Caribbean Star #29 vol.4

Caribbean First Interfaith Newspaper, Serving The Community

February 13-19, 2015

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Vol.4 #29

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Nude body of elderly Albion woman found in bed Shockwaves spread through the Corentyne yesterday morning after a senior citizen was found in her bed naked and motionless.

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February 13-19, 2015

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Caribbean Star Newspaper CAL DIRECTOR DEAD

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villager who went to search for yams in the fields of Brazil found instead the decomposed body of Chaguanas businessman and Caribbean Airlines director, Azad Niamat.

Shocked at the sight of the body, still fully clothed but decaying, the villager quickly made his way to San Rafael Police Station, in the neighbouring district of San Rafael, in central Trinidad, and alerted officers to his discovery.

Sixty-nine-year-old Niamat, a retired Caribbean Airlines pilot, was clad in a blue pants and blue shirt. His watch was still on

his left hand, a pair of glasses was tucked inside in his pants pocket. However, his hands were bound together with tie-straps and placed in front of his body, while his face was plastered with duct tape. There was no stench from Niamat’s body causing police officers to speculate that a chemical was poured on it to slow its decay. Niamat had been missing for 12 days and his body was discovered on Brazil Arena Road, near the location where his vehicle was found, close by Brazil High School, on January 30.

An autopsy at the Forensic Science Centre, St James today will determine how

February 13-19, 2015

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Niamat died, even though investigators believe he was murdered. His body was too decomposed for the district medical officer to make a preliminary determination about the cause of death. Crime Scene Unit officers yesterday swept the area for evidence.

Senior Superintendent Johnny Abraham, head of the Central Division, met Niamat’s family yesterday and offered them his condolences, as they in turn thanked the senior lawman for his words of comfort and for his officers’ efforts to find Niamat.

Abraham and his team kept the family informed at every stage of their search.

A preliminary positive identification was made since the clothing on the body matched what Niamat was wearing when he left his home on January 29 at 70 Chaguanas Main Road, Chaguanas.

Reports indicate Niamat left home at about 10.45 am that day, with an undisclosed sum of money, and had told relatives he was going to Port-of-Spain to purchase items for his woodworking shop.

At a later time, Niamat made a distress call to his daughter in Miami who raised an alarm with her relatives in Trinidad who then contacted the Chaguanas police.

Abraham and a team of officers, among them Sgt Jitindra Toolaram and Inspector Terrence Williams immediately began a search and had an early breakthrough when his car was found. Searches continued over that weekend with the aid of aerial surveillance from Viper One, a national security helicopter assigned to the National Operations Centre but Niamat was not found.

Police believe Niamat was lured to his death by someone he knew and had a telephone conversation with them before he left home. Mourning his death, Caribbean Airlines chairman Philip Marshall hailed Niamat as someone who cared strongly for the airline and its employees.

“All of us at Caribbean Airlines are deeply grieved at this tragic news. As with everyone, we had prayed for the safe return of director Niamat,” Marshall said in a statement last evening.

He offered prayers and support to Niamat’s family in the days and weeks ahead.

“On behalf of the board of directors, we are still coming to terms with the tragic loss of a member of the Caribbean Airlines family, who used his experience and wise counsel to serve the airline and its people for whom he so passionately cared. This is a sad day for all of us,” Marshall said.

Richie Psych, president of the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCIC), also offered condolences to Niamat’s family.

“Mr Niamat has been a friend of the Chamber for many years, sharing a very close and fruitful relationship. He was a true son of the soil in central Trinidad and will be sorely missed,” Psych said. “His amiable nature and quick wit rendered him an immediate favourite amongst his peers. He was a shrewd and innovative businessman, demonstrated by the successes of his business ventures. He was a family man who also enjoyed a good time with his neighbours in the community. He will be missed.”

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Caribbean Star Newspaper Bandits terrorize, rob Zorg family

February 13-19, 2015

family of three of Zorg, Essequibo Coast are traumatized and in shock after they were beaten and robbed on Sunday night at their home and business place.

Meanwhile, allegations were made by relatives that police took a long time to respond and by and neighbours that they had arrived on the scene intoxicated.

Commander of ‘G’ Division Superintendent Kevin Adonis said no such reports had reached him, but they would nevertheless be investigated.

The Lot 108 Back Street, Zorg address has a shop in the bottom flat and the Khans also store goods in large quantities.

Speaking with Stabroek News, Bibi Shaneza Khan said this is the third time over the period of a year and a half that the family had been robbed.

Shaneza, her 11-year-old son Asif Nawaz Khan and 38-year-old husband Asif Masode Khan sustained injuries about their bodies as a result of being beaten by four bandits who were armed with two guns and three cutlasses.

“I was in my kitchen talking to my mother on the phone [her mother is in Canada] around 8 [pm] when I see a man at my back door and he had on a mask. Meh son went lie down in the hammock and meh husband went locking up the place,” Shaneza said. “When I see the man, I start screaming and then a next man come and tell me not to scream and that I must lie down on the floor.”

The woman said that the two men had

Asif Masode Khan’s bandaged head two accomplices who forced her husband into bottom flat kitchen, and demanded that he lie face down on the floor.

“My son was next to me. They ask we about the house key and I tell them to check on the table for it. Then they start ask we where we have the money and I tell them we don’t have any money. One of the man say that if we ain give he the money, he gon kill me in front of my son. I start begging them and they start beating my husband and one of them lash my son and I just keep begging them,” she said.

Shaneza was dragged into her shop by two men while the other two stayed in the kitchen with her husband and son.

“They ask me if I have any jewels and I tell them that all was upstairs in the press and then they ask me for the money and I tell them that the bag that went on the chair was all the money I had at the time,” she related. “Them carry my son upstairs to show them the jewels then they tek clothes, belt and scotch tape and tie me

The hole in the fence through which the bandits entered and escaped. up. One of them that had a cutlass take it and start rubbing it on my husband foot and they tell he they gon cut off he foot if he ain tell them where all the money and jewels deh.”

While this was happening, Khan said, her mother was still on the phone and she immediately called her husband who lives in Lima.

“For about three quarter hour the men keep asking we for more money and beating we and telling we that they will burn we up. I beg them not to do anything to my son nor my husband. After my mother call my father he call my in-laws and they rush and come. My mother-in-law start hollering for me and I start calling her,” she said.

It was at this point that the bandits grabbed the bag with the money and escaped through a hole in the back fence.

Shaneza said the robbers would have gained entry the same way. She said they

would have pulled out some staves from the back fence to create a way in. Since the fence faces the sea no one would have seen the men enter or escape.

“My front gate was lock so my sister-inlaw jump the fence,” Shaneza said, “and she come in and see my son, my husband and me on the floor and they cut the clothes and the belt from me and then I tell them what happen. My father call the Suddie Police Station and tell them and then mussy an hour after then the police come. Zorg is close to Suddie. If the police had come earlier [possibly] they woulda ketch the men.

“My son has to write common entrance soon and I couldn’t send him to school today because he is in shock,” Shaneza said.

The Suddie Police Station is approximately 10 minutes away from the Khan’s residence/business place.

The woman said she sustained injuries to her head and shoulders; her son to his forehead and her husband sustained injuries to his head.

They were taken to the Suddie Public Hospital where they received medical attention and were sent home.

Asif Masode Khan told this publication that the bandits escaped with 4 cell phones, one laptop computer, one tablet, $250,000 that was in the bag, jewellery that he could not put a value to and snacks from the shop and refrigerator.

Bandits terrorize rob Zorg family See pg.6

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Caribbean Star Newspaper Bandits terrorize rob Zorg family from pg.4 Nude body of elderly Albion woman found in bed February 13-19, 2015

hockwaves spread through the Corentyne yesterday morning after a senior citizen was found in her bed naked and motionless.

Ramdai Mohabir, 67, called Aunty Elsie of Lot 665 Topoo Albion was robbed of some $6,000 and murdered, reports said.

A police source said it appeared that the woman had been raped and strangled. Stabroek News also learnt that there were several marks about her body.

Yesterday family members were in disbelief. The woman’s son Deonarine Ramdeo said he made the discovery yesterday around 5.30 am after his wife alerted him something was amiss at his mother’s home. Mohabir lived alone in a one-flat wooden home approximately 22 feet away. Ramdeo said when he “walked over” to his mother’s home, he observed that six louvre panes from the western window had been removed.

He then went around the house and saw two wooden windows open. Through those windows, the son lamented, he saw his mother motionless and nude on her bed.

He immediately raised an alarm; alerting wife and sister.

Mohabir’s daughter, Vinmattie Reddi, 38, said after her brother called she suspected that her mother had fallen and injured herself. However, as she approached the yard her sister-in-law

Arrows point to louvres stacked on the ground and the window through which the perpetrator/s entered Ramdai Mohabir’s house. started wail loudly.

Reddi said that when she went into the house she saw bruises on both sides of her mother’s neck; her face was also swollen. Inexplicably, there was an empty baby oil bottle, scattered safety pins and a new toothbrush at the scene.

Reddi said her mother had refused to live with any of her children and family members decided to build a house for her

next door to her son. Mohabir moved into the home six months ago.

Mohabir’s body is at the Ramoo’s Funeral Parlour awaiting a post-mortem examination.

She is survived by her two sons and one daughter, grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

There have been no arrests but police investigations are continuing

The family is now fearful for their lives and are hoping the perpetrators will be found.

Meanwhile, relatives and neighbours of the family said they were displeased with the way in which the police at Suddie responded to the robbery report.

“When de police come last night, before dey get to work, them de drunk and de want to buse up…. I want dem name to go in the newspaper and leh everybody know about the star bai police dem that it get at Suddie. If the police deh come right away when dey get de call, they woudda able to ketch somebody but like dem had party and dem couldn’t do dey wuk. One of the police de stink a rum. Shaneza father living in Lima and imagine he reach hay before de police,” one neighbour who did not want her name mentioned said.

Superintendent Adonis said while he had no knowledge of the officers being under the influence of alcohol, the Sergeant of the Suddie Police Station along with other ranks who visited the home were reportedly chased away. Adonis said he visited the family yesterday morning and the family did not tell him about policemen being intoxicated.

“I have no reports of a rank being drunk.

When I visited the home of the Khans I was not told of this allegation. However, an investigation will be conducted,” he said.

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February 13-19, 2015

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Shivaratri – The true spiritual meaning - by Brahma Kumaris

T

he thousands of Shiva temples all over India include the famous temples at Amarnath in Kashmir, Somanath in Gujarat, Vishwanath in Varanasi and Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain.

The names of these Shiva temples define Shiva’s various divine functions, exalting Him as the Supreme Soul. The linga is worshipped as the very image of Shiva. The linga indicating that Shiva has neither male nor female human form like of the other deities; the lord is an incorporeal point of Light. That is why the 12 well-known Shiva temples in India are also known as Jyotirlinga Math, signifying his form of Light.

The three lines marked on the Shivalinga known as Tripundi symbolise the three-fold characteristics of the Trimurti or the lord of three subtle deities.

Trinetri or the one who has the third eye of wisdom, Trikaldarshi or the one who surveys the three aspects of time and Trilokinath or the lord of the three worlds. Shiva is also known as Shambhu or Swayambhu and Sada shiva meaning that he is the Supreme Soul.

Legend tells us that Rama invoked Shiva at Rameshwaram and Krishna offered his prayers to Him as Gopeshwar inVrindavan. Memorials to these legends also indicate that Shiva is worshipped as the Supreme Father of all deities. Shiva is praised as the Creator, Sustainer and Destroyer. But what does he create, sustain and destroy? If he is the sustainer, then what accounts for the scourge of poverty, hunger and sickness in this world? Does he cause the destruction and death of his creation? The Trinity or the divine triad in many faiths symbolizes these three roles of God. God does not create the elements and all the constituents of nature. Nor does He create human beings or human souls. Matter, souls and God are neither created nor destroyed; they are eternal and imperishable. Each has its own unique attribute, power and function.

The drama of the world is an eternal interplay of these three forces. Everything in nature is cyclic; everything that is seemingly born, grows and dies is actually being renewed, from one form to another.

So what does God create? In reality, God does not create a new world out of nothing; He rejuvenates the old by divinizing man’s intellect with wisdom, imparted through Brahma, who along with Vishnu and Shankar makes up the Trinity. The literal meaning of the word Shiva is benefactor Supreme Soul. Shiva brings benefit to all souls by performing the divine functions of creating

a new pure world where righteous, divine and happy human beings live, destroying all vice and evil from the old, impure world.

Shivaratri, the night, symbolizes the darkness of ignorance. Shiva carries out his task of transformation when human beings, lost in the night of ignorance, touch the nadir of moral degradation and unrighteousness rules the world. The process of renewal implies destruction of the old for a new structure cannot be raised upon a dilapidated one. Destruction is inherent in the eternal scheme of the world drama.

Nothing that is created stays new forever. Everything in this world degenerates and changes form with the passage of time. When unrighteousness reaches extreme proportions, the perverted human intellect devises deadly weapons

of mass destruction, which play their part in destruction of the old world. The process is speeded up by natural calamities and civil wars. So Shivshankar symbolises the annihilation of all that is bad and vicious. Destruction is not a direct or willful act of God; it is a corollary to the process of establishment of a new world order. It is a blessing in disguise because it removes all that is evil and impure, and liberates humans from the bondage of sin and sorrow. Once the process of destruction is complete, an era of complete purity, peace and prosperity, called Satyuga or Golden Age dawns on earth, marking the beginning of a new cycle of world drama where all human beings are free from vice; they are divine and virtuous. Even nature is at her prime. Rulers are elevated beings,

who are created in the image of God, and this concept is depicted in the form of Vishnu, the four-armed sustainer. God’s role is unique; He performs the highest task of purifying the world and yet, remains free of the bondage of action.

He does not enjoy the fruit of his divine work, which is why he is known as akarta and abhogta (beyond action and its results).

On Sunday, February 15, 2015 at 03:00 pm the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization will celebrate this most divine occasion in its true spiritual form at its regional headquarters –Global Harmony House in Great Neck, New York. The public is invited. RSVP 516 773 0971, ghhevents@ us.brahmakumaris.org BY “Khamraj Sooknaraine BRAHMA KUMARIS

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

February 13-19, 2015

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February 13-19, 2015 Caribbean Star Newspaper Mother questions police delay after alleged rape of girl, 12

A

mother is questioning the length of time the police at La Grange Police Station are taking to investigate the alleged rape of her 12-year-old daughter, while fearing that the suspect has used the delay to flee.

As has become the norm for police investigations into crimes of sexual violence, the mother said she is being told that the police are still investigating.

The police mounted their investigation since December 13 last year and the mother said she has been going to the station since then and has been told the investigation is continuing and the file would have to be sent to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. “I am checking almost every week and for the last few weeks they telling me that the officer who investigating the report on sick leave,” the frustrated mother told the Sunday Stabroek.

She said she has not seen the young suspect in the village for quite some time and she believes he is attempting to run from the law. The woman, a 35-year-old struggling single parent, works long hours at a job that can sometimes see her being away early in the mornings or late in the evenings, depending on her shifts. As a result, she feels partly responsible for what happened to her child because she was forced to leave the girl and two other siblings by themselves on several occasions.

“Sometimes, I have to leave at six in the

morning and they would not leave until eight for school and I would come back early afternoon but then at other times I have to leave at two and come back in the night. So, when them come home, I am not there,” the woman said.

She learned of the sexual abuse of her daughter when a neighbour alerted her.

“The neighbour tell me that she see this girl sitting by the culvert kissing the boy.

And right away I call she and I ask she and she tell me, ‘yes.’ And when I ask she what else happen, she tell me how the boy does sex she,” the mother said. Her daughter revealed that the young man would on occasion enter their home through the window when her siblings were out and would rape her. On other occasions he would rape her in the yard.

The revelation, she said, “shook me to the core.” She also learnt to her horror that the suspect was planning to take friends at his next visit in order to “bank” her daughter, having sex with her one after the other.

Initially, she said this led to the police arresting three young men from the village.

However, only the then 17-year-old was singled out as actually committing the act of rape but the police released him on station bail as the investigation was launched.

The mother said she knows some might want to blame her and she again admitted that she feels partly responsible but she questioned what would become of her

children if she should stay at home and not work. “It is very difficult for me. I tell you when I hear this… like I don’t know what to do… I have to work because I am a single parent,” the woman noted.

Since the incident, the woman said her daughter is being counselled and she has removed her from the community because of the stigma. She is now living with a relative. Her father is also playing a more active role in the child’s life, she said.

‘Inappropriate questions’ Meanwhile, Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness (CADVA) local representative Tiffany Jackson, who is aware of the case and has been working with the family, told this newspaper that she was shocked at the line of questioning the police asked the child during the investigation.

“She was asked, ‘Like you like this boy?’” she noted.

“That should not be a question to be asking a child under the age of 16 because we are talking about statutory rape,” Jackson pointed out.

She also said the investigating officer had promised to have police officers visit the community and conduct “spot checks” but this is yet to become a reality.

Jackson said she believes the girl’s mother needs legal advice and representation in order to ensure justice is done and she is hoping CADVA could provide this kind of assistance.

9

Jackson said her organisation is also very worried about what is happening in the village where the child lived. She said following the allegation she went around and spoke to persons in the village and learnt that they were very concerned for their young people because it appears as if crime is the order of the day.

Calling on the police stations nearest to the village, such as the La Grange Police Station, to play a more integral role in cleaning up the crime situation in the village, Jackson said one of the worrying issues is a gambling den in the area. She was told the den is operated by a businessman with ties to the community’s policing group and even police officers would participate in the illegal activity.

The den, she said, is an attraction for the young men in the village who are there at all hours in the night. “If we continue like this, what is going to happen? We are looking at the future generation here who would be the future leaders,” Jackson pointed out.

She said she was told the young men are also smoking marijuana and cocaine.

She pointed out that gambling leads to other crimes and when the youngsters find themselves out of money they can become violent or get involved in petty larceny in their quest for more money.

Jackson also said she was told that crimes committed in the area are not being properly investigated.

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February 13-19, 2015

Farmers warned that water in Abary conservancy - dangerously low’

T

he Mahaica, Mahaicony, Abary-Agricultural Development Authority (MMAADA) today advised farmers that the water level in the Abary Conservancy is “dangerously low”.

In a notice in today’s Guyana Chronicle, the MMA said that the water level was currently 58.42 GD (Georgetown Datum) whereas dead storage is 59.5 GD. It said that all persons in the Abary/Berbice block of the MMA area must take immediate steps to conserve and prevent wastage of irrigation water.

The notice said that they must ensure that regulators on the secondary irrigation canals are blocked, that all field drainage outlets are blocked, conserve on field/crop use and report any tampering with any structure to the authorities.

Farmers in the Mahaica and Mahaicony are to: regulate their pumping activities, avoid tam-

pering or damaging any infrastructure and to conserve on crop use.

Farmers were warned that failure to comply could lead to prosecution and imprisonment under Section 34 of the MMA Act. The water shortage in the Abary conservancy underlines the major problem Guyana faces regulating drainage and irrigation. The water shortage is occurring just at the end of what was supposed to be one of Guyana’s rainy periods. Amid all of this, the major government intervention was to build the Hope Canal on the east Coast to drain excess water from the East Demerara Water Conservancy.

That long-delayed project is still to be commissioned.

Hydrologists and experts have warned that the government has not sought an overarching solution to the drainage and irrigation problems of the Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary areas.

Caribbean Star Newspaper Auto parts dealer told arresting officers he bought illegal gun from cop - court hears

A

n auto parts dealer has been remanded to prison after police say they found him with an unlicensed gun and matching rounds that he claimed was purchased from a member of the force.

Ronald Singh was charged with having a .45 pistol along with seven matching rounds of ammunition in his possession at Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, on February 6.

Attorney Sandil Kissoon, who represented Singh at his arraignment at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, said his client requires serious medical attention which could be verified. The attorney also said Singh has an auto mechanic shop and he is also a distributor of spare parts and lubricants. He further mentioned that Singh provides for eight children and has a pregnant wife.

Kissoon also said that contrary to the police’s facts, which state that the articles were found at Singh’s home, they were in fact retrieved at

Ronald Singh the man’s business place. He added that the area where the gun and ammunition were found is a general place that can be accessed by customers as well as Singh’s 13 employees.

Additionally, Kissoon disputed the claim that Singh was present when the items were discovered, saying his client was informed of the discovery made by the police via a phone call. “I will be willing to withdraw this application if the prosecutor can prove a signed

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statement that my client admitted knowledge of the offence,” Kissoon told the court.

However, Prosecutor Michael Grant voiced his objections to bail and argued that Kissoon failed to satisfy the court with special reasons for bail.

The prosecutor told the court that the police received information which led them to carry out a search on Singh’s home, where the gun and ammunition were found in his living room. Grant further said Singh admitted to the police that he bought the firearm two years ago from a police officer, while adding that the man did not admit to the offence in a written statement but in an oral one given to officers.

After perusing the police statements, Chief Magis-trate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry upheld the prosecution’s objection to bail and Singh was remanded to prison until February 11, when he will appear at the Sparendaam’s Magistrate’s Court.

February 13-19, 2015 11 Caribbean Star Newspaper Diamond businessman remanded after ganja, revolver found at home

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Deon Coates

East Demerara sugar estate workers strike after 15 dismissals

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he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation have agreed to meet today to discuss the circumstances surrounding the dismissal of 15 sugar workers at the East Demerara Estate which sparked a strike yesterday.

Head of GAWU, Komal Chand told Stabroek News that after a meeting with the Labour Ministry it was decided that the strike which followed the dismissal of the 15 workers over the weekend would end and discussions would commence.

He said that the goal was to determine why exactly the workers were dismissed. Chand told Stabroek News that the corporation had an obligation to explain in detail exactly what occurred. According to GuySuCo, the workers were dismissed for the “inadequate application of fertilizer”. A statement by GuySuCo said that “management, in a routine inspection, discovered that many cane plants were devoid of fertilizer, and as a consequence a thorough examination was done only to expose that there (was) massive skipping in the application of the fertilizer.”

GuySuCo added that the corporation’s audit team was “deployed to make an assessment of the extent of fertilizer not being applied to the cane plants. It was revealed that there (was) massive skipping”.

Just over half of the 226 CWT of fertilizer was utilized on the specified 20.3 hectares with the rest being unaccounted for, GuySuCo said. Annually GuySuCo spends $2 billion to import fertilizer according to the statement by the corporation.

The sugar corporation’s field performance has been poor in recent crops and concerns had been raised over whether sufficient fertilizer was being applied. In the last crop, GuySuCo was also accused by GAWU and the other union in the industry, NAACIE of harvesting young canes just to meet the modest annual target.

Chand told Stabroek News that he did not want to make any pronouncements prior to meeting with GuySuCo but he was not pleased with how the corporation was handling the situation.

The first crop for this year is still to commence.

businessman is now a remanded prisoner after he was charged with possession of cannabis and an unlicensed revolver yesterday.

It is alleged that Deon Coates, 35, of Lot 890 Fifth Avenue, Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), had 13 grammes of cannabis in his possession. It is also alleged that on the same day he had a .38 revolver and three rounds of .38 ammunition without being a licensed firearm holder. Coates pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him by Chief Magistrate

Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Attorney Gordon Gilhuys, who represented Coates, applied for bail to be granted in a reasonable sum. He said Coates was not the only person arrested as five others were also held and the articles were found in a storeroom and not on his client’s person.

It is the police’s case that, acting on information received, police went to Coates’ home, where three males and two females, who said they were just visiting, were also present. Coates reportedly permitted the search, which

uncovered the cannabis as well as the gun and ammunition. Police say Coates admitted to the narcotics but denied responsibility for the other articles. As a result, all six persons were arrested but the two females were later released.

Prosecutor Michael Grant objected to bail, citing the nature, gravity and prevalence of the offences and the penalty they attract. His objection was upheld and bail was refused. Coates is expected to make his next court appearance on February 13.

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February 13-19, 2015

Caribbean Star Newspaper

Caribbean Star Newspaper

February 13-19, 2015

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WE NOW ACCEPT FOOD STAMP AND EBT

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February 13-19, 2015

ISLAM Peace / submission to the will of our creator.

Connect with your creator.

A

bdullah bin Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) narrates that he heard the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) saying: “Islam is founded on five pillars: bearing witness that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) is His servant and apostle; establishment of salaat; paying of Zakaat; performance of Hajj; and fasting in Ramadhaan.”

The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) has compared Islam to a canopy resting on five supports. The Kali-mah is the central support and the other four pillars of Islam are, so to say, the remaining four supports, one at each corner of the canopy. Without the central support, the canopy cannot possibly stand, and if any one of the corner supports is missing a collapse will result in the defective corner. Now, let us judge for ourselves how far we have kept up the canopy of Islam.

Is there really any pillar that is being held in its proper place?

The five pillars of Islam mentioned in this Hadith signify the most essential duties of a Muslim. Although a Muslim cannot do without any one of them, yet Salaat in Islam occupies a position next only to Imaan. Abdullah bin Mas’ood (Radhiyallaho anho) says: “Once, I inquired of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), which act (of man) was the dearest to Allah. The Prophet replied, ‘Salaat’. I then inquired which act came next (in order of merit) and the Prophet replied, ‘Kindness to parents’. I again asked what was next and he answered ‘Striving for Islaam’.”

Mulla Ali Qari (Rahmatullah alaih) has quoted this Hadith in support of the belief that Salaat is the most important religious duty after Imaan. This is further corroborated by a hadith, in which the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) is reported to have said: “Salaat is the best of all that has been ordained by Allah.”

Abu Zar (Radhiyallaho anho) narrates that once the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) came out of his house.

It was autumn and the leaves were falling off the trees. He caught hold of a branch of a tree and its leaves began to drop in large number.

At this he remarked, ‘0, Abu Zar! (Radhiyallaho anho) when a Muslim offers his Salaat to please Allah, his sins are shed away from him just as these leaves are falling off this tree.”

In autumn, usually, the leaves of the trees fall in large numbers, so much so that on some trees not a single leaf is left behind. The same is the effect of Salaat performed with sincerity and devotion. All the sins of the person offering Salaat are wiped off.

It should, however, be remembered that according to the verdict of the theologians, it is only the saghaa’ir (minor sins) that are forgiven by the performance of Salaat and other services.

The kabaa’ir (major sins) are not pardoned without repentance. We should, therefore, in addition to saying salaat, be particular about doing taubah (repentance) and istighfaar (seeking forgiveness). Allah may, however, pardon,

by His bountiful Grace, even the kabaa’ir of any person because of his salaat.

Abu Uthman (Radhiyallaho anho) says: “I was once sitting under a tree with Salmaan (Radhiyallaho anho). He caught hold of a dry branch of the tree and shook it till all its leaves fell off.

He then said to me, “0, Abu Uthman!

(Radhiyallaho anho) Will you not ask me why I am doing this?” “Do tell me,” I entreated. He said, “The Apostle of Allah had done exactly like this before me, while I was with him under a tree.

He caught a dry branch of it and shook it, till all its leaves fell off”. At this he said: 0, Salmaan! (Radhiyallaho anho) will you not ask me why I am doing this?’ I replied: ‘Do tell me why you are doing this?’ He remarked: “Verily when a Muslim takes wudhu properly and then observes his Salaat five times a day, his sins fall off just as these leaves have fallen off. He then recited the following verse of the Holy Qur’an: “Establish Salaat at the two ends of the day, and at the approaches of the night. Verily, good deeds annul ill deeds.

This is a reminder for the mindful. (XI: 114)” The behaviour of Salmaan (Radhiyallaho anho) in the above Hadith displays the profound love which the Sahaabah had for the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe

Caribbean Star Newspaper

wasallam). They would often cherish the sweet memories of the time when the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was living among them. They would, while quoting him, enact exactly what they had seen him doing at a particular moment.

It is really very difficult to cover all the traditions of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), which deal with the importance of Salaat and which declare forgiveness for those who guard it. As had already been said before, the theologians restrict this declaration of forgiveness to saghaa’ir (minor sins) only, but in the text of the Hadith there is no such restriction.

There are two reasons for this. Firstly, it does not really become a Muslim to commit any of the kabaa’ir (major sins).

If perchance any such sins are committed by him, he cannot rest in peace (due to inherent fear of Allah in him) until he washes them with his tears of repentance in crying before Allah. Secondly, the person who performs his Salaat with sincerity and thoroughness is very likely to do istighfaar quite a number of times daily. Look for instance at the closing prayer of Salaat itself, viz: “0, My Lord! I have wronged my soul a great wrong, and none forgives sins except you alone. Then forgive me and have mercy on me. Verily, you are the Forgiving, the Merciful.

In the above Hadith, mention is made of wudhu to be done properly. We should, therefore, be sure of the regulations about wudhu and try to observe all of these. For example, take the case of miswaak. It is sunnat of wudhu, but is very often neglected. It is said in a Hadith that the Salaat offered after doing miswaak (Brushing the teeth) is seventy times superior to the Salaat without miswaak. In another Hadith, use of miswaak has been enjoined very strongly, and the following benefits are attributed to it:— “It cleanses and sweetens the mouth and checks its bad smell.”

“It is a cause of Allah’s pleasure and a blow to the Devil.”

“Allah and his angels love the person doing miswaak.” “It strengthens the gums and improves eye-sight.”

“It is a purge against bile and phlegm.”

To crown all, “It is a Sunnah i.e. the practice of our beloved Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam).”

As many as seventy virtues of the miswaak (Brushing the teeth) have been enumerated by the theologians. It is said that a person in the habit of miswaak dies with the Kalimah on his lips. The rewards of taking wudhu properly are very many. It is mentioned in Ahadith that the parts of body washed in wud-

hu shall glitter on the Day of Judgment and, by this (distinction), the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) will at once recognize his followers.

Jaabir (Radhiyallaho anho) narrates that he heard the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) saying: “The likeness of five time’s daily Salaat is as the likeness of a deep brook running in front of the door of a person who bathes therein five times a day.”

Running water is generally free from dirt, and the deeper it runs the cleaner and purer it is. A bath in such water surely removes dirt from the body and makes it clean. Salaat offered with due regard for its essentials likewise cleanses the soul of all sins. There are several Ahadith of the same meaning, though with slight variations in expression, narrated by different companions of the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam).

Abu Sa’eed Khudri (Radhiyallaho anho] narrates that he heard the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) saying: ‘Each of the five Salaat expiates the sins committed since the Salaat preceding it. To explain, let us take the case of a person working in a factory. His job is such that his body gets covered with dust. But there are five streams of running water in between the factory and his house and, on his return from the job, he takes a bath in each stream.

The effect of five time’s daily Salaat is quite similar. Any sins of omission and commission between two Salaat are forgiven on account of ‘Istighfaar (seeking forgiveness) and Taubah (Repentance) in each Salaat.’

The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) through such parables, aims at impressing that salaah has the wonderful power of removing the sins. If we fail to avail of Allah’s mercy, surely we ourselves are the losers.

To err is human. We are likely to commit innumerable acts of displeasing Allah and deserve thereby. His wrath and punishment, but look how relenting our dear Allah is! He has most graciously shown us the way to earn His mercy and forgiveness. It is a great pity if we do not avail of this great favor. Our Allah is always eager to show us His mercy on very small grounds. It is said in a Hadith, that if a person goes to bed with the intention of getting up for Tahajjud and perchance does not wake up, he receives the full reward for Tahajjud, although he has been enjoying his sleep at the time of Tahajjud. How boundless is the grace of Allah and what a tremendous loss and deprivation if we do not receive blessings from such a Giver.

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

Caribbean Star Newspaper

February 13-19, 2015

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Chikungunya not a current problem for Guyanese – Number of recorded cases reduced

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HE mosquito-borne disease, Chikungunya, which struck Guyana early last year causing many to fall ill in a short period, has been deemed under control by Head of the Vector Control Unit, Ministry of Health, Dr. Reyaud Rahaman. Dr. Rahaman told the Guyana Chronicle Tuesday, “At the moment, we don’t have a chikungunya problem, because it has been taken care of to some extent as the vector control unit continues to make good strides in [what]

we’re doing.”

Additionally, within the period of late last year and present, there have been just over a 100 confirmed cases, which compared to last year shows a big decrease in the number of persons contracting this virus.

“We did significantly well considering how the disease came, and if we had to compare with other Caribbean countries, we did significantly well,” he said. Dr. Rahaman further emphasised that the vector

control unit is a functioning department which is always alert, in the event of an outbreak of vector-borne diseases or health emergencies.

Although the virus is not a major threat at the moment, the unit is always on standby with the necessary equipment at hand and adequate human resources which were acquired through various training programmes carried out across the country.

DR. REYUAD RAHAMAN PUBLIC’S ROLE Dr. Rahaman stated that apart from the Vector Control Unit, the general public also has a role to play in the fight against vector-borne diseases, because the public has greater control over the tidiness and cleanliness of their surroundings.

“Once the disease is contracted, or the vector is infected, it could pass it on from place to place, so therefore, the public plays a huge part in the combat because if they can’t keep their surroundings clean and tidy, it could harbour or create breeding sites for mosquitoes,” said head of the unit.

The mosquitoes that pass on the various vector-borne diseases live right in our houses or yards, so persons are advised to destroy breeding sites such as tall grass, pots or containers which are left exposed to collect water in yards or houses. They should also ensure that water tanks which are left to collect water from gutters are covered with a net or sheet to prevent mosquitoes from breeding .

“Therefore, if the public is vigilant in carrying out the listed practices, they can help us a lot in combating these diseases,” said Dr. Rahaman.

FOGGING EXERCICES When asked whether or not fogging exercises are being carried out across the country, Dr. Rahaman said that currently, fogging has been suspended because of the current rainy weather, but he stated that the exercise is expected to resume in a few weeks, and they intend to cover Georgetown and other areas as much as possible.

He reiterated that “Guyana’s climate with its intermittent rainfall is ideal for the breeding of mosquitoes, so we may not be able to get rid of the mosquito population completely, but we could minimise them by a lot.”

MALARIA CONTROL Meanwhile, Dr Rahaman stated that over the past few years they have done a lot of work, and since 2013 they’ve been piling in the hours of intense work and“we are now seeing the fruits of our labour.”

According to Dr. Rahaman, they have seen the number of recorded malaria cases being cut in half, stating that prior to the past two decades they have not seen lower cases than what they’ve been seeing now.

In closing, he noted that the Vector Control Unit has been putting the hard work in a technical and scientific way as they continue onwards with the intention of cutting the number of recorded cases not only for malaria, but also for other vector-borne diseases as far as possible.

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February 13-19, 2015

Caribbean Star Newspaper

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

February 13-19, 2015 Caribbean Star Newspaper Murdered bus driver was planning reunion with daughters in Canada

F

riendship minibus driver Dhanshana Ram was planning to re-migrate to Canada to reunite with his daughters, who instead have travelled here for his funeral. Ram was fatally stabbed last Wednesday morning after an apparent misunderstanding with his employer.

Jamal Bacchus was last Friday charged with his murder and was remanded to prison to await the start of a preliminary inquiry into the charge.

A police statement had said at about 1:15 AM on Wednesday last, Ram sustained stab wounds about his body during an argument with another man at Timehri. The injured Ram was subsequently rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he succumbed to the injuries.

Ram will be laid to rest today.

According to Shawn Daneshram, a post-mortem examination found that his brother died as a result of multiple stab wounds. “He received four stab wounds; one was close to his heart and another missed his

lung while his internal organs were also damaged,” Daneshram said, while adding that the veins on his brother’s arms were also severed.

Daneshram, who flew in from Canada for his brother’s funeral, said that he is desperate to see justice served for his murdered brother. He revealed that he has already gone to the bus park and met with eyewitnesses, who provided accounts about the events that led to his brother’s death.

Daneshram said the confrontation stemmed from Bacchus accusing his brother of stealing a laptop computer from the bus which he operated. He expressed doubt that his brother stole the computer, since he had two laptops at his home.

However, those laptops along with other valuables were later stolen. “After persons learnt of the incident, they broke into my brother’s house and stole the laptops along with other items he had…. besides is sheer quality brand name products he uses; all his clothes and shoes are

brand-name. I sent many things for him and I know what he likes.

He didn’t even had to work,” he explained.

He was told that after being threatened, Ram remained indoors for about four days because he was trying to avoid a confrontation with Bacchus.

He said the news of Ram’s demise was a shock to his family since they were planning to meet him again in Canada. Ram, according to his brother, was obsessed with cars. “If I hear he was speeding or something like that, that would not have been a surprise because I know his style. He calls often and I know my brother was not a bad person,” Daneshram stated.

The man also pointed out that it was because of Ram’s interest in cars and accessories that he had installed an amplifier along with speaker boxes and a DVD player in Bacchus’ minibus.

The brother said that Bacchus is well known to his family and that he was also in Canada before returning to Guyana.

Ram, his brother said, was

Dhanshana Ram unlawfully deported and the embassy was resolving the matter to make allowance for him to return by April this year.

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

Ram has six daughters, including one he fathered with a Guyanese woman after he returned nine years ago.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

February 13-19, 2015

Kali Travel & Tours Director Ramesh D. Kalicharran Attends New York Times Travel Show

Photo credit:DONN THOMPSON

I

by Dr Tara Singh t seems that the only Caribbean Travel Tour Operator that attended the New York Times Travel Show that took place at Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York City, was the famous Kali Travel and Tours of Jamaica, New York. The local Queens-based travel company was represented at that magnificent event by its Director Ramesh D Kalicharran, the man who pioneered Indo-Caribbean travel to India.

Indeed Kali Travel and Tours is the only Caribbean Tour Operator that is recognized by the Government of India Tourist Board.

Among the 500 plus exhibition booths that were set up, was The India Tourist Board. India is fast becoming a favored destination by tourists from all over the world. It's fascinating history, architectural splendor, cultural diversity and democratic ideals have enormous appeal to tourists.

Kali Travel and Tours has long recognized (over 31 years ago) the importance of India as a s prized tourist destination.

These booths at the Javits Center were essentially displaying various travel products, including major cultural attractions that can be found in the 150 countries that participated in the Travel Show. The New York Times Travel Show is reputed to be the largest Travel Show in North America.

The Travel Show lasted for three days; it began on Friday January 23, 2015 and ended on Sunday January 25, 2015. Mr Ramesh D Kalicharran not only represented his company, Kali Travel and Tours, but also his homeland, Guyana. While he attended the event for one day (Sunday January 25, 2015) what he witnessed was spectacular. He watched a hive of activities at the Convention Center with thousands of people moving from booth to booth, and even watching various side shows. "It was an amazing experience. I was able to network with travel operators from Africa, Shri Lanka, the Caribbean, Europe, and other countries."

An entrance fee of $35.00 was charged per individual, but certified tour operators were exempted. Mr Kalicharran, like other Tour Operators, was given a badge that allowed him unimpeded traffic at the busy Convention Center.

The New York Times said that the purpose of the Travel Show was to develop the tools needed to be relevant and successful in today’s market….to network with peers and visit over 500+ exhibitors …..it offered a comprehensive education program designed for travel professionals…….it featured 18 focus conferences covering the latest products, services, destination information and trends as well as forecasting the future of travel.” Mr Kalicharran said that

Promoters of Tenerife welcome Ramesh D. Kalicarran, Tour Director of Kali Travel & Tours, to their travel booth.

Tenerife (/tɛnəˈriːf/; Spanish: [teneˈɾife]) is the largest and most populous island of the seven Canary Islands; it is also the most populated island of Spain, with a land area of 2,034.38 square kilometres (785 sq mi) and 898,680 inhabitants, 43 percent of the total population of the Canary Islands. Tenerife is also the largest and most populous island of Macaronesia. About five million tourists visit Tenerife each year, the most of any of the Canary Islands.[3] Tenerife hosts one of the world's largest carnivals and the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is attempting to become a World Heritage Site.[4] Tenerife is served by two airports, Tenerife North Airport and Tenerife South Airport, and is the tourism and economic centre of the archipelago.

To visit this facinating Canary Island you may visit our KT&T website at: kalitravelandtours.com

Fred Murai, CEO of Africa Safariland Tours with Ramesh D. Kalicharran

Ishrat Alam, Information Officer of India Tourism, Government of India, greets Ramesh D. Kalicharran of Kali Travel and Tours, at the travel trade show.

he has become richer for that experience and has also been able to network with so many other tour operators. He expresses his gratitude to the New York Times and to all the participants. “This event has lent greater authenticity to the tourist industry.”

Note: New Date for Magical Tour of Europe: 27th of July - 10th of August 2015 KALI TRAVEL & TOURS is uniquely qualified to organize custom made tours to satisfy the needs of any type of groups, organization or individual and to structure an itinerary appropriate to their specific needs and interests. 718-291-9292 • 917-407-9090

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A cultural heritage being displayed at Representative from Antigua & Barbuda Dept. of Tourism the Indonesia Tourist Booth. Kali with Ramesh D. Kalicharran joins them for a photo.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

February 13-19, 2015

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THE GREATEST LOVE STORY The celebration of St. Valentine’s Day has become very popular and is no longer limited to Christian circles only. Lovers use this celebration to enhance their relationships with special greeting cards, flowers and chocolates. The tender greetings has been extended to family and friends. True love is a wonderful thing. Love is the most powerful emotion, in fact, the most powerful force in the world. Because emotions tend to vary, we need to learn principles that will keep us stable and help us make right choices. We need to maintain a right perspective on the celebration of this special day, and also we must ensure our love is guided for good and not result in hurt or loss.

The story of Valentine touches your heart deeply.

St. Valentine was a Roman Priest when the Roman Emperor Claudias raised persecution against the church. He laid down an edict that prohibited the marriage of young soldiers. This was based on the assumption that unmarried soldiers fought better than married soldiers because married soldiers might be afraid of what would become of their wives or families if they died. Valentine secretly married couples that came to him with the request for marriage. Valentine was eventually arrested and imprisoned for acting contrary to the Emperor’s orders. He was tortured for his belief that God intended a man and a woman to be married and such marriage should not be prohibited by the Emperor. There are various stories told of Valentine’s life in prison. One legend told of a man called Asterius who whose daughter was blind. He brought her for Valentine to tutor her. Valentine prayed for her and she received her sight. Asterius himself became a Christian as a result.

In the year 269 AD, Valentine was sentenced to a three part execution of beat-

ing, stoning, and finally decapitation because of his stand for Christian marriage.

Valentine left a final letter to Asterius’ daughter signed “from your Valentine.”

In time, Valentine became known as the patron saint of lovers. He left an example of godly love even in anticipation of his own execution for his faith.

Celebrate the strength and beauty of Christian marriage.

The message of Valentine’s Day is properly one of honoring God’s design for marriage between a man and woman, and faithfulness in marriage at the expense of one’s own life. The enjoyment of love in marriage calls for commitment. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a Amplified Bible says: “Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not

conditional. It looks out for the highest good of the person we say we love. It never seeks a reward for itself nor expresses itself only when conditions are right. True love flows out of God’s nature. 1 John 4:7-12 says, “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.”

touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.

Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end].”

What can you do to make love flourish?

Communicate it with thought and good intention using right choice of words and non-verbal expressions – tone, facial, bodily movements. Create an environment that is conducive to fair exchange of thoughts and feelings, listening and speaking. Respect the one you say you love as well as their family values. Courtesies, kindness and honesty speak of your character and intentions. Create good memories by planning for special events.

Guard your love from intrusion. Satan seems to be rampant destroying marriages. Be sure to build on the foundation of God’s Word and prayer. Always honor God and consider the consequences of your actions.

The test of love is in giving.

Sometimes your commitment to your marriage could be tested, but remember the Bible says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Phil. 4:13. True love is unselfish and un-

Take pattern after God’s perfect love.

God’s love for us requires no payment or favor in return. His love makes it possible for us to love our enemies. “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44). Love is a decision that “I love you”, not “I love you if....”, not “I love you because....”, just simply “I love you”. This is expressed in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This is the greatest love story. If we come to Christ, we can learn of His unconditional sacrificial love, and then we can enjoy healthy loving relationships. If you give love, you never lose; it will come back to you!

Take your family to church this weekend.

Pastor Haniff Bacchus Calvary Assembly

of God

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

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

February 13-19, 2015

Thursday, August 29,July 201311 - 18, 2014 Caribbean Star Newspaperstress-related 5 15 depression - study

Marijuana could help treat

EqualityNews.ca

Political spite Wanted Trinidad police officer PITBULL KILLS GRANNY D

ried Marijuana or Cannabis Bud noids – naturally produced chemical com“Chronic stress is one of the major stress-related depression. on White BackgroundNEW YORK, pounds in the brain that affect motor con- causes of depression,” said Dr Samir HajDr Haj-Dahmane also pointed out that United States, Tuesday February trol, cognition, emotions and behaviour Dahmane of the University’s Research In- the research is at a very early stage.

10, 2015 – A controversial new study, – leading to depression. stitute on Addictions.

“Our research thus far has used animal which challenges previous research linkEndocannabinoids are nevertheless “Using compounds derived from can- models; there is still a long way to go being marijuana to increased rates of mental similar to the chemicals found in mari- nabis to restore normal endocannabinoid fore we know whether this can be effecillness, has suggested that the herb could juana (cannabis) and its active ingredi- function could potentially help stabilise tive in humans,” he said. be used to treat depression that results ent, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), moods and ease depression.”

“However, we have seen that some peofrom long term stress. which could be used to restore endocanThe study, which was published in the ple who suffer from post-traumatic stress Ramlogan said there was An 84-year-old great edgeable when it came to incident occurred.

Scientists found that chronic stress nabinoids levels in the brain, according to journal Neuroscience,July did 9, not2014, indicateCMC disorder reported relief using mariORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, – Ahave police officer coman Wednesday undertaking within grandmother was yesterday the training of dogs and reduced the production of endocannabi- researchers at the University of Buffalo. which form of marijuana would best treat juana.”

A former head of the now- But he said that “reconsidParliamentofthat Azizul hours Rahaman after of thea photo mauled to death by a family disagreed with themitted deci- Dr suicide hisheappeared on aDrtelevision programme Haj-Dahmane added the next defunct state-owned Guy- eration neverthat occurred; the pitbull. sion of the dog’s owner to Jones Animal Clinic exam- would accommodate cerstep in the research is to determine ana Airwayshosted Corporationbyairline was eventually sold Lillian Bunsee had never carry out the training at the ined the dog and confirmed tain amendments based a senior pousing aand marijuana has blamed whether government within extract, less thancannaa year it was one of the danger- on suggestions from Indeventured close to the dogs house. bidiol (CBD), restores normal lice officer that heinbehaviours was officials for the current the airline was total chaous dogs referred to in the pendent Senators and also as she had been attacked the animals to depenaviation woesain gripping the without os, ” Khanleading charged. in the past, but yesterday “Aggression training within Dog Control Bill which was from members of the Opfugitive from the law. dence on the drug. Previous studies have country. morning one of the dogs your own environment and passed in Parliament last position. nonetheless found that that smoking He said priormarijuato this, escaped from its kennel and training of dogs within your month but is yet to be pro- The Independent Senators na increases the of depression, Constable Madeira, Former GAC General Christopher therisk state-owned entityanxhad had already forwarded again attacked her, this time own household where you claimed, police said. iety,Khan psychosis and schizophrenia.

Last who had been on making suspension Manager, Fazal is been strides.from killing her. have ageable people or fam- Rahaman removed some their suggestions to him, October, a definitive 20-year studySerinto the Trinidad and Tobago Police adamant that political ily members in your house of the animals and locked but he was still awaiting the financial effects ofdied long-term marijuana use spite rather than “We had 80 percent the Opposition’s before the Neighbours said the dog vice (TTPS), afterabout he ingested that itofis the addictive, menor operational problems market shares in Act is proclaimed by Presiwas one of approximately a concluded quantity of weedicide oncauses Tuesday. door forced the tal health problems and opens the the country, dent Anthony Carmona. ten which were bred and to picture hard drugs.

The posted paper on by Professor closure ofHis while receivbeing given aggression had been the teleWayne Hall, a drugs advisor ing to the World the airlinevision not a co cent “This bill is clearly needed. training in preparation for programme “Beyond the Tape” foundthe smokback in the Health Organisation (WHO), from govI would like those persale by two of the woman’s hosted by Inspector Roger Alexander. late nineties, ing marijuana doubles the risk ernment.

Not of developsons who argue that there relatives. and it is one ing psychotic disorders. even when should be no legislation to post carried wordsalso “The first of the ma-TheProfessor we requested control these dangerous Never once did the resiHall’sthe findings indicated of the protective services to jor reasonsmember to regularly borrow dogs, I would like them to dents hear Bunsee scream that one-in-six teenagers who the ‘Wall of Shame” is Christopher G u y a n e s egrace only half pay a visit to the relatives for help but only noticed smoked the drug became dependent on it,a If youusers see Madeira, do not apare payingMadeira. dolof victims to explain their she was being attacked as and cannabis did worsemillion at school. e x o r b i t a ntproach lars from the position and to offer some they walked along the roador confront him since he is conMeanwhile, US researchers found the prices tosidered government condolence. I am calling way close to her home on armed and extremely dangerbrains of users were less able to react to travel upous…instead afterstation, running upon them to go pay them La Seiva Road, Maraval.

ANY police dopamine, thecall “feel-good” chemical that North. into debt that a visit and to offer them Police said it was shortly afprompts the feeling “get-up-and-go.”

623-0362/ 4968 or of send an e-mail to

Bloody attack oncommits 84-year-old suicide woman caused after being closure at Maraval home on ‘Wall of Shame’ placed

of local airline

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

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

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

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

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

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

CPR

Training

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

He said he was also knowl-

some compensation,” said Ramlogan.

Section 19 of the Dog Control Act:

FAMILY PHOTO: 84-year-old Lillian Bunsee who was mauled to death by a pitbull yesterday in her own home. is a no no. Aggression is not the type of training to do within that environment.

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

them away at the clinic yesterday evening. He told the Express the dogs were being temporarily kept at the animal hospital until the other owner makes a decision “on what he is going to do with them”.

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

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

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

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

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

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

With the passing of the bill,

19. (1) Where a class A dog injures a person, without reasonable cause whether in a public place or on private premises, the owner or keeper of the dog commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $100,000 and to imprisonment for five years.

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

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

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

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

The formerbeyondthetape@tv6tnt.com could Former GAC GM Fazal we if you havenot aviation ofavoid, did informationKhan that could help the poficial is conthey give it.” vinced thatlice capture this fugitive from the law”.

Understatehisof photograph, it that stat-deGuyana’s current Khan continued ed that he could was wanted charges affairs is one spite for hugetwo expenditures, of misbehaving have been avoided, with GACinwaspublic making,office, “three, and failure court. the continuance of the tofourappear and fiveinmillion dol“prosperous and devel- lars pre-tax yearly. We oping” state-owned car- alleged had very junioranand The charges thatgood he and rier being preserved and officer, senior staff.

PeopleLenwere other police Corporal prized for itsnox functioning sent for university educaJohn, knowingly and wilfully and importance to Guyation in marketing, aviation handed over a loaded firearm and nese travelers. management and diploma a bullet-proof vest belonging to the courses.” He boasted that and Tobago Service.

“They didn’tTrinidad know they as far asPolice he is aware Guy-

Anand Goolsarran considering launching political party

were making a mistake ana Airways was the first who regional was airline last stationed because theyMadeira, do not unto offer free at the Scarborough Police Stationon derstand aviation, ” Khan headphones and alcohol Tobago, also told KaieteurinNews.

“They was board the charged aircraft. sepwere totallyarately clueless with and handing over a loadhad they known it was and a Hea continued thatvest.

Guyed pistol bullet-proof ormer mistake, they would haveAuditor ana General Airways Anand grew Goolto fly sarran considering a never done He it, but byreleased the is five tolaunching New(One York, was on flights TT$150,000 party to contest the times upcoming gentime they realized, it was and three to ToronTT dollar = US$0.16 cents) bail, oralready too late, he said sources to, weekly, eral” elections, say. while trips indered to surrender his passport to in a recent interview at his creased during completed peak sumGoolsarran, who recently court and report to the ScarborQueenstownthe residence. mer seasons with North an international assignment, is said to ough Police Station twice weekly.

American Airlines having be contemplating forming a party as he Khan believesisthat he was intocontinuing be chartered to aid the the interested to serve Pathologist Dr Valery Alexandrov, “pushed aside” as head influx of travelers.

GAC country. performedwas theable autopsy Tuesday, of the GACwho forGoolsarran, expressto increase its feet who served as Auditor ing his reservations about of planes under his stewsaid that he found approximately 200 General during a crucial period when the one political cubic appointment. ardship. centimetres of the substance public accounts of the country needed to According to Khan, he inbehis stomach, which amounted reconstructed, has over the last to few realized thatapproximately the lack of Khan said for time years taken a astrong stancetheonfirst transregular-sized glass. forward-thinking in need the for country’s history parencymanand the rigid financial agement would destroy there were local pilots who accountability by theisgovernment.

“The major problem that there isHenorethe GAC andcently he therewere captains on jets. served as head of theiflocal transSo it doesn’t matter someone fore gave theantidote. then powers parency body and writes abottle. weekly column drinks one teaspoon or a The some eight months to re-News “The first choice forrepasin Stabroek on accountability. sultposition is the same, the pathologist added. consider their of ”sengers was removing him. ...contnue on page 8

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

February 13-19, 2015

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February 13-19, 2015

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February 13-19, 2015 Caribbean Star Newspaper In due time: Life insurance makes it easy to support a favorite charity

As Americans, we can take pride in the fact that we are a nation of givers. In 2012, U.S. households and individuals donated more than $228 billion dollars to non-profit organizations.

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till, the recession has taken its toll, and many of us have had to scale back our contributions as a result. In fact, charitable giving has declined by more than $30 billion since 2007 (in inflation-adjusted dollars).1 Given the uncertain economy, it’s easy to see why many of us are reluctant to part with 1) Brenda Gazzar, Los Angeles Daily News, “Charitable giving on the rise as economy improves,” November 22, 2013.

money that we may need later on. Fortunately, there is a way to support a favorite charity— without having to worry about the impact it could have on our family or lifestyle. It’s called the gift of life insurance, and here are just a few ways to use this proven financial strategy: • Donate an existing policy—If you already have a policy and no longer need the death benefit, you can irre-

vocably transfer ownership of the policy to your desired charity. While the charity will be responsible for any remaining premium payments, they will also receive the full death benefit when you die.

• List the charity as a beneficiary—As the owner, you remain in control of your policy and can leave money to as many beneficiaries as you like: children, grandchildren—even multiple charities. Or you can name a single charity the sole beneficiary and it will receive the entire amount.

• Purchase a separate policy—There are times when it makes sense to have separate policies: one for families and friends, and one for charitable gifts. This technique can prove especially helpful if you would like to retain ownership of one policy, but not the other.

• Create a Charitable Remainder Trust: While this planned giving tool is designed to shelter appreciated assets such as stocks and real estate, it can also incorporate life insurance if set up correctly. Be sure to consult a trust attorney before pursuing this approach.

Giving life insurance can be a lasting and recession-proof way to support a worthy cause. And, depending on the method you choose, it may also offer a variety of tax-benefits as well.

This educational, third-party article is 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.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper US$29 million in cocaine found on St Vincent flagged vessel in Caribbean Sea

February 13-19, 2015

Coast Guard And Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Interdicted The 267-Foot St. Vincent And Grenadines Flag Coastal Freighter Atlantic Vii, A Small Boat Delivery Vessel Transporting A $29 Million Dollar Cocaine Shipment And Apprehended 13 Smugglers Off The Northern Coast Of Puerto Rico Feb. 3, 2015. Federal Law Enforcement Authorities Involved In The Interdiction Were Working In Support Of The Caribbean Border Interagency Group’s (Cbig) Operation Caribbean Guard And The Caribbean Corridor Strike Force. (U.s. Coast Guard Photo)

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AN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Wednesday February 11, 2015, CMC - The United States law enforcement authorities say they have seized 989 kilogrammes of cocaine on a vessel carrying a St. Vincent and the Grenadines flag in the Caribbean Sea.

The US Coast Guard said it had collaborated the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in the exercise that also netted 13 men after detaining a delivery vessel and

coastal freighter, about eight miles off the coast of Puerto Rico.

Two Venezuelan nationals were charged “with conspiracy to import the aforementioned cocaine shipment,” the Coast Guard said, adding that the cocaine has an estimated street value of US$29 million.

It said that the other suspects detained on the 267-foot St. Vincent and Grenadines flag coastal freighter Atlantic VII were from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Peru, panama and Ecuador. They were also charged with conspiracy to import a controlled substance into the United States.

The cocaine shipment, the detained smugglers, and the delivery vessel were transported to Coast Guard Sector San Juan, and transferred to ICE agents for further investigation, the Coast Guard said.

“Once again the combined efforts of federal law enforcement agencies resulted in the seizure of millions of dollars’ worth of narcotics. Our message continues to be the same:

we will detect and interdict drug smugglers attempting to flood our island with their poisonous cargo,” said Rosa Emilia Rodriguez-Velez, US Attorney for the

District of Puerto Rico.

“These arrests are a clear indication of the continued success of the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force,” she added.

A $29 Million Dollar Cocaine Shipment, Weighing Approximately 989 Kilograms (2,176 Pounds) Is Offloaded At Coast Guard Sector San Juan Following A Multiagency At-Sea Drug Interdiction Involving A Small Boat Delivery Vessel, The 267-Foot St. Vincent And Grenadines Flag Coastal Freighter Atlantic Vii And 13 Suspected Smugglers Off The Northern Coast Of Puerto Rico Feb. 3, 2015.

Federal Law Enforcement Authorities Involved In The Interdiction Were Working In Support Of The Caribbean Border Interagency Group’s (Cbig) Operation Caribbean Guard And The Caribbean Corridor Strike Force. (U.s. Coast Guard Photo)

Violent clashes in Haiti between police and protesters over high fuel costs

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rotestors say they will set up new roadblocks on Tuesday following Monday’s clash with police over high fuel costs that left several people injured.

The clashes follow the decision by the police to remove roadblocks in the capital set up by the anti-government protestors.

Earlier, newly installed Prime Minister Evans Paul had said the government would move to assure the safety of law abiding citizens after the protestors had warned people to remain off the streets.

Paul said that his new government cannot lower the price of gas.

It’s not that we do not want to, it’s because we are not able to,” he added.

Last week, the government announced a reduction in fuel prices, reducing gasoline

to 195 gourdes ($4.25) per gallon from 215 gourdes ($4.62).

The government said the protests would damage the country’s economy and create “devastating consequences for the most vulnerable people in our population”.

But the protestors who are also calling for the resignation of President Michel Martelly have vowed to continue their action on Tuesday and have warned drivers they would be putting their lives at risk if they enter the city.

The French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country owes Venezuela an estimated US$1.5 billion under the PetroCaribe initiative through which Caracas provides oil on preferential rates to several Caribbean countries.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

February 13-19, 2015

“All proceeds will go towards current

litigation by Shri Prakash Gossai Followers”

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February 13-19, 2015

Caribbean Star Newspaper

World News Highlights

stay indoors as a large toxic cloud spread over the area. | Video NIAMEY - Thousands of civilians fled their homes in the southeastern Niger town of Diffa this week, officials said on Thursday, following waves of cross-border raids and suicide bombings by Nigerian militant group Boko Haram.

NIAMEY - A suspected local leader of Nigeria’s Boko Haram Islamist group was arrested and several weapons including rocket launchers seized from his home in the town of Diffa in southern Niger on Thursday, security sources said.

MADRID - Three people were injured in an explosion at a chemical plant in northern Spain on Thursday and authorities advised residents of several small towns near Barcelona to

C

ALIFORNIA, USA, Wednesday February 11, 2015 – Barbados’ pop princess Rihanna, and Ziggy Marley, oldest son of Jamaica’s legendary Bob Marley, each took home an award from the 57th Annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday night.

The 26-year-old “We Found Love” singer added another trophy to her collection with best rap/ sung collaboration for “The Monster”with Eminem, beating out Kanye West and Charlie Wilson’s “Bound 2,” ScHoolboy Q featuring BJ The Chicago Kid’s “Studio,” I Love Makonnen featuring Drake’s “Tuesday,” and Common featuring Jhene Aiko’s “Black Majik.”

The “Diamonds” girl also sparkled on stage with a live performance of her new collaboration with Kanye West and Sir Paul McCartney titled “Four Five Seconds,” a catchy number off her forthcoming eighth studio album.”

ZIGGY Marley bagged his third award as a solo artist with his concept album, “Fly Rasta,” getting the nod for best reggae album over SOJA’s “Amid the Noise,” Sly & Robbie featuring Spicy Chocolate’s “The Reggae Power,” Lee “Scratch” Perry’s “Back on The Controls,” Sean Paul’s “Full Frequency,” and Shaggy’s “Out of Many, One Music.”

The night nevertheless be-

CARACAS - Venezuelan troops blocked students during marches against President Nicolas Maduro on Thursday as pro-government supporters also rallied on the anniversary of 2014 protests that led to 43 deaths.

ADEN, Yemen - Al Qaeda-linked fighters seized a large army base in a dawn attack in southern Yemen on Thursday, militants and residents said, hours after the United Nations warned that the country was on the brink of civil war.

UNITED NATIONS - The United Nations warned on Thursday that Yemen is “collapsing before our eyes”, on the brink of civil war and prime

for Al Qaeda militants to grow stronger in the country as talks on a political settlement continue.

MINSK - Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine agreed a deal offering a “glimmer of hope” for an end to conflict in eastern Ukraine on Thursday, but the United States said continued, intense fighting ran counter to the spirit of the accord.

KIEV/DONETSK, Ukraine Ukraine said on Thursday that pro-Russian rebels had reinforced their positions with tanks and missile systems in east Ukraine while marathon four-nation talks were taking place the previous night.

BUDAPEST - A Hungarian newspaper usually loyal to Prime Minister Viktor Orban

printed an attack against him on Thursday in a fresh salvo by the paper’s co-owner who has turned on his former friend and threatens to undermine him.

CAPE TOWN - South African security officers removed far-left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) lawmakers from parliament on Thursday after they disrupted President Jacob Zuma’s State-Of-The-Nation speech and members of the main opposition walked out in protest.

CAPE TOWN - South African security officers removed far-left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) lawmakers from parliament on Thursday after they disrupted President Jacob Zuma’s State-Of-The-Nation speech and members of the main opposition walked out in protest.

BUENOS AIRES - A former inmate of the U.S. prison in Guantanamo Bay traveled from his new home in Uruguay to neighboring Argentina in recent days on a mission to lobby the government to provide refuge to inmates still imprisoned in Cuba.

BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT The European Central Bank raised the pressure on Greece to extend an international bailout deal on Thursday, as new leftist Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras told EU leaders austerity was killing his economy and an alternative had to be found.

BRUSSELS - Greek negotiators will meet officials of the troika of EU, ECB and IMF soon, most likely in Brussels on Friday, to prepare Monday’s key Eurogroup meeting on debt talks, an EU official said on Thursday, raising hopes of a possible deal.

Rihanna, Ziggy Marley grab Grammys

Rihanna, and Ziggy Marley, oldest son of Jamaica’s legendary Bob Marley, each took home an award from the 57th Annual Grammy Awards longed to British singer Sam Smith, who took home four awards for best new artist, best pop vocal album, record of the year and song of the year.

The “In The Lonely Hour” star gave a touching speech about trying to make it in music industry. He tried to lose weight, but the music was still “awful,” he admitted.

“It was only when I started to be myself that the music started to flow and people started to listen,” said Smith, who later took the stage to sing with collaborator Mary J. Blige.

It was also a great night for rocker Beck, who scored best rock album and album of the year for “Morning Phase,” his 12th stu-

dio release. The latter award was something of an upset victory, with signs pointing to Beyonce’s “Beyonce” and others in the category, including Smith and Ed Sheeran.

Even Beck looked shocked to hear his name called.

The best R&B performance Grammy nevertheless went to Beyonce and her husband Jay Z for “Drunk in Love.”

“This is such an honour,” Queen Bey said before telling Jay Z: “I love you deep.”

No one except Pharrell Williams seemed surprised when he scored for best pop solo performance for his phenomenal hit “Happy,” topping Smith, Taylor Swift, Sia and John Legend.

“I’m not going to make this awkward and long…I was so prepared for everybody who is so talented in that category to walk away with that award,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rosanne Cash scored three Grammys, and Beyonce, Pharrell, Eminem and Kendrick Lamar each walked away with two before the awards show even started. Beyonce won best R&B song for “Drunk in Love” and surround sound album for her self-titled album.

Pharrell’s “G I R L” nabbed best music video for the irresistible “Happy.”

Eminem won best rap album, topping Iggy Azalea, as well as best rap/sung collaboration with Rihanna. Star-studded performances kicked off with AC/DC playing a medley of songs, including “Highway to Hell,” that got the audience rocking.

Ariana Grande went on to cool the pace down with “Just a Little Bit of Your Heart,” while Miranda Lambert – the night’s best country album winner – delivered an upbeat performance of “Little Red Wagon.” Country singers Eric Church and Brandy Clark also performed, as did Madonna, showcasing her new single, “Livin’ For Love.”

Musical duets and collaborations featured prominently throughout the three-and-a-half-hour show.

Ed Sheeran performed “Thinking Out Loud” with John Mayer, Herbie Hancock and Questlove, while ELO’s Jeff Lynne took the stage to perform “Mr. Blue Sky” and “Evil Woman,” with Sheeran joining him on guitar and vocals.

“The Voice” judges Gwen Stefani and Adam Levine sang “My Heart is Open,” while Jessie J performed with Tom Jones, and Usher took the stage with Stevie Wonder. Irish singer Hozier brought out Annie Lennox for his breakout hit “Take Me to Church.” The pair then teamed up for a sultry rendition of “I Put a Spell On You.” Grammy winners Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett also brought their classic duets to the stage, while Beck and Chris Martin of Coldplay dueted together as well.

Even President Barack Obama made an appearance in a taped video clip to relay a message about sexual assault as part of “It’s on Us,” an anti-domestic violence campaign the Obama administration launched last year. The president’s speech led into Katy Perry’s performance of “By the Grace of God.” The curtain came down on the 2015 Grammys with performances by Beyonce singing “Take My Hand Precious Lord” and Common and John Legend linking up for “Glory” from the civil rights movie “Selma.”

Caribbean Star Newspaper Feelings

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ai Seeta Ram. My name is Ishwari Kellawan and I am a blessed member of the Shaanti Bhavan Naujavaan Mandalee Youth Group. In this article, I will be explaining some tips on how to be more aware of others feelings. I will also be explaining some ways to make a person feel better about their emotions. Everyone has feelings. You may be young or old but you still have them whether they are good or bad. In the modern world, not many people remember to be aware of others feelings.

One way that you can become more aware of others feelings is by understanding their personalities. You should try to inquire about what they prefer, what they like to do, and even some things that they don’t like. This way, you can understand what may or may not hurt them if you say it. For example, you may not want to mention anything that can offend someone.

Another way that you can become more aware of others feelings is by concentrating on a person’s mood. You may not want to hurt someone’s feelings when they’re in a bad mood. This can upset them and make them break down on the inside. The final way that you can become more aware of others feelings is by simply treating a person the way that you would like to be treated. If you would not like to be called names or made fun of, don’t do it to others.

If you happen to notice that someone is sad, worried, or upset about something, you should probably try to lift their mood. One way that you can do this is by comforting them. This can be done by approaching a person and asking them what’s wrong. You should let that person talk until their done so that they can get something “off their chest.” This way they will feel more com-

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fortable and relaxed. Another way that you can make someone feel better about their emotions is by diverting their mind away from their feelings. You should suggest doing something that they love to do. This way, that person will be occupied by something they enjoy instead of feeling down.

Lastly, the final way that you can help to lift someone’s mood is by simply helping them as another human being. In other words, you should try to help share the pain with someone. I would personally recommend making a person feel better about themselves. This will make a person feel like they are loved and cared for. Always remember that everyone is human and the best way to acknowledge this fact is by embracing it. In conclusion, I would like to leave you with an inspiring quote which is, “Don’t play with others feelings just because you’re unsure of your own.” ~Unknown Jai Ho!!!

Police sources told Newsday the DNA results only arrived from England early yesterday and relatives of Rampersad and Martinez were informed of the results which confirmed the identities.

This means that the children of Rampersad can now ask a funeral home to remove the bodies of Rampersad, her granddaughter Shania and family friend Martinez from the Forensic Science Centre for preparation for funeral services.

Newsday understands that due to the state of decomposition of the bodies the caskets will remain sealed.

Rampersad’s common-law husband Peter Sylvester told Newsday, “I am happy that I can now finally bury my madam, my granddaughter and our dear family friend.

This brings a certain level of peace and closure for all of us in what has been a horrible, ugly chapter in our lives.”

He said waiting months for the results was painful because apart from dealing with the loss of his loved ones, he also had to endure the uncertainty of not knowing for sure if the bodies were those of his loved ones.

Sylvester has long since returned to the house he once shared with Rampersad but says sleeping alone is something he hasn’t gotten used to.

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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

PEACE AT LAST

EACE at last and closure have come for relatives, friends and neighbours, who, after waiting for close to 100 days, have received confirmation that the bodies found in the Brasso Seco forests are indeed their murdered loved ones Irma Rampersad, her granddaughter Shania Amoroso, one, and family friend Felix Martinez.

As such, the families of Rampersad, Amoroso and Martinez are free to hold funeral services and say their final, tearful farewell to them. The three victims were brutally murdered in the forests sometime between October 26 and November 11, last year.

Yesterday, senior Homicide Investigations Bureau sources said investigators received the results of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) tests from England which confirmed the identities of Rampersad, baby Shania and Martinez.

Local police sent blood samples of relatives of the three murder victims to a Forensic lab in England to facilitate the DNA tests to assist investigators in formally identifying the victims since their bodies were in advanced stages of decomposition when found by teams of persons who daily led searches in the dense Brasso Seco forests.

February 13-19, 2015

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SEC sues Cayman Islands bank and four other companies

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he United States regulatory agency, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has sued the Cayman Islands-based Caledonian Bank and four other companies, claiming that they took more than US$75 million from unregistered sales of “virtually worthless” penny stocks.

The SEC sued Caledonian Bank, Caledonian Securities, Clear Water Securities, Legacy Global Markets, and Verdmont Capital, in US federal district court in Manhattan.

The Caledonian defendants are based in the Cayman Islands. Clearwater and Legacy are based in Belize, and Verdmont in Panama.

All of the allegations were the same, the SEC said in its 39-page complaint.

First, they filed “bogus registration statements” with the SEC, purporting to register securities to public shareholders, though there were no such sales and the securities stayed in the control of the issuers and their affiliates.

“In the sham offerings, the issuers pretended to sell securities to share-

holders in such places as Serbia, Mexico, Ireland, Norway, Panama and Jamaica,” said the SEC in the court filing.

It alleged that the restricted securities were then “passed off” as free-trading stocks in the United States and sold to the public.

The agency claims the defendants operated as affiliates, dealers, sales outlets and underwriters, in connection with four shell companies: Swingplane Ventures, Goff Corp., Nostra Energy and Xuamnii Inc. “These violations occurred simultaneously with aggressive and extensive promotion campaigns for the penny stocks of those shell companies,” the SEC said.

The defendants’ unregistered sales of securities generated more than $75 million in proceeds on penny stocks that were virtually worthless and whose prices fell to their former token levels within months of the defendants’ sales.”.

The SEC is seeking disgorgement, restitution, penalties and an injunction, according to the court papers filed.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

February 13-19, 2015

“Even though you have been betrayed, loyal people are still needed in this world. Never let anger decide who you will be in life” — Vp Premier

WEEKLY HOROSCOPE

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

The key to a happy beginning of the week – a week that’s full of accomplishment? Look at the long view, and look at your experiences in the larger context of the world around you. Everything’s interconnected, after all. Around Wednesday and Thursday, some time alone is time well spent; you need to think now. There’s something going on beneath the surface, so uncover it. From Friday afternoon through the weekend, you’re raring to go – anything exciting and different will match your mood, and meeting new people brings great opportunities of all kinds.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22)

Your nice little home environment is subject to disruptions at the beginning of the week. For you, this can be very unsettling, so plan soothing activities out in the world (like a massage or your favorite walk perhaps). Around Wednesday and Thursday, hesitation isn’t wimpy, it’s smart. Gather more information, and get a consultation from a coworker or a friend. When in doubt, just say no. Expect a little tension between your social life and private time from Friday afternoon through the weekend. There are lots of demands on you now; set good priorities and take care of yourself.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 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)

Keep an eye out for anything and anyone a bit different at the beginning of the week. A fire drill, a chance encounter with a stranger, a chance to try something you’ve never done – they’re all windows of potential transformation. Jump through!

Around Wednesday and Thursday, remember that an important part of relationships is letting people have space and letting them be themselves. Offer open-ended support, and you’ll be beloved. You’ve got charm to burn from Friday afternoon through the weekend, and luckily you’ve also got the smarts to see who’s genuine and who’s putting on an act.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(May 21-June 20)

Romance is on tap at the beginning of the week, so don’t save those big dates, big questions or big proclamations for later. Fun and flirtation follow you now. Around Wednesday and Thursday, slow down for your mental and physical health’s sake. Attend to your emotional state – why exactly are you feeling this way? – and also be sure to take care of yourself. For someone so versatile of mind, you’ve got a tendency to cling to your own point of view from Friday afternoon through the weekend.

Maybe you’re right, but at least listen to those with different ideas.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

The beginning of the week may seem like a funny time for romance, but love works in mysterious ways. Be ready to rearrange your schedule accordingly! Around Wednesday and Thursday, others may be satisfying on the surface, but you want to know more. Delve deeper and increase your understanding exponentially. Then, from Friday afternoon through the weekend, you’ve got the kind of adventurous, fun energy that makes all sorts of things happen.

Decide what you want and go for it – or just follow your own sweet instincts. Take your time.

If indecision strikes at the beginning of the week, look to those you admire and respect. (Think: Who do I know who makes really, really good decisions?) They’ll be happy to help, and you’ll be glad you asked. Around Wednesday and Thursday, feed your head – you’ll be bored and restless if you’re not learning or doing new things. Meeting new people is extra fun now, too. From Friday afternoon through the weekend, life may involve interruptions and assorted delays. Find a way to kick-start a situation or bring a book to while away the time in a meaningful way.

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do on Monday and Tuesday, which look to be terrific days for you across the board. You’ve got plenty of energy for accomplishing tons at work – and after hours, you’re hot!

Around Wednesday and Thursday, though, work issues may occupy a lot of your attention. Keep your priorities (more money? More free time? Doing good? Making a name for yourself?) in the front of your mind. From Friday afternoon through the weekend, your balancing act is beautiful – brains and beauty, talking and listening, and much, much more.

You’re close, but you’re just not quite getting it at the beginning of the week. Whether it’s a work issue or an interpersonal matter, you need to keep looking to find the right solution. Around Wednesday and Thursday, however, you’re finding what you’ve sought – and more, if the stars have their say. Your personal power is peaking, and all sorts of opportunities are knocking, even romantic ones. But watch out for getting too caught up in something that may be fleeting from Friday afternoon through the weekend. Be wise and look at the long term.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

Dive in and keep busy at the beginning of the week. Getting something going, whether at work or elsewhere, is easy now – just be subtle about it. There will be plenty of time for horn-tooting later! Around Wednesday and Thursday, get organized, both in terms of your physical surroundings and your headspace. Figure out where those feelings are coming from and move forward with personal power. You’re not one to give up easily, so avoid doing so from Friday afternoon through the weekend – though you might need to slow down to succeed. It’s counterintuitive, but it just might work.

Your nemesis could become your best friend or greatest ally at the beginning of the week, or you might find that you suddenly like something you’ve always hated. Give it a whirl and transform your world. Around Wednesday and Thursday, your different, deeper perspective may be at odds with that of those around you. Will you tell them about it or keep it to yourself? Everything’s more in balance from Friday afternoon through the weekend, and you’ll love parties, groups and games now. Plan something that puts together all three and you’ll be an all-star.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

GEMINI

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Make your own fun at the beginning of the week, and you’ll make the world much brighter for those around you, too – not to mention that they’ll love you.

Just be sure you’re taking time with decisions now.

Around Wednesday and Thursday, you’re in a more serious mode, and rightfully so. You’ve got something to sort out, and the sooner the better. From Friday afternoon through the weekend, however, the good times start rolling again. If you throw in some fresh scenes and fresh faces, the momentum’s gonna get pretty unstoppably great.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20)

To heck with the status quo as the week begins – you’ve got a bigger, better idea, and it’s time to enact it. If money’s involved, however, make sure you’re not taking too big of a risk. Around Wednesday and Thursday, be watchful and dig around a little. You can find out something now that’ll really come in handy, whether it’s work-related or interpersonal. Speaking of work, take time off from Friday afternoon through the weekend – or at least try to stay away from your boss. Meanwhile, when it comes to relationships, consider carefully how the things you say come across.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

February 13-19, 2015

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Entertainment News

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SAY SORRY, MACHEL

rganisers of Fatima College’s annual all-inclusive are calling on reigning Soca Monarch Machel Montano to apologise for his “upsetting and unprofessional” behaviour at the $950-a-ticket Carnival fete last Saturday night.

President of the Fatima Old Boys’ Association, Dwight Andrews, told the Express yesterday that the organising committee and the principal of Fatima College, Fr Gregory Augustine, found Montano’s behaviour to be “deplorable”. He added that they were still in discussions with his management regarding some “suitable compensation”.

He said: “We at Fatima deplore the behaviour of Mr Montano and we are pursuing discussions right now with his management, as this is not a matter that we intend to treat lightly or just leave alone.”

Andrews added that Montano’s claim of a faulty sound system appeared to be unsubstantiated and insisted that if there was a problem, Montano did not handle it in the proper manner.

“The sound system is the same one that was used last year when Mr Montano performed last year and it was the same sound system that all the other bands used on the night.

His actions have the potential of damag-

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MUST APOLOGISE’: Reigning Soca Monarch Machel Montano performs at the Carnival all-inclusive on Saturday night at Fatima College, Mucurapo Road, Mucurapo. ing our brand when we are of the opinion that there was absolutely nothing wrong— and, we are further of the opinion that even if something was wrong that there is a method and a way that anybody who purports to be a professional would carry themselves and deal with such problems and that method—which we have all been taught by our elders, teachers and others— definitely wasn’t followed,” he said.

At many of his appearances this Carnival season, Montano has complained about technical issues and was both seen and heard arguing with band members onstage several times during performances at various events. With the atmosphere ripe for his appearance at Fatima’s all inclusive on Saturday, he delivered an anti-climax of disappointment to patrons when his appearance was marred with a troubled opening sequence, the sudden removal of the “island” section of the stage that jutted into the audience and a series of unflattering remarks about the sound system, the organisers and the professionalism of the other bands on the billing.

Montano, a multiple Road March winner, performed at the Fatima all-inclusive for the first time last year following an intervention by then-minister of sport Anil Roberts who is a past pupil of the seven-year college. He returned to the event last Saturday night for the second year and his performance was highly-anticipated to bring the event to a successful conclusion.

His behaviour and language on stage at a fete in Tobago last month was also criticised, but he denied the incident which was reported by the Express.

Attempts to contact the singer’s management yesterday proved futile.

Aaron wins with ‘Grammy’

uch like the music suthe limousine he shouted, “Long perstars who graced the live calypso” as his supporters red carpet of the Stacheered him on. ples Centre, in Los Angeles, for After being announced the the Grammy Awards on Sunday winner, Duncan thanked God, his evening, young calypsonian Aarmother Lydia and his fans for all on Duncan yesterday arrived on their support. stage at the Queen’s Park Sa“It was a lot of hard work to get vannah, Port-of-Spain in a white the limo, thanking God for makstretch limousine and ran away ing everything go through,” he with the Junior Calypso Monarch said. crown.

Placing second was Desle JuYesterday’s win made it Dunlien, of St Mary’s College, Portcan’s fourth time winning the of-Spain, with his song “D King” title. His song “Grammy Awards” in which he paid tribute to calypand his performance captivated so legend The Mighty Sparrow, the audience as it was done with Slinger Francisco. style.

Wearing a black suit, Julien Before the student of Trinidanced across the stage mimickty Junior School, Port-of-Spain ing Sparrow’s moves which the began his performance, the red audience loved. carpet was rolled out for him and In third place was Sharissa as a white limousine was driven Camejo, of Holy Name Convent, on stage, the audience began to Port-of-Spain, singing, “Edward cheer and when Duncan, wearthe Predator” a clever song about ing a black suit and black bow the Ebola virus. In her perfortie came out of the vehicle, his mance, when she began her song, classmates and other students Superstar: Paparazzi photographers, portrayed by there were problems with her miscreamed and applauded. crophone and she was not being students, rush to photograph Aaron Duncan after his In his song, the 11-year-old arrival in a limousine at Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-ofheard. Her classmates screamed sang that the new generation will Spain where he went on to win his fourth Junior Calypso out, “No!” forcing her to stop and one day hold a Grammy Award for Monarch crown yesterday. officials asked her to start again. calypso. He noted that soca stars In addition to the $25,000, Ian “Bunji Garlin” Alvarez and Machel Montano received Soul Duncan won a trophy and trip to Barbados to be a guest at their Train awards for their music and one day calypso’s time will come. Junior Monarch finals later this year. Second place received a As he wrapped up his performance, Duncan was presented trophy and $20,000, third $15,000, fourth $10,000 and fifth to with an award by a young woman and before exiting the stage in 16th place won $5,000.

Cordial At Best: When Kareena Kapoor Stole A March Over Abhishek Bachchan

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recent college celebration saw a galaxy of VVIPs from all walks of lives descending to celebrate the institute’s 75 glorious years of existence.

From Nita Ambani to Ram Jethmalani, from Mumbai police chief Rakesh Maria to noted journalist Shekhar Gupta, the who’s who of India were in attendance. The proceedings for the evening were kickstarted by the Governor of Maharashtra Shri. Vidyasagar Rao along with Cultural affairs minister, Vinod Tawade. But the glitz of the event was undoubtedly provided by the Bollywood stars namely Boman Irani, Ila Arun, Abhishek Bachchan, Prakash Jha and Vidya Balan. However, the lady who stole maximum spotlight with her effortless grace and charisma, especially over Abhishek Bachchan, was Kareena Kapoor Khan. Here’s what happened.

Boman Irani, Ila Arun and Prakash Jha were early birds at the event having arrived well in time for the 5 pm event. Abhishek who was held up at another event in Sanatcruz arrived a tad late much after the proceedings on stage with the Governor and other dignitaries had started. Eminent builder Niranjan Hiranandani was delivering his welcome speech when Abhishek Bachchan walked in with Bunty Walia. Junior B’s arrival made heads turn and girls giggled and blushed in hushed whispers.

Abhishek too nonchalantly took his seat in the front row next to Rakesh Maria sans any superstar trappings.

Five minutes later, Kareena Kapoor Khan wearing a stunning black number made a diva like entry with the paparazzi clicking every step of the actress at break neck speed. The beautiful lady’s entry worked like a cat set among pigeons for all of a sudden loud ‘wows’ could be heard in the auditorium. Noticing the brouhaha around him, Abhishek turned around and on seeing Kareena the actor soon enough looked away and regained his original sitting position.

Meanwhile, Kareena’s entry sent a flutter among the dignitaries seated inside and a few got up to even greet her. Niranjan whose speech on stage was going unnoticed, by way of slight irritation mentioned, ‘ And welcome to Kareena Kapoor.’

Taking the cue, Kareena too cut shot her meet and greet session and took her seat next to Prakash Jha in the row adjacent to Abhishek.

Just when we thought Abhishek had been ignored for Kareena was mentioned and greeted by the speaker on stage, Niranjan quickly greeted Abhishek, too. ‘Welcome to Abhishek Bachchan too,’ Niranjan said which immediately received a rapturous applause.

Kareena and Abhishek only cordially acknowledged each other later from their respective seating positions.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper Sony ties up with Marvel for next 'Spider-Man'

February 13-19, 2015

Benedict Cumberbatch, Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey join Oscars' presenters' list

O Anna Kendrick to perform at Oscars

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ctress-singer Anna Kendrick, best known for her roles in 'Twilight' and 'Up in the Air', is all set to perform at the 87th Oscars.

The awards, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, will take place on February 22.

"Out of the woods and on to the Oscar stage, Anna will be performing something special that is sure to be an 'Only on the Oscars' moment." said Craig Zadan and Neil Meron.

Kendrick was nominated for an Oscar for her supporting role in the 2009 film 'Up in the Air'. Her other film credits include 'Into the Woods', 'Pitch Perfect' and the 'Twilight' film series

scar nominees Marion Cotillard, Benedict Cumberbatch, Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon have been added to the presenters' list for the 87th Oscars.

While Cotillard and Witherspoon are nominated in the Best Actress category, for 'Two Days, One Night' and 'Wild' respectively, Cumberbatch is the run for Actor in a Leading Role for 'The Imitation Game', Streep as Supporting Actress for 'Into The Woods,' and Winfrey for Best Picture as one of the producers of 'Selma,' Deadline.com reported.

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ony Pictures Entertainment, which owns the 'Spider-Man' franchise since 1999, has announced its partnership with Marvel Studios to bring a new version of the fictional character to life.

The next Spider-Man film will hit theatres on July 28, 2017, reports variety. com.

Sony has owned the feature rights to Spider-Man since last 15 years, when

Marvel sold the comic book story for $7 million. According to the announcement, Sony and Marvel will cast a new Spider-Man after Andrew Garfield starred in the last two films, "The Amazing Spider-Man" and "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" respectively.

Tobey Maguire played Peter Parker in the previous three instalments for Sony.

Marvel's Kevin Feige will produce the rebooted character with Amy Pascal, who recently stepped down as co-chairman of Sony in a new producer deal.

However, Sony will continue to distribute, finance, own and have final creative control of the 'Spider-Man' films.

They'll work with Disney-owned Marvel on how to weave Spider-Man's character into Marvel's upcoming superhero films, which includes the popular franchise 'The Avengers'.

Bappi Lahiri Lambasts AIB Roast: Says The Controversial Video Aas Against Indian Culture

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ost of Bollywood has supported AIB and their controversial roast video featuring Karan Johar Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor. While there are whispers that SRK, Salman and Anil Kapoor found the roast offensive, not a single known name from the industry has gone on record to state so in public. But one man dared to come out in open with his honest point of view, Bappi Lahiri. While others in B-town have been trying to avoid the contentious AIB question, the veteran music composer didn’t flinch when asked to give an opinion about the same.

Without mincing words, Bappida said, “I will agree that whatever happened was against Indian culture. We are in India and not America. Our culture is way different from theirs. In our culture, we are taught to respect elders, our parents and

women. Whatever happened was surely shameful.”

Without taking any names Bappida said that he would never ever agree to be a part of something as offensive and vulgar.”I will never be a part of anything like this. The youth especially kids are impressionable and I wouldn’t want to do anything that would set a wrong example.

Everyone should respect our great culture. If we ourselves don’t respect it, then who else will?”

The singer-musician is currently busy nurturing talent from the slums of Mumbai. His initiative called Slum Stars has slum kids singing for his new album. Calling them the future superstars Bappi said there is a need to tap into the immense potential in slum kids and which often remains untapped.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

February 13-19, 2015

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Kes the Band promises fun-filled concert mote the event. At the start of the 2015 Carnival season, Dieffenthaller along with the band have been performing at various bars across the country every Tuesdays. Last week they made fans scream at Hereford’s (Pie Bar) on Maraval Road.

“The band, the whole concert and Kees are just about the fans,” said Baptiste.

Last year, the concert sponsored by Digicel and Republic Bank, attracted 5,000 patrons and according to Baptiste, this year they’re ahead of ticket sales.

Asked what else was keeping the former Groovy Monarch busy with these days. Baptiste revealed Dieffenthaller has been working hard on the interna-

Kees Dieffenthaller along with Kes The Band will perform at O2 Park, Chaguaramas tonight.

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he countdown is on to Kes The Band’s Carnival concert Tuesday on The Rocks tonight at the O2 in Chaguaramas.

The band featuring lead singer Kees Dieffenthaller has promised patrons a fun-filled event with lots of surprises as the two and a half hour show will include several fellow artistes.

In a telephone interview with the band’s manager Simon Baptiste, he told the T&T Guardian the idea for the event came about after the band outgrew the venue at Normandie Hotel in St Ann’s where it used to stage a smaller version of the show.

“The show gathered more and more fans each year, so we decided to make the move. We wanted to continue facilitating the fans and that’s really where the idea came from,” explained Baptiste who has been manager for ten years.

Apart from outgrowing the venue. Dieffenthaller has always wanted to showcase a full concert for his fans during the Carnival season. Baptiste said, if anyone knows Dieffenthaller, they would know that the stage is his home and entertaining people is his joy. The occasion now gives the Wotless singer, the opportunity to perform a full repertoire of his music annually.

Baptiste said the location at O2 Park Chaguaramas was ideal for the event, which is actually named after one of Dieffenthaller’s more popular tracks, the soca fusion hit Tuesday on the Rocks.

“We wanted people to get that nice island vibe and most people associate Chaguaramas with that down the island feeling, so it was really appropriate.”

The band’s marketing team has also been working around the clock to pro-

tional scene to build the brand globally.

“He has been working with a lot of producers and writers, just networking and building necessary connections.”

The entertainment line up for the evening would include local, regional and international acts. Among them are Kerwin Dubois, Alison Hinds and others, who Dieffenthaller has worked with. Baptise also hinted the band will be taking advantage of technology with some video surprises.

Dieffenthaller who became a father for the first time last year, flew the T&T flag high in 2011 when he and the band made their US television debut as they performed to close the Good Day NY

programme on the New York flagship station of the News Corporation-owned Fox Broadcasting Company. It was a milestone for the artiste who believes there are many more of those events to come, with the ultimate being the Grammy stage.

• Tuesday on the Rocks concert by Kes the Band, O2 Park, Chaguaramas. Gates open at 7 pm, Showtime at 8 pm.

• Tickets available online at www. o2ticket.com. Tickets cost $200 for the Greens and $350 for Backstage VIP (Free drinks included).

• For more info on Tuesdays On The Rocks, visit the event’s Facebook page: Tuesday On The Rocks Concert.

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February 13-19, 2015

Caribbean Star Newspaper

Caribbean Connections

Man kills monster crocodile that ate his wife and unborn child

GANDA, Africa, Monday February 9, 2015 – A grieving widower, whose pregnant wife was eaten by a massive crocodile, exacted revenge on the beast by slaughtering it with a spear after a 90-minute duel to the death.

Mubarak Batambuze has been hailed as a hero since he slew the man-eating monster, which was more than four metres long and weighed about 600kg, according to Ugandan Wildlife Authority ranger Oswald Tumanya.

The massive predator had snatched Batambuze’s eight-month pregnant wife Demeteriya Nabire as she collected water from Lake Kyoga with a group of friends about four months ago.

According to local media reports, the killer crocodile was suspected of eating six women and children who had gone to fetch water at the same spot, but until Batambuze took matters into his own hands, residents of the area had failed to stop the carnage.

Last month, Batambuze, a 50-year-old fisherman, heard that the monster was back. He decided the time had come to act, but first he needed a weapon.

“I really wanted my revenge, and asked the blacksmith to make me a spear that could kill the crocodile dead,” he told the BBC World Service.

This spear was no average weapon. The blacksmith designed it with a barb along one side, so that when plunged into the crocodile’s belly it would rip the beast’s flesh when pulled out.

Batambuze reportedly tied a rope to the shaft of the spear then, with a few friends from the village, he went to meet the monster that had killed his wife and child.

The huge crocodile was still at the water’s edge when the group arrived, but when Batambuze’s com-

Former Trinidad PM no show for screening ahead of general election

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There Were Reports That The 1,300–Pound Beast Killed The Wife Of 50– Year–Old Mubarak Batambuze When She Was Fetching Water At Lake Kyoga panions saw its size, they begged him not to provoke it.

But there was no stopping the bereaved and aggrieved Batambuze.

“I’m not bothered if I die killing this beast. I’m going to take it on with this spear, and I will make sure that it dies,” he swore.

While his friends threw stones to distract the crocodile, Batambuze charged and drove his spear deep into the crocodile’s side. Enraged, it tried to strike back, but he managed to escape its powerful jaws.

“It turned violent, and then there was so much fear in the place,” he told the BBC’s Outlook correspondent. “But I was so determined, and I wasn’t afraid of dying.

“I just wanted it dead, so I put the spear in its side and I pulled the rope. That got the crocodile into trouble.”

But that turned out to be only the beginning, and it was an hour-anda-half of desperate combat before the beast lay dead.

The reptile’s body was subsequently taken to Makarere University in Kampala, where it was examined by veterinarian Wilfred Emneku. He said a tibia bone was found inside the crocodile’s stomach, but while he believed it was human, he couldn’t be sure.

Adam Britten, a crocodile expert at Charles Darwin University in Australia, said he would be very surprised if any remains inside the creature’s stomach were those of Demeteriya Nabire.

“After 12 weeks… under normal conditions, it would be highly improbable for bones from the same meal to remain in the stomach,” he said.

So while Batambuze’s is still regarded as a hero in his village, it is unlikely that he will ever have a grave to mourn at.

“Within myself I’m a very depressed man because I lost a wife and an unborn child,” he told the BBC.

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ORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Patrick Manning, the longest serving parliamentarian in Trinidad and Tobago, may have brought down the curtains on his political career, when he failed to show up for screening by his People’s National Movement (PNM) to contest the seat he has held since 1971 in the upcoming general election.

Manning, 67, who is recovering from a stroke that left him partly paralysed, had earlier told supporters of San Fernando East, that he was prepared to be their representative and would present himself for screening by the party.

"The advice that I needed to get I now have. In case of the Washington doctor, she said I had made tremendous strides but unfortunately I was not completely healed as yet.

"In the case of my doctor in San Fernando he said my suitability for politics depended on me and me only," he added.

However, on Monday, Manning was a no show and the party selected attorney Randall Mitchell its flag bearer in the election that could be held before the constitutional deadline month of September.

“During the course of the screening it came to us that Mr. Manning told the vice-chairman that he would not be coming for the screening,” PNM general secretary Ashton Ford said on television Tuesday.

He said he hoped Manning, whom he described as a stalwart, would continue to make a contribution to the development party Manning, a geologist by profession, was the country’s fourth prime minister, who served from 1991-95 and 2001-10.

But he led the PNM into defeat when he called a snap general election in May 2010.

Manning's chances of being the PNM's candidate for the San Fernando East seat, improved significantly late last month after the party rejected the three candidates that had been proposed, giving the constituency until February 6 to name new candidates.

"If you wish to have me as your parliamentary representative then I am prepared to do so... and I [will] make myself available for screening," Manning said then.

T&T's former Prime Minister Patrick Manning

Caribbean Star Newspaper

February 13-19, 2015

35

Campion graduate is 2015 Jamaica Female Scholar

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AESHA Thomas, a graduate of Campion College, and who is now studying medicine at the University of the West Indies (UWI), has been named by the Ministry of Education as the 2015 Jamaica Female Scholar.

She graduated from Campion with nine CSEC subjects with distinctions, sharing first place in the Caribbean in chemistry with one person, and sharing the first place with five others in mathematics.

In the CAPE I examinations, which she sat in 2013, she received five ones with straight A

profiles, and was placed third in the island in chemistry.

In 2014, she repeated the feat in the CAPE II examinations, obtaining grade ones in five subjects -- Spanish, chemistry, mathematics, biology and Caribbean Studies. She placed first in the island in mathematics, shared first placed in Spanish with two others, and was fourth in chemistry.

Thomas has been involved in several community activities, including the Interact Club and Teens for the Academic Advancement of Jamaica, through which she volunteers in raising aware-

ness and funds for various social causes and assists in teaching GSAT math to grade six students at primary schools in Kingston.

"She is adept at playing both the violin and piano, having completed violin instructions up to Grade 3 ABRSM and piano lessons up to Grade 8 ABRSM. Currently, she is working on attaining an associate's degree in music through the Trinity College," the Ministry of Education release said.

The release said, Thomas, who was last September awarded a UWI Open Scholarship, plans to become a paediatrician and medi-

cal researcher to find and improve methods of treating diseases plaguing children in Jamaica, in particular childhood cancers.

She credits her success first to God and to her parents Sheron Henry, general counsel at the Development Bank of Jamaica Limited, and Kingsley Thomas, business consultant and former president of the National Water Commission.

"They, along with my Auntie Paulette and my extended group of other aunts have been my role models and my rock," she said.

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Dominica authorities probe crash of privately owned Venezuelan small plane

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ominica-Plane-crashROSEAU, Dominica, Monday February 9, 2015, CMC – The Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority has launched an investigation into an accident at the small Canefield Airport when a privately owned twin engine plane from Venezuela with seven people on board skidded off the runway and crashed into a fence.

Minister responsible for Ports, Ian Pinnard, said that one person was treated and later released from the prince Margaret Hospital. He said the plane had crashed into the fence:”almost into the containers on the side of the Canefield road”.

“The investigation is taking place within the Port (Authority) and the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority,” said noting that he expects to receive a report from the chief executive officer of the Port Authority on Monday.

The airport, west of here, is due to be re-opened on Monday and Pinnard said he expects the investigation to be completed “very soon and then we will have all the report as to what took place at Canefield Airport.

“The Canefield Airport will continue to operate as is, the government has no plans in place for Canefield…but as far as I know the plan for Canefield is to remain open and operate with small aircraft The Canefield Airport was built in 1979 with British funding and used to accommodate regular schedule flights of the several airlines including the regional carrier, LIAT.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper Health City Cayman Islands rescues air force vet

February 13-19, 2015

Barbados economy on upward trend - Stuart

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he Barbados government say it is hopeful that the island’s economy will rebound by 2016.

A government statement reporting on a meeting between Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and the former President of the Republic of Chile, Sebastian Pinera, here, said that Stuart said economic growth will allow Barbadians who made the necessary sacrifices to reap the benefits.

“During the discussions on the global economic crisis and its impact on Barbados, Mr. Pinera said Chile was following what was happening here, and the country “seemed to be doing well”, the statement said.

Prime Minister Stuart said his administration is working on getting its fiscal deficit down to manageable levels, pointing to a 19-month stabilisation programme put in place.

But he said that it has now been extended by one year so as to ensure that the gains the country had been making were not reversed.

But Stuart is quoted by the statement as saying that the island was beginning to feel the effects of the falling oil prices.

“In addition, Barbados has been having a very good tourism season, with the hotels holding their own, and we expect this trend to continue,” he said, adding that government was also working in the area of renewable energy and Parliament had recently passed the new Electric Light and Power Act. The Barbados economy is expected to

A grow by two per cent per cent this year with the Central Bank reporting that fiscal adjustment measures have reduced the deficit by nearly one per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) so far this fiscal year.

In an analysis of the island’s current economic performance, the Central Bank of Barbados is also predicting that the island’s economic growth will increase to 2.3 per cent in 2016.

Last December, Finance Minister Chris Sinckler said that the local economy was on a growth path once more and that the fiscal deficit is now on a “downward trajectory”.

Sinckler said the island’s fiscal consolidation programme had been effective in restoring balance to the foreign exchange market and securing the value of the Barbados dollar.

The government statement quoted Pinera as saying that people across the world were growing impatient because of the economic recession.

He noted that Chile has the highest per capita income in Latin America, and he attributed this to good management of the economy over time.

United States Air Force veteran is extremely grateful following life-saving emergency cardiac care delivered by Caribbean hospital Health City Cayman Islands. Rod Linkous, a resident of Seattle, Washington, was on a cruise celebrating his 80th birthday with his wife when he suffered a heart attack the evening before arriving into the George Town cruise port in Grand Cayman.

“This gentleman came to us as an emergency transfer from the cruise ship.

He had developed chest pain while on the ship and was transferred to the general hospital. They diagnosed him to have a heart attack and referred him to us for the management,” reported Dr. Ravi Kishore, Health City’s Chief Interventional Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist.

The doctor explained that emergency angiography was performed to relieve a blockage in his main artery: “We opened up the vessel and put in stents, and he is

doing pretty well now.”

Mr. Linkous showered praise on the facility and the staff’s efficiency: “In the (United) States, if an ambulance pulls into a hospital, you never see a doctor until you’ve been processed inside. When I got here, Dr. Ravi met me. He made me feel at ease with all the experience he had. Less than an hour later, I was in the cath theater, and they were doing an angiogram.”

“We’re just really grateful that we were sent to this hospital,” his wife Donna Linkous noted. “We had no idea it existed. And it was such a great relief when we were met at the door, for me. I just felt like he was in excellent hands.”

Mr. Linkous, who stated he came to the Caribbean to enjoy the warm weather and to celebrate his birthday, hopes to return to the Cayman Islands: “I’d like to come back and visit a couple of the doctors and a couple of the nurses, but not under the same condition!”

ROD LINKOUS, A RESIDENT OF SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

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

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

February 13-19, 2015 37 Caribbean Star Newspaper Veteran Trinidad calypsonians out of this year’s Calypso Monarch finals

F Bus operators threaten action unless Transport Minister responds by Friday

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INGSTON, Jamaica - A coalition of transport associations has called on the Minister of Transport Dr Omar Davies to respond to the 43 proposed displaced JUTC Sub- Franchise holders by Friday, February 13.

The group, which includes the Jamaica Association of Transport Owners and Operators (JATOO) Rural Transit Association (RTA) and Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services (TODSS) took the decision at a mass meeting of transport operators in Kingston on Sunday, when the restive operators objected to a letter from Dr. Davies asking for more time to respond to them. According to the operators, the JUTC told them in April 2014 that if they performed well, they would have received extended contracts. However, they instead were given letters stating that their services will no longer be needed as of April 1, 2015.

This is against a background where the previous government had promised a license that could be passed on to ones’ heirs.

The bus operators are contending that if they do not hear from the minister by Friday, they will have no choice but to take further action. The minister, who is presently overseas, is also expected to speak on the high franchise fees imposed on the operators in 2014 and the proposed 10-15 per cent increase come April 1, 2015.

Reward offered for Caribbean Airlines director missing since late January

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he family of Caribbean Airlines (CAL) director, Azad Niamat, who has been reported missing since January 29, is offering a reward as they continue the search for the retired pilot.

While the relatives did not disclose the amount of money being offered for the information, they said it would be paid to the informant if the information is accurate and leads to his recovery.

Niamat, 69, is reported to have left his home in Chaguanas in central Trinidad on January 29, said he was going to purchase a part for a wireless router and has not been seen since. His burgundy coloured Toyota Prado has been found and appeared not to have been tampered with.

A relative told reporters that Niamat had pressed his GPS (Global Positioning System) in his van which sent a message to his daughter in Florida. But the father of two has not been found. Police are also assisting in the search. The family said they have not received any ransom demands.

or the first time in a long time, there will be no veteran calypsonian, who has won the Calypso Monarch competition, appearing at this year’s grand final this weekend.

The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Calypso Organization (TUCO) has named 11 calypsonians for the finals on Sunday, February 15, following the semi-finals held at Skinner Park last Saturday.

Two former monarchs, Winston Bailey, the “Mighty Shadow” and Michael “Sugar Aloes” Osouna, who were among the 41 contestants, did not make it to the finals. But, Winston Scarborough “The Original De Fosto Himself”, from the old brigade made it to the finals with his tune “Games”.

Crowd favourite Devon Seales, whose tune “My Humble Plea” calls on Prime Minister Persad Bissessar and her government to leave office and call fresh general elections, is among the 11 singers that include former monarch Karen Asche, with her tune “Every knee shall bow”.

Another former monarch, Duane O’Connor, is in the finals with his tune “Citizen’s Pride” while the others singers seeking the crown are Joanne Rowley “Tigress” with her tune, “What you Willing to Die for ,” Myron Bruce “The Incredible Myron B”, Victoria Cooper “Venting,” Heather Mac Intosh “Ah Gone,” Selvon Noel “Target” Brian London,” Wishful” and Neville Brown “Multi Crisis”.

They will challenge the reigning monarch Roderick “Chucky” Gordon.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

February 13-19, 2015

CRICKET & Sports

All-round Permaul stars in Guyana’s easy win

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n all-round performance from Veerasammy Permaul helped Guyana register a comfortable 105-run win against Jamaica in Kingston that helped them maintain their top standing in the Regional 4 day points table.

Asked to bat, Guyana were 175 for 6 after none of their top-order batsmen were able to convert starts to half-centuries, Jamaica legspinners Damion Jacobs and Odean Brown sharing five wickets between them. But Permaul led a counterattack, scoring 86 off 107 balls - his third first-class fifty - to help Guyana post 314 in the first innings.

Permaul’s 4 for 22 was then instrumental in restricting Jamaica to 177 in their response and helping Guyana take a 137-run first-innings lead. Jermaine Blackwood and Horace Miller had scored 44 each as Jamaica progressed to 139 for 4 before the lower-order succumbed.

In the second innings, Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s 77 lifted Guyana from a poor start - 54 for 4 - but with a lack of support from other batsmen, Guyana were bowled out for 202. Jamaica needed solid top-order contributions in the chase

of 340 but they faltered early against Keon Joseph and Ronsford Beaton to be reduced to 17 for 3, then 72 for 6 on the third day. The Jamaica lower order fought for 51.3 overs on the fourth day before being bowled out for 234.

Opening batsman Tyrone Theophile and bowlers Kenroy Peters and Shane Shillingford played leading roles in Windward Islands’ crushing win overTrinidad & Tobago in Gros Islet. While Theophile’s maiden century helped Windward Islands post a strong 400 in the first innings, Peters and Shillingford picked up eight and seven wickets respectively to consign T&T to an innings defeat.

Opting to bat, Windwards Islands lost four wickets for 101 before Theophile added 121 runs for the fifth wicket with Keddy Lesporis. He was bowled for a 149-ball 136 that included 16 fours and four sixes. After his dismissal, Lesporis went on to score 83 while Leon Sebastian hit 56 to further boost the team. An unbeaten 60-run ninth-wicket stand between Peters and Mervin Matthew then helped Windward Islands declare their innings on 400.

Veerasammy Permaul scored 87 off 107 balls in Guyana’s first-innings © WICB Media T&T were feeble in their response.

They were bowled out for 177, with Peters picking up five wicket for 21 - his seventh five-wicket haul. Asked to fol-

low-on, they fared even worse, being bowled out for 75 in 32.1 overs, Shillingford being the most-successful bowler with 4 for 25.

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New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony said Thursday on ESPN Radio that it’s “very likely” he will shut down playing after the All–Star Game.

Carmelo likely done after ASG

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nthony maintained that he plans to play in Sunday’s game at Madison Square Garden, “even if it’s just a few minutes” -- but could be done after that.

The Knicks’ leading scorer and franchise player has been dealing with soreness in his left knee for months. Anthony aggravated the injury in Monday’s loss to the Miami Heat and sat out Wednesday’s loss to the Orlando Magic.

The Knicks have been cautious with Anthony by reducing his minutes and requiring the 12-year veteran to sit out some games during loaded stretches in

the schedule, such as skipping the second night of a back-to-back set of games.

But Anthony said earlier this week that playing through the knee soreness was only growing more frustrating.

“It’s little things that I’m doing out there on the court,” Anthony said. “I’m restricted, I’m not getting that power or that bounce, and then to do something like I did today, I think I’m getting closer to that point. I think due to the lack of movement, the lack of explosiveness I have right now -- I’m just trying to compensate and try to figure it out as it goes along.”

Caribbean Star Newspaper

February 13-19, 2015

39

Afridi top pick at Caribbean Premier League draft

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llrounders Shahid Afridi and Jacques Kallis, batsmen Mahela Jayawardene and Ross Taylor, and fast bowler Lasith Malinga were the highest-profile overseas players picked at the Caribbean Premier League 2015’s players draft, in Jamaica. Afridi, in the top grade of the 11 payment brackets at the draft, was claimed by the league’s new franchise from St Kitts and Nevis.

Kallis went to Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel, Jayawardene to Jamaica Tallawahs, Taylor to St Lucia Zouks and Malinga to Guyana Amazon Warriors. Marlon Samuels was among the biggest local names in the draft - several others were retained by their franchises before the draft - and he was claimed by St Kitts and Nevis. The St Kitts and Nevis franchise, which replaces Antigua Hawksbills in the competition and were allowed to retain four of the Antigua squad, have also announced that they will be coached by South African Eric Simons, who has worked with Delhi Daredevils and the Indian team in coaching roles.

The teams have 24 hours after the end of the draft to exchange a player with another franchise, but they can indulge in only one such switch.

Squads St Kitts and Nevis: Shahid Afridi ($150,000), Marlon Samuels ($100,000), Sohail Tanvir ($80,000), Sheldon Cotterell ($70,000), Martin Guptill ($50,000), Carlos Brathwaite ($40,000, retained),

Evin Lewis ($30,000), Devon Thomas ($20,000, retained), Raymon Reifer ($15,000), Tabraiz Shamsi ($10,000), Orlando Peters ($10,000, retained), Tonito Willett ($5,000), Nicolas Pooran ($5,000), Jacques Talyor ($5,000), Justin Athanaze ($5,000, retained) Barbados Tridents: Kieron Pollard ($150,000, retained), Shoaib Malik ($100,000, retained), Dwayne Smith ($80,000, retained), Ravi Rampaul ($70,000, retained), Jason Holder ($50,000), Rayad Emrit ($40,000), Dilshan Munaweera ($30,000), Jonathan Carter ($20,000), Justin Ontong ($15,000), Ashley Nurse ($10,000), Robin Peterson ($10,000), Akeal Hosein ($5,000), Navin Stewart ($5,000), Shai Hope ($5,000), Kyle Corbin ($5,000) Guyana Amazon Warriors: Sunil Narine ($150,000, retained), Lasith Malinga ($100,000), Tillakaratne Dilshan ($80,000), Lendl Simmons ($70,000, retained), Denesh Ramdin ($50,000, retained), Thisara Perera ($40,000), Christopher Barnwell ($30,000, retained), Brad Hodge ($20,000), Veerasammy Permaul ($15,000), Ronsford Beaton ($10,000), Shivnarine Chanderpaul ($10,000), Devendra Bishoo ($5,000), Trevon Griffith ($5,000), Assad Fudadin ($5,000), Paul Wintz ($5,000) Jamaica Tallawahs: Chris Gayle ($150,000, retained), Mahela Jayawardene ($100,000), Andre Russell ($80,000, retained), Chris Lynn

Caribbean Star Newspaper

BUSINESS

Shahid Afridi was in the top grade of the 11 payment brackets at the draft © AFP ($70,000), Daniel Vettori ($50,000), Kemar Roach ($10,000), Shane ShillingJerome Taylor ($40,000, retained), Ni- ford ($10,000), Kyle Mayers ($5,000), kita Miller ($30,000), Chadwick Walton Keddy Lesporis ($5,000), Liam Sebastien ($20,000, retained), Krishmar Santok- ($5,000), Delorn Johnson ($5,000) ie ($15,000), Rusty Theron ($10,000), Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel: Narsingh Deonarine ($10,000), David Dwayne Bravo ($150,000, retained), Bernard Jr ($5,000), Nkrumah Bonner Jacques Kallis ($100,000, Darren Bra($5,000), Jermaine Blackwood ($5,000), vo ($80,000, retained), Samuel Badree Horace Miller ($5,000) ($70,000, retained), Johan Botha St Lucia Zouks: Darren Sammy ($50,000), Kevon Cooper ($40,000, ($150,000, retained), Ross Taylor retained), Kamran Akmal ($30,000), ($100,000), Kevin Pietersen ($80,000, Cameron Delport ($20,000), Sulieretained), Johnson Charles ($70,000, man Benn ($15,000), Jason Mohamretained), Shakib Al Hasan ($50,000), med ($10,000), Marlon Richards Andre Fletcher ($40,000, retained), ($10,000), Miguel Cummins ($5,000), Shannon Gabriel ($30,000), Henry Da- Jevon Searles ($5,000), William Perkins vids ($20,000), Fidel Edwards ($15,000), ($5,000), Derone Davis ($5,000) January 23-29, 2015

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Another boxing bout lined up for Ryder N ew Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder is set to return to the boxing ring for an amateur bout on March 28. Ryder, who has had several disciplinary and injury issues of late, had pulled out of the New Zealand A squad for the tour to the UAE late last year, citing personal reasons, and was subsequently not included in the New Zealand’s World Cup squad.

Ryder has boxed before, knocking out sports-radio host Mark Watson in under two minutes in a much-anticipated bout in Auckland in July 2012. He had also challenged former New Zealand batsman Craig McMillan and former England allrounder Andrew Flintoff to sparring matches previously. His upcoming match will be against blogger Cameron Slater, in the Super 8 Cruiserweight tournament in Christchurch.

Ryder said people had questioned his decision to box again, given the physical assault he suffered outside a bar in Christchurch in March 2013 that put him in a coma, but he was sure he was ready. “A lot of people have come out and said I shouldn’t be doing it, but I’ve passed all my medical and concussion clinic tests and had no recurring issues so I’m happy with where I’m at,” Ryder said at a press conference. “If I had issues I wouldn’t have taken the fight.”

Ryder also clarified the nature of the injury he picked up during that assault.

“There were a lot of people saying I had a fractured skull, but there was nothing like that. It might have been a minor concussion. My lungs were the main reason I struggled after the incident

happened.”

In the last three years, Ryder’s offfield-issues list included him being dropped for disciplinary issues during the one-day series against South Africa in February 2012, before having to serve asix-month suspension for taking banned stimulants - a period that coincided with his recovery from the assault in Christchurch. He was recalled for the home series against West Indies in December, but was again dropped two months later for staying out late at an Auckland bar on the eve of a Test against India.

Jesse Ryder: ‘A lot of people have come out and said I shouldn’t be doing it, but I’ve passed all my medical and concussion clinic tests’ © Getty Images

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EW YORK -- Perhaps he’s just being polite, but Matt Harvey offered his opinion on Alex Rodriguez’s return from a full-year suspension.

“Obviously Alex wants to play, that’s good for him, good for baseball,” Harvey told the Post. “If he is that dedicated and wants to come back then more power to him for going up to the organization like that, it shows a lot.

It will be exciting to see what he can do.”

The Yankees and A-Rod had a formal powwow this week, the team acknowledged.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper KKR to play Mumbai Indians in IPL opener

February 13-19, 2015

efending champion Kolkata Knight Riders will play Mumbai Indians in the opening match of the Indian Premier League 2015 at the Eden Gardens on April 8. Kolkata will also host the final on May 24.

The BCCI confirmed that three Kings XI Punjab home games will be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, after tepid spectator interest in Mohali franchise to request the board for an additional home venue.

The Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam and the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, Chhattisgarh have been allotted a few home games of Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Daredevils respectively. Sunrisers are scheduled to play three match-

W

es at the Visakhapatnam stadium, which last hosted an IPL match in 2012. Raipur debuted as an IPL venue in 2013, hosting Daredevils for two games, but did not get a game last season.

Chennai Super Kings are scheduled to play their home games at the MA Chidambaram stadium, after playing their home matches in Ranchi last season.

Chennai did not host any games last season after three stands at the ground were locked down due to legal issues with the city’s municipal authorities.

The eighth edition of the tournament will see a total of 60 matches, including the playoffs, being played.

Two–time champion Kolkata Knight Riders will begin their title defense on home soil © BCCI

De Villiers keen to prevent Australia dominance

orld cricket was there in 1999, 2003 and 2007, and AB de Villiers thinks it may be there again, at least in some senses. Although the South Africa captain does not envisage his own side fighting for tournament survival, he does see Australia looming as a dominant force on the global stage again, and he would like to stop them himself if he can.

“Obviously the Aussies are the No.1 in the world at the moment in the shorter format. They’re playing at home, which

brings a different dimension to the whole thing, maybe a little bit of extra pressure,” de Villiers said at South Africa’s arrival press conference in Christchurch on Thursday. “But we’re certainly one of the favorites. There’s no hiding from that fact. We enjoy being one of the best teams in the world. We’ve beaten the Aussies not too long ago in Zimbabwe, so to have that kind of confidence that we can be the best team in the world, and at the tournament we’ve got the opportunity to prove it, gives us great oppor-

tunity.”

South Africa beat Australia in the final of a tri-angular series in Harare last August, but lost a bilateral series 1-4 in Australia last November. Since that Zimbabwe series, Australia have been on a hot streak , winning 11 of their last 12 completed ODIs, including victories in every match of a series involving England and India. While that cannot be equated with victories at World Cups, it bodes well for the team who dominated world cricket in the early 2000s, something de

Villiers has personally experienced.

De Villiers is the only member of the current South Africa squad who played at the 2007 World Cup, where Australia’s authority was firmly stamped. South Africa were stubbed out of the group stage match against Australia, and annihilated in the semi-final to add to their ghosts of tournaments past. On that occasion, it was not a choke; South Africa were wholly outplayed. De Villiers, though, said those memories will have no impact on this campaign.

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February 13-19, 2015

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February 6-12, 2015

February 6-12, 2015

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In Loving Memory... A Tribute Emurel Agatha Cammock Sunrise:

DECEMBER 7, 1922

Sunset:

January 02, 2015

“God saw you getting tired And a cure was not to be So he put His arms around you And whispered “Come to me.”

With tearful eyes we watched you As you slowly slipped away And though we loved you dearly We couldn’t make you stay.

Your golden heart stopped beating Your tired hands put to rest God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.”

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