Caribbean Star vol. 4 #19

Caribbean First Interfaith Newspaper, Serving The Community

December 5-11, 2014

Caribbeanstarnews@gmail.com

347-759-3934

Star

US$500,000 FORFEITURE ORDER AGAINST ED AHMAD

held at JFK airport with COCAINE IN MILK, flour

Following a request from the US State’s Attorney Office, New York Judge Dora Irizarry has ordered Guyanese businessman Edul Ahmad to make all payments of a forfeiture money judgment to the tune of US$500,000 by certified or bank cheque.

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GUYANESE WOMAN NY COURT ISSUES

Vol.4 #19

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DYNAMIC

PLANE goes off runway

Less than two weeks after Dynamic Airways made its return to the local market, the carrier was yet again hit by a delay, this time due to a miscalculation which saw the plane veering off the runway.

See More on Page 6

EMOTIONAL FAREWELL FOR HUGHES Australia’s captain Michael Clarke led the tributes at Phillip Hughes’ funeral in Macksville, where family, friends, team-mates, past cricketers, dignitaries and the public gathered to mourn for the batsman, who died last Thursday.

See More on Page 38

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 5-11, 2014

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 5-11, 2014

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AG: Gangs infiltrating formal financial system

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TTORNEY General Anand Ramlogan says that gangs have been able to flourish partly because of their ability to infiltrate the formal financial system with the proceeds of their criminal activities.

“Now more than ever however, crime mimics the corporate world, with multi-national crime syndicates and criminal entrepreneurship flourishing at an ever-increasing rate,” he said.

He was speaking at the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) Training Seminar for Judges and Prosecu-

tors in Money Laundering Control Port-ofSpain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Ramlogan said white-collar crime was a challenge to the integrity of this country’s economy. He noted that the world is now faced with the hazards posed by a new breed of terrorist organisations. “While terrorism itself is not a new danger, the scale of today’s threat is unprecedented,” he added.

He noted that the use of money is a common link between gangs, international arms or narco-trafficking organisations, and terrorist networks.

He said the Government and Caribbean counterparts have not run from these challenges, and pointed to the co-sponsorship of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2178 on Foreign Terrorist Fighters, “a significant element of which is to address the financing of terrorist activities”. He also reported that this country was also elected to the Deputy Chairmanship of the Caribbean Financial Action Task (CFATF) Force at the plenary held in El Salvador, and in due course will assume Chairmanship of CFATF. “We are therefore fully engaged in this

task, and will fulfill our duty, not only to our own people, but also as global citizens with an equal say and equal responsibility in the international arena,” he added.

On money laundering Ramlogan said they are not content to enact meaningless legislation, and they are building and equipping strong regulatory organisations to detect and deter money-laundering activities.

He pointed out that the amendment to the Proceeds of Crime Act that now allows for the prosecution of the “stand alone” money laundering offence.

“This amendment will undoubtedly create opportunities for law enforcement authorities seeking to link tainted assets to criminal gangs who are involved in a plethora of criminal activity,” he explained.

He said the Executive and the Legislature are “doing their part by strengthening the legal framework and equipping our regulatory and law enforcement institutions”.

“This is however a fight that will require all branches of Government to synergise while respecting the Constitutional independence of each.

If we fail, we run the risk of our countries being blacklisted and marginalised by our global counterparts. More significant is the direct threat that activities funded by laundered money pose to the safety and security of our citizens and our nations. Our very democracies are at risk,” he added.

Ramlogan said the “reputational risks” faced by a country, or our region being branded a safe haven for money laundering are “patent” and “it is therefore important to keep abreast of new and developing threats as well as the evolving technologies that can be abused to facilitate illegal activities”.

“This is critical not only for legislators and supervisory agencies, but is equally important for prosecutors and judges,” he added.

Corriverton home invasion leaves man dead, wife hospitalised

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HE police up to late yesterday were investigating a home invasion at Princetown, Corriverton that left a 50-year-old man dead after he was beaten by gunmen. Dead is Outar Ramphal of Princetown, Corriverton, who was reportedly assaulted by four men who invaded the home which he shared with 67-yearold pensioner Phamphattie Ramphal who is now hospitalised after the attack.

According to a police press release, the incident occurred at approximately 23.00 hrs on Sunday when four men entered the couple’s home, three of whom were armed with firearms.

During investigations, the police were informed that the men entered the house and proceeded to assault the two before escaping. The home was ransacked but initial investigations did not indicate that anything was taken so far.

Following the assault an alarm was raised and the two were rushed to the Skeldon Hospital where the 50-year- old man was pronounced dead on arrival while the woman was admitted for medical treatment.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper NY court issues US$500,000 forfeiture order against Ed Ahmad December 5-11, 2014

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ollowing a request from the US State’s Attorney Office, New York Judge Dora Irizarry has ordered Guyanese businessman Edul Ahmad to make all payments of a forfeiture money judgment to the tune of US$500,000 by certified or bank cheque.

Justice Irizarry made the order last Friday as this was part of the agreement Ahmad made with the state following his October 10, 2012 guilty plea to mortgage fraud conspiracy for which he is still awaiting sentencing.

In the order, seen by this newspaper, Judge Irizarry said that the money shall be paid not later than the date of the defendant’s sentencing which was only listed as the “Final Due Date”. If payment is not done before that date interest on the forfeiture money judgment shall accrue on any unpaid portion at the judgment rate of interest from that date.

The order further stated that if the money is not received as ordered, Ahmad, who faces over 10 years in jail and US$15M in restitution and fines, consents to the forfeiture of any other property alleged to be subject to forfeiture in the indictment and/or any other property up to the value of the forfeiture judgment. It is expected that he would fully assist the government in effectuating the payment of the money and among other things, executing any documents necessary to effectuate any transfer of title to the US. The judge’s order also prevents Ahmad from filing to interpose any claim or assist others to file or interpose any claim to any property against which the government

Edul Ahmad seeks to execute the forfeiture judgment in any administrative judicial proceedings.

By agreeing to this at his plea hearing, Ahmad also knowingly and voluntarily waives his right to any required notice concerning the entry and payment of the forfeiture judgment, including notice set forth in an indictment or information. He also waived his right to a jury trial on the entry of a forfeiture judgment and all constitutional, legal and equitable defences to the forfeiture of the said money, including but not limited to, any defences based on principles of double jeopardy. The forfeiture money is also not to be considered a payment of a fine, penalty, restitution loss amount, or of any income taxes that may be due, and shall survive bankruptcy.

There is still no information on when the businessman would be sentenced but it is believed that over the last year he has been cooperating with authorities, which could see him receiving a reduced sentence.

Ahmad had made a US$40,000 payment to Rep Gregory Meeks (D-NY) in 2007 that the Congressman failed to disclose on his Financial Disclosure Reports for 2007, 2008, and 2009. Meeks subsequently claimed the $40,000 payment was a loan, but there was no note or payments until several years after.

The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) asked the House Ethics Committee to investigate the matter and noted that Meeks “refused to cooperate with its investigation.”

Ahmad was eventually de-

tained on charges that he operated a US$50 million mortgage-fraud scheme in Queens, New York. He faces a maximum of 30 years in jail.

Ahmad’s case has attracted great interest in Guyana because of his close ties to former president Bharrat Jagdeo.

Ahmad had shipped a container of goods to Jagdeo at State House and many questions were asked about this.

Ahmad also operates a hardware facility on the site of the former headquarters of the PPP-aligned Mirror newspaper at Industrial Site, Ruimveldt. The Mirror is no longer printed at this location.

He also co-owns a wood processing facility which was controversially transformed into a housing project. It was recently revealed that the company had quietly approached the Chief Justice’s court last year and secured an order to alter the conditions attached to the sale of the land to permit the housing estate.

South American Woods Incorporated (SAW Inc) had filed an ex-parte summons on September 24 last year to amend the conditions stated in the transport for the land, to replace the industrial/commer-

cial clause to residential/commercial. On October 2, 2013, Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang delivered a ruling in chambers on the matter of the transport, ordering that the Registrar of Deeds make the relevant amendments to transform the conditions attached to the transport.

The method of altering the conditions of the transport will raise questions as to whether the approach to the courts was the way in which this should have been done or whether these amendments need to be rectified by application to the lands and surveys body.

Three alleged co-conspirators in the mortgage fraud scheme — Ahmad’s cricket friends and employees — were also indicted in an associated case.

Queens-based brokers Qayaam Farrouq, Mohamed Gurmohamed and Guyanese cricketer Steve Massiah were charged with defrauding banks and mortgage companies by falsifying mortgage-loan applications to make borrowers appear more creditworthy to financial institutions. The matter against Massiah has since been dismissed without prejudice.

Linden woman charged with killing goddaughter

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Linden dental technician was yesterday remanded to prison after being charged with killing her goddaughter.

Kelly Sandiford, 35, appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan charged with manslaughter.

Sandiford was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which is based on the allegation that between November 16 and 17, at Wismar Housing Scheme, Linden, she unlawfully killed Todah Richards.

Prosecutor Michael Grant asked the magistrate to refuse bail in the light of the circumstances surrounding Richards’s death. Grant said here was an argument between Sandiford and Richards, which resulted in Sandiford tying her goddaughter to the bed with a brown belt. She subsequently left and went to her bed, leaving Richards tied up.

When she woke up around 2 am the next day and checked on Richards, she discovered that she was motionless. She then raised an alarm and when the police arrived at her home they discovered the belt was tied to

Kelly Sandiford Richards’s neck.

Sandiford’s attorney told the court that her client’s goddaughter was very ill when she offered to have her stay at her house.

The attorney added that while Richards’s death was very unfortunate, Sandiford was not in any way responsible. She also said Sandiford was not a flight risk and if the court considered to grant her bail she will return for her trial.

Bail was, however, refused and Sandiford is to make her next court appearance on December 9 at the Magistrate’s Court in Linden.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 5-11, 2014

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Less than two weeks after Dynamic Airways made its return to the local market, the carrier was yet again hit by a delay, this time due to a miscalculation which saw the plane veering off the runway.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper Dynamic plane goes off runway

December 5-11, 2014

assengers were forced to seek accommodation in Guyana on Sunday evening when the New York-bound airplane they were in managed to make its way off of the taxiway as it prepared for takeoff at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri (CJIA).

Stabroek News was told that the 767 aircraft had been taxiing out and had been turning from the international ramp on to the taxiway when its right wheel slipped off the taxiway into the

The Dynamic Airways aircraft grass. Reports further indicated that the wheel became stuck in mud and engineers were quickly called in to clean and check the wheel.

When contacted yesterday, local representative of the airline Gerry Gouveia confirmed the incident and assured this newspaper that no one had been hurt.

He further said that, due to safety concerns, the aircraft was shut down and the passengers taken off.

“If this was a regular vehicle, you would’ve driven it right back on the road but because it’s a plane we took no chances,” Gouveia said.

Gouveia further said that two pilots involved have been taken off of Dynamic’s flight service indefinitely, while another pilot was brought in to ferry the aircraft. He added that an internal investigation had been launched into the matter and stated his apologies to

the passengers numerous times.

He added that passengers were offered accommodation and while some accepted, others chose to return to their families. They were also given an alternative flight time.

According to Gouveia, the flight was the first of Dynamic’s which had been on schedule for its 10 pm flight time. “I am disappointed in the incident because last night it [the aircraft] arrived at 7 and it was going out for the first time absolutely on time when this incident happened.

But it’ll get back on schedule. We just have to catch up,” he said.

The stranded passengers were finally able to make their way out of Guyana around 1 pm yesterday, Gouveia said. He explained that though other times had been available before 1 pm, the time was decided upon based on the passengers’ fatigue level and what would be best for them. The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) was notified of the incident and investigations are ongoing.

Since its return in Guyana on November 22, Dynamic Airways had been plagued with a number of delays. Just last week, a flight scheduled for Thursday evening was delayed after the pilot decided not to fly given the icy conditions in New York. This was coupled with subsequent mechanical problems.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

THE POWERFUL GOD: Shiva is 'shakti' or power, Shiva is the destroyer, the most powerful god of the Hindu pantheon and one of the godheads in the Hindu Trinity. Known by many names - Mahadeva, Mahayogi, Pashupati, Nataraja, Bhairava, Vishwanath, Bhava, Bhole Nath - Lord Shiva is perhaps the most complex of Hindu deities. Hindus recognize this by putting his shrine in the temple separate from those of other deities.

SHIVA AS PHALLIC SYMBOL: Shiva, in temples is usually found as a phallic symbol of the 'linga', which represents the energies necessary for life on both the microcosmic and the macrocosmic levels, that is, the world in which we live and

December 5-11, 2014

THE DESTRUCTIVE FORCE: the world which constitutes Shiva is believed to be at the the whole of the universe. In a Shaivite temple, the 'linga' core of the centrifugal force of is placed in the center under- the universe, because of his reneath the spire, where it sym- sponsibility for death and destruction. Unlike the godhead bolizes the naval of the earth.

Brahma, the Creator, orVishnu, the Preserver, Shiva is the A DIFFERENT DEITY: The actual image of Shiva is dissolving force in life. But Shialso distinct from other dei- va dissolves in order to create, ties: his hair piled high on the since death is the medium for top of his head, with a cres- rebirth into a new life. So the cent tucked into it and the opposites of life and death and river Ganges tumbling from creation and destruction both his hairs. Around his neck is reside in his character. a coiled serpent representing THE MOST Kundalini or the spiritual enFASCINATING OF GODS: ergy within life. He holds a triThe God Who's Always High!: dent in his left hand in which is bound the 'damroo' (small He is also often portrayed as leather drum). He sits on a tiger the supreme ascetic with a passkin and on his right is a water sive and composed disposition. pot. He wears the 'Rudraksha' Sometimes he is depicted ridbeads and his whole body is ing a bull called Nandi decked in garlands. Although a very smeared with ash.

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complicated deity, Shiva is one of the most fascinating of Hindu gods.

Since Shiva is regarded as a mighty destructive power, to numb his negative potentials he is fed with opium and is also termed as 'Bhole Shankar', one who is oblivious of the world.

Therefore, on Maha Shivratri, the night of Shiva worship, devotees, especially the menfolk, prepare an intoxicating drink called 'Thandai' (made from cannabis, almonds, and milk) sing songs in praise of the Lord and dance to the rhythm of the drums.

By Subhamoy Das Hinduism Expert

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Caribbean Star Newspaper Cash jet pilot released on US$100,000 bond

December 5-11, 2014

uyanese pilot Khamraj Lall was yesterday released on a US$100,000 bond following an appearance in a court in Puerto Rico, where he was held just over a week ago after over US$620,000 in cash was found stashed in his private jet during a stop to refuel en route to Guyana.

Defence attorney Rafael Castro Lang, who is representing Lall, confirmed to the Miami Herald that a federal court judge approved the bond and a grand jury will decide whether to indict him. Lall, 47, the Chief Executive Officer of Exec Jet Club, the Herald report said, will be allowed to leave Puerto Rico and return home to Ringwood, New Jersey under the terms of the bond.

Lall was taken into custody on November 22 on suspicion of intent to evade currency reporting after failing to declare the cash during his stopover.

Meanwhile, his lawyer also filed a motion to restrict access to the character letters and real estate appraisals made to the court in support of granting bail. “…the undersigned respectfully requests that the document be accepted by the Court for filing with the level of restriction of “Selected Parties,” limiting viewing to the

attorney filing the document, the United States, Probation Office and the Court,” the motion said.

Lang said that his client is filing the motion with the requested level of restriction because it is necessary to protect the confidentiality of the information detailed in the documents and exhibits.

He stated too that the protection of the information in the motion outweighs the presumption of public access. “It is respectfully requested from the Hon. Court that it accept and file the Motion Notifying Character Letters and Real Estate Appraisal in Support of Granting Bail under the requested restriction level and that an order issue directing that the document remain under such restriction level until further order by the Court,” the attorney added.

An order regarding the motion to restrict was later granted and signed by US Magistrate Judge Marcos E. Lopez. Stabroek News understands that the United States’ Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has launched an investigation to determine if Lall’s US-registered businesses are in violation of any tax laws.

The opposition last week called on the government to conduct a

thorough investigation into Lall’s operations here, saying that it may reveal breaches including tax evasion.

President Donald Ramotar has been linked to Lall after using his private jet service on three occasions for state visits. The government last week admitted that Ramotar has used the service for travel to neighbouring Brazil and two other destinations and paid for the charter every time, although the business was not registered as a charter.

According to court documents seen by Stabroek News, the charge against Lall reads that he knowingly concealed more than US$10,000 in currency; to wit over US$600,000 and other monetary instruments in a plastic trash bag covered with a blanket under an exit seat of the plane and in an article of luggage, and attempted to transport and transfer such currency and monetary instruments from San Juan, Puerto Rico, a place within the US, to Guyana.

Under US law, amounts over US$10,000 must be declared. It is alleged that on November 22, at 6pm, Lall and two other persons arrived at Luis Munoz International Airport, San Juan, on a private

aircraft. He was the co-pilot of the aircraft and the other persons were the pilot and Lall’s father. When approached by customs officials, the occupants informed that they had stopped for refueling purposes and would be departing immediately for Guyana. However, it was explained that an outbound inspection of the aircraft would be performed.

The trio was told of the currency reporting requirements and Lall and his father declared US$5,000 and the pilot declared US$60.

However, while searching the aircraft with the assistance of a sniffer dog, officials found that there were some discrepancies regarding the maintenance with the aircraft, in violation of aviation regulations, and the aircraft was grounded. Lall then informed that he would have flown in his mechanic to take care of the mechanical issues and the following day he informed officials that the problems had been rectified and the aircraft could be re-inspected.

Before the search continued, Lall varied his declaration. He declared US$7,000, his father US$5,000 and the pilot US$60. However, as officials continued the search, a sniffer dog alerted them to the presence of money and a further inspection revealed a bundle of currency,

Dr. Ravideen Ramsamooj. Ph.D. Trained music teacher.

wrapped in plastic bags and a blanket under the exit row seat.

Approached, Lall immediately claimed ownership of the money and said that it was approximately US$150,000 which constituted proceeds from his business. He said that he had forgotten he had the money in the plane and gave such reason for not declaring it. Officials continued to search the aircraft and later discovered a black suitcase inside a compartment next to the engines which contained several black garbage bags containing bundles of currency totaling US$470,000. Lall again accepted responsibility and ownership for the money and informed that his pilot and his father had nothing to with the monies and that all belonged to him.

He was then arrested and charged. Following his arrest, Stabroek News learnt that the aircraft that the money was discovered in was registered in the United States but was based here in a private hangar at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, owned

by Lall. Lall was given a go ahead

by Cabinet to build the structure in 2012 after he had submitted a proposal in which he stated that there were plans to have an air ambulance service, among others.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper City businessman charged over possession of fugitive associate’s gun, ammo

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city businessman was remanded to prison yesterday after being charged with unlawful possession of a gun and ammunition belonging to an associate, who police say is wanted in connection with human trafficking.

It is alleged that on June 14, Tyrone Hamilton, 32, had a Taurus pistol, without being the holder of a firearm licence, at Lot 80 Fifth Street, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara. It was also alleged that he also had 62 live rounds in his possession without being the holder of a firearm licence.

Hamilton, of Lot 12 Public Road, Kitty, pleaded not guilty to both charges, when they were read by Magistrate Sueanna Lovell at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

Hamilton was represented by attorney Peter Hugh, in association with Latchmi Rahamat. Hugh, during his bail application, told the court that Hamilton and his wife, who recently gave birth to twins, were staying at the home of his business associate, identified as Marcus Anderson, at Cummings Lodge.

Hugh added that the firearm and ammunition in question were licensed to

Tyrone Hamilton being led to the lock-ups at the Sparendaam Police Station, following his arraignment at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Anderson and were left behind by him in a safe. He also declared that Hamilton had no knowledge of the items.

However, Police Inspector John Singh challenged Hugh’s claims that Hamilton

December 5-11, 2014

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Granger formally says no to talks until Parliament recalled

had no knowledge of the items.

He said the property was recently handed over to Hamilton by Anderson and noted that Hamilton had control of the safe and some of his personal items, including ammunition for his own licensed firearm, were found in it by the police.

Additionally, Singh questioned the choice of Anderson not to lodge his firearm before leaving the country.

Singh reasoned that the items were not lodged because Anderson knew that he was wanted by the police in connection with human trafficking investigations.

The court also heard that Hamilton was slapped with the charges, following advice.

Hugh told Magistrate Lovell that his client had no criminal record and cooperated with the police.

He further mentioned that his client was not a flight risk and was willing to lodge his passport with the courts, pending the outcome of the matter.

But the magistrate said that she was not convinced to grant Hamilton bail and remanded him to prison until the matter is called again on December 29.

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pposition Leader David Granger has formally written President Donald Ramotar telling him that there will be no talks with the government as long as Parliament remains prorogued. An APNU statement today said that Granger has formally stated his position in a response to a letter from Ramotar on November 18th inviting dialogue on the way forward. Both A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) have previously said that there will be no talks unless Parliament is recalled.

Observers say the pressure will now continue to build on Ramotar to either reconvene Parliament, which he suspended on November 10, or dissolve Parliament and move to elections. Explaining his move to prorogue Parliament on November 10, Ramotar had said that if there was no prospect of dialogue with the opposition he would move to early elections. Ramotar suspended Parliament to thwart a motion of no-confidence which was to be piloted by the AFC. The statement today from the Office of the Leader of the Opposition follows: Brigadier David Granger, Leader of the Opposition, has responded to the letter from President Donald Ramotar dated 18th November 2014 and entitled ‘Inter-Prorogation Dialogue’.

The Opposition Leader iterated that APNU would be unprepared to participate in such a proposed dialogue for as long as the Parliament of Guyana remained prorogued.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper Corriverton man dies after beating by bandits

December 5-11, 2014

Corriverton man is now dead after a brutal beating at the hands of armed bandits, who invaded his family’s home and battered him and his elderly mother on Sunday night.

Outar Ramphal, 50, of Lot 54 Princeton, Corriverton, Berbice was pronounced dead on arrival at the Skeldon Hospital, where he was taken after the attack. His mother, Champwattie Ramphal, 74, was also taken to the hospital for treatment owing to the injuries she received in the attack.

Outar was left lying in a pool of blood after the bandits left, according to his mother. He sustained three chops to his head and one to his back, while she received a gouge below her chin and several cuts on her hands.

Although police said that nothing was reported to have been taken, Stabroek News was told that $35,000, a finger ring and a pair of boots were taken in the attack, which was carried out by four men who were armed with guns and blades. However, since the family is poor, police are said to be exploring other motives for the attack apart from robbery and a relative of the deceased was taken into custody to aid the investigation.

The house where the incident occurred “Sometimes neighbours give me food… I am a pensioner and my son receives public assistance… we are very poor people. Why would people do this to us?” Champwattie questioned with tears streaming from her eyes yesterday.

The elderly woman recounted that she was sleeping when the bandits attacked.

As a result, she was in state of shock when the men dragged her out from her bed. “But I tried to resist,” she said.

The grieving woman said the

men threatened to kill her great grandson, who was sleeping with her on the same bed. However, she pleaded with them to spare the child’s life. “They placed a knife on his neck,” she stated.

She told her attackers, who were armed with a cutlass, that she did not have any valuables. Nonetheless, she said, they began to beat her then gagged her mouth, then tied her hands and her feet. “I saw them had a lil cutlass and they asking whey the money deh! Whey the money deh!” she added.

Champwattie Ramphal

Outar Ramphal

While she was being beaten, Champwattie said two other bandits were attacking her son outside in the living room, where he was sleeping at the time they invaded.

She heard the men viciously beating her son and demanding money. ”If you heard how they were beating him, he couldn’t ah say anything… now he is dead,” she sobbed.

Champwattie said she was eventually able to free herself and went downstairs to summon help but she was unsuccessful. “I called for the neighbours but nobody heard me…,” she said. However, a few moments later, at around 1 am, her

grandson returned home and she related to him what had occurred.

The man, who had been out celebrating his birthday, summoned help and rushed his unconscious uncle to the hospital.

Yesterday, the Ramphal family was cleaning up the ransacked house while relatives and friends were making preparations for wake to be held in memory of Outar. During a tour of the house, this newspaper observed blood spattered on the walls and chairs. The family also removed a quantity of clothing that was bloodstained.

Outar is survived by his mother and two siblings.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 5-11, 2014

Call 347-759-3934 OR 347-661-9930

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December 5-11, 2014

Caribbean Star Newspaper

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December 5-11, 2014 13 Caribbean Star Newspaper Thursday, August 29,July 201 EqualityNews.ca Caribbean Star Newspaper Guyanese woman held at JFK airport with cocaine in milk, flour

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Poli Wanted Trinidad polic PITBULL KILLS GRANNY

nother Guyanese woman has been 524 when she was approached by a Cus- agreed to be interviewed, during which she Tricia Ann D’Aguiar was nabbed on Nonabbed at the JFK International Air- toms Border Protection officer, who asked revealed that she knew that her suitcases vember 21st with 6.053 grammes of coport during an attempt to smuggle whether two suitcases in her possessions contained cocaine and that she expected caine while on November 22nd Fredericka cocaine into the United States. belonged to her. to be paid in exchange for transporting the Latrice Coats, who is also known as ‘X Ali Melissa Cox was held last Thursday with She indicated that they did and when the drugs by another individual, whom she ex- Aminah’ and Novia Gray, was nabbed with two Fernleaf milk tins and two flour bags, all suitcases were searched they were found pected to meet in the US. 2.485 grammes of cocaine concealed in of which contained cocaine that amounted to contain, among other things, two milk She has since appeared before Mag- hardcover books. Another Guyanese, Wilto 13.02 kilogrammes. tins and two bags labelled Chappati flour. istrate Judge Roanne L. Mann and was ton Sinclair, was caught at the same airport According to criminal complaint filed The tins and bags were examined and they remanded into custody. She is the third on November 18th attempting to smuggle Ramlogan said there was An 84-year-old great edgeable when it came to incident occurred. against Cox, she arrived at the airport from were found to contain cocaine. woman in the last week to be held at the 8.206 kilogrammes ofJuly cocaine hidden inCM ORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, 9, 2014, an Wednesday undertaking within grandmother was yesterday the training of dogs and Guyana on Caribbean Airlines flight BW Cox waived her Miranda rights and JFK airport attempting to smuggle drugs. four bottles of rum.

Bloody attack oncommits 84-year-old suicide woman caus afte at Maraval home on ‘Wall of S placed

mauled to death by a family pitbull.

Lillian Bunsee had never ventured close to the dogs as she had been attacked in the past, but yesterday morning one of the dogs escaped from its kennel and again attacked her, this time killing her.

City businessman remanded on unlicensed gun, ammo charges

A

city businessman was yesterday remanded to prison after he was charged with having an unlicensed gun and matching ammunition, which were found during a police search of a vehicle he was driving.

Lance Da Silva, 39, of 280 Lamaha and Thomas streets, Kitty, pleaded not guilty to the two charges read against him in a Georgetown court yesterday.

It is alleged that on November 30, at Hunter Street and Yarrow Dam, he had a 9mm pistol in his possession, while not being a licensed firearm holder.

It is also alleged that on the same day, Da Silva had 10 live matching rounds in his possession.

In an application for bail, attorney Paul Braam, who represented Da Silva, told the court that his client was driving a borrowed vehicle at the time when the police stopped him and conducted a search which uncovered the gun and ammunition.

In seeking bail, he noted that his client is well-settled in his community and is married and a father of four children.

He also noted that his client is not a flight risk since he is the owner of two businesses, located at 33 D’Urban Street.

But Prosecutor Deniro Jones stated that Da Silva was the sole owner and custody of the vehicle when the weapon was found.

He added that there was no statement by anyone claiming the vehicle.

He objected to bail, while noting that there was no special reason advanced by the attorney to justify bail.

After considering the submissions, Magistrate Ann McLennan, who presided over the arraignment, remanded Da Silva to prison until December 3rd, when the case will be called at Court Five.

Neighbours said the dog was one of approximately ten which were bred and being given aggression training in preparation for sale by two of the woman’s relatives.

Never once did the residents hear Bunsee scream for help but only noticed she was being attacked as they walked along the roadway close to her home on La Seiva Road, Maraval.

Police said it was shortly after 9 a.m. that the residents saw the woman on the ground with the dog tearing away at her body. They tried throwing boulders at the animal in an attempt to stop it but their efforts were unsuccessful, said officers.

Investigators said several police officers who were on patrol nearby went to the scene after receiving a report and was only able to have the dog stop biting the woman after opening fire on the animal, shooting it six times.

Residents in the area said the officers had no other option but to kill the dog.

The other dogs were all locked away in their kennels, they said.

“After the first two shots the dog was still biting the woman, like the shots did nothing to it. The police had to shoot it four more times before it stopped,” said one man.

CPR

Training

The resident, who asked that his name not be published, said regardless of the type, he was always opposed to people giving aggression training to dogs within their own household which is shared with other family members.

He said he was also knowl-

of lo

P

A former head o Parliamentofthat Azizul hours Rahaman after of thea photo disagreed with themitted deci- Dr suicide hisheappeared on a defunct state-ow sion of the dog’s owner to Jones Animal Clinic exam- would accommodate cerana Airwaysho C carry out the training at the ined the dog and confirmed tain amendments based has blamed g it was one of the danger- on suggestions from Indehouse. officials forlic th ous dogs referred to in the pendent Senators and also aviation woes “Aggression training within Dog Control Bill which was from members of the Opag country. your own environment and passed in Parliament last position. training of dogs within your month but is yet to be pro- The Independent Senators Co Former GAC had already forwarded own household where you claimed, police said. wh Manager, Fazal have ageable people or fam- Rahaman removed some their suggestions to him, the adamant that ily members in your house of the animals and locked but he was still awaiting spite rather tha the Opposition’s before the vic or operational Act is proclaimed by Presia q forced the dent Anthony Carmona. closure ofHis the airlinevisi “This bill is clearly needed. back in the I would like those perhos late nineties, sons who argue that there and it is one should be no legislation to of the ma-The control these dangerous jor reasonsme dogs, I would like them to G u y a n e s egra pay a visit to the relatives are payingMa of victims to explain their e x o r b i t a ntpro position and to offer some prices tosid condolence. I am calling travel upous upon them to go pay them North. a visit and to offer them 623 The formerbey some compensation,” said aviation ofRamlogan. info ficial is convinced thatlice Section 19 of the Dog Un Guyana’s curren Control Act: ed t affairs is one of have been avo 19. (1) Where a class A and the continuanc dog injures a person, FAMILY PHOTO: 84-year-old Lillian Bunsee who “prosperous an without reasonable cause was mauled to death by a pitbull yesterday in her own oping” state-ow whether in a public place The home. rier being pres or on private premises, the oth prized for itsnox fu owner or keeper of the dog and importance is a no no. Aggression is not them away at the clinic yes- commits an offence and is han nese travelers. the type of training to do terday evening. He told the liable on summary convica b within that environment. Express the dogs were be- tion to a fine of $100,000 “They didn’tTrik High potency dog food and ing temporarily kept at the and to imprisonment for

WE ALSO OFFER! 1) EKG Technician 2) Phlebotomy Technician 3) State Board exam on Premises

aggression training in the home environment is creating a time bomb and it is just a matter of time before tragedy strikes,” he said.

animal hospital until the other owner makes a decision “on what he is going to do with them”.

Detectives from the Port of Spain Criminal Investigations Department (CID) led by ASP Ajith Persad went to the scene and detained the man who owned the dog.

“It was not for any legal reason or anything. Relatives and so on would be going to the house to give their condolences and what have you, so we are just keeping the dogs for a little while,” he said.

Up to yesterday evening he was in custody at the CID office along St Vincent Street, Port of Spain. Officers said they would be consulting with Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard SC to determine what charges could be laid against the man.

The other owner was not arrested as he did not live on the premises where the

The other owner said residents no longer wanted the dogs in the area, so he may have to “put them to sleep”.

Contacted via phone yesterday, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan said the Dog Control Bill was passed on the last day of the parliamentary session in order to prevent it from being “lapsed”.

With the passing of the bill,

five years.

(2) Where a class A dog kills a person or causes the death of a person, without reasonable cause, the owner or keeper of the dog commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $200,000 and to imprisonment for ten years.

89-44 162ND STREET JAMAICA NY 11432 SIDE OF APPLEBEE`S/VERIZON ON 162ND STREET CLASS A dogs are identified in the Bill as: 1. Pitbull Terrier or any dog bred from the Pitbull Terrier.

2. Fila Brasileiro or any dog bred from the Fila Brasileiro.

3. Japanese Tosa or any dog bred from the Japanese Tosa.

were making because theyMa d at derstand aviati told KaieteurinN were totallyara clu had they know ed mistake, they w never done He it, time they realiz TT already too late der in a recent inter Queenstownthe res oug Khan believes t Pat “pushed aside” of the GACwh fo ing his reservat said one political cub app According to in realized thatapp th forward-thinkin agement woul “Th the GAC and fore gave theant th dri some eight mon sulp consider their removing him.

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December 5-11, 2014

ISLAM Peace / submission to the will of our creator.

Series - part 03

Our guiding Stars The companions of our noble Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)

T

he world once revolved in darkness. The darkness of sin and deviant beliefs. Spiritual darkness.

Filled with chaos and corruption. Envy and hatred governed the day. Tribal war and petty conflict raged rampant in every society. Despicable customs and shameful practices prevailed. Modesty and morality dwindled away and human life was trivialized. It had been some time since a divine reminder had come, and mankind, in his forgetful nature, quickly digressed from the path of guidance. The future of humanity seemed very bleak and the cries of the rare reformers fell on deaf ears. This condition continued for some centuries. At this point our lord the most compassionate, looked upon us with a look of mercy as He raised up from this darkness a shining light in the form of His messenger Muhammad (S.A.W). Guided by nothing more than divine instructions, Muhammad (S.A.W) extinguished the darkness of the world with his life and teachings as a brilliant example. His teachings illuminated the hearts of those around him and eradicated all falsehood from their lives. They wholeheartedly accepted the new teachings and instilled the pure belief into their souls, thus becoming people of firm faith and outstanding personalities. History has never witnessed such resolute conviction in any teaching, men who devoted their entire lives to a cause in such an extremely fearless manner, with personal sacrifice and exertion, as it has witnessed in these companions of prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). It was on the strength of this exemplary behavior that these individuals were raised from the pits of darkness to become guiding stars to success for humanity till the end of time.

ABU HURAIRAH (May Allah be pleased with him) Abu Hurairah (R A) , (also known as `Abd al-Rahman ibn Sakhr Al-Azdi) was a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the narrator of Hadith .Abu

Hurairah (R A) had an excellent memory which is why he was able to narrate so many hadith.

Once, look at Abu Hurairah (Radhiyallaho anho)! He cleans his nose with fine linen, today. I remember the time when he used to lie down between the pulpit and the Prophet’s house. People took him to be suffering from epilepsy and put their feet on his neck. But there was no other malady with him, other than spasms of hunger.”

Abu Hurairah (Radhiyallaho anho) had to remain hungry for days together. At times, he was overpowered with hunger so much that he fell unconscious, and people mistook this as attacks of epilepsy. It seems that in those days they treated epilepsy by placing a foot on the neck of the patient. Abu Hurairah (Radhiyallaho anho) is one of those people who suffered from extremes of want and poverty in the early days of Islam. He however, saw better days in later years when Muslim conquests followed in succession. He

Caribbean Star Newspaper

was very pious, and loved very much to say the Nafl Salaat.

He had with him a bag full of datestones. He used these stones for his Zikr. When the bag was exhausted, his maid filled it again with date-stones.

Somebody was always busy in Salaat in his house during the night; his wife and his servant taking turns with him in the prayers.

Abu Hurairah (Radhiyallaho anho) says: “I wish you had seen some of us living on a starvation diet for several days, successively, so much so that we could not even stand erect. On account of spasms of hunger, I would lie on my belly and press my stomach against the ground or keep a stone tied to my abdomen.

Once, I intentionally sat in wait for some notable people to pass that way.

As Abu Bakr (Radhiyallaho anho) came along, I joined in conversation with him, intending to continue the talk till we reach his home, where I expected him to invite me to share his meals, as was his habit. But his answer was brief, and my plan did not work.

The same thing happened with Umar, (Radhiyallaho anho) when he chanced that way. The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wa-sallam) himself was the next to come.

A smile spread on his face when he saw me, for he at once divined why I was sitting there. ‘Come with me, Abu Hurairah’, he said, and I accompanied him to his house.

He took me in, where a bowl of milk was brought before him. He asked, ‘Who brought this milk?” and was told that somebody had sent it as a present. He bade me to go and invite all the Suffah friends. The Suffah people were treated

as everyone’s guests by all the Muslims.

They were such persons who had neither hearth nor home of their own, nor any other means of livelihood.

Their number varied with time. But at this particular juncture, they mustered seventy in all. The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) would send them in groups of two or four each to the well-todo Sahabah as guests. He himself would pass on to them all that came to him as ‘Sadaqah’, and would share the gifts too with them.”

Abu Hurairah (Radhiyallaho anho) says: “When the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) asked me to invite all these persons, I naturally had some misgivings, for the milk was so little that it could hardly suffice a single person.

Also, I was aware that the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) would ask myself to serve the milk to the others first, and a server is always the last and, more often than not, gets the least of the lot.

Anyway, out I went, and fetched them all. The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said to me: Abu Hurairah (Radhiyallaho anho), do serve the milk to them.’

I took the bowl to each person in turn, and he drank the contents to his heart’s desire, and returned the same to me, till all of them were served. The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) then held the container in his own hand, smiled at me, and remarked; only two of us are left now!’ ‘Quite so’, I replied. ‘Then take it,’ he said. I needed no second bidding, and took enough. He exhorted me to have more, and I had my fill; till I declared that I had no room for any more. He then took hold of the bowl, and drained the still remaining milk.”

Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 5-11, 2014

15

Cash-flush jet service suspends flights

E

xec Jet Club, whose Chief Executive Officer was arrested last week in Puerto Rico with US$620,000 stashed aboard his private jet has suspended its operations here but Aviation authorities yesterday said no violations had been committed by it.

Transport Minister Robeson Benn also announced that a review would be done to decide on its continued operations.

Both the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) yesterday also said that the company was au-

thorised to do on demand flights for compensation, signalling that its use

by President Donald Ramotar for state visits was permissible.

Benn also said that not only were the three flights chartered by government cheaper than flying with a scheduled carrier but that the service was open for anyone who could afford it. “If you compare the use of Executive Jet Club compared to the normal operators… it would be better to use their services… it was a saving when that service was used,” Benn told a press conference called by his ministry, the GCAA and

the CJIA Corporation yesterday. “Any Guyanese person with the means and the money could have gone and access the services in like manner,” he further added.

Benn, however, said he was not privy to the details of the cost per charter and the fact that the company has had only 18 flights for the year although it is a cheaper option to some destinations was a matter for Exec Jet’s personnel to look into.

Benn also revealed that currently an investigation is underway into a possible conflict of interest where Khamraj Lall an employee of CJIA had also been in the employ of Lall. “…To put it lightly, a moonlighting arrangement with Executive Jet and the gas station that the person holds and we are dealing with that matter and a related issue as a conflict of interest matter and we will deal with that matter,” he said.

Stabroek News understands that the matter involves an accountant of the CJIA who also provides accounting services for the local operations of Exec Jet and the gas station owed by Lall, Kaylees.

The operations of the Exec Jet Club have been under scrutiny since the arrest of CEO Khamraj Lall in Puerto Rico on November 22, on suspicion of intent to evade currency reporting. Lall has since been released on a US$100,000 bond, while a grand jury is to decide whether to indict him.

There had been claims that the company was not allowed to operate as a charter flight and that Ramotar’s use of it for state visits was not appropriate.

Benn sought to set the record straight, saying that the company could fly for charge. “Exec Jet is authorised to conduct on-demand flights for compensation… and is authorised to operate into South America among other geographic regions, such as Central America and Mexico,” he added.

Although sources from both customs and immigration and the CJIA have said that Exec Jet staff, especially Lall, were granted waivers on security checks when coming into Guyana, Benn dismissed claims that Lall was granted any waivers from regular CJIA security and customs protocol. “At no time was any instruction given to the staff to waive the airport security procedures with regard to Exec Jet Club’s staff ingress or egress at the airport,” he stressed.

KEYS TO THE GATE CJIA CEO Ramesh Ghir added that the keys to the gate which allows access to the Exec Jet hangar is always in the possession of the CJIA as construction work at the hangar was being undertaken. He stressed that persons from Exec Jet, like any other person, are required to go through security checks before being permitted into un-

Cash-flush jet service continued on page 29

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December 5-11, 2014

Caribbean Star Newspaper

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Caribbean Star Newspaper Cash-flush jet service from page 28 authorised zones at the airport. “…all of Exec Jet Club’s flights must adhere to CJIA’s established standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all flights into and out of Guyana. These procedures require that the flights be processed on the International Apron and must be cleared by Customs, Immigrations, CANU and other Law Enforcement Agencies. Checks with Senior Representatives of these agencies have confirmed that their SOPs were followed in every instance for all of Exec Jet Club flights,” the GCAA and CJIA said in a joint statement. “Additionally, at no time was any instruction given to the staff to waive the airport security procedures with regards to Exec Jet Club’s staff ingress and egress at the airport. The CJIA’s security supervisors have verified that at all times these checks were carried out as is customary for all operators accessing the restricted areas at the airport,” they added.

Meanwhile, Benn reported that since the bust in Puerto Rico, the company had suspended its service here. He added that even if they had applied now for permission for flights, it would not be granted. “The operations has ceased of its own volition, as a result of this incident… we will do our internal investigation. They (GCAA) will not recommend and I will not approve,” he stated. “We will do our internal review based on all information we have here and the information we can access from overseas and then make a recommendation for a decision higher up,” he added.

The Minister informed that it was in 2010 that Lall submitted an expression of interest (EOI) to operate jet and medevac services at CJIA. He said that this was the first such EOI received by government and at the time they felt it would yield tremendous benefits for the country.

He stated then that satisfactory due diligence was undertaken before Lall was given the okay in 2012 to commence operations. “We were satisfied at the time this activity went into operation of the bona fides of the company, the director’s history in aviation… and we were satisfied too and happy that we would have this facilitation in our country,” Benn said.

He said that Guyana also relied on the fact that the company was a recognised United States company and this would have influenced the decision to approve as the government felt it was an “upfront” organisation that it was working with. “This is a United States Company and I would also like to rely on their due diligence,” he stated.

Searches of Lall’s private aircraft during a refuelling stop at the Luis Munoz International Airport, in San Juan, uncovered US$150,000, wrapped in plastic bags and a blanket under the exit row seat and US$470,000 in a black suitcase inside a compartment next to the engines which contained several black garbage bags containing

bundles of currency. Lall, authorities say, accepted responsibility and ownership for the money and informed that his pilot and his father, who were with him during the refueling stop, had nothing to with the monies. Under US law, amounts over US$10,000 must be declared.

The opposition last week called on the government to conduct a thorough investigation into Lall’s operations here, saying that it may reveal breaches including tax evasion, among others.

December 5-11, 2014

17

Minister of Transport Robeson Benn flanked by CJIA CEO Ramesh Ghir on his left and Director of GCAA Zulficar Mohammed on his right. At right is Permanent Secretary, Balraj Balram.

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December 5-11, 2014

Caribbean Star Newspaper

Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 5-11, 2014

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CHRISTMAS IS COMING

The story of the birth of Jesus Christ never gets stale although retold year after year. The songs we sing at Christmas time will always bring cheer and hope as we celebrate the Savior’s birth. In the next few weeks, many versions and viewpoints of the Christmas story will be told. Let us take a look at the original record of this great event that changed the world.

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And

the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” (Luke 2:1-20) Jesus was born of a virgin.

The historical facts have been well established. The virgin birth of Jesus was never seriously contested. In fact, it is recorded in sources other than the Bible also. Jesus lived a sinless life which is also recorded in other sources. His resurrection from the dead is another fact that no one has refuted. The Biblical record is absolutely true. We are confident that we hold to sound beliefs and Jesus will do for us what He promised. Let us thank God for the birth of the Messiah as predicted by Isaiah 7:14 – “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Immanuel means God with us.

The news was delivered to shepherds.

Think about the birth of a prince. Paparazzi will be actively hunting information and photographs to publish. The population will be eager to hear the news.

Well, it was not so with the birth of Jesus.

The prophets foretold where the Savior would be born, in what era (approximate time as predicted by Daniel), and of whose generation line. Connecting the dots should not have been too difficult for their Scribes. A young woman of David’s lineage expecting a child in Bethlehem around that stated time since the return from captivity should send off bells all over Israel. Yet, it seems, the people and their leaders failed to pay attention.

The birth of Christ was not celebrated in the community as it is with great people.

So, while angelic activities speak of the busyness of Heaven bringing redemption to lost mankind, the people of earth were oblivious to what great thing God was doing that night to save mankind from eternal condemnation. The angels announced the wonderful news to simple shepherds out in the field.

We can draw lessons from the Shepherds Shepherds were mostly nomadic and were usually rejected because of their smelly occupation with sheep. They were not welcome in the town. Sometimes, we feel the same way - rejected and lonely. Be encouraged! As God took notice of the insignificant of that society, He notices you and I also. Jesus said if the Father takes care of the sparrows, He will take care of us, too. The shepherds understood the sign of the birth of the Messiah in a manger. They were excited and began to publish the news around the community. We must do the same. We are not ashamed to identify with the Savior of the world and we are bold to share this great news of God’s love with our community. This is a good time of the year to answer people’s questions about Jesus Christ and show them His love.

I came across this Christmas story.

“We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly eating and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said “Hi There.” He wiggled and giggled with merriment at a man with a tattered rag of a coat, dirty, greasy, and worn. His pants were baggy, his shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. We were too far to smell him, but I’m sure he smelled. His hands waved at my baby “Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy.

I see ya, buster,” the man said to Erik. My husband and I were embarrassed. Erik, on the other hand was running through his repertoire of tricks all of which were admired by the bum. We finally got through the meal. My husband went to pay, Erik and I headed for the door. The old man was poised between me and the door. As

I drew close the man, I turned my back trying to side-step him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby’s ‘pick-me-up’ position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man’s. Erik in an act of total trust, love and submission laid his tiny head upon the man’s ragged shoulder. The man’s eyes closed and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes.

The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms for a moment and then his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm, commanding voice, “You take care of this baby.” Somehow I managed “I will” from a throat that contained a stone. I received my baby and the man said “God bless you, ma’am, you’ve given me my Christmas gift.” I ran to the car.

My husband wondered why I was crying and saying “My God, my God, forgive me.”

The ragged old man, unwittingly had reminded me “To enter the Kingdom of God we must become as little children.”

Take your family to church this week.

Pastor Haniff Bacchus Calvary Assembly

of God

102-07 Rockaway Blvd, Ozone Park, NY 11417 Tel. 718-659-4500 www.calvaryozone.org

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C

Caribbean Star Newspaper Bandits snatch $3M in pensions payout from BV post office

December 5-11, 2014

ountless East Coast pensioners went home without a penny yesterday after gunmen stormed the Beterverwagting Post Office and brazenly stole $3 million intended for payments.

The daylight robbery occurred around 10am yesterday, a few hours after the post office had opened to the lined-up pensioners. One resident, who asked not to be named, told Stabroek News that she had been in the post office waiting to uplift her pension when two men stormed in and ordered everyone to remain silent.

“They told us they ain’t come for we; they just tell us to be quiet,” the woman said. She added that the men approached

the glass window behind which the postmistress had been seated.

One bandit reportedly broke the glass with a hammer and demanded the pension money from the woman.

“Give me the money,” the bandit reportedly said before adding, “Is not you money, is government money.”

The postmistress acquiesced and the men hurriedly packed their bags with the cash.

However, the money was apparently too much and the men were forced to leave some behind.

According to the resident, the bandits clearly had no interest in the pensioners

and did not rob them.

“It happen real quick,” the resident told Stabroek News. “They ain’t went in there even 15 minutes,” she continued.

The woman expressed the belief that the postmistress had done the right thing by not fighting with the gunmen. She opined that, based on their movements, the bandits would not have hesitated to shoot the woman.

The men managed to escape in a waiting white Carina 192. One resident relayed that the car had been heavily tinted with a licence plate number in the PKK series.

According to reports, the bandits had

been seen at least a half hour before the robbery, scouting out the post office.

Reports also indicated that the car had also been seen in the area on Monday.

Another resident of the area stated that she had passed the area and had noticed the white car parked under a large tree in the street beside the post office.

She recalled that she had thought it strange as few persons chose to park there. She further said that she witnessed the driver of the vehicle acting strangely; the man, she said, was constantly checking his phone and would duck his head low when anyone passed.

She said that the car eventually moved from its spot but instead of driving out of the community it instead circled the post office.

“How that car alone spinning I done know is nah no regular thing,” she said.

She continued, “How this car parked up and how he deh on the phone, I just felt weird.” She added that the car eventually stopped at the entrance of the post office when the road was clear. The car’s door, she said, had been slightly ajar. Two of the bandits were soon seen dashing out of the post office, their bags laden with stolen cash.

From information received, police would usually be present on the first and second day of each month for the pension distribution. Though they had been present on Monday, they were absent yesterday when the bandits attacked.

However, when Stabroek News arrived at the scene yesterday, detectives were on site and refused to divulge information or allow entrance on to the premises and further indicated that the matter was still being investigated. In a subsequent statement, police confirmed that the amount taken was $3 million.

The postmistress was unavailable to speak as she was being grilled by the detectives on the robbery.

Residents opined that the post office should be afforded more security, particularly during pension distributions. “They need to fence that place up properly!” one man angrily said. He went on that a guard should be permanently affixed to secure the place.

According to witnesses, the postmistress had been the only official in the post office at the time as the mailpersons had already been dispatched.

They further indicated that the postmistress had contacted the police early that morning and had told them that she had collected the pension money. However, there was no police presence in the area until after the robbery when the detectives eventually turned up to investigate.

Residents expressed the hope that none of the residents in the area would be victimised by the police as they conducted their investigations. According to the residents, it was a norm for the police to enter the community and take innocent persons into custody after crimes had been committed “I hope nobody ain’t come nowhere and tek me son cause it gon’ be bare problems,” one woman emphasised.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

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December 5-11, 2014

Caribbean Star Newspaper

Caribbean Star Newspaper

23

December 5-11, 2014

Tourists & Travelers Can Now Apply Online for Indian Visa Narendra Modi Government Relaxes Rules for Visa Applications

T

By Ramesh D Kallicharran

he recent announcement (November 27, 2014) by the Narendra Modi Government that they have simplified the visa process, has been enthusiastically received by tour operators and businesspeople, among others. This action will allow for easier access into India and thus reducing the frustration level caused by the untimely processing of visas and at the same time, increase the volume of tourists to India. The Indian government feels that India’s rich cultural heritage and history offer great opportunities for tourism expansion.

Dr Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation, along with Shri Rajnath Singh, the Union Home Minister, Ministry of Home Affairs, have announced—at the Ashok Hotel in Delhi—the implementation of the e-Tourist Visa for holders of regular passports from 43 countries.

Diplomatic and Official/Service Passport holders are not included in this program. It was also re-

ported that more countries will be added to the existing list by March/April, 2015 Having had the responsibility first of issuing visas through its various overseas missions, the Indian government decided to outsource this service to private enterprise. In the USA, for example, it was out-sourced its visa processing to TRA-VISA Company and after that, to a company called BLS. Speaking as a Tour Operator in New York,

I believe that this company BLS was not doing a good job and I personally lodged three complaints against it.

Another company called ‘COX & KINGS’ has been retained to issue Indian visas but I am not satisfied with its performance either.

Just before I left for India in October 2014, I attended a meeting convened

by Dr. Thomas Abraham, founder of GOPIO, with officials of Cox & Kings. I was introduced by Dr Abraham as the pioneer of IndoCaribbean travel to India that has been in this business for over 30years, operating under the banner “Kali Bharat Yatra” of Kali Travel & Tours, New York. I spoke on the question of the issuing of visas in a timely manner: “You are no better than BLS,” I pointed out. The Cox and King’s Representatives responded by acknowledging a delay because of the backlog that

The pioneer tour operator the only one from the Caribbean, recognized by the government of India, Ministry of Tourism & by appointment tour operator to Air India. they had inherited from the previous Company, BLS, and pledged that they would undertake to clear the backlog in two weeks’ time.

The hope now is that I and other tour operators do not have to endure any more frustration and I can now sit in the comfort of my office and apply for Indian e-Visas. Tourists/Travelers can now apply online for what is called a Travel Visa on Arrival (TVoA) through a special website created for this purpose. (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in /visa/tvoa.html).

It involves a four-step process. Applications must be submitted at a minimum of 4 days in advance, and a maximum of 30 days of their proposed date(s) of travel.

(1) A Tourist/Traveler must apply online as well as

post a copy of his/her passport page containing the photograph and personal details. He/she must also upload a digital passportsize photograph and the passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

(2) The Tourist/Traveler is required to pay online a Visa fee of $(US)60.00 using a debit or credit card.

(3) The Tourist/Traveler will be sent an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to his/her email.

(4) The Tourist/Traveler must print the ETA and travel with it for submission to any of the port of disembarkation in India.

This e-Visa Program is available to foreigners

sole

whose objective of visiting India is recreation, sight- seeing, short duration medical treatment, casual business visit, casual visit

Kali Travel & Tours is the Pioneer of the Caribbean in Taking Bharat Yatra

to India for almost 3 Decades

to meet friends or relatives etc. and not valid for any other purpose/activities.

This will allow entry into India within 30 days from the date of approval of ETA and will be Valid for 30 days stay in India from the date of arrival in India. The TVoA with the ETA cannot be made available for more than two separate visits per calendar year.

The designated ports of entry are: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Goa. The Indian authorities will issue a visa not exceeding 30 days once they verify that the Traveler/Tourist has a return ticket or an onward journey ticket and sufficient funds to cover expenses of his/her stay in India.

Recognized by:

Government of India

Ministry of Tourism

To Visit: East, West, North or South of India Contact Kali Travel & Tours 718-291-9292 • 917-407-9090

24

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December 5-11, 2014

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Life insurance can help you protect your home.

You and your family have worked hard to purchase your home, any rental properties, or other real estate holdings. You qualified for that mortgage due to your income level, excellent credit rating, and financial history. But what would happen if something unexpected happened to you? Besides the emotional stress, a surviving spouse may experience a significant decrease in household income that could lead to foreclosure. That’s why many banks and mortgage companies encourage homeowners to purchase mortgage life insurance.

E

ssentially, you purchase mortgage life insurance so that in the event of a sudden death, funds are avail-

able to meet any outstanding mortgage balance. The type of insurance you purchase can greatly affect your surviving

family members’ options. Let’s look at some options.

Life insurance from a lender vs. an insurance company.

When you purchase insurance from a bank or mortgage company, in most cases you pay the premiums but the lender receives the proceeds at the insured’s death, and your family receives the deed to the house.

However, sometimes surviving families may not want to keep their homes. They may want to move closer to other family members or relocate for different reasons like a new job.

Personally owned life insurance offers more choices and control because the surviving beneficiaries—not the lender— receives the insurance proceeds. Then they decide what to do with the money, whether it’s paying off the mortgage

in one lump sum, continuing to pay it down periodically, or selling the house. And, personally owned life insurance is portable, which means, if you move in a few years, you won’t have to replace your insurance (which could be costly). Furthermore, even after the mortgage is paid, personally owned life insurance can provide other valuable benefits.

Make a choice today.

Whether you decide to purchase mortgage life insurance through a bank or insurance agent, the key is to be prepared. There is a real chance that someday one person will be completely responsible for your family’s finances. Taking the necessary steps today can ensure your family’s financial future tomorrow.

article is provided as a courtesy by Indra Puran, Agent, New York Life Insurance Company.

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December 5-11, 2014

AGONY

I

T WAS deja vu at the Hasely Crawford Stadium last night as the agony of 1989 resurfaced when Ecuador striker Monica Quinitteros scored in second half stoppage time to seal a place in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada at the expense of Trinidad and Tobago.

Quinitteros’ goal sealed a hard fought 1-0 victory for the South Americans in the return leg of the playoff to stun a sold out Hasely Crawford Stadium and the rest of the country. The first leg ended goalless in Quito, Ecuador on November 8 and Ecuador progressed by a 1-0 aggregate. This was the 24th and final spot available for next year’s showcase and in an attritional affair in front of a crowd estimated at 19,000, Quinitteros directed a shot from a left-sided Mayra Oli-

Caribbean Star Newspaper vera free-kick, beyond an indecisive Kimika Forbes in the Trinidad and Tobago goal.

That strike stunned the fans to silence, with many immediately making their way to the exit before the final whistle by referee Esther Staubli of Switzerland. This was second time unlucky for Trinidad and Tobago in a decisive World Cup qualifying match at the venue, as the renowned Strike Squad fell to a similar 1-0 defeat to the United States on November 19, 1989, with a 24th and final spot in the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy.

The defeat was a bitter result to accept after a strong performance from the hosts

who dominated the match and even hit the bar through an overhead kick from striker Kennya Cordner in the second half.

Veterans like captain Maylee Attin-Johnson, Tasha St Louis, Kennya Cordner, Ahkeela Mollon, Dernelle Mascall and Ayanna Russell who, after over ten years of national service, may surely now be pondering their international futures.

From the team that drew goalless in Quito, Ecuador made three changes, with Quinitteros, Olivera and Erika Vasquez coming in for Kerlly Real, Adrianna Barre and Giannina Lattanzio. Trinidad and Tobago inserted St Louis in place of Mariah Shade on top while Lauryn Hutchinson gave way to fellow American-born utility player Brianna Ryce.

St Louis, the oldest member of the Trinidad and Tobago outfit at age 30, won a free-kick from deep after three minutes but dead-ball specialist Karyn Forbes sent her free-kick overbar. Another move from St Louis saw her taken out by a defender on the left but her initial cross was met by Kennya Cordner whose header was directed to the right of the Ecuadoran goal.

Right-back Patrice Superville, in the 26th minute, had a speculative right-footed lob which narrowly missed the target.

However, the Ecuador centre-forward Quinitteros had a chance to put the visitors ahead in the 33rd when she got a through ball but she was denied by a well-timed tackle from stopper Rhea Belgrave.

Two minutes later, Quinniterros made a darting run from the left but her right-footed swerving effort went metres overbar. St Louis’ night ended shortly after as, troubled by a left knee injury, she was replaced by Shade in the 38th minute.

Ecuador continued to play deep in the second half, but Trinidad and Tobago continued to show massive lapses of concentration, especially in the final third. Mollon, three minutes into the second half, made a move down the right flank and sent a ball to Cordner. That duo combined for three goals in the CONCACAF Women’s Championships in the United States but it did not happen again this time, as Cordner’s overhead attempt struck the crossbar and sailed out of play.

Ryce, who played well in the centre of TT midfield, collected a deep through-ball from Superville but, unsure of whether to shoot or cross, her effort sailed across the face of goal.

Another crucial moment occurred in the 77th, as Mollon played a defense-splitting pass to Cordner. With Shade free in the middle, Cordner decided to go to goal instead and her effort was denied by an onrushing goalie Shirley Berruz.

Shade later sent a lob from the left which was tipped overbar by an alert Berruz but, five minutes later, Quinittteros showed the Trinidad and Tobago attackers how to score, with an effort which booked her team’s passage to the quadrangular global tournament.

The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup will take place from June 6 to July 5, and the other participating teams are hosts Canada, China, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Thailand (Asia), Switzerland, England, Norway, Germany, Spain, France, Sweden, Netherlands (Europe), Brazil, Colombia (South America), Nigeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast (Africa), Costa Rica, United States, Mexico (CONCACAF), New Zealand (Oceania).

Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 5-11, 2014

27

Voice Of The Youth M

y name is Shaw Ryan Khan. I am the son of Shaw M. Khan and Camille Zeena Khan and I am the grandson of Haji Ali Akbar Khan and Azeezan Khan from Canegrove, Guyana ,as well as Harry Singh and Lillian Ganpati Singh from Industry, Guyana. My respect to my parents and my grandparents always.

Time has passed by so quickly. It feels as if it was just last month that we were celebrating the welcoming of a new year.

But yet, now we are starting to prepare for Christmas and for the beginning of a new year. 2015 will approach us so quickly and so many New Year’s resolutions will be made by so many individuals. Just like we start early to prepare for Christmas and New Year’s, I want to start early to talk about certain life lessons that we can try to use so that our 2015 year would be so much more joyous. I will go ahead and stretch these life lessons into the span of the remainder of the year, so that by the time we approach 2015, we are all given advise/lessons of life that we can use to make the best out of 2015. There are two lessons I wish to speak about this week; I would do more but I don’t want to go beyond my space limit.

The first thing I want to talk about is the fact that we need to realize that life is short, life is fragile, life is love, life is happiness, life is beautiful, life is unity, life is togetherness, life is a blessing, life is an hourglass whose sand is slowly depleting. We need to realize that life is just an amazing thing that God has given to us.

We underestimate the power of God and overestimate the power of negativity. We presume the negatives more than we presume the positives that God bestows upon us. Someone asked Louis Armstrong why he kept saying/singing what a wonderful world when there is so much war, so much hunger, so much pollution that aren’t so wonderful. Mr. Armstrong cleverly replied that it doesn’t seem to him that the world is bad. Rather, it is what we are doing to the world that is bad. He continued to say what a wonderful world it would be if only we would give it a chance! Love, that’s the secret. If more of us loved each other, we would solve a lot more problems. Mr. Armstrong is right! Some of us spend too much time basking in the negativity meanwhile there is so much positivity that can envelop us so our heart and our soul can go on and enjoy this journey we call life.

There is a story that talks of two dogs.

Both at separate times walk into the same room. One comes out wagging his tail while the other comes out growling. A woman watching this goes into the room to see what could possibly make one dog so happy and the other so mad. To her surprise, she finds a room filled with mirrors. The happy dog found a thousand happy dogs looking back at him while the angry dogs saw only angry dogs growling back at him. What you see in the world around you is a reflection of who you are. And to have your life spent being negative is just so wrong.

Some people say they wish that sadness/negativity would go away and just have positivity/happiness. I won’t blame them for that; sometimes people go through hard times in life and need a break from all the harshness. But I have to say this; without negativity/sadness, this life would be boring. Hear me out, if we always win the same contest over and over,

without ever losing, would the uniqueness and emotional feelings over winning that contest be the same? In my view point, it wouldn’t. Sadness makes happiness feel so much more unique and so much more joyous. If you are married right now, just imagine when you first met your loved one. Do you still remember it? Most likely you do, because that moment in life was so unique and so valuable that your spirit and your mind combined together to make sure you remember each and every beautiful moment. Do you remember any heartbreaks you have received in your lifetime? It sucked, didn’t it? But think of it this way, those heartbreaks made you so much stronger and made it so that when you finally found the right person, it made your happiness so much more unique and so much more satisfying. Believe it or not, Negativity and positivity are like yin and yang, they can’t function properly without the other. If you still can’t believe what I am saying, think about this. Last week’s article talked about the man who called me and said I should stop writing and that my writing is a waste of time. The amount of phone calls I received telling me not to stop writing was amazing and remarkable. It reignited the flames in my soul and made me stronger and made me want to write. That negativity that attempted to drown me instead made my fans increase and made me passion increase as well. To sum it up, my first lesson or advise to you all in your 2015 would be to learn to love life and realize how much of an amazing gift God bestowed upon us all by giving us the chance to journey through life.

My second advice stems from something I learned from my professor. It made me realize that life is all of what I mentioned above but life is also family.

A few months ago, I went into my class early to see my professor and ask him a question about the subject we were studying. But, as I entered the room, I noticed my professor, who is usually always early, was not there. Class time started and he still did not show up. We, as a class, decided to stay a bit longer because he did not email us saying that he will not be in. The great thing about his class is that it was a joy to be in. around 10 minutes passed and he finally entered the classroom. But, something was different about him; his eyes were red, as if he was crying. Even his good morning salutation sounded like it wasn’t really a good morning for him.

I decided to speak for the class; I raised my hand and asked him if everything was okay. He tried to say that everything was okay but he couldn’t take it anymore and tears began to fall from his eyes. I guarantee everyone in that class never will forget what he told us, so let me tell you what he said… “My class, you all are precious to me and one of the greatest group of individuals I have had the privilege of teaching. I won’t be in class for the next few classes because I need some time. But before I dismiss you all, I want to teach one more thing. After 30 years of my marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said “I love you dear, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you.”

I was shocked but after I found out who that other woman is, I thanked my wife.

The other woman my wife wanted me to visit was my mother. She had been a win-

dow for 25 years, but the demands of my work and my 2 children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally. The same night, I called to invite my mom to go out to dinner and a movie. She asked me what’s wrong and I told her that I thought it would be pleasant to spend some time with her, just her and I. She thought about it for a second and then said that she would like that very much. The following Saturday after work, I drove over to pick her up. I still remember it now, she straightened her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate my birthday. I still remember her smile; it was a radiant angel-like smile. She told me that she called her sister and bragged that her son is taking her out to dinner. Anyway, we went to a restaurant that was very nice and cozy; it was a restaurant she used to take me when I was younger. My mother took my arm as if she were the first lady.

We sat down and I read the menu to her because she could only read large print.

Halfway through the dinner, I lifted my eyes and saw mom sitting there just staring at me. A smile of both happiness and sadness was on her lips. She said “It was I who used to have to read the menu to you when you were small. I told her, “then it’s time that you relax and let me return the favor.” During the dinner, we had a pleasant conversation. We talked so much that we missed the movie. As we arrived at her house later, she said “I’ll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you.” Of course, I agreed. As I got home, my wife asked me how was the date. I told her it was very nice and so much nicer than I imagined. A week ago, my mother passed away; she had a massive heart attack.

It happened so suddenly. I didn’t even have a chance to hug her and say goodbye or anything… 2 days ago, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place where mom and I went to dinner. There was a note attached. It said “I paid this bill in advance.

I wasn’t sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates- one for you and the other for your beautiful and dear wife. You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you son.”

Class, you are all young so please, if you don’t remember anything I teach you in this class, just remember this; understand the importance of saying in time, “I love you”, and give your loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family.”….After the professor taught us this life lesson, he dismissed the class. As I was leaving the class, I turned back and gave my professor a hug. He was right; family is a truly important thing in all our lives and nothing in life is more important than family.

I have said it once and I’m going to say it again, I am not perfect. Sometimes my family and I don’t talk for a long time but when we do talk, the love is still there and will always remain there. Desmond Tutu once said, “You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” I agree with this quote. Without family, I don’t even want to know what life would be like. Our family is our strength when we were weak, our family is the bond that was destined for us even before we came into this world, our family is one of the signs that shows us that God loves us, our family is sometimes a headache, but our family is the most im-

portant thing in the world. I can even go as far as to say that our family is an earlier form of heaven. My second life lesson is this; appreciate your family. Regardless of the fights you have, all the disagreements you encounter, all the gossip you hear this person is talking of you with that person… disregard all of it. Your family is your family, regardless of anything. Friends may come and go but family will always stay.

Life is full up ups and downs that will make us stronger. Life is blessed with individuals we meet in our journey through life.

Some of those individuals were destined for us to meet even before we came into this world; we have a common name we call these individuals, we call them family.

Cherish your life, love your life, live your life, live it with love, love your family, and don’t ever forget that your family is the most important thing in your life. You have only one shot to live this life, so live it up.

I want to take this opportunity to wish all my wonderful friends and family happy holidays!! For this holiday season, I am thankful and grateful for having all of you in my life. All of you bring joy and happiness to this soul and I am so very grateful. Oh, and I am also grateful to the man who told me I should quit writing and that my writing is garbage. I am thankful and grateful to you because you reignited my passion for writing even more and you also helped me to gain so many new fans!

Happy holidays to you all!

Before I end my article, I just want to say this; may God continue to bless each and every one of you and I wish for you to achieve peace and serenity in your lives!

Lastly my readers, in your journey through life, I hope you heed my advice.

I want nothing except peace and serenity. And remember this; “You’re only here in this life for a short visit. Use your time wisely so that when you go back home, you can rejoice in all the wonderful memories of your journey.”

God bless you all and see you in two weeks!

(Like my articles? Want to give me feedback? Do you have a topic suggestion for my next article? Let me know! Add me via Facebook @ Facebook.com/ ryankhan0721 or give me a call @ 646-269-8227 or 718-8491006)

28

December 5-11, 2014

Caribbean Star Newspaper

Caribbean Star Newspaper 3 die in South road accidents

A

16-YEAR-OLD schoolboy and the driver of the car the youth was travelling in were both killed when the vehicle collided with a truck along the Siparia Road, Robert Hill yesterday afternoon.

And in an unrelated incident, another life was lost when an early morning accident yesterday claimed the life of a 29-year-old San Fernando man who police reported was killed at the scene of the crash.

In the first incident, schoolboy Kyle Lewis a student of the Fyzabad Intermediate Anglican School lost his life while three other students, also in the car, remain warded in critical condition after being rushed to the nearby Siparia Health facility. According to police reports at about 3.30 pm, the four students boarded a PH (private-hire) car in Fyzabad driven by 30-year-old Nicholas Till from Robert Hill, asking to be taken to Siparia.

Lewis was seated in the front passenger seat while three schoolgirls sat in the back.

Reports are that the car collided with the

back of a dump truck at Robert Hill. The teenager and the driver were killed instantly, while the three schoolgirls were taken to the Siparia Health Facility for treatment.

The accident caused a massive traffic pile up during the peak afternoon hour commute.

Cpl Chinshue of the Siparia Police station is continuing inquiries .

In the other incident, an early morning accident yesterday claimed the life of 29-yearold San Fernando resident Anthony Dennis, whom police said died on the spot.

A police report stated that at about 1.15 am, Dennis was driving a white Nissan Tiida car along the south bound lane of the Solomon Hochoy Highway when on reaching the Harmony Hall flyover, the car veered off the roadway.

The report added that the car spun several times before it crashed into some steel barriers. Police investigators said that Dennis of Eden Street in Les Efforts West, San Fernando died instantly.

Private sector makes proposal to end prorogation impasse

T

he Private Sector Commission (PSC) today proposed that President Donald Ramotar ends the suspension of Parliament by December 31st at the latest and that the opposition agree to a one-month stay of its planned motion of no-confidence against the government so that meaningful dialogue can be held.

During the one-month period, the PSC said that civil society representatives could be observers to the talks and it proposed a number of dialogue topics including the setting of a date for local government polls before the end of the 10th Parliament, the setting up of and activation of all com-

missions catered for under the constitution and the consideration of a process by which bills which were not assented to by the President can be “resolved”.

It also proposed talks on a mechanism for dealing with supplementary financial papers and statements of excess and an inclusionary process for the budget.

Ramotar’s suspension of Parliament on November 10 has plunged the country into the worst political crisis since he was elected and has left the government with little support for its actions. With pressure building on him, Ramotar has said he will address the matter on Saturday.

December 5-11, 2014

29

PUZZLE! Fill in the blanks so that each row, each column, and each of the nine 3x3 grids contain one instance of each of the numbers 1 through 9

4 5 3 1 6 2 8 7 9

9 1 2 5 8 7 3 4 6

8 7 6 4 3 9 2 5 1

3 7 2 9

8

7 8 1 3 5 4 6 9 2

3 9 5 7 2 6 1 8 4

5 3 9 2 4 1 7 6 8

6

1 6 7 8 9 3 4 2 5

2 4 8 6 7 5 9 1 3

2

3 6 4 7

8 5

6 2 4 9 1 8 5 3 7

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World News Highlights

LONDON - Afghanistan’s allies on Thursday pledged to support the new unity government led by President Ashraf Ghani even as foreign combat troops withdraw from the country after a 13-year war that ousted the Islamist Taliban movement.

MOSCOW - President Vladimir Putin accused Russia’s enemies on Thursday of seeking to carve it up and destroy its economy to punish it for becoming strong, but said his country would rise to any challenge. | Video GROZNY/MOSCOW - Gunmen attacked a police post

and stormed a building on Thursday in Grozny, capital of Russia’s southern province of Chechnya, killing 10 policemen in clashes in which 10 of the attackers were also killed.

aircraft crashed in southern Somalia on Thursday, with Kenyan media saying the crash was due to technical problems while Somali rebels said they had shot the plane down.

MOSCOW - President Vladimir Putin praised the Kremlin-backed leader of Russia’s southern republic of Chechnya for a “professional” security operation on Thursday in which 10 policemen and 10 suspected militants were killed, Interfax reported.

STOCKHOLM - Sweden’s farright is gambling its political future in pitching the country into snap elections, calculating disaffection with established parties and fears over immigration can further its meteoric rise from a pariah-like obscurity to mainstream power.

DUBAI - Al Qaeda’s Yemen branch published a video purporting to show an American hostage and threatened to kill him if unspecified demands were not met.

NAIROBI - A Kenyan military

HARARE - Ninety-year-old Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe purged the deputy seen just months ago as his most likely successor, denouncing her before party loyalists as leader of a “treacherous cabal”

bent on removing him from power.

BRUSSELS - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has insisted the $40 billion South Stream natural gas pipeline can still go ahead and accused Russia of holding EU-member Bulgaria to ransom when it said it had abandoned the project.

MOGADISHU - Somali Islamist group al Shabaab said it had shot down a Kenyan military plane on Thursday in southern Somalia, after Kenyan newspapers had reported that it crashed due to technical problems after a combat mission.

BAGHDAD - Two car bombs in Baghdad’s densely populat-

ed eastern district of Sadr city killed 15 people on Thursday, medical and police sources said, hours after a bombing on the edge of the capital’s central Green Zone killed two others.

ISTANBUL - Thirteen Turkish nationalists accused of assaulting two U.S. sailors in Istanbul could face a decade in prison after being charged with causing insult and injury and violating protest laws, according to an indictment published on Thursday.

ROME - The mayor of Rome ordered a review of city contracts on Thursday after a police investigation revealed a web of corrupt relationships between politicians and criminals in the Italian capital.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 5-11, 2014

A GREAT ATTITude becomes a great day which becomes a great year which becomes a great life.- Mandy Hale

WEEKLY HOROSCOPE

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

On Monday and Tuesday, you’re a trendsetter, a pacesetter, the one out front, the one clearing the path for everyone else, the example. This isn’t really something you planned for yourself.

You just have some restless energy. You can’t help it. On Wednesday and Thursday you slow down a bit, mostly so you can take stock of your feelings and your finances, but you’re still 100 percent agreeable. Friday and Saturday you have about a billion emails to catch up on, but Sunday’s a go-visit-the-family sort of day.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22)

Your brain is quick on Monday and Tuesday -- much quicker than usual.

Your feelings are a bit closer to the surface, too. It will take some effort to keep from responding emotionally to things that normally wouldn’t get to you, but it’s just a mood thing. Wednesday and Thursday you’re a lot more open to anything anyone wants to toss your way.

Witty little jab? Absolutely. Bring it. The difference is that Wednesday and Thursday are just plain fun. A dinner party is a fantastic idea. Friday and Saturday you find yourself discovering something new about yourself.

The weekly horoscopes are updated on every week to gives you an in-depth insight into your family, your love life, any career opportunities, friends and money issues.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

On Monday and Tuesday your mind seems divided. Mostly you have differing thoughts about your time and the pace at which you’re moving. Should you slow your goal trajectory a bit? Should you accelerate it? Are you walking too quickly when you could be enjoying the stroll? On Wednesday and Thursday, you’re not really bothered by such questions, mostly because you’re so intensely happy. Nothing seems to bother you at all. But on Friday and Saturday, a few minor financial frustrations underscore a certain level of crankiness. On Sunday, have dinner with a friend.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22)

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

On Monday and Tuesday, someone is coming at you fast and furious with advice. If you were in a different mood, you might take offense to this person saying that (essentially) you don’t know what you’re doing. But on those days you’re thrilled, because it’s really good advice. You can put your feelings aside and recognize the value of their words. On Wednesday and Thursday, a few brand-new obstacles come your way, but now you have strategies for dealing with them. Friday and Saturday are full of hand-shaking and telling strangers your name -including, yes, an attractive stranger or two.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

On Monday and Tuesday, a conversation with someone reverses a conviction you’ve held for a long time. Something you were very sure of ... Poof! It’s gone! Turned upside down!

It’s funny how one person’s perspective can change everything. On Wednesday and Thursday, the perspective you’re most worried about is your boss’. You’re particularly attuned to how you come across at work, and you’re trying to reinforce a good impression. Friday and Saturday are social -- it may be that you’re socializing with work people; nevertheless, you’re socializing. Sunday’s more of a stay-at-home day.

Monday and Tuesday you’re focused on a certain relationship. It might be romantic or it might be professional, but whatever it is, you can barely think about anything else. Most likely the issue is that there’s compromise required, and you’re just not sure if you’re prepared to bend. Give it some time.

Reconsider. On Wednesday and Thursday, delicious meals figure strongly -- either you’ve stumbled onto a new set of recipes or you’re around someone who’s a great cook. Friday and Saturday are more about the dinner conversation than the dinner, but Sunday’s quiet, peaceful and gorgeous.

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

Monday and Tuesday you’re focused on a certain relationship. It might be romantic or it might be professional, but whatever it is, you can barely think about anything else. Most likely the issue is that there’s compromise required, and you’re just not sure if you’re prepared to bend. Give it some time. Reconsider. On Wednesday and Thursday, delicious meals figure strongly -- either you’ve stumbled onto a new set of recipes or you’re around someone who’s a great cook. Friday and Saturday are more about the dinner conversation than the dinner, but Sunday’s quiet, peaceful and gorgeous.

Monday or Tuesday, in the middle of helping someone else, you might bang your head, or do something equally random and painful. It’s not going to be a lasting pain, but you’ll remember it at least all afternoon. So watch it! On Wednesday and Thursday, you’re banged around again -- emotionally this time. Someone has their hands on your heart, and they’re letting you know they know it. What a week this is!

Thankfully, none of the damage lasts, and in a strange way, you’ll look back on all of it as either funny or educational.

This weekend’s an adventure. An excellent adventure!

Monday and Tuesday are romantic, but not in a gushy way. They’re romantic in a way that involves playing games and laughing hysterically. On Wednesday and Thursday, you have some responsibilities to attend to; as much as you’d like to be thinking big-picture thoughts, it’s the details that need your attention. On Friday and Saturday, there’s so much going on in your life it’s almost funny, with people running around and opening and closing doors and making silly phone calls. But you love the antic energy. On Sunday, try to reconnect with you-know-who. Have a good talk.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

Monday and Tuesday find you protecting your resources -- especially in the career and family realms. You’re worried about something, or perhaps you’re just getting sentimental. Maybe the resources you’re protecting are simply keepsakes. Nevertheless, on Wednesday and Thursday you couldn’t be less worried about anything. Nature figures into these days, as does romance and relaxing and letting your feelings be known. Friday and Saturday you’re doing a lot of communicating but you don’t seem to be getting through to people. On Sunday, focus on just one person.

Monday and Tuesday you make so many discoveries that you’d be wise to keep a notebook with you, just to keep track of it all. These periods of discovery happen a lot in your life and are good for your brain. They give you energy. On Wednesday and Thursday, you’re a little more low-energy, but still, you’re bending your brain around new things. During Friday and Saturday, you give your brain a rest and give in to your intuitive romantic side -- the side that requires no thinking at all. On Sunday, you’re trying to figure out what it all means.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20)

On Monday and Tuesday you’re at a loss. Someone is not telling you something and you can tell, but you can’t tell who it is or why. You just have this funny feeling. Not that you mind a mystery. As a matter of fact, you get into this position a lot, this ‘I know something is up’ position. On Wednesday and Thursday, instead of worrying about it, focus on your love life -- which, luckily, gives you plenty to focus on right now. If you’re not hanging out with someone special, write a poem. Friday and Saturday you’re incredibly busy, but Sunday is fun and romantic.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 5-11, 2014

31

Entertainment News

Action Jackson: How Ajay went the extra mile for the film's fight sequences

'A

ction Jackson' has generated palpable interest among the audience right from its trailer launch.

The Gordhan P Tanwani and Sunil Lulla production has Ajay Devgn teaming up with director Prabhudheva. The action comedy also features Sonakshi Sinha, Yami Gautam and debutante Manasvi Mamgai, Miss India World 2010.

One of the highlights of the film is Ajay's action sequences. Besides practising martial arts specially for the movie, the actor has also displayed his stellar swordsmanship. Turns out, it was Prabhudheva's idea to incorporate sword fighting instead of the typical action scenes so often seen in Bollywood. He says, "Sword fighting has not been seen in Hindi films for many years. That is one of the main reasons why we thought of

incorporating it, especially ninja sword fighting, which I think looks stylish on screen."

While Prabhu was upbeat about the action scenes, even Ajay was thrilled at the prospect of doing something challenging. The dedicated actor that he is, he lost several kilos only for a particular scene. The director adds, "Ajay sir has a two-and-a-half minute fight sequence where he will be sporting his bare body and showing his sword fighting moves.

When I told Ajay sir about the sequence, he readily agreed. In fact, it was just for this scene that he lost 17 kilos."

Of course, it was easier said than done.

Not only did Ajay follow a strict diet to tone his physique, but also underwent intensive training. "In a scene like this, the posture and the technique have to be correct. So Ajay sir had to train accordingly. He used to even exercise on the set before shooting for the sequence. One day, in spite of being down with fever, he insisted on working out and then shot for the fight sequence," says Prabhudheva.

Action Jackson, produced by Eros International and Baba Arts Ltd, releases December 5.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 Plot Summary Spoiler alert! Read further only if you have seen the film, since the information below reveals the entire plot of the movie.

PLOT SUMMARY Katniss has been rescued along with Beetee and Odair from the last Hunger Games. They are now in District 13 and recuperating from their past experiences.

District 13 is by and large an underground fortress. It has its own missile defense systems against aircraft raiders and has its own life support systems. It is basically an underground fortress. Katniss thankfully gets to meet her mother and younger sister Prim, who loves her fluffy pet cat.

That aside, she is soon introduced to the head of District 13, who is President Alma Coin. Coin is dour, to the point and wastes not time in telling Katniss that she is the face of the revolution, or rebellion, as they so gently put it. But it is easier said than done. Because the revolution has a secret weapon. Peeta has been brainwashed by the Capitol philosophy. However, Katniss is still enraged and outraged when she visits her old home - District 12 - and sees the devastation that has been inflicted on it. Coin and company have been trying to get Katniss to give a soundbyte or two for the benefit of the people who look up to her. She was unable to do so previously.

But when Katniss sees the Capitol's ships bombing hospitals, she speaks her heart out about the tyranny of the Capitol's way of doing things. She is reluctant and always remains so, but she agrees to become the

Mockingbird as long as Peeta is given pardon. The revolution begins in spurts when strikers in District 7 kill an entire team of Peacekeepers (soldiers from the Capitol) in the forest with hidden land mines and a rebel demolition team destroys a huge dam that provides the Capitol forces with electricity for their city. This forces the Capitol powers to use temporary electricity generators, which in turn weakens their broadcasting and surveillance capabilities because their energy resources are limited. ​Katniss again sees Peeta spouting the same 'give up your guns' propaganda. But suddenly, at the end of his final broadcast, Peeta has an episode of recollection when he figures out that Katniss is watching him, that he must warn them of an impending attack that can wipe out the revolution.

District 13 however survives a massive attack from the Capitol's bombers. Coin realises that the bombers are just looking for their defenses and orders them to just stay quiet. She later dispatches an elite special forces team, which includes Gale, to rescue Peeta. Their move is successful. However, when Katniss goes to greet Peeta, he unexpectedly attacks and strangles her into unconsciousness. Katniss wakes up in the medical facility, and is informed that Peeta has been 'hijacked' —brainwashed into wanting to kill Katniss through aversion therapy. Meanwhile, Coin announces the successful rescue of the Victors, and that the fight will now reach the Capitol.

The star Prabhudheva with the superstar Padmanabhan (Kerala’s most famous elephant)

Prabhudheva prays to the God of Elephants ‘Padmanabhan’ at Guruvayur temple

A

head of his upcoming action entertainer, 'Action Jackson', director Prabhudheva visited the extremely famous Guruvayur temple in Thrissur district in Kerala. This was his second visit here. Talking to us post his darshan, he said, "As soon as you enter only, you get such positive energy that we feel we are in some other world only. In front of God, you have no fame, nothing. You are just a normal person. Somebody once asked me, 'Sir, how do you promote your film?' I said by praying to God." The temple has 60 elephants. Close to the temple is the aanakotta (the elephant yard of the temple) where the God of all the Elephants, the world famous Padmanabhan lives. In the month of December, many Keralites return to Kerala from across the world to visit their friends and family. Prabhudheva was blessed to have visited the temple during the Ekadasi celebrations (a very special time at the temple) and do, not just darshans of Lord Guruvayurappan, but also meet the superstar Padmanabhan.

The Krishna temple in the town of Guruvayur in Kerala is one of the five most famous Lord Krishna and Vishnu temples in India. The others being the Jagannath temple in Puri, Orissa, Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh, Nathdwara in Rajasthan and Dwarka in Gujarat. Even though the idol in Guruvayur is that of Vishnu, it is still known as a Krishna temple since the boy, Lord Krishna, is always said to be running around incognito in the temple precincts. Lord Krishna in Guruvayur is popularly called 'Sri Guruvayurappan'.

'Appan' means God or father so the title means the God of Guruvayoor. The whole life of this town revolves round the temple.

Padmanabhan celebrated 60 years of him serving the temple recently. He is originally from the Nilambur reserve forest and came to the temple on January 18, 1954, when he was offered by Cherukunnath Namboodiri as his devout offering to Lord Guruvayurappan. The legend goes that this Namboodiri had no children and

he was spending his tearful days lamenting over his sad plight. He was then advised that Lord Guruvayurappan would bless him with children if he offered him an elephant. So Namboodiri came to the temple and offered to present an elephant to the Lord if he was blessed with a child. Lord Guruvayurappan did bless him with a child and Namboodiri offered the elephant to the Lord, who named him Padmanabhan. When Padmanabhan was brought to Guruvayur, there were only one or two elephants here. But gradually, as Namboodiri was blessed with more and more children, the number of elephants increased.

Padmanabhan grew through years to be the most important of all elephants in Kerala, and wherever he was taken for Utsava, he was to be given the most prominent place in the procession. In all utsavam, if he was present, it was only his privilege to carry the 'Thidambu' on his head. He never tolerated any other elephant enjoying this right. As soon as the 'Thidambu' was placed on his head, he would stretch the whole of his body forward and raise his head to the maximum, so that he would appear to be the highest in the whole array of elephants.

This posture would continue till the 'Thidampu' was taken down after the procession and thus, he was able to maintain his kingly posture everywhere. He has never caused any injury to anybody throughout his lifetime.

Padmanabhan's special features: Majestic look with a raised head and low back.

Strong straight legs without deformity.

Clear honey-coloured eyes.

Trunk is fleshy and long that trails into the ground, even if his head is held high.

Good and strong teeth.

Eighteen nails without a crack. Short neck.

Colour of black teak.

Forehead bump is broad and fleshy.

Big and raised twin domes on the head.

The area where the mahout sits is broad and fleshy.

32

Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 5-11, 2014

Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez pay tribute to Paul Walker on death anniversary

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'll do very little acting in future’: Angelina Jolie Actress Angelina Jolie says she now prefers being behind the camera, and is slowing down her acting career.

The 39-year-old, who is busy promoting her directorial venture, "Unbroken", has hinted that her career as an actress is over and being behind the camera is what her future holds, but her retirement isn't set in stone just yet.

"I'll do very little acting in the future.

And it's funny, somebody said to me and I think it's true - what's odd is that I wouldn't direct the films I act in.

"Some of them, maybe, but in general I wouldn't spend two years working on the things I'm in," she told the Sunday Times Culture magazine.

Jolie's " Unbroken" stars Jack O'Connell in the lead role and it will release on Christmas.

in Diesel and Michelle Rodriguez were among Paul Walker’s family and friends who shared touching tributes and photos on the anniversary of actor’s death.

Diesel, shared with his Facebook followers a photo of Walker with his 6-yearold daughter, Hania Riley, and wrote that he took a certain pride in being Uncle Pablo. While Rodriguez tweeted that late American actor lives in the hearts of all who loved him for sure and sent mad love out to Heaven.

Whereas, Ludacris shared that he can’t believe it’s been a year already and expressed that Walker’s spirit will be felt in volumes across the world forever.

Hugh Jackman pays tribute to Phillip Hughes on Broadway

A

ctor Hugh Jackman paid a moving tribute to cricketer Phillip Hughes by putting his bat out at his Broadway show of 'The River'.

The Australian actor posted an image of a bat propped up on the empty stage before the performance.

"Just before curtain on Broadway ...

Paying tribute to Phillip Hughes," Jackman captioned the image on Instagram, in memory of the Australian cricketer who died last week after being struck on the head while batting in a Sheffield Shield game.

L Dustin Hoffman may star in Edward Snowden film

T

he project, which is to be helmed

by Oliver Stone, would see the 77-year-old actor join Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who's playing the lead, and the "Fault In Our Stars" actress Shailene Woodley, who's currently in talks to play his girlfriend, the New York Post reported.

If the deal works out, Hoffman would either play a mentor of Snowden's at the

NSA or a politician in the film, which is also being produced by Stone.

The untitled film, which is based on two books, Luke Harding's 'The Snowden Files: The Inside Story of the World's Most Wanted Man' and an upcoming novel by Snowden's attorney Anatoly Kucherena, would begin filming in January in Germany, Hong Kong, Washington, DC, and Hawaii.

Walker was killed in a car crash north of Los Angeles on Nov. 30, 2013. He was 40 years old. Walker was survived by teenage daughter, Meadow, his parents, his two sisters and two brothers.

Paul Walker's daughter keeping busy

ate actor Paul Walker's daughter Meadow is doing well in studies and keeping herself busy, says her grandfather.

The world paid tribute to the "Fast and Furious" star, who died in a car crash last year, on his first death anniversary Nov 30. "She's doing - I hear from the grapevine - very good in school. She's keeping (herself) busy," Paul Walker Sr. "I think she's just a little bit shy around me, grandpa.

I think time is on my side and things will get better," he added.

Earlier, Meadow posted a touching tribute on social media in honor of her talented father. The throwback picture featured the 16-yearold as an infant when Walker held her in his arms.

December 5-11, 2014 33 Caribbean Star Newspaper Akshay Kumar: Neeraj Pandey is the most honest black and white man in the industry

O

n this very 'Wednesday' I'm going to tell you about a 'Special' director and why his films are his ultimate 'Babys'!!!

Neeraj Pandey is one of the most complex directors I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Way back when I first shot with this extraordinary quiet man, the intimidation I felt towards his uniqueness was through the roof, yet he had absolutely no idea the excitement and nerves I was feeling on my first day working with him for 'Special 26'. I was silently worried after day one we were never going to be able to be in sync with each other on a professional level, but I bit my lip and no joke, it may have taken some time and a gentle arm-twist, but by the second leg of our schedule, all barriers were down and we actually had a laugh at the monitor, which turned everyone's head in sheer shock.

The serious, poker-faced Neeraj Pandey CAN laugh and we've been enjoying each other's hard work ever since. Though, he definitely is the most honest black and white man in this industry, he says what he means, he means what he says, but his heart is pure and his opinions are even more placid than my own, this is when I learnt I am actually being directed by a man that thinks and speaks as little as I do. He is not here to gossip or give opinions in areas he doesn't feel comfortable in expressing his views, he's not here to talk about anyone else's film apart from his own and even then, he speaks not a word of his success or greatness, he's even more humble than that. When asked what he thought of 'Special 26' after editing it, his words were, 'Nice, you tell me when you see it, then we'll talk!' Again, I asked him what he felt about 'Baby' during the edit, again he replies, 'Good, you see it, then you tell me!' His job is complete, he's done his best, only time will tell now, but he's definitely not a man that is going to butter up his own film for anyone's benefit and I commend him for that. Opinions are pointless without results, but even then he speaks nothing but his passion for his next script, that's when we talk the most, when there is a script involved and an adventure to plot. The solidarity that we share now, I never knew would ever exist between such a life-gripping director and myself. (But I will admit I have kept my pranks down to a minimum on his films).

What I love most about this man, apart from his direct honest opinion and crystal clear vision, is how this man doesn't shoot to impress, he's not here to extravagantly blow your mind, he shoots to tell you a story, his only interest is to suck you into the trail he wants you to follow. I could follow this man till the end of the earth, just listening to his take on life and the way he sees things, his visions, his honesty to shoot original sequences as he refuses to copy anything already made. (For example, he had a torture scene mapped out in front of me over a year ago, then recently a Hollywood film duplicated his vision. Needless to say he scrapped it, even though he had dreamt about this scene for more than a year). He said, 'No, I'll shoot another version, this one has already been made.' So, he deleted this scene from his

head and made a new one, that is how honest a director he is. Nothing but genuine from start to finish. There are no shortcuts in his world.

He's so passionate and politely cocksure about what he does and how he wants to portray his script, like he's lived it before, dreamt it and made it 10 times before he's even walked on set. It's that genuine faith alone that gives an actor that immediate confidence. Every story is for a reason, either to educate, open minds or to just experience the thrills of real life incidents that our city lives through on a daily basis. The term 'pointless' doesn't exist in Neeraj Sir's vocabulary. Everything is for a reason.

I could talk about what a wondrous man he is all day.

There are very few people on the planet that I can openly talk about with such admiration, but this 'Special Director' is definitely one of them.

To the Baby of all Babys, I wish this team the absolute best, it's been a tough schedule, but like Neeraj Sir always says, 'Work hard or the door's that way.'

What can I say. I respect this man from all angles. He is a Million Dollar Baby through and through!!!

34

STAND BY US

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 5-11, 2014

AYLEE ATTIN-JOHNSON, captain of the Trinidad and Tobago (TT) women’s football team, is pleading for support from local governing body, the TT Football Association (TTFA), and corporate society, if the team, dubbed “the Women Soca Warriors”, is to rebuild after its devastating loss of a spot in the Women’s World Cup. On Tuesday, the national team went down 1-0 to Ecuador, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, to miss out on a historic qualifying spot at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.

Monica Quinitteros headed home a free kick past TT goalkeeper Kimika Forbes, in the 90th minute, to see Ecuador claim the 24th and final spot in the world tournament.

“I think we’re hoping that we paved the way for the ones coming up,” said the 28-year-old Attin- Johnson, during the post-match media conference. “You’ve all seen now what we can give and what a little investment and resources in women’s football can do. Hopefully, the heads that be can take charge and start putting monies into women’s football, and we can bear fruit from that.”

The team had to deal with a number of offfield challenges, during their World Cup campaign, and the problems were highlighted in early October when coach Randy Waldrum went to the social media network Twitter to plea for financial aid, meals and energy drinks for the team ahead of the CONCACAF Championships in the United States.

“As you can see here, not a lot was pumped into women’s football and we reached to this point,” said Attin-Johnson. “The younger ones coming up (I hope) that they don’t have to go through what we have (gone) through.”

The mid-fielder, who played most of her TT career as a striker, has been part of the national team for over a decade.

She admitted, “I’d already planned on going to the World Cup. I don’t know what’s next. For me, football is not my life, it’s a passion for me.”

“I graduated with a degree in Sports Management, I can always fall back on that,” she continued. “But, for the other ones who (are) coming up, they’re in school now and they have a lot of football to play as well. Granted a lot of resources will be pumped into women’s football that will make it easier for the ones who are going to school and the ones who are coming up to have a way of life.”

She went on to add, “we are intelligent

Caribbean Connections people as well. We went abroad, got our degrees and it’s very difficult to get jobs and stuff, so hopefully the powers that be can facilitate that, help us open doors during our football careers and after.”

The Women Soca Warriors dominated possession from start to finish, but paid the price for a number of lapses in their attacking play, as well as missed goal-scoring chances.

“I think for us, even though we’ve inspired a lot of people and we have paved a little bit of way for women’s football, we had not accomplished what we set out to accomplish,” Attin-Johnson noted. “We are very much disappointed in ourselves. Goals win matches and we (were) not able to put away ours.

“They had one chance and they put away their own. It’s a bit unfortunate. It’s tough. It’s unbelievable right now, it’s like a nightmare for me right now.”

Attin-Johnson made it clear that, “without a doubt, I’ll still be speaking out, whether I’m involved in football or not.

I’ll definitely push for the betterment of women’s football, on and off the field.”

Asked about the state of mind, after the match, of Forbes, the TT captain replied, “Kimika is near and dear to my heart. I’m very close with a lot of players but Kimika (and others) sacrificed a whole lot. They have been through it, through the good, the bad and the indifferent.

“Kimika is a very passionate player and it’s very hard to calm her down at this moment but I’m definitely one that she looks up to. I’ll have a very long talk with her because she has a very bright future ahead of her.”

After the Canada tournament, the next FIFA Women’s World Cup will be staged in 2019.

“The next four years I’ll be 32 and with three knee surgeries I’m not sure what the future holds,” admitted Attin-Johnson. “If we continue to be committed like we are now, four years from now its hard to say, especially with a loss like this, it’s very (disappointing).

“For me, a lot of things have to change. A lot of stuff have to change for us to really commit our time. We’re getting older and we’ll have to find a career that would finance our lives.”

About the future role of Waldrum, she stated, “for him to give his services for free was great of him. I know that he’s not going to be able to do that (long-term).

“We need a professional environment allround with nutritionists, doctors, you name it, that’s needed for us to do well at this level.

Hopefully, they pump money in women’s football and women’s sports in general,” she ended.

Wisroc excavator operator found dead with hands bound

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he body of a BOSAI excavator operator was found bound and tied with the hands behind the back on the lonely expanse of the Washer Pond around 6 am on Wednesday not far from the excavator he was supposed to have worked on for the 7 pm to 7 am shift.

The computer box, which is necessary for the excavator to work was missing.

The body was identified as 45 year old Edgar Trotman, father of six children but who lived alone at Block 22, Wismar, not far from his mother and other siblings.

When Stabroek News visited the home of the deceased’s mother, she said that she was too shocked to visit the body when the call was made about the discovery of her son’s corpse.

Orin Trotman, a brother of the deceased, said that he received a phone call a little after seven in the morning from his sister, Arlene, informing him that his brother was found dead and bound.

He said that he immediately went to his mother’s home and he and his sister Arlene went to see the body.

He said the sudden death and the manner in which his brother died is “real shocking to me and my family because to hear something like that and to such a jovial person”. He said the computer component was missing from the equipment his brother had been working on in a twelve-hour shift that began from 7 pm on Tuesday. He believes that the men went to steal the computer component in the excavator and his brother was there and maybe, could have recognized them and they decided to kill him because dead men tell no tales. “Maybe, they had to get it and he was an obstacle in their way,” he added: “He did not receive stab wounds but he was well beaten up and he was tied up with his hands behind his back.”

Orin said Edgar had worked at BOSAI for seven years and he was not aware that Edgar had any feuds or grudges with anyone. “I mean, everybody have their ways … he didn’t have any problem because the people, who he worked with tell me he was always a jovial person and a person, who always happy.”

Stating that she was informed that he was struck in his forehead with a wood, Arlene said the computer box that was stolen costs close to $2M and she was diswww.eliteradionyc.com • Playin The Best In Caribbean Music 24/7 • Download the app from any App Store search: eliteradionyc turbed that

Edgar Trotman her brother was working on expensive equipment such as an excavator alone in the dark of night in a desolate area without security. She said that the excavator cannot work without the computer box. She is adamant that the people, who stole the computer box and killed her brother, knew the value of the box and knew the area well in which the equipment is located.

Mother of the deceased, Janette Trotman, said that she last saw Edgar between 5.30 and 6.00 pm at her home on Tuesday and he told her that he was going to work for the seven o’clock shift.

She said that she walked out of the shop and yard with him and he told her that he would not be working the following day because it was his day off.

She said that he lived a few houses from her home and as he walked away from her, she had a funny feeling that “he looked so dark to me”. She said in that instant she attempted to call him back but he went around the corner into another street and she said to herself: “Leh he guh long his way.”

Disclosing that she lives in Canada but returns to Guyana during the winter season, Edgar’s mother said that whenever she is in Guyana, he would go to her home before he goes to work. She said that she has eight children – four girls and four boys – and he was the third boy.

She said that she returned to Guyana for his father’s funeral in February this year and she returned to Canada but came back to Guyana some weeks ago following the death of her brother, who lived on the East Coast of Demerara.

Now she mourns the death of one of her sons. She said that she did not go to see the body.

She said that her son lived alone but has six children with different mothers.

She described him as being “nice and so to people”. She said: “He does tek he lil drinks and suh. I does tell he, man, don’t drink.”

Caribbean Star Newspaper

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Cops arrest man for taking their photo

ROWN'S TOWN, St Ann — Errol Nisbeth, an information technology professional and founder of the St Ann 360 advocacy group which operates a website and Facebook page that highlight happenings in the parish, said he was recently arrested after taking a photograph of a group of policemen talking to a handcart vendor in this town.

Nisbeth said that on Saturday, November 22 he was in the town, where he has lived for several years, when the police who were carrying out their duties 'caught his eyes' and he decided to take a photograph for his page. However, immediately after taking the photograph with his cellphone one of the policemen demanded that it be deleted.

"One of the policemen walk over to me and ask if mi just take a picture," Nisbeth recalled. He said he answered in the affirmative and asked if it was illegal to do so. "Hey bwoy, delete mi picture out a yuh phone," was the response of the policeman. Nisbeth said by then he had started to record the exchange on the same phone. He was subsequently searched, apparently for weapons, placed in a police vehicle and whisked away to the police station.

"When I reached to the police station they handcuffed my hands to an overhead shelf," he said, adding that he was kept in that position for about three hours after which he was granted bail on a charge of 'obstruction of justice'.

Nisbeth told the Jamaica Observer yesterday that the policeman told others at the station that he was taking a photograph of them while they were carrying out an operation. A policeman at the station, he said, told him that: 'Bwoy yuh out of order fi a take picture a police'.

Nisbeth, who had his cellphone in his pocket, said he continued recording when the policeman who had requested that the photograph be deleted again made the demand at the station. "'Hey bwoy, delete mi picture out a yuh phone'," Nisbeth reported the policeman as saying. He was then relieved of the phone by the policeman, who realised that the in-

Plane carrying 11 crashes in Bahamas; US man dies

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December 5-11, 2014

ASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Police in the Bahamas say a small plane has crashed near New Providence Island, killing a 77-year-old US man and injuring the 10 other people aboard.

Superintendent Paul Rolle says the 10seat Navajo Chieftain went down after departing the nearby island of Eleuthera on Tuesday morning. He says the other passengers are hospitalized. Their conditions were not immediately known.

Police have not yet identified the man who died or his hometown.

The plane was operated by Ferguson Air and was serving as a charter for Southern Air. Police said the pilot apparently alerted officials that he was having problems and tried getting the plane close to shallow water before it lost power some 550 feet (170 meters) from the coast.

strument was being used to record the discussions.

"Him delete the picture and my other documents," Nisbeth claimed. However, he said that he was able to retrieve the images after he was released on bail.

Nisbeth said his wallet was also taken and searched by the police, who told him that they would be searching his house "because it look like mi in lotto scamming".

"Mi just take a picture," Nisbeth said, adding that he meant no harm, but believe his rights were violated by the police.

The St Ann 360 website, said Nisbeth, is highly focused on positive news and has always supported law and order.

The offending photograph taken by Errol Nisbeth that landed him in trouble.

In the meantime, he questioned why the police gave him a January 5 court date to appear in the Half-Way-Tree Criminal Court

in St Andrew instead of St Ann's Bay. "I would like to know why?" Nisbeth asked. He told the Observer that he did not recognise the location for the court appearance until he got home and so did not get a chance to ask the police the reason for this.

Nisbeth said he has since reported the matter to the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) by telephone, but was told he should go to one of the offices, which he intends to do.

The Observer was told yesterday that the commanding officer for the Brown's Town Police Station was out of office when the newspaper sought the police's comment on the matter.

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December 5-11, 2014

Caribbean Star Newspaper

UNAIDS: A Caribbean country could be first to eliminate mother to child HIV transmission

ORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, MOnday December 1, 2014, CMC – UNAIDS Caribbean is predicting that a Caribbean country could become the first nation worldwide to eliminate mother to child HIV transmission.

It said 13 Caribbean countries are on track to be certified as having achieved the status while three are close to reaching the goal. Over the last decade, countries have successfully increased access to antiretroviral medicines during pregnancy and empowered women to make informed decisions about their health and that of their children.

UNAIDS Caribbean said national validation processes are underway throughout the region to confirm reported rates, making it likely that by 2015 a Caribbean country will be the first in the world to announce that it has ended HIV transmission to babies.

“This region was the first to eliminate polio and measles,” said UNAIDS Caribbean Regional Support Team Director, Dr. Ernest Massiah.

“These successes would not have been possible without political commitment.

We need the same will to end mother to child HIV transmission. The question is which country will be first,” he added.

UNAIDS Caribbean noted that before treatment was available, at least one in four babies born to HIV positive women in many Caribbean countries was infected with HIV. “Today Anguilla, Barbados, Cuba, Guyana, Montserrat and St. Kitts and Nevis all have shown that they have reached the elimination target of below two percent transmission. Bonaire, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, Saba, St. Eu-

statius, St. Kitts & Nevis and St. Maarten have not had an HIV positive baby on record in the last four to ten years, but must finalise their documentation.”

It said The Bahamas, Jamaica and Suriname currently have transmission rates between two and five per cent. Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago lag behind with more than five per cent of children born to mothers living with HIV becoming infected. The Dominican Republic, Grenada and St. Lucia have insufficient information.

“No child living in the Caribbean should be born with HIV. We must look carefully at how we can protect and empower women so that they go to clinic early, get tested, get treated and follow-up with their babies,” Dr, Massiah said.

UNAIDS Caribbean said there was also need for increased focus on young women and men who have sex with men to close the gap and end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 “Ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 is possible, but only by closing the gap between people who have access to HIV

prevention, treatment, care and support services and those who are being left behind.”

In the Caribbean more must be done to prevent HIV among young women, sex workers and men who have sex with men. Those already living with HIV must also be able to access the services they need.

A public opinion poll commissioned

by UNAIDS shows that the majority of Trinidadians and Tobagonians support giving young people access to age-appropriate sex and sexuality education in schools as well as access to condoms and contraceptives. Additionally, nine of ten respondents think that child abuse and domestic violence are problems. Addressing the lack of knowledge, sexual and reproductive health services and social protection available to young women can help reduce their vulnerability to HIV. CARIMIS, an online study of men who have sex with men in the Caribbean, found that while respondents who were out tended to exhibit better health-seeking behaviour, those who were not were less vulnerable to homophobic abuse.

“Within the past month of responding to the survey, one in three respondents had been stared at or intimidated and one in four experienced verbal insults or name-calling. One in ten reported being physically assaulted in the past five years,” UNAIDS Caribbean noted.

It said that the polls found that the majority of people disagree with treating others differently because of their sexual orientation and recognise violence against homosexuals as a form of discrimination.

“Public engagement on equality and non-violence is fundamental to not only the security and well-being of men who have sex with men, but also the Caribbean’s ability to end the AIDS epidemic.”

CEO: Kevin Mohabir Chief Editor: Rhoda Mohabir Head Of Distribution: Shevin Mohabir Director/Sales Manager: Kevin Mohabir Distribution: William Despot, Sham Mohabir, & Shevin Mohabir Sports Editor: Darshan Chikery Layout & Design: Michelle Disclaimer: Caribbean Star Newspaper Inc. & Advertisers are not responsible for typographical errors on the published Ads. We accept articles, artwork, and photography which are in accordance with our Mission. We reserve the right to accept, reject, or edit any material we receive but do our best to honor the integrity of the author/artist. We do not endorse any particular writer or advertiser. We simply offer our readers information on various subject matters. It is expected that all material is submitted in “Good Faith” with no intent to mislead or harm others.

It is the readers responsibility to make intuitive decisions that are right for themselves.

December 5-11, 2014 37 Caribbean Star Newspaper LIAT rejects pilots union claims it ‘acted illegally’

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Florida man charged for slipping beef tongue in pants

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ELAND, Florida (AP) — Police in Florida say a Wal-Mart shopper denied slipping $35 worth of beef tongue into his pants, but the telltale tongue told a different story.

DeLand police say 44-year-old Jason Puckett was charged last week with misdemeanor theft after a Wal-Mart security guard spotted him slipping two packages of tongue into his waistband.

When the guard confronted Puckett at the store's exit, Puckett denied stealing the packages and said he had put them back on a shelf.

But the guard told authorities Puckett then removed the tongue from his pants when he didn't think he was being watched and ran from the store.

Jail records show Puckett remained in jail Tuesday. Bail was set at $2,500.

A public defender assigned to Puckett did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

UPDATE: Two men face charges in double murder at Sav-la-Mar lock-up

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INGSTON, Jamaica –Two inmates at the Savanna la Mar Police Station lock-up in Westmoreland now face murder charges after the stabbing death this morning of two other inmates and the wounding of a third during a fracas.

The police have confirmed the identities of the two inmates who were killed as 28-year-old Mosiah Morgan of Red Ground in Negril and 20-year-old Romario Reid of Hermitage in Bethel Town, both in the parish.

Reports from the Savanna la Mar Police are that the inmates at the lock-up were having their morning shower, when inmates from another cell attacked and stabbed the men. Police intervened and quelled the dispute.

Three knives were also seized in the aftermath of the incident.

The third inmate injured in the fracas is under police guard at hospital where he was admitted in serious condition.

T. JOHN’S, Antigua, Monday December 1, 2014, CMC – The Antigua-based regional airline, LIAT, had rejected claims by the Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA) that it has acted illegally in respect of court orders and is appealing to its pilots not to take industrial action as being planned for later this month.

“These matters are before the court. In an injunction taken out by LIALPA earlier this year, the court did not grant a restraint order against the company and concluded that the company was entitled to act in the way it did for the benefit and protection of all its employee groups,” said the airline’s chief executive officer, David Evans.

“We will continue to consult on the other claims raised by LIALPA and try to seek resolution, but many of these are constrained

by LIAT’s financial position, and it would be simply unjust to prioritise the needs of one employee group over another.

“Whilst industrial action has been suggested by the pilots, we expect that the provisions for resolving grievances under both the collective agreement and the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code will be respected and adhered to.

“These provisions seek to ensure that there is a full expression of the facts and positions of both parties before competent authorities, with a view to finding an amicable and peaceful resolution while continuing to serve the needs of the travelling public,” he said.

The pilots are threatening to take industrial action if the airline fails to meet their demands by December 10.

The pilots say a continued deferral of salaries, the recent dismissal of two of

their colleagues and other longstanding issues are among their main grievances they want addressed by the company.

They also want the implementation of a 2010 arbitration tribunal award and a new contract to fly the ATR aircraft being operated by LIAT. LIALPA in an advertisement in the weekend edition of Daily OBSERVER here detailing its members’ grievances, is also calling for an independent investigation into LIAT’s dismissal of the two pilots for damaging an aircraft during the passage of Tropical Storm Gonzalo in October.

Evans confirmed the dismissal of the two pilots saying “this decision to terminate followed a full internal investigation of the incident during which the pilots were represented.

“The Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association has repeatedly called for LIAT’s Management to take action against indiscipline and we are doing just that.

The company is committed to improving its service delivery to the public and will

continue to take appropriate action as required from time to time.”

LIALPA chairman, Patterson Thompson, said his union is unhappy about the dismissal following an investigation into the incident and that the union would be taking further steps without elaborating.

Chairman of the shareholder governments of the financially troubled regional airline, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said he had “not been given a formal report on that, but I have, like everybody else read it and I am sure I will be given a formal report with all the information”.

Evans said that LIAT’s financial position remains precarious and the consequences of any industrial action could put its future in jeopardy.

“The plans of thousands of our customers depend on LIAT during this busy holiday season, and we urge our pilots not to ruin these. We remain committed to dialogue with LIALPA and will strive to resolve our differences,” he added.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 5-11, 2014

CRICKET & Sports

Emotional farewell for Hughes Australia’s captain Michael Clarke led the tributes at Phillip Hughes’ funeral in Macksville, where family, friends, team-mates, past cricketers, dignitaries and the public gathered to mourn for the batsman, who died last Thursday.

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he funeral service was broadcast live on Australian television and radio, and was also shown at the SCG, Adelaide Oval, WACA and Bellerive Oval, where mourners were invited to gather for a public viewing of the Macksville service. Hughes died aged 25 after being struck by a bouncer last Tuesday during the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and South Australia at the SCG. Eulogies were delivered by Hughes’ brother Jason and sister Megan, and his cousin Nino Ramunno, and tributes also came from family friend and fellow Angus

breeder Corey Ireland, Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland, and Clarke. As Clarke struggled to hold back the tears before beginning his tribute, he joked that Hughes would “definitely be calling me a sook right now, that’s for sure”.

Clarke spoke of the remarkable outpouring of grief that has come from around the world in the wake of Hughes’ death, and openly wondered if it was a tangible example of the much-mentioned “spirit of cricket”. He said Hughes’ spirit was now “part of our game forever” and “will act as a custodian of the sport we all

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love”, and urged cricketers to “play on”.

“Is this what we call the spirit of cricket?” Clarke said. “From the little girl in Karachi holding a candlelight tribute to masters of the game like Tendulkar, Warne and Lara, showing their grief to the world, the spirit of cricket binds us all together. We feel it in the thrill of a cover drive. Or the taking of a screamer at gully, whether by a 12-year-old boy in Worcester or by Brendon McCullum in Dubai.

“It is in the brilliant hundred or five-wicket haul, just as significant to the players in a Western Suburbs club game as it is in a Test match. The bonds that led to cricketers from around the world putting their bats out, that saw people who didn’t even know Phillip lay flowers at the gates of Lord’s, and that brought every cricketing nation on earth to make its own heartfelt tribute.

“The bonds that saw players old and new rush to his bedside. From wherever they heard the news to say their prayers and farewells. This is what makes our game the greatest game in the world. Phillip’s spirit, which is now part of our game forever, will act as a custodian of the sport we all love. We must listen to it. We must cherish it. We must learn from it. We must dig in and get through to tea. And we must play on. So rest in peace my little brother.

I’ll see you out in the middle.”

After the hour-long service in the Macksville High School hall, Clarke and the other pallbearers, including Hughes’ father Greg and brother Jason, and cricketers Aaron Finch and Tom Cooper, carried his coffin to the hearse outside, and a remarkable procession wound through the streets of the small town.

Among many indelible images and words, that of thousands following Hughes through the heart of Macksville will not be forgotten in a hurry. The Hughes family, Clarke, his wife Kyly, and

the Australian Test team walked together with locals, visitors, administrators and Australia’s prime minister Tony Abbott.

Winding through Wallace Street, they made for a rare sight of shared grief but also collective memory of Hughes’ life.

India’s acting captain Virat Kohli and coach Duncan Fletcher walked alongside Adam Gilchrist. Shane Watson and David Warner offered a somber partnership in lock step together, and CA’s chief executive James Sutherland spoke with members of both the cricket and Macksville communities. They were all headed towards the Macksville Ex-Services Club for the wake, where tears and laughter were likely to flow in equal measure.

At the SCG, a line of 63 cricket bats, one for each run Hughes score in his final innings, was planted into the turf, each one inscribed with a special moment or fact about Hughes. “’He was 12 playing against 18-year-olds and even then he was a step above them,’ remembers Macksville High sports master Barry Lockyer,” read one of the bats.

A photo memorial, flowers and cricket equipment were laid behind the stumps where Hughes was struck down last Tuesday. The pitch and center square were roped off as a mark of respect, and the pitch on which Hughes played his final game will be retired and not used again this summer.

In Adelaide, at Hughes’ adopted home ground, the Adelaide Oval, around 2000 people gathered in the Riverbank Stand and the Chappell Stand to watch on the big screen the service telecast live on Channel Nine. After the service the public was allowed to get to the main square and leave their flowers and tributes.

It will be at Adelaide Oval that Australia’s cricketers will “play on”, as Clarke said, with the rescheduled first Test against India to begin there next Tuesday.

Dhoni to join squad before first Test

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S Dhoni is set to join the India squad on December 5 but his participation in the Adelaide Test is not a certainty.

Dhoni had been rested for the first Test of the tour - originally scheduled to start on December 4 in Brisbane - due to a thumb injury and was expected to join the squad after the game. However, the dates of three of the four Tests were revised following the death of Phillip Hughes in Sydney last week. Adelaide will now host the first Test from December 9, while the second Test will be played in Brisbane from

December 17.

BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel confirmed Dhoni will join the squad in Adelaide well in time for the Test but didn’t elaborate on his selection for the match. “Dhoni will reach Australia as per schedule,” Patel told ESPNcricinfo. “Whether he will play [the first Test] will entirely depend on the team management, as is the case for every match.”

It is understood that Dhoni could opt out of the Adelaide Test to acclimatize himself with conditions. In that case, Virat Kohli will lead India with Wriddhiman Saha keeping wicket.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 5-11, 2014

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Guyana’s Crandon ‘cannot believe’ loss chasing 69

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uyana coach Esuan Crandon still “cannot believe” his side lost by two runs on Monday against Barbados chasing a tiny target of 69 runs in the Professional Cricket League.

In a dramatic sequence of events in the third-round match played at Providence Stadium in Georgetown, Guyana forced Barbados to follow-on but failed to last the first session on the fourth and final day as Dwayne Smith picked up his maiden five-for.

“It was very, very disappointing to take the loss. We played three excellent days of cricket and then we lost the game in one session,” Crandon told ESPNcricinfo. “The Barbados bowlers utilised the conditions well as the ball was moving around. A couple of careless, irresponsible shots from our batsmen cost us the game as well.”

Crandon said the players were aware of the historic significance of the victory: Guyana have not defeated Barbados in Guyana since 1984 and missed out on a chance to snap the 30-year losing streak.

“We knew that. I cannot believe what happened yesterday.”

Speaking to Stabroek News Guyana captain Vishaul Singh admitted complacency was a factor while chasing the small target. Crandon agreed, too. “Probably a little bit of complacency crept in at the moment. Not only that, there was a bit of nerves too. We had wanted to chase down the total in a positive manner but we did not get the start we wanted.

We lost four wickets for 10 runs on the board.”

Crandon also cited the weary and breaking pitch as a crucial factor. “It was a difficult fourth-day wicket to bat on.

There was wear and tear in the wicket, uneven bounce, ball keeping low, very low. Dwayne Smith was getting the ball to move, too. I am not making any excuses.

Dwayne bowled well. But the pitch really helped him as well.”

However Reon King, the former Guyana and West Indies fast bowler, who was the match referee, said he could not find any fault in the pitch. The nature of defeat raised a lot of eyebrows, but both the WICB and King said the only untoward thing was the poor batting by the Guyanese batsmen. “The pitch is fine. It was a normal four-day pitch. In my opinion it was just a collapse in batting,” King said.

Despite the defeat Guyana have 39 points, enough to top the tournament table after three matches. They travel to Trinidad to play their next match starting Friday before the tournament takes a break. The final six matches will be played from February. “We also recognize the miss. Yesterday was a big miss for us because if we had won that game we could have been about 15 points clear of the second-place team,” Crandon said.

Dwayne Smith is known more for his batting but picked a good time for his maiden five–wicket haul in first–class cricket © Getty Images

Gambhir, Yuvraj omitted from India World Cup probables

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irender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Zaheer Khan,Gautam Gambhir and Harbhajan Singh have been omitted from the 30-member preliminary squad for the World Cup picked

by India’s selectors on Thursday. It has been almost a year since any of them made the ODI side.

It is understood that the selectors had decided to move on with the next generation and preferred current form over past performance, which worked against all the five players.

Though any of the omitted players from the provisional squad can be picked in the final 15-man side, chances of the five senior players breaking into the squad are remote. The deadline for submitting the condensed squad to the ICC is January 7.

“Seniors were also considered [for selection].

There was a discussion on everyone,” said BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel. “But the thought process was to give preference to performers. The youngsters have been doing very well at the domestic level so they could not be ignored. Barring major injuries, the World Cup squad would be from this lot. Captain’s views were also considered.”

“I would not like to comment at this [whether it is the end for Sehwag and Yuvraj in international

cricket] level as I mentioned earlier. I think all of us should be happy that a lot of young cricketers have been considered for this, as a part of the probables. I feel that considering the future after the World Cup is also part of the thought process.”

India’s 30-man squad BATSMEN Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Manoj Tiwary, Manish Pandey, M Vijay FAST BOWLERS Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Varun Aaron, Dhawal Kulkarni, Stuart Binny, Mohit Sharma, Ashok Dinda SPINNERS R Ashwin, Parvez Rasool, Karn Sharma, Amit Mishra, Ravindra Jadeja, Akshar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav WICKETKEEPERS MS Dhoni, Robin Uthappa, Sanju Samson, Wriddhiman Saha

Series tied as New Zealand take emotional win New Zealand 690 (McCullum 202, Williamson 192, Rahat 4-99) beat Pakistan 351 (Hafeez 197, Craig 7-94) and 259 (Shafiq 137, Boult 4-38) by an innings and 80 runs

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rent Boult ran through the Pakistan top order in a menacing new-ball spell that extinguished early any chance the home side had of batting five-and-a-half sessions to save the Test. The spinners then chipped away at the rest - Mark Craig becoming only the third New Zealand spinner to register a ten-wicket haul - to help New Zealand level the series with their third-biggest

win against Pakistan. It was the first time since 1969-70 that Pakistan failed to beat New Zealand in a home series of at least three Tests.

It was also, possibly, Daniel Vettori’s farewell present.

A few days ago, there was no such thing as a Pakistan batting collapse. In Sharjah, it happened twice: in the first innings, they lost the bottom half after Mohammad Hafeez’s big century to be restricted to 351, and in the second, under the weight of a 339-run deficit, they lost the top in no time. Asad Shafiq smashed his way to a fifth Test century in the company of the lower order, but the innings just delayed the inevitable.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 5-11, 2014

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41

Australian eyes turn from Macksville to Adelaide

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ustralia fast bowler Ryan Harris has declared himself a certain starter for the first test against India but cannot say the same for all of his team mates a day after Phillip Hughes’ funeral.

Harris wrote in a column for Fairfax Media that Wednesday’s funeral in batsman Hughes’ hometown of Macksville, New South Wales, had reminded him that, despite the solemn occasion, people wanted the team to play.

“Seeing the green and gold streamers was a reminder these people want to see some cricket played, want to see us get out there and beat the Indians,” he said in comments published on Thursday, referring to Australia’s national sporting colors.

“One thing I noticed late on Wednesday was how the mood in the group had begun to shift.

There were a few conversations about getting back to playing.

The funeral was a bit of a mile-

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stone. As well as to pay your respects it gives you a bit of closure.

“I know some guys have really struggled -- some haven’t even picked up a bat or ball yet since it happened. They’re just not going to know, until they pick a bat or ball up, whether or not they’re going to be capable of playing.”

Harris spent most the year recovering from knee surgery and missed the 2-0 test series defeat against Pakistan in United Arab Emirates, but said he felt fit and ready for India.

“My knee that got operated on after the South Africa series is going really well -- so well it’s almost scary,” he said.

Most of Australia’s players arrived in Adelaide on Thursday on the same day they were originally to start playing the first test in Brisbane.

The Brisbane match was postponed until after Adelaide, which was brought forward to

The entire Test squad was in Macksville for Phillip Hughes’ funeral on Wednesday. A general view of guests during the Funeral Service for Phillip Hughes in Macksville. start on Tuesday.

MARSH BROTHERS Batsman Shaun Marsh has been called up, joining his brother Mitch in the squad, in a possible indication that captain Michael Clarke is still an

Shaun Marsh added to Australia’s Test squad

haun Marsh has been added to Australia’s squad for the first Test, which will begin in Adelaide on Tuesday. Australia’s cricketers were due to assemble in Adelaide on Thursday afternoon, after Wednesday’s emotional farewell for their team-mate Phillip Hughes at a funeral in Macksville.

Marsh’s inclusion comes as uncertainty surrounds the fitness of captain Michael Clarke, whose hamstring injury had been likely to rule him out of the first Test when it was due to be played at the Gabba. The revised fixture means the season now starts five days later, but naturally Clarke has been unable to complete his recovery program over the past week.

On Friday, the Australians will train as a group for the first time since the death of Hughes, who was struck by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG last Tuesday. Hughes was on 63 not out at the time and would have been a strong contender to be called in as cover for Clarke for the Gabba Test.

On the same day, Marsh scored an unbeaten 134 for Western Australia against Victoria at the MCG, his second hundred from four matches this Shield season. He made 111 at the WACA against Queensland in the second game of the summer, and now has a chance of playing his first Test since the tour of South Africa in February this year.

The inclusion of Marsh brings Australia’s Test squad to 13 members for the Adelaide match. It remains to be seen whether all of

the players will feel ready for five days of Test cricket by next Tuesday, so soon after fare welling Hughes, and the coach Darren Lehmann said he would understand if any player chose to withdraw from the Test against India.

“I was there 10 years ago when my close friend David Hookes was killed in a tragic incident,” Lehmann wrote in a column in the Australian on Thursday. “It’s something I think about every day of my life. Phillip’s death has revived a lot of memories of that time. Both were freakish incidents. I guess the Hookes family have had a hard week, too.

“Hookesy’s death brought it home to me that life has to be joyful and sport the same.

We are only playing a game after all. Our existence is too fragile and lifespan too short to worry about stuff that doesn’t matter. I think I played cricket about seven or 10 days after Hookesy died. It was something I felt I had to do and it was something I wanted to do, but that was me.

“We hope the boys can find the inner strength to play the game in the way Phillip would have wanted in Adelaide next week and that they can honor what he had done.

We want to hold his values close to our heart and that means playing cricket the way he did, with a love of the game and a smile.

“It’s going to be hard and if somebody is struggling Michael and I understand. There is no pressure on them. We will look after them and we will help them get back to the place where they can play. We left a bit of heart in Macksville yesterday.”

injury doubt.

Clarke, who has been suffering from a hamstring problem, took a leading role in comforting the Hughes family after the death last week of his friend and former team mate from injuries suffered in a domestic match.

Shaun Marsh, 31, has played nine tests for his country since his debut in 2011 and was dropped after failing to score a single run while batting at number four in the second test against South Africa in February.

Australia coach Darren Lehmann said in a newspaper column that he accepted that next week might still be too soon for some of his players to return to action.

“We hope the boys can find the inner strength to play the game in the way Phillip would have wanted in Adelaide next week and that they can honor what he had done,” he wrote in The Australian.

After their preparations were disrupted in the wake of Hughes’s death, India finally got a chance for some serious match practice on Thursday when they took on a Cricket Australia XI in a two-day tour match at Adelaide’s Gliderol Oval.

Sarfraz 76* steers Pakistan into 1-0 lead Pakistan 140 for 3 (Sarfraz 76*, Umar Akmal 27*) beat New Zealand 135 for 7 (Anderson 48, Ronchi 33, Tanvir 2-24) by seven wickets

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pening for the first time in a T20 international, Sarfraz Ahmed made a breezy unbeaten 76 to steer Pakistan to a seven-wicket win over New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium. Sarfraz put on 51 with Awais Zia for the first wicket, and an unbroken 43 with Umar Akmal for the fourth wicket, to take Pakistan past their target of 136 with five balls remaining, Akmal ending the contest with a straight six off James Neesham.

New Zealand had two good partnerships in the middle part of their innings, with Corey Anderson involved in both, but struggled either side of them.

Their total was at least 15 short of being genuinely challenging, even if Pakistan kept the game interesting by losing two wickets to run-outs.

Sarfraz had only batted once in his four previous T20 games for Pakistan, at number eight, and he quickly set about showing what a waste of talent that had been, slapping Mitchell McClenaghan to the point boundary and stepping down the track to the debutant fast bowler Matt Henry to sweep him over the fineleg boundary.

At the other end, Awais Zia looked a little leaden-footed against the pace of Henry and Adam Milne, but quickly realised he would be best served giving Sarfraz the strike. The pair brought up Pakistan’s first half-century opening stand in 18 matches before lazy running brought about its end at the start of the ninth over. When Luke Ronchi threw out Mohammad Hafeez an over later, when the batsmen unwisely tried to pinch a leg-bye off a fumble, Pakistan were in a bit of a bother.

Sarfraz, though, wasn’t letting the wickets disrupt his flow. He immediately crashed Corey Anderson for successive fours, and slogged him for a six over cow corner to bring up his half-century. That over brought Pakistan 17 runs, and brought the equation down to 59 required off 54 balls.

Sarfraz simply needed someone to stay with him and Haris Sohail seemed to be doing that before he swiped McClenaghan straight to the short midwicket fielder with Pakistan still 39 short of their target. Akmal came in, having missed out on Pakistan’s recent Test upsurge, and instantly reminded fans of what they had been missing. Henry returned to bowl the 16th over, and Akmal took three fours off that over, the middle one a sweet pick-up shot over wide long-on. It was a canter from there on.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 5-11, 2014

Still dream of playing World Cup - Sehwag V irender Sehwag has said he is hopeful of figuring in the list of India’s World Cup probables and possibly, playing the tournament.

Sehwag holds the ICC World Cup trophy after its arrival in the country.

Virender Sehwag last played for India in March 2013. Barring an odd big knock in the IPL, he has failed to impress with the bat during this period. Still, retirement is not on his mind and he is hopeful of featuring in India’s list of World Cup probables and possibly, playing the tournament.

“I am still hopeful that my name will figure in the 30 probables for the World Cup,” Sehwag said at an ICC promotional event in Mumbai. “Every player who represents the country dreams of playing in the World Cup and I also still dream of playing in it.”

Last month, Sehwag made himself unavailable for the Deodhar Trophy, reportedly to offer more opportunities to youngsters from the North Zone. Still, he stressed he was hoping to break into the national side. “I am playing first-class cricket and looking to score as many runs as I can. Last year, I scored around 250 runs and hopefully this year I can score more. I hope that I can score runs and get back into the [national] side.”

Sehwag was also optimistic about India’s chances in the 2015 World Cup. “I think without hopes, nothing happens,” he said. “We won the World Cup in 2011 and I believe we are capable of defend-

ing the title in 2015. Our team is very good and is playing well in ODIs. I am sure we can retain the World Cup.” The biggest challenge India could face are the pace-friendly conditions in Australia and New Zealand. Indian teams in the past have struggled to adapt to conditions different from those in the subcontinent. This time, though, the Indian team will spend more than two months in Australia before the World Cup and Sehwag is confident the acclimatization will help India immensely.

“Australia is the best place to play cricket. You get good wickets with bounce, fast wickets, and the ball comes nicely on to the bat,” he said. “You will enjoy batting in Australia and you will also enjoy bowling in Australia. I think all the players who will go to the World Cup, they have already played in Australia and they will be playing in the triangular series before the World Cup so they will get used to the conditions.

“The wickets are similar, they are not different. In the World Cup, you will get good wickets to bat and bowl on. You will get true wickets for the game. I don’t think there will be any problem for any team or any problem to adjust. If you have the talent and if you have a strong mindset, you can perform anywhere in the world. A lot of our players have performed in Australia, South Africa, England and everywhere. So we have the team and hopefully we will do well in the World Cup.”

England wins – gets its morale boosted England 236 for 5 (Moeen 58, Buttler 55*, Root 48*) beat Sri Lanka 242 for 8 (Sangakkara 63, Thirimanne 62*, Woakes 3-41) by 5 wickets (D/L method)

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ngland have earned themselves a lifeline in the ODI series against Sri Lanka - and gained some encouragement ahead of the World Cup - with a nerve-wracking five-wicket victory in Hambantota with eight balls to spare.

It was not just that England claimed a much-needed victory that sees the series balanced at 2-1 to Sri Lanka with four games to play. It was that the architects of the victory were the younger, less experienced players who showed the skill and composure that their senior colleagues have so obviously lacked.

If an explosive half-century from Moeen Ali - who with five sixes equalled his own record for the most by an England opener in an ODI innings - set the platform for the England chase, the unbroken sixth-wicket partnership of 84 in 64 balls between Joe Root and Jos Buttler was almost as impressive.

This was not an entirely positive day for England, though. Their slow over-rate during the Sri Lanka innings - they took 18 minutes more than their allowance may well result in the match referee tak-

ing action against their captain, Alastair Cook. Cook has received a warning previously and faces the prospect of a onematch ban.

Cook’s own form continues to provoke debate, too. England made the controversial decision to drop Ian Bell, the most experienced man in their squad, ahead of this game despite his record of late being somewhat better than Cook’s. Bell averages five more than his captain in ODIs this calendar year and has a strike-rate about 20 runs higher than Cook’s in the same period.

Cook was unable to take advantage of the extra opportunity. He looked in better touch in driving Angelo Mathews for a couple of sweetly-timed boundaries and late-cutting Ajantha Mendis for another.

But his familiar dismissal - pushing at one angled across him - provided a reminder of his struggles and it is now 43 ODI innings and 30 months since he reached 80. There will be many concluding that Cook receiving an ICC suspension for a slow over-rate would be nothing less than a blessing to England. He was also obliged to take pain-killers and admitted to suffering from a sore back - another familiar problem for Cook - during his innings. One way or another, it would be a surprise if he played in the fourth ODI.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 5-11, 2014

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