Guyana Times june 17, 2018

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3596

Sunday, June 17, 2018

Stabroek, Bourda Markets are ‘criminal hotspots’ – Chief Constable

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Armed, masked men raid West La Penitence P13 home

Page 12

Lisa Phase 2

Oil production will have low risk to marine life – EIA

Former SWAT boss files legal challenge against ‘Special Leave’ P9

Page 11

– maintains low probability of oil spill reaching coast

MovieTowne head denies receiving preferential treatment P7

Gun-toting bandit P12 nabbed moments after robbing WCD business

The National Dance Company entertained the audience at the 80th anniversary of the Enmore Martyrs on Saturday at the monument site, Enmore East Coast Demerara (Dexter Ceres photo)

Convicted child molester elected as Kamarang Toshao Page 9

– sections of community furious

70% of school dropouts in Region 5 are fatherless – MoE Page 13

LGE date to be P17 announced in 2 weeks – Bulkan

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news

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Liza Phase 2

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, June 17 – 05:30h-07:00h and Monday, June 18 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, June 17 – 06:35h-08:05h and Monday. June 18 – 07:45h-09:15h.

...maintains low probability of oil spill reaching coast

By Jarryl Bryan

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Early morning cloudy skies is expected to give way to light rain showers that are expected throughout most of the day, with sunny intervals in the late afternoon.

Thundery showers and partly cloudy skies are expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South South-easterly to South-easterly and North-easterly to East North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 07:01h and 19:38h reaching maximum heights of 2.70 metres and 2.52 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:34h and 13:07h reaching minimum heights of 0.65 metre and 0.52 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, June 17, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS E

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FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 02 04 05 13

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LUCKY 3 5 3 9

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Afternoon Draw DRAW DE LINE

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Evening Draw

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Oil production will have low risk to marine life – EIA

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

T

he results from the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) into the Liza Phase 2 development project has almost cleared ExxonMobil’s subsidiary from the presumption that its operations will cause damage to Guyana’s wildlife and the environment – that is, pending an independent assessment.

The report’s findings are that damage will be “negligible to minor” when it comes to various categories. That is, save for damage to marine mammals, which the report does find will be moderate.

According to the report, which was commissioned by Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), observations before and after the issuance of the Environmental permit show that large members of the cetacean family (particularly whales) rarely appear South of the Stabroek Block.

The report states, “marine mammals have the potential to be impacted by two types of sound from planned project activities…Continuous sound from vessels and machinery operating in the (Project Development Area (PDA)) and comparatively louder, shorter-duration impulse sound from the Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) and pile driving.”

“Both the continuous sound and impulse sound sources would be loud enough to cause injury in the immediate vicinity of the source,” the report acknowledges, but adds that this would have no effect within approximately 10 metres of the vessels, 75 metres from the VSP, and approximately 1400 metres from the driven piles. The piles are driven at depths of more than 4920 feet.

Even with those risks, however, the report pointed out the premise that marine mammals actively avoid these sounds because of the physical discomfort. It adds that mid frequency hearing mammals generally stay 700 metres away. The low frequency mammals, it says, avoid that portion of water by 1400 metres.

“Both categories of cetaceans would be expected to avoid these areas for the duration of the pile-driving activity.

Low frequency cetaceans (LFC) species, including many of the larger baleen whales and dolphins, and some mid frequency cetaceans (MFC) species, including toothed whales, will naturally remain outside of the area of potential effect because it will be deeper than their deepest recorded dive depths,” the report states.

According to the report, species

like Sperm Whales have been known to dive approximately 4000 feet in tropical and subtropical waters. But the report states that even if they met depths that would expose them to injury, they physiologically could not remain there for sufficient periods.

Marine turtles

The report states that marine turtles could be impacted by planned project activities, but that the impact is negligible to minor. It states that turtles, which are reptilian, are not as sensitive to underwater sound as mammals.

“Marine turtles have been detected at a much lower rate than marine mammals prior to and since the Project was permitted, which suggests that the density of marine turtles offshore is comparatively low. Preliminary tracking data from a marine turtle telemetry study indicate that individual turtles may nest multiple times a season at Shell Beach.”

The report adds that “during the period between nesting events, they generally remain close to the nesting beaches, which would reduce the probability of their encountering Project vessel traffic moving within the PDA or between the PDA and shore base in Guyana.”

Oil spills

The assessment also takes into account unplanned events, such as hydrocarbon spill, discharge of untreated wastewater from the FPSO, vessel strike of a marine mammal, marine turtle, or seabird; vessel collision; and onshore vehicular accident.

“An unplanned event is defined as an event that is not planned to occur as part of the project, but that could potentially occur. Since these events are not planned, they are evaluated using methods different from those used for planned events, specifically taking into

consideration the likelihood that an unplanned event will occur.”

“EEPGL has identified 14 spill scenarios, including spills of different types of hydrocarbons (like) crude oil, marine diesel, fuel oil, lubricating oil, with several being applicable for spills at the shore base and on vessels in the Demerara River estuary (like) from a supply vessel) or in the Atlantic Ocean – eg, from a well, drillship, supply vessel, tanker, FPSO. The largest of these scenarios considers a loss of well control incident at the seafloor, releasing 20,000 barrels of oil per day for 30 days.”

But the report noted previous findings that there is a low probability of an oil spill reaching the shoreline, in addition to the five to 15 days timeline for oil the reach the shore. It also noted its oil spill contingency plans. These plans, the company said, include its proper preparation of wells, inspected well control equipment, an Oil Spill Response Plan that sets out the response chain to an oil spill.

“The OSRP clearly delineates the responsibilities of each entity that would take part in a response and describes how EEPGL would mobilise both its own resources and those of its oil spill response contractors, as well as notifying the Government of Guyana with respect to mobilising its resources,” the report states.

Last month, Government had announced that an international firm, Ramboll US Corporation, will be contracted at a cost of $40 million to review the EIA. That sum will be footed

by EEPGL, seeking environmental authorisation for the second phase of its Lisa project.

It is understood that the Liza Phase 1 development project will produce about half the oil in the Liza field, Stabroek block. The Liza Phase 2 development project will produce the other half.

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SUnDAY, june 17, 2018

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, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Discrimination and race

A

t the beginning of this month, Dr. Roger Luncheon, PPP Executive and Election Committee Member, claimed PNC Commissioners at GECOM were discriminating against Indian Guyanese applicants for vacancies at the Secretariat by giving those shortlisted low to zero scores during the interview process, while providing high to 100% scores to their preferred candidates.

“If these disclosures are confirmed,” he declared, “it would reveal that the practice continues of excluding some ethnicities from GECOM Secretariat.”

The claim of discriminatory hiring practices at GECOM were repeated by the three PPP Commissioners at their statutory meeting, and they demanded that the ethnic breakdown of the staff be released. However, PNCR-nominated Commissioner Vincent Alexander asserted conclusively that GECOM ‘does not keep information of its staffers based on ethnicity”, even as the Chairman of GECOM, who was unilaterally appointed by President Granger, released figures on just such a breakdown.

This proved that GECOM does in fact solicit and record the ethnic identification of persons hired in its Secretariat.

The report showed the following percentages by ethnic group: Afro-Guyanese (46%), Indo-Guyanese (21%), Mixed (20%), Amerindians (12%) and Others (1%). Conjugated with percentages of these groups in the population - Afro-Guyanese (46%/29%), Indo-Guyanese (21%/40%), Mixed (20%/20%), Amerindians (12%/11%) and Others (1%/1%), what clearly jumps out is the overrepresentation of African Guyanese and the under representation of Indian Guyanese in GECOM compared to their numbers in the general population. PNC-nominated Commissioner Alexander attempted to explain this anomaly by pointing to the historical preponderance of African Guyanese in the Public Service.

Accusations of ethnic discrimination by the Government is nothing new in Guyana. There were such widespread accusations during the PPP regimes of 1957-1964 and 1992-2015 against African Guyanese. Similar accusations were made against the PNC between 1964-1992 and 2015-present against Indian Guyanese.

If the activities of any individual, organisation or group falls differentially on citizens who have some distinctive characteristic in common, it ought not to be of any surprise that they will enquire whether there are any connections between the action and the characteristic. The problem in Guyana is that governments have not moved legislatively to deal up front with such accusations and thereby defuse a very explosive situation.

In the US, with reference to the distinctions made above on differential hiring of ethnic groups, their Supreme Court enunciated the doctrines of “adverse or disparate treatment” and “adverse or disparate impact”. Disparate treatment would apply to the scenario claimed by Dr Luncheon, wherein there is an INTENTIONAL selection process that discriminated against persons from an identified group. In this case, for instance, the scores of the rejected applicants could be evaluated vis-a-vis those of successful candidates to determine whether there was bias.

In the case of “adverse impact”, any specified group that is statistically anomalously represented for their percentage in the target population, without the need to prove intent, a rebuttable presumption of “discrimination/racism” is inferred. In 1978, a set of guidelines known as the Uniform Guidelines for Employee Selection Procedures was adopted for four Government agencies (EEOC, Department of Labour, Department of Justice, and the Civil Service Commission). This provided information on what constitutes a discriminatory test surrounding employment testing, as well as all personnel decisions. Typically, adverse impact is determined by using the four-fifths or eighty percent rule. This is “a selection rate for any race, sex, or ethnic group which is less than four-fifths (or 80%) of the rate for the group with the highest rate will generally be regarded … as evidence of adverse impact.”

In the case of the claimed discrimination against Indians in GECOM, 80% of their distribution is 32%, and therefore with them constituting only 21% of GECOM’s Secretariat, the burden of proof shifts to GECOM to prove no discrimination. However, since the 80% test does not involve probability distributions to determine whether the disparity is a “beyond chance” occurrence, other statistically significance tests, such as the standard deviation analysis, may be used to do so.

We commend the US approach to the ERC, where the charges evidently will be laid.

Members of the President’s College Steel Pan Orchestra perform a redition at the 80th anniversary of the Enmore Martyrs

The fact of the matter

Dear Editor, Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson has made my point emphatically about the perverse ethnic and political domination, lack of diversity, and racial exclusion in the make-up and hiring practices of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), in his considered but irrational decision to reject the top ranked candidate, Vishnu Persaud, for the post of Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) of GECOM. Persaud emerged as the highest-ranked candidate out of an interviewing and review process which imposed surprising double jeopardies on him. The facts are as follows: (1): Persaud served in the position for over three years (2): Persaud was in employment at a senior level for several more years (3): Persaud has had ‘very good’ performance appraisals from CEO Lowenfield (4): Persaud acted in the position of CEO - vice Lowenfield - on a number of occasions (5): Persaud has exceeded the requirements for the job as advertised, greatly.

In fact, the position should not have been advertised in the first place, but the gentleman should have been rightfully reinstated to his post -- a post which fell vacant only due to the absence of a full commission.

The hung vote across the table, however, meant that Chairman Patterson had to cast his vote. A three-week delay for decision yielded his ‘considered’ position that Roxanne Myers, the second ranked candidate, was his choice for the DCEO position.

I repeat here my assertions that the decision is gross, irrational, lacking in fairness, and is an injustice not only to the individual it negatively impacted, but also to the entire Guyanese society.

The arguments of meritocracy which were proferred by some in defence of

the ethnic dominance and skewed culture at GECOM have been thrown out of the window by the Chairman’s action. Here, we have had a candidate who clearly merited due, fit and proper consideration cast out in spite of having been ranked the highest of all those interviewed.

Even worse, the decision validates persistent claims that a group of Guyanese representing perhaps 50 plus percent of the population has no merit in the considerations for fair employment also at GECOM. The decision has, I have heard, left a bitter taste also in the mouths of AfroGuyanese employees at GECOM, who felt that Persaud was unfairly treated.

And here I repeat my assertion that GECOM at the top management level is dominated by up to 90 percent Afro-Guyanese. If the same were true for similar dominance by Indo- or any other group of Guyanese it would still be wrong and unhealthy, and must attract similar condemnation and efforts for redress.

We have to deal with uncomfortable truths fairly.

I have referenced the Lawrence Inquiry, which deemed the British Police as being ‘institutionally racist’ as a reference point for similar situations and behaviour elsewhere.

I insist that critical institutions of the state, such as GECOM, become reflexively racist sometimes without knowing it, but also become victims and pawns for the undertaking of sinister actions by some, to the detriment of fairness, justice, public good and sustainability of the nation. And this goes for whichever group dominates in any similar institution of the state.

The continuance of the denial of fair employment on the basis of race, ethnicity, and association in critical institutions of the state, such as GECOM, is a mani-

fest denial of the civil rights of citizens, and is injurious to a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and yet fragile nation.

Some of us therefore should not beat the drums in support of civil rights and justice for groups discriminated against in other countries, while we support and/ or undertake discriminatory practices against groups of fellow Guyanese. Moral equivalency matters in this issue.

An urgent staff audit of GECOM must be undertaken to answer questions of lack of diversity, ethnic suppression and exclusion, and political dominance at the institution. Such an audit has to take account of geographic imbalances and imbalances at various employment levels. Further, the stakeholders have to arrive at formulations to address these matters as they relate to the hiring of temporary staff and contractors for elections, when these issues become even more exacerbated.

GECOM CEO Lowenfield has to have the courage to dispassionately map the agency for unusual employment anomalies, said to be also existing representing family and membership of particular churches.

Explanations for any such anomalies must be offered to allay negative public perceptions and anxieties, and to allow for redress.

GECOM, as a matter of urgency, has to draft, invite public comment on, and thereafter adopt, a Corporate Social Responsibility Charter (CSRC) and a Governance Charter which speak to its ethos and commitment in respect to its constitutional mandate to prepare for, and conduct free, fair and transparent elections, for Guyana, which are acceptable. These should come out of a risk assessment process using acceptable matrices, and they should be regularly monitored and reported on for compliance.

In the meantime, much needed ethnic sensitivity training is required to deal with complaints of disdainful treatment at all levels of engagement with the Commission.

The ongoing deliberate, open, and also surreptitious stacking of GECOM senior staff with persons of a particular group and of a particular political preference has been just confirmed via Facebook and Twitter posts – now being rapidly taken down. This event also supports charges that GECOM has been ‘captured’ by one political entity.

There is now the feeling that there is complete destruction of any general perception of fairness, integrity and transparency at GECOM. Commissioner Alexander should really be making better and positive use of his time and intellect, rather than rushing in to the support the indefensible, both for the specific case and for the general issue here. He seems to have appointed himself both as the wordsmith and the mouthpiece for GECOM’s Chairman.

There are no other options left, given the preferred position at the highest levels at GECOM, but to refer the current matter to the Ethnic Relations Commission, and to bring the scrutiny of relevant international bodies on GECOM. He has become ‘the source’ of misrepresentations and half-truths appearing in sections of the media. It is indeed regrettable that he is the main person advancing the case of the ‘deplorables,’ both at GECOM and in the media And if GECOM, as has been stated, has ‘dirty laundry’, the only place it must be washed is in the full view of the Guyanese public and the international community.

Respectfully, Robeson Benn Commissioner Guyana Elections Commission

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State-sponsored human trafficking in Guyana?

Dear Editor, Guyana, and in particular successive PPP/C administrations, have always had a friendly, open and liberal immigration policy.

With a small population and limited skills base, PPP/C was open to new skills and investments coming to Guyana. There has never been any quota system or differentiation -- whether based on nationality, ethnicity, class, religion, or gender -- of visitors or persons wishing to study, work, vacation, shop, or invest in our country.

Guyana has prided itself, as a signatory to the Caricom Treaty of Chaguaramas, in treating Caricom nationals entering Guyana better than the treatment Guyanese have encountered in some Caricom countries.

However, the Minister of Citizenship, on July 27th and August 3rd, 2016, was questioned by the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Foreign Relations in regard to the reasons for the denial of entry to 168 Caricom nationals to Guyana in the preceding 12 months. In light of the Freedom of Movement of People and Skills in Caricom, this was of some concern to the Committee.

The Minister, in responding, advised that those persons who were denied entry did not have “sufficient funds” to support themselves whilst in Guyana. His response and recommendations of the Committee were included in its Fourth Periodic Report, adopted in the National Assembly on February 9, 2017. None of those recommendations has thus far been implemented.

Over the last eight months, the PPP has repeatedly referred, at various press conferences, to information it has been receiving in regard to the large numbers of Haitian nationals who are being met airside when they land at Cheddi Jagan International Airport and escorted through the immigration process to waiting vehicles. There are suspicions that Haitians are being trafficked through Guyana, but there appears to be an additional twist to the story. More information is surfacing: that in return for their “safe passage” through Guyana, they are required to obtain, and are facilitated in obtaining, Guyanese identity documents such as birth certificates, national identification cards with Guyanese names, which are then left in Guyana after they depart. For what purpose, one may wonder; and who is behind this?

As a result, the PPP/C members of the same parliamentary committee raised concerns in regard to the Haitian arrivals and trafficking. The Committee then, in February 2018, sought information from Minister Felix about the number of Haitians entering

and departing Guyana. The Minister, in his response to the Committee on May 23, 2018, provided information on the arrival and departure of Haitians and seven other nationalities entering annually for the years 2013 to 2018 (April).

Of interest, the Minister did not provide figures for Caricom nationals, nor other countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, USA, Canada, UK, etc., whose citizens also enter Guyana for work or study.

When one analyses these figures, the following comparative breakdown makes the trends more visible:-

Table 1

the APNU and AFC in opposition, and now in the APNU+AFC in Government: that Brazilians, Chinese, Indians, and more recently Venezuelans were flooding in and taking over, the truth is far different when one examines these figures for 2013-2015 and 2015-2018.

True to form, Minister Henry, during the discussion in the committee in regard to these figures and links to human trafficking, pointed rather ridiculously to the high arrivals of Bangladeshis compared to the Haitians.

However, we cannot find any evidence of the pres-

However, the additional information that one of the nationalities, in this case Haitian, is being used to create new identities with Guyanese birth certificates is also of great significance, as our nation prepares for the 2018 Local Government and 2020 general and regional elections.

If new identities are being created, then why are these documents not being used by the Haitians for their onward movement? Why are these documents being kept with their handlers based in Guyana? For what purpose?

Is this to be used to register new voters? And whose

For the years 2013 -- 2015:-

Nationality

Arrival 2013 D e p a r t u r e s Arrival D e p a r - Arrival 2015 Departure 2013 ture 2014 2015 2014

Chinese

2869

2082

2630

2838

2834

Haitian

188

99

227

113

770

Brazilian

1668

2329

7235

7422

10545

10250

Indian

1175

1054

1277

1199

1475

1251

Cuban

813

457

1292

772

4943

3569

Venezuelan

799

744

6905

6888

5939

5650

Dominican Republic

394

261

595

377

1075

562

Bangladeshi

94

52

57

29

75

2676 136

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Table 2: For the years 2016 – 2018 April:Nationality

Arrival 2016 Departure 2016

Chinese

Arrival 2017

D e p a r - Arrival ture 2018 2017

Departure 2018

3472

2937

3868

2139

1435

1402

Haitian

722

451

3515

291

1238

85

Brazilian

13253

12733

5613

5248

3893

3340

Indian

1457

1501

1541

1660

452

467

Cuban

21165

19225

44747

37492

22520

16350

Venezuelan

892

863

689

616

315

301

Dominican Republic

801

699

525

478

265

192

97

56

32

21

43

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Bangladeshi

In total, as at April 2018, according to the figures supplied, Table 3 shows the numbers which appear to have not left Guyana:Nationality

Arrivals

Departures

In Guyana ?

Chinese

17, 108

14,074

3,034

Haitian

6,660

1,175

5,485

Brazilian

42,207

41,322

885

Indian

7,372

7,132

240

Cuban

95,480

77,865

17,615

Venezuelan

15,539

15,062

477

Dominican Republic

3655

2569

1086

Bangladeshi

398

224

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These figures reveal that the years 2016 and 2017 show the highest upsurge in numbers of arrivals of several nationalities. Since the Minister did not provide any information on those who were denied entry, one assumes that these arrival figures are in fact persons who entered Guyana. In contrast to the years 20152016, wherein 168 Caricom nationals were refused entry due to lack of “sufficient funds”, one has to ask if all of these people listed by Minister Felix arrived with “sufficient funds”?

Unlike what has been popularly conveyed for years by the PNC, and then

ence of such a large number of 5,485 Haitians, nor of 17,615 Cubans, in Guyana.

Twenty-three thousand people who speak different languages in a small population such as ours would be easily discernible.

Therefore something is going on. The most logical explanation is that Guyana is being used as a transshipment point for a large and well organised human trafficking ring, on a scale only possible with the collaboration of key officials within the Government. Based on these figures, these victims of human trafficking may not only include Haitians, but also other nationalities.

identities are they using?

Persons who have died or who have emigrated whose names are already on the national registration database and the voters lists?

The champion of TIPs in Guyana, Minister Broomes, who received a US Presidential Award for her work in exposing cases of TIPs, appears to be rather quiet now. The Ministerial Task Force on TIPs 2017 records figures of cases of human trafficking being prosecuted, but all of the victims are Guyanese.

However, the disinterest of the Government in addressing the concerns publicly expressed months

ago by the Leader of the Opposition regarding human trafficking of Haitians may in itself be a telling indictment.

Where there is smoke there is fire, and the information regarding the Haitians as possible victims of human trafficking linked to another agenda by Government officials cannot be ignored. This issue demands a full investigation.

It is time for the international, including the relevant UN bodies and the IOM, as well as the diplomatic community to pay closer attention to this development. The annual US TIPs report placed Guyana on the watch list for two years in a row because there were too few cases of human trafficking in 2006-2013, I hope that the US officials will pay more interest to

this unusual movement of unaccounted people through and in Guyana.

I believe that any information concerning victims of human trafficking, whether Guyanese or any other nationality, must be treated seriously. And thus, the specific information regarding the movement of Haitians and their obligations to acquire Guyanese identity documents in order to have “safe passage”, must be investigated.

Whilst the queries started with the Haitians, one cannot now not consider that other nationalities may also be victims of a human trafficking ring which could only function on this large scale with the collusion and collaboration of the state.

Rspectfully, Gail Teixeira, MP

Such is a good life...

Dear Editor, Political parties do campaign vigorously, and go about trying to convince people that their vision for governing the country is best, should they win. Now this coalition Government’s track record seems to be riddled with more mistakes/incompetence/allegations of corruption compared to pleasing the public.

Everywhere I go, I hear complaints more than praises, so I wonder how they will bounce from that. I don’t believe oil alone can save our country.

Look at neighbouring Venezuela. Each party would have supporters from all over the country, and many would join/support because they would need to see development, especially for their area. They, too, would have a tremendous amount of ideas, and I wonder if the politicians would stop to listen to them after acceding to power. I don’t believe so.

Now, over the years, I’ve complained of numerous things, and made recommendations, many of which seems to have fallen on deaf ears, even though they are important.

Of recent, a six-yearold boy lost his life due to (my views) the negligence of teachers who were directly responsible for the safety of children, given the location and condition of the area.

I’ve written about the riverine areas and the dangers lying there, and even made recommendations, but apparently they are not important, because

I don’t believe any politician or their families could be affected whilst those directly in harm’s way continue in the same conditions.

Editor, we see the newly elected president providing buses, speed boats, bicycles etc., all over the country, which is very commendable, but these donations are not enough to handle the capacity. Many children still resort to the normal mode of reaching to schools, and in the riverine areas, this is mainly by boats, and some are very dangerous. One only has to use the social media and occasionally one would see videos/images of the struggle.

Now, one would see that none of these children have any lifejackets, and one would know that lifejackets are rather expensive in Guyana.

Now, if our politicians have any sort of vision or care for this nation, they would have already put plans in place to either provide free life jackets or make them way cheaper for the school children, because their way of travelling is very dangerous.

What’s the purpose of them hiring companies and individuals to write and print glorious manifestos at election time and most of the plans/vision cannot materialise, while simple problems cannot be solved? Can we say we are a country with vision being run by the visionless, or their vision is only focused on oil and their rewards?

Sincerely, Sahadeo Bates

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Foundation

300 from Region 4 to commence work study …students urged to use experience from work study

Ashley Anthony

T

his year marks the 108th celebration of Father’s Day. Father’s Day has a similar origin to that of Mother’s Day. It started with one child wanting to honour her father.

The aforementioned child, Sonora Dodd, was inspired by a Mother’s Day ceremony in 1909.

Dodd’s mother had passed away during childbirth, and her father had taken up the mantle and single handily raised her and her five siblings.

Dodd had originally wanted the ceremony to be held on her father’s birthday, June 5, but the Mayor pushed the date back, c l a i m i n g that more time was needed to properly arrange the festivities. Consequently, on June 19, 1910, the first Father’s Day celebration was held in Spokane, Washington, DC. The ceremony included young women handing out red roses to their fathers, and large baskets full of roses being passes around the church, with members being encouraged to pin on a rose for their father; red if he was living and white if he was deceased.

Fathers who were homebound were treated to roses from a carriage, which Dodd and her infant

son manned. Since that first celebration, Father’s Day slowly gained support. Its acceptance was not as quick as that of Mother’s Day, but there were some significant contributors that helped the holiday rise to popularity. For one, in 1924, US President John Calvin Coolidge Jr expressed his support for the festivities, explaining that it helped to develop closer bonds between fathers and children, and impressed upon fathers how important their roles were in children’s lives.

In 1938, a trade organisation, t h e National

Council for the Promotion of Father's Day was formed by a men's clothing retailers in New York City, and this helped to further popularise the holiday.

Although President Lyndon Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honouring fathers in 1966, it was not until 1972, that President Richard Nixon signed the holiday into official, permanent existence.

Whilst many countries celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday in June (thanks to Dodd), the origins of Father’s Day

in other countries can be traced to various religions or special events, and in some places, the day is even celebrated on different dates. For example, in Germany, Father’s Day is celebrated on the 40th day of Easter, known as Ascension Day, on which German men organise hikes and other social gatherings to celebrate themselves.

In Thailand, Father’s Day is celebrated on the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, December 5.

On the day, Thais would usually give fathers and grandfathers the Cannes flower. Even though King Bhumibol passed in 2016, and the King’s Birthday holiday has been moved to July 28 (the birthday of the new King; King Vajiralongkorn or King Rama X). Father’s D a y remains celebrated o n December 5, as King Bhumibol is regarded by many as the father of Thailand.

Australians choose to honour fathers on the first Sunday of spring, or the first Sunday in September.

Whenever we choose to celebrate it, the meaning is the same. It is a time to show the paternal figures in our lives how influential and important they have been to us. Whether it’s a small homemade card, or a fancy three course dinner, the intent and thought is much more important. That is why I think so many cultures have their own variations of Father’s Day, because despite our differences, we can all understand why it is important to honour our fathers.

From front left: REDO Tiffany Favourite-Harvey posing with Secondary Education Officers Loren Park and Carla Prescott-Mathews at from the Department of Education Region Four and work-study students

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everal hundred students have completed the 2018 CSEC examination, and 300 of them have been selected to participate in the Region Four Department of Education’s Work Study Programme for 2018, which commences on Monday, June 18, 2018.

Acting Reginal Education Officer Tiffany FavouriteHarvey, in her address to the evidently eager students, urged them to use the experience and knowledge gained from the work study attachment to prepare themselves for the world of work.

The 300 students would form two phases of students involved in work study, Favourite-Harvey disclosed, and some 46 agencies, organisations and businesses have

come on board this programme this year.

Favourite-Harvey stressed that it is the largest bunch of students to have ever been involved in the Region Four Work Study Programme. She added that while the average number over the years has been around 140 to 180, this year has seen 300 students coming on board.

“While we are cognisant that many of you would be furthering your studies at the University of Guyana and other institutions, it is very important to note that demonstrating critical important qualities is pertinent in securing your dream job, or possibly getting your feet into the world of work. It is on this note that I urge you to inculcate attitudes and qualities that will hold you in good stead”, she told the

students, who assembled at the Bladen Hall Multilateral School’s auditorium.

The REDO reminded students that participation in the work study programme is no guarantee that the agency or company to which they would be sent would employ them after they would have completed their stint. She stressed that the experience would help the participants to better understand a number of issues that are important in the world of work.

“Remember, you are not only representing yourself but, importantly, your school and the Department of Education, Region Four. Whatever you do will either give us praise or create embarrassment for us; so irrespective of how insignificant it may seem, do the right thing always,” she admonished.

Issue of overloaded minibuses has to be tackled by Police – UMU

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on Andrews, head of the United Minibus Union (UMU), has disclosed that overloaded minibuses and playing loud

music therein have to be dealt with by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), and not by the Union.

Noting that the UMU has no control over the overloading of minibuses and the other issues affecting minibus operators, the UMU President has said he believes it is simply a matter for which law makers should be responsible.

Andrews explained that when such matters are addressed by policy makers they register greater impact on drivers, rather than when the Union just makes a statement.

“When certain things are implemented in Parliament, or even to the Ministry of Public Security, enforcement would have to be the element that the Police have to be responsible for.

The lewd music, overcrowding, these are things that the Police have to handle. And even though we are advocating that these things should not happen, we cannot make anything happen when we have a culture of lawlessness and greed today,” Andrews asserted.

He said what the travelling public needs to take into consideration is that these drivers also have bills to pay and maintenance

UMU President Eon Andrews

costs of their vehicles to handle. However, he opined, “It doesn’t mean that because they have to pay that we must make that sector alone comfortable”.

Last week, a reckless driver and conductor found themselves confined within the walls of the Providence Magistrate’s Court, as they were made to answer to several charges relative to the overloading of a minibus.

They were charged with overcrowded front seat, breach of insurance, untidy driver, overloaded minibus, untidy conductor and unlicensed conductor.

Police went in search of the men after a video posted on social media showed a total of 45 school children being packed into the minibus, an accusation that the driver and conductor have denied.

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SUnDAY, june 17, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Investments

MovieTowne head denies receiving preferential treatment – says concessions were limited to cinematic equipment

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he issue of duty-free concessions for foreign companies has come to the fore again, with calls for MovieTowne to reveal what concessions it received from the previous Administration.

But Derek Chin, the man behind the multimillion-dollar investment, is adamant his company did not receive preferential treatment.

In an interview with the businessman on Saturday, he refuted suggestions that his business benefited from duty-free concessions outside of the norm. According to Chin, the only concessions he received were those related to cinematic equipment, in keeping with standard investment practise.

“The only concession we got was the duty-free concession on cinema equipment, like the stuff that we had to bring in for outfitting… which is normal,” Chin related. “And we got duty-free concessions. That’s what I was relating to in my presentation.”

“Even with the concession letter, when the goods

The MovieTowne cinema under construction

came in, we still had to fight up. We had the letter and the letter was taking so long to come in order for us to not pay duties. Because once you pay duties at Customs, it’s hard to get it back. So I wanted to ensure we got that concession in our hand.”

Chin was adamant that he received no concessions related to electricity tariffs, as well as other extraneous areas. In fact, Chin stressed the importance of affordable and reliable energy being available but in the meantime, he has set up three megawatt generators.

The businessman noted

MovieTowne proprietor Derek Chin during a recent tour of his facility

instances where other companies would have gotten tax-free concessions and holidays spanning several years.

He made it clear that he did not get this treatment for Government.

“Other than that, there’s nothing else. There’s the road, which was supposed to be built just like they built with Giftland. And that didn’t happen. So we went ahead and spent about US$800,000 to build the road

right next to us. We made that contribution and I can’t think about any other concession we got.”

“There’s no preferential treatment given to us and the only one I got was the one I just mentioned,” he continued. “The Government did not give us any preferential treatment. I’d love to believe I could get more, with the size of investment we made.

But we didn’t get anything else.”

Concessions

Chin, a Guyanese-born businessman, is currently constructing the first overseas branch of the Trinidadbased MovieTowne franchise

here in Guyana. During a recent tour, however, Chin had spoken out about challenges facing the Turkeyen construction project, noting that these challenges were costing the company, but that interactions with the Government have dwindled.

“We have met with Government and I don’t seem to meet with them anymore… to say that Mr Chin how is your investment going, what can we do to help.

So that communication link with the Government is very important… the Private Sector is the driver. The Government cannot outrun the Private Sector because it is the Private Sector. It has its own money, but the Private Sector needs to be given that encouragement,” Chin had said.

Additionally, the businessman had said Government should be more involved in discussion with the Private Sector and work hand-in-hand since they are the ones who are the drivers of the economy.

After his statements,

however, there were calls for the company to reveal what concessions it received from Government. Specific calls came from Giftland Mall proprietor, Roy Beepat, considered one of MovieTowne’s main competitors.

Beepat, in a letter to the editor, had noted that concessions granted for his outfit were for the air conditioning units and other internal materials and equipment related to the setup of his cinema… similar to what Chin maintains he was granted.

“I would be grateful to know what concessions and facilities were granted, including any reduced tariffs on electricity. We have re-

quested the same from GoInvest, who to date has not even acknowledged our request,” he had written. “(Concessions) did not extend to building materials, plumbing, steel, elec-

trical, steel frames, equipment or anything else whatsoever. We are kindly requesting full disclosure and transparency for any concessions being granted to this similar business, in-

cluding any concessionary rates by GPL, brokered by the previous Government,” Beepat had noted.

(Jarryl Bryan)

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Bandit sentenced to 7 years for brazen supermarket robbery

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ne of the three bandits who were nabbed in the brazen robbery committed on a supermarket at Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) has been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment when he appeared at the Providence Magistrate’s Court.

Ryan Bannister, 27, of Herstelling Seadam, East Bank Demerara pleaded guilty to armed robbery and possession of illegal firearm charges when it was read to him by Magistrate Sunil Scarce.

The other two men;

Ryan Bannister

Gerald DaSilva, 45, and Ron Simons, 33, pleaded not guilty to the said

charges and were remanded to prison until August 14.

It was reported that the three men – one of whom was armed with a handgun – stealthily entered the “Number One Supermarket” on Wednesday last; pounced on the lone security officer and bound his hands with his shoe lace, then proceeded to the third floor of the building, where they removed the grill from a window and entered the building.

As the bandits were inside of the supermarket, the 53-year-old security guard managed to free himself and immediately alerted neighbours, who summoned the Police. Prompt response from the lawmen

resulted in the bandits being caught in the act.

A family member of the business owner related that he was asleep and unaware of what was happening, and learnt of what had transpired only when a Police Officer went into the upper flat and alerted him.

The CCTV footage was also reviewed, and it showed the men entering the premises.

When the men were nabbed, they had $70,000 in prepaid phone cards and an undisclosed sum of cash in their possession. In addition, a .38 revolver with six live matching rounds was also found.

An employee of the business told this publication that the supermarket was opened only about five weeks ago.

Man, wife charged for assaulting each other

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eon Shaikoo of Lot 88 South Sophia was on Friday released on bail by Magistrate Leron Daly when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to an assault charge.

Shaikoo denied the charge, which stated that on June 5, 2018 he assaulted his common-law wife Lesha Williams with intent to cause her actual bodily harm.

The court heard that, on the day in question, the two had a disagreement which led to Shaikoo assaulting Williams.

An assault charge was also read to Williams, which stated that, on the day in question, she also assaulted Shaikoo.

The Police prosecutor did not object to bail being granted either party, and they were each placed on $10,000 bail.

The matter will continue on June 21, 2018.

Different strokes…

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…for trade unions? t’s a mad, mad, mad, mad world!! Not many today will remember that classic comedy caper from the 60s, where a bunch of strangers learn of buried loot and each try to find it for themselves. It was quite a gas!! And it would be same for the PNC’s efforts over the decades to earn some goodwill over the Enmore Martyrs, after they did – and continue to do – everything in their powers to destroy sugar workers.

By 1976, having rigged the 1973 General Elections to give itself a supermajority in the National Assembly and getting the Americans to go along with them, the PNC got busy trying to eclipse Burnham’s arch-rival Cheddi Jagan as a radical Marxist on the world stage. At the leftist World Peace Council meet in Bogota in June 1976, Burnham had his “antiimperialist” credentials endorsed – to Jagan’s consternation, since the Americans were still backing him!! Burnham then announced the monument to the five Enmore sugar workers killed by the State’s Police Force on the orders of King Sugar on June 16 1948 – and got Jagan to support his nationalisation of Sugar!

Never mind that in 1974, Burnham had imposed the sugar levy that sucked up all the profit sharing the workers had won in 1968!! But “anti-imperialism” was the thing!!

However, it wasn’t long after the Monument was unveiled in June 1977, that sugar workers were locked in a strike to end all strikes starting in August!! One hundred and thirty-five days of starvation and privation to remove that levy. Never happened!! But the workers got a monument!!

This year, FITUG – one of the two “umbrella” trade Union grouping, remember? – complained that after they demanded a WRITTEN INVITATION to the martyr’s commemoration, the responsible Ministry said they needn’t show up!! It’s a mad, mad, mad, mad world!! That Ministry just happens to be responsible for Social Cohesion!! Now some may think FITUG was being a tad snarky to ask for that written invitation. But things aren’t so simple in Guyana, are they. Remember when the PPP was invited to the Jubilee Independence celebrations and no seats were reserved for them??

So what gives? Your Eyewitness is surprised the trade unions would even WANT to commemorate the supreme sacrifice made by sugar workers – which led directly to the independence movement of this country – with representatives of a PNC Government that not only unilaterally shuttered half of the sugar industry and 5700 sugar workers – BUT INCLUDED ENMORE IN THAT ACTION!!!

Maybe in 1948 those workers should’ve accepted “cut and load” instead of “cut and drop”. Since in the present, their trade unions has evidently “cut and run”!!

It’s a mad, mad, mad, mad world!! …for tobacco than rum??

Have you noticed the gruesome warnings that have to be posted on tobacco packaging to let smokers know of the just-as-gruesome fate that awaits them after they light up?? That one with the rotten, gangrenous toes made your Eyewitness almost gag!! Now don’t get him wrong, since he’s totally against smoking – which he always thought was a ridiculous act after some writer or other asked whether he could imagine even a cow, inhaling smoke from burning grass. (No pun intended!!)

What his gripe’s all about is why haven’t similar laws been passed to compel pasting on every bottle of the stuff the dangers of demon rum?? And those dangers are as bad – if not worse – than those of tobacco smoking. And we’re not even talking about the self-inflicted ones like cirrhosis of the liver. There are the dangers to the rest of society – like alcoholic induced rages that end up in domestic and other modes of violence!

Your Eyewitness doesn’t care about the rest of the world.

Rum’s a menace to Guyanese society!! Warn them!! …for UG’s VC All across the world, the composition of University governing councils are being widened to ensure a diversity of views inform the delivery of higher education.

Save in Guyana, where the bow-tied one rules!!

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

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SUnDAY, june 17, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Former SWAT boss files legal challenge against ‘special leave’

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ess than one month after the acting Public Security Minister, former Police Commissioner Winston Felix, ordered that former Commander of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, Motie Dookie, be sent on special leave, Dookie has mounted a legal challenge seeking to have the directive quashed.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Motie Dookie was, on December 30, 2017, allegedly found to be in possession of 30 cases of smuggled liquor in Berbice, and was subsequently removed as Commander of the SWAT Unit.

He was sent on administrative leave, and then reassigned to the Strategic Planning Unit of the Guyana Police Force. Then, on May 21, Felix sent Dookie on special leave “in the public interest.”

However, substantive Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan told reporters that if it were up to him, he would have had Dookie remain on the job as the probe continues. This, however, did not reverse Felix’s decision.

In court documents, Dookie, through his attorneys: Anil Nandlall, Manoj Narayan, Sasha S. Mahadeo-Narayan,

Motie Dookie

Rajendra R. Jaigobin & Anuradha Deodatsingh, named David Ramnarine,

Convicted child molester elected as Kamarang Toshao

– sections of community furious

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ost of the residents in the Amerindian Village of Kamarang in Region 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) have raised concerns after a convicted child molester who has been elected to the office of Toshao.

Residents say they were shocked when the Returning Officer declared victory in favour of Luther Krammer.

A senior member of Kamarang Village spoke to Guyana Times following the results, and it was then related that, a few years ago, Krammer had been accused of molesting a 9-year-old and had been sentenced to eighteen months in jail. The newly elected Toshao was released from prison only in 2017.

As per the Amerindian Act of 2006, nominations were held for the Office of Toshao, and a villager nominated Krammer, who accepted the nomination. Following the nomination, several villagers approached the Returning Officer and questioned the nomination, only to be met with silence.

“On the day of nomination, someone nominated a person who has a criminal record for child molestation, and he was convicted and sentenced to 18 months in prison; and it has only been about a year ago since he was released from prison.

When that nomination was made, a person asked the returning officer whether it is right for a criminal, a person who has a criminal record, to be nominated to head a village, and the Retuning Officer didn’t answer at all,” the villager said.

“The very person won the contest, and lots of people, despite the fact that he won this election, are dissatisfied and very unhappy because he had won this election. We need an exposure to let the authorities know that such a thing we cannot really feel good about it, and that is the very matter that is bothering many of us,” the villager explained.

Krammer has been living in Kamarang for most of his life. Prior to his molestation conviction, he was a teacher at the Kamarang Primary School. It was while he was a teacher that he molested one of his students, and according to the villagers, there may be more victims.

Krammer has since been dismissed from his post as a teacher, and now works in the mining industry.

The villagers are now calling for another election, since they are dissatisfied with Krammer’s past and feel he would not be able to represent their interests.

The functions of the Village Council include pro-

viding planning and development of the village; managing and regulating the use and occupation of village lands; and providing strategic direction and advice to the village.

Efforts to contact both ministers of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs proved futile.

However, this is not the first time someone who is accused of child molestation would be elected to serve in governance.

During the 2016 Local Government Elections, APNU-backed candidate for Constituency Thirteen (East and West Ruimveldt Georgetown), Winston Harding, created quite a stir after it was revealed that he was charged at least two times with child molestation. Unlike Krammer, he was never convicted for the offence.

Harding would eventually be elected as representative of the Constituency, and currently holds the post of Councillor in the Georgetown Municipality.

Following the allegations, Harding’s party had withdrawn support for him, despite its Campaign Leader, current Health Minister Volda Lawrence, saying that Harding’s sister, Sharon Harding, was responsible for the accusations, which were an ongoing family matter.

Deputy Commissioner (Administration) as the first respondent, with the Attorney General being the second.

In his application, Dookie is seeking a writ of certiorari quashing the decision to send him on special leave in the public interest on the grounds that the decision is “unconstitutional, capricious, whimsical, irrational, based upon irrelevant and extraneous considerations, contrary to the rules of natural justice, unreasonable, unlawful, null, void and of no effect.”

In addition, he is also asking the court to order the Police Commissioner to pay his costs incurred during the proceedings.

“The Police Service Commission is the sole and exclusive authority vested with the power to discipline officers of the Guyana Police Force, in accordance with Article 212 (1) of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of

Guyana,” the application stated.

Dookie’s attorneys say that prior to receiving the letter, he was not afforded opportunity to provide any explanation or show cause why he should not be sent on special leave.

The matter has been fixed for July 14, 2018, before Justice Fidela CorbinLincoln.

Following the announcement that Dookie had been sent on leave, Nandlall said whatever wrong Dookie is accused of, at a minimum, he is entitled to due process and protection of the law. He said that it is public knowledge that it was Felix’s decision to send Dookie on special leave. “(Neither) Minister Felix, nor Minister Ramjattan, nor even the President, has any lawful authority to give such directions to the Commissioner of Police; nor do they have any authority what-

soever over the employment, dismissal or discipline of Officer Dookie. The Constitution places that functional remit exclusively in the Police Service Commission.

Article 212 of the Constitution provides that “…the power to make appointments to any offices in the Police Force of or above the rank of inspector, the power to exercise disciplinary control on persons holding or acting in such offices, and the power to remove such persons from office shall vest in the Police Service Commission”.

Clearly, Dookie falls within the ranks provided for and contemplated by this provision. Additionally, Article 226 (1) provides that “…in the exercise of its functions under this Constitution, a Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority’”, Nandlall said.

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8 in custody following discovery of guns

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total of eight persons, including an interdicted Police rank, were arrested on Friday evening following the discovery of two guns in separate incidents.

First, a 26-year-old known character was nabbed in Garnett Street, Albuoystown Georgetown after he had an unlicensed .32 pistol and eight live matching rounds on his person.

Based on information received, ranks of the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters were patrolling the Albouystown community when they stopped and search the Garnett Street resident. Ballistics tests are expected to be

conducted on the firearm to determine if the weapon had been used in the commission of any crime.

Secondly, seven persons, including an interdicted Police Officer, were detained after a .38 revolver with a spent shell in its chambers was found in close proximity to them. The men were at the time engaged in a game of chance at Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara.

Police state that two of the detainees are members of the Police Force, and one is currently interdicted and is reportedly renting a ‘mobile outlet ‘at the said location. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.

Martyrs and Neekharams

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The gun found on the Garnett Street resident

atiricus got ready in a hurry to go to the Back Street Bar. It was Enmore Martyrs’ Day and it was the first year he and the fellas weren’t going to the official commemoration. When the Pee-an’-See government had closed down those four estates, it seemed like something had died in his pals, Cappo and Bungi. They’d literally given their lives to the industry, yet they weren’t bitter with Satiricus whose KFC party was part of the government.

“Budday, wha’ abee guh goh fa?” said Bungi to Satiricus’ question, as he nursed his beer. “Dis a wan mockery fuh wha’ dem people dead fa?”

“What do you mean?” asked Satiricus softly.

“Well, dem people back den bin know “cut an’ load” guh tek advantage pan dem, when dem stap “cut an’ drap,” said Cappo.

“An’ dem seh, ‘to hell wid dis!’ an’ dong tools!” continued Bungi. “Even de Police bullets na stap dem!”

“But what you think the unions should do,” asked Hari, in his quiet way.

“Hari me fr’en, dem sh’u’da tek example fram dem ole people,” said Cappo, seriously. “Dem sh’u’da guh ah de Monument an’ protes’ ‘gainst de Guvment wha shut dong dem estate!”

“But what if the Police had shot them when they protested?” asked Satiricus anxiously. “I know Nagga Man and Rum Jhaat wouldn’t have agreed to that. But what if?”

“Na tell me ‘bout dem two neemakharaam!” said Bungi viciously. “But if de union people bin friken fuh get shoot, dem sh’u’da stay home.”

“I agree with them, you know Sato,” said Hari. “Martyrs stand up and die for a cause, and if you can’t do the same, what’s the point of taking flowers?”

“Yuh see Sato, suga’ worka a pay dem union people,” said Cappo. “And de pay na fuh fetch flawah!”

“If dem cyaan stan’ up fuh de worka,” said Bungi. “Dem sh’u’d sit dong in dem house.”

“Like Nagga Man and Rum Jhaat?” asked Hari slyly, as he looked pointedly at Satiricus. “Can’t see them nowadays!”

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Coalition ravaging the sugar belt – PPP

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PNC dictatorship returns

By Ryhaan Shah

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here’s no doubt anymore. With the independence of the Judiciary now compromised, Guyana is once again under People’s National Congress (PNC) dictatorial rule and this is the worst possible situation for the country’s fate and future. As I wrote in last week’s column, racism is winning, and the PNC support base, including the professionals, are either unconcerned that party loyalty demands disregard for the rule of law or it could be that fear of intimidation already stalks the land. In the PNC’s fight for power, Machiavellian tactics – the ends justifying the means – have always mattered most.

Acting Chief Justice Roxane George’s ruling that Granger’s unilateral appointment of James Patterson to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) chair is lawful, makes the Constitution and the laws of Guyana wholly irrelevant. The ruling places President Granger above the law. So, too, did Burnham elevate himself, and history, no matter how contorted and rewritten to suit a PNC narrative, is clear on the destruction of the country’s social and economic fabric that followed.

The loss of an independent Judiciary is the last nail in the coffin. All the other signs that Guyana is under dictatorial rule were already there. Intimidating the media is one such signal and Granger’s statement that he finds the free press a “daily challenge”, the sedition clause in the Cyber Crimes Bill, and the firing of two critics from the State media are steps in that direction.

Politicising the civil service, another sign of a dictatorship, began as soon as Granger came to office and the ethnic cleansing of Indian Guyanese at every State agency continues.

That even eminently qualified Indian Guyanese are not being employed at GECOM fits the pattern of the Granger Government’s racial hiring pattern.

The Pharmagate scandal of Government renting a bottom house for over $25 million from coalition backer Larry Singh is just one example of the handing out of State funds and contracts to party supporters, another sign of a dictatorship. The collapse of the base for the Indian Monument at Palmyra was another such situation where a public contract was awarded to an obviously incompetent builder whose only qualifications were most likely that he was a loyal PNC supporter.

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) critics would counter with arguments that the PPP/C Government also indulged in cronyism and corruption no matter that the millions spent by the Granger Government on forensic audits of the PPP/C Administration turned up no substantive corruption issues or illegalities. In fact, had the PPP/C Government ever usurped the rule of law, there would have been violent PNC protests in the city streets and the diplomatic community would have moved to publicly condemn the Government.

Despite the fact that the audits uncovered no widespread corruption as was alleged during the 2015 election campaign, the Special Organised Crime Unit has brought charges against former NICIL CEO Winston Brassington and former PPP/C Finance Minister Ashni Singh, and there are now additional charges filed to implicate Guyana Times publisher, Dr Bobby Ramroop in a “corrupt” purchase of the former Sanata Textiles Complex. Demonising the Opposition and using State powers to go after political enemies are textbook signs of a dictatorship.

Whereas the diplomatic community had no compunction about condemning the PPP/C Government for alleged wrongdoings, their absolute silence in the face of the Granger Government’s numerous transgressions speaks volumes. It would be logical to conclude that there is a quid pro quo in place.

The trade-off that put Burnham in power had to do with US Cold War strategies. Premier Cheddi Jagan’s left-wing politics was seen as counter to America’s interests so he was ousted in favour of Burnham who used the opening to establish PNC party paramountcy, institutionalised racism, and a militarised society which all led to Guyana’s destruction.

Is the US and its partner, the UK, prepared to back a return to PNC dictatorial rule – this time for control of the country’s oil reserves? The State contract signed with ExxonMobil is a giveaway. Had the PPP/C won the 2015 Election it is very unlikely that the oil corporation would have escaped with a deal so wholly skewed in its favour since the PPP/C Government displayed a good grasp of macroeconomics, high finance, and contractual law, and would have consulted with experts in the field before signing any contract.

But the Alliance For Change was created to ensure an election win that would return the PNC to power. The oil find was then made public. Rigged systems: another factor of dictatorial regimes.

Burnham was willing to betray his country and countrymen to be a neo-colonial puppet for the Americans and British.

Granger, a devoted Burnhamite, appears willing to do the same. Clearly, for the PNC, massa day nah done.

s Guyana remembered and reflected upon the sacrifices of the five slain sugar workers – Rambarran, Pooran, Lallabagee, Surajballi and Harry – on their death anniversary on Saturday, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) said the incident is more relevant today than ever.

“Seventy years after the Enmore shooting, thousands of sugar workers have been coldheartedly fired and plunged into economic despair through the politically motivated closure of estates by the [A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change] APNU/AFC Government ravaging the sugar belt and the national economy in the process,” the Party said in a statement.

According to the Opposition, tens of thousands of others, who indirectly depended upon these estates for their live-

lihoods, have also been severely affected as many local economies were decimated by the Government’s uncaring action.

“Guyanese are once again confronted by a burgeoning dictatorship under the APNU/AFC Government which, through its visionless and inept leadership, is strangling our people

through harsh and unjustified economic policies. With innumerable taxes, within the three years of its administration thus far, Guyanese have seen a derailing of progress, their standards of living plummet, continually steep rise in cost of living and opportunities for advancement dwindled,” PPP said.

The Party went on to say that the workers continue to witness encroachment on their freedoms, growing societal fears through spiralling crime and oppressive policies, massive corruption, discrimination, rising unemployment and blatant disregard for constitutional processes.

“The struggle of the sugar workers seventy years ago and that of the late Dr [Cheddi] Jagan have not only become more relevant in the current circumstances in our country, but have intensified for a better life for all. The PPP therefore salutes the invaluable sacrifices of the Enmore Martyrs for the influence it had and continues to have on the quest for betterment. Our party remains resolute in its struggle with the Guyanese people for a free, democratic and prosperous Guyana,” the Opposition noted.

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SUnDAY, june 17, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Stabroek, Bourda Markets identified as Gun-toting bandit nabbed moments after ‘criminal hotspots’ – Chief Constable

robbing WCD business

…suspected to be gang-related

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riminal activities have increased in the city, and the City Constabulary has named two of Georgetown’s prominent markets as popular criminal hotspots where consumers are attacked and robbed on a daily basis.

These offences are suspected to be gang-related.

Chief Constable Andrew Foo on Friday said the Stabroek and Bourda markets have been on the radar for quite a while now on the basis of the increase in criminal activities in those areas.

“Those are two areas that have been identified in terms of criminal hotspots.

The Stabroek section: on the weekends, you find a number of criminal activities that are taking place primarily on the bus parks in front of the Stabroek Market. Likewise, at the Bourda Market area, we have activities occurring primarily by night and in the wee hours of the morning around two or three ‘o’ clock,” he stated.

Foo explained that at the Stabroek Market, since it is a transportation hub, persons entering and leav-

Stabroek Market

ing public transportation are the main targets. With respect to Bourda Market, most of the incidents occur among vendors and shoppers in the rush hours, when sales are at peak.

“What we’ve found at the Stabroek and Bourda areas, most of these activities are gang-related. We’ve had information that some persons who are seasoned -- old in terms of criminal elements -- they are the ones who are orchestrating these robberies. They have the younger persons who are working with them; and

likewise, you have persons operating on motorcycles, so they operate in pairs, so it is more gang-related,” Foo disclosed.

In some cases, the Chief Constable revealed, students are participating in these offences. To tackle this issue, there have been collaborations between the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Constabulary to provide a 24h patrol.

“Like the Guyana Police Force (GPF), we (the Constabulary) would’ve been working very quietly to keep a limb on these ac-

tivities. What we would’ve done, being quite aware that our numbers are a bit limited, we would’ve had a joint arrangement with the Guyana Police Force; and we’ve since launched a joint patrol,” Foo explained.

Of all the criminal activities reported, the Chief Constable revealed, simple larceny and robbery are the common widespread offences.

“In keeping with those areas in the reports that we’ve been getting of larceny and robberies being committed, we’ve made an effort in terms of resources allocated to those areas.

Therefore, our focus is in those two in terms of areas to ensure that the members of the public and shoppers are kept safe,” he said.

Foo emphasised the fact that the City Constabulary has a responsibility to regulate the vending activities within the city, and as such, works have also been done in that area.

“Outside of that, we have a responsibility (to regulate) vending activities within the city. Whilst we are aware that there is a soft approach in terms of vending, there is a need at times for activities of vendors to be regulated, and the Constabulary continues to work in that area.

The Constabulary has a responsibility in terms of the enforcement of the city government bylaws as well as other laws within the city limits, as well as in terms of providing support to the other departments.”

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oments after robbing a Metenmeer-Zorg businesswoman on Saturday, the perpetrator, a 38-yearold resident of Ca stello Housing Scheme in Georgetown, was apprehended.

Based on reports received, at about 14:30h on Saturday, the armed suspect entered the business place and relieved the owner of an undisclosed sum of cash. After committing the act, he reported jumped on a pedal cycle and fled the scene.

However, he was valiantly pursued by both the Police and public spirited citizens, and was subsequently cornered in close proximity to the scene.

Upon his apprehension, an unlicensed Special

Revolver with four live rounds as well as a portion of the stolen money was found in the suspect’s possession.

Ballistics tests will be conducted on the weapon to ascertain if it had ever been used in the commission of other crimes.

The suspect is also expected to be placed on identification parades in connection with several armed robberies committed in ‘D’ Division (West Bank Demerara).

Coalition ravaging...

from page 11

According to the PPP, the 70th death anniversary of the Enmore Martyrs should remind of the selfless sacrifices of the five slain sugar workers. It recalled that in 1948, having being strangled by social and economic hardships, the burdensome “cut and load” cane harvesting system and being deprived from having a union of choice to represent them, sugar workers were forced to mount protest actions after their fair demands were continually being ignored by the sugar producers.

“Instead of their demands being met, riot Police fired on the poor, simple workers killing five in the process. They died in their quest for a better life for all the workers and their struggles and horrific deaths significantly impacted Dr Cheddi Jagan. On that unforgettable day of their fu-

nerals, he silently pledged to dedicate his life to the cause of the Guyanese people and to free them from bondage and exploitation,” the statement added.

It went on to say that fortified in his belief and determination, Dr Jagan was unrelenting in his struggles for the advancement of Guyana and Guyanese. Having founded the PPP in 1950, Dr Jagan, despite being incarcerated and deprived of his rights during the decades of his unremitting struggles, never succumbed to the atrocities meted out to him and his followers by the oppressive forces.

In this the centenary year of his birth, PPP is reminding Guyanese that, in the end, his resoluteness prevailed and a new era of freedom and democracy was born under his leadership in October 1992.

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SUnDAY, june 17, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

70% of school dropouts in Region 5 are fatherless – MoE Indian extinction threat

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n Guyana, “the land of six peoples”, with the introduction of the universal franchise in 1953, voting became increasingly influenced by ethnicity. With independence in sight by the 1960s – deciding “who” will rule – it was not a coincidence that elections became ethnic censuses. Under the Westminster majoritarian rule, one challenge presented was how to control this reflexive formation of ethnic “factions” to preclude a “tyranny of the majority”. The African section, with its numbers approaching the Indians’, had to deal with the possibility of being forever excluded from the Executive, even though they felt they had greater legitimacy to rule. This was the “African Ethnic Security Dilemma”: if they played by the rules of democracy, Africans in Guyana would be excluded from the Executive.

Burnham used this argument to his constituency to justify rigging elections.

Democracy also presumes the State will be managed for all the people of the country. Those who manage the affairs of the State have to ensure they are servants of all the people. Hegel called them the “universal class”. If the Ravi Dev staffing of State institutions are under the control of any one “faction”, however, this presents another dilemma for democracy. Typically, the majority faction also controls the State and in fact this can produces the actual “tyranny of the majority”.

However, if there are circumstances, such as in Guyana, in which a minority controls of the State institutions, especially the Armed Forces; the civil service and the Judiciary, then the will of the majority can also be denied, since the minority would calculate they have the wherewithal to always challenge the majority violently. This the PNC did between 1961-64 with the help of the CIA; and on their own, between 1998-2002.

The African domination of State institutions effectively neutralises the numerical advantage of the Indians and creates an “Indian Ethnic Security Dilemma”. The latter’s majority may deliver the Executive after “free-and-fair” elections, but that Executive cannot guarantee stability, especially for their supporters. As Jagan said of his 1961-1964 term, “the PPP was in office but not in power”. The PPP Executive, under “the principle of anticipated reactions”, had to always consider whether the Opposition would initiate violence, under cover of their controlled State institutions. At the same time, their Indian supporters are under an omnipresent fear of being physically wiped out by their political opponents, whenever the question of national power is contested.

Way back in 1963, the British Secretary of the State for the Colonies stated the Ethnic Security Dilemmas succinctly: “…the Premier (Dr Jagan) told me that, if the British troops were withdrawn, the situation would get completely out of control. The Africans accuse the Government party of governing in the interests only of the Indians, and demand a share in political decisions. On the other side, the Indians accuse the Police, which is mainly African, of partiality towards the Africans and demand the creation of a separate defence force, recruited more extensively from the Indian community, to counterbalance the Police.”

In its proposals, the British pointed emphasised the need, in general, “to protect minorities” and in particular, to address “the racial nature of the problem”. For the latter problem, “the Government should endeavour to rule with the general consent of the population … (and a new armed force)… should be constituted before independence by the Governor, who would endeavour to ensure that recruits were not drawn predominantly from any one racial group.”

Burnham, of course, disbanded the Governor’s racially balanced SSU and ignored both the British proposal on the Armed Force as well as the 1965 ICJ’s recommendations to make them more representative. In fact, he increased the Armed Forces exponentially and maintained a 90 per cent domination of African membership, which the PPP inherited in 1992, after free and fair elections.

Palpably paralysed by the aforementioned principle of anticipated reactions, the PPP Government did not attempt to make the Armed Forces more representative even though a “Disciplined Forces Commission” – which included the Brigadier (retd) David Granger – recommended such a policy in 2004.

After 2002, private militias had to confront “African Freedom Fighters” based in Buxton, which took on the PPP Government.

After 2012, the African Security Dilemma disappeared with the Indian majority shrunken to below 40 per cent and the African/Mixed segments risen to 49 per cent. There was also no more “Indian Security Dilemma”, since they had no majority to deliver the executive. There only remains the existential threat of being wiped out.

Senior Guidance and Counselling Officer attached to the Education Ministry, Vickram Mohabir

S

eventy per cent of school dropouts in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) are from broken homes without a father figure, according to Senior Guidance and Counselling Officer attached to the Education Ministry, Vickram Mohabir.

He made the statement when the Education Department in Region Five honoured close to 40 fathers as part of their programme to have fathers play a more integral role in their chil-

Armed, masked men raid West La Penitence home

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hree masked and armed bandits on Friday evening broke into a West La Penitence, Georgetown, home and carted off over $300,000 in cash and other valuables.

Trevor Brown, a 30-year old resident of Lot 172 West La Penitence, explained that he was awakened by a crashing sound in the lower flat of the building and went to enquire but as he opened his door, he was greeted by three masked men, armed with handguns.

Brown was reportedly forced to lie face down on the floor, while the men helped themselves to $30,000 cash, a quantity of GTT and Digicel phone cards valued $120,000 and three gold chains amounting to $155,000.

The bandits then escaped through the western door on the lower flat of the building on motorcycles. The victim was not armed.

The traumatised businessman made a report to a nearby Police station and a team of investigators visited the scene. They had combed the area to determine if persons had CCTV cameras in their homes.

Investigations are ongoing but no arrests were made.

dren’s lives.

“If men are developed and empowered then the social ills that we face in society will disappear; there will be no more fractured families; there will be no more children who will be here, there and everywhere,” Mohabir said.

He added that more resources should be placed in the development of men since the benefit to society would be tremendous.

“Seventy per cent of all high school dropouts come from homes of fatherless children. Currently, the Ministry of Education is working for fuller recognition and inclusion of fathers in all of their programmes because of the huge impact fathers can have on their kids. Children with fathers in their lives have fewer difficulties coping with emotional difficulties in their adolescent stage,” he stated.

Mohabir said fatherless children have more troubles academically, scoring poorly on tests of reading, Mathematics and thinking skills.

“Children from father-absent homes are more likely to show and be excluded from school. They are also more likely to leave school by age 16 and less likely to attain an academic and professional qualification in adulthood,” he noted.

The official noted that many men think of themselves as the head of the home but if they were to

think of themselves as the foundation allowing the family to be built on them, then the family unit will be stronger.

“Seventy-one per cent of girls who become pregnant as teenagers came from homes where the father was absent”. He said an estimated 24.7 million children or 33 per cent of all children live absent from their biological father.

Fatherlessness is not only a problem in Guyana and the Caribbean but worldwide. Fifty years ago, eight per cent of all children grew

child’s life, there is greater academic performance; their active involvement can have a positive impact on the child’s life.

In Region Five, efforts are being made to have fathers play a more active role in their children’s development. In giving an overview of the programme; School Social Welfare Officer, Gloria Davidson, explained that the school welfare section of the Education Department had been working with parents, providing them with skills to raise their children.

Some of the fathers who were honoured

up in single-parent homes; today that figure has risen to more than 25 per cent.

Statistics show that fathers are leaving the home for trivial issues,” Mohabir said.

Noting that sometimes circumstances may cause fathers and children to separate, he said when fathers are involved in the

The training, she said, was aimed to foster parental development, enhance parental skills and to promote collaboration across the region.

She said when the school year commenced, head teachers were tasked with identifying outstanding fathers and later the criteria for judging was set.

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SUnDAY, june 17, 2018| guyanatimesgy.com

Wanted bulletin issued for attempted murder accused

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agistrate Leron Daly on Friday ordered the Guyana Police Force to issue a wanted bulletin for a Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) man who stabbed another following a row over the use of a yard toilet.

Calvin George, 19, was expected to appear in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday last, but failed to so do.

The teenager is accused of wounding Orin Peters

with intent to commit murder on April 11, 2018 at Kaneville, EBD. According to reports, Peters and George argued over the use of a toilet.

Peters informed the court that George then armed himself with a knife and attacked him, stabbing him to his abdomen.

Peters was picked up and rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Hospital, and was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital,

where he was treated.

George was placed on $200,000 bail on the condition that he lodges his passport with the Police.

He was also ordered to not make contact with the VC or witnesses, or to cause anyone to do same. Also, as a condition of bail, George was required to report to the Grove Police Station every Friday until completion of the trial.

The matter has been adjourned to June 22, 2018.

NTC prepares to welcome new executives

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he newly elected executive members of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) are expected to be trained in order to function in their respective posts when they are officially appointed on July 18.

This was according to the President of the NTC, Joel Fredericks on Friday during a telephone interview.

He noted that the training will take place from July 16 to 20, and will see 20 Toshaos receiving the necessary training to take over projects that were implemented by the previous Council.

“This present executive, right now, we are making preparations for the new incoming executive. So we want a smooth handover, transparent from this Council to the new Council,” Fredericks stated.

“The training will update the new executive on all of the projects that we are currently working on, past projects, the MoU (Memorandum of Understating) that we signed with APA

NTC President Joel Fredericks

(Amerindian Peoples’ Association), the relationships that we built with the IDB (Inter-American Development Bank) and other organisations,” he added.

While the current President explained that the appointments cannot be disclosed at this time, he noted that the new executive should be aware of the struggles that were made to be established as an independent organisation.

“I would like to say that

this present executive; we have tried our best to really get some independence or worked towards independence as an independent body so we can manage our own resources.”

In recollecting what the current members have achieved since their appointments, the NTC President stated, “We have an office now and three staff working with us. We have made some great steps but it was not easy because when we started off, we didn’t have anything, not even a desk at the Ministry.”

“When I look back at where we came from, I must say that we really worked together to push things forward so what I would like to say to the new incoming executive is that, they will have to continue what we’re leaving off here and it’s not easy.”

He advises the new executives to be vocal in order to make things happen. “It’s a lot of work and you have to prepare to do hard work,” he posited.

“Land has true value.

Invest in it.”

“L

and has true value. Invest in it.” This is the theme for the observance of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (WDCD) this year. Each year, the WDCD is observed on June 17 to raise awareness on the global and national actions that address desertification, land degradation and drought. This year’s theme puts a focus on sustainable land management as a way to regenerate economies, create jobs and revitalise communities. It calls all involved – producers, consumers and policymakers – to make a difference by investing in the future of land.

Ensuring sustainable land management

According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, short-sighted economic gains such as land grabbing, unplanned urban sprawl, unsustainable agriculture and over-consumption lead to unsustainable land use, which eventually causes degradation and loss of critical ecosystem services. And these are the practices we need to avoid as we seek to address land degradation and maximise our land value.

Land is an important resource. However, like any other, if it isn’t managed properly, we will not enjoy the optimum benefits it can provide us. Land of a good quality is important, especially for agriculture. However, we are to realise that the land resources available to us today will also have to be utilised by future generations. As such, we need to take this into consideration even as we strive to make the most of these resources now.

Recognising the importance of sustainable land management, the Government of Guyana, through the Department of Environment will be implementing the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) to guide Guyana’s development over the next 15 years. A key component of the GSDS is the sustainable management of natural resources which includes our land resources.

Specific initiatives that will be used to ensure sustainable land management are: • Land use planning and natural resource management systems Improvements will be made to the land use planning and natural resource management systems. This will lead to assessing current land uses and being able to forecast land use changes.

Studies will be carried out to ascertain the carrying capacities of areas and their sensitivities and ecological limits due to land-use changes in order to identify impacts these changes could have economically, socially and ecologically. Additionally, the economic and social drivers of unsustainable land use will be evaluated in order to develop policies to combat these.

• Sustainable, productive and diversified agriculture This area will assess opportunities for agricultural diversification into non-traditional agricultural exports such as fruits, vegetables and meat products. It will also assess how staple and subsistence agricultural can be improved and remain sustainable for domestic consumption and export. Additionally, environmental impacts of current production techniques will be analysed in a bid to identify new technologies and innovative methods of production which would not only contribute significantly to agricultural productivity but also reduce sectoral emissions.

• Sustainable forest management – logging and non-timber forest product practices Guyana has made significant progress in establishing reclamation and rehabilitation regulation, and in promoting sustainable production standards through the work of organisations such as; the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GLSC) and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). This will be built on by ensuring sustainable logging practices which would further contribute to increased forest biomass, leading to additional carbon stocks. Sustainable forestry will also be combined with agricultural diversification to further boost sustainable land management plans.

As the prime regulator for the environment in Guyana, the EPA has the oversight of activities that can potentially impact our land resources. Our Land Resources Management Programme Area monitors projects such as logging operations, mining operations, and large scale agriculture, sawmills and lumber years. Further, guidelines for these sectors aims to lend support to the priority areas identified under the GSDS. Additionally, through Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) between Guyana and the European Union, the FAO-EU-FLEGT Programme is funding a number of projects aimed at Reduced Impact Logging and better management of our forest resources.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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SUnDAY, june 17, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Teen who allegedly jumped to her death from moving car laid to rest – boyfriend remains in Police custody

F Symptoms of a currency crisis? (Part 1)

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oday’s article seeks to set the stage for a scholarly discussion on the symptoms of a currency crisis in the context of whether the Guyanese economy is experiencing any such symptoms at this point in time and what are the likely consequences of such. A currency crisis may be defined as a speculative attack on the foreign exchange value of a currency, thereby leading to sharp depreciation or forcing authorities to sell foreign exchange reserves and raise domestic interest rates to defend the currency (Glick, 2011).

Analysts and other public commentators alike have often times highlighted the state of the international foreign reserves held with the central bank which has been depleted over the years. As the data illustrated in the tables above revealed, foreign reserves held with the Bank of Guyana declined from US825.2M in 2012 to US$506.8M as at the end of the first quarter in 2018, representing a depletion in the reserve of US$318.4M over this period or 38.5%. At the same time, the total banking system net foreign assets

deteriorated by US$251.2M or by 24 % over the same period.

Space precludes further discussions on this topic for today hence, next week the author shall continue this discussion by using today’s article and data from the illustrations presented as the basis. In this regard, the broader dimensions and economic problems in Guyana’s context will be examined. *The Author is the holder of a MSc. Degree in Business Management, with concentration in Global Finance, Financial Markets, Institutions & Banking from a UK university of international standing.

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

our days after 19-year old Sasia Adams jumped to her death, she was laid to rest at the Charity Cemetery, Essequibo Coast on Friday.

She was given an emotional send off with relatives and close friends in attendance.

Her body was at her Jacklow, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) home where relatives and friends gathered to offer words of condolence and encouragement to her mother. As she was laid to rest, her boyfriend remains in custody.

The young woman, formerly of Pomeroon, who resided at East Street, Georgetown, was reportedly rushed to the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital

Dead: Sasia Adams

on Tuesday last by her 21-year-old boyfriend of Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

There, he reportedly told nurses that the teenager jumped from his moving car while they were proceeding along Lamaha Street, Georgetown.

Guyana Times was told that the young woman, who was conscious at the time of admission, later told doctors that she fell at home. She was admitted into the Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with severe head injuries and succumbed to her injuries.

A post-mortem examination conducted on the body of Adams on Wednesday revealed that she died as a result of blunt trauma to the head.

16 news President’s revocation of farmers land leases unlawful SUnDAY, june 17, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

…Appeal Court rules

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uyana’s Court of Appeal on Friday upheld a decision handed down by the High Court, that the decision by President David Granger and his Government to cancel the leases that were issued to farmers by the former Administration was unlawful and unconstitutional.

The land leases were issued for farmers who wished to engage in the usage of the land for agricultural purposes, as outlined within the confines of the established agreement between the State and those who would be leased the land demarcated at Seafield, West Coast Berbice.

Back in December, acting Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, had ruled that President

Granger’s revocation of farmers’ leases for lands was unlawful, two years after the affected farmers initially filed action in the court.

The farmers – Phillip Johnson, Rupert Blackman and Rawle Miller – along with their Attorney Anil Nandlall had first moved to the High Court in 2015, challenging the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary/ Agriculture Development Authority’s (MMA/ADA) cancellation of State land leases in the rear of Seafield, West Coast Berbice.

Retired Chief Justice Ian Chang had quashed the cancellation of the leases in favour of the farmers in 2016 but they moved to the court once again in April 2016 after President David Granger cancelled the leases in March

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Acting Chief Justice, Roxane George

of that year.

The acting Chief Justice handed down decisions in three constitutional challenges. Declaring the President’s revocation of these leases unconstitutional, the Judge awarded $300,000 in costs against the Attorney General in each of the cases filed by the farmers.

According to Attorney for the plaintiffs, Anil Nandlall, acting Chief Justice George granted several reliefs which supported their Notice of Motion.

The court agreed that under Article 142 of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the President’s cancellation of the lease was “contrary to and in violation” of the article, further determining the Head of State’s decision was “unlawful, null, void and of no effect”.

Additionally, it was determined that the cancellation of their leases was “compulsorily acquisition” of the Applicant’s leasehold interest without prompt payment or compensation.

President David Granger

The plaintiffs also secured a conservatory order which prohibits the MMMADA, its officers or any other State official from entering upon, remaining, occupying or interfering with the Applicant’s quiet and peaceful possession, occupation and enjoyment of lease of State land for agriculture purpose as issued under the relevant laws.

Johnson, Blackman and Miller had claimed that previous President Donald Ramotar granted them their leases in 2014. After the retired acting Chief Justice had ruled in their favour, they saw a notice in a newspaper which had stated: “Notice is hereby given that His Excellency, the President of the Cooperative

Republic of Guyana has cancelled all State land leases as described in the Schedules.”

At that time, the three farmers observed that their leases were among those published in the two schedules.

They were subsequently removed from their rice lands.

The matter was before the former acting Chief Justice, Yonette Cummings-Edwards who was earlier this year transferred to serve in the post of acting Chancellor of the Judiciary. As the matter was stalled, the farmers had complained about how much time had passed before a decision was handed down.

It was in August that six other West Coast Berbice (WCB) rice farmers had mounted a successful legal challenge against the revocation of their leases for lands at Seafield and Number 40 Village which are under MMA-ADA’s control.

Acting Chief Justice George, in her ruling on that matter, observed that those farmers’ leases constituted property under Article 142 of the Constitution, and that the President’s revocation of those leases amounts to depriving the applicants of property without compensating them, as noted in Article 142 of the Constitution.

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SUnDAY, june 17, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

LGE date to be announced in 2 weeks – Bulkan

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id-November has been touted as the timeframe for the hosting of this year’s Local Government Elections (LGE) and the exact date is expected to be released in two weeks’ time.

This is according to Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan who told Guyana Times that the date for this year’s Local Government polls “should be known within two weeks”.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice James Patterson, in a recent interview with this newspaper said the body has already commenced preparatory works and is now awaiting the date to roll out other aspects.

“There are some things that have to be done by so and so time but everybody’s waiting with abated breath for the Minister to announce the date because that would give us a time range when to start doing certain things.

But whatever has to be in place is in place already,” Justice Patterson noted.

The GECOM Chairman went on to say, “The Minister know how we operate and I don’t think he will set a date that would embarrass us; have us hustling and shuttling… After he announces the date… there is nothing else new we will have to do… I can assure you we are on target.”

Nevertheless, Minister Bulkan in response to the GECOM Chairman said,

Diamond gas explosion

MoPI commences clearing of debris – GGMC to commence works by Monday

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Clean-up works onging in Diamond

he Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MoPI) has commenced the exercise of cleaning up the residences at Fifth and Sixth Avenue, Diamond, East Bank Demerara, where a resident of the community had dug a well that resulted in an eruption of mud, water and methane gas, causing damage to several homes in the area.

The clean-up works, expected to last for approximately two days, are being undertaken in an effort to give access to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) teams who will be working to recap the well.

Lieutenant Latchman Persaud of the National Emergency Operations System of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), who is overseeing the clean-up exercise, said it is expected that recapping works, expected to last between two and three weeks, can commence on Monday. He noted that all materials have already been procured and are on the ground.

Mitchell Prince, Senior Petroleum Analyst of the GGMC, said the plan is to run two sizes of casing into the ground where the well has been dug. “It is the reverse of drilling a well. The hole is already there, it is now to put the casings in

and seal it off. We are going to use 18-inch casings on the outside and 14 inch diameter casings on the inside. This would be sealed around with concrete, and there will be a valve.

During the process of construction, the valve will be left open in order to vent and release the pressures.

When you are finished sealing up, then you can close the valve,” he said.

The gas detection within the area remains low, and has been constrained within the property; as such, a safe zone has been established.

Director General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, has said the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has agreed to assist the affected neighbours in their clean-up efforts.

The Commission is also reminding persons that permits must be obtained from the Hydrometeorological Office to conduct such drillings.

“If you are drilling wells, you must receive permits from the Hydrometeorological Office, because you can have situations like this, (which) threaten your life, your neighbours’ lives, and other people around you. You have to be careful and follow the rules. If you don’t, you are going to put people’s lives at jeopardy,” Colonel Craig admonished.

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

GECOM Chairman, Justice James Patterson

“[Justice Patterson] is aware that it’s going to be mid-November but the actual date itself [will be known in two weeks]”.

This year’s Local Government Polls is said to be the first time in Guyana’s history that successive elections will be held. Since

1994, LGEs were held again in 2016 – one year after the current Administration took office.

Some $2.9 billion has been allocated for the elections with an additional $500,000 brought over from last year.

In preparation, for

the LGEs later this year, GECOM has already commenced the countrywide registration to ensure that all eligible citizens will be able to exercise their democratic right to vote. The process commenced on May 21 and will run until July 15. Meanwhile, the Commission’s Voters’ Education Division is also active, raising awareness on LGEs. The March 2016 Local Government Elections had recorded a low voter turnout; in fact, it was lower than the last elections held in 1994. The Commission had reported that out of the 507,584 people eligible to vote, only 239,070 people (47.1 per cent) chose to exercise their franchise.

Of the votes cast in the 71 Local Government Authorities (LGAs), 236,323 were deemed valid.

Justice Patterson had told the Press Division of the Ministry of the Presidency in a previous interview that the body is cognisant that every system must be in place in order for there to be a free, fair and transparent election.

“We started preparations ages ago because there are stages and we are at the stage now where everybody is doing something that the Statues of the Constitution say to do.

We have reports coming in daily from all of our positions throughout the country. I think most of the people come at least weekly with reports so we have everything ship shape in that regard. We have more registrants as we speak, far more than when we began and that gives me some comfort,” the GECOM Chairman had stated.

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SUnDAY, june 17, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

34 graduate from ‘Care for the Elderly and First Aid’ workshop F

irst Lady Sandra Granger this afternoon commended the 34 graduates for successfully completing the Care for the Elderly and the First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training workshop.

The workshop was organised by the Office of the First Lady in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection. The closing ceremony was held at the Baridi Benab at State House, Georgetown.

Granger, in her remarks, encouraged the graduates to use the certificate that they have achieved to earn gainful employment. “We have embarked on a programme to ensure that whatever job you do, you are trained to do it, so you are going to be

First Lady Sandra Granger (seated centre) and other officials posed with graduates on Friday

trained practitioners,” she said.

The First Lady also thanked the Ministry of Social Protection for their continued support for the programme. She noted, “I am very thankful for the confidence reposed in me by the Minister and the Ministry, and of course by the support we get at all levels…which makes it possible for us to embark on these exercises…”

Meanwhile, United

Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Secretary-General to Guyana, Patrice La Fleur, urged the graduates to not only seek employment, but to share the education and skills they have obtained through their participation in the workshop.

“I urge you to make the most of your training. It is a huge and significant investment in your present and fu-

ture status,” La Fleur stated.

The five-day workshop was aimed at providing caregivers with the requisite knowledge that caregivers need to be effective at their job.

Areas covered in the training were responsibilities of the caregiver and skills in communicating with the elderly. Focus was also

placed on dealing with mental health issues such as Alzheimer’s disease, stress management, abuse of seniors, management and care of diabetics, and feeding of seniors.

This training was facilitated by Licensed Clinical Social Worker Ismay Griffith and Gender Consultant at the Ministry of Social

Protection, Hazel HalleyBurnett.

In an invited comment, Dianna Deonarine, a graduate of the programme, said she plans to pursue the personal care assistant programme as she works towards her new career path as a full-time caregiver or nurse.

Oneisha Lane, another graduate, expressed her gratitude to the First Lady for coordinating the programme, and said: “I have gained a lot of knowledge about how to care for elderly persons, and how much this need is overlooked by other people in society. So this programme really raised a lot of awareness about how we should care for the elderly,” She said

Attempted murder accused arraigned with fraud charges

C

hatterpaul Singh, known as Kevin Singh, was on Friday arraigned before Georgetown Magistrate Leron Daly on two counts of fraud, both of which he has denied.

It is alleged that on April 23, 2018, while in the vicinity of Georgetown, having received $240,000 for or on account of Richard Singh, Chatterpaul Singh fraudu-

lently converted same to his own use and benefit.

It is also alleged that on March 24, 2018, in Georgetown, having received $600,000 for or on account of Richard Singh, he fraudulently converted same to his own use and benefit.

Singh’s attorney told the court that his client was employed with the virtual complainant for over nine months and never got paid.

The Police prosecutor did not object to the accused being placed on bail, and the magistrate placed Chatterpaul Singh on bail in the sum of $100,000 on each count. The matter was adjourned to July 13, 2018.

The father of two had been placed before the courts in July last on a charge of wounding Chatanand Persaud with intent to murder him.

sunDAY, june 17, 2018

19

Paul Pogba's late goal broke Australian resistance

L

Messi misses penalty as Argentina – as France started with a win in Group C and history was held by made with the World Cup’s first VAR goal Iceland T

ionel Messi's bid to win the World Cup got off to a nightmare start as he missed a penalty and his Argentina side were surprisingly held by debutants Iceland.

Messi was looking to match the impact his old rival Cristiano Ronaldo has made on the tournament - a sensational hat-trick against Spain on Friday night.

But instead of being the hero, Messi was the villain as his second-half spot-kick was easily saved by Hannes Halldorsson with the score at 1-1.

The draw was no less than Iceland, who are the smallest nation ever to play in a World Cup finals, deserved.

Their disciplined, defensive tactics frustrated an Argentina side who enjoyed the majority of possession and they also carried a threat going forward from the start, with Birkir Bjarnason scuffing a glori-

ous early chance.

After surviving that scare, the thousands of Argentina fans who packed out the Spartak Stadium were dancing in the Moscow sunshine when Sergio Aguero put them ahead with a superb strike after 19 minutes.

But Jorge Sampaoli's side have a soft centre and their lead lasted only four minutes and 15 seconds, as Alfred Finnbogason equalised with his country's first goal at a World Cup finals.

Finnbogason had made a hash of a header seconds earlier but Argentina failed to clear and Willy Caballero could only palm Hordur Magnusson's shot into the path of the striker, who gleefully turned it home.

Messi's missed penalty was Argentina's only clear-cut chance in the second half, although Cristian Pavon's bouncing cross drew a fine late save from Halldorsson. (BBCSport)

he video assistant referee penalised Australia's Josh Risdon for a sliding challenge on Antoine Griezmann, allowing the Atletico Madrid forward to dispatch a penalty, the first World Cup goal influenced by VAR. However, a moment of madness from French defender Samuel Umtiti, who handled Aaron Mooy's freekick, enabled Australia to equalise through Mile Jedinak's penalty in Kazan.

And they looked on course to hold one of the pre-tournament favourites until Pogba's lobbed effort deflected off Australia fullback Aziz Behich and the crossbar to fall inches over the goal-line.

Amid the large clusters of gold provided by around 10,000 Socceroos supporters, France initially assumed control of this Group C opener despite the long journey from their Moscow training base.

Kylian Mbappe sparkled early on, racing beyond the Australia backline to test goalkeeper Mat Ryan after 93 seconds.

That sparked a concerted offensive by Didier Deschamps' team but Australia stemmed the tide as the half progressed.

Going behind stirred

Australia into a response in the second period and Aston Villa's Jedinak converted a penalty after Umtiti had senselessly handled another dangerous Mooy delivery.

But Pogba's winner, confirmed by goal-line technology, ensured France opened the tournament with three points. (BBCSport)

20

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SUnDAY, june 17, 2018

Champion powerlifter urges youths to take sport seriously N

ational Junior Powerlifting Champion Runita White took the opportunity to share some insightful advice with young sportsmen and women during the presentation ceremony of the REO Inter Secondary School Cricket Competition. Owing to her father’s, businessman Rudyard White’s, sponsorship under his business W and R Electrical, the powerlifter found herself in the unique position to give some advice to the young and upcoming players.

In her heartfelt remarks, Runita White urged students to see sports as an avenue to boost their self-confidence. She stressed that sport helps in several areas.

“This is the first time that my father, through his business, is sponsoring a sport event. However, based on the response that we have seen and the fact that I am confident that it has helped in identifying some of our better school cricketers, I

am confident that my father will continue sponsoring this and other sporting disciplines,” she said.

White elaborated on her experiences and how she has benefited holistically from her involvement in sport.

“What I would like to do, however, is to urge students -- mostly our young people -to see sport as an avenue for creating development and enhancing themselves, as it helps in inculcating discipline, sportsmanship, unity, dedication, love, cohesive behaviour, commitment and dedication,” she said.

She added, “As a young woman, I am not just saying that sports is good because I want to sound impressive and look good; but, rather, because I have benefited significantly from the very advice that I am giving you. I have seen how it has helped me with my own personal life; with my holistic development as an individual, as a young lady; and most importantly, in my business

to claim a National Dead Lift Record of 195KG in the Junior 84+ KG category.

The record is an unofficial FESUPO (South American Powerlifting Federation) record, and is considered the heaviest deadlift ever done by any woman in Guyana.

Further, she has a Squat of 165 KG, which is a Junior record in the 84+ KG category; and a Bench record of 65.5KG which is another junior record in the 84+KG category.

Runita White (right) presenting the sponsorship cheque to Region Four REO, Pauline Lucas

and professional life,” she said.

She declared that she began competing in the sport of bodybuilding in February of 2018, and has excelled thus far, as she takes whatever she is involved in seri-

ously. The talented young businesswoman noted that the aim should not be “just taking part,” but rather, competing at the highest possible level.

“You must not just play a sport; you must do it with passion, determination, humbleness, and most importantly be very disciplined and dedicated; as once you possess these attributes, then you would certainly be excelling,” she told those at the presentation ceremony.

White assured the players that while her chosen sport is powerlifting, she is very impressed with the

level of competition that she saw, and most importantly the discipline and sportsmanlike behaviour exhibited among the players; and therefore she would be urging her father to come on board for another year.

White recently made history when she became the first woman in Guyana

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Inaugural El Dorado Champions golf tourney tees off LGC President, Aleem Hussain, opening the inaugural El Dorado Champions tournament with the official tee-off

T

he Lusignan Gold Club (LGC) and El Dorado Rums teed off their first ever El Dorado Champions golf invitational championships last Saturday afternoon.

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he Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) course has been tipped to be officially renamed “Green Anaconda”, according to club President Aleem Hussain.

The constantly upgraded Greens at Lusignan have been a major part of the facility’s overhaul, as the club is tipped to become a 5-Star country golf club by the end of 2018.

Speaking with Hussain on Saturday during the LGC’s El Dorado Golf Championships, the President confirmed that the name Green Anaconda was derived from the course’s aggressive demeanour, as it relates to being one of the most difficult courses in the Caribbean.

He added that the “deadly” course has been bringing out the best in golfers over the years; moulding some of the best pros in Guyana and around the Caribbean.

Regarding the renaming, Hussain said an official ceremony will be held in the future.

With golf booming more than ever in the past 6 months compared to the entire 2017, Hussain also said, parts of the venue will be specially awarded to sponsors who will have their logos and brands depicted proudly at the Club.

Also, the LGC is preparing to host a Lusignan 2-day club tourney, set for the last weekend in July. Following the event, the Club will, for the first time ever, host a Shivnarine Chanderpaul Celebrity Invitational tournament sponsored by Windsor Estates.

The year of major activities will culminate in November with the biggest event of the year, the Guyana Open Cup, teeing off over a three-day period. (Clifton Ross)

El Dorado Rum Brand Manager Maria Munro and LGC Captain, Chatterpaul Deo, during the official opening of the event

took to the Greens.

Prior to Saturday’s midday tee off, El Dorado Rum Brand Manager Maria Munro said her company as happy to host their inaugural event with the LGC. She said El Dorado was happy to be part

of such a big event, which was well attended.

Munro said she was in full support of golf, and hinted that the El Dorado brand was preparing to host at least three events per year, going forward.

LGC President, Aleem Hussain, prior to leading the official tee-off ceremony, said he was grateful to the company for its support of golf, and thanked the company for being a part of such a big invitational.

Hussain said he was looking to forge a stronger relationship with the El Dorado brand as golf prepares to enter its second half of the year in fine style. He added that more programmes, some of which will be targeting ladies and schools, will tee off in the near future.

El Dorado provided samplings of gin and 15-year-old Rum at a Happy Hour following the tournament. Food and hampers, compliments of the company, were also featured.

22

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SUnDAY, june 17, 2018

Warner heading to St Lucia Stars for Hero CPL 2018 T

he St Lucia Stars have announced that Aussie opener David Warner will join their franchise for his inaugural 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) tourney.

Warner will replace fellow Australian D’Arcy Short, who is no longer available for the tournament, having been selected for Australia A’s tour of India which takes place in August and September.

Warner has played in T20 tournaments around the world, but this will be his first appearance in the Hero CPL. The last innings Warner had in the Caribbean saw him score 109 in an ODI vs South Africa in 2016, but this will be his first visit to play T20 cricket in the region since he represented Australia against the Windies in March 2012.

A veteran of 243 T20 matches, 70 of which are internationals, Warner brings a huge amount of experience to the Stars’ squad. With 7,668 T20 runs and six T20 hundreds, fans of the Hero CPL can look forward to him adding to that tally when the Stars get their tournament underway on 8 August.

Speaking about the signing of Warner, Stars’ General Manager Mohammad Khan said: “We are excited to bring David to the Saint Lucia Stars.

David is arguably one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era, and is a winning player. He is going to add a lot of value on the field and in the dressing room as we pursue our first Hero CPL title.”

David Warner

guyanatimesgy.com

SUnDAY, june 17, 2018

23

Gabriel strikes for West Indies after narrow lead

S

ri Lanka's quicks scythed through the West Indies lower order, and finished only 13 runs behind for the loss of one wicket by stumps. But it was what they did at the start of the day that loomed over this game. For two hours, they refused to take the field, and when they did, it was only "under protest".

The reason? Match officials had charged them with ball tampering, slapping on a five-run penalty, and changing the ball that had been used on day one. Sri Lanka's coach and team management were seen in animated discussions with match officials, after being told of the tampering allegations shortly before the teams were set to take the field. They were eventually convinced to resume play, but deny any "wrongdoing" according to a board release. An inquiry on these charges will be held after stumps on Saturday.

Though there is a major controversy brewing, this is now a finely-balanced Test, the visitors fighting back hard, after having allowed West Indies to take control of the match over the first two days. The definitive period of play was the 20.3 overs they delivered with the second new ball, either side of tea. In that period they took the six final West Indies wickets for 59 runs - Lahiru Kumara taking three of those wickets, to finish with an impressive 4 for 84 on a day in which he had bowled deliveries as fast as 149kph.

Kasun Rajitha also collected encouraging figures in his first Test innings, removing Devendra Bishoo and Jason Holder in a single intense spell, to end with 3 for 49.

The pitch, though, remained helpful for the quicks, especially when they bowled with the new ball, and Sri Lanka will know they are in

the ball consistently off the seam, and all three bowlers drew plenty of false strokes - the lower order seeming to play and miss more often than they made connection.

Earlier in the day, only 12.3 overs had been possible because of Sri Lanka's refusal to take the field.

When they did begin to play, Kumara was seemingly channelling the ire felt in the Sri Lanka dressing room,

Devon Smith

for another fight tomorrow.

Sri Lanka had just under an hour to bat at the end of the day, and were frequently in trouble through this period. Kusal Perera played a stroke-filled 23-ball innings, collecting three boundaries, and miscuing other aerial shots. He was out for 20, leaden-footedly edging Shannon Gabriel to the wicketkeeper. The only batsmen who can be said to have prospered for a meaningful length of time on day three were Shane Dowrich, who hit 55, and Roston Chase, who joined Dowrich for a 78run fifth-wicket stand.

Where in Trinidad Sri Lanka had allowed West Indies' lower order to compile a formidable first-innings total almost on their own, it was Kumara's intensity and Rajitha's perseverance that enabled the visitors to shut this West Indies innings down in relatively quick time. Dowrich and Chase had built an ominous stand and had taken West Indies to within 14 runs of Sri Lanka's first-in-

SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka 1st Inninngs 253 all out WI 1st Innnings West Indies 1st Innings KC Brathwaite c †Dickwella b Rajitha 22 DS Smith lbw b Dananjaya 61 KOA Powell c Mendis b Kumara 27 SD Hope c de Silva b Lakmal 19 RL Chase c Lakmal b Kumara 41 SO Dowrich † c †Dickwella b Lakmal 55 JO Holder (c) c †Dickwella b Rajitha 15 D Bishoo c Mendis b Rajitha 2 KAJ Roach lbw b Kumara 13 ML Cummins not out 8 ST Gabriel c de Silva b Kumara 3 Extras 34 (b 11, lb 8, nb 1, w 9, pen 5) TOTAL 300 all out (100.3 Overs, RR: 2.98) Fall of wickets: 1-59 (KC Brathwaite, 24.4 ov), 2-115 (KOA Powell, 40.6 ov), 3-149 (SD Hope, 54.3 ov), 4-163 (DS Smith, 59.1 ov), 5-241 (RL Chase,

80.4 ov), 6-254 (SO Dowrich, 86.3 ov), 7-261 (D Bishoo, 89.6 ov), 8-279 (JO Holder, 93.3 ov), 9-292 (KAJ Roach, 98.4 ov), 10300 (ST Gabriel, 100.3 ov) BOWLING: RAS Lakmal (24-650-2), A Dananjaya (25-7-811), CAK Rajitha (22-6-49-3), CBRLS Kumara (26.3-4-86-4), DM de Silva (3-0-10-0) Sri Lanka 2nd Innings MDKJ Perera c †Dowrich b Gabriel 20 ML Udawatte not out 11 CAK Rajitha not out 0 Extras 3 (nb 2, w 1) TOTAL 34-1 (9 Overs, RR: 3.77) Yet to bat: BKG Mendis, LD Chandimal (c), ARS Silva, N Dickwella †, DM de Silva, A Dananjaya, RAS Lakmal, CBRLS Kumara Fall of wickets: 1-32 (MDKJ Perera, 7.4 ov) BOWLING: KAJ Roach (3-1-12-0), ST Gabriel (4-0-14-1), JO Holder (1-0-6-0), ML Cummins (1-0-2-0)

nings total with six wickets still in hand, when the second new ball became available. Kumara struck the first blow, having Chase caught at short midwicket for 44. He would later return to knock out the last two wickets, nailing Kemar Roach in front of leg stump with a yorker, and having Shannon Gabriel top edge a heave off the short ball.

In between, Rajitha and Suranga Lakmal moved

sending down a barrage of hostile short deliveries at the overnight pair. Smith was unruffled by the strategy, and batted with caution, much as he had on the previous day. Shai Hope was not as confident, and was eventually out edging Lakmal to the cordon for 19. Subtlety rather than menace - would later be the end of Smith.

Expecting an offbreak from Akila Dananjaya, who was

operating around the wicket to the left-hander, Smith was struck on the pad by a slider that would have gone on to hit the stumps. He had made a vital 61, however. Not only was Smith's the highest individual score in West Indies' total of 300, it was an important innings for a batsman who is attempting to win a consistent place in this team, at the age of 36.

SUNDAY, JUNE 17, 2018

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

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Pg 23

Shane Dowrich

Gabriel strikes for West Indies after narrow lead

Messi misses penalty as Argentina held by Iceland

Kusan Rajitha

Lionel Messi's penalty attempt is denied by Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson

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JUNE 17, 2018

Feature

By Rev Gideon Cecil

W

E are presently making preparations to honour Fathers all over the world today, which is a very special day for fathers.

Let me give a brief history pertaining to father’s day which I believe would be of great interest to readers.

Sonora Dodd, of Washington first had the idea of ‘Father’s Day’. She thought of the idea of Father’s Day while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909. President Calvin Coolidge, in 1924 supported the idea of a National

Father’s Day. Then in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father’s Day. President Richard Nixon signed the law, which finally made it permanent in 1972.

Father’s Day has been a very old tradition since the beginning of time. About 4000 years ago a young boy named Elmusu wished his Babylonian father good health and long life by carving a father’s day message on a card made out of clay. No one

knows what happened to Elmusu or his father, but the tradition of having a special day honouring fathers has continued through the years in countries across the world.

The fifth commandment in the Bible is: ‘Honour thy Father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.’ (Exodus 20:12) The word father in the Hebrew is ‘Abba’ meaning father along with the following definitions in Hebrew for

Father as the “source, sus-

tainer, nourisher, supporter, foundation of that which comes out”. From this Hebrew definition, we can surely say that the Father is the source and foundation of the family.

We cannot separate the father from the mother or separate the husband from the wife. Marriage is a very sacred institution ordained by God since the beginning of time.

God created marriage to be an expression of Himself. When God created marriage, he created it perfect. Man failed God because of sin. Man is really and truly the spiritual foundation of the family.

The first man created by God Adam was fathered and mentored by God himself.

When Adam disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, God came down in the Garden and called for Adam not the woman Eve. That was because God gave instructions to Adam and not his wife Eve. Because of the sin of disobedience since the beginning of time man died spiritually, physically, and eternally.

Adam died spiritually because he was expelled from the presence of God, he died physically because of disobedience to God, and he died eternally by being separated from God eternally.

Today we have seen a great moral breakdown in the home and family. We have seen domestic violence caused by so many drunken and immoral fathers. We have seen family separation where husbands and wives are going their separate ways. Divorce and more divorce every day. Child abuse by parents, poverty and separation of children from parents. Why all these social ills?

It’s because men have turned their backs on God. They have failed to take up their responsibility as a father who is the source and foundation of their family income.

A woman is not looking for a sex champion to be a husband. She is looking for a father in her husband, the source and sustainer of her financial and emotional needs.

A true father doesn’t only just produce; he sustains, protects, nourish, love and supports.

Husbands need to show their wives that they are important, they must show them that they care and concern for them as well as their children.

Wives need to be loved not beaten and abused. Our wives need to be loved. They need to be cared for, they need to be given security and closeness without sex. The driving force in a marriage is not sex, that is why most marriages failed.

The Father’s role as well as the wife is:’ “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 21:6).

The word ‘train’ in this verse of scripture means to instruct, educate, discipline, etc. Every father should remember that one day his children will follow his example. Parents are teachers of their children.

When I see a child ‘cussing’, I realize he learn to cuss from his parents.

William Shakespeare wrote: “’It is a wise father that knows his own child”. A father will only know his child when he takes on the responsibility to care for that child. Father’s day will be a very sad day for many fathers because they really don’t know their children.

They will not get love and affection from their children because they have deserted them from a very tender age.

The true essence of fatherhood is for fathers to take up the leading role in their homes because they are the foundation of their families. Bad fathers will produce bad children, bad children will create a bad society, and bad societies will create a deplorable country all because of poor fathers who are the foundation of their families.

It’s about time our fathers of this country start leading their families and become better role models for their children. I realize that I am getting old because I begin to look just like my father. May God bless all our fathers in Guyana? My prayers are with you.

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 17, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Feature

cally advanced world.

Apart from being a great dad, so far, Christopher is somewhat of a celebrity in the world of sport. He is a right-arm fast bowler in the hit-the-deck mould who can also contribute with the bat. In his first season of domestic cricket, he served

Enjoying some quality time

F

atherhood is the ultimate goal for many men. The feeling of being able to be a part of creating another life is one that is cherished but do not underestimate the role of being a father since it is not one to mess with.

When you are a father, you are your child’s teacher, counselor, coach, financial adviser, judge and jury, and a protector all at once.

For some of you who are already a father, you know the feeling all too well but for cricketer Christopher Barnwell joining the fatherhood club has allowed him to discover a part of himself he never knew existed. Christopher’s wife Dionne Cush-Barnwell gave birth to their beautiful baby girl on January 16, 2018 and describes the first time he saw his daughter, Ms. Chelsea Dhilia Barnwell, as “love at first sight.”

Drawing from his own childhood, which he described

My ultimate goal as a father is to make sure I raise my child in the right way, get her to do the right and provide for her. as total fun, Christopher hopes to give his daughter the best life possible. He remembers his own childhood days of playing marbles after a day as school or a game of cricket with the boys in the neighbourhood.

He also enjoyed a good basketball match and even the classic hide and seek. Those are all experiences he hopes little Chelsea would have the opportunity to indulge while growing up in the more technologi-

First Easter

notice of both his skills, with a five-wicket haul and halfcenturies in the first-class and List A formats. While spinners formed the crux of Guyana's attack in their victorious 2010 Caribbean T20 campaign, Barnwell was their most consistent seamer, impressing with his nagging lengths and clever changes of pace. He has since then, gone on to play the game in various formats at home and overseas. The 31 year old has played for notable teams such as West Indies, Barbados Tridents, Guyana, Guyana Amazon Warriors, and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

With this success in his career, Christopher said the day he became a father was the day he truly experienced boundless joy. Since becoming a father, Christopher’s daily life has changed tremendously since everything now revolves around ensuring that his daughter gets the best life possible.

“Some of my memorable moments with my father are him taking me to school, going on out of town trip to watch him play football, playing cricket in the backyard and cooking after a good game of cricket,” Christopher reminisced.

It is those same memories and more that he plans to create with his daughter.

“Once I don't have cricket and I'm home would take her out to visit the garden, zoo, play games with her, fly kite and pay keen interest in the fun thing she like. My ultimate goal as a father is to

Christopher with Dionne and baby Chelsea

make sure I raise my child in the right way, get her to do the right and provide for her.”

For Christopher, he is

enjoying every moment with Chelsea and for his first Father’s Day he plans to reflect and think about the type

of life he has lived and the quality of life he intends to provide for her.

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Sunday Times Magazine

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JUNE 17, 2018

Feature

By M ohanlall S eulall

T

hey say that fathers are the embodiment of God. They are there for us when the going gets tough and guide us through it all and that is exactly what Jainarine Lall has been doing for his two daughters.

Lall is a unique father. At the tender age

of five, he was diagnosed with poliomyelitis also known as polio and due to the economic constraints with his family; he could not have gotten the medical attention he needed at the time. The Essequibo native lost the ability to walk without aid but that never dampened his spirits.

His uncle Persaud, who was a Head

Master, got him into the Poliomyelitis (now Ptolemy Reid) Rehabilitation Center in Georgetown at aged 12. After leaving the Center, he spent a few years with a cousin who was a supervisor at a local upholstery factory in the City. Visits to the factory blossomed an interest in the upholstery field resulting in him

being among the best in the business right now.

Now he operates a business with his wife Girly and two daughters Versha and Valesha. As a father, he is very loving and his only dream is to see his two daughters become successful in life. He is given them all the support necessary to fulfill their dreams.

He vividly remembered his own dad who had to be away from the family from morning to night just to earn enough for the family to survive. His encouragement to all fathers is to make time for your children and become their best friend, shower them with love and they will shower you with love. Become their role model; let them see you as their strongest pillar in the family unit.

Sometimes fathers are too busy in the day to day life that we forget our responsibilities to our children and when we become older in life it might be too late to bridge that gap.

“I wish that all fa-

thers sit and reflect on our role as and see if we are really doing a fine job by being there for our children. They say that our parents are our god but as fathers are we really living up to that statement? Remember we are the first teachers of our children so my only wish this father's day is to encourage all fathers to take a minute out of your busy schedule and reflect on your family relationship,” he advises.

“Although I am a disabled person living with Polio I tried to do my best for my family.

I even drive my own car to Georgetown to purchased materials for my business. I will never let my disability keep me from being who I wanted to be. With determination and faith everything can be possible,” Lall added.

In addition, he advises father to listen more and show just how much they care.

When asked about some of the challenges he has faced, Lall said that the Regional Administration gave him a house lot and after doing all the preparation for construction of his home, the land was seized by the Courts and given to someone else resulting in him losing a substantial investment.

The Region eventually gave him a land in Capoey as compensation but when he attempted to access it, someone had already claimed ownership. He said that he is very frustrated he even wrote the president on the matter but seems of getting nowhere.

“Although I am a handicap person trying to make a living no one is listening to my story.”

Lall said that if not for his courage, determination and family support he might not have made it this far.

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JUNE 17, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Feature

By Utamu Belle

W

hile the role of fatherhood presents numerous challenges, Linden father of nine Leon Fiedtkou believes that a father's love is one of the main ingredients t h a t keeps a

him by his father, he went on to explain, which provided the fuel for his future generations. Mr. Fiedtkou moved to Linden in 1992 in search of better educational access for his children. “I grew up in a home whereby my father had small chil-

famdren. ily toI was g e t h the second Mr. Fiedtkou er.

Mr. eldest for my Fiedtkou, who father. He had 15 hails from Speightland children. So we grew up is father to 8 biological chil- together and I had a lot of exdren and a foster child, the perience with children, my eldest being 48 and youngest small brothers and sisters", 28 years old.

Mr. Fiedtkou said.

The Sunday Times Even after he separated Magazine recently sat from his foster daughter's down with the 73-year-old mother, Mr. Fiedtkou raised Fiedtkou, a well-respected his foster daughter until she gentleman in the commu- became an adult. nity, where he spoke about "She's very dutiful to me his own experiences over the up to now, because growing years associated with his up she knew me as 'daddy'". role of fatherhood. While he A self-employed tractor agreed that fatherhood pres- driver for many years, Mr. ents its own challenges, Mr. Fiedtkou recalled the chalFiedtkou believes that fa- lenges associated with raisthers should remain stead- ing his children in the rivfast and always be there to erine community of Malali give support. years ago. "Children are alAs he explained, before ways a challenge. We had he had any children of his lots of challenges. Living own, he was a foster father. in the river (riverine area) He said while it was a learn- wasn't easy. Especially with ing experience, it was noth- sickness, we had to depend ing strange, since he was an on God and most times home elder sibling of 15 children. remedies. Because at that Though this union did not time engine boats weren't last, he went on to have more as popular as now, so it was children, six of which he has challenging to get out here", with his wife, Gina who he related. passed away 3 years ago.

He said nevertheless, his According to Mr. Fiedtkou, family endured until they who is originally from Malali, were able to move to Linden.

Upper Demerara River, he Though his children are all grew up in a home with lots grown now, he said quality of children under the guid- family time is always on evance of his parents. He lat- eryone's 'to do' list. er ventured into woodwork "I try to live a good famwith his father. ily life with my children," he “Most of the time I used pointed out. to handle the work. We had His advice to fathers? a shop and I was like second “Love, togetherness and boss", he said, as he shared a spending quality time". glimpse into the relationship "Fathers got a lot of rehe had with his own father. sponsibility. If you want to be It was the love shown to a good father, you got to live

with love. In our home, birthdays, Father's day, Mother's day and anniversaries are things that we celebrate. We always assemble and have a day of fun. I think that is one of the things that keep family together. A father's love", Mr. Fiedtkou noted.

He now has 10 grandchildren whom he noted are the joy of his life. Mr. Fiedtkou believes that when love is the foundation, a family is much stronger. "I've seen the way some people treat their children. Fathers especially.

If you treat them the wrong way, they grow with that and pass it on to their children. So, love is the key. If you show love to them, they would grow in love", he advises.

Mr. Fiedtkou with his children and grand children

6 Sunday Times Magazine

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JUNE 17, 2018

Feature

Part of the family

By Davina Ramdass

6

3- year old Gladston Haydock Bagot, the pastor of Deliverance Tabernacle Assemblies of God met the love of his life, Barbara Baichulall at the age of just 26 years and knew immediatedly that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. The two courted for about one year and finally tied the knot about one year after.

The man of God who has always loved the idea of being a father had no idea that he would parent four wonderful and energetic kids along with several more dur-

ing the course of his work.

The pastor said when he first learnt that he was going to be a father he was probably the happiest man in the world. He felt overwhelmed with joy since he would soon experience the feeling that God wants him to.

His first child, a boy was born in February of 1985.

Pastor Bagot noted that he always wanted to ensure that he made his children at a young age so that it would not have an effect on his ministry. It was not long after that his second child came, another boy.

He said at this point his wife and himself were now

anxious to have a girl and decided to try with that goal, however, another boy came. After trying everything to cope with the three boys that they have, the two lovers went again in pursuit of having a baby girl which had finally came after much prayers.

Like every parent, the pastor also faced challenges in raising his kids the way he wanted to. While pastor alluded to the fact that he never had much difficulties in raising his children, he did mention some of the trials and testing he faced as a man of God. “The greatest chal-

lenge that presents itself is when you are a father and you have expectations for your children and they do not meet those expectations. They affect me a lot.

Especially if they are facing certain circumstances. It puts a burden on you. It burdens you to see them face that challenge and you now become ready to do whatever it takes and pay whatever price you have to, just to see them happy and their future change. It’s like your children’s trouble becomes your troubles and their joy becomes your joy.”

The most challenging part of his parenthood he noted however, was when the children started to get older and wanted to make their own decisions as teenagers. Before the children could have become the wise teenagers that they grew into, pastor Bagot said that there was one point in time, where he had to take care of all his babies by himself, since his wife had left their KuruKururu Soesdyke Linden home, as she chased her dream of becoming a medical nurse.

His wife, he pointed out,

had left for Essequibo a short while after his fourth child was born. While most fathers would have been tempted the throw in the towel, this dedicated man of God was anxious to see his wife develop in the area that she was passionate about.

Mrs. Bagot had left her home for just about three years and would sometimes visit her family on the weekends whenever she had the opportunity.

“It was quite challenging because to carry the burden of the church and to take care of them, clothe them and all the rest it was difficult but because of how discipline I was I was able to manage all that was happening.”

After that chapter of their lives were over and his children were now adults and ready for marriage, the Pastor said even now he was as happy as can be. The proud moment in his life came when two of his eldest sons got married in the year 2008.

It was not long after, that his second son also tied the knot with a woman of his dreams. As time passed and his baby girl grew into a woman, she too was ready to start a family of her own.

Mr. Bagot said this was an emotional part of his life because even though he had always prepared his mind for it, he felt like he was losing his baby.

As he faced his fear, his only daughter tied the knot and he welcomed

his son-in-law into his home.

“My home felt empty after she left. She was always there to make me laugh and do all kinds of things with me. I just felt like something was missing.

The now 63-year old father, said he liked parenting so much and was fairly good at it so he even took on the challenge of raising not only children from his family, but others as well.

He was so inclined to the feeling that he went as far as to bring a prisoner into his own home. At one point he fathered his two nephews and one of his nieces, after their parents, who live overseas was frustrated. The man also parented his wife’s 8-year old sister.

In addition to this, pastor Bagot and his wife cared for a four month old baby after his parents, who were then members of his church were faced with a number of challenges. The baby boy stayed with the family until he was just about four years old before his mother decided that she wanted to play her motherly duties again.

Although heart broken, his wife and himself took in another stranger, this time a teenager into their home, where they are still parenting him. “We sensed in our hearts that we wanted to do something for this young man. We see so much inside of him. His parents still come to visit, but we are so happy to be able to help.”

Pastor Bagot said that he never really had the type of fatherly love he desired.

He said he never knew his biological father even though he even played with the man’s children. He said he learnt who his father was after his mother passed away.

The man who was fathered by a step-dad said he questioned his mom once about his dad and never again did after he got quite of an answer.

He noted that they never had much of a close relationship and never really felt loved. This however did not stop him from becoming the loving and caring father that he is today, but has propelled him to be a better person.

Pastor Bagot and his sweetheart Barbara

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JUNE 17, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Literary Corner

Father

My father knows the proper way The nation should be run; He tells us children every day Just what should now be done.

He knows the way to fix the trusts, He has a simple plan; But if the furnace needs repairs, We have to hire a man.

My father, in a day or two Could land big thieves in jail; There’s nothing that he cannot do, He knows no word like “fail.”

“Our confidence” he would restore, Of that there is no doubt; But if there is a chair to mend, We have to send it out.

All public questions that arise, He settles on the spot; He waits not till the tumult dies, But grabs it while it’s hot.

In matters of finance he can Tell Congress what to do; But, O, he finds it hard to meet His bills as they fall due.

It almost makes him sick to read The things law-makers say; Why, father’s just the man they need, He never goes astray.

All wars he’d very quickly end, As fast as I can write it; But when a neighbor starts a fuss, ’Tis mother has to fight it.

In conversation father can Do many wondrous things; He’s built upon a wiser plan Than presidents or kings.

He knows the ins and outs of each And every deep transaction; We look to him for theories, But look to ma for action.

By Edgar Albert Guest

by

Petamber Persaud

I

t is ironic in our patriarchal society that the celebration of fathers as in Father’s Day is not as big an event as say Mother’s Day. Without getting bogged down in a debate, this article will focus on a few writers in Guyanese Literature who fathered other writers in conjunction to fathering and producing their own literary children and will focus on those fathers whose biological off springs also produced outstanding works of creation.

The father* of Lisa St. Aubin de Teran

Jan Carew

Jan Carew was a writer, educator, thinker, philosopher, diplomat and activist who made his mark wherever he worked and lived – Trinidad, London, Spain, Ghana, Canada, Mexico, USA, Czechoslovakia, France and Guyana.

And he discharged his responsibilities with the singular fixation to right wrongs of discrimination, marginalisation and even gender inequity, fighting the ‘same cause’ by re-writing and righting history.

Carew is best known for his novel ‘Black Midas’, first published 1958.

Jan Carew wrote extensively for children as teacher to student, opening their eyes to facts of life and myths, sometimes a fusion of Amerindian and African lore, giving life to history producing such gems are ‘Children of the Sun’, ‘Amalivaca’, and ‘The Sisters and Manco’s Stories’.

His other writings including novels, memoirs and plays like ‘The Wild Coast’, ‘The Last Barbarian’, ‘Moscow is not my Mecca’, ‘Ghosts in my Blood’, ‘University of Hunger’, ‘Black Horse, Pale Rider’, ‘Street of Eternity’, ‘Sea Drums in my Blood’, and ‘The Day of the Fox’ Lisa St. Aubin de Teran is described as a ‘writer of autobiographical fictions, and memoirist’, immortalizing the many places in which she lived in The Slow Train to Milan, The Hacienda, and Mozambique Mysteries.

The father* of Denise Harris

Wilson Harris is the recipient of five honorary doctorates. In 1968, he obtained an Arts Council Grant, and in 1971, he was a Commonwealth Fellow in Caribbean Literature at Leeds University, UK. He held the revered position of writer-in-residence at many universities around the world including places like Australia, New York, Texas, Toronto and Cuba. In 1987, he won the inaugural Guyana Prize for Literature in the fiction category and in 2002 he was awarded the Guyana Prize Special Award. In 2003, the University of Warwick staged a conference in honour of Harris. In 1968, Wilson Harris was a delegate to the National Identity Conference in Brisbane and in the same year, he was a delegate to UNESCO sympo-

Notice to Readers

sium on Caribbean Literature held in Cuba. In 1970, he was part of the Convention of Caribbean Writers and Artists held in Guyana planning for what turned out to be the Caribbean Festival of Arts (Carifesta). Some of his poems were collected in three volumes; FETISH, 1951, ETERNITY TO SEASON, 1952, and THE WELL AND THE LAND, 1952. He has written numerous essays on topics including ‘The Enigma of Values’, ‘Fossil and Psyche’, ‘Greatness and Bitterness’ and ‘The Making of a Book’. Wilson Harris has written and published some twenty three novels since his first, PALACE OF THE PEACOCK, appeared in 1960.

Denise Harris, born in Georgetown, Guyana, is widely-travelled; her attachment to UNICEF has taken her to places like Barbados, Jamaica, New York and Beijing. Her first novel, WEB OF SECRETS, won the Guyana Prize for Literature, 1996, in the category of best first book of fiction. The book is ‘fictional autobiography’ dealing with issues from which people shy away; it gives ‘a picture of a sensitive child suffering considerably from the stress of marital breakdown, the African-Indian racial violence of early 1960’s Georgetown and the failure of the family to confront the racial tensions within it’. It is also a novel of redemption. Her second novel, IN REMEMBRANCE OF HER, was short-listed for the Guyana Prize in 2004. She is also a photographer.

tion (BROWN GIRL IN THE RING, MIDNIGHT ROBBER, THE SALT ROADS, SKIN FOLK). Her work has received numerous awards including the Warner Aspect First Novel Prize, the Ontario Arts Council Foundation Award for emerging writers, the John W. Campbell Award for best new writer, the World Fantasy Award, and the Gaylactic Spectrum Award. Her novel MIDNIGHT ROBBER was given Honourable Mention in Cuba's "Casa de las Americas" literary prize and is a New York Times Notable Book of the Year 1999. She has served as Writerin-Residence in many colleges and universities around the world including places like Australia, USA, London, and in Canada.

The father* of Oonya Kempadoo

Peter Kempadoo is the first Guyanese of Indian ancestry to write a novel. That book, GUIANA BOY, was self-published in 1960 by a small press, New Literature (Publishing) Limited, founded by Kempadoo. This first novel was well received. But his second novel, OLD THOM’S HARVEST, also set on the Corentyne Coast of Guyana was scoffed at because of his exploration of the Indian man and African woman relationship at a time when society was not ready to accept miscege-

The father* of Nalo Hopkinson

Abdur-Rahman Slade Hopkinson was a man of many parts: New Amsterdam, Berbice, Georgetown, Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and North America; parts of the world in which he lived. He was a head teacher, university lecturer, journalist, poet, actor, playwright and painter. ‘THE FOUR and other poems’, his first collection, was published in Barbados in 1954. During the sixties, he became a Muslim, reflected in his later writing and, in 1970, he founded the Caribbean Theatre Guild. ‘THE MADWOMAN of PAPINE and ‘THE FRIEND’ were published by Curriculum Development Centre, Ministry of Education & Social Development, Guyana, in 1976. His plays include ‘Sala’ and ‘The Long Vacation’. His short story, ‘Marcus Aurelius and the Transatlantic Baakoo’ was published in the Faber Book of Modern Caribbean Short Stories.

Slade Hopkinson died in 1993, the same year his final collection of poems, ‘SNOWSCAPE with SIGNATURE’ was published.

Nalo Hopkinson is among the first science-fiction writers of the Caribbean.

She has lived in Jamaica, Trinidad and Guyana and for the past 30-odd years in Canada. She is the author of three novels and a short story collec-

Nalo Hopkinson

Peter Kempadoo

nation from the other end of the spectrum. Kempadoo for most of his life was a self-taught, self-made man. But he benefited from early formal education. A certified teacher and a trained nurse, Kempadoo put his talent to others uses and excelled as a reporter and broadcaster. And despite his contribution to Guyanese literature, Kempadoo still refers to himself as an accidental writer.

Oonya Kempadoo grew up in Guyana, lived in various parts of Europe and on many islands of the Caribbean. Her first novel, BUXTON SPICE, was an instant success. It was on the London bestseller list throughout 1999, nominated for the 2000 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, and won her the label ‘a Great Talent for the Twenty-First Century’ by the Orange Prize judges.

The novel was translated in French, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese and Hebrew. Her second novel, TIDE RUNNING, won the Casa de las Americas literary prize of Cuba. Both novels explored sexuality in youths.

Her third novel is All Decent Animals.

Please forgive me if I missed your story – the story of you and your dad, and help me to correct this omission by sending relevant information, thank you. *No slight intended to the mothers involved in giving birth to the above children.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com

If you have a poem and/or short story you would like to publish on our Literary Corner page, please email to timessundaymag@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.

8 Sunday Times Magazine

JUNE 17, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Travel and Tourism

This family paddling in their traditional canoe down the Chenapou River to their farm

C

henapou Village-an Amerindian settlement located some 29 miles up the Potaro River is accessible by an approximate three hours boat ride, well that depends on how fast your boat moves. The village is divided into four zones and is described as the best place to live or have an escape from the everyday hassles of city life.

The name Chenapou is a Patamona word and when translated means Frog Pond and the village would have gotten its name from the variety of frogs that inhibits the pond. One of the most popular one, is what we refer to as the ‘mountain chicken’ and in this village, it is called Chenau.

The village has approximately 524 residents.

Like every Amerindian Village, Chenapou has a Village Council that is headed by a Toshao, ViceToshao, treasurer and secretary. Councillors are responsible for different zones in the community and are also assigned duties in relation to health, education and the environment as well as other areas.

The main livelihood of the Chenapou residents is subsistence farming. All fertile farming areas are located outside the Village title with cassava, plantain, banana, pumpkin and squash being common crops and most households make local drinks such as cassiri, parakari and fly. In addition, some residents are also involved in mining within their customary lands.

Just over a year ago, the livelihood of the Chenapou became threatened when over twenty residents were arrested and charged for illegal mining within the Kaieteur National Park.

However, those charges were dropped after widespread protests from the Amerindian communities along with their allies.

But to date the issue has not been fully dealt with. The Patamona people have long contended that the Kaieteur National Park falls within their customary lands and they should have unprecedented access to it.

Chenapou Village, because of its location, employment opportunities are limited to only two sectors-mining and farming. The women folk often take up farming as a means of providing a ‘back-up’ to the men folk’s earnings. Most of the men work on mining dredges and would usually ply their trade in the Blackwater - Korobrung area since the earnings from mining are much more feasible for maintaining a family.

Despite that threat, the level of comradery and togetherness in the Chenapou is even stronger.

Despite the hardships, the people of Chenapou are resilient and would welcome anyone warmly and treat you as though you are family. That is the spirit of Chenapou-where you do not go hungry or uncared for.

You would still see the residents getting up at the crack of dawn to have breakfast together before they go off to work in their farms.

Just for the crisp fresh air or experiencing frog pond or even the boat ride up the Potaro, Chenapou is the ultimate culmination of a great visit to Kaieteur Falls.

Early morning cleaning

Cassava bread drying

Warishi ready- this woman prepares to go into the farm to pull some cassava

An early morning bath in Frog Pond

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JUNE 17, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine

9

10 Sunday Times Magazine

JUNE 17, 2018

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MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

UNIFORM VOUCHER 2018

LIST OF BUSINESS PLACES WHERE ONE CAN PURCHASE SCHOOL ITEMS WITH THE SCHOOL UNIFORM VOUCHER SCHOOL UNIFORM AGENCIES IN REGION # 2 1. Rajendra K. Ramkumar – 40 Windsor Castle 2. G. Deodat – Gopi’s Enterprise – 369 Hampton Court, Essequibo 3. Mohamed R. Ramjohn – R & R Fashion – Supernaam Market, Essequibo 4. Manraj Rambaran – Lima Essequibo Coast 5. Dalchand Variety Store – 7 Anna Regina, Essequibo 6. Cinderella Designs – Anna Regina Post Office Compound 7. Shackelia Henry – 4 Aurora Essequibo 8. Lalchan’s Puja & Variety Store 9. Krishna & Son Enterprise – Charity, Essequibo Coast 10. Kozy Nook Family Store -2 Soesdyke 11. Iman Bacchus & Sons Ltd – Affiance Essequibo Coast 12. Poorandai Sukhu, Pyaar Style Fashion - 284 Zeelugt Old Road, East Bank, Essequibo, Guyana.

13. Lalldeo Bukhan, Bukhan & Son General Store & Supermarket – 252-254 Parika East Bank Essequibo

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SCHOOL UNIFORM AGENCIES IN REGION # 3 Bibi Sherina Yussuf – Parika Market, WCD Savers Choice Bargain Centre – 97 MetenMeer-Zorg, WCD Charmine’s Clothing – Parika Market Robal Nebar – 44 Wine Bush, - Leonora Market Vickram Singh Garment Manufacturing – 6 South Section Canal # 2 WBD Vedo’s Variety Store – S. Stelling Road, Vreed-en-Hoop Bibi Nandlall – Stall 11 Hydronie Market, Parika, EBE Tularam Ramkissoon General Store – Belle Plaine Wakennaam A & S Geneeral Store – H’ New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop Pyaar Style Fashion – 284 Zeelugt Old Road, East Bank Essequibo Payless Variety Store- 28 Stelling Road, Vreed En Hoop Indrani’s Fashion – 15 First Avenue Bartica Essequibo River S. Motilall Variety Shop – 11 Fair Field Essequibo Nalene S. Lall – N.S. Lall General Store 1 Anna Regina Tularam Ramkissoon General Store – 124 Belle Plaine, Wakenaam Essequibo Island Laikat Alli, Z. Laikat Alli & Sons Family Store- 50 Cotton Field Essequibo Coast

SCHOOL UNIFORM AGENCIES IN REGION # 4 1. P. Datt Variety Store, Beezie Enmore

2. M. Khan – 80 L B I, Housing Scheme 3. DAT General Store – 64 Good Hope, E C D 4. Bibi Clothes Stall - # 19 & 20 Plaisance Market 5. Giftland Office Max- Turkeyen 6. Ellen Mahase – 61-62 Blossom Scheme, Enmore 7. Edwin’s Grocery & Haberdashery – 19 Lusignan, East Coast Demerara 8. Kids’ Outlet – 165 Lusignan Public Road East Coast Demerara 9. Gaitree’s Boutique – Stall #32 Annadale Market East coast Demerara 10. Primo Sewing Establishment – 23 Company Road Buxton, East coast Demerara 11. T.M’s Collection Boutique – Stall No. 331, Lusignan Market ECD 12. Danraj Harold – Danny Tailor Shop – 490 Phase 1, Good Hope, East Coast Demerara 13. N.Y Apparell and Boutique – A Belmonte.

Mahaica 14. G. Hamid Grocery – 692 Eighteenth Street, Foulis ECD 15. Mohandai Boodhoo - DAT General Store 52,53 &72 Mon Repos Market ECD 16. Janice Bobb – 887 Caneville Grove ECD 17. Tulsidai Mansah

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SCHOOL UNIFORM AGENCIES IN REGION # 5 NJ’s Stationery & Gift Centre – 176 Public Road, Rosignol, West Bank Berbice Audrey General Store – 461 Ithaca Village, WBB A & S Wholesale & Retail General Store – 178 A, Rosignol West Bank Berbice Double G General Store – 17 Farm Mahaicony Razeena In Style Fashion Store – 262 Rosignol W.C Berbice Natasha Singh – Lot 11 Section C Bush Lot West Coast Berbice Priyadharshanie Singh – 348 Bathsettlement West Coast Berbice Mohamed Mursalin – 272 Rosignol Village West Coast Berbice Phulmuttie Boodhoo, A&S Supermarket, 178 “A” Rosignol West Bank Berbice Jasmatie Singh, Variety Store – Lot 15 C, Bush Lot Village, West Coast Berbice Vickram Singh Vickram Singh Garment & Manufacturing , 6 South Section Canal No. Polder, West Bank Demerara SCHOOL UNIFORM AGENCIES IN REGION # 6 B & L Trading – Tacama Berbice River J. Singh Variety Store – 19 Bush Lot, WCB Jodha Haberdashery Stalls – 79 Municipality Market Corriverton, Berbice Ramcharran & Satranee Garment Shop 7 South Public Road, Rose Hall R. Singh & Sons Auto Sales & Business Enterprise #78 Village Corriverton Jameel Uddin General Store - #71 Village,

Corentyne 7. Adrian Hansraj – 7 ‘A’ D’ Edward Village, Berbice 8. Gordon’s Stationery – 14 Pitt Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice 9. Joshua Bissoon – Bissoon’s Business Enterprise – Corriverton Market, 10. Sunita Garment Corner – 79 Municipal Market 11. Judith April Business Enterprise – 79 Municipal Market Corriverton 12. Judith April – Stalls 804,805,825 and 826 Corriverton Town Market 13. Payless Variety Store- Pitt Street ,New Amsterdam 14. Gajadhar Singh Store – 12 Main and Chapel Street N A Berbice 15. Hardyal and Daughter True Value Store – 14 Pitt Street N A Berbice 16. Jameel Uddin General Store – 71 Village Corentyne Berbice & Lot 28 A No. 57 Village Berbice 17. Judith Angela April – Judith April Business Enterprise, Stall No 823 ½ No. 79 Munipal Market, Corriverton, Corentyne, Berbice

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SCHOOL UNIFORM AGENCIES IN REGION # 10 Denise & Jevons Boutique, 68-69 Mackenzie Arcade Levoy’s Variety Store, 86 Mackenzie Market Mayfil Green Variety Store, Mackenzie Market Vashti Fordyce, Stall #0554 Wismar Market Romain Hodgson Shoe World, Stalls # 0-71 Mackenzie Market Winnie’s Exotic Clothing, Stall 01165, Mackenzie Lola’s Variety Store, Stall 1132, Mackenzie Ann Leitch, 84 Mackenzie Market Phyllis Corner, Stall #4 Mackenzie Market Triple ‘A’ Stationery & Book Centre, Booth #6 Chevon Variety Store, Stall #36 Mackenzie Arcade Jevon & Denise – 65&66 Mackenzie, Arcade, Linden Performance Auto Spares and General Store – 273 Green Heart street, Linden Tunde’s Fabric and Accessories – Stall #1 Ituni Market, Ituni District Upper Demerara UNISTOP Stall - 67 & 68 Wismar Market Linden Amber Variety Store - 130 Ituni Housing Scheme Upper Demerara Kozy Nook Family Store - 2 Soesdyke East Bank Demerara Marcia Bourne, Bourne Variety Store 1620 Kusand Avenue, Ituni District,

SCHOOL UNIFORM AGENCIES IN Georgetown 1. Ashmin’s Trading Company

Limited, High Street 2. Guyana Stores Limited, Water Street 3. Janice Variety Stall, Bourda Market 4. Milton Brandford, COLOUR 70 E Robb Street, Lacytown 5. Payless Variety Store, 42 Wellington Street 6. Foot Step Mall, Regent & Camp Streets 7. The Family Store, Robb & Savage Streets (GPO Building) 8. Ravina & Avinash Complex, Water Street 9. Aniroud Stationery, Croal Street 10. Gift land Office Max 11. METRO, Croal Street & Quamina Street 12. Bhagwan’s Store, 18 A Water Street 13. Shoppers Paradise, 104 Regent Street 14. City Centre, 17 A Water Street 15. Singh’s Electronics, 136 Regent Street, Lacytown 16. Ann & Sons, Bourda Market 17. Christine’s Fashion & Variety Store 18. William Fogarty Limited, Water Street 19. Janice Babb - Stall #8,9 Bourda Market 20. G&D Business Enterprise – Stall #6 Stabroek market 21. Shamdas Kirpalani – 6A Water Street and 107 Regent Street. G/town 22. K.D. Vaswani – 109 Regent, Lacytown G/town 23. Brassonic LTD – 42 Water Street G/Town 24. Alicia’s Variety – Stall #95, 99102 Bourda Market 25. Gobin’s Variety & Gambio, 96 Regent Street. Lacytown 26. Chow General Store – 307 Independence LaPenitence 27. Balaji Trading – 124 King Street, Lacytown Georgetown 28. C & M Children & Men Outfit fashion 131 Regent Street 29. R. Sookraj & Sons – 104 Regent Street, G/town 30. Muneshwers Limited – 4547 Water Street. G/town 31. William Fogarty Limited – 34-37 Water Street P.O #10320, Georgetown 32. Dianne Christina Jennings, Dianne Variety Store - Vendor Arcade Regent Street.

33. Alim Sham- 97 Regent, Lacytown Georgetown.

34. Marion Shepherd, Marion’s Me Stop Shop - 49-50 Bourda Market Bourda G/Town 35. Gaitry Sewnauth – Stall No. E. Section 1 LaPenitence Market G/Town 36. Kamieal Dinool – S & K Dinool – Stall No 142 Robbstown, Vendor Arcade , Regent Street 37. Mahagony Visions Inc. - 128 A Carmicheal Georgetown SCHOOL UNIFORM AGENCIES IN Bartica 1. Indrani’s Fashion, 15 First Avenue Bartica

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JUNE 17, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Home & Cooking

Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 ½ lbs thinly sliced beef 2 tsp soy sauce 2 tsp garlic 1 tbsp brown sugar ½ red onion, sliced 1 cup pineapple chunks 1 ½ tsp oil 2 scallion, cut into 2 inch pieces ½ red bell pepper, sliced Sauce: ¼ cup soy sauce ½ cup pineapple juice ½ tsp red pepper flakes 2 tsp oyster sauce 1 tbsp ketchup 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tbsp cornstarch

F

orget something from the store! Make Dad a gift straight from the heart.

Dads are notoriously difficult to shop for, but there’s no way he won’t appreciate a homemade Father’s Day gift.

We’ve rounded up the quickest crafts for you to make that dad will not only like but also use. So, get your hands dirty and whip up something that will earn you a place on the best present list.

Instructions 1.

Place beef in a bowl with soy sauce, garlic and brown sugar and mix to combine then set aside.

2. To make the sauce mix all ingredients together in a bowl and set aside.

3. Heat oil in a large pot over high heat then add beef and cook for about 2-3 minutes.

4. Remove from pan and set aside.

5. Add oil to the pan then stir fry red onion and pepper and cook for a minute. Add sauce and pineapple and cook until sauce begins to thicken, this just take about a minute or two.

6. Next add the cooked beef back to the pot and cook for a minute before removing from the stove. Toss in scallions, then serve. (Recipe from Guyanese food blogger Jehan)

Pre-Shave Oil

Here’s a super simple gift that you can whip up for Father’s Day that he can use all the time! Preshave oil is a great homemade alternative to shaving gel and helps leave your skin silky smooth.

There are a million different ways to make pre-shave oil and you may have to change the recipe based on how your skin reacts to these oils. You will need, 1 part grapeseed oil, 1 part olive oil and a few drops of an essential oil of choice.

Barbecue rub recipe

If your father is king of the grill, make him this barbecue rub he can use all year long. The BBQ Rub Recipe is really easy to throw together. Measure out your ingredients, dump them in a bowl and mix them up. Sprinkle some on your meat before throwing it on the grill and you are on your way to a tasty meal. I put about a teaspoon on each piece of meat. For this you will need, paprika, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne and brown sugar.

Business Card Holder

Stitch up vintage postcards to make a slim wallet or business card holder. Here’s how: fold the postcard in half with the decorative side face up and cut a half-moon from the top of the postcard. Open the card flat and cover with a sheet of clear, Domino Clock Get creative and surprise your dad with this DIY masterpiece. lightweight vinyl; stitch all around the post card. ¼ inch from its All you need is a domino set, hammer, nails, clock movements and edge. Trim vinyl to fit and refold the postcard in half. Sew the wallet around three edges, leaving the top open. hands and some double sided removable adhesive.

Wool iPad Case

Perfect timing for a handmade gift for Dad that is practical and cool. Final touches such as an embroidered monogram or a leather name plate are optional. This iPad case is perfect for dad to store keys, watches and other accessories. You will need fabric, zipper and sewing machine to make this fabulous case for daddy.

12 Sunday Times Magazine

JUNE 17, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Puzzles

ACROSS

1 Geneva's river 6 Extent

11 Races by, as clouds

16 Mounded up

21 Willing, plus

22 Artificial waterway

23 Asian capital

24 Spry

25 Cabbie's fare

26 Makes level

27 Writer -- Jong

28 Look of disdain

29 Luau strings

30 Brown-tinted photo

32 Snowy-white bird 34 Pondering

36 Now, to Caesar

38 In the least (2 wds.)

40 Toes the line

42 Fall guy

43 Late summer flower

45 Gene Autry movie

47 Flowerpot spot 49 Songbird

52 Cruise in style

53 Black tea

54 Montana and Flutie

57 "Venus" singer

58 Twig junctures

59 Agrees with

60 Grass-skirt dance

61 Cote dwellers

62 Elbowed

63 Chess pieces

64 Swains

65 Woolly one

66 Reduced by 50 percent

68 Blender setting

69 Snow crystals

70 Tax-form IDs

72 Real bargain

73 Came to the rescue

74 Heroism

75 Early camera

77 Spy mission

78 Auto option 79 Harpooned

82 Lies in wait

83 Grow wheat

84 Religious subdivision

88 Tallest hoopster 89 Grounds

90 Pulled down

92 Henri's island

93 Pampas backdrop

94 Ms. Zellweger

95 Rudely sarcastic

96 Tracking system

98 AAA suggestions

99 Intuitions

100 Omens

101 Sweethearts 102 Craze

103 Acapulco cash

104 Coffee go-with

105 Many and different 106 Censor

107 Price tag

108 Hard to corner

109 "-- -- You Knocking" 111 Grab

113 Inlet, to Angus

115 Fish-eating flier

119 Neglectful

121 Nonreactive, chemically

123 Partner of desist

125 Fleming or Woosnam

126 Hawk's gripper

127 Leafed through

129 Rap sheet info

131 Do chestnuts

133 Swipe

134 Without a flaw

135 -- Carlo

136 Petal extract

137 Rogers of "Coward of the County"

138 Dillydally

139 Seattle's Sound 140 Banal

DOWN

1 Sitcom afterlife

2 Zen master's verse

3 Utah city

4 Once named

5 Hits the wrong key

6 Royal regalia

7 Classy hors d'oeuvre

8 Ryan or Tatum

9 Kitchen utensil

10 If not

11 Frozen dessert

12 More than a job

13 Party leader's goal

14 MD, familiarly

15 Yul's film realm 16 Aisle

17 Catch fire

18 Claims against property

19 Melancholy poem

20 "-- Rosenkavalier"

31 Down the hatch

33 Ancient Teutons

35 Elegant coiffures

37 Dish alternative

83

39 -- for bear

85

41 Heavy hammer

86

44 Walk through puddles 87

46 Made top honors

89

48 Really skimps

90

49 Crosses the creek

91

50 Says frankly

94

51 Poe's night visitor

95

52 Rustic

97 53 Yearned

99

54 Movement along a fault

55 More downcast

56 Disrespectful

58 Kim of "Picnic"

59 Dangerous sea nymph

60 Lifts with effort

62 Answer a charge 63 Praise

64 Lesage hero Gil - 67 Abacus user

68 Gathers flowers

69 Falsely incriminate

71 Chases the puck

73 Craggy abode

74 Swiss capital

76 Mine yields

77 Sly tactics

78 Animal fats

79 Winter wear

80 Five, in combos

81 Broke off

82 Jet routes

KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME TODAY'S WORD -- PILFERS (PILFERS: PIL-fers: Steals, especially a small amount.)

Average mark 27 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 34 or more

pelf peril pier pile pliers plies pries

isle lief life lire lisp file filer

fire flier flies flip fries frise rife

words in PILFERS? rifle sire rile slier ripe slip rise spier self spile serf serif

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.

Pass out Comforter stuffing Sticky soils Concise Dances to jazz Swallow up Took the wheel Swell, as a river Trig function In the blink of -- -Goes off course

100 Like a judge

114 Cake topper

101 Euphoric moments

116 Dogie catcher

103 Obviously 117 Schnoz-related

104 As if in a trance

118 -- nous

105 Computer file (2 wds.)

120 Kebab holder

106 Lament

122 Pack firmly 107 Straight 124 Distinct periods

108 Originate

126 "For shame!"

109 Burnt up 128 Oklahoma town

110 Trojan War cause

130 "Skip to My --"

112 Eastwood's "The -- Sanction"

132 Homer-hitter Mel See Solution on Pg 14

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JUNE 17, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 13

14 Sunday Times Magazine

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JUNE 17, 2018

Bollywood/Hollywood

A

fire broke out on Wednesday at Mumbai’s Beaumonde Towers, where Deepika Padukone owns an apartment. The blaze erupted around 2.10 pm on the 33rd floor of the Beau Monde Building, which is located at Appasaheb Marathe Marg. About 16 fire engines, five water tankers and 108 ambulances were rushed to the spot. Two firemen – Harishchandra Raorane (54) and Shivaji Achrekar (53) – were admitted to hospital after getting suffocated. Both are stable now.

A source close to Deepika has confirmed that the actor was not in the building when the fire broke out.

She was out for the shoot of a brand. “It’s not her house or office which has caught fire. It has happened on the 32nd floor. The fire brigade is on their way already. Deepika is on the set shooting for her brand. Her staff has evacuated the apartment,” a source close to Deepika Padukone told indianexpress.com.

Later in the day, Deepika also tweeted and informed her well-wishers that she is safe. She tweeted, “I am safe.Thank You, everyone. Let us pray for our firefighters who are at site risking their lives…” (Indian Express)

N

icki Minaj is flying solo for the first time since she was 15 years old.

“It’s the first time in my life I’ve ever been single. I remember feeling like I could do anything at one time in my life and somewhere along the line, I just started second guessing myself for whatever reason,” the “Chun Li” rapper told Elle magazine’s July issue.

Minaj, 35, recently split from fellow rapper Nas and has joked about dating Eminem.

“Becoming single was one of the things that made me feel strong and powerful,” she explained. “The fact that I am a young woman who doesn’t need a man for money. I don’t need a man for a job. I’ve never had to f—k for beats. I’ve never had to f—k for a record deal. I don’t have those pressures. I get up when I want, shop when I want.”

Though Minaj admits that she loves flaunting her own sex appeal and embraces her exhibitionism, she admitted that she feels guilt for what she believes may have

been inadvertently promoting what she calls “modern-day prostitutes” on social media and in strip clubs.

“Whether you’re a stripper, or whether you’re an Instagram girl — these girls are so beautiful and they have so much to offer,” she said. “But I started finding out that you give them a couple thousand dollars, and you can have sex with them. I was like, ‘Yikes.’ It’s just sad that they don’t know their worth. It makes me sad as a woman. And it makes me sad that maybe I’ve contributed to that in some way … I can’t look down on these girls.

I may not be having sex with people, but I’m selling sex appeal.” (Page Six)

C D

harma Productions' upcoming film 'Dhadak', which happens to be the launchpad for Sridevi's daughter Janhvi Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor's brother Ishaan Khatter has been making all the right noise ahead of it's release next month.

The recently released trailer of the film was well received by the audiences and now the trailer has apparently clocked in more than 30 million views in 48 hours.

Producer Karan Johar took to Twitter to share the excitement. He tweeted, “A LOVE STORY! #dhadak! 20th of July watch this unconditional story of first love...unconditional love....deep love....and thank you for all the love!! 30 MILLION VIEWS IN 48 hours! @ShashankKhaitan #Janhvi #Ishaan" 'Dhadak', directed by Shashank Khaitan, is set to release on July 20.

The movie has created immense buzz ever since its inception and the cute pairing of the newbies in Bollywood has increased the curiosity level amongst fans all the

C

omplaint has been filed against the film ‘Sanju’ headlined by Ranbir Kapoor for showing Indian jails in bad light. The complaint is regarding a scene in the film's trailer, which according to the report "will set a bad impression about jail authorities of India," reports news agency ANI. Activist Prithvi Mhaske objected to the toilet leakage scene in the film's trailer and in a letter to the Censor Board chief Prasoon Joshi, he wrote, "As per the information available the government and jail authorities are taking good care of all the barracks of the jails. We never heard of any such incidents anywhere. There were many

more. Earlier reports stated that ‘Dhadak’ is an official remake of the Marathi blockbuster ‘Sairat’, but recently while speaking to a daily Ishaan revealed the difference between the two films.

Ishaan revealed that ‘Dhadak’ is an adaptation, rather than a remake. He averred that ‘Dhadak’ director Shashank Khaitan understood that it’s such an important film for our country and is easily adaptable into the different cultural milieu that it was important to make this film reach out to more audiences.

However, the film is being criticised for its overt Bollywood-ism and for casting two star kids in the lead role. . While Sairat is among the few Indian films which bravely portrayed a boy and girl falling in love across caste lines and paying the price that India’s deeply divided society demands, Dhadak, at least by the trailer, looked like a rich girlpoor boy love story and Sairat fans are not buying it.

films previously released based on gangsters, where in the Indian jails were portrayed, but never in such light." In the letter, Mr Mhasake also wrote, "If there is no action about the same by you then we are left with no option, but to approach the honourable court and put a stay order on the release of the movie," reports ANI. Sanju narrates the story of actor Sanjay Dutt, which also includes the days he spent in the jail in connection with the 1993 Bombay blast case. The scene in question appears to be from the time when Sanjay was imprisoned initially in 1993. He spent 18 months in jail during the trial and

ongrats are in order for Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson!

The Dancing With the Stars pros revealed via Instagram on Thursday that they're engaged. The lovebirds both shared a pic from the proposal, which went down in Venice, Italy. "I can’t wait to make you my wife ♥️," Chmerkovskiy gushed.

Johnson's caption was equally sweet. "I knew the moment I met you, you were the man of my dreams and I wanted to be with you forever," she marveled. "Babychka Мой любовь thank you for making my fairytale come true today!

Cannot believe I get to call you my FIANCÉ!!!! #engaged."

The exciting news comes just over a month after Johnson joked to ET during a Facebook live interview that time was "aticking" for Chmerkovskiy to ask her for her hand in marriage.

"We'll see [if engagement is in the cards anytime soon]," she said at the time. "We both

he was finally convicted for the illegal possession of weapons by the Supreme Court in 2013, when he was sentenced to five years in Pune's Yerwada Jail.

have very big things happening right now, so we'll let that ride over... maybe we'll go to Fiji!"

And just a few hours after the interview aired, Chmerkovskiy admitted via Twitter that he "should def put a ring on it."

Crossword Solution

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 17, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 15

16 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 17, 2018

Fun Times

Archie

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Participate in today's events, but don't take on challenges that could lead to injury. Nurture important relationships. Keeping the peace will require avoiding unpredictable changes that might upset someone.

Do whatever it takes to TAURUS add stability to your life. If (April 20- you try to push someone to do May 20) things your way, you can expect to face opposition. Take better care of your health and physical well-being.

Take a day trip or plan

GEMINI to visit a friend or relative.

(MAY 28- Interacting with others will be June 20) revealing and change the way you think. Be considerate and avoid a dispute.

You'll be drawn to unusual or unfamiliar people, (June 21- places and pastimes. Listen, July 22) observe and gather information that will encourage you to bring about a positive and rewarding change.

CANCER

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

Peanuts

Take precautions when making emotional changes that will disrupt your home or domestic life. Don't act on impulse or overreact to what others do or say.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

A change will do you good.

Visit a place that will stimulate you to move in a positive direction. Don't feel uncomfortable about pursuing your plans.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Check out your options and consider whether making a personal or professional move will affect your home or a loved one. Don't act in haste, as proper planning will be necessary.

Tread carefully when dealSCORPIO ing with affairs of the heart.

(Oct. 24- Don't make physical changes Nov. 22) that could lead to a health prob-

lem or injury. Look for a unique and intelligent way to move forward.

SAGITTARIUS Don't let temptation cause (Nov. 23- you to make an irrational Dec. 21) move. Plan and schedule carefully to avoid disrupting your agenda. Love, romance and personal improvements should be high priorities.

Calvin and Hobbes

Consider how the changCAPRICORN es you want to make will af(Dec. 22- fect others. Communication Jan. 19) will keep you out of trouble and help you find a way to get what you want.

You'll be drawn to movAQUARIUS ers and shakers, but consid(Jan. 20- er if you can afford to keep Feb. 19) up and whether it would be physically beneficial to do so.

Make changes at home PISCES (Feb. 20- that will leave you feeling Mar. 20) more comfortable. Invest more time and money in the things you enjoy doing.

Start a new hobby or entertain someone interesting.