Caribbean Star #21 vol.4 by Art15.Design2pro

Caribbean First Interfaith Newspaper, Serving The Community

December 19-24, 2014

Star

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UG graduate, Mahendra Sukull

Van Zyl

maiden test ton and Amla’s double flay West Indies See More on Page 42

GUYANA WELCOMES historic thaw in Cuba-US ties

Killed:

Former policeman, Warren Blue

GUYANA: Ug Graduate AND EX COP

KILLED

In Montrose Robbery

See More on Page 29

See More on Page 4

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NYPD COP COMMITS SUICIDE AT HOME IN QUEENS

An EMS team member and a family member try to console a woman believed to be the wife of a police officer who allegedly shot himself.

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December 19-24, 2014

Cash jet pilot pleads not guilty through lawyer

uyanese pilot Khamraj Lall, who was caught with a large sum of undeclared currency on his aircraft in Puerto Rico last month, has waived his right to appear before the court tomorrow to plead and instead entered a not guilty plea through his lawyer Rafael F Castro Lang. In a motion filed yesterday Lall, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Exec Jet, said he was advised of his indictment by a grand jury late last

week and advised of his rights to be present at an arraignment, but seeks to waive those rights and formally enter a not guilty plea. His motion was approved by Magistrate Judge Camille L Velez-Rive who entered Lall’s not guilty plea and gave both the defence and prosecution seven days for discovery and 14 days thereafter to file motions. The case was referred to presiding Magistrate Judge Marcos E Lopez for scheduling.

Lall, who had US$620,588 stashed away on his aircraft on November 22, is on US$100,000 bail and is confined to his New Jersey home from where he can perform the administrative functions of his position. The pilot, who can only leave his home for court hearings, was also forced to turn over his pilot licence to authorities as part of the bail requirements. He faces five years in prison if convicted.

According to the grand jury indictment filed yesterday, which was seen by Stabroek News, Lall is charged with bulk cash smuggling. It is alleged that with the intent to evade a currency reporting requirement, he knowingly concealed more than US$10,000 in currency and other monetary instruments and transported and transferred and attempted to transport and transfer such currency and monetary instruments from a place in the US, that is, Puerto Rico, to a place outside the US, that is, Guyana, in violation of United States Code 5332(a)(1) and (2). In addition to the charge of bulk cash smuggling, Lall also faces forfeiture of property not limited to the cash, according to the indictment. The grand jury indictment says that Lall shall, upon conviction, forfeit to the United States all property, real and personal, involved in the offence, and all property traceable to such property, wherever located, and in whatever name held, which includes but is not limited to the currency found aboard the jet. Searches of Lall’s private aircraft during a refueling stop at the Luis Munoz International Airport, in San Juan, on November 22, 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 said, accepted responsibility and ownership for the money and informed that his co-pilot and his father, who were with him during the refueling stop, had nothing to do with the cash. Lall, in addition to his private jet service, is the owner of Kaylee’s Service Station, at Coverden, East Bank Demerara, which he purchased in 2007 as part of his investment plans in Guyana. According to the Exec Jet Club website, he later expanded his venture when he introduced Quin’s Special Events & Services, a limousine service.

Caribbean Star Newspaper Guyana: ug Graduate And Ex Cop Killed In Montrose Robbery December 19-24, 2014

AHENDRA Sukull, called ‘Vickey’, 24, of Ramtahal Street, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown,has been identified as the second bandit who was shot and killed by the police on Monday night during the daring robbery at the Lahago Supercenter at Montrose, East Coast Demerara. Sukull, a 2008 graduate of the University of Guyana, reportedly lost his mother to suicide some years ago, and had been living alone for a number of years as his father resides overseas. Yesterday, the Guyana Chronicle paid a visit to William Street, Campbellville where Sukull reportedly lived for a short period. Persons in the area recalled that early on Monday, hours before he was killed in the shootout with cops, the young man visited friends in the area as he usually does. It is believed that he was scheduled to appear in court for a matter involving himself and his former landlord. One woman, whose son and the now dead bandit were close friends, said that she would have sworn for him on any given day. According to her, Sukull and her son, along with others from a Government agency, usually came to the home to play dominoes. Sukull, as a resident of the area, would also play ball games with the little children in the street. She said that he was the kind of guy who didn’t go out

The Lahago Supercenter yesterday often, and was not employed at the time of his death. Another woman said that the same attire the man had on when he was shot on Monday night is the same clothes they saw him in earlier in the day. However other persons who spoke with this newspaper said that despite the many friends that the now dead man had he was never seen in the company of the former policeman in the past nor did they ever see that character in the William Street area.

A check in Prashad Nagar which the police listed as the place the man was living at the time he met his demise found that he was not known to persons who reside there. No one seemed to know the young man in the area and each person who this publication spoke with reported that the news that the man lived in that area and the named street was a shocker as he was never seen before. On Monday evening Warren Blue, a former policeman, who was wanted for murder, and Sukull

Three chopped to death at Tuschen, one injured

At about 0030h today police say that the reputed husband of Geeta Boodhoo, 30 years, of Phase 2, Tuschen New Housing Scheme, EBE, smashed his way into her home through a glass window and inflicted severe

chops with a cutlass to her and others who were in the home. As a result Boodhoo’s mother Bibi Zalima Khan, 55 years; her daughter Ashley Boodhoo, 9 years; and upholsterer Floyd Drakes, 30 years, also of Tus-

chen New Housing Scheme, succumbed to their injuries. Geeta Boodhoo has been admitted to hospital in a serious condition. The suspect is not yet arrested as the investigations continue.

were killed as they traded bullets with the police following the robbery and assault of the proprietors of the supermarket. During the ordeal, 52-year-old Latchmie Baburan was beaten and shot to the leg and her daughter also badly beaten as they initially refused to hand over monies which the bandits had demanded. After Latchmie Baburan was shot by the former police officer, his accomplice, Sukull, allegedly chambered a round in his weapon and attempted to shoot the wom-

an’s daughter, Anupya Baburan. However, the women decided to hand over the money to the bandits who had ordered that they open the safe. Blue was reportedly shot after he exited the supercenter and attempted to flee through a cross street in Montrose while Sukull was killed inside the supermarket where he was spotted hiding behind some five gallon water bottles. When the Guyana Chronicle revisited the scene yesterday morning the business place was still closed. The robbery Monday night was the sixth at the location since the establishment opened its doors. On Monday night at the Georgetown Public Hospital relatives of the fugitive policeman showed up at the GPH in tears as they sought to confirm if he had indeed been killed by the police following a robbery. Following the death of the former policeman, sections of the media reported that the mother of Shaquille Grant, the Agricola teen who was shot and killed by Blue while he was a serving member of the force, praised the law enforcement officers for bringing the fugitive cop turned bandit down. Up to press time the police were still said to be looking for another man who they believe was the driver of the getaway car which was waiting on the bandits near the scene of the robbery.

Sophia man jailed for 83 years for girlfriend’s murder

aul Anthony Gilgeous’ body Lo-Hing, the was first discovered man accused by her niece in the of strangling his girlsmall apartment. friend in their South According to reSophia apartment in ports, the couple had 2012, was yesterbeen living together day sentenced to 83 for about 10 months years imprisonment and Gilgeous’ relatives had said she by Justice Navindra was a victim of doSingh. Shoala Gilgeous mestic abuse and Lo-Hing was had made numerous reports to found guilty of murder by a police about her situation. 12-member jury in the High Yesterday in the courtroom, Court. after the jury returned with Lo-Hing was charged with the their verdict, Lo-Hing refrained murder of Shoala Gilgeous, who from saying anything. was found strangled in their ‘E’ He was represented by AttorField Sophia home on August ney Keavon Bess. 26, 2012. This was Lo-Hing’s second The case presented by State Attorney Teshana Lake was trial as the first had ended in that Lo-Hing, who had a rocky a hung jury in July this year. In relationship with Gilgeous, had that trial he was represented by strangled her and later called Attorney Hukumchand, while her brother to tell him that she the state’s case was prosecutwas not breathing and that he ed by Attorney Natasha Backer before Justice Diana Insanally. should take her to a hospital.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 19-24, 2014

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 19-24, 2014

Weighing 30 tons… 45-ft sperm whale washes up on Kitty foreshore – causing day-long traffic jam on Rupert Craig Highway

SIX-year-old male sperm whale measuring 45 feet and weighing approximately 30 tons was discovered dead at about 05.30 hrs yesterday after it washed ashore at the Kitty seawall. The whale was first spotted on Sunday in the Mahaicony area,where it was caught in the net of a fisherman who immediately reported the sighting to the relevant authorities after his efforts to free the gigantic mammal proved futile. The Guyana Chronicle understands that the search for the whale, after it got entangled in the net and disappeared on Sunday, continued late Monday evening by the relevant agencies but to no avail. WHALE IN DISTRESS And even if it were spotted during the course of the search, no attempt could have been made to rescue it, as no one in Guyana is trained to rescue a whale in distress. According to Ms Annette Arjoon-Martins, who is conversant with such matters, whales in distress can be very violent and can kill humans in the process. THOUSANDS FLOCK SEAWALL For the entire day yesterday, thousands of persons flocked the seawall to

A man peels off skin from the dead whale as it lay sunk in the sand on the seashore (Photo by Sonell Nelson get a glimpse of the mammal, and for many, it was a first. The police struggled to maintain crowd control, given the enthusiasm of the onlookers, including senior public officials and law enforcement officers. The discovery of the whale also brought traffic to a halt at intervals, as motorists and passengers alike exited

vehicles to catch a glimpse of the giant creature. EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES Late yesterday evening, the agencies were seeking to have the whale brought over the seawall so as to place it on a low-bed trailer and take it to the Linden-Soesdyke Highway. The plan is to

bury it there and subsequently retrieve its skeleton for educational purposes by placing it in a museum. Meanwhile, Romaine De Freitas of the Marine Turtle Conservation Society told reporters that it was important to have the whale buried in the white sand area, since most of its body is made up of fat; and should there be any attempt to bury it anywhere else, it would emit a big stench for as long as two months. In addition, the fat and oil from the animal also has the potential to seep into waterways, leaving that unbearable stench for an even longer period. PHOTO OPS Yesterday, the thousands who turned out to view the dead whale were seen taking photographs, video footage and some even ventured into the Atlantic Ocean and touched the mammal, while yet others were seen mounting themselves on it to take plunges into the incoming waves. During the search for the whale on Sunday and Monday, local personnel were receiving updates from experts in other parts of the world on an hourly basis on how to treat with the situation. Had the whale been spotted alive,

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 19-24, 2014

Lakshmi: Goddess of Wealth & Beauty!

oddess Lakshmi means Good Luck to Hindus. The word 'Lakshmi' is derived from the Sanskrit word "Laksya", meaning 'aim' or 'goal', and she is the goddess of wealth and prosperity, both material and spiritual. Lakshmi is the household goddess of most Hindu families, and a favorite of women. Although she is worshipped daily, the festive month of October is Lakshmi's special month. Lakshmi Puja is celebrated on the full moon night of Kojagari Purnima. The Lakshmi Form: Lakshmi is depicted as a beautiful woman of golden complexion, with four hands, sitting or standing on a full-bloomed lotus and holding a lotus bud, which stands for beauty, purity and fertility. Her four

hands represent the four ends of human life: dharma or righteousness, "kama" or desires, "artha" or wealth, and "moksha" or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Cascades of gold coins are seen flowing from her hands, suggesting that those who worship her gain wealth. She always wears gold embroidered red clothes. Red symbolizes activity and the golden lining indicates prosperity. Lakshmi is the active energy of Vishnu, and also appears as Lakshmi-Narayan - Lakshmi accompanying Vishnu. Two elephants are often shown standing next to the goddess and spraying water. This denotes that ceaseless effort, in accordance with one's dharma and governed by wisdom and purity, leads to

both material and spiritual prosperity. A Mother Goddess: Worship of a mother goddess has been a part of Indian tradition since its earliest times. Lakshmi is one of the mother goddesses and is addressed as "mata" (mother) instead of just "devi" (goddess). As a female counterpart of Lord Vishnu, Mata Lakshmi is also called 'Shri', the female energy of the Supreme Being. She is the goddess of prosperity, wealth, purity, generosity, and the embodiment of beauty, grace and charm. A Domestic Deity:The importance attached to the presence of Lakshmi in every household makes her an essentially domestic deity. Householders worship Lakshmi for the well being and prosperity of the family. Businessmen and women

also regard her equally and offer her daily prayers. On the full moon night following Dusshera or Durga Puja, Hindus worship Lakshmi ceremonially at home, pray for her blessings, and invite neighbors to attend the puja. It is believed that on this full moon night the goddess herself visits the homes and replenishes the inhabitants with wealth. A special worship is also offered to Lakshmi on the auspiciousDiwali night. By Subhamoy Das Hinduism Expert

December 19-24, 2014

Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 19-24, 2014

Weighing 30 tons from page 6 this newspaper understands, experts either from Venezuela or another country would have travelled here to assist in freeing it from the net in which it was ensnared. When the animal was found on the foreshore yesterday,it had bits and pieces of the net inside its mouth. Media representatives were told that whales generally beach themselves (travel to the seashore) whenever they are about to die as part of their culture in an effort not to pollute the water. It was suggested that the young whale might have been heading westward along the ocean off the Mahaicony shore to beach itself, when it came into contact with the fisherman’s net. Last evening, excavators which were taken to the seashore to remove the whale to the low-bed trailer met with quite a challenge, even as spectators suggested the use of a crane to remove the huge mammal. GENUS According to Wikipedia, the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), or cachalot, is the largest of the toothed whales and the largest toothed predator. It is the only living member of ge-

where in the open ocean. Females and young males live together in groups while mature males live solitary lives outside of the mating season. The females cooperate to protect and nurse their young. Females give birth every four to twenty years, and care for the calves for more than a decade. A mature sperm whale has few natural predators. Calves and weakened adults are taken by pods of orcas. Commander John Flores of the GDF Coast Guard briefs the media on efforts to locate the whale after it was first spotted on Sunday

Public Works Minister, Mr Robeson Benn and Agriculture Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy are being briefed nus, Physeter, and one of three extant species in the sperm whale family, along with the pygmy sperm whale and dwarf sperm whale of the genus Kogia. Mature males average 16 metres (52 ft) in length, but some may reach 20.5 metres (67 ft), with the head representing up to one-third of the animal’s length. The sperm whale feeds primarily on squid. Plunging to 2,250 metres (7,380 ft) for prey, it is the second deepest div-

ing mammal, following only the Cuvier’s beaked whale. The sperm whale’s clicking vocalization, a form of echolocation and communication, may be as loud as 230 decibels underwater, making it the loudest sound produced by any animal. It has the largest brain of any animal on Earth, more than five times heavier than a human’s. And sperm whales can live for more than 60 years.” The sperm whale can be found any-

WHALING From the early 18th Century through the late 20th Century, the species was a prime target of whalers. The head of the whale contains a liquid wax called spermaceti, from which the whale derives its name. Spermaceti was used in lubricants, oil lamps, and candles. Ambergris, a waste product from its digestive system, is still used as a fixative in perfumes. Occasionally the sperm whale’s great size allowed it to defend itself effectively against whalers. The species is now protected by a whaling moratorium, and is currently listed as vulnerable by the IUCN.”

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Corentyne fisherman charged over chopping two women

Corentyne fishcourt that his clierman was yesent has a fixed place terday refused of abode, owns the bail in the Whim Magproperty where he istrate’s Court after he lives and also owns was charged with two a fishing boat and counts of attempted engine. murder. The objection to bail Ian Sarawati, 30, was upheld and Sarof lot 91 Bush Lot, awati is expected to Corentyne, Berbice Serojini Isaacs return to court on Deappeared before Magcember 17 for report. istrate Rabindranauth Singh to Meanwhile, Stabroek News unthe charges that on December 11 derstands that Nelawattie Isaacs at Whim, he unlawfully and mali- was chopped across her head ciously wounded Serojini Isaacs, and Serojini Isaacs was dealt 19, and Nelawattie Isaacs, 37, with several chops about her face and intent to commit murder. Sarawati feet. A female relative who witwas not required to plead. nessed the attack ran to get help Police Prosecuand male relatives tor Sergeant Phillip responded and Sherriff objected to managed to arrest bail. He explained the assailant and to the court that hand him over to both victims are the police. still hospitalized and The female relNelawattie Isaacs ative said Serojini was critical at the Isaacs had ended a Georgetown Public four-year relationHospital. Sarawati’s ship with the acattorney Rodwell cused three weeks Jagmohan told the Serojini Isaacs ago.

Caribbean Star Newspaper Sugar production pegged at 212,000 tonnes

HE production in the sugar belt is encouraging, given the sector’s performance last year, with some 212,000 tonnes produced as of last Friday.This is according to Agriculture Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, yesterday, during a press briefing, when he expressed confidence that the sector will meet its target of 216,000 tonnes. While the official target is 216,000 tonnes, there was an expectation that the sector could see a production of 219,000 tonnes, given the success of the first crop this year. The first crop surpassed the 75,000 tonnes target, bringing in about 80,000 tonnes. Additionally, a $6B allocation, in the 2014 National Budget, for GuySuCo was approved by the National Assembly. The $6B is expected to cover expenditures that include mechanisation, through the conversion of 2,500 hectares of

land to make them suitable for mechanical operations, which will be done at a cost of $1.1B, tillage and replanting of 9,200 hectares, both efforts being consistent with improving cane production and yield, which will be done at a cost of $1B, factory upgrading of all sugar estates, including Skeldon, at a cost of $2B, and works to field infrastructure to improve field to factory access, and purchasing of equipment, excavators, bell loaders, tractors, etc. to account for the remainder of the allocation.

Despite the dismal sugar production in 2013, Guyana has been taking steps to turn around the industry and hopes to meet the 300,000 tonne target soon, with a projection that the sector will reach its 400,000-tonne goal by 2020. Despite its challenges, the industry, according to Government, remains relevant to the health of the national economy. In 2013, sugar exports accounted for 8.3 per cent of total exports, valued at US$112.2M, and the industry contributed 3.9 per cent of the country’s GDP.

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December 19-24, 2014

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CJ’s ruling stayed in rape case –Action can continue to be taken under Sexual Offences Act

SUMMONS for a Stay of Execution of the judgment of acting Chief Justice Ian Chang was heard by the Court of Appeal yesterday and granted, after an application was filed by Attorney-General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall. On November 14, the acting Chief Justice ruled that Magistrate Sherdell Isaacs-Marcus acted in violation of the constitutional rights, as stated in Article 144 (2) and (e), of Bacchus who was charged for rape in January. The acting Chief Justice’s ruling had effectively quashed a decision of Magistrate Sherdell Isaacs-Marcus to commit rape-accused

Ray Bacchus to stand trial before the High Court on the grounds, inter alia, that the Sexual Offences Act, Chapter 8:03, under which he was charged and committed was unlawful and unconstitutional. In an invited comment, the Attorney-General explained that the effect of the stay of execution is that, “The police can continue to charge persons under the Sexual Offences Act, magistrates can continue to hear matters under the same Act and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) can indict persons who have been committed to stand trial in the High Court for offences under the Act.”

“One of the possible consequence of the acting Chief Justice’s ruling was that a section of the Sexual Offences Act was unconstitutional and that presented a chaotic situation for persons who are likely to be charged, or charged, or indicted under the said legislation,” Nandlall said. “The police can continue to charge persons under the Sexual Offences Act, magistrates can continue to hear matters under the same Act and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) can indict persons who have been committed to stand trial in the High Court for offences under the Act.” – AG and Minister of

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Attorney General Mr. Anil Nandlall Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall Additionally, Justice of Appeal B.S. Roy who handed down the ruling yesterday said, “It is well established that this court has an unfettered discretion to order a stay of an order under appeal if the justice of the case demands it. “In a case in which the question of ordering of a stay arises, the role of the court is to make the order that best accords with interest of justice. “Where there is a risk of harm to one party or the other, whichever order is made, the court has to balance the alternatives and make a decision as to the course which is likely to occasion the least injustice.” Bacchus was represented by Attorney-at-Law Perry Gossai and Nandlall, along with Deputy Solicitor General Prithima Kissoon, who appeared for the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Commissioner of Police, who were the applicants seeking a stay of execution of the acting Chief Justice’s ruling. LIKELIHOOD OF SUCCESS The Attorney-General, in his arguments, submitted that the appeal filed has every likelihood of success and therefore the stay of execution should be granted. He cited several cases to support that contention and emphasized that the magistrate acted lawfully, within her jurisdiction and scrupulously complied with the Sexual Offences Act in committing the accused. Nandlall also pointed out that the learned acting Chief Justice fell into error by quashing the magistrate’s ruling on the ground that the Sexual Offences Act was unconstitutional, since that was not an issue for which the court was properly moved to determine and significantly that was not an issue canvassed before the magistrate. He pointed to the fact that there is a clear and settled procedure by which legislation is challenged and that the will of Parliament cannot be “struck down by a side wind” through a collateral challenge. The Attorney-General articulated that the effect of this judgment is that committal proceedings for all offences under the Sexual Offences Act Chapter 8:03 may be invalid and as a result all of the committal proceedings which have been completed by magistrates in all the districts in Guyana since the last amendment to the Sexual Offences Act in 2013, may now be invalid based on this ruling and therefore may have to be done de novo thus creating an overwhelming backlog for Sexual Offences cases. He urged the court to take “keen consideration” of the right of the accused, as guar-

CJ’s ruling stayed in rape case see page 17

December 19-24, 2014

ISLAM Peace / submission to the will of our creator. Series - part 04

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

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. MUS’AB IBN `UMAIR (May Allah be pleased with him) Mus’ab bin ‘Umair (Radhiyallaho anho) had been brought up with great love and affection by his well- to-do parents. Before embracing Islam, he lived in luxury and comfort. It is said that he was the best dressed youth of Mecca. In fact his parents would buy a dress worth two hundred dirhams for him. He embraced Islam in its early days, without the knowledge of his parents. When, however, they came to know of it, they tied him with a rope and compelled him to stay at home. He got an opportunity to escape and immigrated to Abyssinia. On return from Abyssinia, he emigrated again to Madinah. So a person like him, brought up in luxury and comfort, was now living a life of abstinence and austerity. Once the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was sitting when Mus’ab (Radhiyallaho anho) passed in front of him. He had only one sheet of cloth to clothe his body, and this bore a number of patches, including one of leather. The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) with tears in his eyes mentioned Mus’ab’s life of luxury before Islam. The days and years passed by. The Prophet (PBUH) and his Companions emigrated to Al-Madinah, and the Quraish were raging with envy and their ungodly pursuit after the pious worshippers. So the Battle of Badr took place, in which they were taught

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a lesson and lost their strong hold. After that they prepared themselves for revenge, and thus came the Battle of Uhud. The Muslims mobilized themselves, and the Prophet (PBUH) stood in their midst to sort them out and to choose one to carry the Flag. He then called for Musàb and he advanced and carried the flag. The terrible battle was raging, the fighting furious. The archers disregarded the orders of the Prophet (PBUH) by leaving their positions on the mountain when they saw the polytheists withdrawing as if defeated. But this act of theirs soon turned the victory of the Muslims to defeat. The Muslims were taken unaware by the cavalry of the Quraish. When they saw the confusion and horror splitting the ranks of the Muslims, the polytheists concentrated on the Prophet of Allah to finish him off. Musàb saw the impending threat, so he raised the Flag high, shouting, “Allahu Akbar! Allah is the Greatest!” like the roar of a lion, he turned and jumped left and right, fighting and killing the foe. All he wanted was to draw the attention of the enemy to himself in order to turn their attention away from the Prophet (PBUH). He thus became a whole army by himself. Musàb went alone to fight as if he were an entire army raising the flag in sanctity with one hand, striking with his sword with the other, But the enemies were multiplying on him. They wanted to find the Prophet (PBUH). Ibn Sa`d said: In the battle of Uhud, Musab (Radhiyallaho anho) held the flag of Islam. When the Muslims on meeting defeat were dispersing in confusion, he held the flag and stood at his post like a rock. An enemy came and cut his hand with a sword, so that the flag might fall and the defeat might be accomplished. He at once took the flag in the other hand. The enemy then cut the other hand also. He held the flag to his bosom with the help of his bleeding arms. The enemy at last pierced his body with an arrow. He fell dead and, with him fell the flag that he had not allowed to fall while he was alive. Another Muslim ran and took over the flag. The Prophet (PBUH) and his Companions came to inspect the scene of the battle and bid farewell to its martyrs. Pausing at Musàb’s body, tears dripped from the Prophet’s eyes. Khabbaab lbn Al-Arat narrat-

ed: We emigrated with the Prophet (PBUH) for Allah’s cause, so our reward became due with Allah. Some of us passed away without enjoying anything in this life of his reward, and one of them was Musàb IbnÙmair, who was martyred on the Day of Uhud. He did not leave behind anything except a sheet of shredded woolen cloth. If we covered his head with it, his feet were uncovered, and if we covered his feet with it, his head was uncovered. The Prophet (PBUH) said to us, “Cover his head with it and put leaves over his feet.” Despite the deep, sad pain which the Prophet (PBUH) suffered over the loss of his uncle Hamzah and the mutilation of his corpse by the polytheists in a manner that drew tears from the Prophet (PBUH) and broke his heart; despite the fact that the field of battle was littered with the corpses of his Companions, all of whom represented the peak of truth, piety and enlightenment; despite all this, he stood at the corpse of his first envoy, bidding him farewell and weeping bitterly. The Prophet (PBUH) stood at the remains of Musàb lbn Ùmair saying, while his eyes were flowing with tears, “Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah” (33:23). Then he gave a sad look at the garment in which he was shrouded and said, “I saw you at Makkah, and there was not a more precious jewel, nor more distinguished one than you, and here you are in a single garment!” Then the Prophet (PBUH) looked at all the martyrs in the battlefield and said, “The Prophet of Allah witnesses that you are martyrs “Then he gathered his living Companions around him and said, “O people, visit them, come to them, and salute them. By Allah, no Muslim will salute them except that they will salute him in return.” Such was the end of the youth who was brought up in luxury and comfort. The person who used to wear a dress worth two hundred dirhams does not have sufficient cloth to cover his dead body. Look! With what valor he tried to keep the flag up, and did not allow it to fall till he was dead. This is the miracle of Imaan. Once Imaan gets into a person, it makes him forget everything else, whether wealth, luxury or life itself.

Shayk Abdullah Khan Al-Ihsan Academy Abdullah.khan@ihsanacademy.org

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December 19-24, 2014

City workers end strike

strike by the city’s workers ended yesterday after approval was officially given by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) for an agreed 5% salary increase at an extra-ordinary meeting. The payout is to be made on Friday. The meeting was held after the Labour Ministry intervened in a row between the M&CC and the acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba, which had resulted in the workers striking and major city markets being closed since Monday as a result. Sooba acted on a recommendation by the Labour Ministry to call the extra-ordinary meeting, after she ignored direc-

tions to do so by Mayor Hamilton Green. The wrangling resulted in major losses to vendors and stallholders, who operate at the Stabroek, Bourda and Kitty markets, which were affected by the strike. Several workers from the Administrative Department of City Hall yesterday. Several workers from the Administrative Department of City Hall yesterday. The strike was called after the union representing clerical and administrative workers of the municipality, the Guyana Local Government Officers Union (GLGOU), gave the M&CC 48 hours to meet the increase. However, the CounChief Labour Officer Charles Ogle cil was unable to do so after Sooba refused to act on a request by the Mayor to hold the extra-ordinary meeting and councillors refused to sign a document circulated by her to indicate their approval. According to the M&CC Public Relations Officer Royston King, due to the deadlock the Council received a call from the Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle requesting that they along with the GLGOU and the administration department of City Hall attend a meeting at the ministry. King related that the meeting at the ministry led to the full council meeting, which Sooba had earlier refused to call. “She should have called the meeting earlier but she refused to. The Mayor of Georgetown has the right to call an extra-ordinary meeting whenever he wants. She should have complied with that request and things would have been resolved sooner…,” King said. Earlier yesterday morning, about 30 angry workers turned up at City Hall for a protest to voice their frustration at the situation. They said that they had been caught in the crossfire of the ongoing power struggle between the Council and Sooba. Meanwhile, the Mayor earlier in the day had written to the Minister of Local Government Norman Whittaker, asking him to let Sooba call the extra-ordinary meeting. “Mr. Minister to solve the present problem is simple and straight forward, instead of your imperial like threats of illegal Ministerial action to ‘intervene’, you would be better served if you instruct Ms. Carol Ryan Sooba to obey the law, follow tradition and know her place, by having her call the Extra Ordinary Meeting requested…,” the letter stated. Green also told the Minister that if he were truly concerned about the union members’ conditions and the welfare of the citizens, he should have paid some attention to the many complaints that were brought before him over a period of time that had to do with the administration at City Hall. Other accusations were also levelled in the letter and Green called for a confession from the Minister and the government that they were using a “megalomaniac” to put the M&CC in disarray instead of holding local government elections without delay.

December 19-24, 2014

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December 19-24, 2014

‘Shocked’ at Amaila Road cost - Harmon

CJ’s ruling stayed in rape case from page 13

Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Shadow Minister of Public Works, Joe Harmon yesterday expressed shock at the staggering increase in the cost for the Amaila Access Road from US$15.4M to US$41.M. He says that he believes that before the road is completed the cost will again increase due to mismanagement but believes that from the outset the figures were downplayed by government for fear of rejection of the project. Minister of Transport Robeson Benn recently told Stabroek News in an interview that pending weather conditions the road will be completed in about two months for a total of US$41.7 million. The original contract to the controversial businessman Fip Motilall was for US$15.4M. His contract was terminated in January 2012 and several other contractors hired. Critics have said the fluctuating cost of this road and the hydropower project it is intended to lead to, underlined valid concerns about whether there was adequate planning and prudent decisions. The hydropower project had to be shelved after the opposition withheld approval. “Now this is one road, not like the road got longer. It is one road! From

fifteen million to now forty something is something he (Benn) should be ashamed to read out that figure…it is unacceptable,” Harmon told Stabroek News. He said that after the first assessment his party conducted on the road he knew that the US$15.4M sum would not be enough but said that the current figure came about through poor management and planning. “They are hoodwinking the Guyanese public giving one figure and then that sum starts to creep and creep from US$15M until it get to 41. I do not have any faith in their estimates because last year around this time they said that the road would be completed soon and gave one figure, now look,“ he said. “It is mismanagement, poor planning on the part of the ministry and it is the same thing that happened then and is happening now… What is emerging here is a pattern in which for these large projects they give a small figure to lure you in to say approve and then they add but they knew from the inception but thought that if they had given it from the beginning you would have decided it was too much and not go ahead with it,” he added. He pointed out that the price also went up because certain elements

of the construction works were not featured in the original contract. “All along we have said that we were basically being gouged. Certain elements of the road of itself never featured in the original contract so there will be increased variations,” Harmon posited. The APNU Shadow Minister of Public Works stated that on the first visit to the road it was noted by their engineers that the cost for the Kuribrong Crossing was not factored into the project and “an excuse was given that government at the time did not have the figure,” he said. “Because of certain parts of that terrain, that was solid rock, we knew that the cost of the road was not an accurate figure because that aspect was not included and that was costly …you would have to blast rocks for miles to get to where they were proposing and that requires dynamite …. and that I can tell you is a very expensive task . Benn has said that Government will continue with the upkeep of the Amaila Falls Access Road since it believes it is the link to the single most important infrastructural project needed for Guyana’s economic development – the Amaila Falls Hydroelectricity Project which it is working to make a reality.

anteed by the Constitution, as well as the rights of all the victims of sexual offences. Nandlall also asked the court to be cognizant that the Court’s pivotal function is to strike that vital, but delicate balance between two competing interests – on the one hand, that of the victorious party, and in this special circumstance, that of the victims of sexual offences, who ought to have their cases determined in their and the public’s interest. FIRST APPEARANCE Bacchus, 38, in early January was placed on $150,000 bail when he appeared before Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on a rape charge. Bacchus was accused of committing the offence on August 28, 2013 at New Amsterdam. The court was told that he had sexual intercourse with a girl under age 15. The accused denied committing the crime during the police investigations. On June 2, Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus ruled that Ray Bacchus stand trial in the High Court on the amended Sexual Offences Act. However, in July Bacchus’ attorney Murseline Bacchus challenged Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus’ ruling. The attorney-at-law moved to the court for an order directed to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Commissioner of Police and Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus to show why the magistrate’s decision handed down on June 2, committing Ray Bacchus to stand trial for rape should not be quashed. The client Ray Bacchus, in his affidavit stated that his attorney Murseline Bacchus was not permitted to cross-examine the witness whose statement was filed by the prosecution; nor was he permitted to give evidence or call any

CJ’s ruling stayed in rape case see page 20

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December 19-24, 2014

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December 19-24, 2014

The Miracle of Christmas The wonderful story of Jesus is exciting every time we talk or sing about His love for lost mankind especially the story of His birth in Bethlehem. The Gospel of Luke complements the details recorded by Matthew to provide a full picture of that great event. Luke 2:1-20 states: “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.” The Birth of Jesus was a fact of history. “It came to pass in those days” is different from “once upon a time.” The story of Jesus is not myth as you would read regarding mythological gods and goddesses. The Romans and Greeks told stories of their deities, but could never state time or place of their existence or events. The birth of Jesus is a fact of history. Many debate whether Jesus was born on December 25. There is an interesting discussion on this at the website GotQuestions.org. The Bible does not provide a date. It seems the Holy Spirit wanted to convey the character and purpose of the Messiah rather than emphasize the date of His birth. The manger scene conveys the message of His humanity, humility, and sacrifice as the Lamb of God. The Wise Men would present gifts of gold signifying His royalty, frankincense signifying His deity and High Priesthood, and myrrh signifying His death for the sins of the world. These facts solidify our faith in His power to save us, keep us and bring answers to our prayers. The Child must be born in Bethlehem. God promised in the Old Testament to send the Messiah and gave indications how to recognize Him. He is to be born

of David’s lineage, His mother would be a virgin, and He is to be born in Bethlehem (among numerous prophecies that were fulfilled). Caesar Augustus decreed that everyone in the empire must register in the town of their ancestry for taxation purposes. It is doubtful that Caesar knew the prophecies regarding the birth of the Messiah. When the census was ordered, Mary and Joseph were living in Nazareth; she was large with child and not likely to travel far. Then Caesar issued the order! So, Mary arrived in Bethlehem in time for the child to be born. God is never late; He is always on time. He knows how to turn situations around just in time for His children. You can trust Him. The world rejoices at His Birth. The Shepherds represent all who are insignificant, rejected, feel forgotten or forsaken. The message is extended to all mankind. A first century pagan writer, expressed this: “While the emperor may give peace from war on land and sea, he is unable to give peace from passion, grief, and envy; he cannot give peace of heart, for which man yearn for more than even outward peace.” You, too, can rejoice for the peace He brings. The world needs peace. Your friends and neighbors need peace. Thank God Jesus brings peace and good will to everyone who believes. He wants to bring a miracle in every human heart - to free all who are slaves to sin, all who are heavy laden with burdens of life and seem hopeless, all who desire a relationship with God, and all who want to live eternally. Here are 4 steps to receiving a miracle of your own: 1. Admit your need of Christ. People

have sinful habits that keep them feeling guilty and depressed. Satan holds many in bondage to lead them to Hell. You may have a drinking problem, gambling, lusting, lying or some other sin. Maybe you are a good person, but your life is empty and you need a relationship with God. 2. Believe that Christ paid a dear price on the Cross to set you free. That was His assignment and He accomplished it. Many rejoice today that they know without doubt their sins are forgiven. 3. Take action: confess it, leave it at the foot of the cross, receive forgiveness and walk free by faith. Good intentions are not enough. If you believe, you have to act. 4. Tell someone of your new life in Jesus. Be a witness and boldly confess Christ as your Savior. Invite others to come to Him and receive His love. As we celebrate Christmas, remember to focus on the Savior and spread the message of His love. Take your family to church this weekend.

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December 19-24, 2014

CJ’s ruling stayed in rape case from page 17

witness before he was committed. As a result, the client contended that his committal is null, void and of no legal effect. After hearing the affidavit submitted by his attorney, Chief Justice Chang instructed that an Order be issued directing the DPP, the Commissioner of Police and Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus to show cause why the decision of the said Magistrate should not be quashed. IN FAVOUR OF BACCHUS After considering the responses, Chang on November 14 stated that constitutional violation occurred when Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus disallowed cross-examination of the makers of prosecution witness statements tendered against the applicant in the prelim-

inary inquiry. In so far as paragraph 5 of the First Schedule to the Sexual Offences Act purports to disallow cross-examination of the makers of prosecution witness statements, it is inconsistent with Articles 144 (2) (d) and (e) of Guyana’s Constitution. Article 144 of the Constitution provides: (1) If a person is charged with a criminal offence, then, unless the charge is withdrawn, the case shall be afforded a fair hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial court established by law. (2) It shall be the duty of a court to ascertain the truth in every case and every person who is charged with a criminal offence – a. Shall be presumed to be innocent until he or she is proved or has pleaded guilty; b. Shall be informed as soon as reasonably

Caribbean Star Newspaper practicable in a language that he understands and in detail, of the nature of the offence charged; c. Shall be given adequate time and facilities for the preparation of his defence; d. Shall be permitted to defend himself or herself before the court in person or by a legal representative of his or her own choice. e. Shall be afforded facilities to examine in person or by his or her legal representative the witnesses called by the prosecution before the court and to obtain the attendance and carry out the examination of witnesses to testify on his behalf before the court on the same conditions as those applying to witnesses called by the prosecution. The Attorney-General subsequently filed an appeal of Chang’s ruling and the matter is to be heard on a date to be fixed.

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JAIL FOR BOBOL ANTI-CORRUPTION BILL FINALLY PASSED IN PARLIAMENT egislation to curb corruption in this country was finally passed yesterday in the Senate. However, the procurement legislation will take around six months before it is proclaimed by President Anthony Carmona and comes into effect as a number of mechanisms must be put in place before, says Planning Minister Dr Bhoendradatt Tewarie. The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property (No 2) Bill, 2014 was passed with 24 votes in favour from the Government and Independent benches yesterday at the Senate sitting, at Tower D, International Waterfront Centre, Port of Spain. The six Opposition Senators abstained from voting but the bill was passed with the required three-fifths majority. The bill was first passed unanimously in the Senate in June 2014. It was then passed in the House of Representatives with a Government majority on July 4. It returned to the Senate yesterday for its final passage without amendments. Speaking to the Express yesterday, Tewarie said there have been many attempts since 1997 to bring procurement legislation to Parliament, with the former People’s National Movement (PNM) government bringing a white paper in 2005 and draft legislation in 2006. Tewarie noted the Uff Commission of Enquiry into the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDeCOTT), under former executive chairman Calder Hart, in 2010 contained 91 recommendations to address issues relating to corruption, which meant there were many instances which suggested corrupt practices would have taken place. He said following this, there was agitation for procurement law and a promise was made by the Kamla Persad-Bissessar-led People’s Partnership Government to deliver. Draft procurement legislation was then sent to a Joint Select Committee (JSC) of Parliament from 2010 and was put on a roller-coaster ride as in 2012, the PNM Opposi tion boycotted the JSC. Tewarie said it has been a long journey but the country can rest assured legislation to deal with corruption and the draining of the public purse is here. He noted the new laws will have strong sanctions against bid-rigging, collusion, and heavy fines for anyone in the public or private sector involved in corrupt practices. He said the law also focused on issues of transparency, accountability, value for money and local industry development. The fines range from $1 million to $10 million, with the discretion of the judge to include jail terms. Tewarie explained it was now in the hands of the Finance Ministry to put the necessary requirements in place for the bill to come into effect. “The next step would be to prepare the groundwork that would be done by the Ministry of Finance, and they have already engaged the United Nations Development Programme to help them with a number of things,” said Tewarie. These include building functional capacity for the office of procurement regulation, with special emphasis on audit and investigations; provision of technical support for drafting of regulations; addressing things like bid challenges, supplier ineligibility and enforcement by the office of procurement regulations. Other prerequisites include the provision of support for the development of effective and efficient organisational arrangements for procurement management in ministries and State enterprises.

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In Loving Memory... A Tribute

December 19-24, 2014

Sursatie Linda Persaud

Chaatrani Sukhdeo Sunrise: July 26, 1951 Sunset: December 15, 2014 , t h g i f d o o g a t h g u o f s ' y e e v n a r u o "I h j y m d e h s i n i y f b e d v e a s s i I h m e b l l i w u o e Y s . o k h r t d wo n a s y o b g n i v g o l n i d r u l c you n i d e h c u o t e " v . a s r h e h t you o r b d n a s r e t s i s your

Sunrise: October 12, 1953 Sunset: December 5, 2014 Sursatie Linda Persaud, 61, of Vryheid Village, Berbice, Guyana died December 5th, 2014, at her daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home surrounded by family and friends. She was born October 12th, 1953, the daughter of the late Rita Paduman, Waldron & Moon Kamlasaran of Canada. Mother of: Deonarine (Ton), Leila (Shayo), Lalta (Patchie), Neil, & Sarahof NY Mother-In-Law of: Nigell of Queens, Ronika of Guyana, & Darattie of Trinidad Grandmother of: Ravi, Christina, Prinita, Sano Deodhan, Little Boy, Boyo, & Vanessa of Guyana Michael, Junior, Nikita, & Nicole of Queens,NY Great Grandmother of: Antonyo & one other Sister of: Lawrence (Biscute) and Mala of NY, Ken of Venezuela, Devika, Boye, Mike, & Sim of Canada Cousin of: Pauline, Beryl, Paul, & othersâ&#x20AC;?

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December 19-24, 2014

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Tel: 718-740-1011 211-61 Jamaica Ave., Queens Village, N.Y 11428 BREAKFAST Plain Vegetable is $5.00 With Chicken or Shrimp $6.00 *Katahar $8.00 *Bake & Saltfish $5.00 *Pumpkin *Ochro * Cabbage *Spinach * Bora * Saltfish (All Served with Oil Roti or Dhallpuri or White Rice)

Lunch Fish................................... $7.00 (Tilapia, Butter fish and Banga)

Hassa................................ $8.00 Gillbaker........................ $10.00 Snapper.......................... $10.00 Shrimp............................. $9.00 Duck.............................. $10.00 Goat................................. $8.00 Curry Chicken............... $7.00 Stew Chicken.................. $7.00 Crab Curry...................... $9.00 (All Served with Oil Roti or Dhallpuri or White Rice) Cook up Rice............ $7.00 Sm Cook up Rice........... $10.00 Lg Fried Rice.................. $7.00 Sm Chowmein................ $7.00 Sm

Beans and Rice........ $10.00 Lg Fried Fish......................... $1.25 Fried Chicken................. $1.25 BBQ Chicken.................. $1.25 Jerk Chicken.................... $1.25 Dhal (A Cup).................. $1.25 Jerk Chicken.................... $1.50 Dhal Puri......................... $2.00 Oil Roti............................ $1.75 Sada Roti......................... $1.50 Bake.................................. $1.00

Lunch

Week End Special

*Pepper Pot................... $10.00 *Pachonie...................... $10.00 *Ox Tail......................... $ *Soup..............................$

Snacks Egg Ball............................ $1.25 Cassava Ball........... 2 for $1.00 Fish Cake......................... $1.00 Phoulourie.............. 6 for $1.00 Chicken Patties............... $1.25

Pastries Cheese Roll...................... $1.00 Pinetart............................ $1.00 Chinee Cake.................... $1.00 Salara................................ $1.00 Sponge Cake.................... $1.50 Pone.................................. $1.50

Snacks Sugar Cakes..................... $1.50 Fudge................................ $1.50 Split Channa.................... $1.50 Whole Channa................ $1.50 Curma.............................. $1.50 Saltseao............................ $1.50 Plantain Chip.................. $1.50 Nut Crush........................ $1.50 Tamarind Balls....... 2 for $1.00

December 19-24, 2014 Caribbean Star Newspaper Even During Tough Times, Life Insurance Offers Peace of Mind

You may watch the value of your property, home or retirement investment savings struggle in the current economy, and may be wondering about ways to protect your family in the event of an unforeseen event. One option you may not have considered is the purchase of a whole life insurance policy.

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tax advantages and cash value accumulation. Owning a whole life policy can be a great financial alternative, not only for the protection of your loved ones

but also a financial option for your living needs. Invest in Your Loved Ones The primary promise of life insurance, of course, is that your loved ones will be protected in the event of your death. And with a whole life policy, your death benefit is guaranteed,1 whether the payout comes in a matter of years or decades. This is a product that provides protection in the long-term interests of those you care for most, as well as your own peace of mind. Invest in Your Future But, what you may not know is that a whole life insurance policy is much more than protection against the unknown. It also provides you with tax-deferred cash value that accumulates over time. In the event of sudden unforeseen or happily anticipated expenses, it provides a readily available source

of funds.2 And, in the long run, it can also supplement your retirement income.2 Any kind of financial strategy these days seems fraught with uncertainty, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to consider carefully what vehicles work best for your own circumstances. This educational third-party article is being provided as a courtesy by INDRA PURAN, Agent, New York Life Insurance Company. To learn more about the information or topics discussed, please contact Indra Puran at 646 266 5416. 1 Guarantees backed by the claim-paying ability of the issuer. 2 Loans against your policy accrue interest and decrease the death benefit and cash value by the amount of the outstanding loan and interest; withdrawals reduce the available death benefit.

Neither New York Life Insurance Company, nor its agents, provides tax, legal or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal or accounting professional before making any decisions.

Indra Puran, LUTCF, CLTC Agent

New York Life Insurance Company

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Caribbean Star Newspaper Harmon calls for full disclosure on airport expansion project December 19-24, 2014

hadow Works Minister Joseph Harmon yesterday demanded that government make a full disclosure to the people about the state of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri expansion project, while blaming bad planning for delays. Harmon was at the time speaking at a press conference in Timehri North, where residents have been told that they have to relocate to facilitate the ongoing works. Harmon, who was accompanied by fellow APNU MPs Annette Ferguson and Christopher Jones, told reporters that the project should have been completed in 32 months. “So by today we should have been looking at a brand new facility but like the PPP and their projects nothing goes straight,” he said. Earlier this year, President Donald Ramotar had told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that the project is set to meet its August 2015 deadline. The project is to be funded through a US$138M loan from China, which Harmon referred to as a “pocketful of money” at what appeared to be attractive interest rates. “This is where the love affair comes to an end,” he, however, said while noting that before Guyana could access the loan, the Guyanese taxpayers had to fork out advance payments of US$20M through the Chinese contractor, China Harbour Engineering Corporation (CHEC). Harmon noted that the sum includes $270M for CHEC to supervise the works, $122M for site occupation, $70M for temporary roads, $60M for traffic control during the construction, $238M for insurance, $150M for the performance bond and $100M to cover the cost of advanced payments guaranteed. “Guyana is paying $20M for a bill drawing… $41M for signs and markings, $1.5 B for lay out structures and systems…. all of this is not nothing yet to start building the airport. All of this money is coming out of taxpayers’ pockets… so obviously someone got to

payers’ money that is being spent on this project…,” he said.

Joseph Harmon be making a lot of money on this contract,” he stressed. According to Harmon, it is estimated that the true cost of this project would probably be in the vicinity of US$250M, which was a figure previously given by chartered accountant Christopher Ram. However, he said APNU has been advised that because of the poor preliminary work done on the project the cost of the expansion is likely to increase by an additional US$20M. He stressed that this increase is due to “slackness on the part of this administration, be-cause of poor contract negotiation and because of poor planning, we are going to have to be burdened with an additional US$20M for this project.” He said the entire government must explain to the Guyanese people where this additional money is going to come from and whether the Chinese Exim Bank has started to release any of the US$138M loaned for the project. “As I understand it right now it is only tax-

DISAPPROVING Harmon was later asked if by disapproving allocations for the project in the National Assembly the opposition contributed to the delay in the funds from the Chinese and whether he and APNU are prepared to accept responsibility for any additional sums that might be incurred as a result of the delays. He, however, said the additional $20M has nothing to do with delays but rather bad contract planning. “Bad planning at the initial stage. This has to do with soil testing and the fact that you now have to dig deeper to get to hard rock and then to fill that space with more sand,” he said. “It is piss poor management of the affairs of this state…,” he added while noting that he was informed that the Chinese contractors are now digging sand from another section of the area when the contract requires the Government of Guyana to deliver sand to the project. “That is the part of the Guyana government responsibility,” he further pointed out, while saying it is not for the Chinese contractors to go digging up sand but rather to get sand from established pits. According to Harmon, there are many questions surrounding the project which the president and other members of his government must answer and they need to come forth and give a detailed statement on the state of the project. He called on the Minister to share with the nation where he is getting money to carry out the preparatory works for the expansion. “Where is he squeezing the money from? Where is he finding it?” he questioned, while adding that the issues surrounding this project is one of the reasons that prompted APNU to file a court action to stop the government’s unauthorised spending. Harmon also said the government also needs to publicly state whether

the residents of Timehri North will still have to be removed from their homes to facilitate the expansion. “Tell them because rather than seeking to bulldoze their homes and remove hundreds of residents who have been living here long before the airport got the lease for that land. Tell them why do you have to remove them and tell them if you are removing them whether you are conforming to the United Nations international standards for the relocation of residents….,” he demanded. He noted that Timehri North is a well-established community outfitted with all the needed amenities. He stated that by proroguing Parliament, the president has silenced the people’s representatives in the National Assembly. “So we have to come to the Parliament of the people, to explain to you what is taking place. No promise of an election can erase the fact that Guyana is now being ruled by a dictator,” he added. Harmon added that once APNU wins the next elections, it would subject such contracts to renegotiations and reviews. Asked whether he believed the airport expansion was necessary, Harmon said he wanted to make it clear that APNU does see a need for such a project but value for money remains crucial. He alluded to Ram’s blogs on the project where he highlighted that in the haste to conclude the contract Guyana was being subjected to price gouging, such as the extraordinary cost for a toilet set and electric bulbs and several other things which were hidden in the contract. Harmon charged that in hustling to grab this “basket of money,” the rights of the Guyanese people were forgotten. “Let me make in clear we are in favour of a better airport, a longer runway ….but what we are saying is that we must have value for our money and that the concerns of the residents of Timehri North and residents who live around here must be given priority,” he stressed.

TWO QUEENS MEN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS BEHIND BARS Defendants Fatally Shot Woman Through Door After Being Thrown Out Of Birthday Party

ueens District Attorney Richard A. Brown announced today that two Queens men convicted of manslaughter in the February 2011 shooting death of a 26-year-old woman have been sentenced to 15 years in prison. The defendants shot through a basement apartment door moments after being kicked out a birthday party in St. Albans, Queens. District Attorney Brown said, “The party was supposed to be a festive, celebratory event, but instead it turned tragic when a young woman was senselessly

shot to death, all because the defendants had easy access to illegal firearms. Last month a jury convicted the defendants of their crime and today lengthy prison terms were meted out to hold them accountable for their actions.” The District Attorney identified the defendants as Oneil Mairs, 27, of 178th Place in Jamaica, Queens, and Nicholas Allen, 25, of 212th Street in Queens Village, Queens. The defendants were convicted on November 13, 2014, of second-degree manslaughter, second-de-

gree criminal possession of a weapon and first-degree reckless endangerment following a three-week jury trial presided over by Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Aloise, who today sentenced the defendants to 15 years in prison. District Attorney Brown said that, according to trial testimony, at approximately 4:00 a.m. on February 6, 2011, Mairs got into an argument with his girlfriend at house party on 119th Road in St. Albans, Queens, and slapped her. Mairs, along with his friend Allen, were asked to leave the party and then physically removed from the premises. The two defendants pounded on the door they had just exited and tried to force it open. On the other side of the door was Avalisa Morris, 26, who had placed her back against the door in an attempt

to hold it closed. Moments later gunfire erupted and two bullets pierced the door and struck Morris in the head. Senior Assistant District Attorney Denise Tirino, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Trials Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Karlton S. J arrett, of the Narcotics Trials Bureau, prosecuted the case under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys Brad A. Leventhal, Homicide Bureau Chief, and Jack Warsawsky, Deputy Bureau Chief, Karen H. Rankin, Narcotics Trials Bureau Chief, Robert J. Ferino and Barry S. Weinrib, DeputyBureau Chiefs, and the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for Major Crimes Charles A. Testagrossa and Deputy Executive Assistant District Attorney for Major Crimes Daniel A. Saunders.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 19-24, 2014

Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 19-24, 2014

World News Highlights

BRUSSELS - In a striking symbol of changed leadership, European Union leaders wrapped up their last summit of the year a day early after agreeing to launch an investment fund and maintain sanctions on Russia over Ukraine. BRUSSELS - The European Union must be united in its approach toward Russia if it wants to find a solution to the conflict in Ukraine, the chairman of EU leaders Donald Tusk said on Thursday. BRUSSELS - The European Union must work with Russia to make it withdraw from Ukraine, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who holds the rotating presidency of the 28-nation bloc, said on Thursday.

Cold War enemy. | Video

having failed.

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria - Suspected Boko Haram gunmen kidnapped 172 women and children and killed 35 other people on Sunday during a raid on the northeast Nigerian village of Gumsuri, residents said on Thursday.

BENGHAZI, Libya - At least 25 people have been killed and 103 wounded in the past eight days of fighting between pro-government forces and Islamist groups in Libya’s second city Benghazi, medics said on Thursday.

UNITED NATIONS - Iran has not demonstrated sufficient flexibility in nuclear talks with six world powers aimed at ending a 12-year standoff with the Islamic Republic over its atomic ambitions, France and Britain said on Thursday.

WASHINGTON - U.S.-led air strikes in Syria focused on the contested city of Kobani near the Turkish border on Thursday, with six air strikes that destroyed seven Islamic State fighting positions, a building and a tactical unit, the U.S. military said.

WASHINGTON - The United States said on Thursday a cyber attack on Sony Pictures was a serious national security matter and the Obama administration was considering a proportional response, although the White House stopped short of blaming North Korea.

HAVANA/WASHINGTON The United States and Cuba agreed on Wednesday to restore diplomatic ties that Washington severed more than 50 years ago, and President Barack Obama called for an end to the long economic embargo against its old

WASHINGTON - Since 2001 the United States has tried virtually every strategy available to persuade Pakistan’s army to take the threat of militancy more seriously, but 12 years and $28 billion in aid later, all the American approaches are widely viewed as

BANGKOK - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will be the most high-profile foreign leader to visit Thailand on Friday since a May coup, signaling, Thailand says, its return to normal and a boost for trade in a region where the United States and China vie for influence. HAVANA - From bus drivers to bartenders and ballet dancers, many Cubans are already imagining a more prosperous future after the United States

said it will put an end to 50 years of conflict with the communist-run island. WASHINGTON - U.S.-led air strikes against Islamic State in Iraq have killed three of the militant group’s top leaders but not senior commander Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, U.S. officials said on Thursday. WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama said on Thursday he had signed into law a new Russian sanctions bill passed by Congress but did not intend to impose further sanctions against Moscow for now. MOSCOW - President Vladimir Putin assured Russians on Thursday that the economy would rebound after the ruble’s dramatic slide this year but offered no remedy for a deepening financial crisis.

Taxi driver robbed at gunpoint Energy Chamber says oil price decline ‘worrying’ after unplanned pick-up

decision to pick up passengers off the street proved near fatal for a taxi driver, who later found himself in a remote area on the wrong end of a gun on Saturday night. The driver, who is attached to the GR taxi service, escaped with his life, while the car he was driving was stolen and later found stripped to its bare frame. The driver, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told Stabroek News that he picked up the two robbers after he made a drop off at bar on Sheriff Street. The two men asked him to drop them off at Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara. The taxi driver said usually he does not pick up customers off the road but there was nothing suspicious about the two men. “They even inquired about the fare,” he said. There was no conversation from Sheriff to Covent Garden, he recounted, except for brief commentary about a male sex worker who looked like a woman. When they arrived at Covent Garden, the men directed the taxi driver to the back of the area, where they paid him $2,000 and told him he could keep the change. However, the driver then saw one of the men reach into his crotch and he then realised what was about to

transpire. Instantaneously, he raised his hands. “Buddy y’all ain’t gah kill meh,” the driver recalled saying, while his heart was like a horse on a racetrack. One of the carjackers proceeded to press the gun on the man’s forehead. The other one then exited the vehicle and ordered him to step out. He subsequently conducted a thorough search. The driver had the gun pointed to his face once again and he was asked to kneel on the ground. “What am I kneeling down for?” the man recalled asking. He was then told to walk away but his feet were glued to the ground. According to the man, it was only after he heard one of the carjackers say, “Shoot he because like he ain’t want move,” that he rushed away. He then heard the car’s engine and that was the last time he saw the men. The driver later made his way to the Providence Police Station, where he reported the carjacking. The car was spotted on Sunday morning with all of the parts removed. Meanwhile, ‘A’ Divi-sion Commander Clifton Hicken said investigations were ongoing into the crime. The driver said he is thankful that he is alive and well. In recent years, a number of taxi drivers have been killed in carjackings.

resident of The Energy Chamber, Thackwray Driver, said yesterday the continued decline in oil prices is worrying for the oil producing companies operating in Trinidad and Tobago as well as for the Government and the country. He said it represents a significant decline in the Government’s revenue from the oil and gas sector which contributes about 50 percent of its revenue. “So declining revenue from that sector is going to have a big impact on the Government.” Asked to what extent energy companies had heeded advice from their colleagues to reduce their expenditure, Driver said “I think it is still early days. People are more looking at their plans, they are assessing if they are going to cut back expenditure, in what areas they will be cutting back, so it is more at the stage at the moment where people are making plans, assessing what’s happening and determining what action they will take if the low prices continue.” At a forum on the implications of falling oil prices for the economy and the energy industry held on December 9, 2014 at the Cara Suites Hotel in Claxton Bay, Managing Di-

rector of Tucker Energy Services, Roger Packer, advised local energy companies to move quickly to reduce their costs or they would face the risk of being forced out of business. He also suggested that this was not a good time to take on large debts. He warned that local energy companies must review their capital as well as day-to-day expenditure and cut spending if they wanted to survive. Driver said he did not know to what extent the industry had taken this advice. In response to predictions by various analysts that the price of oil will continue to fall to as little as US$50 a barrel, Driver said no one knew how far the price would fall. “There are many different things which influence the oil price and they act in different ways so no one definitively knows what is going to happen to the oil price but what people need to do is plan for a worst case scenario and implement accordingly.” He added that while Trinidad and Tobago is a majority natural gas producer — on an energy equivalency basis this country produces nine times more gas than oil — on a revenue basis one-third of energy

PM AT SPECIAL KID’S TREAT: Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar gently touches the face of little Ariel Cabral, aged eight, from the Lady Hochoy Home... sector revenue comes from oil and two-thirds from gas. Driver said his estimate was based on the report of the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative. In response to a question about whether the Government should be considering withdrawals from the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund (HSF), Driver said the Government should first cut out inefficient spending before dipping into the HSF. He said this is what any sensible householder does if faced with falling income — cut out wasteful spending before dipping into savings.

Caribbean Star Newspaper NYPD cop commits suicide at home in Queens

n EMS team member and a family member try to console a woman believed to be the wife of a police officer who allegedly shot himself. A police officer escort family members to the scene where another cop allegedly shot himself in his home. A police officer escort family members to the scene where another cop allegedly shot himself in his home. An NYPD cop took his own life inside a Queens home Thursday, police sources and witnesses said. The officer, identified by family members as Police Officer Sachin Parmar Singh, 33, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the Hillside Ave. address, part of the Bell Park Manor Terrace near Braddock Ave. in

Hollis Hills at about 9:55 a.m., the sources said. A man who identified himself as Singh’s brother-in-law said the cop returned from his night shift in East New York, Brooklyn, got into a fight with his wife, and then shot and killed himself. Cops escorted two sobbing women out of the brick-faced, two-story home, witnesses said. One woman, wracked with grief, could barely walk. A woman with tears in her eyes could be seen nearby. “An officer shot himself,” the bereft woman said. “I can’t believe it. Singh joined the NYPD in 2004 and started his career in the 84th Precinct in Brooklyn Heights, police sources said.

December 19-24, 2014

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 1 2

An EMS team member and a family member try to console a woman believed to be the wife of a police officer who allegedly shot himself.

The Government of Guyana has welcomed the decision announced yesterday by US President Barack Obama to normalise diplomatic and economic ties between the United States and the Republic of Cuba.

statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday said that the Guyana Government views this as a progressive step towards constructive relations between the United States and Cuba “which will redound to the benefit of these two countries and the hemisphere as (a) whole”. The Government congratulated Obama on this “brave and just decision and hopes that these actions will lead to an early end to the economic, commercial and financial blockade which the United States of America has pursued for the last 54 years against the Cuban people. It is our hope that the measures announced will be implemented without any hindrance”.

The Guyana Government also saluted Cuban President Raul Castro on the progress made which Georgetown said was no doubt occasioned by his continued willingness to dialogue with Obama. The Guyana Government said it also wished to acknowledge the “critical role played by Pope Francis and the Vatican and the Government of Canada” in facilitating talks between the US and Cuba. “The Government of Guyana will continue to stand in solidarity with the Government and people of Cuba in pursuit of the removal of the blockade even as we salute the nation of Cuba for their unwavering strength against this unjust policy”, the statement added.

4 7 2 9 3 6 8 5 1

5 3 1 8 4 7 6 2 9

9 6 8 5 1 2 3 7 4

3 2 5 9 3

1 4 6 3 7 8 2 9 5

8 5 7 2 9 1 4 6 3

6 9 5 7 8 3 1 4 2

6 8

5 7 2

7 8 4 1 2 5 9 3 6

2 1 3 4 6 9 5 8 7

2 2

3 2 9 6 5 4 7 1 8

Guyana welcomes historic thaw in Cuba-US ties

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4 1

4 1 6

Family concerned over probe into death of airport worker

he family of Chris Jacob, the employee whose body was found in the Cheddi Jagan International airport’s water reservoir, is concerned about the investigation as no charge has been made after three weeks. Stabroek News learnt that the police file was received by the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) only late yesterday afternoon. Chris Andrew Jacob, 26, a maintenance engineer of the airport and who lived in nearby Hauraruni, along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, was found drowned in a water reservoir at the airport on November 23, after being involved in a reported assault and a resulting altercation sometime after 11pm on the night in question. The dead man’s father, Jagat Jacob, told Stabroek News that he has spoken with Crime Chief Leslie James and ‘A’ Division Commander Clifton Hicken, amongst other officials, about his concerns and to be updated as to where the investigation into his son’s death is heading. The concerned

father is hoping that a prompt and thorough investigation will be done by the police and will result in justice being served for his only son. He had earlier mentioned that a suspect was in police custody but he was released and may have been ruled out as a suspect. Jacob said that his family has since visited the airport and toured the area where his son met his demise. He also told Stabroek News that he wanted to clarify misconceptions which were published in some sections of the media and he disputed claims that the matter which led to the man’s demise stemmed from him interfering with a young lady and behaving unruly. He stated that his son’s friends have also testified to Chris’ character as he questioned the source of the misconceptions. Although a post-mortem examination performed on the remains of Jacob had revealed that he died as a result of drowning, a visible wound was seen at the back of his head, his father said.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 19-24, 2014

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. — Calvin Coolidge

WEEKLY HOROSCOPE

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Burning the candle at both ends leads to being burnt out, especially at the beginning of this week. You may want to go, go, go, but proper rest and taking care of yourself are critical now. Around midweek, your signature bold moves benefit from some extra diplomacy and tact. The stars are sending an additional supply of charm your way; how you use it is entirely up to you! This weekend, you may be happiest nesting at home by yourself or with one or two people who’re close to you. Let the world wait.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22)

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)

While Monday’s not known as the hottest day of the week, with you around the heat’s definitely turned up. A little romance? Why not? Around Tuesday and Wednesday, coworkers play key roles -- whether that’s professionally or personally may vary; just beware of overstepping bounds. Beginning Thursday and through much of the weekend, you’re not your usual self. What (or who) is it that’s got you all riled up, whether positively, negatively or a confusing mixture of both? Be extra cautious with money and financial matters on Sunday; a mix-up is quite possible.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22)

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

If emails or other messages to family or close friends go unanswered (or if you get odd replies) on Monday, don’t get miffed -- get an explanation. You’re a super smarty-pants around Tuesday and Wednesday, with your sense of fun and your brain both all fired up. A little flirtation (or a lot) is pretty much inevitable! Beginning Thursday and through much of the weekend, you’d be wise to slow down, take it easy and give current circumstances -- love, work and otherwise -- some serious consideration. Relationships are in the stars on Sunday; check in with important people in your life.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Monday’s a ‘do not disturb’ kind of day, and you can accomplish a lot on your own. Around Tuesday and Wednesday, though, you’re very much a people person, and people mean very much to you. Collaborations of the work or romantic variety go terrifically well now, so partner up. Your instinct’s spot-on beginning Thursday and through much of the weekend; pay special attention to first impressions, as they’re liable to tell you lots more than the people making them will. Sunday kicks off a couple days that are red-hot for you. Work your magic!

While everyone else is having their second cup of coffee on Monday, you’re taking care of business -- big accomplishments are in the stars, so make it happen. Around Tuesday and Wednesday, a heart-to-heart -- with a mentor, a partner, a friend -- is an essential part of the decision-making process. Another perspective clarifies your own. Then be conscious of your motives beginning Thursday and through the weekend. Your emotions may be powerful now, but that doesn’t mean you should act on every single one of them. On Sunday, find a way to relieve stress or proceed at your own risk.

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

On Monday, you’ll be considered an amazing conversationalist, the perfect worker and very attractive, all by doing one simple thing: Listening. (It’s surprising how few people really do.) Then a more active role suits you around Tuesday and Wednesday; if you’ve been thinking about asking for a raise, making a romantic proposal of some kind or any other big moves, the time is now. Beginning Thursday and through much of the weekend, you may be caught up in what you can acquire. Your challenge from the stars: Give as much thought to what you have to give. Exploring of all kinds is favored on Sunday.

You just might uncover a secret or find a key piece of information you’ve been missing on Monday -- keep those eyes and ears open. Around Tuesday and Wednesday, you might feel like keeping to yourself. Anyone looking to you for big ideas now is going to have to wait while they percolate. You’ll be full of those ideas -- and full of energy, and full of allure -- beginning Thursday and through much of the weekend. You’re unstoppable, though who would want to stop you when you’re this great? Tone it down on Sunday, though; risks are to be avoided in particular.

Reschedule any meetings with your boss for later in the week, and watch out for other authoritative types on Monday. Getting along with others and getting what you want is much easier around Tuesday and Wednesday; you’ve got the Midas touch, and everyone wants a piece of your smarts and fun. Strengthen work connections and rev up your love life too. Beginning Thursday and through much of the weekend, your energy may be devoted more to your inner life than to what’s going on around you. By Sunday, though, you’re back to your extroverted, charming ways.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

Monday’s ideal for setting the rest of your week’s agenda, in terms of work, your social life and personal projects. Get that calendar all set -- and schedule kickoff for fresh projects of all kinds for Tuesday and Wednesday, when the stars smile on your new endeavors. Just don’t ask for a raise or make a big romantic move now. Beginning Thursday and through much of the weekend, decisions that may have been puzzling become much more clear; you’re seeing things as they are. It’s a powerful place to be. By Sunday, though, you might be getting ahead of yourself.

Get to the heart of the matter on Monday; understanding everyone’s motives is key. Around Tuesday and Wednesday, judge a book by its cover at your own risk; you might just miss some amazing contents that expand your world’s possibilities. Beginning Thursday and through much of the weekend, you may be assessing where you are as opposed to where you want to be, whether professionally or otherwise. Refresh your goals, but don’t be too hard on yourself about your progress so far. Sunday might bring a very helpful connection.

A friendship may blossom on Monday, and good times at work or play are in the stars to be sure. Around Tuesday and Wednesday, issues at home may surface, whether it’s an appliance or communication with someone you cohabitate with breaking down. Finding a fix right away is better than letting it drag out. Beginning Thursday and through much of the weekend, your instincts will tell you what feels right -- heed them when it comes to decision-making. A friend can offer perspective too. Set aside time on Sunday just for you.

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)

Be service-oriented on Monday. Asking what you can do to help (and following through) endears you to coworkers, friends, strangers and the world at large. Around Tuesday and Wednesday, financial or other sorts of debts may be on your mind. If you feel uncomfortable with what you owe or what’s due to you, make a plan to restore the balance. Beginning Thursday and through much of the weekend, you can expect emotional ups and downs -- don’t mistake your current feelings for your overall opinion, and take care when sharing them. Sunday looks lucky for you.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 19-24, 2014

Entertainment News

Jennifer Aniston poses topless with only Transformers 4', 'American Hustle' most hairstylist Chris McMillan as shield Googled movies during 2014 in UK

ennifer Aniston has graced the January 2015 cover of Allure magazine by posing topless with only her longtime friend and hairstylist Chris McMillan for a shield. The 45-year-old actress and the creator of 'The Rachel' hairstyle on 'Friends' are seen posing bare chest to bare chest, wearing only jeans for the very sexy photo, the Huffington Post reported. The snap was shot by Michael Thompson.

he movies namely 'Transformers 4', 'American Hustle' and 'The Lego Movie' are the most searched movies in UK on Google during 2014. Other movies namely '22 Jump Street' and 'Dallas Buyers Club' were also widely searched in 2014, the Independent reported. Movies like 'Gone Girl', 'Captain Phillips', 'The Hunger Games' and 'Despicable Me', were also part of the top 10 searched flicks on Google.

'Happily single' Miranda Kerr shuns romance rumours

iranda Kerr has denied being involved in any romantic relationship saying that she's happy to be single. The 31-year-old Aussie beauty, who had separated from her husband Orlando Bloom last year, has been linked to various celebrities ever since like Tom Cruise and Justin Bieber, said that she found it difficult to date because of her and Bloom's 3-year-old son Flynn, the Mirror reported. The Victoria's Secret beauty, who recently graced the cover of InStyle Australia's January issue in a plunging white one-piece, added that it was important that she didn't confuse her son with her relationships unless it was really serious. Bloom had recently revealed on 'The Ellen Show' that he would be spending Christmas with Kerr and the rest of their families for the sake of little Flynn, saying that her family was his family as well.

Melanie Brown's husband denies assault rumours

inger Mel B's husband Stephen Belafonte has denied allegations that he hit his wife. The former Spice Girl's appearance on Sunday night's "X Factor" live finale sparked concerns amongst viewers that something is wrongs between the couple. Even, the 39-year-old was forced to miss Saturday's show after being taken to hospital following a mystery illness. Belafonte responded to the allegations over social media on Monday, by calling them disgusting and untrue, reports mirror.co.uk. Writing on his official Twitter account, he said: "I don't usually respond to Twitter msgs (messages) but I will respond to comments of hitting my wife, which I think are quite disgusting and untrue."

"Mel was very ill, a bunch of doctors helped her get better if fans can't just relax B4 being negative they (are) r not real fans of @OfficialMelB."

The Hobbit...' tops foreign charts, mints $117.6 million "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" ruled the foreign box office during the weekend, picking up a massive $117.6 million. The final instalment in Peter Jackson's six-film Middle Earth series debuted in 38 foreign territories, including major markets like Japan, Russia and Mexico. It opens in the US Wednesday, reports va-

riety.com. Imax screenings accounted for $6.4 million of the film's opening. Among the notable territories, Germany accounted for $19.5 million, Britain contributed $15.2 million, France added $14.5 million, and Russia amassed $13.4 million, making it to be the biggest Warner Bros opening ever.

Are Demi Lovato's VIP Meet and Greet Packages Too Expensive?

f you've ever dreamed of a VIP meet and greet with Demi Lovato, you better start saving your pennies. Demi's offering an amazing experience during her Australian tour â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but it'll cost you. A lot. There are plenty of perks for the price of the Dressing Room package (about $6,000 US, $7,250 Australian), including a private dressing room for two (with your name on the door and your own rider), time to spend with Demi, and the opportunity to watch the concert from the side of the stage. If you're looking to spend a little bit less, for $1,500 US, Demi will dedicate a song to a fan who gets to watch from the side of the stage. For $600, you can get your picture

taken with the singer. Note that none of the packages include concert tickets. For a little pricing perspective, the Adventures in Wonderland site that offers Demi's VIP packages has a Holiday Party package with Nick Jonas, which runs $200 US for fans to have a drink with the Jonas bro. Singer Ed Sheeran, on the other hand, doesn't believe in VIP packages, as he explained earlier this year: "What I was really trying not to do was have elitist tickets. I didn't want people to pay $170 and get front row tickets and a meet and greet. I hate that s**t. The moment you allow a kid with a rich father to have more things than a kid with a poor father I think that's s**t."

December 19-24, 2014

Charlie Hunnam swears off taking nude selfies

harlie Hunnam roped in for boxing drama A Prayer Before DawnSecurity scare for Jennifer LawrenceJennifer Lawrence dated a hacker?Jennifer Lawrence 'scared' of paparazziJennifer Lawrence gifts $4,500 pup to friend Charlie Hunnam has recently admitted that he doesn't like taking nude selfies from his phone. The British actor said that although he loves Apple products, but doesn't trust cloud application as it could be hacked anytime. Notably earlier in 2014, many celebrities, like Jennifer Lawrence, Gabrielle Union and Kate Upton, got their naked photos stolen and distributed online.

Seems like marriage is old-school and living in is the new norm in Bollywood! anbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif turned heads when they decided to move in together. The couple though have never spoken openly about their relationship to the media, are quite happily living together now in a posh apartment on Carter Road. Another B-Town couple who seems to be following suit is that of Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli! Reports suggest that the PK actress has decided to live in with her cricketer boyfriend. The two have spilled the beans about their relationship to the media and also don’t shy away from being spotted by shutterbugs anymore. Sources close to the couple suggest that they are serious about each other and have organically taken the next step in their relationship with the decision of living together. It was said that whenever Virat would visit Mumbai to meet Anushka he would drop by at her Versova house where she

R Even though, Hunnam has bared his butt many times as Jax Teller on FX's show 'Sons of Anarchy,' but now he had opted to draw a line of his badass image, so he revealed that he wouldn't have got naked in 'Fifty Shades of Grey' if he was part of the film.

Alone trailer crosses four million mark

ctress Bipasha Basu is on cloud nine as the trailer of her forthcoming film "Alone" has been viewed

Caribbean Star Newspaper Scoop: After Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif, are Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli living in together?

more than four million times on YouTube. Published on December 9, the trailer has been viewed 4,058,867 times and has received thumbs up from celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Hrithik Roshan and Arjun Kapoor. "Our trailer of #Alone is the fastest to cross the 4 million mark! Woohoo! Now keep 16th jan to watch the film!," she tweeted Wednesday. Also starring Karan Singh Grover, the story revolves around conjoined twins Anjana and Sanjana, who had promised to be together and how the death of one sister leads to a series of chilling incidents.

lives with her parents. But it was certainly uncomfortable for the couple to spend quality time there. So now they come up with the neat idea of renting a new place close to Ms Sharma’s home where they would stay together whenever the cricketer comes to town! Both Virat and Anushka’s parents are cool with the decision and we see marriage on the cards for the two. What do you think guys?

Rihanna is the new creative director of Puma

here's no denying that Rihanna is one of the most fashion-obsessed musicians out there today, and the industry is not shy about returning the affection. Not only was RiRi honored with the Fashion Icon Award by the CFDA this year, but she was also the Spring 2014 face of Balmain and Vogue's March 2014 cover girl. She's created a cult-favorite range for British brand River Island, released a best-selling line of cosmetics for MAC and sat front row at some of Fashion Month's most buzzed-about shows, including Edun, Altuzarra, Chanel and Alexander Wang. Now the singer has scored her most prestigious fashion title to date: Creative director of the activewear label Puma. According to WWD, Rihanna will oversee Puma's women's line, and will be high-

ly involved in the design process for both shoes and apparel. The company told the paper that the singer will "work with Puma to design and customize classic Puma styles as well as create new styles to add to the Puma product portfolio," serving as Puma's global brand ambassador for the duration of her multi-year contract. Reps for Puma did not immediately respond to our request for comment. With this year's meteoric rise of the activewear market and brands taking a sincere interest in the "athleisure" category, Rihanna's appointment isn't a surprising strategy for the sporting goods company. In similar moves, Adidas has been working with Pharrell and Topshop partnered with Beyonce to start a brand new activewear label. Puma, which is owned by luxury conglomerate Kering, has been struggling to revive the brand for years - it's aiming to become a full-on lifestyle and performance brand in the way that competitors like Nike have - and this celebrity endorsement might be just the thing it needs to boost sales and awareness. Rihanna hinted at her new gig on Instagram on Tuesday, and we're willing to bet that digital marketing will be one of her main duties as Puma's creative director. "Signing Rihanna is a fantastic step for Puma," the company's CEO Bjern Gulden told WWD. "Her global profile, her charisma and individuality, her ambition – all these things make her a perfect ambassador for our brand." We're thinking her 14.1 million Instagram followers and 38.3 million on Twitter don't hurt, either.

December 19-24, 2014 33 Caribbean Star Newspaper Anupam Kher: Pakistanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mahira Khan with Shah Rukh Khan in Raees If Mr. India is made again, then T I would like to do Mogambo's role

ctor Anupam Kher, who has played diverse roles in his over threedecade-long career, doesn't like stepping into someone else's shoes onscreen, but he would love to play iconic villain Mogambo, if given a chance. The actor is not new to negative roles - in the beginning of his career he sent shivers down the audience's spine as Dr. Dang in "Karma". When asked which of the iconic roles in Bollywood he would like to portray, he said: "I am not in favour of doing any role of anybody on-screen again because I think the roles I have played so far were perfect, according to the situation and the career that time. "But if I get a chance and if Mr. India is made again, then I would like to do Mogambo's role." Mr. India, directed by Shekhar Kapur, was not only a hit but also had numerous hit one-liners. This film is best remembered for Amrish Puri's portrayal of Mogambo and his famous one liner - "Mogambo khush hua". Although, Anupam feels it is impossible to match the same dimension that late Amrish Puri added to Mogambo's character, he would like to interpret it in his own way. "I would love to do it with a different dimension because I feel it is impossible to give the same dimension to the character as given by Amrish Puriji," said the actor.

alent from across the border continues to be sought after in Bollywood. After Fawad Khan (Khoobsurat) and Humaima Malick (Raja Natwarlal), yet another attractive Pakistani actress, Mahira Khan is slated to make her debut in Hindi cinema. This Pak import won notices worldwide for her performance in Shoaib Mansoor's 'Bol' (2011), just like Humaima did.

She visited Mumbai last month after her television serial Humsafar gained popularity and dropped subtle hints of the Hindi filmmakers whom she may consider working with. Obviously, the ones who were the quickest to move in were producers Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, who finalised the VJ-turnedactress for 'Raees' being directed by Rahul Dholakia. The film has

Shah Rukh Khan playing a don and is likely to have Nawazuddin Siddiqui playing a cop. A source said that SRK had dropped in at the audition to meet Mahira. The actress is married to her college sweetheart Ali Askari. And though she is based out of Karachi, the articulate girl with the porcelain complexion travels extensively. India will be a long haul destination for now, we guess.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 19-24, 2014

Caribbean Connections

Forex: J$114.41 to one US dollar

INGSTON, Jamaica – The US dollar on Tuesday, December 16 ended trading at J$114.41, up from J$114.29 according to the Bank of Jamaica’s daily foreign exchange trading summary. Meanwhile, the Canadian dollar closed at J$98.82, up from J$98.46 while the British pound sterling ended trading at J$179.17 up from J$178.87.

Antigua and Barbuda recognises Jamaican entrepreneur, Butch Stewart

T. JOHN’S, Antigua, Tuesday December 16, 2014, CMC – Antigua and Barbuda Monday paid tribute to Jamaican investor and entrepreneur, Gordon Butch Stewart, for his significant investment in the island’s tourism sector, saying his chain of hotels also contributes tremendously to the economies of Caribbean countries. Stewart, 73, is the chairman of Sandal Resorts International and Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy Minister Asot Michael, speaking at ARAMARIBO, Suriname (CMC) – and circumstances into consideration; a retreat for managers of the hotel chain, Two senior police officers, includ- the decision to have them arrested was said “in many countries Sandals Resorts ing a major, have been arrested taken in consultation with the Prosecu- now pays good wages and salaries to Cafollowing the escape last week of six sus- tor’s Office,” Naarden said. ribbean people, and trains them for execpects from the police station in Latour, Police said one of the suspects, Guill- utive and other positions”. located in the Paramaribo District. ermo Blomhof, has been re-captured and He said Stewart had opened his first The six suspects were awaiting tri- the search was continuing for the other hotel here in 2006 expanding the project als for various crimes including robbery five people. two years later and spending an estimated when they broke out of their cells on SatIn recent months, police have arrest- US$150 million in developing a new product urday. ed several of their colleagues on various which the government “is fully committed to Police spokesman Humphrey Naarden crimes, including two officers from the and has made it pellucidly clear that there said the officers are suspected of aiding Traffic Department who were caught col- will be no impediments to this project. “Our pride is enhanced by that fact that the escape. lecting fines from motorists whom they had given tickets. Sandals is not a US, UK, Mexican or Span“Corps management took all the facts ish brand, but a homegrown Caribbean brand – one of our own…a success story that is now legendary.” He said that more than 52,000 visitors come to the Sandals here every year. “We are delighted to call you our partners. With an estimated EC$130 million OKYO, Japan (AFP) — An American (One EC dollar =US$0.37 cents) spent on Airlines flight from Seoul to Dallas everything from taxes, payroll and utiliwas forced to make an emergency ties, tours and taxis, your contribution to landing in Tokyo early Wednesday after a the economy is already immense. dozen people were injured during turbu“The future sum of US$150 million lence, a report said. potentially being pumped into the local Flight AA280, carrying 240 passengers economy as well as a minimum of 1000 and 15 crew, was diverted to Japan's Naconstruction and an additional 750 hotel rita airport near Tokyo after the incident, positions, the future of Sandals Resorts which resulted in only minor injuries, International and Antigua and Barbuda is Kyodo News agency said, citing the transbright and exciting,” Michael said. portation ministry. Michael said that Stewart has been Flight tracker Flightradar24 earlier said dubbed the “King of All-Inclusive Reon Twitter that the plane diverted to Nasorts,” the “Cupid of the Caribbean,” and rita with 15 passengers hurt in the turthe “Master of Marketing.” bulence. But he said while all descriptions are appropriate, none of them quite capture the full measure of Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, Chairman and Founder of Sandals Resorts International, parent company to Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts and Grand Pinewww.eliteradionyc.com • Playin The Best In Caribbean Music 24/7 • Download the app from any App Store search: eliteradionyc apple Beach

Suriname police officers arrested following escape of six suspects

Dozen injured in American Airlines turbulence

Resorts. “How could a simple phrase define a man who today controls what analysts estimate to be a billion dollar, privately-owned Jamaican-based Empire that includes 25 Caribbean resorts, ATL Automotive, Appliance Traders Ltd, FYAH 105FM and The Observer newspaper? “All told, Butch Stewart spearheads two-dozen diverse companies that are collectively Jamaica’s largest private sector group, the country’s biggest foreign exchange earner, and its largest non-government employer.” Michael also spoke of Stewart’s involvement in Air Jamaica, noting that when he gave it bac to the government, it had recorded an increase in revenue of ver US$250 million. “Showing unrivalled commitment to the airline he had bailed out, Stewart additionally gave an additional US$27 million to Air Jamaica.” He said Sandals Resorts International currently gives active support to more than 150 major projects in its host communities, through the company’s philanthropic arm, The Sandals Foundation. “This support ranges from the building of schools to the paying of teachers, to providing hospitals with linens, to bringing healthcare to the doorsteps of those who cannot afford it. In his homeland of Jamaica, Stewart stepped in to revive the economy by donating one million to stop inflation and adjust the exchange rate.” Michael said despite Sandals International’s “relentless investment in new resorts, expansions and its people, Stewart’s eagerness for evolving his award-winning brands shows no sign of slowing up with further agreements made to develop Beaches Resorts in Antigua and Barbados and kicking off a $65 million facelift project for Sandals Barbados”. Michael said he wanted to take the opportunity to thank Stewart for his “dedication and innovation not just here but throughout the Caribbean”.

Caribbean Star Newspaper Pakistan official: 126 people dead, 122 injured in Taliban attack on school

SLAMABAD, (Reuters) – At least 126 people were killed and 122 injured today in an attack by Taliban militants on a Pakistani high school, a provincial official said. “It may rise,” said Bahramand Khan, director of information for the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. He said more than 100 of the dead were school children. Troops surrounded the building and an operation was under way to rescue the remaining children, the army said. A Reuters journalist at the scene said he could hear heavy gunfire from inside the school. It was not immediately clear whether some or all of the children were killed by the gunmen or in the ensuing battle with Pakistani security forces trying to gain control of the building. Outside, helicopters hovered overhead and ambulances ferried wounded children to hospital. An unspecified number of children were still being held hostage in the school, a provincial official said, speaking some three hours after the attack began. The Pakistani Taliban, who are fighting to topple the government and set up a strict Islamic state, have vowed to step up attacks in response to a major army operation against the insurgents in the tribal areas. They have targeted security forces, checkpoints, military bases and airports, but attacks on civilian targets with no logistical significance are relatively rare. In September, 2013, dozens of people, including many children, were killed in an attack on a church, also in Peshawar. “WE WANT THEM TO FEEL THE PAIN” The hardline Islamist movement immediately claimed responsibility. “We selected the army’s school for the attack because the government is targeting our families and females,” said Taliban spokesman Muhammad Umar Khorasani. “We want them to feel the pain.” The army said in a statement that many hostages had been evacuated but did not say how many. “Rescue operation by troops underway. Exchange of fire continues. Bulk of student(s) and staff evacuated. Reports of some children and teachers killed by terrorist,” the army said in a brief English-language statement. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the attack and said he was on his way to Peshawar. “I can’t stay back in Islamabad. This is a national tragedy unleashed by savages. These were my kids,” he said in a statement. “This is my loss. This is the nation’s loss. I am leaving for Peshawar now and I will supervise this operation myself.” Military officials at the scene said at least six armed men had entered the military-run Army Public School. About 500 students and teachers were believed to be inside. “We were standing outside the school and firing suddenly started and there was chaos everywhere and the screams of children and teachers,” said Jamshed Khan, a school bus driver. One student inside the school at the time of the attack told a private television channel: “We were in the examination hall when all of sudden firing started and our teachers told us to silently lay on the floor. We remained on the floor for an hour. There was a lot of gunfire. “When the gunfire died down our soldiers came and guided us out.” Originally the Taliban said the attackers, including a number of suicide bombers, had been instructed not to target children and shoot only adults.

December 19-24, 2014

Trinidad pastor on sex charges, released on bail

ustice GavelPORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, Tuesday December 16, 2014, CMC – A pastor at the Dow Village Open Bible Church, south of Port-of-Spain, will return to court on January 12 next year after being charged with having sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent. Bernard Andrews, 47, was released on TT$300,000 (One TT dollar =US$0.16 cents) bail after he appeared before Magistrate Armina Deonarinesingh in the Second Court

in Siparia on Monday. Andrews has been slapped with two sexual charges. He had earlier surrendered to police. The court heard that on a date unknown between July 31 and September 1, 2010, he had sexual intercourse with a female without her consent. He was also charged for having sexual intercourse with a woman on a date unknown between August 31 and October 1, 2010. Attorney Earl Martin Jones asked the magistrate for reasonable bail

since it was the season of Christmas. Jones said Andrews was a pastor of the Dow Village Open Bible Church and also a farm attendant at a secondary school. He said his client had no previous offending matters before the court and “voluntarily gave himself up after a warrant was issued for his arrest” over the weekend. Police prosecutor Sheldon Ablacksingh did not object to Andrews being placed on bail, but asked that he make no contact with the alleged victim.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 19-24, 2014

Trinidad judge released on bail, charged for failing to perform breathalyser test

ORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, Tuesday December 16, 2014, CMC – The vice president of the Industrial Court, Ramchand Lutchmedial, will re-appear in court on January 12 next year after he was released on TT$5,000 after pleading not guilty to a charge of failing to submit a specimen of breath for a breathalyser test last Friday. Lutchmedial, who was represented by a team of lawyers, including his daughter, Jayanti Lutchmedial, otherwise stood silent in the Tunapuna Magistrates’ Third Court when he appeared before Magistrate Bramanand Dubey on Monday. Police allege that the judge was stopped last Friday night in Chaguanas, in Central Trinidad during a routine police exercise, but failed to provide a specimen of breath when he was asked to do so. One of his attroenys, Yaseen Ali noted that his client had a “well published” job in the legal fraternity as an Industrial Court judge and had been a long standing member of the bar as he had been practising for the past 36 years. Ali also noted that because of this, his client had no previous matters before the

courts nor convictions, and therefore he asked that the judge be granted bail and be “allowed to leave on his own cognisance”. Ali also noted that Lutchmedial’s driver’s permit had been taken away from him on Friday night by officers at the scene, an act which is contrary to regulations. However, he did submit that it had been returned to his client earlier that evening. The attorney also asked for disclosure and for a “speedy trial date”.

Cosby won't be charged over decades-old sex claim

OS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — US prosecutors said Tuesday they will not charge veteran comedian Bill Cosby over allegations that he sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl at the Playboy Mansion in 1974. About 20 women have accused the 77-year-old Emmy and Golden Globe winner of sexual assault or rape in alleged incidents dating mostly from decades ago, but so far only former Playboy hostess Judy Huth has taken legal action. Prosecutors cited the statute of limitations -- which limits how long legal action can be taken after an alleged crime -- in declining to pursue the case brought by Huth earlier this month. "Given that 40 years have passed since the alleged incident, prosecution (on a misdemeanor count)... is declined due to the expiration of the statute of limitations," wrote Deputy District Attorney Victor Rodriguez. "Even if there was an applicable... charge, the statute of limitations that existed in 1974 for felony sex crimes was three years. Therefore prosecution today for any potential felony sex crime from 1974 would also be barred." Celebrity lawyer Gloria Allred, representing Huth, did not immediately respond to a request for reaction to the prosecutor's decision. Cosby is famous for his role in "The Cosby Show," a popular family sitcom that aired in the 1980s and 1990s. In her lawsuit, Huth said she and a friend met Cosby on the set of a film being shot in San Marino, northeast of downtown LA. The actor invited them to his tennis club the following Saturday. When they got there he allegedly gave them alcohol, they played billiards, then they went to the Playboy Mansion, Hugh Hefner's infamous home near Beverly Hills. At one point she needed to use the

bathroom, and Cosby directed her to a lavatory within a bedroom suite. "When (Huth) emerged from the bathroom, she found Cosby sitting on the bed. He asked her to sit beside him," said the lawsuit, which detailed the sex assault accusations against Cosby. On Monday Cosby's wife lashed out at media reporting on the claims against her husband, saying he was the victim of unfounded accusations and was "a wonderful husband." Camille Cosby compared the coverage of her husband to last week's Rolling Stone story about alleged rape at the University of Virginia, for which the magazine later apologized. "There appears to be no vetting of my husband's accusers before stories are published or aired. An accusation is published, and immediately goes viral," wife Camille said in a statement widely cited by US media. She referred to Rolling Stone, which last week all but retracted a story about a gang rape, saying it was wrong to have trusted without question the alleged victim's version of what happened. "The story was heartbreaking, but ultimately appears to be proved to be untrue," she said, adding: "None of us will ever want to be in the position of attacking a victim. But the question should be asked -- who is the victim?"

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 19-24, 2014

Hope for America Nick Cannon describes racial tension in US as ‘growing pains’

MERICAN entertainer Nick Cannon yesterday described the current state of racial tension gripping the United States as "growing pains", but said he was hopeful that, just like the civil rights movement of the 1960s, good will come out of the experience. Cannon, who is on a four-day visit to Jamaica, shared his views on a range of subjects, including the political and social climate in his country, with Jamaica Observer reporters and editors at the newspaper's Beechwood Avenue headquarters. "I'm feeling hopeful," he told the Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange. "These are growing pains. The hard times we are now experiencing are just like the civil rights movement. It was so painful, but if that had not happened we would not be where we are today." The actor, rapper and music and film producer was responding after being asked how he felt about the protests in the US against the police killing of black males, and whether he saw any hope for an improvement in race relations in that country. "I don't believe that every white police officer is racist, so the problem is with this system, and by taking this out in the open we are getting a healthy conversation going," he stated. Cannon noted that he has been very outspoken on the recent incidents, in-

Man arrested for illegal firearm in Hanover

INGSTON, Jamaica – Police assigned to the Hanover Operational Support Team (OST) arrested a man who was found in possession of a Glock 19 pistol with a magazine containing six 9mm cartridges in Malcolm Heights, Hanover on Monday, December 15. Reports are that about 8:30 pm, the police team was on mobile patrol in the area when the man, who was among a group of people, roused their suspicion. He was accosted and the illegal firearm was found in his waistband. He was subsequently arrested. His identity is being withheld pending further investigations.

cluding the shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, in August of this year which sparked global debates on race relations in the United States. "I have been careful not to be a media chaser over the years, so I went to Ferguson in September to catch a vibe and visited schools and community centres to see what was happening on the ground," told the Monday Exchange. "I found very positive young men in this area who highlighted the positive aspects in a time of difficulty. It has also been great to see all these cultures coming together to support a particular cause." Cannon applauded other American celebrities, including professional athletes, who have used their status and reach to shed light on the issues. "It's about taking a stance," he said. "This is a great way of using your reach... to make a social statement. This makes people pay attention. Taking a stance was what the civil rights movement was built on, and personalities such as Harry Belafonte and Muhammed Ali always represented for their people and their culture." Cannon said he wanted to be in Ferguson, or at least in the United States, when the grand jury verdict which freed officer Darren Wilson was being read on November 25, but unfortunately he was away in the United Kingdom on business.

American entertainer Nick Cannon addressing the Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange yesterday at the newspaper’s headquarters in Kingston. Beside him is Canadian/Jamaican singer Kreesha Turner.

American entertainer Nick Cannon and Canadian/Jamaican singer Kreesha Turner having a good laugh during yesterday’s Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange at the newspaper’s headquarters in Kingston. Cannon is on a four-day visit to Jamaica to learn more about the island’s culture after signing Turner to his Ncredible label.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 19-24, 2014

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& Sports Hughes’ brother scores symbolic 63 in Sydney club game Jason Hughes reached the total for Mosman against Sydney, the same number of runs his brother had made when he was fatally struck by a bouncer two weeks ago.

ydney: (AFP) The older brother of Phillip Hughes returned to Sydney club cricket for the first time this weekend since the Australia batsman’s death, scoring an appropriate 63. Jason Hughes reached the total for Mosman against Sydney, the same number of runs his brother had made when he was fatally struck by a bouncer two weeks ago. The elder Hughes was said by teammates to be emotional when walking out to bat for the first time since Phillip died on November 27, and also when he reached 50. Reports said he did not know the

score he was on when he was dismissed. Jason had been encouraged by Phillip to move to Sydney to play cricket and spoke at his brother’s funeral, thanking him for helping him develop as a person and a cricketer. “You have given me confidence, strength, you supported me and gave me a strong desire to succeed,” he said. There was also a tribute to Phillip at the first Test against India in Adelaide, where his friend David looked skywards during an on-field post-match interview to thank him for the team’s 48-run win on Saturday. Asked during the Adelaide Test if 63

Jason Hughes: Doing it for his little brother, Phil. (Getty Images) will now hold a special significance in Australia, Warner told reporters: “In this generation I think 100 percent, it’s going to be with us for the rest of our careers. “A lot of people would have raised their bats at 63 but in the back of our minds we always are going to look up

there and know he’s (Hughes) going to be looking down on us. I am going to carry that for the rest of my career.” Hughes died from bleeding on the brain, two days after being knocked unconscious by a bouncer while batting for South Australia against New South Wales.

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est Indies legspinner Samuel Badree has been ruled out of the Big Bash League due to an issue with his shoulder, for which he will undergo surgery. Badree was set to turn out for Brisbane Heat in the Australian Twenty20 league, which begins on Thursday. “It is very unfortunate for Samuel, who was looking forward to playing in the BBL with us and would have been an exciting player to watch for our fans. We wish him a speedy and successful recovery,” Heat general manager Andrew Blucher said. Badree’s injury means former England allrounder Andrew Flintoff and New Zealand left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori will be the Heat’s only two international signings this year. Flintoff, in Badree’s absence, will play the entire BBL season; he was initially set to play only the latter half, as the BBL rules allow each team only two international players at a time. Heat coach Stuart Law said he will look to play Flintoff as much as possible. “It is a pretty clear case that we need a new-ball option, which we thought we had with Samuel,” Law told News Corp. “We are definitely now looking at Fred [Flintoff] playing in as many games as we can. The chances are he will now play 90% of our

The Brisbane Heat management was hoping Samuel Badree would take the new ball for the team

games, if not all of them. I would say he will play in our opening game, he is certainly fit and ready to play.”

Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 19-24, 2014

‘No complaints’ if sacked Cook

Kohli should be India’s Test captain, not Dhoni: Ian Chappell “There’s no doubt that Dhoni has passed his use-by-date as a Test captain, and this seems the perfect time to enact the changeover.” risbane, Dec 14: (IANS) Former Australian captain Ian Chappell Sunday said that Virat Kohli, who was India’s stand-in captain in the first Test at the Adelaide Oval against Australia, should be given full-time Test captaincy as Mahendra Singh Dhoni has already passed his “use-by-date” as the skipper. “In India’s case, Kohli’s performance over three and a half days must have tempted the selectors into thinking now is the right time to elevate him to full-time Test captaincy. There’s no doubt that Dhoni has passed his use-by-date as a Test captain, and this seems the perfect time to enact the changeover,” wrote Chappell in a column for ESPNcricinfo. He also wrote about the remarkable performance of Kohli, who struck a century in both the innings, and stated that it was a strong message sent to the hosts. “Virat Kohli, India’s stand-in captain but potential of a full-time leader, countered with an innings marked by plenty of physical courage, producing a glittering array of shots after receiving a fearful blow to the

head,” Chappell wrote. “Kohli’s innings issued a strong challenge to his own team and sent a simple but forceful message to his opponents: We will not be brushed aside as easily as the last time we were in Australia.” Kohli, knocking up 115 in the first innings and 141 runs in second, almost took India to victory but the team fell short by 48 runs, owing to disastrous batting display from the middle and lower order batsmen. However, the 71-year-old Chappell was concerned with the fact that it was Kohli’s temperament that needed to be dealt with if he was to be the next Indian skipper. “The one issue that has always clouded the future of Kohli as a captain raised its ugly head in Adelaide when his emotions got the better of him as a second on-field altercation erupted,” he wrote. “This is a young Indian side, full of potential and the desire to establish its competitive credentials. As a player, Kohli has indicated he’ll be buoyed by the leadership duties, not weighed down by them. However, his petulance on day four raised doubts about his ability to provide the calm, thoughtful presence that could mold the team’s potential into a combative winner,” added Chappell.

t has been a “hell of a year”, in the words of Alastair Cook but he will have to wait a few more days to see if it has been worth it - at least from a personal perspective. After England slipped to another heavy defeat to cap off a 5-2 beating by Sri Lanka, Cook admitted that his performances in one-day cricket had not been good enough and that he “could have no complaints” if the selectors decided to relieve him of the captaincy for the World Cup. England’s head coach, Peter Moores, and the ECB managing director, Paul Downton, have already given Cook their public backing but the final decision will be taken this week when the World Cup selection is finalized. By the time he turns 30 on Christmas Day, Cook will have been able to digest whether or not he is the man to lead England in Australia and New Zealand. “No one has got any divine right to play for England, that’s the way it should be and my performances this year in the one-day game haven’t been good enough,” he said. “I can’t have any complaints if the decision went against me. It’s not been for lack of effort or wanting to try and improve my game I just haven’t been good enough this year. “I haven’t given it too much thought because if the decision went that way I can’t do much about it. I haven’t scored the runs I would like to have scored and we haven’t won the number of games I would like to have won. So if it happens I could have no complaints but as a leader

you take tough days on the chin and hope people are learning from it.” “It’s a frustration to us all because away from the middle I’ve hit the ball as well as I have done, especially on this trip,” he said. “The longer that number goes up the more of a worry it is but you do what you always do, keeping trying, working hard as you can at your game and you back yourself to turn the corner. When the floodgates to open it should be good. “I’m incredibly hungry to do well, I don’t like not seeing a job through, and I see a lot of potential in this team. Jimmy and Broady will come back and add some real quality to our bowling attack and we’ll go there hopefully in a good frame.” “It’s been a hell of a year,” Cook said. “We haven’t won the games, there’s been a big change in personnel within the team and it’s been a year of transition, certainly from 15 months ago when we were winning the Ashes at home to what’s happened. It’s been a year you wouldn’t expect but England have found some outstanding cricketers as well.” Providing he is appointed, Cook has not given up hope of England making a better fist of things at the World Cup. “I think we can surprise people,” he said. “We’re going to have to play better than we have done here. We’ve got a huge amount of talent in the squad and I think we’ve made some good strides in certain areas on this tour. We’ve worked incredibly hard, so yeah, there’s no reason why we can’t in better conditions for us.”

Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 19-24, 2014

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 19-24, 2014

Smith named Australia’s stand-in captain S teven Smith will become Australia’s 45th Test captain after being confirmed to replace Michael Clarke as leader for the remainder of the series against India. Smith has officially taken over the Test vice-captaincy from Brad Haddin as Australia’s selectors sought a more longterm solution than temporarily handing control to the 37-yearold Haddin. “As a captain first and foremost I’ll try to lead from the front with my performance on the field, and with regards to tactics I think we’ve been pretty good this year,” Smith said in Brisbane. “Pup’s been amazing with what he’s done and the group we’ve got at the moment going forward. I don’t think there’s any real need for a big change there.” Smith, 25, had widely been tipped as the next full-time captain after Clarke but had not previously been groomed in an official capacity in the same way Clarke had been as vice-captain under Ricky Ponting. However, the uncertainty surrounding Clarke’s fitness given his ongoing hamstring and back problems prompted a rethink from the selectors. “These are difficult circumstances given Michael’s injury and the fact that we don’t know how long he will be out of the game,” national selector Rod Marsh said. “What we do know is that it won’t be an overnight fix so after a lot of thought we have taken the opportunity to appoint an emerging young leader as captain until such time as Michael regains fitness and returns to the side.

Steven Smith (left) would be the third-youngest man to captain Australia in Tests © Getty Images “We congratulate Steve on the wonderful honor of leading his country. On Wednesday he will become Australia’s 45th Test captain and at the age of 25 will become one of our youngest leaders. He is an exceptional young man who is highly regarded by the National Selection Panel not only for his fine performances with the bat but also his maturity and clear leadership potential. “Brad Haddin has done an exceptional job as vice-captain since assuming the role last year

and will provide strong support to Steve just as he has done for Michael. There was a strong argument for Brad to assume the captaincy until Michael returns, but given we don’t know how long that will be, we felt the time was right to take a longer-term view and give a young player this chance.” Haddin, who led the side on the final day of the Adelaide Test while Clarke was off the field due to his injured right hamstring, will serve as Smith’s deputy for the

Brisbane Test, which starts on Wednesday. The changes were recommended by the selectors and endorsed by Cricket Australia’s board on Sunday night. “The on-field stuff, setting fields, changing bowlers, that’s the easy part. It’s making sure all your players are on the same page with what your plans are and what you want from your players and the team. That’s the biggest challenge and what you really need to get right if you want your team to be successful.”

First chosen for Australia’s Test team in 2010 as a leg spin bowler who batted at No. 8, Smith has grown in confidence and application as a batsman since those early appearances, grooving his technique and scoring runs in all conditions. His development was noticed by Chris Rogers in 2012, and since his recall to the Test team in India in 2013, Smith has crafted five hundreds and lifted his batting average to 46.02. In Adelaide he notched his highest Test score, 162 not out.

Sangakara & Jaywardene bid adieu to home crowd

fairytale ending for the dashing duo of Srilanka, Jayawardene and Sangakkara :as both of them are involved in a wicket in their final ODI on home ground. The past couple of weeks, cricketing news has revolved much around the teams of India and Australia, but 16th December 2014 belongs to the 2 greats from the island country. Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene have been the flag bearers and the custodians of Sri Lankan cricket for many years. They dedicated their soul and spirit to the game and ensured Sri Lankana cricket moved forward in leaps and bounds during their stay. What they have with each other is much more than being just teammates. They have a solid friendship, are co-owners of a restaurant called the Ministry of Crab, great ambassadors of the game, phenomenal skills and an aura and personality like none other. They have covered the journey from rookies to legends alongside each other.

The partnerships, camaraderie, understanding, support makes for what can be termed as a beautiful bromance. As a pair, the most outstanding performance came against the Proteas, a partnership of 624 runs between them for the 3rd wicket. As their played their last limited overs game at home, Mahela Jayawardene admits he may become a little emotional. «The best memories of playing at home for me will be the fans – the music, the rhythm and all that,» Jayawardene said. «I grew up playing with that for my school. We’ve always had it when we played the big matches. To finish it off with that same rhythm – you can’t ask for anything else. That’s the uniqueness about Sri Lankan cricket. That is the flair that we grew up playing with. The humble man that he is, he has not forgotten to thank the fans and his nascent cricketing days which laid the foundation of an extraordinary career. The man has played some fine innings for his nation and has achieved all the greatness a cricketer can hope to achieve.

With numerous awards and accolades he also became the first Sri Lankan to score 10,000 Test runs. He has single handedly, taken his team over the boundary on various occasions. An in form Jayawardene can be a nightmare for any bowling opposition. His channeled aggression, variety of strokes, finesse in play and cricketing intelligence has made him one of Sri Lanka’s all time greats. Kumar Sangakkara on the other hand was a law student and he had no thoughts of playing professionally until the age of 20. Having played and excelled at the domestic and under-19 and under-15 stage, made it impossible for the selectors to ignore him. Thanks to his brilliant wicket keeping and batting skills, Sri Lankan team got a superb left-hander in their ranks in the year 1998-99. Since then, the man has not looked back. An extremely fine gentleman, when Sangakkara swings his bat and times the ball, the ball stays hit. He is a treat to watch when in full flow and 2014 is

turning out to be an extraordinary year for him. He has amassed as many as 1431 runs in tests and 1256 runs in ODI’s in this year. He is in his prime at 37, when many others hang up their boots. As a wicketkeeper and captain too, he has been great for the Lankans. His presence has always added solidarity and comfort. He too like Mahela has numerous recognitions. Together both these stalwarts have made tremendous contributions, not just to Sri Lanka but to the game of cricket. Under their leadership, they have molded and inspired a lot of young cricketers to play the game in the correct fashion. Role models for millions, these guys have had a magnetic influence on youngsters and fans. Records created by them will probably be surpassed someday, but their imprints on the cricketing world are here to stay. The crowds and fans will miss seeing their heroes on the home turf, but the end is nowhere near now.

Caribbean Star Newspaper Vijay thrives as Australia toil in the heat

December 19-24, 2014

2nd Test, Day 1 — Murali Vijay hits 144. Ajinkya Rahane unbeaten on 75. India 311/4 in Brisbane. Vijay celebrates his century in Brisbane. India 4 for 311 (Vijay 144, Rahane 75*, Hazlewood 2-44) v Australia Scorecard and ball-by-ball details

f there was a hint of south India about Brisbane’s unrelenting tropical heat and humidity, then M Vijay ensured a corner of this foreign field would be forever Chennai by carving

out a memorable century to set the platform for a dominant 4 for 311 at stumps on day one of the second Test at the Gabba. Having fallen one run short of a hundred on the final day in Adelaide, Vijay found the right method on a far more steepling surface, leaving the ball well while also collecting runs right around the ground. He made the majority of his runs in the first and third sessions, waiting out an afternoon during which Josh Hazlewoodshowed his readiness for the baggy green cap handed to him by Glenn McGrath before

play. Ajinkya Rahane was the man who made the most of Vijay’s platform. He had not convinced in Adelaide but hustled into his work with an energy that contrasted with Australia’s growing fatigue. Vijay was fortunate to survive two chances dropped by Shaun Marsh, emblematic of a difficult first day of captaincy for Australia’s new leader Steven Smith. The hosts were unable to take the early wickets that might have alleviated their toil in high temperatures and unstinting

sun. Mitchell Marsh was lost to a right hamstring problem, Mitchell Starc suffered from heat-related fatigue, and Smith was unable to keep the team’s over rate under control. Having gone to tea at 3 for 151, they piled up 1 for 160 in the evening, losing only Vijay. Day two is set fair for Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Dhoni and R Ashwin to make merry against an Australian attack that was flagging badly by the end. Under sub-tropical skies they had foundered on the rock of Vijay’s blade.

Van Zyl maiden test ton and Amla’s double flay West Indies Close South Africa 552 for 5 dec (Amla 208, de Villiers 152, van Zyl 101*) v West Indies Live scorecard and ball-by-ball details Hashim Amla: 208

n agreeable century on Test debut for Stiaan van Zyl and an elementary double hundred forHashim Amla extended South Africa’s punishment of a dire, injury-hit West Indies attack on the second day at Centurion. When the destruction was called off half an hour before tea, ahead of rain which washed out the rest of the day, South Africa had sated themselves at 552 for 5. West Indies have rarely looked more bereft. They are at least fulfilling their

tour of South Africa, but if they are there in body, they are hardly there in spirit. A weak attack, further broken by an injury to Kemar Roach, looks as if it is already awaiting the end: hopefully the end of the Test, not the end of the series. The left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn bore the burden and resembled a man at the end of a hard shift long before he delivered the last of his 46 overs. Amla’s third double hundred - to add to his 311 not out against England at The Oval in 2012, and an unbeaten 253 against in Nagpur two years earlier - was a peaceable affair, so untroubled that it felt more like an simple arithmetical exercise than a notable Test innings. It was South Africa’s highest Test score against West Indies, outdoing Herschelle Gibbs’

192 on the same ground a decade earlier, and also the highest score by a South African captain on home soil. He fell on 208 after nearly eight hours at the crease, dragging Benn to long on where Jerome Taylorheld the catch a pace in front of the rope. Amla never quite reached the pitch, perhaps deceived by Benn delivering from behind the crease, perhaps momentarily allowing himself an inexact moment with the Test so clearly in South Africa’s grip. Van Zyl could not have hoped for more benefaction than he gained from West Indies’ attack. He needed only 130 balls for his unbeaten 101 but, in truth, even though he is entitled to cherish a Test hundred on debut, fiercer examinations will await him.

NZ edges out Pakistan for narrow win New Zealand 299 for 5 (Williamson 123, Guptill 58) beat Pakistan 292 for 8 (Younis 103, Afridi 49, Vettori 3-53) by seven runs

Kane Williamson switched gears effortlessly during his century

ew Zealand withstood Younis Khan’s first ODI hundred since November 2008 and another thunderous blitz from Shahid Afridi to beat Pakistan by seven runs and tie the series 2-2 going into the final ODI. Kane Williamson built on a strong opening partnership to make his fourth ODI hundred and set a target of 300. Pakistan, reduced to 82 for 4, kept pace with an asking-rate of around nine for nearly half their innings to come within a couple of strokes from victory. Pakistan’s fightback was of staggering proportions. Their top order had been roughed up by searing pace from Adam Milne and Matt Henry. Ahmed Shehzad’s off stump had been knocked over by a ripping outswinger second ball. Nasir Jam-

shed and Younis somehow got through that burst and had started to prosper against the change bowlers when Corey Anderson slipped in a slower one to trap Jamshed lbw. Daniel Vettori consumed Mohammad Hafeez and Haris Sohail cheaply. Younis and Umar Akmal dug in. Younis had been put down by Ross Taylor at first slip off Milne on 2. He was on the same score after facing 19 deliveries. Pakistan were to go without a boundary for 11 overs against the combination of Vettori and pace. Then Younis woke up, with a slog-swept six off Vettori in the 30th over. Sensing some momentum, Pakistan took the batting Powerplay in the 32nd. Younis, who had been made to hop by sharp bouncers, swung Henry for six more. Akmal hared between the wickets to motor to 29 as Pakistan collected 45 off the Powerplay. Then misfortune struck. Younis slammed a straight drive, the

bowler Mitchell McClenaghan got a hand to it, the ball ricocheted on to the non-striker’s stumps, and Akmal was out of his ground. The partnership was worth 90 in 14.4 overs, Younis’ contribution 56. In came Afridi and Pakistan surged faster. This stand grew to 66 in just seven overs. Younis contributed 15. Afridi ransacked 49 off 25. Pulls, sweeps, slogs. The express Henry lost his line and bowled a wide. Afridi walloped the extra delivery for six more. The second express bowler, Milne, stepped up now. With 62 needed from 42, he had Afridi edging behind. In the next over, Younis missed a slog off fellow veteran Vettori to depart for 103 off 117, only 28 of his runs having come in boundaries. Sarfraz Ahmed flickered briefly but a McClenaghan bouncer took care of him. The ninth-wicket pair of Anwar Ali and Sohail Tanvir scored 31 off the remaining 23 balls, but fell just short.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

December 19-24, 2014

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