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PUT GUYANA FIRST!

Volume 1 Issue 3

RELAUNCH OF NATIONAL YOUTH

Govt. congratulates BK & Toolsie Persaud for CJIA expansion stone contracts WEEK

CEO & Managing Director of BK International - Brian Tiwarie signs the contract with a repersentative CHEC

China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) recently signed two multimilliondollar contracts with local stone suppliers – BK Quarries and Toolsie Persaud Quarries – to provide an initial amount of some 95,000 tons of aggregate (stone).

The material is expected to be sourced locally to the tune of some US$3.4M. This development comes on the heels of a previously-quashed arrangement between CHEC and a Surinamese supplier, Grassalco, which was contracted to provide 300,000 tons of stone at a

received over $700M in contracts to supply the CJIA expansion project with stones. “The Ministry recognizes the importance of not only this national infrastructural project, but also of the quarrying sector to national development. The coalition government’s policy is that Guyana’s natural resources must be utilized whenever and wherever possible for national projects. It is for this reason that the Ministry will continue to support this and other industries in the extractive sector working for the benefit of the people of Guyana.” continued on pg 2

cost of over US$7M. Local suppliers complained claiming that they were bypassed. According to Patterson, BK will supply approximately 50,000 tons at a contract price of US$1.8M while Toolsie Persaud Quarries will supply 45,000 tons of stone with a contract price of US$1.7M. The Ministry of Natural Resources has congratulated local stone suppliers BK Quarries and Toolsie Persaud Limited for successfully competing to be awarded contracts to supply stone to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion project. BK and Toolsie Quarries have

G “ uyana 2030” VISION

The African Cultural & Development Association (ACDA) runs a school for young children called the Centre of Learning and Afrocentric Orientation (COLAACO). ACDA is dedicated to fostering and highlighting African Cultural Events in special and exquisite ways. As such, the organization is pleased to offer its AKWAABA Centre for rental, for all celebrations and events. AKWAABA is a Ghanaian word, which means “WELCOME”. Location: ACDA Compound 9 Thomas Lands, Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: 225-8420

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“Guyana 2030” is a holistic plan of action for Guyana over the next decade or two. The proposal examined opportunities for Guyana in terms of its geographic location, natural resources and market access and outlined plans for the country to serve as a transshipment port for Brazil and Venezuela and a link to CARICOM and North American markets. Challenges, such as climate change and severe flooding, were also reviewed. The presentation ranged in scope from proposals to enhance the country’s infrastructure (such as the development of a transcontinued on pg 8

The 2017 National Youth Week Theme is “Inspiring our Youths, Celebrating their Achievements”. The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Education’s Youth Department has officially relaunched National Youth Week. The official week started on Sunday, May 21 with a March from outside the Parliament Buildings to Main Street outside of the Department of Culture, Youth and Sports. Hundreds of youth from various youth organizations and institutions braved the rains to march and eventually gathered for a concert. The week of activities was officially declared open by Permanent Secretary - Melissa Tucker. She outlined the many activities planned for the Youth Week. Chief among those mentioned is the Government’s YIPoG programme that was slated for launch on May 22 at the Umana Yana. See pictures on page 11

BK AIR AMONG FIRST RESPONDERS TO REGION EIGHT FLOOD By Ras Leon Saul

BK International, through one of its subsidiaries – BK AIR (formerly Jags Aviation) has again come to the rescue of distressed

Guyanese by providing air transportation of much needed food, clothing, water, cleansers and medical supplies to the continued on pg 13

BK International to build Hinterland Student Dormitory

Brrian Tiwarie (left) and Vice President Sydney Allicock exchange documents

The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MoIPA) and BK International Inc. have signed a multi-milliondollar contract for a dormitory that will house some 120 hinterland students attending tertiary institutions across Guyana. The contract was signed by MoIPA’s Permanent Secretary Alfred King and Chief Executive Officer of BK International Brian Tiwarie, in the presence of Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock at the secondary

school’s student dormitory Lilliendaal, E.C.D. Before the signing on Saturday, May 20 Minister Allicock expressed pleasure with the progress made in the execution this project which has been high on the Ministry’s agenda. The dormitory, which will cost an estimated G$186 million, will be housed aback of the current secondary school dormitory, Lilliendaal. Minister Allicock said this project is being executed at a time when educating the nation’s youth falls parallel with the development the current

administration has been touting since its ascension to office. “It is at a time for our hinterland youth to gain a higher education. Its 120 rooms are an advanced facility for our young hinterland youth, because there are persons out there who we want to give an opportunity for higher learning”. The Minister also expressed confidence that BK International will deliver a project that is of high standard while also reminding that time is a key component among other deliverables.

“I am, and we all in the Ministry are very confident that the company led by Mr. Brian Tiwarie has the experience and the equipment to complete this project within the specified time of six months. It’s quite a challenge but, knowing the company…challenges are what they take on. Mr. Tiwarie is aware of the many types of materials that we could use for enhancing Guyana’s quality of infrastructure in buildings and other infrastructural works. But, for us here, we are very pleased that we could have

PUT GUYANA FIRST!

The ministry explained that infrastructural development is an important facet in the growth of any country and a strong extractive

sector is vital for nation building. “We pledge our continued support to local entrepreneurs in the extractive sectors as they continue to invest

and create jobs. The Ministry of Natural Resources, as part of the government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, commits to ensuring that conducive and favorable regulatory, legal and fiscal regimes exist for entrepreneurs in the extractive industries. The Ministry “thanks the two companies for

Mr. Tiwarie to construct this wonderful building for us.” Giving the Ministry his company’s full assurance that meeting the stipulated requirements for this project is paramount, Mr. Tiwarie said “the quality will be there and it’s a concrete building of which we have a concrete plant and facilities in terms of labs which the consultant is going to monitor from time to time. But this is not our first building…so we will like to assure you that in terms of the quality we will make certain that you get quality for money and that we also get the project on time”. The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Alfred King also echoed similar sentiments as Minister Allicock, but noted that “over the last couple of years we have been emphasizing access to education for all our Guyanese children including the hinterland students; and the Ministry would have provided the kind of support necessary.” The new facility will boast male and female self-contained rooms to accommodate 120 students, living quarters for a Dorm Mother and Father, a unique

water storage system and recreational area, among other amenities. Should the need arise, that figure can be doubled to accommodate more students. Over the past ten years, an estimated 600 students have benefited from hinterland scholarships, to attend a number of tertiary institutions including the Guyana Technical Institute (GTI), Carnegie School of Home Economics, the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) and the Guyana Industrial Technical Center (GITC) - both resident and nonresident. Additionally, scholarships were offered to Hinterland students attending the University of Guyana in 1986, however, since the Public Service Ministry (P.S.M.) offers scholarships to students desirous of attending University, a decision was taken in 2000 not to sponsor these students but to have them apply to P.S.M. Building an educated nation remains a high priority for this government, thus the drive to ensuring youth particularly from the hinterland also benefit from this opportunity.

tonnes for a contract price of US$1.7M. Last year, CHEC came under fire after an announcement that a Surinamese company had received a multimillion contract to supply stones to Guyana. Local suppliers had insisted that they have supplies. In the recent past, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, had clearly stated that the Government was “powerless” to stop the stone imports from Suriname by the contractor. He blamed the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration

for this development, saying that it was the former Government that signed the original contract with CHEC. The coalition Government, after taking office in May 2015, had proceeded to halt, then amend the US$150 million CJIA expansion project on the grounds that it was “unfavourable” for Guyana. The CJIA expansion, to the value of US$150M, is expected to be completed this year and will see a modernized facility with more checkin booths and a longer runway to accommodate wide-body planes.

continued from page 1

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availing themselves for the supply of stone and encourages them to continue to epitomize a dynamic private sector.” BK International is Guyana’s largest privately owned indigenous construction company. On Friday, May 12 CJIA’s Chinese contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC), signed two contracts with Toolsie Persaud and BK Quarries for 95,000 tonnes of aggregate (stones). BK will supply 50,000 tonnes at a price of US$1.8M while Toolsie Persaud will have to deliver 45,000

Poet Receives Doctorate THIS IS OUR HISTORY Reggae Honour In South Africa

Former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela greets Eric Phillips

There were 6,000 Amerindians in 1838 when 84,075 Africans were freed after 200 years of brutal slavery; and the genocide of 492,000 Africans to build Guyana during that period. History has recorded that six of the nine Amerindian

tribes were First Peoples; the remaining three - the Macushi, Wapishana and the Wai Wais came to Guyana 100 to 200 years after Africans were brought here! There was no Amerindian genocide in Guyana, unlike the islands...why

by Eric Phillips

1/2 cents per hectare! This was part of his racism to discriminate against African Guyanese. He gave over 300 Indians 1 to 100 acres of land in the MMA – and to Guyanese Indians for free for 99 years…while refusing to give African Guyanese any! The facts are there... now he is attempting to create another “Rupunini Uprising” by instigating Amerindians, in the same way they were motivated to rise up against a Black government because they were told Black people shouldn’t rule Guyana or Amerindians. Read your history...this is what Jagdeo is about...division, racism and stealing State assets for him and his 20 buddies. One of the reasons land has to be dealt with, especially since Guyana has found oil, is its territorial security. Many Amerindian lands continued on pg 14

then only 300 Wai Wais? History will also show the oldest skeleton in these parts was LUZIA, who came to these parts 2,000 years before any Amerindian groups. The bottom line is that no one is asking the Amerindians to not keep the 13.8% of land given to them. All that is being requested is that Africans be also provided land for their sacrifice, murder and 200 years of enslavement to build Guyana. This is an established international practice which also benefitted the Amerindians as they were given 13.8% of Guyana. THIS IS OUR HISTORY! Why does it always become a problem when Africans seek justice? Jagdeo gave away over 400,000 hectares of land to Indians (from India) and Chinese (from China) during his rule at US 12

Columbia Neuroscientist Receives Death Threats for Speaking Out Against Deadly Philippines Drug War!

By Kirsten West Savali

Carl Hart is the first Black-tenured Professor and the first Black Chair in the Sciences at Columbia University. (Picture courtesy of Carl Hart). Carl Hart, one of the world’s leading neuroscientists and Chair of the Psychology Department at Columbia University, was forced to cut a trip to the Philippines short earlier in May because of death threats sparked, in part, by propaganda disguised as media. Hart, the author of “High Price: A Neuroscientist’s Journey of Self-Discovery That

Challenges Everything You Know About Drugs and Society”, was in the Philippines participating in a policy forum on the drug war at the University of the Philippines. The “Drug Issues, Different Perspectives” forum was organized by the Free Legal Assistance Group, or FLAG, AntiDeath Penalty Task Force; the University of the Philippines Diliman Office of the Chancellor; and the University of the Philippines College of Law Institute of Human Rights. Hart shared some of his findings, debunking hysterical claims that

drug use is inherently pathological and causes users to become violent and otherwise incapable of functioning in their daily lives. Hart also did not shy away from fiercely criticizing Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, known for spearheading a deadly war on drugs in his country. Duterte became furious when reporters asked him about Hart’s statements, calling Hart a “fool” and rejecting his research as nothing more than American “bullshit”. “Hart said shabu does not damage the brain. That’s why that son of a bitch who has gone crazy came here to make announcements,” Duterte said. (“Shabu” is a slang term used in Hong Kong, Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia to describe methamphetamine). Agnes Callamard, the Director of Global Freedom of Expression at continued on page 15 3

Linton Kwesi Johnson has received an honorary doctorate from Rhodes University in Grahamstown, South Africa ACCLAIMED POET, reggae artist and political activist Linton Kwesi Johnson has received an honorary Doctorate from Rhodes University in Grahamstown, South Africa in recognition of his “inspiring political activism”. His poetry and music were called “the soundtrack of the 1980s anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa”. After he was presented with a Doctorate in Literature for his poetry on

April 20, Jamaican-born Johnson addressed the large congregation of graduating students and their families. Whilst referring to the controversy surrounding the statue of Cecil Rhodes at Oxford, Johnson’s speech concentrated on public and personal links to South Africa. He reminded the audience that Jamaica had been the first country to disassociate itself from apartheid South Africa and that one of South Africa’s most revered public intellectuals, Peter Abrahams, who died in January in St. Andrew, Jamaica, was one of the island’s favourite adopted sons. The poet also spoke of continued on pg 8

MARIJUANA COULD SOON BE REGULATED LIKE ALCOHOL IN ALL 50 USA STATES

“HEMP FOR VICTORY GUYANA C A M PA I G N ” LAUNCHED

why conflicting drug laws Pose Serious Problems

by Janice Williams

In eight states and Washington D.C., adults can legally consume marijuana—and that could soon change to adults in all 50 states. Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) recently introduced a bill that would make marijuana federally legal and allow the plant to be regulated as alcohol is in the U.S. Under the new bill, called the “Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act”, the plant would be removed from its Schedule I listing on the Controlled Substances List and would be regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Adults 21 and up would be able to purchase and consume cannabis legally across the nation. Advertising

rules similar to those regarding alcohol would also apply to marijuana under the bill. The “Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act” is part of a package of three cannabisrelated bills introduced recently by members of the Cannabis Caucus in the House of Representatives, of which Polis is a member along with Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore. and Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., who also sponsored the measures. In addition to regulating marijuana similar to alcohol in the U.S., the bills would change the way marijuana is taxed and allow researchers to study the plant without restrictions. As for medical use of the plant, the bills call for the Department of

Veterans Affairs to make recommendations on how cannabis should be used as treatment. In a statement, Polis, who helped pushed recreational marijuana legislation in Colorado, said the state has demonstrated the benefits of ending marijuana prohibition. “Colorado has proven that allowing responsible adults to legally purchase marijuana, gives money to classrooms, not cartels; creates jobs, not addicts; and boosts our economy, not our prison population,” he said. “Now, more than ever, it is time we end the federal prohibition on marijuana and remove barriers for states that have chosen to legalize marijuana. This budding industry can’t continued on pg 9

A new movement to promote the decriminalization of Hemp and advocate its introduction into Guyana as a commercial industrial “green” plant for a “green economy” has been launched. The “Hemp for Victory Guyana Campaign” (HVGC) intends to sensitize the nation on the tremendous personal gains, as well as the massive economic, social and environmental benefits the country stands to gain from the establishment of a viable industrial hemp industry. The Hemp for Victory Campaign was launched on Saturday, May 6 at the double AA Happy Hearts Restaurant and Lounge on Seaforth Street, Campbellville. Chairman Ras Lindon Jemmott is calling on all Guyanese to join the “hemp revolution” and support the legislation for the cultivation of industrial hemp, and the manufacture of the wide variety of hemp products in Guyana. He is also advising that

CARICOM Cannabis Commission

to visit St. Lucia

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Cannabis Commission is scheduled to hold meetings in St. Lucia shortly, to hear the views of St. Lucians on the subject of “marijuana”. The Commission is preparing to hold a consultation in St. Lucia in June with a view to understanding the position of citizens on current marijuana laws. Spokesman for the local Cannabis Movement – Andre Pancho DeCaires

says the Commission wants a wide cross-section of views on marijuana use. DeCaires said politicians are avoiding taking a clear position on marijuana out of concern for their political future. “A lot of our politicians, and one of them told me that straight, their decisions are based on votes, and if they think that a decision would affect them negatively at the polls, they would not make that decision.” DeCaires believes that

St. Lucia is in a great position to capitalize on the economic benefits of marijuana growth. The Commission was established to determine whether or not there should be a change in the current drug classification of marijuana, thereby making the herbal medicinal plant more accessible for all types of usage…including religious, recreational, medical and research.

President Granger (who is calling for the establishment of a “green State and a green economy”) and the APNU+AFC administration should swiftly remove the legislations and restrictions for the establishment of the industrial hemp industry in Guyana. According to Ras Jemmott, “we forecast a bright future for Guyana’s hemp, which will generate thousands of jobs at all new levels; create thousands of jobs at all income levels; create new industries; build our economy and eradicate poverty,” he emphasized. The Hemp for Victory Guyana Campaign activities will include media publicity countrywide, outreach programmes, meetings with stakeholders - including the government, businesses and other groups, as well as sports and cultural events, along with meeting pro-hemp advocates worldwide. Along with the moreestablished Guyana Hemp Association (GHA) and its affiliates, the newly-

formed Hemp for Victory Guyana Campaign is of the view that there is a misunderstanding in the existing legislation which deemed industrial hemp as illegal, because it is a part of the cannabis family. The groups are further convinced that the law was mistakenly drafted, and needs to be corrected immediately. According to information from HVGC, “in 1961, the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotics Drugs made a specific distinction in the Control of Cannabis Act, where there was no exclusion of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis Sativa L) from all cannabis legislations within member States. With more than 25,000 products being possible from hemp, unlike other crops, hemp can be grown in most climates and on most land throughout Guyana and the world… just needing moderate water and very limited fertilizer requirements… and no pesticides and herbicides!

RAEANN’S PLACE 4

407 FRONT ROAD, GEORGETOWN TEL: 683-5053 SPECIALIZING IN PLANTS, POTS AND COW MOULD. HANGING BASKETS AND VARIETY TROPICAL EXOTIC FLORALS

Winston Churchill Starved 3 Million Indians to Death …in the Man-Made Bengal Famine of 1943! The great hero of the Anglo-American world did his best to keep up with Stalin and Hitler. By Marko Marjanović “Churchill’s Secret War: The British Empire and the Ravaging of India during World War II” is a book by a science journalist – Madhusree Mukerjee. It tells of British policy in India in the Second World War and how it relates to the Bengal Famine of 1943. Mukerjee reminds the reader that before the British conquest India was a rich land. Certainly the conquerors drawn to Bengal in the 18th century were of the opinion they were adding a magnificently wealthy possession to their empire. Under colonial rule, however, Bengal soon became a synonym for poverty and a frequent setting of famine. During the Second World War, the colony was made to contribute heavily to the

British war effort. India’s industries, manpower and foodstuffs were made to serve requirements of the war the empire had involved itself in. This was merely the latest escalation in a long lasting exploitation of the colony. The British deemed their unwanted presence in India a service and therefore extracted “payment” for it in the form of the “Home Charge”. As the British obstructed the expansion of manufacturing in India lest it provide competition for their domestic industry, the export of agricultural produce presented the only way of realizing this transfer. Finally, since the empire set the transfer so high so much grain was extracted for export that the colony - which continued to produce more food than its need through the 19th century - was artificially kept in a condition of chronic malnutrition.

Unsurprisingly, there was strong resistance to colonial rule that could only be overcome by large-scale repression. As

British at times resorted to attacking crowds with aircraft. In particularly rebellious districts authorities burned down

begin with, mortality rate in Bengal under British rule was atrocious even in a normal year with some of that attributable

part of the August 1942 crackdown against the Quit India Movement alone, more than 90,000 people were locked up and up to 10,000 were killed. Short on manpower the

homes and destroyed rice supplies. British India was not unlike an occupied land. The book exposes the manifold causes of the “Bengal Famine”. To

to malnutrition.The immediate reasons why conditions deteriorated beyond this “normal” state of semi-famine was the catastrophic Midnapore Cyclone and the Japanese

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capture of Burma. The cyclone storm and subsequent floods disrupted life and ruined crops. The loss of Burma severed links with an important source of rice imports to India. These two factors which were outside British control, were probably enough for a disaster on their own, but subsequent British policies made the crisis far worse than it needed to be. Anticipating the possibility the Japanese could advance further, the British carried out a scorched earth policy in coastal Bengal, seizing rice stocks, motor vehicles, bicycles and boats. Seizure of boats was particularly disruptive as they normally represented the primary means of transporting rice crops to the markets. The loss of Burmese rice imports to India was not made up by imports from continued on pg 16

WORD ON DE STREET!

De word on de street is dat when “t’ief see other man wid long pocket… he does t’ink dem is t’ief too”. Dem have people who so self-righteous dat dem does wrap demselves up in a “cloak of virtue”, appearing sanctimonious

charges, altogether, had been filed against de “publisha” of de Waterfalls newspaper, he wife, along with Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan. Dem charges followed de seizure of two vehicles, allegedly, at de

after an examination of de Government of Guyana’s review of de Remigrant Scheme. De word on de street is dat you remember when de vehicle, PRR 8398, for instance, was usually parked in front of de

three years of registration, and providing that the registration licence, fitness and registration and insurance are submitted for inspection at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) every six months.”

De remigrant couple Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan, who had been jointly charged with dem on two of de charges, were not present. Dey were said to be abroad! Dem had reremigrated!

were filed by de Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) after which de Waterfalls newspaper boss man and he wife received summonses to attend court. Dem appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya

and displaying demselves filled with “moral uprightness”! De big question is: Who is de man dat killed many people and aint been charged yet? Who is de “publisha” dat de Donald did say he is “untouchable”? And, de other word on de street is why de “Waterfall” newspaper always going after people he seems to have a grouse wid or jealous of? Is important to note de zeal wid which de “Waterfalls” newspaper going over de cliff (prone to sensationalism) when it comes to other people bizness, despite his own imperfections. De other word on de street is dat a question is being asked: “Which government did pay for dem five security guards dat was given to de Waterfalls newspaper boss after de pressmen did get murder? So, de moral of de story is…“when you live in a glass house… don’t throw stones…or you gon get pelt back! But is also appropriate to recall dat six criminal

centre of a duty-free scam. Remember, de two vehicles in question, PRR 8398 and PRR 8399, were handed over to GRA and impounded at de Authority’s warehouse, at de end of August 2014, after an hour-long standoff between GRA officials and de Brijnanans’ son, Sankar - a high-ranking GRA employee. Both vehicles were released within an hour after de Donald intervened! In fact, dat Sankar is de man who get so rich from bringing in t’ings, dat dem use to call he de “suitcase man”! Dat was de same way de “Waterfalls” newspaper boss start off he bizness in de early days of Desmond Hoyte… renting out he “import licence” to other traders. The charges were expected to be read and heard at the Georgetown Magistrates Court on October 13, 2014. De seizure of dem vehicles and de resulting investigation followed de disclosure of details of de alleged duty-free scam, which were made public by de Chronic newspaper,

“Waterfalls” newspaper head office on Saffon Street, Charlestown, while PRR 8399 was often seen on Regent Street, in the heart of the city, near the shoe business that gat nuff cheap shoe dat when you buy a pair you have to head straight to a shoemaker to stitch de sole. Under de remigrant programme, Guyanese who would have resided overseas for more dan five years and are returning home to reside are entitled to several benefits, among which are import dutyfree waivers for vehicles, and tax exemption for household items, once de items at reference were owned for six months or more in de country where de remigrant was living. Well, as husband and wife, Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan did entitle to concessions as two separate individuals, although a joint application was submitted. Duty-free concession is awarded on condition dat, “the motor vehicle cannot be leased or transferred within

De Brijananans, on dem application form, indicated dat besides household items, dey were returning wid two 2013 Lexus Suburban L57 vehicles, de chassis numbers of which were listed along wid other required information. But after bringing in de vehicles, dem return to de States and leff de vehicles for de Waterfalls newspaper fo do newspaper wuk! Word on de street is dat de “Mohan” boy who grow up wid de Donald on an island, had also been accused in the past of shooting a man to death, and even mekking men get kill in jail, plus was very involved in illegal back track activities, selling passports wid visa for US10,000 each, and drivers’ licences in New York! Well he and he wife were on de morning of October 13, 2014 released on self-bail shortly after dem denied tax evasion charges, which were read to dem at de Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Remember, dem Brijnanans became de focus of an investigation after it was reported dat de Waterfalls newspaper boss and he wife been using dem two Lexus vehicles dat de Brijnanans did import fo dem into de country under de remigrant scheme. As a result of de dutyfree concessions granted to dem, dey were not required to pay de more dan $100 million in duties on de luxury vehicles! So, de farin’ couple used de duty free re-migrant facility to import de vehicles but after de Waterfalls boss man and he wife were seen using de vehicles, de GRA moved in and accused all four of dem of evading taxes. De word on de street is dat when pressure hit dem, dey maintain dem innocence, wid de Waterfalls newspaper boss man saying dat dey was friends with de remigrant couple and would borrow dem vehicles for security purposes! Well, remember charges

Sewnarine-Beharry on four charges: two counts of having “knowingly dealt with goods, with intent to defraud the revenue of duties” and two counts of “knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of import duties of Customs”. According to reports, de GRA and all de parties involved were able to reach a settlement on de matter and de two luxury vehicles which were seized were returned to de re-migrant couple! Details of de settlement were unclear, but reports suggested dat some amount of money was paid over to de Revenue Authority as taxes for de importation of de luxury vehicles. It was not known what tax rate was applied. Den de Guyana Revenue Authority announced dat it had withdrawn tax evasion charges against de “publisha” of de Waterfalls newspaper, he wife and de re-migrant couple. So, de word on de street is…“what is good for de goose is good for de gander!”

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HISTORY OF RASTAFARI MOVEMENT IN GUYANA (PT .3)

First Rastas in British Guiana

were Garveyites!

By Ras Leon Saul © Guyana 2017

The first Rastafarians in British Guiana were Garveyites, who would have also probably been “Jordanites”! Writer Rupert Lewis has examined political aspects of the origins of the Rastafari Movement

focused on two events during this period: the Coronation of Ras Tafari as Emperor of Ethiopia on November 2, 1930 and Marcus Mosiah Garvey’s writings on the significance of this “Coronation” for people

Marcus Garvey at a time when the Garvey Movement was in decline in the 1930s. It was around that time Marcus Garvey visited British Guiana and first brought the message of “Rastafari” closer to home. About seven UNIA branches were established here. Lewis’ main intentions were to underscore ways in which Garveyism has affected the evolution of Rastafari, and to identify the many similarities and differences that exist between the two anticolonial ideologies. Many interpretations of the origins of Rastafari have

of African descent. But, the actual manifestation of dreadlocked Rastafarians in Guyana, practicing the ascetic natural way of life and eschewing the temptations and pitfalls of “Babylon system”, did not happen until the mid-60s, when Guyanese sailors and travelers to Jamaica, such as brethren like Orlando Butcher aka “Ras Lando Judah”, Ras Camo Williams, pioneering agriculturalist - Ras Ramsammy (from Queen’s College) who introduced the use of “ital‟, Ras Nunki (recently

deceased), Ras Akatunde and others returned to this country with reports, reflections and herbal samples of the new “way of life”. Early Rases also included British, Cats, Spanner, Big Daddy, Mister Clean, Kiddus-I, Stone Face, Big Youth from Rasville, Big G, Natty Wiltshire and Ras Kanhai. Some individuals see Rastafari as a political movement, a sentiment that is offensive to religious-minded Rasta people. The Rastafari Movement did, however, gain power and popularity through many social and political aspirations of key Rasta individuals. Publisher, publicist and organizer Marcus Garvey, who is regarded as a prophet by many members of the Rasta faith, used his spiritual, economic, cultural and political Pan-African vision (through the Negro World newspaper)to inspire a new world view within the group. Marcus Garvey’s visit to Guyana in October 1937 was a defining moment in the establishment of “Rasta prophecy” in Guyana. He had declared years earlier…“Look to Africa where a Black King will be crowned…that will be the time of African redemption!” Pan-Africanist revolutionary, Guyanese scholar and renowned historian Dr. Walter

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Rodney also had a seminal impact on the awareness and acceptance of Rastafari philosophy, not only in Africa, Guyana and Jamaica, but the rest of the world through one of his publications – “Groundings with My Brethren”. In 1968, Jamaica’s Prime Minister – Hugh Shearer banned Walter Rodney from entering Jamaica…and Brother Walter’s militant conscious Afrocentric advocacy brought more focus on Rastafari here in Guyana. When Walter Rodney of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) and Forbes Burnham got into conflict, several Rasta personalities, including Colin Carto aka “Ras Abyssinian”, were involved in the struggle as members of the WPA. This caused some members of the budding Rasta community to be viewed with suspicion, by the then PNCgovernment, and endured persecutions from the police. Along with the reggae explosion of the 1970s, Rastafari’s acceptance in Guyana also began after Bob Marley’s music became more popular, especially his album “Natty Dread” and the song “Jah Lives” (after the mystical disappearance of Emperor Haile Selassie 1 from the throne) in the mid-70s. This sparked the fire that lit the consciousness of Rastafari in the hearts of many young Guyanese. The visit to these shores by Third World around 1977 at the newly-constructed National Sports Hall, on Homestretch Avenue, helped cement the Rasta message to aspiring Guyanese dreadlocks. Before that, there was the visit to Guyana by Count Ossie and the Royal Sons of Negus to Carifesta in 1972, along with cultural troupes from the Caribbean, especially Jamaica that brought the message home. Indeed, without a doubt, the music of Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Peter

Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Burning Spear, Culture, Toots & the Maytals, Jacob “Killer” Miller and other such roots, rock, reggae bands helped to spread the message of Rastafari in Guyana. Then, there were also pioneering brethren like Guyanese drummer and flautist Country aka “Nya”, Big Dread Palla, Big Beard Basil on 110 Street (Robb and Wellington by the old Metropole), Ital Archie, Zion, Pryor, Sheriff, Champ, the dreaded version of the Alpha crew from Laluni Street, Queenstown (including Cooley I…an early proponent of the use of raw food, Peta Pop and Renny, who now has his coconut water shop on Orange Walk near Bourda Market). But there was the original

leader granted the Rastafari community large tracts of land at North Fork in the hinterland. This was in 1978, after representation was made by the Rastafari community following the beatings and locking up of hundreds of Rastafarians at the National Park who had attended a musical showcase commemorating the birth anniversary of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie 1 on Sunday, July 23. President Burnham even provided transportation and rations for the North Fork agricultural project. But the subsequent attempt at large-scale farming and setting up a community ended in tragic failure with the manifestation of much greed, dissension, divisiveness and death

H.I.M. Emperior Haile Selassie 1 of Ethiopia greets President Burnham of Guyana loving “King Alpha” group from Third and Light Streets, Alberttown (including craftsmen Brian Van Rossum, Ras Marcus, Nya Keith, King David, Judah Star, Bongo Tony, Rubber and Pat) who helped establish the presence of dreadlocked Rastaman, long before even Guyana’s “father of the nation” – L.F.S. Burnham traveled to Ethiopia in the early 70s… before the first Carifesta to meet with HIM Emperor Haile Selassie 1. His Imperial Majesty advised the Guyanese leader on aspects of visionary governance that led President Burnham to proclaim the “Feed, Clothe and House” (FCH) program. This also caused President Burnham to become sympathetic to the people’s movement of Rastafari. The revolutionary-minded

among the brethren. Among those who were part of that failed venture were Big Beard, British, Stone Man and Lepke, among others. But the “black heart” Guyanese Head of State did not despair and granted land in Georgetown to the Rasta community…thus “Rasville‟ was created in South Ruimveldt near the aptly named “Roxanne Burnham” Gardens. The Rasville communitybuilding initiative was spearheaded by Ras Lepke, with Ras Polo and Ras Chris Man being prominently involved, along with others – dread and baldhead alike! To be continued in the next edition: In 1978 – the same year “Burnham legalized obeah”, who was the first Rasta Man to get “12 months in jail” for the possession of marijuana?!

“Guyana 2030” VISION

arrangements are not People oriented and are very exclusive (Winnertake-all). The “old” economic sectors (sugar, rice, bauxite, fossil fuel) would be re-vitalised and the “new” economic sectors positioned to be globally competitive with secure markets and sustainable job creation. Fourth, there needs to be a specific effort to nurture national reconciliation and the rebirth of nationalism. Fifth, underpinning all of the above would be the strengthening of National institutions (UG, legal, human rights, financial etc.) Guyana is at a crossroads as we enter 51 years of Independence. Political will and visionary actions are needed. The first of these has been the formation of a coalition that should lead to a Government of National Unity. The next action is to share a transformative economic vision with the Nation. Sector specific

plans need to be shared with the electorate underpinned by “how does it benefit me... the ordinary citizen of Guyana?” The time to act is NOW. Meanwhile, according to visionary Stanley Ming, “Water is the next big commodity Guyana needs to take advantage of.” Guyana should look at how it will position itself so that it can take advantage of the impending “water market”, as water will be the next big commodity on the global market, says prominent businessman and retired politician Stanley Ming. His statement was made at the presentation of a conceptual proposal to media operatives, entitled “An Overview of Options and Opportunities (O3) for National Development”. The proposal is a strategic plan that can serve as a roadmap that will drastically transform the country’s economy and infrastructure for the better

by 2030. Ming was asked to provide further details of the term “water market”. The businessman cited the growing popularity of bottled water throughout the Caribbean in countries like Barbados, the Bahamas and St. Lucia. He related that in those countries, the market has seen an increase in the importation of international brands, which makes substantial sales not only in the Caribbean but the rest of the world. “Throughout the Caribbean, everyone is into this bottled water thing,” said Ming, “In these places, water is imported all the way from countries like France, with brands like Perrier. Now why can’t we in Guyana do the same thing for the rest of the Caribbean? We have water here that is the same quality as the water they import.” Ming added that the key to the success of bottled water products, like Perrier, lies in how it is presented to the global market. He said that if Guyana were to invest in the “branding and marketing” of its own water products to the competitive global market, the country would see remarkable returns from it. “Bottling water is the next big venture and Guyana needs to start looking at how it will approach this market,” said the business tycoon, who is an ardent racing enthusiast. Moreover, the former Member of Parliament cited that Guyana needs to also look at advantageously positioning itself in exporting water on a large scale, to countries like the United States.In the

on trial for assault when he came to the aid of a black youngster being arrested with excessive force by police in Brixton, London in 1972. Later on, in the 1990s, Linton Kwesi Johnson and the Dennis Bovell Dub Band played a reggae

continued from page 3 concert in Alexandria township in South Africa. During that visit in 1995, Johnson met Albertina and Walter Sisulu in Soweto. He has also given several poetry readings in the country over the last 23 years. Johnson was nominated for

this doctorate by Rhodes University’s Professor Rod Walker, Professor Robert van Niekirk, Professor S Naidu and Professor M Hendricks, who stated that they wanted to recognise Johnson’s “seminal contribution, through poetry and music, to decolonise the English language and the English

continued from pg 1

Well-known local entrepreneur – Stanley Ming recently made a presentation, titled “Guyana 2030” or “An Overview of Options & Opportunities (O3) for National Development”. The proposal was crafted by Stanley Ming, Eric Phillips, Joseph Singh and Supriya Singh. It is a synthesis of historical and updated studies, implemented and planned projects, and interpretations that derive from the global environment. It represents the fundamentals of an ambitious plan of action intended to transform Guyana.

“Guyana 2030” is a holistic plan of action for Guyana over the next decade or two. The proposal examined opportunities for Guyana in terms of its geographic location, natural resources and market access and outlined plans for the country to serve as a transshipment port for Brazil and Venezuela and a link to CARICOM and North American markets. Challenges, such as climate change and severe flooding, were also reviewed. The presentation ranged in scope from proposals to enhance the country’s infrastructure (such as the development of a transshipment port) to a list of suggestions of crops we should be cultivating such as moringa, hemp and quinoa - a gluten-free, protein-rich wheat and rice substitute which has ten times the market value of wheat. The audience included members of the private

and public sectors, the diplomatic corps and the general citizenry and there were many questions and much debate after it concluded. Five critical elements are necessary for Guyana to bloom and for the political architects of the plan to transform Guyana over the next 20 years, in an uninterrupted period of envied growth. The first is a Government of National Unity which would ultimately bring racial peace and national reconciliation if the appropriate mechanisms are put in place. Second, Constitutional Reform to make governance more inclusive would not only make Guyana a modern State but would underpin the necessity for good, just inclusive governance. Third, a transformative Economic plan is absolutely necessary if prosperity is to be shared by all. The current constitutional

Reggae Poet Receives Doctorate Honour In South Africa in January in St. Andrew, Jamaica, was one of the island’s favourite adopted sons. The poet also spoke of the links created by reggae music. Johnson reminisced about three key encounters with South African exiles in London back in the 1970s

during his time as a Black Panther. Lawyer Barney Desai, race relations officer Lionel Morrison (later the first Black President of the National Union of Journalists) and writer Lewis Nkosi all contributed to Johnson’s fight to clear his name after being put

8

last few decades, states in the western US, like Nevada, Arizona, Texas and Southern California have been experiencing increased droughts. Reports published by the US Interior Department in 2011, stated that prominent river basins – the Colorado, Rio Grande and San Joaquin – could see decline as much as 8 percent to 14 percent in the coming decades. Furthermore, according to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), continued population growth in these regions will see an increased strain on the already limited water supply. Future projections also suggest that demand in water will grow as rainfall and mountain snowpacks decrease as a result of Climate Change. According to Ming the western US has already began rationing water supplies. As such, the entrepreneur predicts that within 10 years the US will need to import water in large quantities in order to supply demands. “Latin America has 30 percent of the world’s fresh water. Within 10 years there will be tankards not fetching oil but fetching water to the United States West Coast,” said Ming. He also cited Caribbean states like Antigua and Barbuda as current viable export options since the island already imports all their water. “We have to start looking at how we will position ourselves to take advantage of the water market of the future,” related Ming, “Just as the US and Australia are setting up for the rising demand of quinoa, we need to start setting up for water.” literary canon”. Johnson also attended a tribute event where South African poet Lesego Rampolokeng and others thanked him for his inspiring political activism and noted that his poetry and music were called “the soundtrack of the 1980s anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa”.

CNS TV CH. 6 CELEBRATES

25 YEARS ON AIR!

was again suspended on April 11, 2008 for a period of four months. However, because of public protest and pressure, the suspension period was reduced then dropped. That suspension stemmed from statements made by a female caller threatening to kill the Head of State! All in all, after 25 years of struggle, it could be said that C.N. Sharma has weathered the storm, including allegations and charges of sexual abuse (which were eventually thrown out of court). His philantrophy and benevolence know no bounds, and countless families and unfortunate persons have been helped by CN or have sought redress and justice through his programme – “Voice of the People” and the work of his son – Jaipaul Sharma, who is a Member of Parliament (representing Justice for all Party) and Junior Minister of Finance. Without a doubt, when all is considered, C.N. Sharma is a suitable candidate for a National Award for his pioneering activities in establishing the first TV station to broadcast death announcements and other unique programming initiatives. Many have also benefitted from working and being trained in television practices at CNS Channel 6…to the point that they are now being of immense benefit to other TV stations and media outlets. Keep up the activism and the pioneering trends, CNS Channel 6. Big up to CN!

Panelists on the popular weekly “Voice of The People” TV Programme on Ch. 6 - Ras. Leon Saul , Mark Muirhead, C.N. Sharma & Geoff Sankies

Popular Guyanese pioneering TV station – CNS Channel 6, headed by its flamboyant and highly irrepressible host of the “Voice of the People” programme – Chandra Narine Sharma aka “CN” is celebrating, in June, 25 years in existence as a television station. Mr. Sharma is also leader of the Justice for All (JFA) Party, which is a member of the six-party ruling APNU+AFC coalition government. Mr. Sharma’s militancy and activism have over the years been in the forefront of calling for change in the Guyanese political system. But, CN would be most remembered as the unique forerunner of all “death announcements on TV” in Guyana and the Caribbean. In fact, CN’s first broadcast signal was from a lantern post outside his house at Robb and Wellington Streets in downtown Georgetown. Over the years, the indefatigable TV station

and its feisty owner – C.N. Sharma (once voted the most popular politician in Guyana) have faced many challenges and successes. First, there was the controversial change in signal from channel 12 to Channel 6…reducing the station’s ability to broadcast over a vast area, to just a signal that covers a 25-mile radius. CN is still awaiting word from the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) regarding the station’s request to increase its broadcast signal, establish a cable TV service and acquire a radio licence. The change from Channel 12 to Channel 6 was effected in 1996 under the PPP/C government, with the then Prime Minister – Samuel Hinds being the Minister of Telecommunication. Sharma feels he was unjustly taken off a high frequency channel and forced to a channel (6) with a poor signal. The

MARIJUANA COULD SOON BE REGULATED continues from page 4 afford to be stifled by the [President Donald] Trump administration and its mixed-messages about marijuana. The cannabis industry, states, and citizens deserve leadership when it comes to marijuana.” Polis introduced a similar bill in 2015 that

was rejected. However, now that marijuana is legal in some form in 29 states and Americans increasingly support cannabis legalization, Polis is confident the bill could make it to Trump’s desk for approval.

government at that time claimed CNS’s signal will interfere with the state-owned television station GTV, which had moved from Channel 10 to Channel 11. The highly-persecuted and sometimes muchmaligned C.N. Sharma feels that being a leader of a political party (JFA) and having been very critical of the past PPP/C regime, he was victimized on several occasions in different ways. One such victimization was the “several suspensions” of the TV station’s broadcasts, which were aimed at getting his voice off-air because of his much-viewed and very popular talk show – “Voice of the People”. CNS TV 6 was suspended on February 22, 2005 for a one-month period. This was done based on statements made by Sharma about the then sitting President – Bharrat Jagdeo. The embattled and crusading TV station

UNITE NEWS MAGAZINE

NEWS MAGAZINE FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT & UNIVERSAL CONSCIOUSNESS

Publisher: Eidtor-in-Chief: Layout & Design: Advertising:

Carib Feedback Productions Ras Leon Saul 592-693-6035 M. l. N 666-5123 rasleonsaul@gmail.com

9

APNU + AFC Govt Has EXCELLENT RECORD Of Achievements In 2 Years By Ganesh Mahipaul

Permit me a space in your newspaper to express my deepest appreciation over the achievements of my government on this their second anniversary. The water was definitely not smooth upon their assumption of duty, given that Venezuela suddenly decided to reclaim Essequibo, closure to the PetroCaribe deal, GUYSUCO demanding another bailout and of course the high crime rate, disrespect for law and order, coupled with the disloyalty for country that was present. Nonetheless, the achievements are numerous and, for that, I am extremely proud. First, public servants received over the twoyear period a significant salary increase with a $75,000 Christmas bonus. The increase in income tax threshold saw 68,000 persons exempted from income tax and the reduction in PAYE allowed for persons to have more disposable income at hand. There was a 38 percent increase in minimum wages. The old age pension and public assistance were both significantly increased in the space of two years. A reduction of the Berbice River Bridge toll happened when we were once told that it cannot happen; and free transportation for our school children is finally a reality all because of the many buses, bicycles and boats donated by supporters and well-wishers of this government. Secondly, close to 1,000 scholarships were awarded to Guyanese students, in an effort to further educate this nation so as to lift it from the nightmare this government received it in. GUYSUCO received a G$33 billion-dollar

bailout. The establishment of 51 new ICT hubs all across Guyana is now a reality hence, folks from rural Guyana can be informed in a timely manner of what is happening in urban Guyana. Radio Mabaruma is on air. Radio Lethem is on air. Radio Aishalton is under construction. Radios Bartica, Mahdia and Orealla are also under construction. Georgetown is no longer the garbage city but is being restored as the Garden City, and no longer flood waters take days to be drawn off; it happens now in a matter of hours…fundamentally because major canals and trenches were desilted and excavated. Thirdly, in an effort to improve the quality of water supply across beautiful Guyana, G$5.6 billion were put toward water treatment plants. Areas that never saw GWI water are finally smiling, because this basic need was provided to them by the APNU+AFC Government. Space will not permit me to expound on the other achievements such as the establishment of three new towns, holding of local government elections after 22 years, lower crime rates, less blackouts, 4G internet, passage of the Telecommunications Bill, the abolishment of political victimization, the restoration of press freedom, better roads and streets especially in Leguan and Sophia, reduction in VAT and more zero rated items. Then there is the passage of the Anti-money Laundering Bill, street lights in a number of communities, the establishment of Regional Passport Offices, the introduction of the ferry service from Georgetown to the North West District, the provision of 8,060 continued to pg 10

Guyana Youth Corps & $50M innovation project for Youths Next year the government plans to re-implement the Guyana Youth Corps. And, in an effort to empower youths with skills and knowledge, the APNU+AFC coalition government has launched the “Youth Innovation Project of Guyana” (YIPoG), with the theme for the project being “Aspire, Inspire, to Reach”. YIPoG was launched Monday morning, May 22 at Umana Yana, Georgetown. Some G$50M has been budgeted for this project which is said to be the flagship project for the Department of Youth program 2017. Every administrative region participated in the project launch via the internet, compliments of E- Governance unit. Guyanese aged 16 to 35 in and out of school are invited to participate. This event was in keeping with National Youth Week 2017. For this week May 21-27, 2017 the government planned a week of exciting, and educating activities for the youth force. “Youths must use this week to understand the true value of education,” Minister

Henry noted. She explained that it is “only through real education that youths will be able to read, write, think, understand, analyze, and discuss issues that the country faces.” “This is the first kind of government programme that focuses on the important issue of youth innovation, in aiding to build capacity for the next generation,” Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry said. She was of the opinion that this project will create an enabling environment, for youths to realize their true potential. The Ministry of Education, through the Department of Culture, Youth, and Sports, will give youths the chance to come up with innovative solutions to address pressing issues and challenges in Guyana. The Department of Youth will award grants to these innovative solutions proposed. Minister Henry reiterated, “More than ever, Guyana needs its young citizens to stand up and showcase their inherent creativity.” She reaffirmed the government and Department of Youth’s

commitment to ensure that youths are educated, trained, and are provided with economic opportunities for their development, and the nation overall. Members of the oversight team for YIPoG projects. The YIPoG was implementedtodecrease unemployment amongst young Guyanese, to engage youth in the development of a green state, to foster creative thinking through STEAMS, and develop a network between partners that work in the field of creative thinking and youth development. The National Youth Policy speaks to providing training programmes to teach youths marketable vocational skills, to enhance job prospects, so as to aid in alleviating poverty, Minister Henry said. The Ministry of Education plans to promote STEAMs as the crucible in which youths will design, develop and produce innovative ideas. Any youth from across the nation who is aware of issues, challenges or difficulties in his

The opening ceremony for YIPoG at Umana Yana on Monday, May 22 respective community, political awareness and will be restricted to three can propose a solution participation among months in the first year. in the area of STEAMs, the public, promoting The Ministry of while fostering a green civic education, Education will enter economy is eligible to combating corruption, into a Memorandum of apply. promoting rule of law, Understanding (MOU) Minister within the empowerment of women with host organizations Ministry of Finance and youths, promoting of the competition. Host Jaipaul Sharma;, Minister entrepreneurship and organizations will serve within the Ministry of business development, as drop in centres for Education Nicollete human and child rights, project teams, and other Henry; and Minister of telling the story of the six members. The host Public Security Khemraj races of Guyana, among organization will name Ramjattan, view some others. a capital improvement projects at the YIPoG YIPoG cannot fund project to be improved by opening. projects supporting the end of the competition. STEAMS: Science, partisan political activity, Persons will be notified T e c h n o l o g y , educational scholarship, on the status of the project Engineering, Agriculture, humanitarian aid and within two weeks of A n t h r o p o l o g y , charities, fundraising submission. If an email Archeology, Architecture, campaign, and is submitted without Arts, Mathematics and professional development necessary documents and Spirituality has been for individuals. Grants can information, the grant chosen the focus for the last for one year, $2M will application will not be YIPoG. Projects that will be the maximum grant processed. be funded are promoting given. However, grants

APNU + AFC Govt Has EXCELLENT RECORD Of Achievements In 2 Years continued from pg 9

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laptops to our teachers, among so many other achievements combined with the many, many achievements Regional Administrations boast boldly about. Therefore, as a reminder to the people of Guyana, this government is two years old and of all the ministers only two of them would have served in previous governments. Thus, it is my belief that not only do we have to collectively embrace our government 10

and give them the support they need so as to achieve the desperately needed social cohesion, but also be proud and honest about the remarkable achievements for, again, it has only been two years! My President, your President, our President has done well in restoring some degree of Law and Order and I am certain, in the near future, complete Law and Order will be restored. In 2010, a politician friend of mine

said publicly that Guyana can, with visionary leadership, be lifted from the nightmare it finds itself in, and today my dear readers we are seeing before our very eyes that visionary leadership. Let’s embrace and continue to support this coalition administration, so that our children and grandchildren can inherit a proud country. Don’t let us be distracted by the very forces that divided and destroyed us.

RELAUNCH OF National Youth Week Photo credit: Minister Nicolette Henry

continued from pg 1

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BK AIR AMONG FIRST RESPONDERS TO REGION EIGHT FLOOD continued from pg 1

people of Region 8. This was the second time, in one week, that BK AIR was on the move to provide relief support to unfortunate citizens. The week before BK AIR flew Toshao Alvin Lazio and his family along with the corpse of his son to Kopiang for burial, after the Toshao had issued a public call for help to transport his son’s body to his hinterland home for burial. Then, a week later, BK AIR was the first private sector company to respond to a call from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs for help by providing an aircraft on

Friday, May 19 to airlift much-needed supplies, including “manna paks” foodstuff, clothing, antibacterial products from Hope for the Nation NGO to flood-affected residents facing “grim” situation in Region 8. Hundreds of residents in scattered villages in Region 8 (PotaroSiparuni) are facing a dire situation as a result of severe flooding. Residents have been affected in five villages, among them being Kaibarupai, Sand Hill, Chenapou and Waipa. Minister Valerie GarridoLowe from the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs, with

the Principal Regional Development Officer – Anil Roberts and Project Officer for Regions 8 and 9 – Besham Ramsaywack, accompanied by BK International’s PRO – Ras Leon Saul and a GINA reporter on Friday afternoon flew into Chenapou, on the Potaro River in Region 8 to deliver the supplies and get a first-hand look on the ground on the severity of the flooding caused by two days (May 15 & 16) of continuous rainfall in the area. The flooding is as a result of the overtopping of several rivers, including the Ireng River. The delegation was met at the airstrip by

Chenapou’s Toshao Edward McGarrell and his deputy – Henry Fredericks along with many anxious, distressed and displaced villagers, who joyously welcomed the relief supplies and the visitors. Minister GarridoLowe assured them of the coalition government’s commitment to helping them in their time of trouble and promised more supplies and visits from officials. On a tour in a boat along the swollen and fastmoving Potaro River, the displacement, plus flooded farms and swamped residences were visible to the eye. In the face of all that they were facing, the

high spirits of the children were evident along the stoic acceptance of their fate by the elders in the community. There had been previous flooding around 2004. In Chenapou, some 15 households (about 75 persons) and 39 farms were affected, along with the road becoming impassable. More than 1000 distressed residents are affected by flood in the entire flooded out areas. Waters had accumulated to as high as 15 feet in several communities. Houses have been washed away, some have been submerged, and others are half under water. Food is gone; clothing has been destroyed, animals

- pets and livestock alike, have perished. Children, old people and pregnant women have no other choice but to wait it out. Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done to reduce the flooding, as the communities are located in valleys. According to the Toshao of Chenapou, Edward Mc Garrell, approximately 95 percent of his village has been affected in some way or the other. All trails in the village have been flooded, 15 houses are almost submerged and one home was washed away. In addition, the primary and nursery schools had been closed and parents asked to keep their children at home.

Mike Fung (2nd L) of BK Air & representing Hope for the Nation NGO donates supplies to Minister Garrido-Lowe

Minister Garrido-Lowe donates supplies to Chenapau Villagers ( Pictures by Ras Leon Saul)

Two of the oldest villagers of Chenapau - (R)Stanley T. Mc Garrell ( 85 years ) & Cecil Baptiste (56 years)

12

Photos of the 51st Independence Anniversary Flag Raising Ceremony held at Jubilee Stadium, D’Urban Park on the night of Thursday, May 25, 2017. (MOE-DCYS Photos/Mondale Smith)

13

THIS IS OUR HISTORY

(see where the 300 Wai Wai have 1.5 million acres) are at the borders of Guyana. So it’s a national security issue, and one the Amerindians don’t appreciate when they want sovereignty over their lands. It is that if invaded by Venezuela or Brazil, or a terrorist group such as Hezbollah...Guyana would have been invaded. They are not a sovereign state within a sovereign state. They are funded and defended by the Guyanese State and all tax payers. Africans are always called racists in Guyana when they present historical facts or seek their own rights! Under the PPP, growth was driven by the illegal economy. Many of the investors under the PPP/C promised jobs but delivered few. Baishanlin promised 10,000 jobs. The Marriott was built by 300 Chinese nationals. Vaitarna Holdings Private Inc. promised to create

several hundred jobs for the large acreage of lands they were given. Amaila Falls promised jobs but the plan was to bring 2000 Chinese workers as the US$500 million loan was from the China Development Bank. The jobs the PPP/C were creating; often through crooked deals, were not for Guyanese youth to be employed. So, under the PPP/C, there was (jobless) growth, driven by an illegal economy. The underground economy and the criminalization of the State created some jobs. But if one were to add all of these jobs over the PPP’s 23 years, the answer would be obvious. Remittances, gold smuggling, cocaine smuggling, fuel smuggling and other illicit activities drove this economy. This is why a 34 year-old gold miner can be arrested for fraud and for passing G$17 billion

through his account over a two-month period! Omar Shariff, - the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of the Presidency allegedly had G$18 billion passing through his account. Some of the construction in Georgetown and elsewhere in Guyana reflected no job creating growth, but illicit funds being legitimized through money laundering. Now, back to the Private Sector which claims to be the “engine of growth”, but has not proven this through any job creation. In its current form, because of ownership structures; monopolistic, duopolistic and cartel modes of operation; the Private Sector is comprised of many non-competitive firms that are resellers of foreign imports. They manufacture very little. They rarely reinvest their predatory profits in Guyana. There is absolutely no innovation.

Expensive and unreliable energy only accounts for part of the failure to innovate by the Private Sector. Additionally, the Private Sector lived of the largesse of the Government of Guyana. If one were to truly investigate the Private Sector one would see that their profits are obtained from the Guyana Government through gold, land and other concessions; government contracts to build roads; schools and other Ministry purchases. Indeed, 70 % of the annual Guyana budget is spent through government procurement. In essence, the Private Sector is very dependent on the same government they are currently at war with through manipulations of foreign currency etc. Moreso, the procurement under Jagdeo was totally ethnic and political. Hence, a very large part of the population,

14

especially African and Amerindian Guyanese, were left with crumbs or were not even invited to the table of corruption. Today, the country has changed and the new government is being asked to do what the previous government did not do. This is not a bad development. But our young people need to also appreciate several facts. First, the drug, gold smuggling and other illicit activities are being squeezed because the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is in Guyana. SOCU is for the first time pursuing money laundering activities under the AML/CFT Bill (note that the Bank of America has stopped being a Correspondent Bank because of money laundering activities). SARA will soon pursue stolen state assets. The Guyana Revenue

continued from pg 3

Authority is clamping down on under billing and other “runnings” such as tax evasion and tax avoidance. Fuel smuggling is being addressed. Much of what is occurring in the Guyanese economy has been inherited from the PPP/C’s 23 years of “corrupt rule and the criminalization of the State”. Young people are indeed “looking for a change”. This “change” begins with the re-establishment of the ‘Rule of Law” and the dismantling of the criminal state that was inherited. Today, the same contractors that built bad roads because of corruption and kickbacks are still winning contracts, because those denied contracts have been told they have no experience. The new government should have banned all of these crooked contractors. continued in the next edition

Columbia Neuroscientist Receives Death Threats

Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia to describe methamphetamine). Agnes Callamard, the Director of Global Freedom of Expression at Columbia University and a United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Executions, is an opponent of Duterte’s drug war. Callamard, who also spoke during the policy forum, quoted one of Hart’s points on Twitter. This resulted in Duterte slamming her as being in collusion with “that black guy”. “She should go on a honeymoon with that black guy, the American. I will pay for their travel,” Duterte told reporters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. “They should be together and discuss.” In addition to his decades-long research on drug addiction, Hart has openly discussed his experimentation with methamphetamine. He has also been unrelenting in cutting through stigmatizing rhetoric that has, in large part, fueled the war on drugs. He never wavers in pointing out the similarities between the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder drug Adderall and meth, as well as presenting evidence that cocaine and tobacco have similar effects on the fetus. Two of the above substances are legal: Adderall, which is beloved by Big Pharma, and tobacco, which has been legally pushed in black and brown communities for decades, while discriminatory drug policies - specifically around crack and

marijuana - have been used to terrorize and occupy those same communities. Hart fearlessly pushes back against respectability politics and shame in black communities, demanding a shift in dialogue that includes human beings having autonomy over what they put into their own bodies; following the data on what is dangerous to consume and in what quantities; realizing that not all drug use is problematic; zeroing in on the drug war as an intentional and institutional war on the most vulnerable, oppressed and marginalized communities both domestic and abroad; and calling out State violence, specifically hypermilitarized policing, as more dangerous for Black people than drugs. “The most important conversation that I have with my sons, in terms of drugs, is they are more likely to be arrested for drugs than their White friends,” Hart said in conversation with Asha Bandele, Senior Director of the Drug Policy Alliance, during a Facebook Live chat on The Root. The Root’s High Society series, focuses on the implications of the legalization of marijuana. “The most potential negative impact or consequence is the police, not the drugs themselves,” Hart continued. During the Drug Policy Alliance’s 2016 partnergathering at Columbia University, Hart also urged attendees not to be distracted by the simplistic, media-driven narrative of a “gentler” war on drugs. “They may be gentler on the White user, but Black people are disproportionately arrested for the selling of opiates,” Hart said. “In the U.S., it’s comfortable to arrest black and brown bodies. Always pay

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attention to who’s getting to separate the poor arrested.” people from the people If there is one thing that who have means. And he Hart always does, it’s is allowing or providing make it plain; being the environment so people in the Philippines, of could kill, as you pointed course, didn’t change out, kill people who are that. According to engaged in drug use and Reuters, Duterte signed in drug trafficking. an executive order in “And people are afraid February authorizing the to speak out against this creation of the Interagency wrong, because Duterte Committee on Anti-Illegal has no qualms about Drugs (ICAD). having people’s lives ICAD consists of at least be threatened. In fact, I 21 State agencies, from discovered that people “police, military and coast are being killed for as guard to health, education little as $100! It ranges and social welfare.” from about $100 to $500 Though the government to have someone killed. claims that the purpose And so, actually, I left the of the multi-pronged Philippines early as my life agency is to rehabilitate was threatened because of users and suppress me speaking out against dealers large and small, what Duterte was saying it has disproportionately about drugs and what he’s targeted impoverished doing. And so, we have it communities. bad in the United States, “More than 8,000 people but the Philippines, I have have been killed since the never seen anything like drugs crackdown started the Philippines. eight months ago - 2,555 President Duterte and of them, in what police Professor Carl Hart say, were shootouts during Predictably, neither raids. ICAD says that Donald Trump nor 48,000 drugs suspects anyone in his regime has were arrested,” Reuters repudiated Duterte’s vile reports. Duterte has statements about Hart, reportedly threatened to a U.S. citizen; nor has kill more. Sound familiar? he voiced any concern Be clear: From the U.S., about the death threats the to Mexico, to Honduras, acclaimed scientist has to Ghana, to Thailand, received. In fact, Trump to the Philippines, the recently praised Duterte, war on drugs is global. gushed over their “very In a Democracy friendly” conversations Now! interview, Hart and invited him to the talked about the death White House over threats he received for vehement objections from unpacking the misleading human rights groups. rhetoric around “shabu” Given that Hart is equally and for speaking out vocal in his opposition to against Duterte’s drug war U.S. Attorney General in the Philippines. Jeff Sessions’ blatant push “When I was in the to escalate the drug war in Philippines, the thing that the United States, Trump’s I discovered is that it’s a silence should come as lot worse than I originally no surprise. Truth tellers thought it was,” disclosed such as Hart continue to Hart. “Duterte operates in put their lives on the line intimidation. And so, not to end this inhumane war only is he the problem, but that has cost so many there are other political so much. History tells officials who’re afraid to us that threats against speak out. They are the Black leaders, deemed problem. dangerous by those in “And Duterte has taken power, are rarely idle. a page out of the 1980s We should all be thankful U.S. drug war in that he’s for Hart’s life and his using drugs to separate continued revolutionary people, the issue of drugs work. Be vigilant! 15

Opposition boycotts Independence Flag Raising ceremony! …while acknowledging need for more

UNITY in Guyana By News Source Guyana

Minister with responsibility for Culture, Nicolette Henry, confirmed that all of the Opposition Members of Parliament were invited to the official event and accommodation was made for them in the VIP stand, where the President and other dignitaries were seated. Guyana’s Opposition Members of Parliament stayed away from the 51st Independence Anniversary flag raising ceremony, leaving their front row VIP seats empty. Last year, the Opposition had complained about improper seating arrangements and walked out of the Golden Jubilee festivities. Last evening as Guyana crossed into its 51st year as an independent nation, they simply did not show up! Minister with responsibility for Culture, Nicolette Henry, confirmed that all of the Opposition Members of Parliament were invited to the official event and accommodation was made for them in the VIP stand, where the President and other dignitaries were seated. “I feel it was a great activity this evening and all the people that wanted to be here were here and I believe that Guyana is moving forward,” Henry told News Source.

While the PPP Parliamentarians stayed away from the event, the party released its independence message and pointed out that as a nation, “we must celebrate and salute the sacrifices and struggles of our leaders and forebearers, who toiled indomitably to win, firstly, internal self-government and ultimately, political independence, from our colonial masters after centuries of brutal slavery, servitude and exploitation by foreign forces.” The Opposition party said it has done some self-examination “and wishes to acknowledge that although we have implemented transformative changes in Guyana during our tenure in office we have to persevere even more, to bring greater ethnic, religious and class unity among our people; we have to toil even harder, to bring greater economic and social prosperity to this land and we have to dedicate even more energies, to improve our system of government, strengthen our democratic institutions and enhance the rights and freedoms of our people, if we are to realize the aspirations and goals of our independence architects.” It offered best wishes to the nation!

Legendary Reggae Artist Frankie “Dancehall” Paul dead at 52. Paul Blake (1965 - partially restored by an 2017), better known operation on a hospital as Frankie Paul, was ship. He sang for, and a Jamaican dancehall impressed Stevie Wonder reggae artist. Born blind, when Wonder visited the he has been dubbed by school that Paul attended some “The Jamaican in Jamaica, prompting him to pursue a singing career Stevie Wonder”. Paul was born blind but, and later adopted the as a child, had his sight stage name Frankie Paul.

He was a talented multiinstrumentalist with a tremendous vocal range and first found fame in the early 1980s. He was also extraordinarily prolific; part of the first wave of dancehall artists that recorded during the early ‘80s, and has since flooded the market with his product, releasing countless singles and well over 30 albums! Some of

his hit singles are “Tidal Wave”, “Worries In The Dance”, “Alesha”, “Cassanova”, “Sara”, “Fire Deh a Mus Mus Tail”, “Pass the Ku-Sheng Peng” and many more”. Frankie Paul died May 18, 2017 at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Jamaica after a battle with kidney disease. He will be missed but his music will live on. RIP.​

Winston Churchill Starved 3 Million Indians to Death …in the Man-Made Bengal Famine of 1943! elsewhere, nor was India’s obligation to supply British Indian troops abroad lessened. Instead, India was made to cover the loss of Burmese rice imports to Ceylon, Arabia and South Africa even though these territories were already better provisioned with food than India. Albeit in the years before WWII India had become a net importer of food, importing at least one million tons of cereal per year - a figure that was not actually sufficient to cover its needs, but represented what it could afford to import after paying the Home Charge - the British now undertook to export food from India. Anticipating food shortages that were certain to follow colonial administration moved to protect the strata of society most useful to the British Empire - administrators, soldiers and industrial workers. It set out to buy up huge quantities of grain and store it for their use. It would pay for these stocks in the same way it acquired supplies for the war effort - by printing money.The government acquired some grain by requisitioning, but for the most part it simply

bought it. Some purchases it made on its own, others it contracted out to private traders. Big merchant companies were given advances of vast sums of money and instructed to purchase grain at any price for the government. The price of already precious grain skyrocketed and the Bengal peasant was priced out of the market. Between the purchases of the Bengal administration, the Government of India, the army and the industries which were recipients of government largesse, grain was sucked out from rural areas. Departments of government and industries crucial for the war effort secured huge stocks of grain - part of which would end up rotting as millions starved! What made the looting of the countryside to this extent possible was that the transfer of purchasing power away from the peasant and to the government; and those whom the government made business with that money printing entailed. In the course of the war the money supply increased by between six and seven times, so that the British worried they were “within sight of collective refusal to accept

further paper currency”. Empire taken as a whole. This confounded the In fact London claimed problem of food scarcity that Bengal could not be since some cultivators fed - not for a lack of food, understandably held onto but for a lack of ships their grain rather than supposedly shipping was release it to the market, as so scarce that grain, which it was seen a better store was available, could not of value than the rapidly be taken to India without depreciating currency. disrupting the British war The reason government effort. purchases were so Prioritizing its war over the devastating for Bengal bare lives of three million peasants was that most of its subjects would families owned tracts of have been bad enough, land too small to sustain but Mukarjee shows that their families on their shipping was nowhere as own.Even in a normal scarce as London claimed, year such families were albeit it was certainly not in position to store being mismanaged. enough of their harvest For example there was to sustain them until the shipping and food enough next one. They were not to build up a stockpile in sellers of crops…they the Eastern Mediterranean sold their labor to the big for the purpose of Allied landowners and bought invasion of the Balkans food.Except now buying that would never come food meant competing about. Also there were with a government that always ships aplenty to could print money at will. build up an enormous and Prevalence of effectively ever growing stockpile landless peasants in of food in the British Bengal in itself was the Isles that the London result of British policies government was actually in India which had building up for post-war created the landlord class use. from what had been tax In reality the biggest collectors before the obstacle to secure food for conquest.Albeit crop famine-stricken India was failure and the loss of not a lack of means, but Burmese imports was the lack of will to allocate enough to create a serious the resources necessary. food deficit for India, Such readjustments would there was actually no food have clashed with the problem for the British interest and the intent of 16

the British Empire under Winston Churchill to exploit its colony for its purposes to the greatest extent possible. To their credit, not every Brit was of a mind with the London government personified in Winston Churchill.Many officials, including high ranking ones like the Secretary of State for India, Leopold Amery and the Viceroy of India, Field Marshal Wavell repeatedly called for a decisive effort to relieve the famine. Governments of Australia, New Zeeland and Canada offered grain for India if United Kingdom, which had taken control of their shipping, would transport it there. British soldiers on the scene defied orders not to help famine refugees often handing over food from their own rations.In addition to showing how the British Empire helped cause the Bengal Famine of 1943 and then denied it famine relief Churchill’s Secret War also provides the context for these two stories. Mukarjee recounts a fair bit of the dynamic between colonial metropolis and the colony centering on exploitation and resistance, explains the consequences of

continued from pg 5 British wartime policies for the political future of the colony - partition and independence - and paints a picture of famine and repression as seen from the ground by offering vivid first-hand accounts by people who were affected. It is a book rich in content, but probably the one thing to take from it is the way in which the famine was made worse and its victims selected by government abuse of paper currency. British reaction to food shortages in Bengal was to protect the cities and industries at the expense of the peasants. Like the Soviet Union which had faced a food crisis of its own a decade earlier, the British Empire figured it was up to it to decide who would live and who would die. Only where the Soviet method of robbing the countryside of grain in 1932-33 was requisition, the British method of choice in India was money creation. It was a more elegant method, but no less deadly, and more difficult to effectively resist.If the famine in 1932-33 in the Soviet Union was a requisition famine, the Bengal Famine of 1943 was a printing press famine!

Happy Independence Guyana!

(Pictures courtesy of Councilor Malcolm Ferreira) We can learn about unity by looking at our young school children. Happy Independence Guyana. Check the beautiful faces of Guyanese school children at Career Day at St. Pius Primary School. I was invited to host the programme and I couldn’t resist taking pictures to share with you. GDF and GFS made presentations to the children. Thanks for the invite and I will cherish the moments #futureleaders

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PSC’s Eddie Boyer TROY WRIGHT aka wants to work with “MARIO KEIN” Guyana govt to make – READY FOR A MUSICAL TAKE OFF @ CLASSIC INT’L HOTEL! OIL REFINERY A REALITY!

Chairman of Guyana’s Private Sector Commission , Edward Boyer (L) and H.E David Granger, President of Guyana (R) The business community in Guyana continues to weigh-in on the news that setting up a 100,000bpd oil refinery in the South American country, is not a feasible option. The head of one such group representing the interest of the country’s private sector believes collaboration between private investors and the State could pave the way for a refinery. Speaking to OilNOW on Friday, May 20 last, Chairman of Guyana’s Private Sector

Commission (PSC), Edward Boyer, said the long-term benefits an oil refinery will bring to the country must be closely examined, and this must be matched against the investment. If the investment is “horrendous” alternative options for financing this project must be pursued, he stated. It was recently disclosed that setting up a refinery with a 100,000-bpd capacity would cost as much as US$5B. Pedro Haas, Director of Advisory Services at Hartree Partners was hired by the Guyana government to examine the feasibility of setting up a refinery in the

country. In arriving at this cost, Haas said such an investment would have negative returns, deeming it “not feasible”. Mr. Boyer, commenting on the cost arrived at by the Hartree Partners consultant, said, “if Government can’t do it alone they need partners, but we need to look at a long-term strategy rather than a short-term investment.” He referenced Guyana’s sugar and bauxite industries, which have failed to move into valueadded operations, resulting in tremendous economic challenges which threaten their very survival. Guyanese at large have long understood that adding value to their raw material and resources is vital if the country is to really benefit from its exploitation. Now, with an estimated 2 billion barrels of oil discovered offshore and production expected to begin in 2020, the country is intent on not repeating past mistakes.

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For the past six years, Guyanese reggae artist – Troy Wright aka “Mario Kein” has been a featured act at the annual Bob Marley M u s i c a l Showcase which has been held on February 6 at Girl Guides’ Pavilion, the Pegasus Hotel and Congress P l a c e , respectively from 2012 to 2017. The culture singer has also been a constant fixture on stage at the annual Emancipation D a y celebration on August 1 at the National Park since 2013. Now, Troy Wright aka “Mario Kein” is ready for a big musical take off! He’s preparing to launch his new works at a grand two-night affair on the Father’s Day weekend at the new Classic International Hotel and Suites in Corriverton, Corentyne, Berbice. He’ll be supported on stage by some top Guyanese acts. Last year Emancipation Day at the National Park, as “Mario Kein” was one of the supporting acts to Jamaican reggae superstar Luciano. Other performers included Natural Black, First Born and Benji Diamond, among others. Troy Wright has written hundreds of songs and under his alter ego – “Mario Kein”, he has already recorded 35 songs, including “Mama Stop Cry”, “Here I Come”, “Save the Poor and Needy”, “Mama Africa”, It Brings Teardrops to My Eyes”,

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“Girl I Wanna Make You Mine”, “Mother Nature Talk To Me”, “Girl I Love you” and “Pour Out Your Blessings On Me” (for

which a video is being done). Troy has been performing for 13 years since he returned to Guyana from Barbados, where he had been residing. But, it was on a visit to that island during 2000 that he did his first live performance. Troy recalled that it was a vendor on the “Flying Fish” island who overheard him singing one of his songs, and asked him if he was, indeed, a singer. He replied in the affirmative and, before he knew it, she had put him in touch with a promoter… and he was performing onstage for the first time in his life! Although, professionally, he has been performing for just over a decade, Troy “Mario Kein” Wright started singing at school concerts in the East Ruimveldt Primary School. He also attended

South Ruimveldt Primary and, after high school, went to the Government Technical Institute (GTI). Troy is inspired by Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, Dennis Brown and Freddie M c G r e g o r, a m o n g other culture singers. “But my lyrics,” he clarified, “are what makes me different from other artistes. Most artistes want to adapt the Jamaican style. I’m a Guyanese…I have my own style.” Apart from being a recording and performing artiste, Troy is also a tradesman (carpenter and shipwright) and a football coach. He coaches Black Water Football Club and Channel Nine Warriors. He took his team, Channel Nine Warriors, to the national level in the Guinness Greatest of the Streets competition. He has also successfully coached St. Agnes Primary School’s football team which came second in last year’s PEE WEE Finals. The tall, lanky and handsome Rastafarian’s singer’s hobbies range from everything to do with his music, playing football and cricket to traveling, cooking (especially cook up and fried rice). He also enjoys watching sports and movies based on history. “Someday soon,” Troy states, “my music is going to the top in Guyana, and I’ll be the next biggest culture voice internationally!”

HAITI BECOMES PART OF

THE AFRICAN UNION

JAGDEO HAD THE CHANCE TO “LEGALIZE GANJA” WHEN HE WAS IN OFFICE!

By Ras Leon Saul (with files from Kaieteur News & Stabroek News)

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

Haitian Ambassador to South Africa, Jacques Junior Baril says Haiti finally being part of the African Union (AU) is a place that the country earned as they paved way to other African countries to be free today.

The Caribbean state of Haiti will officially become a member of the AU come the next AU Summit which will take place next month in Lilongwe, Malawi. Former African Union chairman, Jean Ping said:

“We have attachment and links to that country. The first black Republic…that carried high the flame of liberation an freedom for black people and has paid a heavy price for so doing. In 2012, Haiti indicated its interest to move from its

observer status to member status. It will be the first time any nation with no geographic connection to the continent of Africa to join the AU.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo, on Monday, May 15 reiterated calls for decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana (cannabis sativa) and pointed to the fact, there are many young people across the country who have been jailed, while large-scale dealers walk scot free. Jagdeo was at the time addressing his party’s press engagement. The former President was asked to give his views

on the growing call for the decriminalizing of “Hemp” - a cannabis plant strain, for industrial purposes, but chose instead to address the matter of marijuana. Jagdeo told media operatives that when it comes to “Hemp”, the Peoples Progressive Party’s (PPP) position on “marijuana” is that the matter is up for a conscience vote in the National Assembly. The continued on pg 20

May 25th - African Liberation Day.

African Liberation Day exploitation. Between (ALD) was founded 1958 and 1963 the in 1958 when Kwame nation/class struggle intensified in Africa and the world. Seventeen countries in Africa won their independence; and 1960 was proclaimed the Year of Africa. Further advances were made with the defeat of U.S. imperialism inAsia and the Caribbean. Imperialism responded to this tide of Kwame Nkrumah victories by assassinating Nkrumah convened revolutionary leaders and the First Conference sending U.S. troops to of Independent States Viet Nam. On May 25, held in Accra, Ghana 1963, thirty-one African and attended by eight Heads of State convened independent African a summit meeting to states. April 15 was found the Organization declared “Africa Freedom of African Unity (OAU). Day,” to mark each year They renamed African the onward progress of Freedom Day “African the liberation movement, Liberation Day” and and to symbolize the changed its date to May determination of the 25th. people of Africa to Since then, the world free themselves from has witnessed the foreign domination and assassination of Dr. Martin

Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, the overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah, the US invasion of Cuba, the US move to crush liberation movements in Asia, Egypt, Syria, and Jordan; the overthrow of the Democratic Party of Guinea, the US invasion of Grenada, the US bombing of Libya, and the overthrow of Thomas Sankara in Burkina Faso. This period had marked a temporary setback for the Pan-African movement and, since 1966, was characterized by a lull in ALD activities. Neocolonialism was imposed upon the people as the new stage of the capitalist, imperialist strategy in Africa. Out of the intensification of the nation/class struggle, a new generation of African youth emerged and reaffirmed their African personality, history

and their Pan-African objectives. This youth was the product of Malcolm X, Sister M’balia Camara, Patrice Lumumba, Frantz Fanon and the countless generations before them. Links were made and maintained with Kwame Nkrumah. Understanding the need for clear and precise ideological and organizational direction for the Pan-African movement, Nkrumah published Consciencism: Philosophy and Ideology for Decolonization (1963), Handbook of Revolutionary Warfare (1968), and Class Struggle in Africa (1970). The ideas of Nkrumah infused the Black Power Movement (1960-1972). Nkrumah taught us, “The total liberation and unification of Africa under an All-African Socialist Government must be the primary objective of all

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Black revolutionaries throughout the world. It is an objective which, when achieved, will bring about the fulfillment of the aspirations of Africans and people of African descent everywhere. It will at the same time advance the triumph of the international socialist revolution.” In 1970, the Pan-African Secretariat of Guyana made the call for the celebration of ALD in the western hemisphere. In response, a large demonstration was held in Georgetown, Guyana and smaller celebrations in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The Pan-African movement was once again on the verge of taking a mass revolutionary character and educating and organizing the people. By 1971 Pan-Africanism had become the dominant discussion in every

factory, home, school and church in the African world. In the 1990s, as a result of the people’s struggle, we have witnessed the defeat of apartheid, the heroic decision of the OAU to break UN sanctions against Libya, and the Congo victory by pro-African forces over imperialist proxy forces, making an advance toward Nkrumah’s call for an African High Command and representing a healthy day in line with the African Union. The African Union, and Africa’s first continental holiday, “Africa Day,” are clear signs that the struggle for African Unity will not stop until victory is achieved. Today, African Liberation Day is a permanent mass institution in the world-wide Pan-African continued on pg 20

May 25th - African Liberation Day.

HIM Emperor Haile Selassie 1 is accompanied by other African leaders at the opening of the OAU in Addis Ababa in 1963 movement. As an institution, it is stronger today because the masses of African people are stronger and ALD is their day. As a day of work in the area of political education and organization, it reflects the fact that we have not obtained our freedom, and thus it is a day to reaffirm our commitment to PanAfricanism, the total

liberation and unification of Africa under scientific socialism. At ALD we also deepen our understanding of other just struggles and affirm our role in the world socialist revolution. ALD has but one direction, forward to a unified socialist Africa. It is growing as the level of awareness about Pan-Africanism and the

primacy of Africa grows. It is growing as progressive and revolutionary organizations grow. And lastly, it is growing as the masses make increasing victories against capitalism, neocolonialism, racism, and zionism. For these are the fundamental causes by which the “Nyahbinghi levity” was established,

especially as a champion in the fight for justice, equality, and liberty for all Africans at home and abroad. Queen Nyahbinghi was a freedom fighter and, because of her zeal, regarded as a warrior queen against the colonial powers; fighting for a true cause, the cause of justice and freedom. TheAncients of the Rastafari livity

continued from pg 19

in Jamaica immortalize her name by naming the Rastafari livity after her NYAHBINGHI. Just as Melchizedek did for His wife “Salem” which means “peace”, and “Jeru” which means “Heaven” (Jerusalem heavenly peace). I and I should never forget those that have laid down their lives and shed their blood to give I and I liberty, so that Africa and Africans globally may eventually be free physically. It’s up to you now to liberate your minds, as Marcus Garvey had said, “draw all nature precious knowledge to you”! Long live The Words of His Imperial Majesty Qedamawe Haile Selassie, at the Addis Ababa Conference, Ethiopia on October 6, 1963. “That until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned; That until there are no longer first-class and second-class citizens of any nation; That until the colour of a man’s skin is of no more

JAGDEO HAD THE CHANCE TO “LEGALIZE GANJA” WHEN HE WAS IN OFFICE! former President recalled that decriminalizing of small amounts of marijuana was something his party campaigned for in the 2015 elections! “We said to people, we would allow a conscious (sic) vote on our members,” according to Jagdeo, who in giving his support for the decriminalizing small amounts of ‘weed’ said, “we have seen cases where somebody has a tiny bit… one marijuana cigarette and gets sentenced for 3 years.” According to Jagdeo, this obtains while large-scale traffickers, equipped with high powered attorneys, manage to walk scot free. “We have a lot of people

with money and with good legal representation and they don’t get any time,” he said. “I will vote in favour of decriminalizing small quantities of marijuana,” he said, but stressed the caveat, not getting off scot free, by being sentenced instead to community service or rehabilitation. “If it fails in Parliament then that’s fine,” he said. But, former President Jagdeo is being disingenuous in his call to “legalize ganja”. He had that opportunity to do so while he was in office for at least 12 years. According to Ras Leon Saul, who was the President of the Guyana Rastafari Council in 2011,

“a call was made by me in public to President Jagdeo in January 2011 at the International Convention Centre where the launch of the International Year for People of African Descent was being held. “I led a large delegation of Rastafarians to that event…despite a general boycott by the African organizations. I was asked to give an address to the gathering, on behalf of the Rastafari community, which included scores of government ministers and other high officials. “Jagdeo bluntly told the large gathering, including many Rastafarians and other ganja users, that his government could not decriminalize marijuana,

as it would go against international conventions and UN policy.” Now this opportunistic politician and Opposition Leader is calling for the “decriminalizing the possession of small amount of marijuana! He, too, is hypocritical.” On the matter of Hemp production in Guyana, the former President said there isn’t currently enough information available to the PPP, to take a firm position on its use for industrial or recreational purposes. “Once that research is available we will look into it…on the other matter we had put it in our manifesto.” Alliance For Change (AFC) parliamentarian,

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Michael Carrington’s draft law to soften penalties for the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use has been pending for more than one year now. Both APNU MP – Minister of State Joseph Harmon and AFC MP – Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, while on the 2015 national and regional elections campaign trail, had promised that once elected to office, the coalition government would have reviewed sentencing policy regarding the possession of small amounts of marijuana. The Healing the Nation Theocracy Party (HTNTP), led by Ras Leon Saul and Alfred

significance than the colour of his eyes; That until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race; That until that day, the dream of lasting peace and world citizenship and the rule of international morality will remain but a fleeting illusion, to be pursued but never attained; And until the ignoble and unhappy regimes that hold our brothers in Angola, in Mozambique and in South Africa in subhuman bondage have been toppled and destroyed; Until bigotry and prejudice and malicious and inhuman self-interest have been replaced by iverstanding and tolerance and good-will; Until all Africans stand and speak as free beings, equal in the eyes of all men, as they are in the eyes of Heaven; Until that day, the African continent will not know peace. We Africans will fight, if necessary, and we know that we shall win… as we are confident in the victory of good over evil! Selah. Guidance and protection. Rastafari peace and love…always.

continued from page 19

Park had campaigned on the main platform of “legalizing ganja”. In response to the article filed on Facebook by Demwaves Gary Eleazar, there were several comments in response: R.S. Dasai rightly noted that, “Hemp? It’s good for making rope and paper!” Said RLSG, “I’m not a fan of Bharrat Jagdeo, but I must say on this issue I agree with him. The APNU+AFC troglodites in the administration need to face the fact that decriminalization for possession of small amounts of marijuana is a 21st century reality. A fine and community service is totally acceptable in today’s world.

GORDON BRAITHWAITE THE ‘ULTIMATE SOCCER WARRIOR”!

Unsung hero and a contender for a National Award Gordon “Ultimate Warrior” Braithwaite is a former Guyana International soccer player from 1977 to 1985. The former Queen’s College “old boy” is probably the only

the world-famous GCC Ground, Bourda. He scored to inspire Guyana to an emphatic come from behind 5-2 victory after Grenada were leading 2-0. His next World Cup game was the return fixture in St. Georges, Grenada and again, his performance was outstanding… culminating in a 3-2 victory that eliminated the host. His 1980 World Cup campaign ended on a disappointing note, because Guyana suffered home and away losses to Suriname and Cuba. The Ultimate Warrior’s next World Cup engagement was July 1984 against Suriname but, unlike 1980, this time he was wearing the captaincy armband.

return fixture 1-1 against Suriname at the Andre Kamperveen Stadium, Paramaribo. Braithwaite’s first outing in National colors was 1975 against Suriname in the Inter-Guiana Games series. In 1976, he played an integral role when Pele won the Demico League for the first time. His first Senior National call ended disappointingly in October 1976. After being named in an 18-man squad to face Curacao in two friendly Internationals, Braithwaite was surprised when a new squad was handed to then National Coach George Green, minus his name and several of his Pele club mates. So, young Braithwaite had to wait until the following

individual in the Caribbean who has the distinct honor of participating at the World Cup level as a player (1980) Captain (1984) and Coach (1992)! The role model made his World Cup debut in March 1980 against Grenada at

Guyana lost 1-0 in Paramaribo and drew the return fixture 1-1 at GCC, Bourda. The last time he participated at the World Cup level was back in 1992 and, this time, it was as Coach of the Guyana team, that drew the

year, 1977, for his senior International debut. The opponents were regional power house Trinidad and Tobago, who was guest of the Guyana Football Federation for their 75th anniversary celebrations. The Soca Warriors won the three-match series

on goal difference after losing the first match 2-1 at Mackenzie Sports Club; drew the second 2-2 at the GCC Ground, Bourda and won the series finale 2-0 at the same venue. At the conclusion of the series, the debutant Braithwaite was named Guyana’s MVP. In 1977, his International campaign continued with friendly Internationals against Barbados and Cuba’s Under-23. He also featured in the Caribbean Football Union Club Championship for Pele FC, so it was no surprise when the ‘Ultimate Warrior’ was named Footballer-of-theYear, 1977. He was also Runner-up Sportsman-ofthat-Year to Colin Croft and Lennox Blackmoore. It is important to note that the Queen’s College graduate was only 19 years old! His 1978 International program started with two friendly Internationals for Guyana’s National Under-23 team against Suriname’s Under-23 at the Georgetown Football Club and Mackenzie Sports Club Grounds. Guyana lost both matches 1-0 and 4-3 respectively. Braithwaite then toured Barbados and Trinidad with the Senior National team. He also toured Aruba with Pele FC for the CFU Club Championship. His next International assignment was against Suriname in the Caribbean Nations Cup, which Guyana lost in Paramaribo, 2-1. Braithwaite scored his

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first senior International goal in that match. Chinese provisional team Kwang Tung was the Ultimate Warrior’s next International opponents in October 1978. The following year, 1979, he accepted a football scholarship to Clemson University in the United States of America. After being named Footballerof-the-Year again in 1983, he replaced Terrence Archer as National Captain in 1984. In 1985, he became the first and, to date, still the only National Captain to defeat the mighty Cubans in an International Series. The Braithwaite-led National squad humbled Castro’s men in a twomatch series in January 1985 at GCC Ground, Bourda. The “Ultimate Warrior” is also the first National Coach to lead Guyana to a Caribbean Championship finals - 1991 in Kingston, Jamaica where Guyana placed fourth at the Shell Cup Finals. His first Senior National Team tour came in April 1978 to Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago. International Tours: 1977 Suriname with Pele – CFU Club Championship 1978 Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago and Suriname with Senior National Team 1978 Aruba with Pele CFU – Club Championship 1980 Grenada World Cup Qualifier 1980 Suriname World Cup Qualifier 1980 Trinidad & Tobago International friendly 1980 Cuba World

Cup Qualifier 1983 Barbados – CFU Championship 1983 Antigua & Barbados – CFU Championship 1983 Trinidad & Tobago – Goodwill Tour 1984 Suriname World Cup Qualifier 1984 Trinidad & Tobago – International Friendly 1985 French Guiana – CFU Championship 1991 Jamaica – Shell Cup Finals 1992 Suriname – Shell Cup Preliminaries 1992 Suriname – World Cup Qualifier 2010 Suriname Olympic Qualifier Through all weather patterns and circumstances, Gordon Brathwaite, now Head Coach of Beacon Football Club, makes it his duty to be at the Parade Ground to take the youngsters of his club through their development routines. Beacon youth players were involved in some high-intensity training under the watchful eyes of their Head Coach, former national football captain Gordon Brathwaite. The Rastafarian Coach said it was his civic duty to give back to the sport that put him in the spotlight and from which he benefited. According to the former national skipper, he is not just equipped to assist the young football prospects with their progress in the sport, but also to succour their social development. The youth players are using these off-season training sessions as preparation for upcoming club and school competitions.

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