Guyanatimes 3 december 2017

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Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3311

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Sunday, December 3, 2017

GPL operating below industry standard – energy expert Page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Andyville still hopeful for regularisation P16

8 Cops graduate from UG

…poor infrastructure crippling company’s ability to go renewable

Budget 2018 has failed to address crumbling economy – Ali Page 9

Digicel launches Christmas promotion with $18M up for grabs

Climate change fight must involve communities, youths – CYEN President P10

Budget 2018 disappoints expectations – FITUG P15 Port Kaituma ‘submarine’

Vessel is P14 “modernised fuel boat” – Crime Chief

No arrest in Good Hope execution P11

Rahaman’s Park Christmas tree collapses Page 2

Region 6Page records 2 decline in mother-tochild HIV transmission

Teacher’s death

Car owner still in Police custody P8 …as High Court grants extension

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SUnDAY, december 3, 2017 guyanatimesGY.com

Rahaman’s Park Christmas tree collapses …sabotage suspected

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The collapsed Christmas tree

he annual Christmas tree light-up was nearly halted as sections of the structure came crashing down on Saturday morning in a suspected act of sabotage.

However, Ray Rahaman has announced that the celebration will go full steam ahead for this evening as he made alternative arrangements for another tree.

At about 11:00h on Saturday, traffic along several sections of the East Bank Demerara highway crawled

at a snail’s pace after the Rahaman’s Park tree fell onto the roadway. The Police were quickly alerted and traffic ranks were deployed to re-direct traffic, as workmen removed the tree which Rahaman believes cannot be fixed due to the damage it sustained.

Rahaman told Guyana Times that the tree’s destruction was the work of a saboteur given that the straps holding the 70-foot structure were removed and were miss-

Workmen worked feverishly to remove the structure as Police diverted traffic

ing.

“Someone came here last night, went under the tree and took off all of the ratchet straps and stole the straps that were locking the tree together. The tree was doing fine, everything was tested,” he noted.

Rahaman however stated that the annual tree lightup will go ahead as planned as an ever-green Christmas tree, also standing at 70 feet, has been identified to illuminate the area. The business-

man observed the danger that surrounded the artificial tree’s collapse, as only moments earlier, a workmen was atop the structure.

“If I had come back 15 minutes after with the extra lights, he would have been up there, and he would have been no more,” he stressed.

Rahaman however encouraged the public to come out and enjoy the launch which begins at 17:00h this evening with the ceremonial light-up.

Region 6 records decline in mother-to-child HIV transmission

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he Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) Regional Health Services has seen a dramatic decline in HIV transmission to children following the widespread dissemination of anti-retroviral treatment for mothers living with HIV. This observation was made by Doctor-in-Charge of TB programmes within the region, Dr Anita Lalbachan, at a World AIDS Day celebration, in New Amsterdam.

Addressing the gathering at the annual awareness programme, Dr Lalbachan also noted that despite the overall gains, considerable challenges remain for Region Six, which still has an unacceptably high HIV prevalence among key populations.

Also attending the ceremony were representatives from all three of the region’s hospitals – Port Mourant, Skeldon, New Amsterdam; Regional Chairman David Armagon; as well other regional representatives, nurses, doctors and students.

Foster explained that this year’s worldwide theme

Dr Anita Lalbachan

– ‘Right to Health’ – was chosen because it has been acknowledged despite the numerous strides that have been made in bringing attention to this dreaded disease, persons who are infected are still not given equal access to healthcare services.

The Regional Chairman urged Berbicians and residents beyond Berbice to visit their healthcare facilities regularly and make use of the HIV/AIDS tests that are available.

Each year, this local aspect of World AIDS Day observance is marked by making a donation to the National AIDS Programme Secretariat by assistance to persons living with HIV and AIDS.

news

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, December 3 – a night-time retraction of 04:30h and a daytime retraction of 14:30h-16:00h and Monday, December 4 – a night-time retraction of 05:00h and a daytime retraction of 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, December 3 –15:45h-17:15h and Monday, December 4 – 16:35h-18:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE Parika and Supenaam departure times - 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery to heavy showers will prevail throughout the day, with sunny weather expected in the later afternoon.

Partly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 25 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Between Easterly to East North-easterly and East South-easterly between 3.12 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 03:59h and 16:14h reaching maximum heights of 2.77 metres and 2.92 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 09:48h and 22:16h reaching minimum heights of 0.46 metre and 0.27 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, december 2, 2017

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GPL operating below industry standard – energy expert …poor infrastructure crippling company’s ability to go renewable

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uyana, in April 2016, signed the Paris Climate Change Agreement amidst public commitments to achieve 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025, but experts have been painting a dire reality about Guyana’s energy sector.

One such reality concerns the capacity of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL). Responsible for the distribution of electricity across the length and breadth of Guyana, experts say GPL has such out-dated infrastructure that integrating renewable energy into its grid would be an uphill task.

Head of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat’s Energy Unit, Dr Devon Gardner, speaking during the recent University of Guyana Turkeyen and Tain Talks, identified GPL’s generation and distribution systems as below industry standard. He noted that while GPL is contending with reaching unserved areas, there is also pressure surrounding the utility company going green.

He painted a picture of a company that has bitten off more than it could chew. “To start with, the grid they currently operate is not in the best of shape, to say it mildly. There’s not a lot of investment that is going into the grid right now. And the fact is it’s always difficult to manage and maintain infrastructure in countries like Guyana, where the population density is very small compared to the distance over which the grid is run.”

Dr Gardner explained that the longer the transmission line, the more a utility company’s losses are likely to be from both a technical and criminal standpoint, from the increased possibility of theft. The specialist noted that this all amounts to lost revenue and investment diverted away from upgrading the grid.

“Looking at the generation system, not even talking about the fact that it is fossil (fuel) based, the capacity at which power is be-

Head of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat’s Energy Unit, Dr Devon Gardner

ing generated (by) GPL is 10 to 15 per cent less efficient than the (standard).

“The average rate for the generators is around 8200 BTU (British Thermal Unit) per kilowatt,” he said, adding that this is around 10 per cent higher than what is average in the industry. So GPL is 10 to 15 per cent less efficient. In addition, the transmission losses are currently 28 per cent.

For perspective, Gardner explained that the industry standard of transmission losses is five to six per cent, compared to GPL’s 28 per cent. He noted that as a result of these statistics, GPL could stand to benefit from the introduction of renewables.

He noted the potential not only to reduce carbon emissions, but to also lighten the load on the pockets of consumers, if GPL were to switch to renewables. But he said the issue is a complicated one, and he cited GPL’s infrastructure as a major hindrance to renewable energy.

“Even if GPL wanted to put wind and solar right now, it’s going to be difficult to put significant amounts.

Because the critical issue is because the grid is so unstable, it’s not modern, it means you would run the risk of the system becoming destabilised by the fluctuations and variations of the solar and wind generation,” he explained.

“So the grid issue is a primary source of concern; because, without fixing that, it limits the ability to put certain types of renewables into your grid. (But) there are op-

portunities for GPL to look at the way it is currently expanding its gridding,” he declared. Notwithstanding the state of its infrastructure, Dr Gardner said, GPL is taking steps in going green.

Initiatives

Sharing the panel with him was Project Officer for the Project Management Department of GPL, Amir Dillawar. While the young engineer confirmed the stark reality of Gardner’s contributions, he identified

what the company is doing about it.

“What we have done is advertised recently for three utility scale solar sites,” Dillawar said. “One (is) in Demerara, one in Berbice, and one in Anna Regina.

The intention is to shortlist from that public round

(persons) to move to proposal stage, where we will enter a build/own/operate/and transfer (BOOT) arrangement,” Dillawar explained.

Essentially, the company would build, own and operate the solar sites, he said, adding, “We will buy power from them. So there (are) three three-megawatt (sites) and there are ongoing negotiations on finalising the Hope Beach Windfarm project. There are restrictions to what and how you can technically put (infrastructure), but we are making moves to have a greening of the sector, little by little,” he explained.

In the Finance Ministry’s 2017 mid-year report, it was detailed that GPL’s expenditure increased from $9.3 billion in the first half of 2016 to $12.6 billion in the same period this year.

Interestingly enough, this increase in expenditure was noted to be due to higher costs for heavy fuel oil (HFO), reinforcing the need for clean and renewable

energy if the Government hopes to cut costs.

Recent issues with the transmission of power have caused the Private Sector Commission (PSC) to take the power company to task for the spate of blackouts.

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Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Derisking

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ne year ago, when Finance Minister Winston Jordan presented the 2017 Budget, he expatiated at length on the threat “derisking” by overseas correspondent banks posed to the financial viability of the Guyanese economy. He was confirming what the World Bank had announced two months earlier: “Global financial institutions are increasingly terminating or restricting business relationships with remittance companies and smaller local banks in certain regions of the world – a practice that is called “de-risking.”

The year before, the International Financial Institution (IFI) had conducted two surveys which showed: “Smaller countries with limited financial markets are particularly vulnerable to de-risking practices, and we are seeing evidence of this, notably in the Caribbean region. Factors driving derisking tend to be a combination of cost/benefit considerations and concerns about AML/CFT risks. That is particularly acute for clients that generate low volumes, but present significant AML/CFT risks.”

Finance Minister Jordan had assured, at that time in Dec 2016, that Guyana, in partnership with other Caribbean economies and IFI’s such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, was working to address the threat posed by de-risking. For instance, he mentioned Guyana’s “enhanced compliance” with the implementation of recommendations by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Financial Stability Board (FSB). He noted that the issue of de-risking remained under the “watchful eye” of the Bank of Guyana and the Ministry of Finance, and that locallyowned banks has already lost in the aggregate, approximately 37 per cent of correspondent relationships by the end of June 2015.

But in his Budget speech this year, Minister Jordan painted an even bleaker picture on the threat posed by derisking. He claimed that at the end of October 2017, the locally owned banks that were unable to facilitate third-party foreign currency cheques had almost doubled to “more than twothirds”. Again, he said only one bank has been executing wire transfers. The situation, he noted, had affected the entire Caribbean, and they were doing all in their power to be guided by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in this area.

But back in 2016, the World Bank had promised they were “ready to work with all developing countries on this critical issue. As part of our work on Universal Financial Access, we are currently providing technical and financial support to national authorities to mitigate risks in the financial sector without harming financial inclusion efforts.”

They also promised, “In order to ensure that policies and regulations to mitigate risks do not unnecessarily restrict access to financial services, we offer support to national authorities to pursue a wide range of priorities: We help them improve systems for providing and verifying customers’ identity, including through digital ID systems. Our Identification for Development (ID4D) initiative is working actively on this issue.

We help them improve their supervisory and monitoring capacity, including through digital technologies and data analysis. We help them introduce risk-based, tiered “KnowYour-Customer” requirements. Digital technology also offers ways to mitigate de-risking pressures, when complemented with reforms and increased supervisory capacity. The G20 High-Level Principles for Digital Financial Inclusion include suggested actions to help avoid negative impacts on financial inclusion caused by de-risking practices. We actively support countries’ implementation of these actions.”

Minister Jordan must report to the nation which of these measures - especially the ones involving digitisation - were undertaken by his Ministry and the Bank of Guyana, and not simply regurgitate the old complaints. We are not suggesting that there is not an inbuilt bias against small economies like Guyana, but with all the measures undertaken after the passage of the AML/CTF Act, in conjunction with the anticipated oil revenues starting to flow from 2020, it is more likely that the overseas correspondent banks would take another look at our local banks.

Towards this end, maybe the Government should mandate that revenues from oil to Exxon and its partners be intermediated through our local banking industry. That should have the foreign correspondent banks take another look at their “derisking” moves against Guyana.

An army dog stands up as retiring soldiers salute their guard post before retirement in Suqian, Jiangsu province, China (Reuters)

A clear threat to Guyana’s economic wellbeing (Pt 2) Dear Editor, Recent revelations confirmed in Budget 2018, have shown that the debt has grown significantly, by more than $85 billion since 2016 alone.

The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) is clueless about sustaining and promoting economic growth.

Budget 2018 exposes Finance Minister Winston Jordan and his colleagues of being clueless on tackling the anaemic growth rate that presently plagues Guyana. The average growth rate for 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 was above four per cent, even with an overt attempt by APNU and the AFC to sabotage the economic plan in Parliament.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in office for 23 years, had growth rates in 19 of those years and those growth rates varied between three per cent and seven per cent, even with the People’s National Congress’ “slow fyah, more fyah” subterfuge to make Guyana “ungovernable”. Those years without economic growth were years in which Guyana experienced major disasters, such as the 2005 great flood. By their own admission, the 2017 growth rate will be even less than their revised projection. Budget 2017 had projected a growth of 3.4 per cent and this was revised in their mid-year report to 3.1 per cent. Jordan now projects 2017 will end with a GDP growth rate of 2.9 per cent. The International Monetary Fund has already pronounced that the actual growth rate for 2017 is about two per cent.

The graph below using figures directly from Budget 2018 illustrates how rapidly the economy is declining.

Yet Budget 2018 appears unconcerned and does not cater for any economic growth initiatives. The PPP was able to stay above for per cent growth rate, after 2011, even with the crushing cuts in the PPP budgets by the then combined APNU and AFC in Parliament.

Recall they massively gutted the PPP 2012, 2013 and 2014 budgets, with cuts to significant growth-oriented projects, such as the airport expansion, Amaila Hydroelectricity, interior air

strips, the Amerindian Development Fund, the Specialty Hospital, etc. In spite of this massive sabotage of the PPP budgets, the PPP maintained stable and reasonable growth of the economy. Nothing in Budget 2018 gives assurance that Guyana can return on the road to economic growth.

FIG. 1: Growth in GDP 20092017

cent borrowing. More than $85 billion has been added to the national debt since 2016. When we examine Budget 2018, with its almost total lack of revenue-generating initiatives, other than more taxes, borrowing in 2018 will exceed 25 per cent.

Governments around the world often used heavy borrowing to support their growth initiatives, intending to

Source: Government of Guyana, Budget Speech 2018 To make matters worse, APNU/ AFC, as shown in Budget 2018, is comfortable in ballooning the debt. Budget 2018 confirms that the economic ideology that stirs the APNU/AFC pot is borrowing to finance their expensive forays while sugar workers, farmers, vendors and others are left without food on their kitchen tables. The national debt stood at US$1.143 billion at the end of 2015 and Jordan himself now tells us he expects national debt to increase to above $1.3 billion by 2018.

Budget 2018 confirms that APNU/ AFC intends to continue the trend of borrowing to support the growing and greedy appetite of APNU/AFC. Budget 2015 was funded through one per cent borrowing, reflecting a PPP ideological and good fiscal management practice of keeping fiscal deficit low. In contrast, Budget 2017 was financed by 22 per

grow the economy and “borrow themselves out of economic morass”. But this government is not borrowing to stimulate growth.

More borrowing means expansion of fiscal deficits. Jordan admits that the fiscal deficit is growing. Taken directly from his speech, the fiscal deficit is set to grow again. This is another of the elements that characterised Burnhamism which Granger has promised to strengthen again in Guyana.

Recall that by 1992, almost the whole Government expenditure was funded by borrowed money.

Budget 2018 exposes APNU/AFC for what it truly is – a political machinery bent on using the State for its personal gains, returning Guyana to a state of backwardness. Budget 2018 is simply a disaster.

Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Grooming of Recipes for fixing our “broken country” Joseph Harmon for presidency Dear Editor, As Marcus Aurelius noted: “Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact, everything we see is a perspective, not the truth”.

Time will certainly tell us more, as it always does, in relation to my expectation that Minister Joseph Harmon is the heir apparent to become President of Guyana before the next General Elections, or to be the Presidential candidate for the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) in the 2020 General Elections.

It’s good to see a friend of mine being groomed to be at the helm of the next administration. The loud clamouring for the Harmon career’s demise from many of our esteemed columnists, such as Christopher Ram, Anand Goolsarran, GHK Lall (stripes now revealed), Rawle Lucas; or the foxlike pronouncements from the AFC, which were best represented by the illthought-out utterances from Minister David Patterson, or some might say Alliance for Ministerial Power, have ended in naught, nix and zero, or nugatory, as former AG Anil Nandlall is apt to add.

At a press conference in October 2016, our witty and well read “Eyewitness” summarized the following in a Guyana Times column dated October 9, 2016: “When Patterson was questioned as to what was the conclusion of “the pitched rear-guard action they’d fought after claiming that too much power was accreted into the person of Minister of State Joe Harmon, Patterson claimed they’d cut him down to size.

Pressed further if he’d care to elaborate on exactly what “powers” had been “cut”, Patterson coyly allowed he wasn’t one to boast!! And that the evidence was there to see!”

Eyewitness, seemingly in defence of Harmon, declared: “Eyewitness never really felt Harmon was encroaching on anyone’s turf – least of all the PM. Like all good aide de camps, all he was doing was ensuring that his principal’s instructions were carried out. When slackers –

like so many from the AFC camp congenitally are – fell down on the job, Harmon was forced to step in. But because they were shown up for the slackers they were, it bred resentment in the AFC executive… But Patterson thinks he’s being clever to ask reporters to show where Harmon’s now overstepping his remit.”

Minister Harmon is surely the best option for the PNCR. The only other PNCR Minister with the gravitas needed for being the President of Guyana is Minister Winston Jordan.

However, Winston is not a politician in the rough meaning and grasp of the word “Politician”; nor is he an integral part of the body politic of the PNCR. One would have to go deep down the rabbit hole to find a successor within the ranks of the PNCR for a serious competitor to Mr Harmon.

A quick segway into the managing of State owned corporations in Guyana: I believe we should follow the policy of the Americans and have the CEO and Chairman structure, where the CEO and Chairman are the same person, as used at corporate giants such as Lloyd Blankfein, Goldman Sachs, James Dimon, JP Morgan Chase, Darren Woods, and ExxonMobil, among other global corporate business entities. Instead of having the chairmanship separate from the CEO position, as is done in Guyana for our large state-owned corporations. History in Guyana has shown the latter structure generally results in a sitting “party” board (no pun intended), which invariably is a Board of yes men and/ or women.

At least when there is corporate failure, you can fire the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (one person), and allow for the appointment of someone who does not have either a pre-existing CEO or pre-existing Chairman within the ranks to challenge the decisions made by the new CEO and Chairman.

Sincerely, Nigel Hinds

Dear Editor, Sections of the media on Saturday carried a letter by Audryanna Thomas titled “Narrative for 2020 elections…” and an article

by Narcelis Rozema Elkins titled “Abuse and broken leadership” which I found most interesting, topical

and obviously very relevant to the be-devilling issues facing our stagnant country. I therefore commend these two brave women and would like to beseech our leaders to pay keen interest and take appropriate action without any procrastination.

There can be no doubt that our apparently permanently divided and ‘broken country’ needs a ‘one-party government’ to provide the kind of self-less leadership that can heal our self-inflicted wounds. The oldstyle finger-pointing politics and appeals to narrow,

selfish interests have proven for far too long that new recipes are required to create the Singaporean style of leadership and development we desperately need in our dear land of Guyana!

Sincerely, Nowrang Persaud

The journey to a good life continues Dear Editor, The goose is getting fatter but the most vulnerable – our poor, our women, our youths and our unemployed – in our society are not adequately addressed in the 2018 Budget.

They have never even begun the ‘good life’, how can they ‘continue the journey’? The 2018 Budget is now 267.1 billion dollars, more than 20.5 per cent increase over the 2016 Budget and 7.1 per cent over the 2017 Budget. In his presentation, our Finance Minister seems to be in a haste to get to the juicy aspects of the Budget – the huge allocations which would mask his inability to deal with stimulating the economy and job creation.

While the 2018 Budget is 7.1 per cent more than last year, the old age pensioners get a paltry 2.6 per cent increase from $19,000 to $19,500, while the Public Assistance beneficiaries get an increase of 6.6 per cent, moving from $7500 to $8000. It must be noted that these increases are the smallest ever despite the promise by this Government to give significant increases. The only areas where there has been ‘significant’ salaries’ increases are their own, which ballooned by over 50 per cent in 2015 after just a few months in Government and despite complaining that there was no money in the Treasury.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government was giving up to $2000 or more increase in some instances to the old age pensioners, with free water and electricity. This went a long way to ensure that old age pensioners could have afforded to upkeep their homes.

It is becoming increasingly clear that these people will be unable to keep their property and must ‘will’ it prematurely to their children. This will make them even more vulnerable and at the mercy of their children in some cases. Those in Government continue to enjoy their ‘super salaries’ and other tax-free benefits while the poor and needy are now being thrown two loaves of bread!

What is even more ‘significant’ is the fact that more and more workers are driven into unemployment, especially if the sugar belt, while thousands of young people are joining the unemployment lines having graduated from high schools and the University of Guyana. This will get worse by next year since the 2918 Budget has little to offer in terms of job creation.

The Budget speaks about youths attaining ‘the skills set training that is required for the job market’ and the investment of 1.7 billion dollars towards this; however, how many job opportunities are

there to accommodate these youths? How many of them will become entrepreneurs involved in ‘salt fish processing, block making, lemon grass planting and harvesting, cash crop farming, chicken and pig rearing, food preservation, catering and hospitality? The number of youths benefiting from these will definitely represent only just a small fraction of those unemployed.

The sum of 1.7 billion is just not ‘significant’ to take care of the thousands of unemployed youths. The Minister has miserably failed in addressing this endemic problem. What is even more appalling and pitiful is the fact that thousands of sugar workers will be unable to even send their children to school so while $41.9 billion will be spent on education some children will be unable to access it. The PPP/C Government was giving each child a cash grant of $10,000 and this was expect-

ed to increase to $20,000 in 2015. This should be reintroduced to assist these poor parents to send their children to school. While the 5Bs initiative is laudable, the $10,000 cash grant should be reintroduced. It should have never been taken away.

A big budget without investments to generate revenue, create jobs and take care of the poor and needy is wasteful spending especially when the corruption comes in to play – the sole sourcing, the awarding of tenders, the certification of works and the drawbacks and the kickbacks.

When all of these are taken into consideration it will be seen that the ‘fat cats’ will get fatter and the value for money from the 267.1 billion Budget will dissipate into thin air.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf Regional Councillor (Region Six)

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Foundation

Brutal honesty “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” – Thomas Jefferson

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Anu Dev

’ve noticed that there are some people who seem to think that the only way to be honest to someone is to be brutal about it.

And that’s quite confusing for me. But I’ve realised that those people just use ‘brutal honesty’ as an excuse to say something mean and take someone down a few pegs.

And those people seem to really pride themselves on their brutal honesty. They think it’s a virtue! They’re like, “Oh that’s who I am, I tell it straight. I’m brutally honest. If people don’t like it then that’s their problem.” But there’s a difference between speaking honestly to someone and being a jerk about it...

There’s nothing dishonest about delivering a truth in a kind manner, taking the person’s feelings into consideration. Even when you’re

guyanatimesgy.com

being firm – you should respect the person you’re being honest to. I’ve written before of the philosopher Immanuel Kant’s exhortation that we must not treat people as means but rather as ends. Each person is an autonomous being... not there for you to spew your frustrations or insecurities on.

That old nursery rhyme “Sticks and stones will

break my bones; but words will never harm me” is waaaaay off base, in my opinion. Words are capable of quite a lot of damage; the most damaging damage since they can harm the psyche and corrode the soul.

Why do we teach kids that rhyme? Especially at that

age when they have no filter, kids can say some of the cruelest things to each other. So why’re we telling them it’s okay to say whatever they like to each other but just don’t have a go at each other with sticks?

People also quite like to begin

their sentences with “No offence, but...” and then continue to utter some incredibly offensive language.

Sure, ordinarily I would’ve gotten offended by that, but since you said that you didn’t mean to offend, I guess it’s a-okay!

I think there’s a differ-

ence between being blunt and being brutal that some people seem to miss. It’s the difference in treating the “other” as an object or a subject. You can be blunt or straightforward without it having that sort or sharp-edged meanness of being brutal. There is the quality of empathy that each one of us should cultivate: just put yourself in that person’s shoes and ask whether you would want to be spoken to like that. And if you do, then you are a certified masochist...and you need help!!

The truth can be a difficult thing to hear and even more difficult to accept, so why make it even harder for that person by being mean about it? Man is a social being – we have to live with each other. There’s no need to be like porcupines with their needles always raised when someone gets close.

400 children in Paramakatoi feted

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undreds of excited little faces filled the auditorium of the newly constructed Paramakatoi Primary School on Saturday as they eagerly awaited the arrival of Social Protection Minister Amna Ally and Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, who came bearing gifts for the festive season.

The gathering, which comprised not only children but also teachers and parents as well, was entertained by melo-

Look what Santa brought us! Excited faces of two children at Paramakatoi

dious voices of the children as they recited Christmas poems and carols to thunderous applause.

Though time was not in their favour as the aircraft awaited their return, Minister Ally spoke briefly to Guyana Times, pointing out that the gift giving exercise is a yearly feature, but it is the first time the programme has been extended to Paramakatoi.

“It’s something we do every year end and we are visiting all 10 regions, this is the second. We went to Leguan (Essequibo River) yesterday (Friday). We launched there. I think we are going to Arnaputa (Region Nine) tomorrow (today).”

Some of the excited, smiling children on Saturday at the Paramakatoi Primary School

When asked if the children should expect a similar event come 2018, the Minister indicated that different areas are targeted annually with the aim of covering communities in all 10 regions.

Also speaking at the conclusion of the hour-long proceeding was headmistress of Paramakatoi Primary School, Cathy Simon, who conveyed her undying appreciation to the Ministers on behalf of the community at large for the successful hosting of an event – the very first of its kind.

Little smiling faces hugged their presents and exited the auditorium as they made their way into the school’s kitchen to indulge in a well prepared and scrumptious special Christmas lunch. (Paula Gomes)

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Teacher’s death

Car owner still in Police custody …as High Court grants extension

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atthew Munroe, the car driver who was implicated in the brutal murder of former Richard Ishmael Secondary School teacher, Kescia Branche remains in Police custody and is being interrogated by homicide detectives.

The wanted man was arrested last week upon his return to Guyana from the United States. According to acting Crime Chief Paul Williams, the Police was granted an extension to further detain the suspect after an application was made to the High Court.

Williams further stated that the Police will continue to work with the leads at their disposal to crack the case. Presently, he noted that although those who were initially arrested, including the father of Branche’s child, are still being asked to return to the

Dead: Kescia Branche

Police station at specified times.

With respect to Munroe, the Police, he added, will continue to question him based on the fact that he has been giving the Police conflicting accounts about his whereabouts on the night the teacher was brutally battered and dumped.

He maintained however, that the case is a sensitive one and detectives are proceeding with caution.

Nevertheless, Williams had expressed unease by the countless discussions that continue to take place in the public domain. He has said that persons need to “wait for the final nail or hammer,” and until someone is criminally charged and appears before the court, people should refrain from casting judgement.

Branche, a mother of one and a teacher at the Richard Ishmael Secondary School, was on November 5, 2017, found next to a coconut tree along Cemetery Road from Louisa Row, Georgetown, obliquely opposite the cemetery office. Two days after, she succumbed to her injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The 22-year-old woman had sustained head injuries

and a broken foot. It has also been reported that relatives of the deceased woman were told by doctors that the head injuries appeared to be consistent with blows to the head. A post-mortem examination later confirmed the initial assessment.

Three suspects who were being questioned regarding the death of Branche were released. The father of Branche’s son was released on station bail along with the two Police Constables.

The two Policemen were placed on open arrest and will be working out of the Tactical Services Unit (TSU).

Meanwhile, investigators are working on the theory that the driver may have been the last person to see the teacher alive. He reportedly left the country on the morning the teacher was found.

The secret of…

I

… Soylent Green

n 1944, George Orwell wrote about what life would be in the ultimate totalitarian state. He called it “1984”, the year he predicted that state would come into being – in the then “future”. For us Guyanese, of course, who were said to be “politically precocious”, Burnham established his totalitarian Dictatorship by 1974, when he made his (in) famous “Declaration of Sophia”: the PNC was paramount over the state!!

Around that same time there was another movie made, “Soylent Green”, also set in the future – that future being 2022. Yep, dear reader, you’ re just a few years away from the future! And what a future!! By then, matters had gone real downhill since “1984” and folks couldn’t even get fresh food to eat. It was all manufactured – the most nutritious being “Soylent Green”. While the name suggested mundane origins – “soy” and “lent” – from “lentils” – it was actually made from human flesh! That’s the dénouement of totalitarianism – we’re going to end up literally eating each other!!

Now after your Eyewitness heard about President Granger firing another 400 sugar workers (after the first 1700 at Wales) and at the same time painting every official structure “Green”, all he could do was paraphrase was Pogo’s famous remark, “I have seen the future – and it is the PNC!” Both of these actions spring from the totalitarian impulses of the PNC – which Granger openly declared will be remade in his Founder-Leader’s image.

And don’t for one moment think the slaughter of innocents in the sugar industry – which has only just begun – isn’t President Granger’s doings. Agri Minister correctly said “wasn’t me!” but he pointed to Minister Jordan, who pointed to “NICIL”, which in turn pointed to the mysterious, anonymous, “Special Purpose Unit”. But when that Unit is finally given a face, it will say, “The President gave the order!” And had done so since before the 2015 campaign.

Burnham had said his co-op experiment would continue even though there was one Guyanese left standing. And it’s clear President Granger takes his master’s voice, literally.

And the Soylent Green? Maybe it’s not made from the flesh of the sugar workers being thrown into the streets, but it has to be the distillation of the green bile folks in the PNC have for those who oppose them.

It also represents the psychological drive of the totalitarian leader to not only rule absolutely, but to insist that the people know it. Especially those of the sugar workers’ ilk.

Green is the PNC’s colour and by painting buildings representing State power green, this symbolises the State and the PNC are coterminous.

PNC uber alles!!

…the Exxon contract

Finally, after stonewalling the Guyanese people for over a year with all kinds of “cock and bull” stories, the PNC Government says they’ll release the Exxon contract later this month. So what’s changed from before? Santa Claus coming to town? With a “Ho! Ho! Ho!” Trotman’s gonna whip out the contract from his red briefcase?

What’s going on? Chris Ram insists there was a “Bonus” of US$20 million paid by Exxon that the Government has been hiding. Now, bonuses in the oil and gas industry are as common as ice cream and come in “different flavours: signature bonus, discovery bonus, first oil sales, production bonus,” says Wiki. But the Government denied the bonus payment – so how will it defend the truth – soon to be out?

The Government spokesman’s conveniently let slip that they WON’T be paying the legal fees – if the Border Controversy is sent to the World Court –from any Exxon bonus!!!

So they were hiding the US$20 million for our national good!! Sure and Santa rides a sleigh!!

…the forgiven taxes

Delinquent taxpayers will have the interest written off, if they cough up in the early part of next year.

The Opposition Leader says to look at those lining up at the trough! Friends with benefits!!

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

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SunDAY, december 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Budget 2018 has failed to address crumbling economy – Ali coming year. This, he noted, includes another year of high food prices and, increased educational cost, placing the vulnerable such as single parents in harm’s way.

Also at risk, he said, are shop owners and manufacturers as they will have to deal with high fixed cost and low resources; while farmers who have had to contend with low yields and reduced market share are offered no respite.

livestock, forestry, mining and quarrying and even the bauxite industry. It showed that sugar production was recorded at 49,606 tonnes at the half year and when compared to 56,645 tonnes during the first half of 2016, represented a decline of 12.4 per cent. The livestock industry also contracted by 10.9 per cent in the first half of 2017, due to heavy rainfall severely affecting production, especially in the

Sector performance

PPP MP Irfaan Ali

A

s the dust clears from Budget 2018, the parliamentary Opposition has expressed criticism of the budget’s paucity of measures for social welfare and the economy.

In particular, the absences of these measures are being described as a detour from the good life.

Opposition Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali, in an analysis of the budget, observed that it offers no opportunity for any form of socio-economic development.

In addition, he said the fiscal plan does not address the fundamental issues of wealth generation and improved standard of living.

He said that as a result of the budget, Guyana runs the risk of socioeconomic hardship proliferating in the

According to Ali, the key traditional sectors continue to show great signs of distress. He pointed out that in the sugar industry; production is expected to decline by $3.3 billion to $8.9 billion by the end of 2017. This, he noted, is down from $10.8 billion in 2016 and $13.6 billion in 2015.

“In the rice sector, even though positive growth was recorded in 2016, the end of year projection for 2017 is less when compared to 2015 by $2 billion. Another crumbling sector is forestry. By the end of 2017, the sector is expected to contract by $3.1 billion to $6.4 billion when compared to 2015.”

“And similarly, in the bauxite industry, output in 2017 is expected to decrease by $1.1 billion to $4.9 billion when compared to 2015. To have an idea of the bauxite has downsized, when com-

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

pared to 2014 and 2013, the industry has contracted by more than $800 million and, $1.3 billion, respectively.”

He noted that overall, the agriculture, fishing and forestry industry is expected to contract by $7.5 billion to $67.2 billion by the end of 2017 when compared to 2015. “How does this Government expect to take the people to the good life when key sectors that directly employ over 75 per cent of our labour force are expected to contract by 11.1 per cent this year? The journey to the good life has taken a detour towards dystopia,” Ali said.

The Finance Ministry’s half year report had showed contractions in certain sectors, when compared to the corresponding period in 2016. The declining sectors had included sugar,

second quarter.

The forestry industry also showed an 18.2 per cent contraction in the first six months of 2017, compared to the same period in 2016. Declining production within the forestry industry was due to structural changes in the industry.

The mining and quarrying sectors contracted by 4.0 per cent during the first half of 2017. Gold production fell by 1.7 per cent to 317,096 ounc-

es, in the first half of 2017, compared to the same period in 2016. Also, it showed the bauxite industry declined by 11.5 per cent, as a result of reduced production of higher valued grades. This was due to poor weather combined with mechanical issues at one of the mines. However, production of metal grade bauxite (MAZ) increased by 97,016 tonnes or 21.3 per cent, the report had stated.

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SunDAY, december 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

10th Turkeyen and Tain Talks

Climate change fight must involve communities, youths – CYEN President

By Jarryl Bryan

E

xperts are urging Government to do more in combating climate change, and an impassioned case has been made for more inclusion of youths at all facets of policy making, to ensure sustainable long-term development.

This call was particularly made by Engineer Amir Dillawar, one of six panellists at the 10th UG Turkeyen and Tain Talks focusing on climate change.

Dillawar, President

He recalled that, some years ago, a declaration entitled ‘Empowering youth to take action on climate change’ was made in 2014 to the Board of Governors of the Caribbean Development Bank, arguing for these rights.

The declaration had called for “youths to be involved in all aspects of deliberations, consultations, and policy making that address the importance of sustainable development to our future as Guyanese and Caribbean youth.”

He noted that CYEN had

allocation of resources to vulnerable communities with minorities, in an effort to encourage innovative practices.

“Today, approaching four years later, much of this all is still resounding. Several other calls, such as CYEN’s own ‘Caribbean we want’ declaration, still reverberates. The call still remains one for adequate representation and involvement of youth in the shaping of policies that we will have to live with (in) the future,” Dillawar said.

With advent of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable

The crowd that participated in the talks

of the Guyana chapter of the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN), lamented the lack of meaningful involvement and representation of youth in the climate change discussion.

also called on the Government to promote and incentivise the use of green and sustainable technology, as well as to focus on community-based actions.

The declaration, according to Dillawar, had also urged the

Development and its goals, he noted, “the role of young people is clear. Over a third of the Sustainable Development targets highlight the role of young people. Young people, in terms of consumption and

Sugar blues

S

President of the Guyana chapter of the Caribbean Youth Environment Network, Amir Dillawar

technology, are probably the largest market base of consumers in the world. So when it comes to sustainable energy and climate mitigation, the drivers are going to be the young people.”

While the inexperience of youth is often cited, Dillawar lamented that youths are often not afforded opportunity to gain that experience.

Dillawar also stressed that the climate change discussions must be taken out of the academic circles and into communities.

“We have an imperative to ensure that young people gain experience in climate change and sustainable development negotiations. It is imperative that we engage youth from Port Mourant to Port Kaituma; from Albouystown to Alness,”he declared. “We need to take the talk out of the academic circles and into the ground. We need to visit communities and engage youths, because the reality is: 40 years from now, we (youths) are the ones who will be here,” Dillawar stressed, to the applause of the audience.

Youth

Chairperson of the event, Dean of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences at UG, Dr Paulette Bynoe, acknowledged that youth could indeed make a difference. But she described it as an uphill battle to get youths involved.

Presidential Advisor on the Environment, retired Rear Admiral Gary Best, acknowledged the criticism against the Government’s lack of inclusivity of youth.

Facing down questions on the

atiricus knew he was in for it when he got to the Back Street Bar. But there was nothing he could do about it. If the truth be told, he didn’t want to do anything about it. Satiricus knew he wasn’t the brightest bulb in the room, but after so many years, he’d figured it was time for a change. And that’s why he’d given the KFC, the new Kids on the Block, a chance. But now?

“Eh! Eh! Like yuh jus’ come back fram Nagga Man birt’day!!?” said Cappo as he espied Satiricus advancing towards their table.

“Nagga Man’s been celebrating his birthday, every day since he got that $1.5 million monthly salary!” said Satiricus to his shocked friends, as he sat down and waved for a beer.

“Sato? Wha’ happen?” asked Bungi, feeling Satiricus’ forehead. “Like yuh get wan fevah or wha’?”

“Nah…This celebrating in Berbice while sugar workers’ families were crying mournfully next door, opened my eyes,” confessed Satiricus.

“Well, puppies and kittens’ eyes do take a while to open!” grinned Hari. “But this is a drastic change!”

“I have relatives in Canje, you know,” said Satiricus.

“Like me, some sugar workers felt Nagga Man would be in their corner. But this betrayal?”

“Wha’ badda me ah when dem tell de people dem na guh shut down de factr’y till nex’ year,” said Cappo. “And dem guh an’ shap up fuh C’rismuss.”

“And Nagga Man had the nerve to tell Berbice school children to follow his footsteps!” exclaimed Hari angrily.

“Well Crab-dag foot always dutty, suh ‘e easy fuh fallah,” said Bungi sourly. “But ‘e does jus’ lead yuh to wan nasty hole in de groun’!”

“Suh wha’ alyu KFC bais guh do now?” asked Cappo.

“We don’t have to do anything,” said Satiricus. “They’re already dead meat and the Pee-an-See will dump them overboard!”

“Me agree,” said Bungi. “Fish ah play ah sea, he nah know watah ah boil fuh am!”

They all drank to the image of a Nagga Man being boiled in a cauldron. issue, he noted that more can be done.

“The Office of Climate Change doesn’t have a youth department. The big criticism is that there are not enough youths involved in policy and planning. If you go to Article 13 of the Constitution, it talks about all Guyanese being involved in the decision making process,” Best declared.

“We have to create more intersection points where youths can be involved in decision-making. From my perspective, I think it is difficult for decision-makers to recognise the importance of youth involvement,” he explained.

Government has taken much heat over the past months for what some see as its being oblivious to the concerns of youths. A case in point is when, in an unpopular move, it imposed Value Added Tax (VAT) on private

education. This move prompted protests in one form or another from youths who argued that the surprise move came without any consultations.

But consultations aside, the Government’s seeming penchant for hiring retirees to top positions has also been criticized by the general public and the political opposition.

The CYEN is a non-profit civil society charitable body that focuses on empowering young people and their communities. Their advocacy is usually aimed at developing programmes to address socio-economic and environmental issues.

Besides Dillawar, the panellists included Dr. Bynoe; Climate Change Specialist Martina Duncan; and Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat Energy Expert Dr Devon Gardner.

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SunDAY, december 3, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

No arrest in Good Hope execution P

olice are yet to make an arrest in the murder of Roger Bunbury, who was gunned down on Friday morning while sleeping in a hammock in the patio of his Lot 724 Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, home.

Bunbury, also called “Don Dick”, whose name had been inscribed on the list of Guyana’s most wanted criminals in 2002, was killed sometime around 00:45h. He was shot while on the verandah after which he ran towards the kitchen, where he collapsed and died.

Acting Crime Chief Paul Williams told Guyana Times on Saturday that the investigation is still ongoing and that detectives are

Dead: Roger Bunbury

yet to identify a suspect.

The sister of the now dead man, Clair Bunbury, related to this newspaper that she received a telephone call informing her that her brother was shot and killed.

Leaning electric post causes fear at Rahaman’s Park

R

A cracked section of the leaning post

esidents of Rahaman’s Park in the Greater Georgetown/East Bank Demerara area, having grown wary of a leaning electric post, are contending that the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) is ignoring their complaints.

When Guyana Times visited the area on Saturday, residents decried the sloth of the GPL in treating with their complaints, and highlighted that the leaning electric post carries high-voltage power lines.

Pansy Ramsarran, a mother of four and grandmother of three, contended that she has been making repeated complaints to GPL about the ongoing situation.

She said that when she calls, GPL personnel would on numerous occasions refer her to different departments.

Declaring that she has been living in the area for some 35 years, Ramsarran explained that, sometime ago, GPL operatives had strapped the post onto another piece of wood, and then to a new post. They have since made no effort to replace this post, which is being destroyed by termites.

“I complain every day,

but they putting me from one department to the next,” Ramsarran explained.

Other residents declared themselves particularly concerned over the safety of young children who play in, and traverse, the area to and from school. Adrian Allicock, resident in the community for all of his 47 years, said his Lot 23 Rahaman’s Park home is continually deteriorating from leaning electric lines pulling the boards from the wooden section.

He pointed out that he, too, has made several complaints to, but has received no positive response from, the power company.

“I would not like it to fall and injure anybody; I prefer if they come and do it immediately. All (GPL) saying is that they [will] come and send supervisor, and nobody (has) come as yet. It might lean and lean more, and the next thing you know, it (causing) chaos in the area,” Allicock said.

Guyana Times was told that the post has been leaning for the past 8 months; and with the passage of time, has been gradually deteriorating.

According to Clair Bunbury, her brother’s wife had related hearing someone calling several times for Bunbury, who was asleep in the hammock. After a few minutes, she heard a commotion and then three gunshots.

The woman came out after some time to find a trail of blood leading to the kitchen, where she found her husband lying on the floor, bleeding profusely.

Without hesitation, he was picked up and rushed to hospital.

Further asked if the shooting might have stemmed from a pending court case wherein her brother had been charged for unlawfully wounding another man, the sister said the family thought about it but was not sure, and as such would leave the Police to conduct their investigations.

The house in which Bunbury was executed

Meanwhile, one of the dead man’s step daughters told Guyana Times that after the shooting incident, a man was seen scaling the fence. The man, she explained, was wearing dark clothing and a tope covered his head. He was subsequently spotted by another resident riding towards the backdam in a state of

panic. This bit of information was passed on to the Police.

Investigators found three spent shells along with a warhead at the scene.

The now dead 57-yearold was named in a list of 42 most wanted men for whom the Guyana Police Force had issued bulletins

15 years ago. Others on the list had been the infamous five from the February 23, 2002 jail break – Dale Moore, Troy Dick, Shawn Brown, Andrew Douglas and Mark Fraser.

The most wanted list had also included names such as Premkumar Sukraj, also known as “Inspector Gadget”; Christopher Belle; Romel Reman; and Dillon Ackra, among others.

Bunbury had been wanted for questioning in connection with a series of robberies under arms, and had been named in the kidnapping and subsequent murder of taxi driver Vivekanand Nandalall in October 2003.

Bunbury had been recaptured in November 2007 in Sophia, but had been released without charges being instituted against him.

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SunDAY, december 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Digicel launches Christmas promotion with $18M up for grabs

Digicel Chief Executive Officer, Gregory Dean; Head of Marketing, Jacqueline James; and Head of Sales, Nalini Vieira, posed with the models after the launch of Digicel’s Christmas Promotion at City Mall on Saturday

D

igicel Guyana on Saturday launched its Christmas promotion at its flagship store at City Mall, Regent and Camp Streets, Georgetown. This promotion will see customers winning $18 million in cash for the holidays.

That is only one aspect of the promotion that was revealed by former Miss Guyana Tamika Henry, as she stood between two persons plastered in shimmering gold body painting. The other aspect is quite fascinating, and will probably draw some attention: She announced that from now to the end of December, customers can purchase hand-

sets with a 50% discount.

The offer is available in all Digicel outlets, but only for selected phones.

The telephone giant will seal the deal for those customers by gifting them a monthly data bundle, inclusive of three gigabytes of free data. In addition, new customers who purchase a sim card would also receive 3 gigs of free data, which will automatically be added to their purchased data plans equally over a threemonth period, commencing in December and ending in February 2018.

And for customers to be eligible to win cash on the spot, all they have to do is

to spend $3000 or more.

Upon so doing, the customer would be given opportunity to select a “Golden Ticket”.

Customers can also top up or pay their post-paid bill to get a coveted ticket.

Customers will then scratch the ticket to reveal cash prize of $1,000, $2000 or $5000, which can be redeemed immediately in stores.

Children and the less fortunate would not be left out. Digicel’s Santa Express would be making its way to the GMRSC parking lot at Thomas Lands on December 13 for a grand children’s Christmas party. turn to page 15

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SunDAY, december 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Paramakatoi youths benefit from computer training

G Learn from the ethnic riots of January 12, 1998

W

e are one month away from the 20th anniversary of the January 12, 1998 ethnically directed riots in Georgetown, in which Indian Guyanese were brutally assaulted in full view of the Police by roving mobs of African Guyanese, including women. The ethnic riots were the direct escalation of protests organised by the PNC against the December 1997 election results, The Stabroek News baldly reported the next day that “mobs...assaulted and robbed citizens...” and the Government refused to conduct an Inquiry into the ethnic violence.

A group of Indian professionals and businessmen formed the “Guyana Indian Foundation Trust” (GIFT) and conducted the Inquiry. It documented evidence from 228 Indian Guyanese who were brutally beaten, robbed and molested – all by Ravi Dev African Guyanese, including women. It estimated at least 800 more Indian Guyanese were assaulted and over 10,000 experiencing some curtailment of their freedom of movement in Georgetown. One Indian woman was stripped.

Eusi Kwayana said the report was “fair” and later wrote that the violence was committed by Africans of whom he was not proud.

One week later, I wrote a letter (excerpted below) that was published in the SN. It called on Guyana to establish a “Truth and Reconciliation Commission” to interrogate the tragedy, rather than depending on the Herdmanston Accord brokered by Caricom. Twenty years later, with ethnic tensions rising we again make this call.

The letter said, “The Accord rewards the PNC for jettisoning the rule of law and due process in Guyana. It rewards the PNC for demonstrating to the people that if you lose by a set of rules you yourself had drafted, simply seize the umpire and demand new rules which will guarantee your victory.

The Accord rewards the PNC for its willfully lawless, bullying tactics culminating in the January 12th pogrom launched by African (Guyanese) against Indian (Guyanese).”

In sweeping the ethnic violence under the rug and insisting that the Caricom-brokered Herdmanston Accord, in which the PPP made a number of concessions including truncating their term of office by two years, ‘resolved” the crisis, I asked, “If we even aspire to become a nation, should we not at least inquire as to why some African Guyanese had no compunction in suddenly unleashing the most extreme forms of terror on another set of citizens who just happened to be Indians? How can any accord bring lasting peace when we have thousands of Indians still traumatised?” I concluded this was a continuation of lying inculcated during the PNC regime, which denied it illegitimately occupying office through rigged elections. The supporters of the PNC and those that wished to “go along to get along” went along with the lie.

I then insisted we had to move beyond an Inquiry into the violence: “Guyana will never be capable of sustained development (in its wider sense) unless we destroy this culture of lying and make-believe and the participants in the political process are seen as legitimate by all Guyanese. This condition does not now exist. If we cannot deal with truth, however harsh it may be, then we will always be interacting with each other with distrust and suspicion. There have been several commentators that have lauded President Mandela and the post-apartheid South African accommodations which have allowed that country to move forward.

None of these accommodations and progress, however, would have been possible without the establishment of their “Truth and Reconciliation Commission”. Its work has not been to settle scores but to bare to all peoples the past of the present players. South Africans can then, in reconciliation, put that past behind, make choices – political and otherwise –and have confidence in the system.

For the overwhelming number of Indians in Guyana, they have no confidence in the PNC because of that party’s sordid record during their illegal dictatorship. Murders, rapes, discrimination, theft, lootings, and riggings by individuals who today cannot and carp of “forensic audits” leave a bitterness in mouths that amounts at times to nausea. These cannot be swept under, or brokered away, by any “Accord”, especially after January 12. Guyana will see no real progress without a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.”

What say we now?

lobal Technology Guyana Inc., in collaboration with the Education Ministry (MoE), has extended its arms to youths in remote interior locations as part of its initiative to provide fundamental training in computer science and technology.

Following conclusion of a two-week session in Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini), the programme was taken to Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and is presently being executed in the village of Paramakatoi in the North Pakaraimas.

Global Technology representative and trainer, Swewram Sewlochan, told Guyana Times on Saturday that it is a delight to be part of such an initiative, which is the first of its kind to be brought into the remote community in the Pakaraimas.

Sewlochan says he has been overwhelmed by the rustic ambience of the community, which remains largely untouched and unscathed by

Trainer Swewram Sewlochan engaging his class in a practical exercise

technology. He is also pleased with the progress made thus far since commencement of the programme less than one week ago, on November 27, 2017.

“Some of them (participants) have never touched computers before…but they are getting familiar (with its use). I am satisfied with the progress, tough it’s slow,” he told this publication.

The programme seeks to cover a period of 100 hours, and caters for 30 participants -- 15 each in both the morning and afternoon sessions.

Training encapsulates fundamental education in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet and Email.

Meanwhile, Guyana Times caught up with Paramakatoi resident Romalo Philips, Youth Officer attached to the EDepartment of Culture, Youth and Sport, who dubbed the programme a welcome intervention which would no doubt facilitate and bring abreast the youths of Paramakatoi with the modern era of technology.

Participants will receive certificates upon conclusion of

the programme on December 11.

Several participants speaking with Guyana Times expressed their delight at being a part of such a beneficial initiative.

“It’s a breakthrough for everybody…. For most of the participants, it’s been the first time with their hands to a laptop, and although it’s very difficult for them, it’s been such a great experience. It’s very beneficial for everyone, seeing that it’s the first time,” participant Emery Wilson voiced. (Paula Gomes)

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SunDAY, december 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Port Kaituma ‘submarine’

Vessel is “modernised fuel boat” – Crime Chief

T

he vessel discovered in a creek at Annbisi River, Port Kaituma, North West District, Region One (Barima-Waimi) on Saturday last is not submersible but in fact a “modernised boat”, according to acting Crime Chief, Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Williams.

Last weekend, acting on intelligence received about a submerged craft being seen at the bank of the creek, Police ranks went to the area and arrested two men, including the Venezuelan owner, and confiscated the vessel.

At the time of the discovery, the vessel – about 25 metres long, 2.7 metres wide, and 2.8 metres in depth – was at the time of its discovery and seizure undergoing maintenance work which was being carried out by a Guyanese welder.

The craft was subsequently brought to the city and has been lodged at CID Headquarters in

The “modernised” boat that was found in a creek at Port Kaituma

Georgetown.

However, speaking with Guyana Times on Saturday, Williams explained that the owner used the boat to transport fuel. He noted that in its original form, the vessel had a capacity to hold approximately 80 to 90 barrels of fuel and as such the owner wanted to “modernise” the boat to expand its capacity so that it can carry a larger quantity of fuel.

Nevertheless, the acting Crime Chief noted that the probe is still active as the Police are trying to verify the documents for the boat.

He added that they are also

checking with the Maritime Administration (MARAD) to find out whether there are any legal requirements to make such changes to a vessel and whether the changes were registered, if required.

Further, Williams disclosed that investigators are also working along with the Transport and Harbour Department (T&HD) to ascertain whether the vessel was found in illegal waters, that is, waterways earmarked for non-traversing by vessels.

According to the acting Crime Chief, there are no reasons to believe that the vessel was being used for

any illegal activities.

Over the years, local security agencies have been working on tightening the policing of the country’s vast hinterland regions with the aim of clamping down on illegal activities such as narcotic trafficking, which has found the interior as a safe haven.

In fact, the discovery of the vessel initially spurred concerns among law enforcement officials since it was thought to be a submersible craft; the type usually linked to the narco trade.

In September 2014, a self-propellant semi-submersible (SPSS) vessel was discovered in the Waini River, Region One during an intelligence-led operation between the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force. The vessel weighed approximately 18 tonnes and was 63 feet long.

There were reports of the vessel having links to Colombia however, this was never substantiated.

Younge’s Take

Budget blues

O

n Monday last, Finance Minister Winston Jordan present the Government’s 2018 National Budget under the theme “the journey to the good life continues”. As expected, Minister Jordan was convinced that the budget he presented would significantly improve the lives of all Guyanese since it was big on measures which his Government felt were necessary to keep the economy from going under, whilst expending revenue in core areas that will no doubt affect the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals.

Jordan and his colleagues in Parliament and Government felt they had done a very good job.

They no doubt believed that a majority of the citizenry and the country’s key stakeholders, including the Private Sector, were motivated and inspired by the ‘people centred and business friendly budget’ the PNC/APNU and AFC had presented. Soon after they jumped into their multimillion-dollar vehicles in order to return to fancy offices paid for by the State and their Michael Younge exquisitely styled homes to enjoy the “good life” they have secured for themselves since assuming office in May 2015.

But if Mr Jordan is interested in a more truthful and realistic assessment of the job he did on Monday, then he must either read this column or listen to the very just criticisms put forward by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and his colleagues following his presentation of the budget. It would also be helpful for the Minister to pay keen attention to the statements made by the Private Sector, independent media houses – Guyana Chronicle aside – and the ordinary man in the street.

Here are my two cents. The budget, as presented, is uninspiring and unimaginative to say the least. It is anti-poor, anti-working class and anti-people. One would have thought that the Minister would have done his homework and research on what should be contained in a people and business centred budget in order to strike a balance.

Instead, the Minister went to Parliament to present a hastily put together document which simply is incoherent at certain points and unrealistic at others.

The 2018 Budget is as broad in its scope in areas where it should have had specific figures and clearly outlined policy and legislative attainable outcomes. It is minute and detailed on other matters which did not require focus or the added attention. Also, Minister Jordan’s budget thrives on a plethora of projects, initiatives and programmes conceptualised and initiated by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) while it was in office. But he continues to tout them as if they were designed by the thinkers – how ever few – in the coalition Government.

If one looks closer and past the Minister’s rhetoric, one would notice that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition is suffering from a bankruptcy of ideas about how to turn the fortunes of the economy around in order to accelerate growth and development – and this is clear as day when one looks at the micro and macroeconomic figures in Budget 2018. None of the GDP targets were achieved; sugar continues to decline at an unprecedented pace while the rice industry has lost its buoyancy; inflation is projected to increase to 2.5 per cent while direct foreign investment is on the decline; billions more are to be used to fund the work of various commissions, committees and similar groupings to conduct inquires, research and studies without ensuring value for money and in some other cases failing to act on the findings; and the budget fails to address how the Government plans to tackle the notion of constitutional reform.

None of the measures outlined by Minister Jordan will bring immediate relief to the poor and struggling families in every administrative region of this country. Aside from his announcement that the Value Added Tax on private education would be removed after they were forced to do so by the masses and lobbyists, the budget has thrown bones to the pensioners and Guyanese living on public assistance by way of a $500 increase. While this in itself is shameful considering that promises made by the APNU/AFC coalition to ensure that pensioners live comfortably, it does not beat the removal of all of the other water and housing subsidies they once enjoyed under the PPP. Interestingly, there is no serious proposal contained in Budget 2018 that is dedicated to the direct reduction of unemployment in Guyana, despite the last census pegged the figure at 12.5 per cent.

It appears that Guyanese will have to be content with seasonal employment and the spin off effects of construction projects here and there. Interestingly, however, is the Minister’s decision to restrain himself from announcing any new taxes. While that is a good move, he also failed to withdraw some of the most controversial ones introduced in the last two years.

Guyanese expected a ‘bread and butter budget’ that would tackle the real issues affecting their livelihoods. That budget would contain measures that could see a massive decline in the gap between the rich and the poor because it would also reduce the inequity in wealth distribution and severe poverty. Such a budget would also see the money garnered from the school of taxes introduced by the Government spent to fund threshold increases.

It would see the further adjustment of the minimum wage and a strong legislative agenda aimed at improving the justice sector. It would be youth friendly.

Today, Guyana is further than it ever was in the last two decades from securing the ‘good life’ for its citizenry. And so, Minister Jordan was correct when he said the journey continues. Perhaps he should consider the “voyage on a slow boat to progress continues” for next year’s theme.

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Budget 2018 disappoints expectation – FITUG The National Budget for the fiscal year 2018 – too much of ‘fluff & bluff’ – it did not address the lack of confidence issue and an ailing economy

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ast Monday, November 27, 2017, the Finance Minister presented his fourth budget to the National Assembly, for the fiscal year 2018. It is in this column’s viewpoint that this was one of the most highly anticipated budgets to be presented by the current Administration, amidst a vast array of economic challenges, and the Private Sector’s high expectation for an economic stimulus package for the new year ahead.

It was an extremely difficult task to find a decent adjective to describe the budget, albeit there were a few positive elements contained therein, for example; the reversal of Value Added Tax (VAT) imposed on private education – a policy that was implemented in the 2017 Budget, which was received with the harshest of criticisms as an unwelcomed policy, and the Youth Innovation Project of Guyana – which provides grant resources of up to $2 million to finance innovative solutions. To this end, $150 million was allocated for the continuation of this initiative.

First of all, in the Minister’s introductory presentation of the budget, he stated that the Government was “in a hurry to rebuild a nation that was scarred and marred by poor and corrupted governance”, by the now, Opposition political party, and he went on to outline the enormity of challenges that the Government has to overcome. More interestingly, he did not omit from his presentation that they have inherited a bankrupt institution, referring to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). And of course, did not hesitate to use this situation as the Government’s excuse of having to endure financial constraints to keep the industry alive by injecting billions of dollars.

This kind of political prerogative is intended to offer some kind of comfort and/or justification for either incompetence on the part of the Government to turn around the industry – without causing some 7000 sugar workers to become unemployed, or some other preconceived hidden political agenda aimed at plunging thousands of people in poverty and inducing an economic depression. This notion is one that is unapologetic, because when the current Opposition political party gained political power in 1992, they inherited a bankrupt economy and not just a single institution.

Yet, they were able to lift this country out of extreme poverty and such economic darkness back then, to an economy of enviable achievements up to the point when they lost the last general election. So, this Administration’s consistent outcry of GuySuCo being bankrupt is laughable and inexcusable on their part, as it may seem – they lack the competence to lift it out of its current bankrupt state into one that is economically viable and sustainable. I need not get into more details on GuySuCo because previously, a series of articles on this subject, including a comprehensive analysis of the State White Paper on the industry, were featured under this column.

Additionally, in support of the aforementioned assertions of the political rhetoric of the politicians and policymakers of the day; in the world of academia, and particularly advanced economies, empirical evidences suggest that countries like Guyana, a third world country, that is, are viewed as highly corrupt. So, the political rhetoric of blaming the Opposition for corruption is inexcusable because the truth is, or the reality of this phenomenon is that, corruption may not be eradicated completely – but it can certainly be minimised, by way of ensuring the efficacy of relevant institutions that are designed to hold a Government accountable and transparent to the people. That is where the emphasis need to be placed.

In the interest to give another simple example – though this column tends to shy away from this kind of subjective commentary and analysis, for the sake of the arguments and analyses presented today, it may be deemed appropriate for such. In this regard, reference is made to the famous or infamous (whichever one – depending on which context one looks at it) Pradoville II matter. Members of the Opposition including the Leader of the Opposition – or put differently, the previous Government – were accused of selling lands to some of the high-ranking members of the then Government, below the market value. This matter, is now engaged in a court of law procedure to be pronounced upon.

Now, from a strict financial standpoint, this case, has no real substance and it would not be surprising if, when the time comes, it will be dismissed by the court. Any asset, always have three values attached to it namely; the book value of an asset which is basically the cost incurred for the acquisition of the asset; the second is the market value – which takes into account market forces and other factors and then there is the realisable value – which is really the price or the saleable value of an asset one will actually obtain: most often, the realisable values are below the market value.

And most importantly to note, Guyana does not have a welldefined and structured real estate market per se; and hence there is no real estate index. Therefore, to charge and accuse the previous Government of such, as a crime, is really not a crime, there is absolutely no solid basis, from this perspective. It is all a political paparazzi – if such a terminology is permitted, and above all, extreme wastage of the nation’s resources – to create such a case – knowing that it is not a solid case.

(To be continued next week – I shall examine the measures outlined in the budget – and its likely impact on the economy).

(For comments, questions and responses on articles featured in this column, readers can reach the author at jbinsights@outlook.com).

…decries “paltry” $500 to pensioners …Union suggestions ignored

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he Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) is not that optimistic about the livelihoods of workers and is accusing Government of ignoring its proposals for the 2018 National Budget presented last week. At the same time, the Union body on Saturday condemned much of the outlined measures for the new fiscal year, expressing much vexation for the “paltry” $500 per month increase that is being given to old age pensioners across the land.

FITUG said the Budget “failed to live up to the high expectations of the working-people” who looked forward to measures that would have lessened their burdens.

According to the Union, such expectations, undoubtedly, were heightened by the “cheery, colourful billboards and the many advertisements that have appeared in the electronic media to promote the Budget.”

The combined Union body added that while its suggestions were largely ignored, it will remain resolute in advocating for the rights of workers with

Digicel launches...

from page 12

It is expected to be a day of fun and frolic, and would include games; performances by various artistes; face painting; an assortment of light refreshments; go-kart rides, and the ever-popular bouncy castle. Best of all, Santa will be on hand to share his special Christmas spirit.

The telephone company would also continue with its Christmas Day feeding programme for the less fortunate and homeless people. At the crack of dawn on Christmas Day, the team would hit the streets to treat the homeless.

While Digicel Chief Executive Officer Gregory Dean did not speak at the launch, in a release, he stated: “We want to connect to our customers this Christmas in ways that meet their needs and also instantly reward new customers to Digicel.

From our cash prizes to our discounts on handsets, it has been about deepening our relationship with them by adding further value to what we already offer. We are also excited about the Santa Express and spreading Christmas cheer with a twist this year with the deserving girls and boys.”

At the launch, several persons would have won cash prizes after purchasing a handset or transacting any business worth $3000 or more. The store was packed to capacity with customers, who were treated to the melodious voice of Ace and his group as they rendered a Christmas song.

the aim of improving their well-being and standard of living.

“We are not daunted and we will continue to promote our suggestions recognising their importance in improving workers’ well-being

Added Tax (VAT) on private education and to grant taxfree status to leave passage allowances for employees in the Private Sector.

FITUG vented further of the Administration’s decision to not increase the

The 2018 Budget will be debated in the National Assembly on Monday

and their standard of living. We must share too our vexation that a paltry $500 per month or $16 per day increase was given to the old aged pensioners who clearly deserve a much more realistic increase, especially in these times,” the Union observed.

FITUG is hopeful that Government will re-examine the $500 increase. The Union meanwhile commended the Administration’s decision to remove Value

Income Tax threshold, something to which it said workers were eagerly looking forward. The Union feels the 2018 Budget did not advance any serious policy regarding job preservation and job creation, in addition to the absence of a clear policy to assist the implementation of the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP).

FITUG also decried the treatment of thousands of workers who stand to be af-

fected by the reduction of the sugar industry, seeing the moves as “ill-considered”.

Commenting on the oil and gas industry, the Federation says it is concerned that there is an absence of definitive statements on the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF). Additionally, FITUG highlighted the stance taken to abandon the Amalia Falls project despite compelling arguments for it to be pursued.

FITUG surmised that workers were in a different boat from “The Journey to the Good Life continues” tag announced by the Finance Minister.

On Monday last, Government tabled in the National Assembly a budget to the tune of $267.1 billion where several measures to support its green agenda and improve various key economic sectors were announced. However, Finance Minister Winston Jordan noted that the initial projected growth of the economy was 3.8 per cent, which was revised by midyear to 3.1 per cent after the economy only grew by 2.2 per cent in July of this year. The budget debates begin tomorrow.

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Andyville still hopeful for regularisation T

he squatter settlement of Andyville, Wismar, Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) may be a step closer to having the area regularised. Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland recently stated

that the process of regularisation is moving forward as he pointed out that residents have been encouraged to submit proper documentation to the Guyana Lands and Survey Department.

Holland noted that steps are

also being put in place for residents to receive electricity.

“Andyville has been a topical issue, and I must say to the people of Andyville that we’re working on regularising and getting Andyville lit.

Sections of Andyville, Linden

I spoke to the Commissioner of Lands, Trevor Benn and he’s indicated that he’s working to get that area regularised. Also, the Minister of Housing, Valerie Yearwood would have also signalled her intention to get that area regularised, so that the residents who are there in Andyville who have for years been begging and crying out for electricity and basic services can start receiving it,” he noted.

The Andyville community, located aback Blueberry Hill, has been in existence for over 10 years and residents of the remote area remain hopeful that one day the community will be regularised. Presently, there are over 50 homes in the community, but the lack of electricity, potable water and proper roads remain a cause for worry for the numerous families residing in the close-knit area. The squatter settlement is named after its first resident, André “Andy” Seaton, who recently told Guyana Times that even after so many years

in existence, it has been a struggle to keep the community going. He explained that initially, Andyville was just an area in the community which was not as forthcoming in the fight for development but as many have sought to build their homes there it is now a priority.

“That is how it starts, like behind dark doors. Like we never really go forward to certain people and we never really been attended to...It’s a lot of work I put in to like defend this place to let it remain, because it was a dump at first...I had to stop Town Council from littering, because is good land,” he stated.

In an effort to provide potable water to residents, who reside in the community, Guyana Water Inc (GWI) had months ago embarked on the process of laying pipelines at the entrance of Andyville. However, the initiative only saw the erection of stand pipes at strategic points, which meant they were not be able to access

water directly to their homes for some time. Nevertheless, many revealed that they were grateful as it is one of the first steps towards receiving potable water in the community. A construction worker by trade, Seaton, also operates a shop outside his home, and admitted that it has not been easy to do so without electricity.

This is also a concern for the numerous residents in the area.

“It is hard, real hard.

‘Cause certain things you can’t even bring to sell and these things. It’s real hard, you got to close up early, you got to bring blocks of ice from out front and these things.

About $500 for a block of ice, so it’s real hard,” he reiterated. Residents in the area said they are continuing to remain hopeful that the community becomes regularised so that they can push developmental activities.

“I would like to see development, at least for the youths that coming up, because it’s done a living area,” Seaton said.

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Anna's

8 Cops graduate from UG

Bartering is back

I

f there’s one thing that Budget 2018 seems to have overlooked, it’s the implementation of sustainable measures to revive Indigenous village economies which bore the brunt of the current economic stagnation that continues to stifle the country’s overall development since 2015.

While the previous two Arrows raised issues of substance abuse and public health deficiencies, including a chronic drug shortage in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), today’s edition addresses the decimation of village economies in Amerindian communities in the Rupununi.

After traversing the region from North to South and discussing the socioeconomic setbacks which challenge the daily survival of Indigenous families, the one recurrent issue to which each community identified itself was the decline of their village economies. As villagers say, “money not circulating”.

Most Indigenous communities in the Rupununi depend on agriculture for their daily subsistence.

Cassava, cattle ranching and fishing are some of the main investments generating income for families. However, cassava which has pillared village economies for decades now, is no longer feasible since there is now no market to absorb regional production.

The contractionary fiscal policies and austerity measures which included, Anna Correia inter alia, the removal of social welfare policies and State support for traditional income earning sectors, have, since 2015, muffled the homogenous economic growth across sectors in Guyana. Massive tax increases cobbled with thousands of job losses in both the Private and Public Sectors did little to reverse the economic recession which inevitably resulted from what can be described as gross incompetence and mismanagement of State resources. And while businesses continue to shut down and local investors migrate, consumer purchasing power is also under strain. The subsequent deterioration of local markets for agricultural products, including for cassava and its by-products, therefore comes as no surprise.

In Paipang, village leaders explained that the prices offered now for farine (a cassava by-product consumed throughout the Rupununi and in neighbouring Brazil) are so low that villagers are forced to go to Brazil in search of better markets. Karasabai villagers have also indicated that although Brazil remains an alternative, the demand has significantly decreased, leaving the village with a surplus. In Moco Moco, the farine surplus is over ten thousand (10,000) pounds, although the village is closer to both the Lethem township and Brazil (Bom Fim and Boa Vista).

In Awarewanau, leaders expressed their frustration, stating that buyers impose extremely unethical prices as low as eighty dollars ($80) per pound of farine, slashing the standard one hundred and sixty dollars ($160) which would usually obtain.

According to narratives from several communities, the removal of the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP) and its Community Support Officers (CSOs) is much regretted since beneficiaries would inject a minimum of two to three hundred thousand dollars ($200 000 – $300 000) monthly into village economies. The HEYS programme which the coalition Government promised would replace the YEAP, has not done so, and unlike its predecessor, is not a permanent initiative but lasts six months non-renewable.

Resource person and village elder from Nappi, Andrew Dimetro, reflecting on the present hardships of his people in the Rupununi, said he felt history is repeating itself as it reminds him of the Burnham era he was forced to live through.

In 2014, a research conducted revealed that bartering in the Rupununi was no longer a common practice in Indigenous communities. However, village leaders from Kurumuta in the South Pakaraimas to Sand Creek in the Deep South Rupununi, indicated that bartering was reintroduced for the wrong reasons as a means to cope with the economic decline of village economies. When villagers cannot find buyers for their produce and by-products in Lethem, they are now forced to barter with shops in the town for basic commodities. Evidently, shops would exploit and undervalue Indigenous products and labour.

Life in the Rupununi has always been difficult for various reasons ranging from climatic to infrastructural challenges.

However, the 2015 change in Government has axed development in Region Nine. The health sector has faltered tremendously, agriculture is no longer feasible, infrastructure continues to be a major hindrance to development and venues for seeking better opportunities are hardly in view. Migration of Indigenous peoples – especially youth – to Brazil is on the rise and understandably so.

Budget 2018 proposes no substantial sustainable remedies to uplift the increasingly vulnerable populations of the Rupununi, despite that Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock himself, is a Macushi man of Surama, and knows fully well the struggles of his own people.

Contact sundayarrow@gmail.com

A

Acting Top Cop David Ramnarine along with the graduates and senior members of the Guyana Police Force

cting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine on Friday recognised and congratulated eight members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) who graduated from the University of Guyana with degrees and diplomas.

At a small gathering held in the Commissioner’s conference room, the Commissioner applauded the accomplishment of the ranks, who graduated from the university’s Turkeyen and Tain campuses.

In his brief remarks, the Commissioner drew to the attention of the graduates that now, as they are

endowed with higher learning, it is expected and required that their performance on the job, in particularly the quality of leadership and supervision they exhibit, must improve to their benefit, that of the Police Force as well as the communities at large.

The eight graduates are Superintendents Julius Wright and Mehendra Siwnarine, both who graduated with Degrees in Public Management; Inspectors Nicola Kendall and Kevin London, who both obtained master’s in Public Administration; Inspector Dellon Elexey, who obtained a de-

gree in International Relations; Inspector Alexis David, a degree in Communications; Sergeant Pearl Jacobs, a degree in Business Management; and Constable Darryl Thompson who graduated with a Diploma in Public Management.

However, two Superintendents, Brian Eastman and Mahendra Siwnarine, who are currently pursuing their masters at the Turkeyen Campus and who previously received the Prestigious Prime Minister’s Medal were both awarded plaques in recognition of their efforts. Eastman head’s the Special Branch.

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UG to construct $40M soil testing facility at Tain Campus NPGC, Ragindra Persaud, disclosed that when completed, the facility would provide farmers with advance information that would reduce their cost of production, increase their yields, and boost environmental risk management.

“The farmers will know exactly what to apply, and to what amount,” Persaud explained According to Persaud, studies have proven that the use of soil testing has become widely accepted by farmers and industries internationally.

“Research has provided Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Philanthropy, Dr Paloma Mohamed assists CEO of NPGC, Ragindra Persaud and Vice Chancellor of UG, Dr Ivelaw Griffith with the MOU documents

T

he University of Guyana (UG) has signed a $40 million memorandum of understanding (MoU) with major rice exporter Nand Persaud Group of Companies (NPGC) to construct a soil testing fa-

cility at the University of Guyana Berbice Campus at Tain, Corentyne Berbice.

Signing the MoU on behalf of NPGC was its Chief Executive Officer Ragindra Persaud, while UG ViceChancellor Professor Ivelaw

Griffith signed on behalf of the University.

The ceremony was conducted at the tenth session of the Turkeyen and Tain Talks, held at the Pegasus Hotel.

Chief Executive Officer of

farmers with appropriate fertiliser use, such as recommendations for nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and limestone. It also allows for determining the micro-nutrient requirements of the crop,” Persaud is quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying.

The CEO added that the project is crucial to the sector because farmers are employing various methods in an unscientific manner, which is negatively affecting the cost of their production and their yields, particularly at a time when the demand for rice has increased,

and will continue to so do.

He drew reference to the Cuban and Mexican rice markets which were recently clinched by Guyana.

Persaud said those two countries import some one million tonnes of rice annually. Guyana, on the other hand, exports only 500,000 tonnes annually.

UG Vice-Chancellor Professor Ivelaw Griffith was in full support of the deal, And has called on more corporate and international organisations to partner with the university to initiate similar undertakings.

Berbice business chamber donates mobile units to Guyana Police Force

T

he Berbice Chamber of Commerce and D e v e l o p m e n t Association (BCCDA) has donated 10 mobile units to the New Amsterdam Town Council and the Guyana Police Force’s ‘B’ Division.

The units were presented in a simple ceremony hosted on the lawns of Hand-in-Hand insurance company, New Street New Amsterdam. The $1 million project will see the booths which are equipped with seating accommodation and displayed emergency numbers, being placed at various locations throughout New Amsterdam.

Four of the units will be strategically placed in busy areas on the main road including, Trinity Street, Pitt Street, New Street and Kent Street. Two others will be placed along Strand in close proximity to Scotia Bank and another close to the GTM Insurance Company. One will be placed at Republic Road, another at Pope Street while Smithfield and the junction at Winkle Road will also have mobile units.

Speaking at the ceremony, President of BCCDA, Ryan Alexander stated that it has been observed that over the

One of the mobile units donated to the Police in ‘B’ Division

years police officers are often exposed to the elements in the course of their duties.

Alexander said the decision was made to embark on the project since it will not only serve the community for the holiday season but for the foreseeable future. He further added that based on the responses received the

Police will make full use of the facilities which will be manned at all times A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was also signed between the Chamber, the Council and the B Division Police for the use, security, preservation and movement of the mobile units.

sunDAY, december 3, 2017

I

n deference to the Indian team management's wishes, there was grass on the Feroz Shah Kotla pitch, but Virat Kohli, at the toss, wished there could have been more. It certainly wasn't enough to turn New Delhi into Newlands, and India, instead of fighting for survival against snarling South African fast bowlers, settled into a typically subcontinental bat-first, batbig pattern against a limited Sri Lanka attack, facing more spin (59 overs) than seam (31) on day one.

For most of the day, Sri Lanka had nothing to cheer as M Vijay and Virat Kohli added 283 for the third wicket, their partnership an exhibition of relentless self-control and a hunger for runs that never tipped over into greed. India rattled along at more than four an over, and as the shadows lengthened, it seemed as if India would end the day only two down.

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Vijay, Kohli tons cement India's dominance But wristspin can do strange things, and Lakshan Sandakan, whose figures at that point read 20.5-0109-0, sent down a deliciously-flighted wrong'un, slanting it across Vijay and asking him to reach out to drive. He didn't pick the direction of turn, groped for the ball, and missed, dragging his back foot out of the crease in the process.

Niroshan Dickwella, quick and nimble, did the rest.

Until the moment of Sandakan's transformation, Vijay and Kohli had looked utterly secure. Aside from a couple of clearly not-out lbw shouts, their dominance had gone unchallenged, and, in an indictment of the two specialist spinners, the one bowler who had come remotely close to creating chances was the part-time offspinner Dhananjaya de Silva.

On 122, Vijay drove early and sent the ball looping towards midwicket rath-

er than the intended direction of cover; it fell just short of the diving Dinesh Chandimal. Then, on 154, he sent an uppish flick in the same direction. This time it eluded the fingertips of the debutant Roshen Silva. In between, de Silva also found Kohli's leading edge, which fell between the bowler and mid-off.

Vijay went to tea on 101, and resumed with a flurry of attractive boundaries - an inside-out cover drive off Dilruwan, a square-drive off Gamage, a reverse-paddle off Dilruwan. He would only hit one more four after that, though, as he took the singles on offer and made sure he would do everything in his power to keep his quest for that long-yearnedfor maiden double-hundred alive. This time, it would really take a good ball to get him out.

This hadn't been true of Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara, who

both got off to breezy starts before falling against the run of play.

Once it became clear there was little help in this pitch for the quicks, Dhawan and Vijay were quickly on their way, driving freely on the up and hitting eight fours in the first ten overs.

Sri Lanka brought on spin as early as the eighth over, and Dilruwan continued to worry his team with his inconsistent lengths, Dhawan picking up two fours behind point in his first two overs.

But he grew a little greedy, and picked out deep square leg with a top-edged sweep on 23. Suranga Lakmal briefly lost the ball in the hazy atmosphere, and lost a shoe while hurriedly changing direction, but managed to hold on.

It was Dilruwan's 100th Test wicket. He might not be the most frugal of spinners, but he has the knack of taking wickets - his 100th had come up in his 25th

Test, and no Sri Lankan had got there quicker. Muttiah Muralitharan had taken 27 Tests.

In walked Pujara, whose last four partnerships with Vijay read 107, 178, 102 and 209. They seemed to be continuing from where they left off in Nagpur, while scoring twice as quickly, and

Pujara in particular was putting the bowlers through the shredder, hitting four fours in the space of three overs, including two backfoot whips off marginally short balls from Dilruwan.

But this time, the partnership would only get as far as 36. (ESPN Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD India 1st Innings M Vijay st †Dickwella b Sandakan 155 S Dhawan c Lakmal b Perera 23 CA Pujara c Samarawickrama b Gamage 23 V Kohli* not out 156 AM Rahane st †Dickwella b Sandakan 1 RG Sharma not out 6 Extras (lb-1, nb-6) 7 Total (For 4 wickets, 90 Overs) 371 Yet to bat: R Ashwin, WP Saha †, RA Jadeja, I Sharma,

Mohammed Shami Fall of wickets: 1-42 (S Dhawan, 9.6 ov), 2-78 (CA Pujara, 20.2 ov), 3-361 (M Vijay, 85.6 ov), 4-365 (AM Rahane, 87.3 ov) Bowling Lakmal 14-2-500, Gamage 17-6-68-1, Perera 21-0-97-1, Sandakan 23-1110-2, de Silva 15-0-45-0 Sri Lanka Team S Samarawickrama, FDM Karunaratne, ARS Silva, AD Mathews, LD Chandimal*, N Dickwella†, DM de Silva, PADLR Sandakan, MDK Perera, RAS Lakmal, PLS Gamage

Police looking to arrest Camptown for championship

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he highly anticipated climax of the Turbo Knockout Football competition will take place this evening at the Ministry of Education ground in an underdog versus tyrant battle.

The established side is in this case, the Police FC who has snared two championships on the trot with the recently concluded Mayors Cup in Linden and prior to that, the Corona Beer Inaugural title. Police will be led by captain Winston Tanner and will be looking to carry their form from the Hamilton Green cup, over to the Turbo finals. Tanner explained; “we just came off a finals victory on Thursday and we are looking to continue the momentum into

Who will lift the trophy? Police Captain Winston Tanner (right) and Camptown FC skipper Lezhan Lord will battle for the Turbo Trophy they hold tonight (Photo courtesy of Adrian Narine)

this turbo final.”

“I want to encourage the football fans to come out

and support an exciting final between the Guyana Police FC and Camptown”,

he added.

Their opponents, Camptown FC are however

putting in the hours according to captain Lezhan Lord, who revealed, “We’ve been

working hard, Morning, Evening and basically every day preparing for this final.”

He maintained, “It means a lot to us to be in this turbo finals and its means a lot for us to win it also so we are coming strong and bringing our ‘A’ game.” Co-director of the tournament, Troy Mendonca noted that the the hype has been built and the stage is set for an eagerly anticipated final.

“We have works ongoing on the field to ensure that our spectators are comfortable and tomorrow (tonight) is shaping up to be an epic final,” Mendonca said.

Tonight’s final begins at 21:00 with the Third place play off between Pouderoyen and Grove HiTech commencing at 19:00.

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SunDAY, december 3, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Smalta Girls’ Schools Pee-Wee Football Tournament

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n day two of the Smalta Girls’ Peewee tournament defending champions St Angela’s went unopposed as they had a walkover victory against School of the Nations who failed to take to the field.

However North Georgetown Primary showed no scruples as they dismantled the Redeemer Primary outfit 3-0 via a Jada Maison double and a solitary strike from Ameza English. Maison’s goals came in the 10th and 20th minutes while English netted in the 11th to seal the

Defending champions St Angela’s still unbeaten deal for North Georgetown.

As the day progressed the scoreline increased with St Pius tucking away eight goals without reply against Tucville.

Star player Kerry Boyce indulged at her whim and fancy netting a helmet-trick and was supported by Breann Solome who grabbed a hat-trick with Akesha Sibdhanie scoring a single goal. Boyce’s strikes came in the first, fifth, 13th and 28th minutes while Solome got in on the action in the ninth, 24th and 30th minutes. Sibdhanie’s lone strike

De Gea stars as United survive Pogba dismissal J

esse Lingard scored twice but Manchester United relied on goalkeeper David de Gea to clinch victory over Arsenal on Saturday.

Manchester United survived the second-half dismissal of Paul Pogba to end Arsenal's 12-game winning run at home in the Premier League with a 3-1 victory at Emirates Stadium - but only thanks to the brilliance of David de Gea. The Premier League heavyweights took part in a slugfest in the English capital, with Jose Mourinho's side somehow surviving some seriously heavy punishment to run out victors and close the gap on leaders Manchester City to five points.

United capitalised on some poor defending to race out to a 2-0 lead, Antonio Valencia and Jesse Lingard punishing early Arsenal mistakes, before Alexandre Lacazette - a surprise selection after Arsene Wenger had said he would be sidelined for the fixture - halved the deficit early in the second half.

However, Arsenal's bid for a third straight home win over their rivals ran aground against the rocklike De Gea, who produced a string of outstanding saves either side of the break to keep his team in front.

Lingard's second of the game in the 63rd minute restored a two-goal cushion and, while Pogba saw red for a stamp on Hector Bellerin that will rule him out of next weekend's Manchester der-

by, United held firm to triumph on their travels.

Arsenal will wonder quite how they ended up with nothing from a pulsating encounter, albeit their problems were all of their own making when a side who had previously only conceded four league goals at home in the season gifted their opponents a 2-0 lead inside 11 minutes.

Laurent Koscielny's careless cross-field pass inadvertently set up Valencia's opener before Shkodran Mustafi's carelessness in possession led to Lingard scoring, the England international not even having to break stride to convert Anthony Martial's exquisite reverse pass in behind.

Yet despite the disastrous start, plus the loss of the injured Mustafi that forced a change in formation and a switch to a flat-back four, the hosts peppered United's goal for the remainder of the half.

The double save proved a turning point as United landed the sucker punch on the break, Lingard, who had already hit the post after the break, tapping home from close range.

After providing the assist, Pogba left his side to finish the game a man light when he lunged in and caught Bellerin. The red card did not prove costly in terms of the outcome, but the Frenchman will now miss his team's next three domestic games, including next weekend's huge derby against City. (Sportsmax)

came in the 26th minute.

Kitty based F.E Pollard just needed goals from Shania Lord and Ciara Fraser to record a comfortable 2-0 win against South Ruimveldt. The duo scored in the 26th and 30th minutes to help their side to victory.

Akila Smith needed no help as she struck four times to cement a 4-0 win for West Ruimveldt over Stella Marris. Smith’s goals were scored in the 18th, 20th, 25th and 29th minutes respectively.

St Angela’s had no opposition as the tournament continued on Saturday

GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 League – East Bank FA

Unbeaten Grove lift inaugural title

NAMILCO’s Finance Director Fitzroy Mc Leod with the respective prize winners at the Grove Playfield on Saturday

D

iamond United and Agricola Red Triangle closed off their GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Intra Association League /East Bank Football Association leg on a high on Saturday when the competition ended at the Grove Playfield.

Diamond United took full points from Mocha Champs which failed to show up while Agricola came back from a goal down against Friendship to win 2-1. Yesterday’s play brought an end to two-rounds of grinding action between nine (9) clubs in the association, the league got underway since June of last year.

Emerging as the overall winner after 16-matches each was Grove Hi Tech which ended as the only undefeated club with 48-points; scoring a total of 45-goals while only conceding 5 to end with a +40 average.

Yesterday, Friendship jumped ahead of Agricola in the 10th minute through a Denver Stoll goal but Agricola bided their time and drew level on 40 minutes when Adrian Reid netted the first of his double to lead them to full points with their seventh win of the league. The winning goal

was scored in the 55th minute by Reid.

Finance Director of the National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) Mr. Fitzroy Mc Leod was on hand to distribute the trophies and medals to the top four clubs. In remarks to the players, Mc Leod first congratulated the players for staying the course in a competition that commenced last year.

He noted that his company was more than happy to partner with the Guyana Football Federation in providing an avenue through the associations for players to exhibit and develop their skills on a consistent basis reminding that the competition will be played over a five-year period with NAMILCO investing over Five-Million dollars.

Mc Leod encouraged the players to always seek to work hard not only on the field of play but to also place a high premium on their academic pursuits so as to be the best they can be whilst keeping an eye on making it at the national age-group levels also.

EBFA President Franklin Wilson conveyed the association’s gratitude to NAMILCO and the GFF for making a tournament of this nature reality whilst also commending the players,

parents, coaches, club administrators, fans and referees making their respective contributions which all added up to make the league a success.

The clubs were all commended for their continued investment in ensuring that players attended matches on a consistent basis despite some not being able to due to various reasons from time to time.

Highway United (Yarrowkabra) and Kuru Kururu Warriors, both based on the Linden Soesdyke Highway ended the league in second and third place with Diamond United taking fourth followed by Agricola, Herstelling, Soesdyke Falcons, Mocha Champs and Friendship following in that order.

Finishing as the leading goal scorer was Kuru Kururu Warriors’ Jonathan Bailey with 9 followed by Shawn Steele (Highway United) and Kevin Padmore (Grove Hi Tech) 7 apiece.

With the conclusion of the Under-17, the EBFA will continue with the Ralph Green sponsored Under-11 while the Frank Watson Under-15 Intra Association League would kick off shortly. Clubs are reminded to complete their registration by next Friday.

sports

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GCB, DMLAS, NSC/National Secondary Schools Cricket League

BEI thrash Tutorial Academy by 134 runs

– BHS, NA also in winners row

N

ew Amsterdam, Berbice High and BEI recorded victories when the 2017-2018 Guyana Cricket Board, Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited and the National Sports Commission’s National Secondary School Cricket League (GCB/DMLAS/NSC/ NSSCL) continued in the New Amsterdam/Canje District.

BEI beat Tutorial Academy by 134 runs At the Cumberland ground, Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) won the toss and elected to bat making 186 all out in 29.2 overs off of their allotted 30 overs.

Gevon Shultz scored a brilliant 77 and was supported by Rabindranauth Ramnauth who made 21. Bowling for Tutorial Academy, Leon

Swammy grabbed 3 for 10, while Kelvin Hinds and Romel Retimiah picked up 2 for 11 and 2 for 22 respectively.

In reply Tutorial Academy fell way short of the victory target of 187, being bundled out for 52 from 17.2 of their allotted 30 overs. Bowling for BEI, Shultz came back to snare 4 for 11 to seal the victory for his school while Ramnauth also supported well, with 2 for a miserly 3 runs.

Berbice High School beat Vryman’s Ervin Secondary 8 wickets In another match played at the Cumberland ground, Vryman’s Ervin Secondary won the toss and decided to take first strike and were mowed down for 79 in 24 of their allotted 30 overs. Tomani Ceasar top

scored for Vryman’s Ervin Secondary with a defiant 30 as Abdul Ramsammy, Zeynul Ramsammy, Kezron Cort and Devin Moses all grabbed two wickets each for the winners.

In reply, Berbice High School (BHS) batted aggressively, reaching their victory target with the fall of just two wickets. Abdul Ramsammy and Devin Moses made 22 and 18 not out respectively. Bowling for Vryman’s Ervin secondary, Amesha Samaroo took 2 for 16.

New Amsterdam beat Canje by 3 wickets Over at the Canje ground the home team won the toss and were bowled out for 60 runs with Carl Gilgeous the top-scorer with 16. Bowling for New Amsterdam Secondary, Jaden Narine grabbed 4 for 14 off 6 overs,

GFF/ Elite League 2017-18…

Fruta Conquerors stay perfect – Den Amstel hosts double-header today

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21

Fruta scorers from left Jermaine Junior, Anthony Abrams, Eon Alleyne

I

n the fourth double-header of Season III of the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Elite League, Fruta Conquerors FC humbled Ann’s Grove FC 3-0 while Western Tigers needed two goals either side of halftime to win 2-1 against Milerock FC. Fruta Conquerors started off aggressively with the ominous Jermaine Junior taking only two minutes to net Fruta’s opening goal. However Ann’s Grove defense recuperated enough to hold off Fruta’s fluid offensive unit for 77 minutes. Elder statesmen Anthony “Awo” Abrams and Eon Alleyne scored a goal apiece deep into the second half to cement Fruta’s victory. Abrams’ strike hit the back of the net in the 79th minute while Alleyne registered his name on the scoresheet in added time (90+4 Minutes).

Following his team’s victory, Fruta Conquerors’ coach Sampson Gilbert applauded his team’s victory. However he noted that there are still a few areas that his side has to work on.

He stated; “I thought tonight was a good performance. However, they are many areas

which we weren’t as efficient as we could be; finishing is one of those areas we are working continuously to improve, central midfield is another area we thought we can do better in terms of out tactical awareness and our strategy as a team.”

In the second game of the night Western Tigers had Andrew Murray Jr to thank for their 2-1 victory as he scored either side of halftime to give his team maximum points.

The Western Tigers clawed their way back from 1-0 down after Milerock’s Kester Randolph netted in the fitfh minute. Two minutes from the halftime whistle Murray powered home a sumptuous drive to equalize for his team. When the second half resumed Murray sealed the deal for Western with a well taken toe-poke in the 69th minute.

The league will continue today with another double header; this time on the West Coast of Demerara at Den Amstel. Victoria Kings will take on the Cougars at 14:00hrs while Buxton face home side Den Amstel at 16:00h.

while Nicholas Haywood and Intiaz Jaundoo both took two wickets each.

In reply, New Amste rd am in an attempt to score quickly, lost 7 wickets in the effort to secure victory, reaching 61 for 7 thanks to Keshan Permaul who top-scored with 16 and helped to secure victory for New Amsterdam Secondary.

Bowling for Canje Secondary, Javon Persaud snapped up 2 wickets from his 6 overs.

Gevon Schultz

Region 1 is a step closer to RMA status

A

dministrative Region number one has moved one step closer to becoming a Regional Member Association (RMA) of the Guyana Football Federation with the establishment of a steering committee today at Moruca sub-district, Region 1.

The committee was presented with its Terms of Reference (ToR), which includes among others, the development of a Constitution and the registration of clubs in the region.

President of the GFF, Wayne Forde, who is among a three-man visiting team said the GFF is pleased to offer the structure and organization necessary to enable the region to maximize its resources: “The expansion of football across Guyana is beyond the mandate of the GFF’s Executive Committee.

We also have a moral obligation to give every young boy and girl the opportunity to play football and within the Barima-Waini community there are a lot of passionate and talented young footballers. The only way that the GFF can give them the level of support that is needed to bring structure and organization to the game is by having the steering committee start the important work of leading Region 1 towards full-fledge membership of the Guyana football fraternity.”

Forde said while this is considered an ad hoc committee under the GFF’s Constitution, with a sixmonth life-span, “our goal is to propose Region One’s membership to the Congress

GFF President Wayne Forde

in May 2018 but, of course, that will be based entirely on the work the steering committee does to demonstrate to the Executive Committee that they’re worthy of being inducted as members of the Guyana Football Federation.”

“Government’s support to this endeavour is critical given the logistics of integrating Region 1 into national football,” said Forde. “We also take this opportunity to invite the NGOs and all stakeholders within the Region 1 community to come onboard and support the work of the steering committee and do whatever is necessary to help Region One’s integration into national football.”

Forde added that the establishment of the Steering Committee will see GFF’s immediate technical support to the region via capacity building sessions to identified coaches, referees and others as necessary.

Other members of the visiting team are Dion Inniss, GFF’s Executive Committee Member and Ian Greenwood, GFF’s Technical Director.

22

guyanatimesgy.com

sundAY december 3, 2017

Kiwis extend dominance at Wellington – de Grandhomme hit 71-ball ton

C

Colin de Grandhomme celebrates his maiden century on the opening day at Wellington

olin de Grandhomme capitalised on a strong platform laid by fifties from Ross Taylor and Henry Nicholls to raze West Indies with a stunning onslaught that all but batted them out of the Wellington Test. Along with Tom Blundell's debut fifty, de Grandhomme hammered a 71-ball maiden ton, the second fastest by a New Zealand batsman in Tests, to thrust New Zealand to 447 for 9, a lead of 313.

De Grandhomme has one of the strongest bottom hands in international cricket, but it seemed West Indies weren't aware. They attacked his ribs, and when that didn't work, they fed him on his pads. His first eight boundaries were through the leg side, forcing West Indies to change their line of attack, but by then, he was in unstoppable hitting rhythm.

He struck 14 boundaries - 11 fours and three sixes - before chipping a catch to long-on off Roston Chase in search for another. He contributed almost 60% of New Zealand's 180 runs in the final session.

Blundell played the supporting act in a 148run, seventh-wicket partnership. He left confidently early in the innings, and gradually showed off his range. He used his feet well, milking the spinners on both sides of the wicket, and used cross-batted strokes, the late cut in particular, against the quicks. He finished with an unbeaten 57 off 100 balls. Taylor and Nicholls had earlier shared a 127-run diligent stand that left West Indies with insufficient resources to counter the lower or-

Windies speedster Kemar Roach was the pick of the bowlers on a hard day

der. Over the last year across formats, Taylor has often consumed too many deliveries to kick his innings into gear. On the first evening in Wellington, he had made 12 off 32 after weathering a testing spell, but in favourable batting conditions on the second day, Taylor's positive intent was evident from the outset. He struck a 160-ball 93 to put New Zealand in control.

When Taylor defended, he did with soft hands, looking for singles either side of the wicket. When West Indies' seamers offered width, he slashed behind point and drove through cover. Sunny overhead conditions offering no lateral movement aided his strokeplay.

When West Indies switched to using the short ball as a tactic, just like New Zealand had done on the first day, Taylor took on the pull, albeit with middling success. He scored 20 runs through third man, 19 through cover and 13 behind square on the leg side, those three areas producing 79% of his runs before lunch.

Attempting to stem the copious flow of runs, West Indies set de-

fensive fields with the new ball on the horizon. Taylor then tucked, nudged and pushed his way towards a hundred in an insipid period.

The game kicked back to life when West Indies took the new ball in the 82nd over. Kemar Roach, from wide of the crease, jagged one away late from a leaden-footed Taylor. The set-up, check. Off the first ball of his next over, Roach got one to seam back in to beat Taylor's inside edge and strike him plumb in front of off.

The wicket, check. Taylor fell seven runs short of his fourth successive ton at home against West Indies.

Nicholls, a naturally attacking player, found his fluency immediately at the other end. He opened his account with a flick behind square for four off his first delivery. He did leave well through his innings, waiting for West Indies to stray into his pads to accumulate his runs. In the first over after lunch, he gloved a pull off Jason Holder to the keeper, but replays showed the bowler had overstepped. Nicholls only grew more patient thereafter.

Roach produced West Indies' only wicket of the morning session with an unplayable delivery.

Bowling from around the wicket in the 48th over, he got one to pitch outside leg and jag away prodigiously off the seam. On 42, Raval, prodding from the crease, didn't account for as much movement and edged behind. An inch shorter and the ball would have beaten the edge. An inch fuller and Raval would have got behind the line.

The bowlers lacked the discipline, conceding 12 no-balls, and giving New Zealand several boundary-hitting options. All it did was gradually erode their chances in the Test. (ESPN cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD West Indies 1st Innings 134 New Zealand 1st Innings (Overnight 85/2) JA Raval c †Dowrich b Roach 42 KS Williamson* c Hope b Roach 1 LRPL Taylor lbw b Roach 93 HM Nicholls c Gabriel b Cummins 67 MJ Santner b Cummins 17 C de Grandhomme c Powell b Chase 105 TA Blundell† not out 57 N Wagner b Chase 3 MJ Henry c †Dowrich b Gabriel 4 TA Boult not out 2 Extras (b-4, lb-2, nb-13) 19

Total (For 9 wickets, 127 Overs) 447 Fall of wickets: 1-65 (TWM Latham, 26.1 ov), 2-68 (KS Williamson, 29.3 ov), 3-109 (JA Raval, 47.1 ov), 4-236 (LRPL Taylor, 83.1 ov), 5-272 (HM Nicholls, 93.2 ov), 6-281 (MJ Santner, 95.2 ov), 7-429 (C de Grandhomme, 119.6 ov), 8-437 (N Wagner, 123.1 ov), 9-442 (MJ Henry, 124.6 ov) Bowling Gabriel 26-3-80-1 (nb-7), Roach 19-5-73-3, Cummins 24-774-2 (nb-4), Holder 27-7-85-1 (nb-2), Chase 23-2-83-2, Brathwaite 8-0-46-0 New Zealand lead by 313 runs with 1 wicket in hand

BFA/ GT Beer, Candy Boss Berbice Football Extravaganza…

…Young Strikers stay alive with exciting win

A

n Esian Collins goal is all that was needed to keep Young Strikers hopes alive as action in the GT BEER/BFA/Candy Boss Berbice football competition continued on Friday night at the All Saints School Ground on Princess Elizabeth Road, New Amsterdam.

Young Strikers, led by Collins 35-minute goal recorded their first points in the competition as they disposed of Republican 1-0.

Both teams are on three points and have one more match to play. Edinburg Gunners have already qual-

ified for the knock out stage while Rosignol United only need a draw to shut out both Young strikers and Republican in Group 'B·' In other matches in the Friday night's triple header, Beacon FC mauled Hopetown FC 3-1 while Monedderlust needled Mahaica Determinators FC to stay unbeaten as they lead group 'A' with 7 points from three matched.

Jerral Joseph scored the gamed lone goal in the 35 minute to give Monedderlust the group next weekend and a will for either team will

send them into the next round while a draw will allow Mahaica to go through on a better goal average.

In group"C", Beacon FC got their goals of the booths of Dean Alfred in the first minute of play, Queson McTuley four minutes later and Keifer Brandt in the 45h minute. Hopetown got their consolation goal off the booth of Darrel Douglas in the 7th minute.

Beacon FC head the points with6 points from three games while Orealla 'B' (Siparuta) are on five points from a similar amount

The winning Young Strikers team

of games and Berbice Police with one point less hav-

ing played the same number of games. Arsenal has

two points with one game remaining and have slim chanced of moving past the group stage.

Meanwhile, the completion continues tonight at the same venue with Corriverton Links taking on Black Sharks. Corriverton have lost the lone game they played so far while the Sharks have a win and a draw. Group 'D' also encounte rrof Mahaicony FC with a lost and a draw making tonight's encounter between Corriverton Links taking on Black Sharks a 'do or die' affair.

Action in the first game of Friday starts at 19:00h.

guyanatimesgy.com

SunDAY, december 3, 2017

23

CWI/Digicel Regional 4-Day Championship 2017-18...

Paul swings the balance

in Jaguars’ favour A

fine spell of seam bowling on Saturday from all-rounder Keemo Paul, took the Guyana Jaguars within touching distance of victory against the Barbados Pride after an eventful day remaining in round five of their Regional 4-Day match at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.

Prior to bad light stopping play with just 2.4 overs remaining on the third day, Paul, the 19-year-old exWest Indies U19 player, followed up his first innings haul of 5-59, with a magical second innings spell of 4-38 which left the Pride reeling at 126-7 from 37.2 overs with a slight lead of 106 runs heading into the final day. Mario Rampersaud (01*) and Jonathan Carter (14*) will resume their innings on the final day.

Earlier, replying to the Prides first innings score of 294, the Jaguars resuming on 180-4, were bowled out for 314 in 105.5 overs thanks to some brilliant counter-punching by openers Chandrapaul Hemraj (79) and Tagenarine Chanderpaul (52), who laid the foundation up front with their opening century stand.

However, the real star turned out to be the left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie who was unbeaten on three at close of play on day two, but resumed his innings on day three with much positivity; carrying his bat unbeaten after a composed knock of 72 including 10 fours and a six.

Barbados Pride were indebted to their pair of West Indies international spinners who helped pull things back a bit. Off-spinner

Barbados Pride opener Anthony Alleyne cuts one square during his knock of 31

Ashley Nurse returned from injury with brilliant figures of 3-33 while left-arm slow bowler Jomel Warrican was a bit expensive but bowled well to end with 3-91.

With a deficit of 20 runs, Barbados endured a nightmare start to their second batting innings, losing opener Shayne Moseley for just 5 runs after edging fast-bowler Keon Joseph (123) into the waiting hands of Vishaul Singh in slips.

Pride moved from 9-0 to 37-2 when their skipper Shamarh Brooks got a bit over-excited after hitting five crisp fours in his 22 off 27 balls, falling to Paul who disturbed the batsman's timber in the 12th over of the afternoon session.

A fired-up Paul seemed to be going for the jugulars as he had another Barbados wicket in the bag a few overs later when Kevin Stoute had his bat edge broken by the seamer and eventually caught by Bramble behind the stumps for 11.

After some resistance and few good strokes, Alleyne joined the company of his fallen teammates after gifting a reasonably good

SCOREBOARD Barbados Pride 1st innings 294 Guyana Jaguars 1st innings (Overnight 180-4) T Chanderpaul c Rampersaud b Warrican.

52 C Hemraj run out (Greaves) 79 L Johnson* b Carter 02 V Singh c Rampersaud b Greav es 15 S Chanderpaul c & b Warrican 30 G Motie not out 72 A Bramble+ lbw Warrican 0 K Paul b Williams 19 S Rutherford c Harding b Nur se 25 V Permaul b Nurse 4 K Joseph c Brooks b Nurse 0 Extras (b-4, lb-4, w-1, nb-8) 17 Total (All out, 105.5 Overs) 314 Fall of Wickets 1–115, 2-120, 3-147, 4-173, 5-219, 6-219, 7-264, 8-302, 9-314, 10-314 Bowling Greaves 13-1-44-

1, Harding 15-2-45-0, Nurse 8.4-2-33-3, Stoute 20-7-350, Warrican 29-6-91-3, Carter 6-1-8-1, Williams 14-5-50-1 Barbados Pride 2nd Innings A Alleyne c Paul b Rutherford 32 S Mosely c Singh b Joseph 5 S Brooks b Paul 22 K Stoute c wk Bramble b Paul 11 K Williams lbw b Paul 11 J Carter not out 14 J Greaves c wk Bramble b Paul 0 A Nurse b Rutherford 1 M Rampersaud not out 1 Extras (b-24, lb-0, w-1, nb-3) 28 Total: (For 7 wickets; 38.1 overs) 126 Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-37, 3-61, 4-80, 5-98, 6-105, 7-109 Bowling: Joseph 9-4-23-1, Paul 18.1-7-38-4, Rutherford 10-3-40-2, Motie 2-1-1-0 Position: Pride lead by 106 runs with 3 wickets in hand

start to seamer Sherfane Rutherford (2-40), who had his first wicket of the day.

Crisis-man from the first

– Pride just 106 runs ahead

innings, Justin Greaves failed to repeat his heroics and was caught behind by Bramble off Paul; who had his fourth victim of the innings while Rutherford followed up with a beauty to knock over Ashley Nurse for 1.

Play ended calmly for the Pride whose tail-enders managed to see out the remaining overs ahead of stumps which came when the artificial lights were taking effects.

At the start of the day, when play began, night-watchman Motie and Shivnarine Chanderpaul who was on 15, were tasked with building on the

Jaguars overnight score of 180 Warrican got into the action first by removing the legend Chanderpaul for 30 after the left-hander hit a delivery straight back into the clutches of the bowler.

The out-of-favor West Indies Test bowler then bagged Anthony Bramble's wicket for a duck when the Jaguars wicket-keeper/ batsman was trapped lbw, the following delivery.

Motie batted liked a top-order batsman, picking off the bad deliveries while playing the good ones on merit as he raised his fifty off just 97 balls. Paul faced some 69 balls for his 19 runs, adding 45 for the

seventh-wicket with Motie before he had his stumps rattled by Kenroy Williams (1-50) shortly before lunch.

When play resumed, Rutherford looked good as he hit three fours and a six in his 25 before Nurse removed him as well as the rest of tail-enders; including Veerasammy Permaul (4) and Keon Joseph (0).

Weather permitting, a Jaguars victory is on the cards today but a repeat of 2015 when they were chasing 69 for victory were bowled out for 66 will be fresh on their minds. Action in the fourth and final day will begin at 09:00h.

(Clifton Ross)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2017

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

guyanatimesgy.com

CWI/Digicel Regional 4-Day Championship 2017-18...

Paul swings the balance

in Jaguars' favour

– Pride just 106 runs ahead Pg 23

Smalta Girls’ Schools Pee-Wee Football Tournament

Defending Champions St Angela’s still unbeaten

Pg 20

Action in the Smalta Girls’ Pee Wee tournament on Saturday at the Ministry of Education ground

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December 3, 2017

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DECEMBER 3, 2017

Feature

Mashramani Float designed by Teekah – 2017

‘The Spirit of Guyana’- 2017

…young artist awaits grand debut

there, which sadly many other art students do not get exposed to. Another driving force in my art journey was the harsh, but constructive criticism put forth by my art teacher and mentor, Brian Tankoon. They prevented me from settling for mediocrity and constantly pushed me to become better.”

With motivation stemming from his school environment, the student decided to pursue Art at the Caribbean Secondary Education Council (CSEC) Level and then later at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). Having gained a

By Ashraf Dabie

E

ven as society continues to view the creation of art as a leisure time activity rather than a possible career, aspiring artist Roberto Anthony Teekah is defying the odds as he awaits his grand debut to his professional journey.

Teekah, who is 19 years old, has been for some years now exercising the depths of his talent, by crafting artist pieces, using social media as one of his main platforms to showcase his work.

It all started during his academic pursuits at the Bishop’s High School as the institution provided the much-needed avenues, which paved the way for his development as a young artist.

This was as the then art student took up every opportunity thrown his way to gain exposure through designing pieces for school

succeed that he managed to secure a Distinction at Art& Design at CAPE. In fact, Teekah was the first student to take on this subject at the Bishops’ High School, and his fruitful ventured opened the doors for others to follow in his footsteps.

Adding to that, the young artist has already secured a

‘​Mask of Psyche’- 3D wall hanging- 2017

One of the rangoli designs created by the young artist

events and participating in local art competitions.

Allowing his talent to speak for itself, the teenager eventually managed to secure gigs which led to his art work being on display at a more national level.

Speaking with Sunday Times Magazine, Teekah highlighted what initially

Young artist, Roberto Anthony Teekah

spiked his interested in the field of arts. In doing so, he outlined his journey as an up and coming art expert, thus far.

“I don’t know exactly where my affinity for art comes from, but it is the thing that comes easiest to me. I have always been a reserved and introverted person, and art served as a vessel for me

to express my opinions and channel my emotions. As a child, my teachers and classmates would always be impressed with my artwork, although they were simple drawings, they were the beginning of a permanent love for all things creative,” the 19-year-old relayed.

He then revisited the beginning of this journey and underlined what promoted his artistic pursuits.

Teekah explained, “My art truly blossomed when I started attending the Bishops’ High School in 2010. Bishops’ offered countless creative outlets, which I thrived off of, and an exceptional Visual Arts curriculum that exceeds many other schools.”

As such, he continued on saying, “I am thankful for both the practical skills and especially the theoretical knowledge that I gained

‘Ganesha’- Acrylic on Bristol board - 2017

Grade II as his first attempt (CSEC), Teekah was not satisfied with his performance and decided to try again. It was with that passion for the arts and determination to

long list of achievements in his field. This includes a prize-winning painting in the Guyana Coconut Festival (2016), having had

one of his pieces on display at the Guyana Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition (2017) along with being a codesigner in a prize winning Mashramani float competition for Secondary Schools (2017).

Those are paired with having prize winning Rangoli designs at the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Rangoli Competition for two years in a row as well as creating Rangolis for a public exhibition at the National Art Gallery.

With that having been established, Teekah indicated what his sources of inspiration are. “My art is heavily inspired by the world we live in- things like nature, folklore & legends of various cultures, avant-garde fashion and most recently by powerful figures who challenge the ideals and norms of society, beauty and mainstream media. Andy Warhol once said that “Everything has beauty, but not everyone can see it,” this resonates with me and provokes me to find aesthetic value in everything imaginable,” he related.

Moreover, the 19-yearold went on to say, “My art is the physical evocation of my subconscious. It is what brings my mental conversations to life. My art can show the true aura that lies within me, or the one that I want you to see, because after all, “I am an artist and I have the ability and the free will to choose the way the world will envision me”Stefani Germanotta.”

Even with the numerous accomplishments under his belt, the young artist looks forward to a thriving career, doing what he enjoys, which is creating art, of various forms and medium.

With that in mind Teekah noted, “I plan on continuously creating unique artwork, working towards gaining more exposure and to constantly grow as an artist. I would love to have more work on display at exhibitions and to participate more in our local cultural events.”

guyanatimesgy.com

DECEMBER 3, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Times Focus

– Serving the less fortunate for over 26 years

By Lakhram Bhagirat

C

hildren are said to be the reason for all the happiness in the world and when one gives the gift of time to a child, then you are forever happy. This may have been the intention of the late Marie Dookun when she began inviting the children of her community into her yard to feed them and read stories with them. While we may never know her true intentions, it did give birth to a life changing idea- The Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre.

The Centre is located at Lot 13 Public Road, Ruimveldt and was once the home of a sugar factory manager, Samuel Dookun and his wife. The centre was registered in July of 1991, by one of the Dookun’s daughters, and completed 26 years this year. They all reside overseas and Ismay Murray-who is currently the vice president, manages it.

I have been to the Centre a number of times to drop off donated items and have brief interactions with the children there. But that was ages ago while I was still a teen. However, the opportunity to spend some meaningful time with the children arose on Wednesday and it was one not to be missed.

A lot had changed since I last visited there. One of my favorite things about visiting there was the inspiration to do better and to give back. The Dr Seuss quote “the more that you read, the more things you will know.

The more that you learn the more places you would go,” accosted me with its bight color painted onto the wall.

It took me back to my green eggs and ham childhood and I was a child again-all bright eyed and bushy tail going through the motions of my interaction with the children.

Volunteer, Maranda Bennett, related that she has been there for over one and a half years and loves every minute of it. Maranda told the Sunday Magazine that she was first exposed to the Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre as a student from the University of Guyana.

“I was sent to the center

by UG for three weeks and I have not left ever since.

The children here are accustomed to people in and out of their lives and I don’t want to be a statistic. I want to see them through and I enjoy doing this,” she ex-

The Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre

The Wall of Hope-something that every child at the Centre has

Maranda interacting with another volunteer

They read to the children.

They feed them. They teach them, but most importantly, they give their time.

The volunteers, at the Centre, are trained in various field and they would provide critical services such as counselling for children going through some kind of trauma or just need to let off some steam. Their services are available to children from 5-17 years old.

Because of the struggles of some of the children, Maranda explains that some of them are at the lashing out stage and adds that it is a far from deterring factor. “At that stage we have to use that energy and transform it into something that is productive and beneficial,” she says with a smile on her face.

The Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre is mostly funded by donations from the public and receives grants from overseas organizations. They also enjoys a good relationship with several businesses locally.

If you feel that you want to contribute to the develop-

Some of the children at the Centre

The Children’s playground

Reading is power: volunteers reading to some of the children at the centr-

plained.

There are currently 45 students, who access the services of the centre, and they are mainly from the communities of River View and Albouystown. The main

focus of the 15 volunteers are to ensure the children are provided with a hot meal and that they learn and have fun.

The children mostly come from families with

deep financial issues, quite often struggling to make ends meet. The vision of the Centre is to ensure those children are productive members of society.

While addressing pov-

erty Nelson Mandela said, “Poverty is not an accident.

Like slavery and apartheid, it is manmade and can be removed by the actions of human beings.”

It is with this in mind, Maranda and the others at the Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre get about their daily lives. They sacrifice time that could be spend on pampering themselves, to volunteer at the Centre from 15:00hrs up until the last child leaves. They offer the love and nurturing a child may not be getting at home.

ment of the nation’s youths then contact the centre on 227- 3092.

Just remember that according to Carl Sagan, “time spent with children is time well spend. Their little minds are not constrained by reality or focused upon goals. Anything and everything is possible.

Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were, but without it we go nowhere.”

Make a child smile.

Everyday!

4

Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

DECEMBER 3, 2017

Feature

One of the pieces from his Ink-tober collection

By Lakhram Bhagirat

F

or artist, Raimund Angelo Rausch, every time he dips his brush it is as if he is dipping it deep within his soul, painting his own nature into his paintings while exposing his vulnerability for the entire world to see. Raimund is a self-taught Guyanese artist who have always been intrigued by the arts from a very young age and it was something he was born to do.

The 29-year- old spent his early years in Kingston, Georgetown and later moved to Campbellvile. Raimund spent his adolescent years reading, studying and questioning everting while being absolutely mute towards how things were. He was actively divulging into a sea of uncertainty, he explains that those years were part of what molded his creativity.

In his prior years, Raimund, was always around an older artist friend and was captivated by the level of patience and intricacy that was required to create masterpieces. His interest was piqued and he began to dabble, to his surprise he had what was required to make his mark in the art world.

“Inspiration should come from any and everywhere... vulnerability through life’s experiences is essential that is, if you want to take your art to different places,” Raimund explained.

However, art is not the only interest that Raimund has. He has been actively involved in martial arts, which taught him discipline.

Currently, he is involved in CrossFit-something that he explains help keeping him active.

Raimund-Angelo’s work

is always a whirlpool of emotions as he tries to portray what is in his heart more than ever. His work can be considered as common feel between contemporary and abstract.

He has had the chance to display his work at a local art festival but the turning point in his career was when he was invited to display at the “Integration through Art” exhibition in Trinidad, last year.

“It opened my eyes to other Caribbean artists work and it also made me comfortable in what I produced. It was nerve wrecking to stand there as the crowd expanded. The responses were unexpected and the Trinidadians welcomed me. I learnt a lot from that time and I’m hoping to return

for another show next year.

Those were actually some of my best pieces I produced,” he explained.

Like every othe r

Ballpoint pen on watercolour paper.

Guyanese artist, Raimund identifies the lack of opportunities since Guyanese are

not too inclined to appreciate the intricacies of the art world. He describes the approach as one-dimensional due to the lack of acceptance of new ideas.

For Raimund the dream is so very big. He aspires to own a gallery and to make the necessary connections worldwide to assist local artists since he thinks there should be a continuous cycle to keep the imagination of the younger ones alive.

“Sometimes, I would sit and listen to my friends’ kids tell stories and see them scribble on paper or on the floor - those things, I wish people paid attention to those moments; the level of creativity is endless - the question is ‘ how do we keep it alive?”

“I see my art taking a turn for the next few years; since I’ve ventured into this profession, I’m more involved with who I am, I allow myself to be open and expressive as I want - I’ve corrected a few mistakes (still am, that includes producing bad work etc.). It all comes with experience not so much with age. You have to be willing to accept and want to change,” Raimund gleefully said.

While he immerses himself in whatever he is working on, Raimund is also preparing for his first solo show-the date he is expected to announce soon. He considers himself a mixed medium artist, even though watercolours are by far his favourite and dominant medium across in his pieces.

It can be noted that women are a main subject in his pieces! Growing up as the only boy in his family, he was inspired by the strength and determination of the women he was surrounded

by. He aims to pay as much homage to these women and those others he is fortunate enough to meet. On the other hand, he still tries to incorporate other concepts to keep the creativity alive.

While everybody celebrated breast cancer awareness month in October, Raimund took the initiative to create “Ink-tober” where he aspired to complete a number

of pieces to commemorate the month.

All those pieces are for sale. For those wishing to own a one of Raimund’s masterpieces could contact him on his various social media platforms.

He advises all up and coming artists to stay true to themselves and express themselves without any limitations.

guyanatimesgy.com

DECEMBER 3, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine

5

6 Sunday Times Magazine

DECEMBER 3, 2017

Literary Corner

Preserving our literary heritage

Reviewed by Rudy R. Jadoopat

By Petamber Persaud

O

ne hundred pages, 15 short stories with vivid description of encounters among people of varying backgrounds are enough to awaken numerous questions and rife speculation about the objectives of this book.

“Stories Set in Two Countries” fascinates the reader by bringing multiethnic, multi-cultural, multi-national fragrance into the fathomless pit of provocative relationships. The Guyanese author’s personal experiences in Guyana, Canada and Fiji have obviously left indelible impressions which influence these stories. There is an abundance of evidence of this subjective aspect. In the very first story, ‘How the Other Half Lives’, he describes the site supervisor James as “a Tamil from Sri Lanka, not too dark, but dark nonetheless”. Here the author emphasizes race, nationality and complexion.

Throughout the book the nationalities of characters are mentioned, for example: “Shawn….He was of Irish ancestry…”, “Ramon, a Filipino…”, “Victor was from Korea and was a friend of Aziz, who was from Bangladesh”. The story entitled ‘Brown Folks’ also underlines the complexion of characters.

Unfolding dialogues on the subject of race, national peculiarities and social behaviour enrich the stories and enlighten the reader. This is mean feat, but is accomplished by way of years at honing his skill as a writer, resulting in the following publications: “Politics, Race, and Youth in Guyana”, “Notes on Race and Psychology”, “Schooldays in the Colony”, and “Stories from India for Children”.

The themes of Madan Gopal’s book will resonate well with the large number of Guyanese who are living in foreign countries, adapting to strange environments, unfamiliar cultures and unpredictable habits. All of which is achieved by the author’s use of excellent diction, colourful detailed and humorous descriptive actions performed

by characters, adding credence to a unique literary work.

Rationalism and realism are intertwined as the author reacts to events and activities, affixing his theoretical interpretation and knowledge of psychological processes to empirical reality.

I am overwhelmed and pleasantly amused, not only as I read the book, “Stories Set in Two Countries”, but more so because I am acquainted with the author’s outlook and sophisticated multi-disciplinary capacity to produce multilayer artistic works. These are characteristics which subtly engage the reader and at the same time stimulate diverse thoughts.

In “Frowzy of Philadelphia”, the author writes about “this teacher of forty would sit in the staff room laughing and talking …” which probably was his

personal experience as a teacher... “The best solution the white man can make to Fiji is to practise what he preaches...

He needs to solve the race problem he has... If every senator and congressman in America were to take a black

Author Madan Gopal

son-in-law …” This is how Frowzy is described: “…a flashing smile and a fair skin. Her waist was slim, and when she walked her deliberate walk in the sun her full breasts swayed ever so lovingly and her buttocks rumbled ever so gently…” These are just a few quotes from the book which permit the conclusion that, in addition to the topic of race, the book is not void of politics and sex, making it a collector’s item for all those who enjoy a variety of spices in a well-cooked meal of literature. The stories have been told with subtle and overt humour and twists to satisfy different tastes.

The world of literature has been enriched by yet another talented Guyanese academician and writer. The book is a must read for all, especially Guyanese at home and in the diaspora.

Responses to this author please telephone 226-0065 of email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com What’s happening: Over GYD$1,000,000 in prize monies up for grabs in the 2018 issue of The Guyana Annual. Closing date for entries to the various competitions is November 30, 2017. For further information go to The Guyana Annual on Facebook or email: theguyanaannual@ gmail.com

Moral Tales

T

wo pots, one of brass and the other of clay, stood together on the hearthstone. One day, the

brass pot proposed to the earthen pot that they go out into the world together. But the earthen pot excused him-

Notice to Readers

self, saying that it would be wiser for him to stay in the corner by the fire.

"It would take so little to break me," he said. "You know how fragile I am. The least shock is sure to shatter me!"

"Don't let that keep you at home," urged the brass pot. "I shall take very good care of you. If we should happen to meet anything hard I will step between and save you."

So the earthen pot at last consented, and the two set out side by side, jolting along on three stubby legs first to this side, then to that, and bumping into each other at every step.

The earthen pot could not survive that sort of companionship very long. They had not gone ten paces before the earthen pot cracked, and at the next jolt he flew into a thousand pieces.

Moral: Equals make the best friends. (Aesop’s Fable)

If you have a poem and/or short story you would like to publish on our Literary Corner page, please email to guyanatimes@gmail.com. Kindly include your correct name and a contact number in your email. If you have any questions, please call 223-7230 or 223-7231.

guyanatimesgy.com

guyanatimesgy.com

DECEMBER 3, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Feature

The world's most famous stamp

Ann Hind (centre) shows the One-Cent Magenta to stamp collector Ernest Kehr (left) and Grover Whalen, president of the New York World’s Fair.

(Photo courtesy of The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations) B y D r . O deen I shmael

T

he 1856 one-cent "Black on Magenta" of British Guiana is regarded as the rarest stamp in the world, and the most expensive.

It is a rectangular stamp of black ink printed on magenta paper with the corners snipped off. With the corners clipped off, the stamp actually has an octagonal shape.

In the nineteenth century, the stamps of British Guiana were printed by a British printer, Waterlow & Sons. In early 1856, the stock of stamps was sold out before the fresh shipment from England arrived. The postmaster of British Guiana E.T.E. Dalton, needed stamps in a hurry so he asked

the firm of Joseph Baum and William Dallas, publishers of the Official Gazette in Georgetown, to print an emergency issue. Dalton printed one-cent and four-cent stamps; the one-cent stamps were for newspapers and the four-cent stamps were for letters.

On these stamps were printed the existing designs "the name British Guiana, the seal of the colon" a ship, and the Latin motto of the colony, "Damus Petimus que Vicissim", (translated as "We give and we seek in return"). Usually, stamps of different values of the same design were printed in different colours, but the printing firm did both values in black ink on coloured or "magenta" paper. Since the quality

was very poor the postmaster, to prevent forgery, asked the post office workers to initial each stamp before selling it. Thus, as a security measure each stamp was initialled by a post office employee. (Known initials are "E.T.E.D." for Dalton, "E.D.W" for Wight, "W.H.L." for Lortimer and "C.A.W."for Watson.)

In 1873, Vernon Vaughan, a 12-year-old Scottish schoolboy collector living in Georgetown, discovered the octagonshaped one-cent "Black on Magenta", postmarked April 4, 1856, among some family papers. It was in poor condition, ink-smudged and slightly damaged and bore the initials "E.D.W".

He soaked out the stamp

Irwin Weinberg steps into an armoured car with a briefcase containing the One-Cent Magenta handcuffed to his wrist, Philadelphia, 1976. (Photo courtesy of Associated Press)

and kept it in his album with his other stamps.

Shortly thereafter, Vaughn decided to sell it in order to purchase foreign stamps. He sold it to N. R. McKinnon, a local collector, for six shillings, which at that time was less than one US dollar. Five years later, McKinnon sold his entire collection to his friend Wylie Hill who lived in Glasgow, Scotland. Sometime later, a London stamp dealer, Edward Pemberton, studied the collection and identified the onecent Black on Magenta as a rare stamp. Hill later sold it to Thomas Ridpath, a dealer in Liverpool, England, for 120 British pounds.

In the early 1900s this dealer then sold it to the Frenchman Count Philipp La Renotiere Von Ferrary, the most wellknown stamp collector at that period, for 150 pounds. After Ferrari's death in 1917, his collection was auctioned in Paris between 1921 and 1925. In one of these auctions, the stamp was purchased in 1922 by

millionaire Arthur Hind of Utica, New York, for 7,343 British pounds.

Around that time, rumours circulated that because Hind was obsessed with the stamp, he had bought a second onecent Black on Magenta and destroyed it so that his remaining one- cent Black on Magenta would remain as the only one in the world.

Arthur Hind died in 1933 and left his stampcollection as a part of his estate. His widow, however, claimed that the one-cent British Guiana stamp had been given to her by her husband. The court upheld her claim and in 1940 the stamp was sold to Frederick Small, an Australian living in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, for a price ranging between US$40,000 to US$75,000.

In an auction held by Robert Siegel Galleries in 1970, the stamp was sold for US$240,000 to Irwin Weinberg and a group of investors from Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania.

The one-cent Black on Magenta remained in their collection for ten

years when John E. du Pont of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, bought it at an auction for US$935,000.

Meanwhile, the fourcent British Guiana magenta stamp, printed in the same batch in 1856, ranges in value from US$7,500 to US$60,000.

In 2014, the British Guiana One-Cent Black on Magenta set a new world auction record for any stamp at Sotheby's New York, achieving US$9,480,000 - nearly 1 billion times its original face value. No stamp is rarer than the sole-surviving example of the British Guiana, a unique yet unassuming penny issue from 1856, which has been heralded as the pinnacle of stamp collecting for more than a century. Until Sotheby's international exhibitions in Hong Kong, London and New York, the British Guiana had been out of public view since 1986. (“The Guyana Story From Earliest Times to Independence” By Dr. Odeen Ishmael)

The stamp is sold on behalf of the du Pont estate. (Photo courtesy of Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images)

8 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

DECEMBER 3, 2017

Travel & Tourism

P

rofessional photographer Michael C Lam shares with Guyana Times International breathtakingly remarkable photos of scenic landscapes in far-flung areas of Guyana.

The photos were taken during a Pakaraima Mountain Safari adventure. The Pakaraima Mountain Safari, dubbed an “adventure of a lifetime”, entails travelling via 4×4 vehicles across Regions Four, Eight, Nine and Ten, starting below sea level and reaching approximately 3,800 ft. above sea level.

These photos are evidence of Guyana’s grandeur, and should motivate us to want to explore the corners of our beloved country. (Photos copyright to Michael C Lam. TheMichaelLamCollection.com)

Enjoying a refreshing bath at Orinduik Falls

Breathtaking view of rugged landscape

guyanatimesgy.com

DECEMBER 3, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 9

Health

N

orovirus is a germ that spreads quickly and easily. It causes vomiting and diarrhea that come on suddenly.

Millions of people get ill with norovirus each year. You can help protect yourself and others by washing your hands often and following simple tips to stay healthy.

Noroviruses are a group of related viruses that can cause inflammation of the stomach or intestines, also known as gastroenteritis (GAS-tro-en-ter-I-tis). This leads to cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Norovirus spreads quickly. It is found in the vomit and poop of infected people. You can get it by: Having direct physical contact with a person who is infected with norovirus, for example, caring for or shaking hands with an ill person and then touching your hands to your mouth Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus Touching surfaces or objects with norovirus on them and then putting your hands in your mouth

People with norovirus illness are most contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill and for the first few days after they recover.

Some people may be contagious for even longer.

There is currently no vaccine available to prevent norovirus infection or drug to treat sick people. Learn how to protect yourself and others by following a few simple steps.

Protect Yourself and Others from Norovirus

Practice proper hand hygiene Wash your hands carefully with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers, and always before eating or preparing food. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

These alcohol-based products can help reduce the number of germs on your hands, but they are not a substitute for washing with soap and water.

Handle and prepare food safely Carefully rinse fruits and vegetables, and cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly before eating.

People with norovirus illness should not

prepare food for others while they have symptoms and for at least 2 days after they recover from their illness. Also see For Food Workers: Norovirus and Working with Food.

Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces After someone vomits or has diarrhea, put on disposable gloves to immediately clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces using a bleach-based household cleaner as directed on the product label. If no such cleaning product is available, you can use a solution made with 5 tablespoons to 1.5 cups of household bleach per 1 gallon of water. Always clean up the entire area immediately after someone with norovirus vomits or has diarrhea. It will help keep others from getting sick from norovirus.

Wash laundry thoroughly Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with vomit or poop. Handle soiled items carefully—try not to shake them —to avoid spreading virus.

If available, wear disposable gloves while handling soiled clothing or linens and wash your hands after handling. Wash soiled items with detergent at the maximum available cycle

length and then machine dry.

Norovirus spreads quickly from person to person in enclosed places like nursing homes, daycare centers, schools, and cruise ships. It is also a major cause of outbreaks in restaurants and catered-meal settings if contaminated food is served or people handing food are ill.

Many Names, Same Symptoms

You may hear norovirus illness called “food poisoning” or “stomach flu.” Norovirus can cause foodborne illness, as can other germs and chemicals.

Norovirus illness is not related to the flu (influenza). Though they may share some of the same symptoms, the flu is a respiratory illness caused by influenza virus.

Most people with norovirus illness get better in 1 to 3 days. But it can be more serious in young children, the elderly, and people with other health conditions. It can lead to severe dehydration, hospitalization and even death. (www.cdc.gov)

Nuts May Lower Your Risk for Heart Disease E ating nuts may lower the risk for heart disease.

Researchers studied 210,836 men and women involved in three large prospective health studies from 1980 to 2013. They assessed nut consumption with food frequency questionnaires, updated every four years.

Over the years, there were 8,390 cases of coronary heart disease and 5,910 strokes.

U

sing accelerometers to precisely measure physical activity, researchers have found that even very light exercise, well below the generally recommended levels, reduces mortality in older women.

The scientists had 6,382 women ages 63 to 99 wear an accelerometer for seven consecutive days, waking and sleeping, except when bathing or swimming. Using this data, they were able to precisely quantify levels of activity without having to rely on self-reports, which

ling for pertension,

family history of heart disease and other factors, they found that the more nuts of all kinds that people ate, the lower their risk for cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease.

Compared to those who ate none, people who ate less than one one-ounce serving of nuts a week reduced their risk for heart attack and stroke by 9 percent and their risk for

can be unreliable.

The study, in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, followed the women’s health for an average of 3.1 years, during which time there were 450 deaths.

They found that for each 30-minute a day increase in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, there was a 39 percent decrease in allcause mortality. But they also found that 30 minutes of even very light activity — doing light household chores, walking slowly over short distances — was tied

to a 12 percent reduction in mortality.

“The results apply to all women, all races, regardless of weight and even for women over 80,” said the senior author, Andrea Z. LaCroix, a professor of epidemiology at the University of California, San Diego. “You do not have to be a marathon runner to benefit from physical activity. We hope that physical activity guidelines will recognize light activity as an evidence-based way to lower the risk for death.” (The New York Times)

After controlsmoking, hy-

coronary heart disease by 12 percent. Eating a oneounce serving five times a week was associated with a 14 percent reduction in cardiovascular events and a 20 percent reduction in coronary heart disease.

The study, in the

Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found similar effects when it looked at types of nuts, including peanuts, separately.

“Nuts have a unique nutritional composition, high in unsaturated fats,

fiber and minerals,” said the lead author, Marta Guasch-Ferré, a research fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

“They should be included as part of a healthy diet.” (The New York Times)

10 Sunday Times Magazine Fashion

guyanatimesgy.com

DECEMBER 3, 2017

Sure, a little black dress is always on par for the party scene, but who says holiday dressing has to be so cut and dry? Here are some ideas for switching it up and looking festive this season.

Santa Baby: A deep red silk dress feels equal parts sexy and festive for any party this season

All Wrapped Up: Go for green in a festive but sexy dress that leaves way for some major accessorizing

Naughty or Nice?: Add an unexpected twist to the look with a shade of deep blue or green lipstick

All That Glitters: From your Christmas parties to New Year's Eve, a full-on sequin dress instantly becomes the life of any party

Gold Rush: Metallics act as the ultimate neutral on the holiday party circuit

guyanatimesgy.com

DECEMBER 3, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Home & Cooking

Recipe of the week

Ingredients: 3 packets of yeast (8 grams) 2 cups milk 5 cups flour 3 tbs sugar 4 oz margarine 1 tsp salt 2 eggs 4 oz margarine (for basting)

There’s a whole lot of outdated going on in this photo (brown, bronze, iron details) but the true eyesore in this room: the ceiling fan. Ceiling fans are regarded as one of the biggest design faux pas in the industry and a bad, brown and bronze one like the one pictured here is a gigantic NO-NO. Tip? Prioritise air flow in your home by discussing ways to maximize the effects of the cooling system in place. Can’t live without it? Opt for a simpler, sleeker design without the brown/bronze finishes.

Method: Mix dry ingredients: yeast, sugar, flour and salt in a large bowl. Melt margarine in milk in microwave on low, then add to dry ingredients. Stir well, then add eggs. Mix with mixer until smooth and mixture leaves side of bowl.

Place bowl in microwave and leave for 1 hour or until mixture doubles in size. Turn out on floured board. Divide into 18 pieces, knead into balls, cover and leave for 20 minutes. Roll out very thinly, and brush with melted margarine. Fold in half then half again into a triangular shape. Seal edges and prick with a fork. Place on greased cookie trays.

Bake in the oven at 325°F for 25 minutes. Then increase heat to 375°F and bake for another 20 minutes. Brush with melted margarine when done (golden colour).

Greatest Cooking Tips

W

henever possible, cook the whole chicken or fish to get more juiciness and better flavour. The carcass also makes a fantastic stock and can stretch your dollars by providing the base for a new meal.

A good soup is made a day in advance. Let it sit in the fridge overnight, then warm it gently and all the flavours will marry beautifully.

Sauté vegetables in broth instead of butter or oil. It's healthier, and you'll have crispy, seasoned vegetables without using heated, oxidized oil (which can cause free-radical damage in the body). Pour in just enough broth to cover the bottom of the pan, and cook, lid on, until tender.

Browning meat before cooking it will give you a golden crust and reduce the cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to tell when the inside is as done as the outside.

T

Gone are the days of white fridges and dishwashers. In their place? Stainless steel, sleek slate and matte black finishes. These industrial-style appliances appear much more streamlined and up-to-date while adding a touch of luxe to your space. Plus, they’re much easier to keep clean.

Home Help

o clean grimy grout in your shower, mix 3/4 cup household chlorine bleach with 1 gallon water and use a stiff brush to apply to one small area at a time. Let it sit for several minutes, then scrub and rinse.

Clean dusty potted plants with some mild soap and water, then use a paper towel to rub a drop of mayo into the tops of leaves, to shine them up.

Since coffee filters are lint-free, you can swap them out for paper towels to give mirrors a no-streak shine.

Bronze, brown and not-so-beautiful, this kitchen has seen its day. The dark hues that were oh-so-popular 10 years ago now feel a bit overbearing. Air out your kitchen with light-coloured cabinets, countertops and updated fixtures and appliances to match. For warmth, incorporate bronze and copper cookware, a fiery runner or a pretty, potted plant.

12 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

DECEMBER 3, 2017

Puzzles

Crossword

1 6

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ACROSS Jockey Throbbed Town near Madrid Diver's find Consolidate Big Dipper neighbor Incisor or molar Aboveboard Softened Bricklayer Darnell or Hunt Prince Valiant's wife Morsel Hagiologist's study Ancient calculators Show --- de guerre Ion source Spooky noise Take -- -- (plop down) Yellow fruit Wanted-poster word Cod relatives Actress Dianne -More gusty Brubeck and Barry Prima donna Shuck peas Festoons Blast furnace fuels Long-faced "Crocodile" Dundee's girl Like some communities Sleight-of-hand Rally creators Miffed, plus Codgers' queries Travels like Tarzan Spurns a lover -- counter Gloom's partner Mixed bag Money drawers Happy outcome German sub (hyph.)

Vaguely Check endorser Puffed up Microbes Roy Rogers' wife

89 House component

93 Tilapia go-with

94 Island or rabbit

95 Destroys documents

97 Sorority letter

98 British Museum's -- Marbles 99 Arranges

100 Bandies words 101 Ordeal

103 Tooth-fillers' org.

104 Sporty cars

106 Mild cheese

107 Part of a legion

108 Hong -Graph paper pattern

110

111 It's northwest of Oahu

112 Heifers

113 Blender output

115 Woods insects

116 Fluff feathers

117 Face

120 Condo luxury

122 "Iliad" beauty

124 Fixes a squeak 128 Electric bridge

129 Film speed ind.

131 Elegant coiffures

133 Brewer's supply

135 Pen brand

136 Commit to memory

138 Rocky debris

140 Rookie surfer

142 Ticket info

144 Got through

145 Rains ice pellets

146 Start the day

147 Globe feature

148 Physicist Nikola - 149 Orlando attraction 150 Money-hunger

151 Because

DOWN

1 Latin dance

2 Mukluk wearer

10

3 "Same here!"

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4 Riviera summer

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5 Lipstick shades

13 6 Beau

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7 Stretched to see

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8 "-- luego!"

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9 Environmental prefix

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Portuguese lady Map collections Alto and tenor Where Ephesus was British inc.

Jezebel's spouse Shopping centers Underwater shocker Booster rocket Squeal (2 wds.)

Pack animal Crowning points Swelters Girder (2 wds.)

Sierra -Army duds Herringbones, e.g.

Extreme degree Cheese coatings With, to monsieur Currier's partner Made war Wyoming neighbor Untrue (2 wds.)

Lie -- (go to earth) Airheads Meter reading Kin of sitars Wolfish looks "Oh, shut up!" (2 wds.)

Tarnish Brother's child La Scala's home Unwelcome mail Kitchen tool Suitor Force open with a crowbar Teased Prefix for "media" Car parts Mall attractions Chamonix's Mont -Dimples Turn aside Ribeye Emerson's middle name Bodily structure Injured at Pamplona Abu -Hunter constellation Midwest airport Loses feathers Clones Play in the pool Range "You bet!"

Moroccan market Horned animal Man-eating giants

106 Tree with pods

107 Joel and Ethan

109 College stat 111 Gentlest

112 Like fish sticks

114 Kenya neighbor

115 Elvis' birthplace

116 Gratify

117 Parking attendant

118 Castle that danced 119 Truckloads

121 Mr. Goldfinger

123 Singer -- Gorme

125 126 127 130 132 134 137 139 141 143

"Peer Gynt" dramatist Fragrant shrub Public tiff Late tennis great Layered haircut New Mexico art colony Shinto or Zen (abbr.)

Mushroom morsel Bruin ice great Here, to Henri

Solution on Pg 13

KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME TODAY'S WORD -- VALIDATE (VALIDATE: VAL-ih-date: Prove the legality of; confirm.)

Average mark 38 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 58 or more words in VALIDATE?

vale valet valid veal veil veld vial vied vile vita vital adit aide ailed alate

alit alive avail aviate avid lade laid late lava lave lead lied live idea ideal

idle dale data date dative davit deal dealt deli delta detail devil dial diel diet

dilate diva dive tail tale teal tidal tide tied tilde tile edit evil

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of "s," such as "bats" or "dies," are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a "d" or an "s" may not be used. For example, if "bake" is used, "baked" or "bakes" are not allowed, but "bake" and "baking" are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

guyanatimesgy.com

DECEMBER 3, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Tech

The reason you always plug in USBs the wrong way

T

A

pple may be getting into semiconductors in an even bigger

way.

The company may make its own iPhone power management chips as soon as 2018, according to a report from Nikkei. Currently, Apple relies on supplier Dialog Semiconductor for those processors, which are important for making sure an iPhone charges correctly and doesn't consume too

much energy.

One of Nikkei's unnamed sources said Apple could replace about half of its chips next year, while another source said the change could be delayed to 2019. The potential processors from Apple "would be the most advanced in the industry," the publication said, and would give Apple devices better performance while consuming less power.

Power management chips are one of the priciest components after the main application processors that act as the brains of a device, modems and memory chips, the publication said.

Apple already makes its own application processor, but it relies on suppliers like Qualcomm and Intel for its modems and Samsung for its memory chips.

Shares of Dialog, which

derives the majority of its revenue from Apple, tumbled 18 percent to â‚Ź30.46 in Europe after the report.

Dialog said in a statement that "the level of visibility into the design cycle of our leading customers remains unchanged, and the business relationships are in line with the normal course of business."

Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. (Cnet)

Amazon's Alexa heads to the workplace

T

he Alexa voice assistant has been Amazon's remarkable runaway hit this past year.

And as competitors such as Google and Apple try to catch up in the home, Amazon is pushing into a new market with Alexa for Business.

Office workers will be able to use the firm's Echo smart speakers to set up meetings with colleagues, book conference rooms and other basic tasks.

But the critical question isn't whether the technology works, but whether people will trust it in a business setting.

"Without a doubt privacy and security is the number one issue," said Geoff Blaber, analyst at CCS Insight.

"Arguably that’s more important than the functionality."

Companies will undoubt-

edly be cautious about putting Alexa into meeting rooms and offices where sensitive information is being

times when this happens by accident.

Furthermore, the firm stores recordings in order to

discussed.

Echos are always listening, and while Amazon says they don't collect information until activated with the "Alexa" wake word, there are

make its cloud-based service "smarter". And it has suggested that in the future it might share transcripts with third-party developers looking to make apps - known as

"skills" - for the platform.

So, to help overcome any nerves, Blaber said it made sense for Alexa to start with mundane office tasks, such as ordering more printer paper, before anything too adventurous.

At AWS Re:invent, Amazon's annual cloud computing conference, the firm said it was working with major enterprise software companies, including Concur which handles a lot of travel and expenses for businesses and Salesforce.

Adopters will also be able to create their own customised skills. A typical example might be to provide directions around a building, or to answer questions about the business.

"It will begin with very specific use cases and then build from there," said Blaber. (BBC)

he USB paradox is one of the most familiar experiences of the digital age. Every time you try to plug in a USB cord, it seems like you always get it wrong on the first try. It doesn't matter how much attention you pay to the plug or the cord or the icons on the cord. It's always wrong.

And there's a good reason for that! In an interview published by DesignNews, Intel's Ajay Bhatt spoke at length about why the ubiquitous technology has been so infuriating for so long.

Bhatt was a member of the team that developed USB technology. Even at the start of development, they knew that making the connector flippable would be a better user experience in the long run. But doing so would require twice the wiring and more circuitry, which would increase costs.

"If you have a lot of cost up front for an unproven technology it might not take

off. So that was our fear. You have to be really cost conscious when you start out," Bhatt said. "In hindsight you can say it could have been better, but compared to where we were with serial ports and parallel ports, where each of the ports were logical, had cables, and multiple wires, and were not plug-and-playable, USB was significantly better."

Bhatt shared his thoughts on what might have been.

"Even today when you look at USB, if we had made it flippable it would have been a lot easier," he said.

"We could have focused on a higher data rate to start like FireWire did. They were at 100MB while we were at 12MB." So there you have it. The next time you're trying to charge your phone or plug a flash drive into your computer, you have cost consciousness to blame for your awkward fumbling. (DesignNews)

Crossword Solution

14 Sunday Times Magazine Bollywood/Hollywood

guyanatimesgy.com

DECEMBER 3, 2017

Priyanka gets an apology from Femina misquoting her on her ex-boyfriend comment

P

riyanka Chopra is an international star now. With the success of her series, Quantico, she is all set for global domination. The saying “All press is good press,” doesn’t apply to her anymore. In an incident speaking for the notion, Femina has issued an apology to her for attributing a statement to her that she never said.

In a recent issue of Femina, dated November 9,

I

Meghan Markle in Nottingham on Friday

t’s been days since Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced their engagement — and already the Suits star appears to be a natural in her new role.

On Friday, the pair had their first royal outing to mark World AIDS Day. On the agenda was to visit a Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair in Nottingham and meet with members of local chari-

ties that support people living with HIV/AIDS. While it was Markle’s first time doing this type of thing, she made it seem effortless.

Looking sophisticated in long navy wool coat by the Canadian brand Mackage (which retails for $790), the actress appeared arm in arm with her beau. But soon she was mixing with the crowd by herself.

She greeted fans. (yahoo/ entertainment)

Priyanka was quoted saying “I call him MF” when asked about her infamous jacket that belonged to her ex.

The corrigendum published

by Times, states that they are retracting the aforementioned statement and have apologised for causing distress and anguish to the actress and her fans.

For the uninitiated, Priyanka Chopra appeared on an episode of a video series Dirty Laundry, earlier

this year for Entertainment Weekly. The concept of the show was to talk about the piece of clothing in their wardrobe, one is emotionally attached to or just can’t live without. The actress brought along a gorgeous leather jacket that she claimed belonged to an ex of hers. She claimed to love it so much and found it so comfy that she never gave it back even after the breakup. The fans continued wondering who that ex might be.

Kaley Cuoco is engaged!

K

aley Cuoco is a brideto-be! The Big Bang Theory star's nowfiancé Karl Cook revealed that he had popped the question on her 32nd birthday. Cook shared a video of the emotional proposal on Instagram, and it can't be missed.

In it, Kaley has tears streaming down her face (and a pretty flashy engagement ring on her finger!) as she tells the camera, "We're engaged!" Karl responded, "You still haven't said yes yet," to which she responds a million times over, "Yes! I say yes! I say yes!"

Karl captioned the unforgettable moment, "Who knew my prior post was oracular. Well after nearly two years I finally got up the courage to ask her to marry me. This is the best night of my life and I think the video shows it is the best night for kaley as well.....of she said yes!!!!!"

As for the previous snap-

shot Cook is referencing, the newly engaged lovebirds were at Target when he jokingly asked Kaley to marry him with a plastic diamond. "On my loves birthday I got her everything she has always wanted....now judging by her face maybe not, it's the thought that counts right," he wrote on Instagram.

Much to Kaley's surprise, her leading man planned an intimate, candlelit dinner for the pair, which was documented on her Instagram story. It took a slightly disastrous turn when Karl said he ran into a chandelier and was seen icing a gash on his forehead.

But in no time at all, the lucky lady's birthday became one she'll always remember thanks to Karl's epic proposal. He also shared a close-up photo of the stunning ring, which featured a pear-shaped diamond and diamond-studded band. (eonline.com)

Dia Mirza appointed as UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador for India

F

ormer Miss Asia Pacific, actor, producer, entrepreneur and environmentalist, Dia Mirza, was recently appointed as UN Environment’s Goodwill Ambassador for India. A long-standing supporter of environmental conservation, Dia will take up the role to add more weight to her work on raising awareness of and seeking solutions to environmental issues that the world and India in particular, faces.

“I feel honoured and inspired by this opportunity to work with UN Environment to protect the environment and promote sustainable development,” said Dia. “Environmental issues will be the defining challenge of this era, and I am committed to helping the UN as a Goodwill Ambassador to do everything I can to provide a better future. Together, we will continue working towards conservation of nature, tackling climate change and inspiring people to live more sustainably”, added the actress.

Dia Mirza is a committed voice for change, and has contributed her ef-

forts in the field of social change, conservation and environment. She has been to the face of many pivotal environmental campaigns across India, and has worked towards the conservation of wildlife.

As a Goodwill Ambassador, Dia will work with the United Nations to further spread the message on priority areas including clean air, clean seas, wildlife protection and climate change.

guyanatimesgy.com

DECEMBER 3, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 15

16 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

DECEMBER 3, 2017

Fun Times

Archie

A change of scenery will do you good. An intellectual (March 21- approach to an important reApril 19) lationship and its progress looks promising. Share your feelings. Romance is encouraged.

ARIES

Be careful how you spend TAURUS your money or what you in(April 20vest in.

It’s important not to May 20) believe a sales pitch geared to bullying you into a deal that isn’t as great as promised.

GEMINI (May 28June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

Peanuts

Speak up if you want to resolve issues with a loved one. Changes can be made that will mold the way you move forward with an important relationship.

Your willingness to help others will make a difference when it comes to your professional prospects.

Don’t disregard the power of forming good relationships with others.

Volunteering your services or participating in fundraisers will lead to interesting new connections.

An opportunity to do something you enjoy is apparent.

Romance is in the stars.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Problems at home will affect your emotional attitude, adding to stress. Trust in yourself and yourself alone.

Refuse to let anyone take advantage of you personally, financially or emotionally.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Love and travel should be on your agenda. Attend a reunion or make a point to reconnect with someone from your past. Talks will lead to big plans.

Take better care of your SCORPIO health. A faulty diagnosis or (Oct. 24- needless anxiety is likely if Nov. 22) you fail to consult the professionals. Don’t overspend on a gimmick.

Don’t fall behind when it SAGITTARIUS comes to your personal doc(Nov. 23uments.

Being prepared will Dec. 21) help ease your stress when last-minute travel or unexpected opportunities arise.

Romance is in the stars.

Calvin and Hobbes

Take a conservative apCAPRICORN proach when dealing with peo(Dec. 22- ple who are emotionally manipJan. 19) ulative or pushy. Don’t give in to someone using persuasive tactics to entice you to spend money or sign up for something you don’t need.

Changes at home will imAQUARIUS prove your popularity and (Jan. 20status. Family fun or quiet Feb. 19) plans for you and a loved one will bring you to a decision that will alter your current lifestyle.

PISCES Emotional matters will (Feb. 20- escalate if you get into a disMar. 20) cussion regarding your feelings or intentions. Get expert advice if you feel it’s necessary to avoid further discord.