoramio.com)

From the Rock, tourists enjoy fantastic views across the savannah and rainforest.

For more information on Shea, visit the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs website http://indigenouspeoples.gov.gy/ (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Traditional thatch-roof house closeby to Shea Rock (Photo from mykenlara-guyana.blogspot.com)

Closer look at the Rock (Photo by mark47 on www.panoramio.com) View from Shea Rock

Children pass by the Rock to enter Shea village (Photo by mark47 on www.panoramio.com)

Cross atop the Rock tells of how sacred the site is to the people of Shea

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Slingshot Funding

Co-Founder Candice Ramessar

S

lingshot Funding is a virtual platform where entrepreneurs and organizations can share their business

ideas and development projects, and connect with potential donors and supporters.

The project, which will start its operation on December 14, 2016 under the direction of Chet Bowling (LLM, MBA) and Candice Ramessar (MSc. Degree), brings an alternative to high-interest, high-risk traditional institutional loans.

“We firmly believe that if given the right tools and support that our local creative minds and budding entrepreneurs, especially youth and women in

business, can contribute so much more to society,” expressed Candice Ramessar.

By opening its ‘virtual doors’, Slingshot Funding will undertake to align start-ups, existing businesses, groups and organizations with financing opportunities through potential donors and supporters locally, in the Caribbean and the diaspora, who may share the same interests and passion.

Today, some of the most innovative and revolutionary projects and ideas were and are crowd funded. Crowd Members of Recycle Guyana will benefit from Slingshot Funding initiatives

funding is the process of raising money to fund what is typically a project or business venture through many donors or micro-investors online.

Most entrepreneurs lack the support they need to 'sling-shot' their ideas to reality. It's no se-

ly and financially.

A Slingshot project or campaign is more than just another sales pitch.

It is an opportunity to positively impact lives and add value to our region. Slingshot Funding supports and welcomes projects of all types - from

Priya Mohamed, owner of CIM Exotic Designs, is an entrepreneur working with Slingshot Funding

cret that today small and aspiring entrepreneurs face many challenges, especially in developing countries, from financing opportunities to business support services and product development.

“One of the bedrocks of sustained local development and economic vitality is thriving micro, small and medium size enterprise. They create jobs, new products and services. A bit of support goes a long way,” said Chet Bowling.

Slingshot will be launching with eight projects ranging from music to recycling, craft, design and services. Its project owners are youths and women who aspire for greatness and want to positively contribute to society while developing themselves professional-

green projects to film and theatre, technology, creative art projects, agriculture and development campaigns.

Unlike other crowd funding platforms that only provide the medium through which potential seed funding may be accessed, Slingshot works with budding entrepreneurs and campaigners from the ground up – project proposal development, project designs and content development, marketing and post funding business (project) support services.

For more information contact Nkasse Evans on 621-1235 or 630-2020 or visit Slingshot Funding on Facebook or www. slingshotfunding.com (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

feature 33

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

By Odeen Ishmael

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ver since the start of Dutch colonization of Guyana, the early colonists observed that many parts of the sea coast experienced cyclical periods of erosion as well as flooding during high tides. However, since settlements were located mainly on river banks, and not along the coast, the problems of erosion and flooding were not taken seriously. But, as settlements extended along the coast

in the late eighteenth century, flooding of lowlying lands during high tides became a matter of concern. Also, during the periods when there was an accumulation of silt which built up the coastal plain, drainage canals were silted up and water accumulated during the rainy season was difficult to remove.

Georgetown, in the early 19th century, began to feel the effects of erosion and flooding. The Eve Leary area, which housed the barracks of

the West India Regiment, was badly flooded at times, and the residents of the surrounding areas felt that the War Office in London should provide funds to build permanent sea defences.

The War Office, on the other hand, insisted that it had been providing grants for sea defence works over the years to the benefit of that part of the town. As such, it stated in 1849 that the town council should take on the responsibility of sea defence, and threatened

Sea defences, like the Georgetown seawall, continue to be strengthened

Main Street from Murray Street (now Quamina Street) looking north, British Guiana

A Demerara koker, British Guiana (Courtesy of British Empire Exhibition Wimberley)

to remove the Regiment if the barracks continued to experience flooding.

But this threat was never enforced even though flooding periodically occurred.

Eventually, in 1855, the Combined Court voted a sum of $135,000 to erect sea defences for Georgetown.

In the meantime, a few proprietors of estates used their own resources to build earthen embankments as sea defences to protect their lands from floods during high tides. After a while, the Government realised that sea defence should not be left to the estate owners, and an effort was started by the Government to build a strong sea wall in Georgetown from Camp Street to Kitty. This wall was completed in 1882.

The Director of Public Works was given the authority to monitor the sea defences throughout the country. He could order any proprietor to use his own funds to build sea walls (or sea dams), but he could also recommend the spending of government funds to assist the estates. Loans were also made available to proprietors to erect sea defence.

To allow for easy drainage, and also to obtain irrigation water from the inland areas, each coastal plantation was established in a rectangular pattern.

The front faced the river or the sea while the back had the wet savannah or a creek as its boundary. Parallel canals on the two sides ran from the back lands to the sea or river and emptied through kokers (or sluices). Smaller canals (or trenches) cut across the

breadth of the plantation to connect to the main parallel canals, and the flow of water through them was also controlled by smaller kokers.

Before 1838, all of these waterways were dug by the slaves using shovels as their tools. After this period, paid African labour and Indian indentured workers carried out the excavation works. For every square mile of land which was used for sugar-cane cultivation, about 49 miles of drainage and 16 miles of irrigation trenches were dug. In the process of digging canals and trenches on the sugar plantations,

these periods, which lasted about seven years, the kokers (sluices) were blocked by accumulation of silt, and drainage had to be done by pumping, which was very expensive.

With regard to irrigation, from the early 19th century, sugar estates were able to obtain water during periods of low rainfall from a natural conservancy on their southern boundary. The idea of a permanent conservancy was developed by Dr. Michael McTurk, a member of the Georgetown Town Council, and based on his plan, an Ordinance was passed in 1828 to

This West Demerara koker (sluice) is a protection against the sea

over 100 million tons of earth was excavated.

The estates were drained by gravity during low tides. Those which faced the sea experienced serious drainage problems during the cyclical build-up of silt along the coast. During

build an earthen dam to trap water in the East Demerara conservancy.

(Source: “The Guyana Story—From Earliest Times to Independence” by Odeen Ishmael) (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Waves lash against Georgetown seawall circa 1900s (Courtesy of British Empire Exhibition Wimberley)

View of St. George's Cathedral from Regent Street, Georgetown, 1958

34 feature

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana Fashion Week 2016

P

art of the philosophy of Guyana Fashion Week (GFW), founded by veteran Guyanese designer Sonia Noel, is to incorporate the wider region in proclaiming our Caribbean style and presenting it to the world.

This year, GFW, which was held on November 12-13, 2016, showcased fashion from St Lucia, Trinidad, Antigua, Barbados and Suriname.

Making her debut runway appearance at GFW was Antiguan designer Shirrine Gillon. Under her label, Rainbow Expressions, the designer celebrates her “AfroCaribbean sensibility through her fashion imaging”.

Shirrine’s ‘Dreamcatcher’ collection was applauded by local and international fashion enthusiasts in attendance at GFW. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Star of the week

Charity

I

t’s what many consider the most wonderful time of the year: the smell of pepperpot fills our home, as relatives from afar come to join in Christmas celebrations.

Throughout Guyana decorations have sprung up, and carols can be heard at every corner; it’s officially Christmas.

The Christmas season is often referred to as the “season of giving”, and Guyanese across the country are reminded by the Radio’s Needy Children’s Fund and Red Cross Volunteers, at every corner, of the less fortunate. Now, although it is a good thing that so many persons feel charitable around Christmas, it is truly a shame that our charity is seasonal.

It seems as though, we only remember the less fortunate around Christmas. We sit with our families, around our Christmas feasts and we think how special this is, and

K

ishawn Simon is a 26-year-old known for his athleticism and his flair on the runway. He attended New Amsterdam Multilateral School then transferred to Berbice High School, where he completed studies in the science field. Kishawn is a professional boxer and fitness trainer. Other than fitness, Kishawn enjoys showcasing designers’ work of art, which is why he began modeling since 2014. He mentioned that “modeling also allows for interaction with people of different walks of life”, which helps him to be more open-minded and knowledgeable.

Thus far, Kishawn has modeled for veteran designers such as Roger Gary, Sonia Noel, Nelsion Nurse, Mwanza Glenn, Deborah Mathias - just to name a few. Commenting on the preconceptions attached to male models, Kishawn noted that labels do not define who he is as an individual. He pointed out that “life has challenges, but they help make us better human beings”. Other than modeling, the fitness enthusiast likes doing BMX stunts, reading, drawing, capoeira, Brazilian Jiujitsu, admiring nature and being around children. Kishawn finds joy in pushing himself beyond limits; plans to become an actor; and wants to be a role model to children, as he feels “a lot of young kids go astray in Guyana because they have no positive role model to look up to”. Kishawn’s future plans include reaching the pinnacle of his “fight career”, possibly in the UFC or MMA. As for modeling, he “continues with hopes of it bringing more productivity” and desires to create “an impact on the modeling scene”.

then we remember that there are others out there who aren’t as fortunate and we feel obliged to make their Christmas better.

We see spending Christmas with our families as something valuable: a treasure.

This is wonderful, no doubt, but sometimes we don’t realise how simple “everyday” things to us may also be treasures to others.

I have been fortunate in that I have been privileged to be able to pursue my education; I have been afforded comforts such as a secure home; clothes and a steady supply of food. For many of us, we do not see these things as privileges.

We have never lived without them, and we take them for granted.

However, there are Guyanese who have never experienced any of these things.

Why is it that we only remember them around Christmas?

Yes, I know one can’t afford to constantly

Ashley Anthony

be donating large amounts of money to organisations, but a little consistently throughout the year can make a huge difference in a child’s life. It could help to buy them school clothes or supplies, or even help to feed them. If you can’t donate money, why not donate time and love, by volunteering?

If we all come together, we will be able to impact positively on the lives of thousands of children. We could help enable their hopes and dreams, and give them a future to look forward to. It would truly be, for me, the best repayment I could ever receive – if a child whose life I contributed to – became something because of my assistance.

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

This week's Crossword

This week's Puzzle

see solution on page 47

White knight…

C

…or dark horse?

oncerns have been raised by accountantabout-town Chris Ram, about the strange transaction announced by Banks DIH – hereafter “Guyana Banks” – in an even stranger advertisement in the papers. It was an “amended” announcement, but no one has seen head nor hair of the original. Was the ad the Guyanese public privy to, altered materially from the first? Shouldn’t it have specified what the need was to “amend” the original – lost in space as it very might have been?

Anyhow, Ram was rightfully more concerned about the substance of the announcement, which was basically about Guyana Banks repurchasing the 15 per cent of its shares held by Barbados Banks.

In a transaction going back to 2005, Banks Guyana also bought an equivalent amount of shares in Barbados Banks. While most Guyanese might’ve forgotten this, in addition to launching Banks DIH here, Peter D’Aguiar had formed a mirror Banks in Barbados that was owned by shareholders in that country and ran completely independently. But obviously they maintained fraternal links!

So what was the need for the Barbados and Guyana Banks to buy each other’s shares? Well, at that time AnsaMcAl was engaged in what’s termed a “hostile takeover” of Barbados Banks, and Guyana Banks rushed in to play the “White Knight”. In modern corporate affairs, that’s done to “save” the “damsel” company that fears it may be “ravished” by the unwanted advances of the suitor – in this case the rakish Trini conglomerate Ansa.

Guyana Banks refused to sell its shares in Barbados Banks to Ansa, and the latter, unable to obtain a majority of shares, had to concede defeat and retreat to lick its wounds. Fast forward a decade later to December 2015 and we are informed by Guyana Banks that it sold its shares in Barbados Banks to a Brazilian Liquor company and allowed the latter to gain control of Barbados Banks! So much for being a White Knight!!

We guess like most locals, Guyana Banks much preferred the “foreign” (Latin) Brazilian suitor to ravish Barbados Banks, than the TriniAnsa. So much for Caribbean solidarity – but then we’ve always wallowed in self-contempt, nuh? But Ram suggests there might be more in the mortar than the pestle of the Barbados Banks shares. And we now are getting a glimpse of what might’ve really happened.

In the recent repurchase by Guyana Banks of its shares – from what is now essentially a Brazilian Banks – Guyana Banks is paying a premium of 64 per cent of the market price of its shares – a whopping $2.1 billion extra?

Why? Ram and a host of other shareholders – including your humble Eyewitness – wants to know what really went down. …for Georgetown?

If ever there was a damsel that needed saving by a White Knight from being ravished, it’s the City of Georgetown. From 1994, Hamilton Green worked assiduously to build a power base in Georgetown, since he’d been kicked out from the PNC by Desmond Hoyte. And so it was because of the machinations of Green as his political security ruled uberallies, the Garden City became the “Garbage City”.

But time does move on: we had the PPP ousted and the PNC-led Government rehabilitating Green, while putting him out to a (rich) pasture. However, the successor Gang of Four – led by Green’s Deputy Patricia Chase-Green, intensified the rape of our soiled city to such an extent within the space of months, that citizens realised that the female is the deadlier of the species. Any species… including the “Greens”! …loses wind?

One of the highlights of Jordan’s Budget was the “electricity” wind farm of AFC’s financier Lloyd Singh at Hope.

And its output’s been already cut by half? Not a good portent for today’s vote!

feature 37

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

The Luyksberg Windmill

By Lennox J Hernandez

O

n the northeast coast of Hog Island, one of the many islands in the mouth of the Essequibo River, stands the remains of local Dutch 18th century technology in Guyana – the Luyksberg Windmill (this name should differentiate it from the other windmill on Hog Island).

L u y k s b e r g (Lyksburg) was the name of the Dutch estate on Hog Island, owned by the Dutch West India Company, on which the windmill was sited circa 1768. According to Joel Benjamin, writing in the Sunday Chronicle in 1985, windmills first appeared in Essequibo in the 1740s on a Dutch plantation on the left bank of the Essequibo River, near Groete Creek.

Windmills were built elsewhere, in Essequibo and Demerara, and Benjamin noted that “... surprisingly, its in-

windmills were modifications of the European tower windmills which were built of masonry and where only the cap rotated. Rotation was necessary to turn the sails directly into the wind for greater efficiency, in areas where the wind direction varies.

According to Benjamin, the Luyksberg Windmill had a sister windmill built a few years earlier on a Dutch plantation on the western side of Fort Island, but no physical evidence of this one has been found to date. Both windmills did not prove reliable, however, both suffering from inadequate wind flow. Though windmills continued to be built in this country during the early 19th century, the irregularity and unpredictability of the winds, even on the coast, resulted in a decline in the use of this technology, unlike the sustained use in the breezier Caribbean

the height now is closer to 28 feet (8.53 metres): maybe some material

Betty's Hope Windmill, Antigua - tower, sails, cap and tail-pole

troduction to the Dutch colonies in Guyana was not based on a well-established Dutch technology.” Rather, the Dutch used the technology of those windmills built in the British West Indian islands. Wind-powered mills were introduced into Barbados and the Leeward Islands during the late 17th century, and the remains of some of these are still in existence: for example, the Betty’s Hope Windmill in Antigua, which was restored (even the machinery) during 1990-1994.

These sugar plantation

Islands.

Today, the Luyksberg Windmill on Hog Island adds another element to the physical evidence of Dutch presence in Guyana. Further study of this artefact is necessary to enhance our understanding of this early technological innovation.

For example, was the cap rotated to the prevailing winds by a tail-pole, and how were the sails incorporated in the system?

The Luyksberg Windmill was described in the late 18th century (Benjamin) as being 36 feet (10.98 metres) in height, but

Luyksberg Windmill at present

Luyksberg Windmill in 2013 before presentation works (NTG photo)

has been lost from the top. The base has a diameter of 35 feet (10.67 metres) and the structure is mainly of granite blocks (with some coral stone) with brick being used to form the various openings. Benjamin also noted that the windmill was partly made of materials from the recently demolished Fort Kykover-al – I would say most likely the bricks.

In 1977, the existence of the windmill remains was brought to the attention of the National Trust of Guyana by a group of History staff and students of the University

of Guyana, who were on a field trip on the island, after hearing of “a building looking like a tower, standing in the bush.”

This “re-discovery” of the windmill was reported in the Sunday Chronicle of July 3, 1977.

In 2009, the National Trust took control of the site with the intention of preservation and promotion. The first photographs of the site on July 7, 2009, show a tower of vegetation with a just a few portions of the structure visible.

Work on the site over the years since then gives us splendid views of this historic structure now. Apart from simply cleaning and preserving the artefact, the Trust has enhanced the accessibility and presentation of the site, opting for presentation of the structure as it exists, rather than a full restoration.

Infrastructure works for access are the installation of stairs and a ramp for access to the main interior floor, and the construction of a spi-

ral stair internally leading to two decks, one for viewing through the side openings and the other for viewing over the top of the windmill. A roof allows for the protection

of visitors from rain and sun.

We can now appreciate this once “lost” historic treasure. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

A tower of vegetation. Luyksberg Windmill in 2009

Internal spiral stairway (NTG photo)

38 feature

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

I

n Caribbean culture, to give a whole home-baked black cake as a gift is a sign of great affection and intimacy. But have you ever thought about the origin of black cake?

According to Guyanese historian Sushima Naraine, who resides in Canada, black cake is the Caribbean version of the British dessert plum pudding, but with “some slight Caribbean-esque changes (hence the rum)”.

Food and Cooking in Victorian England: A History stated: “Banned by the Puritans in the 1660s for its rich ingredients, the [plum] pudding and its customs came back into popularity during the reign of George

diet. Plum pudding is but one example of the remaining British presence throughout.

“It’s impossible to have a Christmas without black cake especially because many people gift these cakes to each other. As well, it’s common for everyone in the family to get involved in the actual baking process.

Dad might be in charge of soaking the fruits in the rum, while mom takes care of mixing the ingredients. All the children A slice of Jehan's black cake

I. Known sometimes as the Pudding King, George I requested that plum pudding be served as part of his royal feast when he celebrat-

Mixing the fruits into the cake batter

ed his first Christmas in England after arriving from Hanover to take the throne in 1714. By 1740, a recipe for ‘plum porridge’ appeared in Christmas Entertainments. In the Victorian era, Christmas annuals, magazines, and cookbooks celebrated the sanctity of family as much as the sanctity of Jesus’ birth, and the tradition of all family members stirring the pudding was often referenced…Poorer families made the riches version of plum pudding that they could afford…Even workhouse inmates anticipated a plum pudding on Christmas Day.” (Andrea Broomfield [Praeger:Westport CT] 2007 (p. 150-151) Black cake reflects the British presence in the Caribbean. The

Guyanese Black Cake Ingredients: For fruits 1lb raisins 1lb currants 1lb prunes 1/4lb candied cherries 1/4lb mix citrus peel 1/4lb almond or peanuts (optional) Rum or port wine Wash and grind all ingredients. This can be done with a food mill or food processor. Mix in about 2 cups of rum or port wine and allow tosit for at least 2 weeks. Store in an air tight container.

For cake: 1lb or 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Method

months afterwards…”

Sushima noted.

English cakes were soaked in liquor to preserve them on sea voyages. But according to Jessica B. Harris, a culinary historian, black cake's Caribbean character is found in the rum (British cakes usually use brandy) and in the cake's intensely dark colour.

Offering her tip for a perfect black cake, USbased Guyanese food blogger Jehan Powell

Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Grease and line two 9 inch baking pans with parchment paper; set aside. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, mace and cloves; set aside.

Place butter and sugar in a large bowl and mix until fluffy and light in colour.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to make sure egg is incorporated. (Please don’t rush this step, adding the eggs too soon or too many at one time can cause the mixture to curdle or separate.) Add vanilla extract and almond extract to mixture, mix until incorporated. Add fruit mix to wet ingredients and mix well. Add flour to wet ingredients, mix until smooth.

Add caramel to achieve desired colour

1lb or 4 sticks unsalted butter 2 cups brown sugar 1/2tsp salt 10 eggs caramel or cake colouring (about 1/4 cup) 3tsp baking powder 1tsp cinnamon 1tsp nutmeg 1tsp mace 1tsp ground cloves 1/2tsp vanilla essence 1/2tsp almond essence 1/4 cup rum 1 bottle of dark rum

British plum pudding

brown sugar, molasses and rum are reminders that it was the quest for sugar, and the slave labour that harvested it, that kept British colonialists in the islands.

“While Christian missionaries made their ways through Caribbean communities, they left an indelible mark in the foods that continue to be a staple of the Caribbean

– if they can be trusted with this task – would be involved in mixing the icing. The prep for baking black cakes is time-consuming, but the results are always amazing. As well, because of the concentration of rum these cakes can last for a really long time – my family keeps black cake on the kitchen counter for

said “black cake is soaked in rum weekly and will keep up to a month, as long as you keep adding alcohol.

This will not only preserve the cake, but also keep it moist”.

Jehan shares her black cake recipe with Sunday Times Magazine.

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

and stir in rum.

Divide equally between the 2 pans.

Bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, test by sticking a toothpick in the centre, cake is done if toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and pour about 1 cup of rum on each pan of cake. When the cake absorbs the rum, add more rum two more times. Add rum weekly.

To make your own caramel, add about 1/2 cup of sugar to a pan over medium heat. Sugar will melt and darken, added about 2tbsp of red wine and cook until a deep dark colour and it has reduces and thickens.

For Jehan’s step-by-step video on making black cake visit www. jehancancook.com Stirring the Christmas pudding by Henry Woods (1881)

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Shopping for the holidays

W

ith Christmas only a few days away, many excited shoppers are either in the process of concluding their holiday shopping, or are about to commence shopping for this season’s special gifts.

Gerald, a father of two said he is a “smart shopper”, as he usually shops all year round to avoid the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season.

“I would buy my things right through the year so I don’t have to worry about rising prices or be in the midst of the confusion.”

However, his eightyear-old daughter, speaking to this publication explained that she is still in search of her ideal Christmas present.

“I want a One Direction boots but I am not seeing it anywhere. It looks like it’s sold out everywhere. I do not know what is going to happen to me now.”

This publication also spoke to a mother of one,

Gerald Juram with his daughter

the midst of the holiday bustle; they expressed elation to be part of the Christmas preparation.

Unfortunately, they noted that they would not be spending Christmas in Guyana, as they will be travelling back to the United States to their respective homes.

Amidst the bustle, the business community is hopeful that business will improve, even

An overseas-based Guyanese who was interviewed

who was quick to explain her approach: “I am now on the road checking Christmas decorations. I want to check prices at a few places before I start my shopping.”

Many of the shoppers did note that this year is a bit slower than previous years.

According to one shopper at a popular place of business, “Christmas around this time last year was already busy.”

Alex, a youngster shopping with his father took time out to share his views with this publication: “I can recall last year we had already completed our shopping and decorated out home already but this it now that we are on the road to do some shopping.”

While many shoppers shared mixed views of the religious holiday they are still looking forward to a “Merry Christmas”.

The Muslim holiday—YoumanNabi—was celebrated on Monday, however, shoppers were not swayed as they carried on with their shopping through the streets of the city.

A few overseas-based Guyanese were spotted in

though sales have declined, as compared to last year.

One business owner speaking to this publication made it known that his total sales for this first quarter of the month was far less than he expected.

“Business is far lower than I expect, people are still coming to just look around and go away.

Last year time like this we were already busy restocking but this year I cannot say the reason for this.”

He added too that he also operates a grocery store, which is not performing to his expectation: “The grocery store barely selling as well, I don’t know if people are

Ossie Winters, one of the persons interviewed

not cooking or eating for this Christmas or if they planning on buying really late. I really hope that business pick up so we all can enjoy this Christmas.

Several other business owners echoed similar sentiments with some remaining optimistic.

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘Missing T&T woman’: I was having a time

H

Heather Barriteau

e a t h e r Barriteau, the woman at the centre of a fake abduction has confessed that she lied.

“I was not abducted, I went on my free will and had a time for the weekend and that is it,” she said in an interview from her husband’s cellular phone.

Asked to comment on his wife’s admission, Devon Paul, said he did not want to comment.

“That went way out of proportion,” he said.

“The last time I tried to clarify what went on, everybody turn around my words, so I am not saying anything.”

Paul made a missing persons report to the Southern Division Police on Saturday.

He said Barriteau , 35, disappeared after leaving their Sobo Village, La Brea home last Friday to do some shopping in San Fernando.

She was last seen drinking at the Edge Bar on Mucurapo

Street, San Fernando, with a male companion later that afternoon.

She was supposed to meet a friend but failed to show up. Calls to her phone later went unanswered.

On Monday, San Fernando police said, Barriteau walked into the station to clarify she was not missing as reported on social media.

She also checked into the Accident and Emergency Department at the San Fernando General Hospital and reported to staff on duty that she had been abducted by three men. She also claimed she was dropped off at a parang session held at Carat Shed Bar, which is located almost opposite the Marabella Police Station.

The police were later contacted and went to Carat Shed to review their CCTV footage.

An outraged Campbell said his pa-

Mechanic lands in court over medical marijuana

A

22-year-old mechanic, who allegedly uses marijuana for medical purposes, was on Wednesday granted bail when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Anthony Atenson of Saint Ignatius Village, Central Rupununi was charged with being in possession of 10 grams of cannabis.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

According to his attorney, his client suffers

from severe malaria and was a patient in the interior for a long period.

According to him, the facility at which he was being treated ran out of medication and as such the cannabis was given to the defendant to be used.

He claimed that the defendant was not even aware of what he was being given.

The prosecution however, had no bail objections and this was granted at G$40,000. The Defendant will return to the Lethem Magistrate’s Court on March 2, 2017.

rang session took place in the night from 9 o’clock.

He said he did not know if Barriteau, whom he said is not a regular, if she returned that night for the parang.

He said Paul was also brought to his business to view the footage and positively identified the woman in the video as Barriteau.

Police also said they cannot charge Barriteau as she never made a missing report.

They said only if the husband knew she was not missing and made a false report they could charge him. (Trinidad Guardian)

news 41

42 news

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana to host first African Music Festival F

or one night only immerse yourself in the sounds of modern Africa with a night of music, dance, food, comedy and drama at the first ever African Music Festival which will take over the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall Tarmac on December 17.

More than 20 musicians and artists from the African continent and the Caribbean will give attendees a genuine taste, feel, and sense of the cultural wealth of Africa.

Hosted by Peks Band, the concert will unveil new performances by RWCC and RCCG Potters House drama group

and special guest appearances by several Guyanese artistes including, Samuel Medas, Melissa Vandeyar, Shawn

English, Allan Petty Jr, Kester Deane, among others.

Director of Peks Band Peculiar Ihunwo explained

that the group was formed in 2013 by mostly Nigerian medical students residing in Guyana.

The Band started as five African instrumentalists ministering in African folk music and they developed into the only full African Gospel Musical Fellowship band in the Caribbean.

Peculiar said the festival is a mixture of Africa as it reflects the cultures of different countries across the continent.

“I know a lot of people think that African music is one particular type but it is more than that, it is harmony and that

is what we train ourselves for when we are little…Africans love drama, even when we sing, we don’t just do the harmonies, we add our own drama, we have our own behaviours when we sing.”

Local gospel singer Shawn English is excited to be a part of the festival and emphasised that attendees will be given the chance to learn more about the African culture: “You don’t have to fly all the way to Africa to experience it because it’s going to be great representation and you will be getting a full taste and feel of what Africa truly is.”

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Are hospitals in Guyana chambers of doom and death?

By Lomarsh Roopnarine

T

he recent announcement that the first cardiac unit was launched at the general public hospital in Georgetown, the capital, is certainly an uptick in healthcare in Guyana, the second poorest country in the Americas. This is big news when considering that not much positive vibes and vibrations have been emanating from this calypso and chutney mudland much more providing decent healthcare to a majority of its uninsured citizens. If you have doubts I would like to remind you that three of the four late Presidents of Guyana (Forbes Burnham, Cheddi Jagan and Desmond Hoyte) died of heart attacks when they could have been saved if Guyana had a reliable healthcare system.

Why the healthcare system of Guyana lags behind does not require an explanation from a brain surgeon but from the average person in the street who will most likely

say this: Guyana has been ripped apart by partisan politics which can be aptly described as the crab in the barrel syndrome. When one moves up; another pulls him down. History is not a guide as to how to treat this national infection.

Among those who control the levers of power is an embedded thought that if their own designed and defunct healthcare system does not meet their expectations, there is always the opportunity, by virtue of their status and self-conceived specimen, to seek care in greener pastures.

I doubt whether this mindset will change soon but I am confident that when ordinary citizens begin seeing their politicians seeking medical care from public health institutions they will realise that a serious message has been signalled. That is, providing decent medical care to the public has finally become a national priority.

While the launching

of a cardiac unit is a step forward, the larger concern here, of course, is how efficient and effective the cardiac unit will be? This is a question that depends largely on the competence of doctors and medical staff as well as the availability of resources. What is also of concern is how accessible the cardiac unit will be to the general public, especially in far flung areas?

Guyana is notoriously notable to be Georgetown centric. May I remind our politicians that all of Guyana is not Georgetown and Georgetown is not all of Guyana. This has been the image peddled in and out of the country. The time has come to diffuse resources equally to every region of the country. We cannot afford to reproduce the core-periphery relationship, the epitome of Guyana’s historical experience.

I argue that the delivery of the above concerns will give fillip to public confidence in the medical system at a time when

many simply go to hospitals with feelings of resignation than resurgence.

The unfortunate and underreported/coverage death by the media of a young man at a private hospital in Georgetown and countless others across this country resonate low anywhere at any time in a country endowed with so much natural and human resources. It is a national shame.

The million dollar question here is, what ought to be done not only to support the cardiac unit but also to have an overall decent healthcare system in Guyana? Does it require the greatest minds in the world to provide this basic but unavoidable human medical need? I do not think so but human sense will sway me to explore the following possibilities.

Put aside political encomium and conduct a comprehensive assessment of Guyana’s healthcare system to determine what needs prioritisation

and delivery and provide updated information to the public what the healthcare system is capable of doing and what patients can expect when seeking medical care.

Doctors too must be held responsible for reckless behaviour, including public intoxication.

I argue also that decent healthcare will lead to national growth and development since it protects our most vital resources, human beings, as well as promote tourism.

Guyana’s comparative advantage depends on weaving a decent healthcare system with eco-tourism.

That said, until and unless we see sound improvements, not images, the reality is anyone reading this column will not see an adequate healthcare system in his or her lifetime in Guyana. The sooner this is realised the sooner your mind will be at ease.

What can we do to improve it? (Send comments to: lomarsh.roopnarine@ jsums.edu).

44 Art & Culture

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Nature inspires art Artist Maiia Lobova is enchanted by Guyana’s natural beauty

M

aiia Lobova dreamed of being an artist since she was five years old. Now an established artist, Lobova captures the beauty of Guyana’s flora, fauna and landscape superbly in her captivating paintings.

Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, and with parents who had been artists, Maiia earned a degree in African studies before

'Rooster'

coming to Guyana in 2006 for two years, followed by a second twoyear period to the present, which saw her beginning her paintings of forest animals, large and small, plant life, landscapes and symbolic ‘tributes’ to persons and places.

The artist’s enthusiastic response to the flora, fauna and landscape of Guyana originates from her discovery when

she worked as a translator/interpreter stationed in the Berbice River area of Region Ten. “It was at high school that I got really attracted by rich and diverse cultures of South America and Africa.

So upon the graduation from school I enrolled into the African Studies Program at the University in my home town of St. Petersburg.

My major field of study

at the University was focused on ‘Languages and Cultures of East Africa’-countries like Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.

After the graduation in 2006 there was a chance for me to go and work abroad so I took it immediately. In the same year I actually started to paint. Since then I lived in Guyana, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. All the places I lived helped me to make the artistic dream come true and provided endless inspiration for painting,” the artist said in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

Lobova added she was really inspired by the beautiful flora and fauna of Guyana, as well as friendly people and unique culture.

According to the artist, this inspiration continues to come from the surrounding environment on a daily basis.

The main topics of Lobova’s paintings are natural landscapes, animals, views from different regions and various natural patterns (from plants, leaves, back, var-

Artist Maiia Lobova

ious textures and much more) The artist has exhibited her work locally and internationally and has received numerous awards throughout her art career. One such award was in June 2011 when she was selected as the winner of IYV+10 (International Year of the Volunteer) Art and Film Making Competition arranged

by UNDP Office in Guyana.

“The message I communicate through my paintings is simple: look around, research and admire life around in its daily movements

and changes. Look how beautiful nature, plants, trees, flowers and animals are. Get the spiritual support, internal power and inspiration from the small but beautiful things which can be found all around. I believe that the nature in Guyana is unique and absolutely different from all other places in the world. For more than six years it continues to be an endless source of inspiration for me,” the artist declared.

To contact the artist email her at maiia.lobova@gmail.com (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

'Piranha'

"Iguana"

"Petroglyphs"

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Corruption…

N

…as “sweet medicine”

atural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman insists his Government’s 2017 Budget is “bitter medicine”. The metaphor being that even though the budgetary measures may be painful to the Guyanese public, it’ll help cure their economic woes. But that’s the fly in the ointment, isn’t it? Even the Government’s apologists like the PM’s shill couldn’t identify credible examples of where particular “bitter” measures will actually help with growth and development.

Take the removal of numerous basic items from the “zero rated” basket that will now have their VAT inputs passed onto the consumer in the form of higher prices.

How will this help cure the “illness” of poverty that afflicts the majority of Guyanese? But even though so many commentators have flogged this horse, Prezzie and his Finance Minister insists the horse is already dead and flogging won’t accomplish anything. The aforementioned Resource Minister advised Guyanese to quit whining and get on with drinking the bitter medicine!! In other words, like it or lump it!

It doesn’t seem to’ve crossed the collective minds of this PNC-led Government that their “bitter medicine” might actually be the “wrong medicine” and could actually harm the body politic by stifling economic growth! But another thing that has troubled your humble Eyewitness is while the Government might be making the wrong decisions to generate economic growth because they’re simply clueless about these matters, why is it they’re so accommodating to corruption which also has the same malignant effect on growth and development?

This is such a proven relationship that your Eyewitness has no need to rehearse the data from across the underdeveloped world that exposes corruption’s role in maintaining that underdevelopment, does he?

He thought not! But with corruption, the Government in general and Prezzie in particular cannot plead ignorance. For years, they flagellated the PPP for allegedly “siphoning off” billions and billions from the national treasury through various and sundry corrupt practices.

In fact one recurring decimal in the corruption charges by the parties now constituting the Government was that the PPP practiced “cronyism” in awarding contracts. But here it is they’ve now been so many crony practices that have hindered development one just can’t keep counting – but are allowed to pass without official comment. Importing chicken? Importing fuel?

Collecting unaccounted hundreds of millions for Jubilee Stadium? Approving a PPA for a wind farm to an AFC “political investor”? And of course the infamous pharma warehouse that still hasn’t housed a single tablet after almost G$100 million has been shelled out!!

If you want to understand how corruption inhibits development, just think what all that money for a TOTALLY unnecessary warehouse could’ve done for some poor people.

Yet the charade goes on! …from the start So when was it the “corruption rot” started with this Government? From its very conception, when the AFC broke its word to its supporters that – unlike other small parties – it would use its Parliamentary seats as a swing bloc to influence both the PPP and the PNC. However, the sordid reality is they NEVER, EVER reached out to the PPP to find a common cause. Their mission was summarised in the words of one of the AFC’s founders – Raphael Trotman: to appose, expose, and depose the PPP. We later heard Raphael Trotman had a secret pact with David Granger, then only leader of the PNC, just before the elections.

It is this sort of deceit on political motives – which has to be part of a wide conspiracy among those in Government – that is the beginning of the slippery slope of ethical positions that are taken opportunistically when it comes to other matters. Like awarding themselves a 50 per cent salary hike, and only 10 per cent for Government workers.

If that’s not corruption, what is? …to the end If Prezzie doesn’t step up to the crease and make an example of even ONE of those who’re so gratuitously corrupt, then his Administration will certainly return Guyana to the Burnhamite denouement.

Absolute despair and wretchedness

Govt faces scrutiny over scholarship programme …as reports surface of millions being paid for Ministers, friends to study abroad

T

here are reports that the Government has been expending millions of dollars for several of its ministers to benefit from full-scholarship programmes.

Junior Education Minister Nicolette Henry and Junior Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson are among those who report-

edly received millions of dollars to pursue their studies in the United States and the United Kingdom respectively.

Henry is doing her PHD in Public Health to the tune of G$3.36 million, while Ferguson is benefiting from a G$3.38 million scholarship in Public Policy Management.

Additionally,

The document submitted by Minister of State Joseph Harmon regarding the scholarship programme

Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine’s daughter, Alicia, is benefiting from a G$2.58 million scholarship at a university in the UK. She is studying psychology.

Other notable beneficiaries are former Chief Education Officer Olato Sam who is studying Education Policy in Jamaica, costing some G$946,000 and a Guyana Chronicle Board Director Tabitha SaraboHalley who is currently pursuing Public Policy Management studies in the UK to the tune of G$3.4 million.

CSEC top student Elisa Hamilton is also a beneficiary of the government scholarships programme, but unlike the others, hers’ was publicly announced.

Questions are being raised regarding the process used to select the beneficiaries of the programme and why Government did not, in the interest transparency, disclose that it is funding the studies of some of its ministers.

Junior Education Minister, Nicolette Henry

Minister of State Joseph Harmon had disclosed to the National Assembly that Government has provided full scholarships to nine persons at the PHD Level, 75 at the Masters Level, 186 at the Bachelors Level, and 704 at various local institutions.

On Wednesday evening, in response to a request made by Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, Harmon submitted a list of names of all the persons benefitting from the government scholarships.

Union expresses concern over ‘incomplete’ salary negotiations for public servants

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The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) Board

he Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) on Wednesday said that the G$25,000 bonus that was offered to public servants must not be used as a tool to end salary negotiations between the Union and Government.

First Vice President of the GPSU, Mortimer Livan, made the statement at a press conference, stating that the Union is concerned with the state of salary negotiations, which at the moment is incomplete.

The Vice President stated that the announcement of a G$25,000 bonus which the Union refers to as a “Christmas Freck” to public servants is a tactic being used to halt the negotiations.

“The announcement late last week that public servants earning less than G$500,000 per

month are to be paid a one-off, tax-free bonus of G$25,000 comes against the backdrop of ongoing uncertainty over the status of the incomplete and outstanding wages and salaries negotiations between the Guyana Public Service Union and the Government of Guyana.”

Livan added that President David Granger has on many occasions publicly announced that the 10 per cent increase of the wages of public servants is an interim payment and would not halt negotiations; however, this is exactly what occurred.

“We have written the President on many occasions and he wrote us back saying yes, it is not the final stage and that negotiations will continue. But we are faced now with some delaying tactics by the Ministry

of Finance and the Ministry of Public Service and there seems to be time for them to work out ramifications for the 25 per cent bonus, but they cannot meet with us to finalise the wages and salaries.”

The Union announced that it is of the firm opinion that such diversionary tactics should be replaced by swiftly returning to the salaries negotiation table.

The Union noted that the persistence of periodic handouts to public servants in a fashion that seeks to relegate them to mendicants, cannot and will not be allowed to replace fair and honest collective bargaining.

Livan stated that the Union will be retaliating at their Executive Council Meeting to be held next week where a firm decision will be taken by the Union.

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

My Ajee

Whoever could make two ears of corn or two blades of grass to grow upon a spot of ground where only one grew before, would deserve better of mankind, and do more essential service to his country than the whole race of politicians put together – Jonathan Swift, Gulliver’s Travels

‘Tis the season

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atiricus was smirking. But then his face always had a smirk at this time of the year, with Christmas less than two weeks away. Satiricus and his wife Caustic were discussing their plans for the holidays and Satiricus could only think about the festivities with “the boys” ahead. “Let the good times roll!” he thought to himself.

“So how many pounds of Black Cake you baking this year, gyaal?” was Satiricus’ opening gambit. He figured he couldn’t do better than mention the things near and dear to Caustic’s heart. And Black Cake was right up there!

“You blasted well know I have to cut back,” Caustic snapped. “Less than half what I baked last year.”

“And why is that, dear,” mumbled Satiricus in alarm. This discussion wasn’t starting out the way he’d envisaged.

“Is you and your KFC party raising taxes on every blasted thing,” Caustic glared at Satiricus. “And you didn’t even get no bonus this year!”

“But I thought all the stuff in your Black Cake was local, darling,” said Satiricus in a soothing voice. “And they weren’t taxed any higher.”

“Local me behind!” snarled Caustic.

“Don’t get me started on this “zero rated” and “exempt” business! All I know your paycheck is shrinking when you look at all our expenses!”

“So how many of the fellas I should invite over for the Christmas sport?” Satiricus asked with a wide, if forced smile.

“Sport!Sport!” Caustic’s face was becoming red with rage. “You just heard me telling you I have to cut back with my Black Cake, which all my relatives expect from me every year…and you talking about SPORT??!”

By this time Caustic was screaming. “You better ask Nagga Man and Rum Jhaat to give you money to sport!”

“But, dear, the boys expect me to do something,” pleaded Satiricus. “It will look bad.”

“Bad?” Caustic snarled. “You better worry how YOU will look when I’m done with you , if your Government don’t reduce taxes tomorrow and let me bake more Black Cake!”

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

47

Anu Dev

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y Ajee passed away last week in New York City. By sheer coincidence I’d already written my article published last week on my reaction to the death of an elderly patient on my watch – “First Crash”, when my father received word that his mother, my Ajee, had to be rushed to the hospital and she was critical. I wrote, “It’s impossible, I think, to be in that place and not think about your own loved ones. It’s impossible to avoid reflecting on whether you’ve spent enough time showing the people you love that you love them while you still have them in your life.” My Ajee was one of those persons I’d thought about.

Since she lived in New York and I in Guyana, I only met her when we visited each other. With ten children, twenty-six grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren I wondered how she remembered all their names much more their tiniest details, which she did. Of recent, she would

faithfully read my articles in the New York edition of the paper – and complain bitterly on those weeks when they weren’t carried! She was a tad partial!

But while I may not have been as lucky as my cousins and siblings residing in New York, we’re a family that’s constantly repeating the narratives handed down to us from our parents, and I do believe I knew her so well. As someone interested in history and the role of females in constituting that history, I’ve always been intrigued as to how she transitioned from her mother’s generation where females supposedly had much more “agency” and independence since they worked for wages of their own and were out of the home to one where she was “just a housewife”.

But it seemed the times were changing and she and her parents were changing with it. She would gleefully regale us about how she “turned down” the offer from the family of a young goldsmith-to-be for my Aja, who was “tall and good looking” and who would (by sheer coincidence!) pass by her home every

My Ajee, aged 30

afternoon, just when she was “washing wares” at their outdoor sink. Her parents went along with her choice.

She was determined to make her life a success and worked together with her husband to make their dreams a reality. She was a quiet woman but with a will of steel and was not deterred by her economic circumstances. She simply did what she had to do. She had thirteen children by the time she was thirty five, ten of them who survived. She scoffed at the “younger generation” of females making a fuss about childbirth!

While she only went to primary school, she was determined that

her children would receive an education and made great sacrifices to ensure that was accomplished. My Cha Cha’s and Poowas all recount the effect she had on them about imbibing good values with her stories taken from the Ramayan – but more so from her actions. She was very proud and never saw herself as “poor” even though by the official statistics she and her family were so defined.

She would never accept a handout and made sure her debts were always paid.

She was very bitter that conditions became so difficult during the seventies that most of the gains she had painfully made were wiped out. She was proud of the success she and my Aja carved out for themselves in New York, as well as the success of her children and grandchildren.

My Ajee taught me a career is important to a woman but raising a family can also be fulfilling and merging the two can be achieved. She was a good role model for the modern woman.

A bitter pill… …at Sussex St ack in the day there was a popular calypso, “Gi’e me de pill de Doctor order me!” But the other night, even when the Doctor from the House rushed to the (bottom) house warehouse, there wasn’t a pill in sight to be shown to the bevy of MPs and the mob of reporters in tow! By now, we probably all know about the sordid and sleazy genealogy of the “Case of the Missing Pill”. But it bears repetition since it’s clear the truth is a bitter pill that the Government benches and the Speaker don’t want to swallow.

Let’s start with the fact that the brouhaha isn’t just about the fact that a sitting Minister sole sourced a “warehouse” for pharma that was just a “house”, but that he LIED about it to Parliament and was forced to apologise. In every other jurisdiction he would’ve been forced to resign. After all, just funding the purchase of a facility by a government campaign contributor and paying an exorbitant rental for months of non-existent services is tantamount to criminal fraud. But the Minister was allowed to get away with the slap on the wrist of the “public apology”. After all he said he’s “learnt a lesson”.

And this is what has to be asked now, “Exactly WHAT lesson did Dr Norton learn? That he can get away with murder once his PNC-led Government stands behind him?

This Eyewitness wants to know why should there be recourse to the Hansard to find out whether MP Nandlall’s charge that four months AFTER the Minister’s apology, there still wasn’t “a pill” stored at the Sussex Street facility?

The Speaker and everyone in that National Assembly knows the context in which Nandlall’s charge was made.

What the delegation that was sent over to Sussex Street was looking into was whether the space that the Government was shelling out big time Government money (G$12.5 million/monthly ain’t Chicken feed!) was storing government pharmaceuticals. This was the very raison d’etre for the rental

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that was offered to the nation by no other than that paragon of public probity, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. That just the case there was a fire at the Government warehouse at Diamond, or a traffic jam on the East Bank Highway, DRUGS could be rushed from Sussex Street to Georgetown Hospital to save lives.

What was found? Condoms and lubricants? Was this “the pill” the doctor ordered? What MEDICAL emergency could possibly exist that would demand condoms and lubricant be available on call at the cost of millions and millions? Priapism?

How widespread is this?

Or will we be now told since “condoms” help in birth control, it can be called “THE pill”??!! …on Jubilee Park It wasn’t only Dr Norton who didn’t learn the real lesson from “Pharmagate”. Another doctor in the House also seemed to be suffering from moral aporia – DrRoopnaraine.

What’s at issue on the revelations that he was a Director of the Homestretch Corporation that collected public funds isn’t that he pilfered those funds. He very well might or mightn’t have… and this will be revealed in the Inquiry the Government should launch.

No. What’s at issue is – as with Dr Norton – Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson lied to the House when he omitted the name of DrRoopnaraine as one of the Directors of the Company. And Roopnaraine, in remaining quiet and deferring to Paterson to offer the “explanation” was part and parcel of a conspiracy to mislead the House.

And this should not be allowed to pass.

US President Nixon resigned not because he participated in the Watergate breaking. But, like Roopnaraine, he covered up his involvement in Homestretch.

The House should demand no less this time. …on Budget Resource Minister Raphael Trotman wasn’t very resourceful when he compared the Budget to “bitter medicine” Guyanese must drink “for their own good”.

Wasn’t that what Jim Jones told his flock about the KoolAid?

48 Bollywood

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Sidharth Malhotra, Jacqueline Kareena Kapoor Khan hopes to be back on toes Fernandez’s next action film soon after baby birth to release in August 2017

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idharth Malhotra and Jacqueline Fernandez’s film finally has a release date and a title too. We have been constantly listening about rumours that Sidharth and Jacqueline are working together on the sequel of Bang Bang, which starred Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif. Even though the makers denied rumours of having any relation to the film, speculations weren’t put to rest. In fact, when the actors got on board, they clicked a picture with the film’s clap, which had ‘Not Bang Bang 2’ written on it.

Sidharth took to

Twitter to announce the release date of his latest. The 31-year-old actor wrote, “So our film #Reload directed by @ rajnidimoru n @krishdk n @FoxStarIndia production will be in action on 25th August 2017!”

Filmmaker Karan Johar also wrote, “Knock them dead @ S1dharthM and @Asli_ Jacqueline …#RELOAD releases on the 25th of August,2017…the adrenaline rush of the year coming soon.” and super excited Jacqueline wrote, “Super excited for this one!! #Reload on 25th August 2017.”

Sidharth-Jacqueline have been sharing a lot

of pictures from the film’s shoot on and off. Sid has often posted stills in which the actor was seen performing some action and bike chase sequences. Well, it seems he is aiming to up his game with Reload. Jacqueline, who is at present spending some ‘me-time’ in

New York, had a busy and fruitful year with Dishoom and Housefull 3 doing well at the boxoffice.

Reload is an action entertainer directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK. (Indian Express)

Everytime I work with Ajay Devgn, I learn something new: Emraan Hashmi

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mraan Hashmi is happy to have reunited with Ajay Devgn on screen once again, this time for Milan Luthria’s Baadshaho. The actors who have acted together

in the past in films like Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji and Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai, bonded im-

mensely on the sets of their latest film. Talking about Ajay, Emraan told indianexpress.com, “Ajay is fantastic. He has undoubtedly been one of my best male co-actors till date. He is very se-

cure. He is a brilliant actor. Everytime I work with him, I get to learn something new.”

Emraan who has just finished the Jodhpur leg of Baadshaho expressed his happiness with the way the shoot has been progressing. “It was fantastic shooting in Jodhpur. We all had a great time. I can’t wait to get back.”

The film is set to release in September next year. When asked if viewers would get to see shades of the real Emraan Hashmi in Baadshaho, the actor replied with a smile, “I know what shades you are talking about. All I can say is you won’t be disappointed.”

Meanwhile, earlier in the day Emraan was spotted mingling with cancer patients at the

Tata Memorial Hospital where an event was organised to increase cancer awareness. Talking about the disease, Emraan said, “I have still not been able to understand why cancer is considered a stigma in society. People are still unwilling to talk about it. You still talk about it in hush-hush tones. I can’t understand why. So you need to talk about it and create more awareness. ” While people may still find it difficult to talk about cancer, Bollywood too has traditionally shied away from making a film revolving around the subject, unlike Hollywood. (Indian Express)

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ctor Kareena Kapoor Khan says she hopes to be back to doing films soon after the birth of her baby. The momto-be actor bagged the Glamorous Diva of the Year award at the LUX Golden Rose awards show held here recently. Asked by event host Arjun Kapoor as to when her fans will see her back in action on her ‘high heels’, Kareena, who is expecting her first child, said, “I will be back on my toes within a month of my delivery.”

“You (referring to Arjun Kapoor) have played my husband in Ki & Ka and you should be grooving on high heels, not me,” she further said. Kareena has already signed for Rhea Kapoor’s Veere Di Wedding, which will also star Sonam Kapoor and Swara Bhaskar.

In July this year, Kareena’s husband and actor Saif Ali Khan had announced that the couple are expecting their first child in December.

(Indian Express)

Twinkle Khanna returns to films with R Balki’s next, but there’s a twist

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winkle Khanna has time and again mentioned how she is done with her Bollywood career and how it was a non-starter in the first place. However, Akshay Kumar’s better half seems to have gone back on her words as she launches her production house, Mrs. Funnybones

the writing process. The film goes on the floors in March next year.”

When asked about the film, Akshay said jokingly, “She (Twinkle) is the producer and I will work on a salary.”

It appears Mrs. Funnybones Movies will work both on off-beat fare and mainstream masala. The concepts are

Movies. And her first project — no points for guessing — stars Akshay Kumar.

Other than Akshay, the R Balki film will star Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte in lead roles and will have a special appearance by Amitabh Bachchan. The film has been conceptualized by Twinkle, according to a Mumbai Mirror report.

A source quoted in the report said, “It’s Twinkle’s concept that will be entirely developed

by Balki who is writing the script, screenplay, and dialogues. Twinkle will not be involved in

still being developed and will be confirmed once they reach fruition.

However, this is not the first time that Twinkle has turned producer. She was credited as co-producer on Akshay’s ‘Tees Maar Khan’, ‘Thank You’, ‘Patiala House’ and ‘Holiday: A Soldier is Never Off Duty’. She is known as a column writer and has also written two books — Mrs. Funnybones and The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad. However, this time it seems to be her baby and not just a credit. (Indian Express)

Sushant Singh Rajput gets his first tattoo and it’s highly emotional

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he trend of tattoos surely doesn’t seem to fade anytime soon. And while all our B-town celebs seem quite fascinated with the body art, the latest to join the list is Sushant Singh Rajput. The MS Dhoni actor has got inked and his tattoo can be called one of the most sought after we saw in recent times.

Sushant’s first tattoo is dedicated to his mother. The 30-year-old actor took to Instagram to share the new addition to his body which displays the five fundamental elements of the universe, including a mother and a child. He posted two images of his new tattoo.

The first picture was

captioned as “Inked for life. 5 Elements and my mother and me. @ sameer_patange_art #kraayonztattoostudios.

As Long as you were I was In your memories I come alive Like a shad-

ow But just a flicker Time doesn’t move here It’s beautiful It’s forever…” For the second one, he wrote, “First tatoo #Five elements #Mother and me”.

Sushant, who is fly-

ing high after the success of biopic MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, is looking forward to the release of Raabta co-starring Kriti Sanon. (Indian Express)

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Hollywood 49

Lady Gaga to share Why every man should be afraid her sexual abuse story of a girlfriend like Taylor Swift with Piers Morgan T

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inger Lady Gaga has agreed to a sit-down interview with Piers Morgan on the subject of sexual abuse and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after he expressed his doubts about her rape claims.

The singer recently confessed that she has suffered from PTSD after being raped as a teenager, but the revelation was met by scepticism by Morgan, who suggested her claims should be taken “with a pinch of salt” until they had been proven.

Gaga offered to share her story with him with a post on Twitter on Tuesday, reports dailymail.co.uk.

She posted: “Piers Morgan I’ve work w/our VP Joe Biden on helping educate people about why women don’t report, would love to share it w/

you some time.”

“OK, you’re on. Let’s do an interview about this and you can tell me why I’m wrong to be sceptical,” Morgan responded.

The singer also said: “Piers Morgan would also love to talk with you about PTSD, that it’s not just a ‘military’ disorder.

There is a mental health youth epidemic.”

To that, Morgan fired back: “I know numerous soldiers with PTSD, it’s a

very serious thing. I also know people who claim to have it but clearly don’t. Let’s talk.”

Gaga added: “Piers Morgan if anyone in your family suffers from it, I pray they have more good days than bad. It has affected me and my whole family.”

Morgan, 51, appeared pleasantly surprised by the pop star-turned-actress’ willingness to engage in a discussion, and was quick to take her up on the offer.

He wrote: “OK Lady Gaga, we have a deal. I’ll get my people to contact your people. It’s an important debate.”

Gaga said: “Piers Morgan Let’s do that and yes Mr. Morgan, I can handle you. Surprised you would question that.

Was that the first question of our interview?”

(Indian Express)

Actor Alan Thicke, dad on ‘Growing Pains,’ dead at 69

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anadian actor Alan Thicke, best known for his leading role in the 1980s

sitcom “Growing Pains” as well as being the father of singer Robin Thicke, died on Tuesday, his spokeswoman said.

He was 69.

“Alan’s sudden passing has been confirmed.

At present, we have no further details,” Monique Moss said in a brief email.

A source close to the family told Reuters by telephone that Thicke suffered a heart attack and was transported to Providence Saint Joseph

Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Celebrity news outlet TMZ reported that Thicke had been playing hockey with his 19-year-old son when he died. More recently Thicke was set to appear in “Fuller House,” a remake of the popular 1990s family sitcom.

“Season 2 Fuller House looking good. I even like the ones I’m not in!” Thicke said in a tweet earlier on Tuesday.

(Indian Express)

aylor Swift is a feminist. She is all praises for friend Lena Dunham for it was her sisterhood which led her on the path of enlightenment towards feminism. And Bollywood female actors can take a leaf out from Taylor’s book.

Many famous names such as Vidya Balan, Twinkle Khanna and Parineeti Chopra have lately been in the line

of fire for “misconstruing” what it means to be a feminist. Let’s settle this for once: Anyone who wants equal treatment for both men and women is a feminist.

Men are feminist too. So all MCPs and FCPs (yes it is a term too) must watch out for a girlfriend like Taylor Swift.

Perhaps, the 27-yearold has an OCD of turning every break-up into a musical treatise. She is the dream GF who immortalises even her failed relationships, something not all exes would appreciate. Be it her recent heartbreak with Tom ‘Loki’ Hiddleston, singer Calvin Harris or the other Taylor (Lautner) from the Twilight franchise, she has allegedly dedicated at least one song to almost every boyfriend, that we know of. It is rumoured Taylor is in talks with Hiddleston as she is penning down a song on her latest heartache.

She’s got gumption,

that we’ll give that to her. Making your heart bleed on paper and finetuning the lyrics so that it strikes the right chord takes both guts and creative genius. Either that or she has some serious problem of ending relationships and then using them as “inspiration” for creating music. One may be completely off by more than margin but let’s give the birthday girl benefit of doubt.

Unlike Britney Spears, once upon a time teenager pop star, Taylor has shown remarkable growth when it comes to her music and songwriting prowess. Originally a country girl, she has come a long way from being sunny, breezy gal in ‘Fearless’ to the twisted, multi-layered GF ‘Blank Space’. You should check out ‘Don’t Wanna Live Forever’, her collaboration with former One Direction member, Zayn Malik for Fifty Shades Darker. (Indian Express)

Nicole Kidman wanted kids from a very early age

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icole Kidman says she wanted to have children from very young age and always knew she would adopt. The 49-year-old actress had adopted Isabella, 23, and Connor, 20, with her former partner Tom Cruise, and has biological daughters Faith, five, and Sunday Rose, eight, with her husband Keith Urban.

“I always knew I’d adopt, I just always wanted a child. I think from a very early age, I wanted a child. I knew that I was going to have a child and that it didn’t matter [how], I actual-

ly didn’t know if I was ever going to give birth to a child. So that was the least of it for me.

And what I did first was adopt,” Kidman said.

The actress, who is currently starring in Lion, a movie about a

young boy who gets lost and ends up being adopted by an Australian couple, said she took on the role because she could relate to the story about the “bond between a mother and a child,” reported Female First.

“That’s what I love about this movie, and what I keep trying to say. “Once the bond is there between a mother and a child, the biological part of it is sort of the least important part. I think when that bond forms, it’s astounding how powerful it is.”

(Indian Express)

Meryl Streep makes history with Fast 8 is officially called most Golden Globe nominations The Fate of the Furious

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eryl Streep, who recently received her 30th Golden Globes nominations for ‘Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture,’ has made history with the most number of nods. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association nominated the 67-year-old ‘Florence Foster Jenkins’ star, who became the most-nominated performer in Golden Globes history in 2009 thanks to her double lead actress nominations for ‘Doubt’ and ‘Mamma Mia!’ which gave her 23 nominations and seven more since then, reports E! Online.

Streep also holds the records for most Golden Globe wins for her roles in Kramer vs. Karmer (1979), The French Lieutenant’s

Woman (1981), Sophie’s Choice (1982), Adaptation (2002), Angels in America (2003), The Devil Wears Prada (2006), Julie & Julia (2009) and The Iron Lady (2010).

Additionally, she will receive the ‘Cecil B. Demille Award’ at the ‘74th Golden Globe Award’ this year. Other contenders in the award category include Annette Bening for her role in ‘20th Century Women’, Lily Collins (Rules Don’t Apply), Hailee Steinfeld (The Edge of Seventeen) and Emma Stone (La La Land).

The Mamma Mia star summed up her excitement in a statement exclaiming, “AAAAGGGGHHHH!” Hugh Grant, who stars as Streep’s husband and

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manager, also received a nomination for ‘Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy’) while the movie ‘Florence Foster Jenkins’ is up for ‘Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy.’ The winners will be announced on January 8, 2017, when Jimmy Fallon hosts the big event live on NBC. (Indian Express)

he eighth instalment in the popular franchise The Fast and the Furious is officially called The Fate of the Furious. The film, directed by Straight Outta Compton helmer F Gary Gary, will hit theatres on April 14.

“It’s official! The title of #F8 is THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS. Tune-in live on @Facebook this Sunday for the trailer debut!” read a post on the film’s official Twitter handle. The first teaser for the highly anticipated film was also released, ahead of its trailer premiere on Sunday. The 15-second clip features a slew of cars, epic explosions, and Charlize Theron, who is the new addition in the film.

Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham,

Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, Nathalie Emmanuel, Elsa Pataky and Kurt Russell return to the franchise. Other newcomers joining the cast include Helen Mirren and Scott Eastwood.

Meanwhile, Vin Diesel says with F. Gary Gray as the director, the eighth Fast and Furious movie will have a chance to win at next year’s

Academy Awards.

While promoting his next film, Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, Diesel told Entertainment Tonight, “I think he went into making this movie with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder, going ‘Oh, really? OK. Now I’m going to take the biggest saga in the world, and I’m about to throw Oscars at you.

Wait till you see what he does!’ ” (Indian Express)

50 sport

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

CONCACAF draw pits Under-17 Boyz against giants USA, Mexico

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amaica’s Under-17 Reggae Boyzhave been drawn in tough Group C for the CONCACAF Under-17 Championship in Panama, pitted against confederation giants the USA and Mexico.

At a glitzy draw at the Sheraton Grand Panama in Panama City on Tuesday night, the Young Boyz’s worst fears were realised when they were stacked in Group C with their nemeses.

In the four-team group, they will also have Central American outfit El Salvador, seen as a less daunting opponent.

Looking to the Panama tournament slated for April 21-May 7, 2017, the Young Boyz will open against the USA on April 23, three days later they face El Salvador, followed by Mexico on April 29.

Group A will be contested by Panama, Haiti, Honduras and Curacao, while Group B is made up of Costa Rica, Cuba, Suriname and Canada.

The tournament will be played in a new format, where the top two teams from each group of the first phase advance to the Classification Stage, from which the four Confederation rep-

resentatives will be decided in a round-robin play-off of two groups of three teams each.

Jamaica’s Under-17 coach Andrew Edwards, speaking from Panama City immediately after the draw, admitted to the enormity of the task, but remained hopeful that his boys “could spring a few surprises”.

“Drawn in Group C alongside CONCACAF powerhouses the USA and Mexico is certainly a very daunting task and it will make our passage to the FIFA World Cup very difficult if we can be successful any at all.

“However, it is football and I believe that we have the capacity to develop our team sufficiently... and certainly we will be targeting the first game against the USA, a team against which we have lost two practice matches recently, but we will be determined to get a positive result from that game and try to propel ourselves forward from there,” he told theJamaica Observer.

In the case of the USA, Jamaica were clearly second-best in two practice games in Kingston last month against the North Americans, going down 0-3 and 0-4.

slay Goliath and we have performed well against the USA in the previous campaign.

Caption: Jamaica’s Under-17 defender Kendall Edwards and the USA’s AyomideAkinola (right) battle for possession in their friendly match at Winchester Park in Kingston recently. The USA won 4-0. (Photo: Jamaica Observer/ Karl McLarty)

“This easily is the group of death, a very difficult group and one in which we have to perform above and beyond anything we have done so far to get something out of those two games against the USA and Mexico.

“Certainly, the USA and Mexico are two of the powerhouses of CONCACAF, with the USA having missed qualifying for the World

Cup only once in 2013, and Mexico have won the World Cup at least two or three times. El Salvador is the only team that we may have the best chance to have a solid victory against,” Edwards said, sizing up the competition.

Even in the face of the realities, the Jamaica coach remained upbeat.

“I believe we have an opportunity and miracles do happen as David did

“Despite those losses in the practice games, I believe we have an outstanding chance to spring a surprise, and if we can prepare very well for that first game against the USA and come with a performance beyond what we have come with so far, I am certain we can deliver a positive result,” he noted.

Edwards, fully aware of the overall strength of the USA team in particular, draws inspiration from his team’s 1-0 victory over the Americans in the 2015 campaign.

“Notwithstanding, we had the USA in our group the last time and we had two creditable performances against them, but obviously they have changed a lot since then, and we have changed our entire team as well, barring the coaches, so it is going to be a totally different ball game altogether.

“We had two practice games against them and they totally dominated us in pretty much every department and since then they have defeat-

ed Brazil (3-0), Portugal (7-1) and Turkey (5-1) in the Nike tournament that was held recently in Florida, so we know that they are a powerful team which is technically and tactically very disciplined and physically supreme.

“We know we will just have to perform out of our skins, so to speak, in order to get a positive result, but I don’t believe it is beyond us,” Edwards said.

The Boyz coach, in his second cycle in charge, said the Americans were obviously delighted they have drawn Jamaica, an indication of their lack of respect.

“Speaking with the US people after the draw tonight (Tuesday), they seemed very pleased that they drew us in their group and they seemed very confident, almost cocky if you prefer, and I think that may play into our hands if we can get ourselves together,” Edwards ended.

Jamaica, who have qualified for the 1999 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in New Zealand and Mexico in 2011, are seeking qualification number three to the India tournament next year.

(Jamaica Observer)

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Kohli 'would love' a county stint before 2018 England tour

V

irat Kohli has said he would love to play county cricket in the lead-up to the tour of England in 2018, but only a short stint might be possible with current schedules.

Kohli wanted at least a month's time to get used to conditions, but the IPL ends in the last week of May, and India tours to the UK generally start in the last week of June.

"If I have a chance, I would love to do that; love to be there, say a month or a month and a half and get used to playing in those conditions, understand how the wickets behave in that particular phase of the year," Kohli said. "I think those things matter a lot. Preparation time is something, which is very crucial for any side. So yeah, if I have the opportunity to go there a few days before the start that will be great. I have actually been thinking about it, trying to work out how I can make it happen.

Most definitely, if I have the time I'll go and play there."

This was a great sign from the captain of a side that had become blasé about the lack of preparation time before Test tours in the recent years. If Kohli manages to squeeze in even a couple of county games before the first Test in 2018 - as opposed to nothing - he would be better equipped to handle the swing and seam prevalent in English grounds.

In the 2014 tour, Kohli scored 134 runs at 13.4 in India's 3-1 defeat.

India have bounced back from that crisis with five successive series wins, but Kohli knew the regrouping won't be complete, that his side won't match his ambition, until it did well in certain

conditions.

"We still understand we have to play a lot of cricket everywhere in the world," he said. "It's not only about this one period we are going through.

It looks really good because we have come out of transition and immediately started winning games. But I wouldn't take it as overconfidence.

It's an on-going process, which needs to be sustained for the next five to seven or eight years for us to become a top-quality side and leave a mark on world cricket; maybe be known as one of the best teams to have assembled on the field.

"We want to do it across formats and make that mark for Indian cricket on the world stage. But it requires a lot of persistence and skill, a lot of hard work on your fitness, and those are the key factors that will decide where we go as a unit and as a team.

We don't feel invincible, to be honest. We respect every opposition, we admit it every time we are put under pressure, and we know teams are going to put us under pressure.

We appreciate that, we accept that and we try to find a way out of it. I think that's been key for us, and it's a process that should go on for another seven or eight years."

Kohli spoke of his own batting with similar modesty. He has scored three double-centuries this year, has 640 runs in this series, has played scarcely believable knocks in limitedovers internationals too, and broke every record in the IPL. But he considered Joe Root, Kane Williamson and Steven Smith as better batsmen in Test cricket. Kohli, who was No. 2 on the ICC Test rankings, felt

Virat Kohli

the four of them raising the bar for each other enriched the sport.

"They [the fans] put us in a group of young players coming up in world cricket," Kohli said. "That healthy competition is great for the game. People like talking about it. It is a great topic of debate. I see people enjoy talking about it a lot and they mention it to me as well. "You four-five players are exciting to watch" and those sort of things. You feel good you are in a bunch of batsmen that is taking world cricket forward, not just having that healthy rivalry between us.

"As an individual, I don't focus on those things. It is a massive distraction. When you are going through a good phase, you want to see the rankings, you want to see what people are talking about, 'am I in the race,' and stuff like that. But you get so addicted to it that when you are not doing well, and saying things backfire and it can really put you down. To me all these are world-class players, and I have always rated each one of them higher than me, in Test cricket especially, because of the way they have performed in the last two or three years.

"I understood my

Jimmy Adams is new director of cricket; Pybus steps down — report

F

Jimmy Adams

ormer West Indies batsman Jimmy Adams is the new director of cricket for the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), according to regional media reports.

Adams, who represented West Indies as player and captain during his career, replaces Englishman Richard Pybus, who did not seek to renew his

contract, the Trinidad Guardian reported.

There are also reports that a new head coach, Australian Stuart Law, has been appointed to fill the position left vacant by Phil Simmons who was fired in September.

The decision to fill the two positions were reportedly taken at the weekend at the WICB’s final quarterly meeting which took place in St Maarten.

Jamaican Adams resigned as head coach of English county side Kent earlier this year after serving five seasons between 2012 and October 2016.

Pybus is expected to remain for a while to ease Adams into the position.

Law, 48, is the former coach of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, who played one Test and 54 one-day internationals for Australia.

His first assignment will be to lead the regional team in February when England visit the Caribbean for a series of three one-day internationals.

(CMC)

limitations and never tried to outdo them in the longest format of the game. In shorter formats, yes, I have been doing very well. I understood what I needed to do in the longest format for me to be able to contribute the maximum for my team. That's been my aim. My aim was never to go about Joe or Steve or Kane. I respect them equally and I think there is equal amount of respect between all of us, David [Warner] included. All of us understand and like our games."

Kohli has scored runs in Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies. If he doesn't rate himself as highly as the other three in Tests, his performance in England must be the only reason behind it.

County cricket could go a long way in correcting it.(ESPNcricinfo) SidharthMonga is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo

New head coach drops Jones from Soca Warriors

T

rinidad and Tobago captain and striker Kenwyne Jones has been dropped from the squad preparing to face Nicaragua in two international friendlies later this month.

Newly appointed head coach Tom Saintfiet says Jones has not been included in a 28 man squad to play the Nicaraguans on December 27 and 31.

The Belgian coach says Jones was left out so that he can tweak the style of play of the Soca Warriors in time for next month’s Gold Cup playoff matches against Suriname and Haiti on January 4 and 8.

“I want a lot of speed upfront and space to run into on the counter attack. But I do not want to say too much because [the technical staff of] Suriname and Haiti can read what I say,” Saintfiet told Wired868.

“I had a personal meeting with Kenwyne last week and I discussed privately with him the reason why we took that decision. The criteria for the selection of players are our tactical ideas and choices we want to use against Suriname and Haiti”.

Jones is a former Sunderland and Stoke City forward who leaves for pre-season with new United States Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise, Atlanta United FC, January one.

Kenwyne Jones

He scored Central FC’s decisive second goal in a two-one win over W Connection on Monday and has scored 16 goals in 35 matches for T&T under former coach Stephen Hart.

However Jones has converted just two goals from eight games in the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign so far.

“Kenwyne is not out of the squad for good. I will follow up with how he performs [with Central FC] and how he performs with [his new MLS employers] Atlanta,” said Saintfiet.

“I have not yet an answer for the [identity of the] new captain. I want to talk better to the players…

We still have some doubts about availability of players [for the Gold Cup playoffs].”

The 28 players selected include 16 from the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League. (CMC)

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Victory was on my mind not records, says Miller

MILLER... I was just glad it was accomplished in a winning team effort (Photo: WICB)

C

aptain of the Jamaica Scorpions Nikita Miller says he was more focused on winning and less concerned about breaking records during their recent victory over Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in the fourth round of the WICB Regional FourDay Tournament.

Miller grabbed nine wickets for 41 runs in Trinidad and Tobago’s second innings to in-

spire Jamaica to a 132run victory at Sabina Park.

His figures were the best in West Indies’ domestic history, becoming only the sixth bowler to claim nine in an innings since 1966.

“Leaving the field, some fans asked me why I didn’t push to get all 10, but really, as captain I was mainly focused on getting Trinidad all out,” Miller told ESPN Cricinfo.

“There were many points at other end when the batsmen were scoring freely, so even while bowling and I didn’t even celebrate the ninth wicket, I was thinking about bowling options, field placements for next bowler and over.”

The other West Indies cricketers to have achieved nine-wicket innings haul in a domestic season are Derek Parry (9-76 v Jamaica in 1980), Bernard Julien (9-97 v Jamaica in 1982), Rajendra Dhanraj (997 v Leeward Islands in 1996), Ryan Hinds (968 v Leeward Islands in 2001) and Devendra Bishoo (9-78 v T&T in 2014).

“My reaction was quite normal and wasn’t overly excited to be honest,” Miller explained.

“I didn’t know at the time it was the best, since I knew Bishoo had taken nine wickets a couple of seasons ago, so I was just glad it was accomplished in a winning team effort.”

Scorpions victory over Red Force have put them at the top of the table on 46.8 points, while defending champions Guyana Jaguars sits in second position on 44 points with Barbados Pride, on 43.2 points.

Leewards Hurricanes are on 36.6 points, Windwards Volcanoes 35.2, and Red Force 32.4.(CMC)

Guyanese Travis Dowlin added to WICB selection panel

Travis Dowlin played six Tests and 11 ODIs for West Indies (Photo: Associated Press)

F

ormer West Indies cricketer Travis Dowlin has been added to the selection panel of the West Indies Cricket Board and will begin official duties from January 1, according to a report published today

by ESPNcricinfo.

The Guyanese na-

tional joins Courtney Browne, Eldine Baptiste and Lockhart Sebastien to complete the panel.

Dowlin represented Guyana from 1997 to 2011, including as a captain in the 2009 season.

He played 85 first-class matches, scoring 4,013 runs at an average of

30.7. His international career lasted one year, during which he played 6 Tests, 11 ODIs, and two T20Is when West Indies cricket was transitioning following a fallout between the board and players. He scored one ODI century and three Test fifties during his short stint as an international cricketer.

Since his retirement in 2011, Dowlin has been a cricket analyst, most recently as a member of the radio commentary panels for the Caribbean Premier League and the tri-series involving West Indies, Australia and South Africa earlier this year. Dowlin, who holds a Diploma in Communications, is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications at the University of Guyana.

WICB pays glowing tribute to legend Lloyd on Golden Anniversary

T

he West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) on Tuesday paid glowing tribute to Clive Lloyd, the former West Indies captain for his 50 years of service to the game.

The legendary former Windies skipper made his entry into international cricket on December 13, 1966 in his first Test against India at the famous Brabourne Stadium in Bombay.

WICB President Dave Cameron has hailed Lloyd as a true pioneer and a man of vision as well as an outstanding ambassador and one of the game’s greatest leaders.

“We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr Lloyd on this, his golden anniversary on the international stage,” said Cameron.

“We say a wholehearted ‘thank you’ to a man who gave all he had to the sport and to the people.”

Lloyd scored 82 and 78 not out to help West Indies defeat India by

Clive Lloyd

six wickets back in 1966 when he stepped onto the international stage for the first time in a West Indies cap.

Lloyd led the West Indies in 74 Test matches and won 36 and was at the helm when the West Indies won the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1975 and 1979.

“We all agree that his vision and leadership led to one of the greatest periods in West Indies cricket as he captained and bonded the regional side into one of the greatest sporting teams the world will ever see,” added Cameron.

“He also earned great respect as an ICC match referee and Chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee. In all he did, both on and off the field, the former Captain gave all he had. He is one of the greatest cricketers of all time.”

Lloyd played 110 matches; scored 7,515 runs (average 46.67) with a top score of 242 not out among his 19 centuries.

He retired in 1985, and since then he has contributed at all levels as a coach, selectors, mentors and advisor.

(CMC)

Hubbard, Dhanpaul shine in WDCA Franchise trial

I

n preparation for the 50 over version of the Jaguars Franchise League which is scheduled to start on Thursday December 22, West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) hosted its first trial match on Monday at the Canal Number Two ground where 30 players showcased their skills to earn a spot in the final 14.

During that trial match YuteshDhanpaul and Malcolm Hubbard were the only batmen to surpass fifty while S. Khan and Marvin Cheong got four wicket hauls.

Due to a late start caused by wet outfield from overnight rain, the match was reduced to 40 overs per side. Team B won the toss and chose to bat, compiling 179 all out in 32 overs.

YuteshDhanpaul 58 (4×6 4×4) and Malcom Hubbard 53 (5×6 4×4) led the batting after they were struggling at 26/3 off 12 overs. The pair joined forces to put on 94 runs for the fourth wicket partnership. The partnership was so ruthless that at one stage, Hubbard took 20 off Travis Persaud in one over and Dhanpaul smashed 16 off an over bowled by Richie Looknauth.

However, when that

Malcolm Hubbard

partnership was broken at 126/4, Team A continued to make constant inroads as Team B collapsed for 179 all out.

No one else reached double figures. Hubbard was caught by Persaud off Marvin Cheong’s bowling while Dhanpaul was stumped by Adrian Johnson as Cheong was responsible for the demise of both Team B’s top batsmen of the day.

Cheong finished with figures of 4/30 from five overs while Kevin Paul 1/8 and V.Jadnauth 2/10

supported him. In their turn at the crease, Team A fell eight runs short for 171 all out in 39.3 overs after a good start between C. Ramcharan and B. Shivpersaud worth 48 runs. Shivpersaud and Looknauth made 24 apiece and Deoram Chanderbir made 19.

S. Khan spearheaded Team B’s bowling with 4/40 and A. Safraz 2/5 claimed two wickets.

The next trial match is yet to be confirmed but it is expected to bowl off on Saturday.

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Gayle abandons Tallawahs to play for St Kitts Patriots

S

t Kitts Patriots announced a short while ago that they have acquired Twenty20 batting sensation Chris Gayle in a stunning transfer move for the next season of the Caribbean Premier League in 2017.

The undisputed King of T20 cricket in a release from CPL stated that he is proud of what he achieved with his native Jamaica Tallawahs, and is now looking forward to taking a fresh guard with the Patriots whose home base is ‘Sugar City’, St Kitts.

“I am a proud Jamaican and I loved representing the Tallawahs. I would like to thank the owners and management who have been brilliant to work with, my team-mates who always gave

Chris Gayle

me 100% support, and of course the Jamaican fans who made Sabina Park such a special home ground for me," Gayle stated.

He added that moving to St Kitts is a move that hugely excites him at this time.

As with all franchise leagues, there is always the opportunity to move from one team to another and I am looking forwards to joining the Patriots for the upcoming season," he said.

Gayle previously led the Jamaica Tallawahs in all four editions of the Hero CPL – winning the championship twice, in 2013 and earlier this year in 2016.(Jamaica Observer)

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Roach ready to bowl his way back into West Indies team

By Akeem Greene

A

career which began under the most controversial circumstances when the cricketer made his Test debut against a touring Bangladesh after the first choice West Indies players stages a players’ strike over a contract dispute in 2009, speedster Kemar Roach shot to the headlines with some fiery spells that rocked the Asian batsmen on some slow Caribbean pitches.

Now, in his eight year in Regional First-Class cricket, the Barbadian is seeking to bowl his way back into the

West Indies with his renowned pace and aggression.

The right-arm seamer of late has unfortunately succumbed to a series of injuries which meant he has only played one Test match for 2016 and more so had a considerable drop in pace and confidence.

However, the 28 year-old who has brought Goosebumps to cricket lovers on his 2009 tour to Australia where he had captain Ricky Pointing on knife’s edge throughout series with his aggressive bowling, says that he is using the ongoing Digicel Regional Four-day com-

Lightning speed! Roach is banking on having the speed gun record some rapid times as he begins the road back to the maroon colurs

petition as a way of not only regaining his place in the International team but also his lightening pace.

Speaking to Guyana Times International Sport while in Guyana for the Barbados Pride’s round four clash against the home team, Roach said “I’m back to the 90 mark and I’m feeling really good about it.”

Commenting on the constant niggles and drop intensity, he explained “I could not push myself, the more injuries you get, the more the body wears

out so I had to bowl within myself and try to get wickets but it didn’t work out.”

The bowler who has played 37 Tests for the men in maroon has picked up 12 wickets in four matches to date in the four-day competition just after he returned from West Indies A team duties in Sri Lanka where he had 7 seven claps in three matches.

Thus far he has shown good signs and even had some of the Jaguars batsmen on their heels with the pink-ball on a slow Providence pitch where he hit ShimronHetmyer on the helmet twice.

“I’m feeling good, been working hard in the nets, doing everything I’m supposed to do to play for West Indies again; my confidence is up and hopefully it continues,” he revealed.

The cricketer who has 122 Test wickets and needs one more to reach triple figures in One Day Internationals (ODI), is also known for his defiant knocks in the middle when the regional side is in crisis, revealed that he missed the International game and is longing to be back playing for West Indies.

“I have missed the game a lot, having to monitor injuries but I have been trying to keep myself fit and do everything possible to stay on the park; I have been taking the necessary precautions to avoid injuries and playing for West Indies is obviously a honour and privilege and I want to get back there since I really miss it,” Roach said in his deep Barbadian accent.

With the Test team hosting Pakistan in March next year then travelling to England in May, Roach will have another chance to impress selectors when Barbados Pride take on the Windward Islands Volcanoes in Dominica beginning on Friday (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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