Caribbean Star# 33 vol. 4

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March 13-19, 2015

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Vol.4 #33

NICIL INJECTS US$16 M MORE INTO MARRIOTT

Government holding company, NICIL has injected an additional US$16 million into the Marriott Hotel project after court action halted expected funding from investors.

Permaul, Bishoo bowl Guyana to seventh win See More on Page 39

See More on Page 9

A construction worker smoothing cement outside the Marriott Hotel yesterday. (Arian Browne photo)

NEW YORK

NEW YORK

TRINIDAD

GUYANA

JAMAICAN-BORN

MOM LOSES FAMILY

NOMINATION DAY IS APRIL 7

CITY HOTEL

BRONX MAN BUSTED FOR POINTING LASER BEAM AT PLANES IN LAGUARDIA AIRPORT, NYPD HELICOPTER: COPS

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MOTHER of 11, Kezi Doughty yesterday lost custody of ten of her children and was also ordered to undergo three years of probation for abandoning five of the 11, back in 2012. Doughty is likely to neglect the children in the future and does not possess mothering skills, deemed appellate court judges Justices Paula Mae Weekes and Alice Yorke-Soo Hon yesterday.

Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, Dr. Steve Surujbally on Wednesday announced that April 7, 2015 would be Nomination Day for political parties to officially declare their interest and submit their list of candidates for the May 11, 2015 general and regional elections.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 13-19, 2015

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March 13-19, 2015

Nomination Day is April 7

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hairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, Dr. Steve Surujbally on Wednesday announced that April 7, 2015 would be Nomination Day for political parties to officially declare their interest and submit their list of candidates for the May 11, 2015 general and regional elections.

“That Nomination Day I officially announce will be Tuesday April 7, 2015,” he told the opening session of a meeting with political parties at GECOM’s Command Centre, High Street, Kingston.

Representatives of A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change, People’s Progressive Party, Independent Party, Guyana National Congress, Theocracy Party, Guyana Small Man Party and Organisation for the Victory of the People were among those that participated in the meeting.

Nomination Day is when the Representatives of the Lists submit their candidates to GECOM at City Hall, Georgetown. “We hope and we expect that after this meeting you would be adequately informed about what you are required to do thereby contributing to smooth and efficient operations on Nomination Day and the following days leading to approvals of the list of candidates which you intend to submit,” he said.

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Representatives of political parties at the meeting with GECOM officials to sensitize them about Nomination Day. Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, meanwhile, announced that out of the Claims and Objections Exercise period there 3,800 new registrants and 6,900 transfers. “We are happy about that. It says to the Commission and to the Secretariat that the nation is responding to a request to be involvedall the processes require for the conduct of elections,” he said.

There are more than 500,000 eligible voters on the List of Electors.

Caribbean Star Newspaper Berbice River man on attempted murder charge

Berbice River man was remanded to prison on Monday on a charge of attempted murder, stemming from an altercation at a wedding house, where he allegedly stabbed another man who was trying to part a fight.

Arjoon Mohabir, 20, called `Bolo,’ of Friendship, Berbice River, appeared before presiding Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court.

The unrepresented Mohabir was not required to plead to the charge, which stated that he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Ajay Kissoon, with intent to murder him, on Saturday, February 28th, 2015 at Angoy’s Avenue.

According to the case against Mohabir, he and another person had a misunderstanding at a wedding house at Angoy’s Avenue and it escalated into a scuffle. It is alleged that Kissoon attempted to part the fight but Mohabir took out a knife and stabbed him in his chest and ran away.

The injured Kissoon was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where he was admitted as a patient. Kissoon was only discharged from the New Amsterdam Hospital on March 5th.

Police Corporal Prosecutor Desiree Pilgrim objected to bail on the grounds

that the accused was only caught and arrested by lawmen six days after the attack.

Mohabir, when given a chance to address the court, told the court that he was attacked by four men and he was alone. He also explained that he was afraid to report to the police station after the incident because it was the first time he had ever been involved with the law.

He added that he was hiding at his mother’s home. Mohabir was subsequently denied bail and the case was adjourned until March 23rd.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 13-19, 2015

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Caribbean Star Newspaper Jagdeo ‘proud’ of raising race issue

March 13-19, 2015

nder fire over what has been labelled as racist and inflammatory comments, former president Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday defended his statements made at Babu John on Sunday, saying that he is “proud” of raising the issue of race.

At a specially-convened news briefing at PPP headquarters, Freedom House yesterday, Jagdeo said that by using a derogatory term for Indo-Guyanese, he was bringing light to “whisper campaigns” utilised by the opposition.

He said that media entities were misguided in inferring that he was implying that the People’s Progressive Party is a race-oriented party.

At the event to commemorate the late presidents Cheddi Jagan and Janet Jagan at Babu John, Port Mourant, Berbice, on Sunday, Jagdeo accused the opposition of racism and made comments which have been labelled as racist and racially inflammatory.

When asked by Stabroek News for proof of racial incitements by the opposition in the 2011 general election, Jagdeo could provide none. He said that the evidence was there and his claim that opposition leaders ventured into villages beating drums and making racial remarks could be substantiated even though he was not able to do so yesterday. The former president blamed the opposition for

initially engaging in race-baiting citing his unsubstantiated claims of drum beating in villages prior to the 2011 general elections.

He said “They did it in South (Ruimveldt). I hope this doesn’t happen these elections because they did the last elections. We know racism exists we know they use that language to campaign but if we use it we are exacerbating it?

“You should really go after the people who used it in a derogatory way not me who is trying to fight this… Now when I want to fight that you are saying it’s some evidence of some divisiveness …

“I believe that the mere fact we are talking about it here today gives hope that everybody will be vigilant on the campaign, that we don’t use that language.

And you as well as me will keep your ears open also for the whisper campaign.

“From the last election to now I can bring maybe five persons who can say we have heard this in our homes or heard that, the drum beating people walking to their homes and saying and shouting this.

Would that be enough for you? Or does the Stabroek News want me to sign it and have it notarized and stuff like that?”

Jagdeo, at his first local press conference since he demitted office in 2011, denied subtly using race and instead said that at Babu John he was speaking to a PPP crowd about Cheddi Jagan’s vision of

racial harmony.

He said that the PPP was tackling the issue head-on while the opposition would use “whisper campaigns” and privately use pejorative terms differing from what he called their false public personas.

According to Jagdeo, the opposition was using sections of the media to keep the focus away from APNU+AFC’s Presidential candidate David Granger’s public record.

He said that the opposition cannot campaign on their achievements and as a result, are attempting to polarize people with racism. Jagdeo noted that Granger has long been in politics and as a member of the armed forces, he was charged with propaganda writing.

Responding to a question, Jagdeo also said that he was not sure if his presence is an asset or a liability to the PPP’s campaign, but said that since he was called upon, he would serve.

On Monday the opposition came down hard on the former president’s remarks condemning the “cuss down” and “racist” politics.

“Comments such as ‘kick up the asses’ are symptomatic of…Ramotar and…

Jagdeo’s public posture of disrespect and contempt for the Guyanese people.

It speaks too to a streak and pattern of violence which has been introduced into PPP public statements. This follows com-

ments by President Ramotar about the slapping of Amerin-dians,” a statement from the coalition said.

“Regrettably even after five presidencies and administering the affairs of this nation for almost a quarter of a century, the bankrupt PPP continues to be a party empty of ideas, unable to articulate a clear vision for Guyana’s development,” the statement added, noting that the party was trapped in the politics of the past.

“It is beyond question now that the PPP has completely strayed from the philosophy of Dr Jagan,” the statement said, adding that the PPP “elite live Cadillac and mansion lifestyles, flying in private jets and spending millions on cosmetic dental work” while their supporters are trucked on crudely assembled vehicles.

The alliance further stated that it was disturbed by Jagdeo’s appeal for racist politics. “His comments about a certain group of people ‘being in’ contradicts all the pleadings of the PPP being a multi-ethnic party representative of all Guyana,” the statement read while calling on all Guyanese to stand united in rejecting the PPP’s cuss down politics.

“APNU+AFC condemns this subliminal call for racist politics which is just a despicable modern call for apaan jhaat. It is time that Guyana is relieved of this cabal of minority PPP rulership,” APNU+AFC said.

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Rameshwaram is one of the holiest place in India for the Hindus. It is an island located in Tamil Nadu off the east coast, it is one of the 12 Jyotir Lingams - the most most sacred spots for Shiva worshipers.

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his illustrated history of the holy city of Rameshwaram - taken from the epic Ramayana - recounts the legend of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Sita and Hanuman, who worshiped theShiva Lingam on the southeastern coast of India to rid themselves of the sin of killing Ravana - the King of Lanka.

After forging a friendship with Sugriva

through the mediation of the mighty apes, Lord Rama sends Hanuman in search of his abducted wife Sita. Hanuman goes to Sri Lanka, locates Sita and delivers the message of Rama and brings back as a token her head ornament chudamani to Rama.

Having learnt about the whereabouts of Sita, Lord Rama decides to proceed to

March 13-19, 2015

Lanka. He sits in meditation praying to the Ocean God Samudraraja to make way for him and his army. Annoyed with the delay, he takes the bow and gets ready to dart the arrow against Samudraraja. The lord of the oceans surrenders and shows the way for the construction of a bridge across the sea.

While Lord Rama is busy supervising the construction of the bridge, he noticed a squirrel wetting its body. Then rolling in sand and taking the sticking sand to be added to the bridge under construction.

While Hanuman and his ape associates are engaged in the building of the bridge, the squirrel contributes its share to the construction work. A grateful Lord Rama blesses the squirrel by caressing its back thereby forming three streaks. This gave rise to the story about how the squirrel got those white lines on its back!

After the bridge was constructed, Lord

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Rama, Lakshmana, and Hanuman reached Sri Lanka. Seated in the chariot of Indra and armored by the Aditya Hridaya Mantra of sage Aghasthya, Rama and succeeds in killing Ravana with his Brahmastra weapon.

Having vanquished Ravana, Lord Rama crowns Vibhisana as the King of Sri Lanka. Later Rama reached Gandhamathanam or Rameshwaram with Sita, Lakshmana and Hanumanin a swan-shaped viman or mythical aircraft.

At Rameshwaram, Lord Rama was praised by sage Agasthya and other saints, who had come from Dandakaranya. He asked Agasthya to suggest him a way to get rid of the sin of Brahmahatya Dosham, which he has committed by killing Ravana. Sage Agasthya suggested that he could escape the evil effects of the sin if he installs and worships a Shiva Lingam on that spot. continued next week

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 13-19, 2015

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March 13-19, 2015 Caribbean Star Newspaper NICIL injects US$16m more into Marriott

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overnment holding company, NICIL has injected an additional US$16 million into the Marriott Hotel project after court action halted expected funding from investors.

Director of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Winston Brassington said yesterday that once the legal challenges are concluded, the money would be reimbursed. During a tour of the Kingston hotel yesterday, Brassington repeatedly emphasised that the funds are “not derived from taxes.” The NICIL director said that the money is from proceeds from the sale of properties owned by NICIL or dividends from NICIL investments. He said that one such source was the sale of NICIL’s 20% stake in the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph company.

“The alternative to the temporary investment of additional funding from NICIL would have been the halting of the construction of the hotel with the consequential and probable loss of Marriott’s engagement with the project, the risk (of) the contractor taking legal action and substantial escalation of costs to complete the project,” Brassington said.

Critics have said that NICIL is operating like a parallel treasury in the use of funds that it has accrued.

NICIL had already invested US$20M to

The ninth floor of the Marriott Hotel provides a breathtaking view of Georgetown landmarks including the lighthouse and Stabroek Market and the mouth of the Demerara River as it meets the Atlantic Ocean. jumpstart the project. As it stands, the state entity currently owns 100 percent of the hotel’s equity and the cost of the hotel thus far is roughly US$52M. Brassington noted that this figure was inclusive of US$15.25M already received from Republic Bank Ltd of Trinidad.

During the tour yesterday, it was revealed that work is still ongoing and the hotel is now slated to be opened on April 17. The hotel has missed a series of prospective opening dates going as far back as

July last year.

Brassington blamed the opposition for the delay in the completion of the project.

He said that financing from Republic Bank of US$27 million and from the Hong Kong equity investors of US$8 million remains committed but financial disbursement has been partially delayed due to legal actions filed by the opposition. Former Member of Parliament Desmond Trotman had filed a legal action last year opposing the passage of the mortgages from Atlantic Hotel Inc to

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Republic Bank.

Critics have flayed government plans to hand over 67% of the equity in the hotel to the proposed Hong Kong investors for US$8M. They point out that NICIL has already spent US$20M on the controversial hotel.

According to the NICIL director, the opposition to the mortgages has served to partially delay the disbursement of the US$27 million financing from the syndicated group of lenders led by Republic Bank.

He noted that the mortgages are only part of the security structure and other parts include a debenture that has been registered resulting in Republic Bank disbursing US$15.25 million of the US$27 million that has been committed. The remainder awaits resolution of the court matter or alternative resolution, he said.

The injection of US$8 million by the private equity investor – Ace Square Management Ltd – has not happened. “It has always been a condition that the injection of the equity was contingent on the conclusion of the commitments with Republic Bank for the US$27M debt financing…the injection of the US$8M by the investor group, therefore continues to be delayed, if not jeopardised as a result of the legal actions filed by the opposition,” Brassington said.

See NICIL injects US$16m more into Marriott pg.15

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Surinamese charged with Guyanese in Barbados over cocaine

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Caribbean Star Newspaper LAND FOR INSHAN

March 13-19, 2015

olice have charged a second man in connection with the seizure of a quantity of cocaine at an apartment in Dover, Christ Church.

Following the arrest of Guyanese national Roland Felix who was remanded to prison on March 9, members of the Drug Squad have arrested and charged Surinamese national Benito Sylvester, a 33-year-old taxi driver.

He has been charged with possession of cocaine, possession with intent to supply, trafficking and importation of cocaine.

Police say the two men arrived in Barbados and checked into the apartment at which a search warrant was later executed. Eighty-seven packages of cocaine were discovered and seized. These packages were reportedly passed out by Sylvester whilst at the apartment. Sylvester was detained and referred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital where he passed a further 13 packages he had ingested. The 100 packages weighed a total of 1.5 kilogrammes.

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or $1 a year, the Inshan Ishmael-chaired Muslim Social and Cultural Foundation (MSCF) has been granted a 30-year lease for 8.3 acres of land at the Narsaloo Ramaya Road in Endeavour, Chaguanas.

The parcel of land is adjacent to the Divali Nagar site.

The lease to Ishmael’s foundation was finally approved by Cabinet last Thursday.

The Express understands that the note was taken by Land and Marine Resources Minister Jairam Seemungal three weeks ago but had met strong resistance from certain members of Cabinet.

Ishmael, a former high-profile member of Jack Warner’s Independent Liberal Party (ILP), was a vocal critic of the Government in his talk show Breaking Barriers on his television station Islamic Broadcasting Network (IBN).

He stopped the show last December after he said a contract was placed “on his head” and that there were threats to burn down the television station.

“Threats to me have been ongoing, but what happened was it never reached to the point of them saying ‘I will deal with you. I will deal with your children. I will have you kneeling on the ground and crying while I deal with your children’. It has never reached that level,” Ishmael had told the Express at the time.

The Express understands the division within the Government to approve the lease to Ishmael’s foundation forced Cabinet to refer it to the Finance and General Purposes Committee where it was subsequently approved last Monday and granted by Cabinet on Thursday.

Contacted last Friday, Ishmael explained that it was a “gift to the Muslim community” and not to him specifically.

He said he was aware that there was “objection by members of the Cabinet of Hindu background” but he remained grateful.

He said that the foundation had applied a long time ago for the land and expressed his thanks for its approval from Trade, Investment and Communications Minister Vasant Bharath, Seemungal and former national security minister Gary Griffith.

He sought to make it clear that this did not mean he was “bought out.”

“This land is not for me. It will benefit the community. It should in no way be perceived that I am a sellout,” he said.

“I know it is an election year and gifts are given but this is something long in coming,” he added.

He said he had long lobbied for the land for the foundation even while he was on air criticising the Government.

The fact that approval was granted while he was no longer on air or a mem-

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ber of the ILP on air is coincidental, he said.

He said he had hoped to resume his show on February 1 but was diagnosed with dengue and plans to restart after that were stymied because his sister, who has been in a coma for five years, suffered organ failure.

“It would be an inopportune time for me to come back on air but I hope to do so by the end of March,” he said.

He said he was aware that the land approval would be viewed sceptically.

“People feel it is to shut me up and buy me out. But that is not so,” he said.

He said he would also seek to rent the land out to host events and even political meetings.

Asked which party he now supported going into elections, Ishmael said he was at present “neutralised” and would lend his support to a party only after elections.

March 13-19, 2015 11 Caribbean Star Newspaper Thursday, August 29,July 201 EqualityNews.ca Caribbean Star FAMILY Newspaper MOM LOSES

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OTHER of 11, Kezi Doughty yesterday lost custody of ten of her children and was also ordered to undergo three years of probation for abandoning five of the 11, back in 2012.

Doughty is likely to neglect the children in the future and does not possess mothering skills, deemed appellate court judges Justices Paula Mae Weekes and Alice Yorke-Soo Hon yesterday.

The judges made their determination on an appropriate punishment for Doughty who had appealed a conviction for child abandonment and an ensuing $3,000 fine. The judges held that while on the evidence, a magistrate who convicted Doughty in 2012, had a basis for doing so, the sentence imposed was excessive as it was apparent Doughty was unable to pay the fine.

An alternative of simple imprisonment was also imposed on Doughty. Unable to pay the fine, Doughty who was pregnant at the time, was jailed before she was granted bail pending appeal, 16 days later.

“The magistrate did not exercise her discretion and should have made enquiries on the person’s ability to pay. No useful purpose will be served to send her to prison,” Weekes said in an oral ruling.

Doughty now has to visit the probation department offices every other Friday and failing to do so, she will be brought back to court for sentencing on the magistrate’s original order. The appellate judges also ordered that Doughty’s youngest children, twin girls born in September 2012 — three months after she was jailed — to remain at a children’s facility where they have lived for the last three years, until the age of 16, unless otherwise ordered by the court.

Weekes said the court felt it would be in the best interest of the twins to remain at that facility. “It is not best to shake up their systems,” Justice Weekes said.

Weekes informed the father of the twins, who was present in court, that should he desire to be with his daughters he can return to court and seek a variance of the state custody order so as to gain custody.

Five of Doughty’s other children will remain at another children’s home where they were placed when they were made wards of the State. They too will remain there until the age of 16 or unless anyone seeks the court’s permission to have the order for custody varied.

Two of Doughty’s children who are at present staying with their maternal grandmother, Jennifer Doughty, will remain in her care while another child will remain in the custody of its father in La Brea. Doughty’s eldest child ,17, is currently incarcerated and awaiting a court date for a case.

Notwithstanding, Weekes noted because of his age, he was beyond’s the court’s jurisdiction under the powers vested to it under the Children’s Act. Doughty who was jailed for five months for abandoning five of her children, has appealed her sentence. The two appellate judges in November, ordered that Doughty be sent to St Ann’s Psychiatric Hospital for tests to determine if she was mentally ill.

Doughty who was pregnant with twin girls at the time of her sentencing, was ac-

Poli Wanted Trinidad polic PITBULL KILLS GRANNY

cused of abandoning five of her children dering on the Public Transport Service Light Community home in Tunupuna.

— now aged ten, nine, six, five and three Corporation (PTSC) terminus on King’s In passing sentence, San Fernando Magyears — who were ordered to remain Wharf. istrate Alicia Chankar said she visited the wards of the State until the age of 16.

Police on patrol saw the two and three- area Doughty lived in and saw that the Doughty’s four eldest children were year-old children alone on the road. They children were living in a less than desirpreviously taken away from her. She was went to the house, where they found the able environment. She said the children charged with wilful abandonment of the seven-year-old and the five-month-old had rashes and were near naked; there children while she went to take a bath in sleeping on a foam mattress. was spoilt food in the house. Doughty the sea at King’s Wharf, San Fernando.

Before she gave birth to her twin girls was represented by attorney Peter Taylor Ramlogan said there was An 84-year-old great edgeable when it came to incident occurred.

Doughty, according to the charge, left one in September, 2012, Doughty’sTrinidad, bail was while Assistant Director of Public Prose-CM ORT-OF-SPAIN, July 9, 2014, an Wednesday undertaking within grandmother was yesterday the training of dogs and of the children sleeping on a sponge in the varied by a High Court judge and she and cutions George Busby appeared for the A former head o Parliamentofthat Azizul hours Rahaman after of thea photo mauled to death by a family disagreed with themitted deci- Dr suicide hisheappeared on a shack. The other children were seen wan- her twin girls found lodging at the Eternal State at the appeal. defunct state-ow

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

pitbull.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CPR

Training

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

He said he was also knowl-

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sion of the dog’s owner to carry out the training at the house.

“Aggression training within your own environment and training of dogs within your own household where you have ageable people or family members in your house

of lo

Jones Animal Clinic examined the dog and confirmed it was one of the dangerous dogs referred to in the Dog Control Bill which was passed in Parliament last month but is yet to be proclaimed, police said.

Rahaman removed some of the animals and locked

would accommodate certain amendments based on suggestions from Independent Senators and also from members of the Opposition.

The Independent Senators had already forwarded their suggestions to him, but he was still awaiting the Opposition’s before the Act is proclaimed by President Anthony Carmona.

“This bill is clearly needed.

I would like those persons who argue that there should be no legislation to control these dangerous dogs, I would like them to pay a visit to the relatives of victims to explain their position and to offer some condolence. I am calling upon them to go pay them a visit and to offer them some compensation,” said Ramlogan.

ana Airwaysho C has blamed g officials forlic th aviation woesagr country.

Co Former GAC wh Manager, Fazal the adamant that spite rather tha vic or operational a q forced the closure ofHis the airlinevisi back in the hos late nineties, and it is one of the ma-The jor reasonsme G u y a n e s egra are payingMa e x o r b i t a ntpro prices tosid travel upous North.

623 The formerbey aviation ofinfo ficial is convinced thatlice Un Guyana’s curren ed t affairs is one of have been avo and the continuanc “prosperous an oping” state-ow The rier being pres oth prized for itsnox fu and importance han nese travelers. a b “They didn’tTrik

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

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.

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

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.

12

March 13-19, 2015

Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 13-19, 2015 Caribbean Star Newspaper Bronx man busted for pointing laser beam at planes in LaGuardia Airport, NYPD helicopter: cops

Frank Egan, 36, was spotted pointing the laser out of an apartment window at 9 p.m. Monday, cops said. Police were greeted by his mother when they knocked on the door.

F

rank Egan, 36, was spotted pointing the laser out of an apartment window at 9 p.m. Monday, cops said. Police were greeted by his mother when they knocked on the door. A Bronx man is in hot water after callously pointing a laser beam at airplanes landing and taking off from LaGuardia Airport — and at an NYPD helicopter, cops said.

Frank Egan, 36, was nabbed after the NYPD aviation unit canvassing the area spotted the beam emanating from his apartment in Schuylerville around 9 p.m. Monday, cops said.

Officers who went to the apartment were met by Egan's mother, who invited them inside. There, the cops spotted a black tubular device labeled "Laser 303" on top of the refrigerator.

Egan admitted the laser was his and admitted to using it that evening, cops said. His home is about 10 miles from the airport in Queens.

"He gave it right up and that was it," a police source said.

But Egan denied he was responsible for aiming his laser at the planes as he was lead out of the NYPD's 45 Precinct stationhouse later in the day.

“I didn't do it. It wasn't me,” he told reporters. “I was asleep in bed.”

Egan told cops he bought the laser at a Florida shop for $50, a police source said.

Police from the NYPD’s aviation unit were able to hone in the exact apartment the beam was coming from after flying their helicopters in the LaGuardia flight path, police said.

“We were at approximately 500 feet looking for this laser for 15 to 20 minutes...we didn't find a laser, so we though why don't we pretend we're an airline, we can go up with the LaGuardia tower and fly the approach to LaGuardia airport. We had the flashing light in front of the helicopter go on steady to look like an airplane,” he said. Detective Richard Mardarello, who was piloting the mission said. “We used ourselves as bait.”

Mardarello and his co-pilot, officer Royston Charles, went to the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai for minor injuries to their eyes after they were hit by the beam. They were treated and released, police said.

“When it hits your eyes, all you see is green, at that specific moment, you can't see nothing but the color of that laser…as soon

as it passes you get that black darkness you can't see anything." Mardarello said. “It's not safe…(LaGaurdia pilots) are only not a minute away from landing, once you get hit by a laser it takes a little while to recover.”

Frank Egan, 36, was arrested for allegedly pointing a laser pointer at LaGuardia aircraft and an NYPD helicopter on Monday.

The powerful beam can travel more than a mile and illuminate a cockpit, “disorienting and temporarily blinding pilots,” according to the FBI’s website.

Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal felony punishable by five years in prison.

Egan is being prosecuted by local authori-

ties, cops said.

The pilot of an Air Canada commercial airliner went to a hospital in Toronto, Canada, and was also treated and released for eye injuries. A Delta Air Lines flight and a smaller plane were also hit with the beam, cops said.

Egan was arraigned Tuesday night on two counts of felony assault and four counts of reckless endangerment. He faces a max of seven years behind bars He was held on $15,000 bond over $5,000 cash at his arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court.

Friends of Egan's said he works at the Enchanted Flower Boutique in New Rochelle.

13

"He's a nice guy, I don't understand how he has this problem," said Mohammed Alzui, who owns the nearby Marina Deli.

Egan’s mother said she didn’t want to comment, adding, “but my son is a good kid and that’s all I have to say.”

The number of reported laser incidents in the city rose from 52 in 2010 to 71 in 2014, according to the FBI. There have been 31 so far this year.

In May 2014, a Shuttle America pilot was hit with a laser on approach to LaGuardia Airport. Then, in September, cops arrested a 26-year-old Queens man after he pointed a beam at their helicopter.

14

March 13-19, 2015

ISLAM Peace / submission to the will of our creator.

Pray!

Abdullah 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.

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” “0, My Lord! I have wronged my soul a great wrong, and none forgiveth sins save Thou alone. Then forgive me and have mercy on me. Verily, Thou art 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. 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 preced-

Caribbean Star Newspaper

ing 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 and taubah 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 displeasing to 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 Ta-hajjud 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.

It is vital to our spiritual enhancement that we ponder over the favors and bounties of our creator, thus realizing that our existence can only be justified by consistently worshiping Allah with absolute dedication and servitude. An excellent example of such gracious bounties is the constant functioning of our immune system to keep us safe and healthy.

Our Wonderful Immune System It is a perfect system. How foolish to think that it could have come into existence through evolutionary accidents.

By Harun Yahya When a country is involved in war, a general mobilization is declared. Most of the natural resources and the budget are expended on military requirements.

The economy is re-arranged to meet the needs of this extraordinary situation as the country is involved in an all-out war effort. Similarly, the immune system, the system that protects our bodies against disease, would also announce mass mobilization and recruiting of all of its elements to fight the enemy. Do you wonder how this happens?

If enemy members are more than the currently fighting macrophages (immune cells) can handle, a special substance is secreted. The name of this substance is “pyrogen” and it is a kind of alarm call.

If we were asked to develop an army in our own body to fight the enemy, we would simply have no idea what to do.

After traveling a long way, “pyrogen” reaches the brain where it stimulates the fever-increasing center of the brain.

Once alerted, the brain sets off alarms in the body and the person develops a high fever. The patient with a high fever naturally feels the need to rest. Thus, the energy needed by the defense army is not spent elsewhere. The pyrogen produced by the macrophages is perfectly designed to trigger the fever-raising mechanism of the brain. Therefore, the macrophage, and the pyrogen, and the temperature-raising center of the brain, and the brain have all to be created at the same time.

As is evident, there is a perfect plan at work. Every requirement is created flawlessly for this plan to succeed; the macrophages, the pyrogen substance and other similar substances, the fever-raising center of the brain and the fever-raising mechanisms of the body…

In the absence of even one of these, the system would simply not work. Therefore, it can by no means be claimed that such a system could have originated step by step through evolution.

Who, then, has made this plan?

Who knows that the body’s fever must rise, and that only that way the energy needed by the defense army will not be spent elsewhere?

Is it the macrophages?

Macrophages are merely tiny cells invisible to the naked eye. They do not have the capacity to think. They are living organisms that only obey an established superior order; they merely carry out their duties.

Is it the brain?

Definitely not. Nor does the brain possess any power to create or produce something. Just as in all other systems, in this system, too, it is in a position not to give orders, but to obey orders and submit to them.

Is it man?

Certainly not. This system protects man from certain death, although he is not even aware that such a perfect system is at work in his own body. Even if man were ever ordered to develop an army in his own body to fight the enemy and cause his fever to rise, and provide this army to work round the clock in his entire body, he would simply have no idea what to do.

Today, mankind is not even able to understand the details of the present order in the immune system, despite all the technology at its disposal — much less imitate it.

It is an obvious fact that man was created with all of his features in place. Willingly or unwillingly, he submits to his Creator and the systems He established. Just as everything else does… “…No, everything in the heavens and earth belongs to Him. Everything is obedient to Him.” [Al-Baqara 2: 116] Compiled by: Shayk Abdullah Khan Abdullah.khan@ihsanacademy.org

Caribbean Star Newspaper NICIL injects US$16m more into Marriott continued from pg.11

He said that as a result of the continued legal and other attacks to delay the project, NICIL has had to fund “on an interim basis,” a portion of the expected private financing.

This was necessary to avoid negative repercussions for the project. He emphasised that the US$16 million will be reimbursed once the legal challenge to the mortgages is discharged.

CASINO Meantime, it was also revealed that the Hong Kong investors through Ace Square

March 13-19, 2015

15

Management Ltd, an affiliate company of ACE Square Investments Ltd, have pulled out of operating the casino. According to Brassington, the private investor “has opted not to operate the casino due to the risk of being both joint investor (in the hotel) and operator in a casino in a country where anti-money laundering legislation is absent.” He added that the principals of ACE Square Management are also directors of publicly traded companies in Hong Kong who were hesitant to take on the responsibility of operating the casino.

He said that while the investors were concerned for their international reputation, the Marriott was able to take over the The ninth floor of the Marriott Hotel provides a breathtaking view of Georgetown landmarks including the lighthouse and Stabroek Market and the mouth of the Demerara River as it meets the Atlantic Ocean. operation of the casino due to its global reputation. He added that the Marriott would not be associated with anything unless it followed best practices. The Entertainment and Casino Complex will not be operational for the opening of the hotel and is expected to open before the end of the year.

Brassington also said that the Chinese contractors Shanghai Construction Group (SCG), are expected to hand over the hotel for the opening and afterwards, the earnings of the hotel would have to meet the operational costs. He did not disclose what the projected monthly operating costs would be. Brassington did not evince any concern that the May 11 general elections may impact the occupancy rate of the hotel. He said that the Marriott operates on an annual average occupancy rate as opposed to a day-to-day or month-to-month basis.

He noted that the projection was in the low 40 percentile but added that those were conservative estimates.

The NICIL director said that the 197room hotel provides a venue for large scale events and international conferences. He highlighted that while HVS International conducted a feasibility study in October 2012 which showed an overall rate of return of 11 percent, Marriott International has also conducted its own studies. The hotel has already applied for a five star rating which is expected to be awarded one month after opening following an inspection.

Brassington noted that the hotel is being completed despite facing major criticism.

“In my twenty plus years in government I have never seen a project exposed to such consistent and deliberate attacks,” he said.

He added that currently, 230 Guyanese have been employed while the hotel is being completed on budget.

Brassington’s presentation also severely criticised Stabroek News and Kaieteur News for their coverage on the hotel. He circulated a dossier entitled Challenges to Development of the Guyana Marriott Project which listed the headlines of stories about the Marriott Hotel in the two newspapers. The Marriott Hotel had been mentioned as far back as 2007 but there were numerous difficulties in attracting an investor. This prompted the government move to invest upfront via NICIL. The Chinese contractor for the project, Shanghai Construction also engendered controversy when only imported Chinese labour was utilised on the project.

16

Caribbean Star Newspaper Political activist Crum-Ewing gunned down at Diamond» March 13-19, 2015

Walking the streets of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara urging residents to go out and vote on May 11th, political activist Courtney Crum-Ewing was shot dead execution-style.

The carborne gunmen escaped.

T

he 40-year-old man, who had staged a oneman protest outside of the office of Attorney General Anil Nandlall calling for him to resign,was shot several times to his body and left dead on Third Street, Diamond shortly before 8 pm. It was the first evening he was galvanizing residents of his community to vote.

Residents said that they heard Crum-Ewing, on his bullhorn, from about 7pm last evening urging voters to not stay at home come May 11th and take to the polls to oust the incumbent PPP/C government.

They said that before one hour had elapsed, gunshots were heard and the former soldier lay dead in a desolate area at the intersection of 3rd and Back Street, Diamond.

“I heard him earlier in the night, he was saying that everyone who was eligible to vote should exercise their franchise and throw out this corrupt government less they suffer another five years,” one

Courtney Crum–Ewing during his one man protest outside the Attorney General’s Chambers

Courtney Crum–Ewing (left) and one of his Queen’s College schoolmates during the protets against Attorney General Anil Nandlall. resident told Stabroek News.

“He passed me again as I stood chatting with a friend in 3rd Street and I even turned to say ‘this man really aint got nothing to do, you mean this night he on loud speaker walking telling people about voting’. We continued talking and about 10 minutes after we heard about five shots-one first and then the four in rapid succession…it came from a low calibre gun, maybe a pistol, but looking up the road we couldn’t see anything,” the man added.

He said that not five minutes had elapsed before they saw a police pick-up speed through the street and realized that someone was probably shot.

However it was not until they went in the direction of the police and the shooting that they realized that it was Crum-Ewing who was killed.

Another resident who lives a short distance from where the shooting occurred and who was walking in front of Crum-Ewing on her way home said that the shooting seems mysterious as

she was quite sure no vehicles passed them in 3rd Street .

“I looked back and saw him going to a yard to speak to someone …then (it) seems he didn’t bother so I continued and reached inside and heard about three shots…when we rushed out it all seemed funny because two vehicles, a silver Rav 4 and a white 212 were parked facing each other with their lights on and the body in front of them,” the woman said.

“We were shocked too that right after the police drive up and I know police in Diamond they don’t respond so quick for nothing so something don’t make sense here tonight,” the woman added.

She said that the police removed about three spent shells from on the roadway and later called for the Lyken Funeral Parlour to collect the body.

The man’s parents Eustace and Donna Harcourt told this newspaper they were not at home when they learned of his death but received a phone call telling them he was gunned

down in Third Street, a little after 8 pm.

Donna said the oldest of her four children had conducted the same ‘Get out and Vote’ exercise earlier in the day on Regent Street and she last saw him when he had completed it around 2 pm to go and pick up his niece from school.

Both parents believe that their son was killed because of the exercise he was conducting and are calling on the relevant authorities to get to the bottom of it.

Crum-Ewing protested for several weeks last year for Nandlall to quit over the contents of a phone conversation he had with a reporter of Kaieteur News.

The police last night said, that at about 2000h. yesterday, Crum-Ewing, 40 years, of Golden Grove, EBD, was walking along the roadway at Third Street, Diamond, EBD, when a car with four men drove up from which shots were discharged at him, after which the men escaped. Crum-Ewing was hit to his body and was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was pronounced dead on arrival. It said that investigations are in progress.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the following statement on the killing: The Ministry of Home Affairs condemns in the strongest possible terms, the shooting to

death of Courtney Crum-Ewing by unknown person or persons this evening in the Grove /Diamond area, East Bank Demerara.

The Minister of Home Affairs has given orders to the Commissioner of Police to take immediate action with a view to getting to the bottom of this execution-type shooting incident, through the most thorough investigation.

Though it is early yet to draw any specific conclusion or motive in connection with the perpetration of this dastardly act, the Ministry of Home Affairs wishes to alert the general public to be vigilant in respect of any act of violence provoked or unprovoked, that might be possibly initiated by those who may have a political agenda.

The Ministry notes the deep coincidence between the fatal shooting incident and the earlier swearing in of the new Commissioner of Police.

The Ministry extends its sympathy to family and relatives of Courtney Crum-Ewing and pledges to support the police in their investigations to bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice.

The ministry calls on anyone who may have knowledge about the circumstances /motive surrounding the shooting death of Courtney Crum Ewing to give their full support to the police in their investigation.

March 13-19, 2015 Caribbean Star Newspaper Planned GGMC $3b transfer intended for GuySuCo

F

ormer President Bharrat Jagdeo confirmed that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) was the final destination for $3 billion which government has been attempting to transfer from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA).

According to the former president, the funds are state funds and do not belong to the mining sector and the transfer was solving two problems at the same time. He said that the money in the GGMC treasury currently is earning less than 2% interest as opposed to the 5% per annum stipulated under the originally intended agreement with the CHPA and the struggling GuySuCo would be receiving a much needed influx of money. Jagdeo made the comments at a news briefing at PPP headquarters Freedom House, the first he has held since he demitted office in 2011.

Since January, the government has been trying to access the $3 billion from the GGMC for the CHPA – first by a loan agreement which has been challenged in court – and then by a direct transfer on the basis of Cabinet approval. The proposed loan was abandoned and Cabinet instead approved the transfer of $3 billion. The Cabinet decision said that the transfer was to support the “development of Housing Infrastructure proj-

ects in Mining Communities and other areas where Miners settlement occur.”

However, in the eye of the controversy, the GGMC sought legal advice from law firm, Cameron and Shepherd which advised that the agency couldn’t be directed to move money to another agency.

Government is still trying to access the money and Stabroek News understands that on Monday, the government solicited the help of two senior counsel and met with members of the GGMC to find alternative ways to tap the money.

Jagdeo’s comments yesterday marked the first time that the $3 billion was tied directly to the CHPA’s recent purchase of 1000 acres of GuySuCo lands which are to be transformed into house lots.

Stabroek News has made multiple attempts to contact GuySuCo’s CEO, Rajendra Singh on the matter to no avail.

Prior to yesterday’s press conference, there had been no public mention that the $3 billion was always intended to be

transferred to GuySuCo. According to Jagdeo, the opposition was starving the sugar industry and by extension, sugar workers. “There is no Parliament now and we know that GuySuCo needs help…the account now earns less than 2% so they (GGMC) are getting a commitment investing this money that will bring greater return to GGMC, we then help GuySuCo to get over their difficult period,” he said.

Analysts have argued that two state agencies should not be permitted to enter such a transaction outside of the Consolidated Fund. Such inter-agency transactions, they say, would lead to chaos in the public accounts and make a mockery of parliamentary oversight.

The revelation of the proposed loan in the media sparked concerns about government seeking to circumvent constraints on spending ahead of the May 11th general elections. The GGMC has claimed that it should not be seen as an isolated case and it has cited 33 instances where it provided financial assistance totalling over $8 billion between 2012 and 2015. The GGMC’s loan to the CHPA is the single largest outlay disbursed by the commission during that period. Additionally, the GGMC has said it made contributions to the Consolidated Fund in the sum of $6.8 billion from 2006 to 2012.

However, a legal challenge was filed

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

and on February 27, acting Chief Justice Ian Chang directed the GGMC and the CHPA to account for the contentious $3B loan agreement signed by both agencies.

Following the court action, authoritative sources say that the Minis-try of Natural Resources and the Environment and the Ministry of Housing and Water presented a memorandum to Cabinet which approved the transfer of $3 billion to the CHPA to support the development of housing infrastructure projects in mining communities.

Cabinet’s approval of the $3b transfer differs from what the original intent of the loan was. The GGMC and the CH&PA in a joint statement on February 27th had said that the CH&PA project was “pivotal to the realisation of the Government of Guyana strategic target of allocating 30,000 lots under the Adequate and Affordable Housing Programme in order to maintain momentum in the provision of service land in several areas on the East and West Demerara.”

Sources say Cabinet’s decision referred to housing in mining communities and other areas where settlement by miners occurs. This amendment to the purposes of the financing appears aimed at making it relevant to the GGMC Act. Some critics had argued that the proposed financing for housing in general was ultra vires the GGMC Act.

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March 13-19, 2015

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

Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 13-19, 2015

19

THE CHURCH HAS A PURPOSE When Jesus declared He would build His Church, He had a plan.

The Church over the centuries lost its direction in large part. The Holy Spirit, however, has always been faithful to sustain a small remnant of God’s people who passionately sought after Him resulting in the full Gospel handed down to our generation. Today’s Church needs self-examination and re-evaluation of our purpose. Are we living for Christ as we should and fulfilling the task assigned to us?

THE PLAN IN GOD’S ECONOMY The Old Testament generally is a foreshadowing of the advent of the Savior. The Son of God arrived among humanity by the Virgin Birth, lived a sinless life, and demonstrated God’s pure love for lost people. He taught the world how to live in right relationship with the Heavenly Father, then He gave His life to redeem us. His resurrection is the seal of all God’s promises for humanity. We will have eternal life if we humble ourselves and take Jesus Christ into our hearts as our Savior and Lord of our entire life. Whilst Jesus fully paid the price for our redemption, His work is not finished. He continues to intercede for us before the Father in Heaven. He also needs to take the message of His love to people who don’t know. This latter function is assigned to the Church (also called the Body of Christ). The Body is empowered by the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. “The body without the spirit is dead.” James 2:26.

The Purpose for the Church’s existence The story is told of a preacher travelling through a southern town.

As he sat on the patio for tea, he noticed a rustling in the bushes. He walked cautiously towards it and

called out, “Who is there?” There emerged a rugged and dirty man who begged for something to eat. The preacher enquired about his welfare.

The man explained he was a runaway slave in hiding to which the preacher was happy to announce, “Haven’t you heard old Abe has abolished slavery? You are a free man!” This story illustrates our assignment. At His Ascension, Jesus left this mandate, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20. Like that runaway slave, multitudes are still bound in sin and heading for a lost eternity. They need to know that Christ paid a ransom price to end their suffering and eternal damnation. Jesus entrusted this life saving message into our hands.

The eternal destiny of some soul is in your hands!

THE POWER TO ACCOMPLISH IT Notice the extent of the mandate – all power, all nations, all things, always. We are to tell everyone without prejudice. Tell them everything He

taught in the Bible, not merely convenient portions. His promise is to be with us always through the Holy Spirit. “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8.

The job is extensive. No language or culture group is to be excluded. Every sinner needs to hear this message and understand they do not have to die in sin and go to hell. Everyone is invited into the Father’s House to spend eternity with Him. The Holy Spirit motivates His servants to reach the unreached peoples in the far corners of the world. It takes sacrifice, but with a joy and satisfaction words cannot explain. We must begin in our own “Jerusalem” and continue reaching out until we touch “the uttermost parts of the earth.” Wherever there is sin, corruption and brokenness, there is a need for the gospel. As we see our own society in peril, we must not be found among the complainers. This is a good time for us to fulfill our purpose. Let us tell them of God’s love and the rescue operation accomplished by Jesus Christ in His death and resurrection. Evangelism and Missions are vital signs of life in the Church.

ONE POWERFUL EXAMPLE OF THE CHURCH’S MISSION. Lillian Trasher, as a young girl, knelt by a log in the Georgia woods and prayed, “Lord, if ever I can do anything for you, just let me know and I’ll do it.” In her younger years she worked for an orphanage in North Carolina. She was engaged to be married and ten days before her wedding in June of 1910, she attended a missionary conference where she sensed God telling her now was the time to get involved in missions. Since her fiancé didn’t feel the call as she did, she made the painful decision of breaking off her engagement to “the most wonderful young man in the world.”

Lilian and her sister Jennie sailed to Africa with less than 100 dollars in their pockets. Shortly after arriving in Asyut, Egypt, this 23-year-old single missionary went to visit a dying woman. When the woman died, Trasher took the tiny baby daughter to raise, whom she named Fareida. To provide space for her new “family,” she rented a small house in Asyut.

That day, February 10, 1911, was

the beginning of the Lillian Trasher Orphanage. After starting the orphanage, since Lillian had no means of support, she begged. Her first donation was thirty-five cents. It was enough for that day’s food. In 1914 she became affiliated with the new movement, the Assemblies of God. They sent barrels of clothing and an occasional check, but Lillian still relied on the generosity of her Egyptian neighbors. By 1923 she housed 300 orphans and widows. In January 1960 she began her 50th year in Egypt. As a young girl in 1910, she dreamed of having 12 children of her own. 50 years later, as a gray-headed woman, she looked out her window to her 1,200 children.

This loving missionary lady, known as “Mama Lillian,” or “Mother of the Nile,” went to be with the Lord on December 17, 1961. Over those 51 years, about 10,000 children were raised in her home. The Lillian Trasher Orphanage has provided a loving home, hope and Christian training to more than 25,000 children during the past 100 years. Today it is one of the largest and finest orphanages in the world, run by Assemblies of God of Egypt, and supported by the Presbyterian churches of Egypt, the Soul Salvation Society, and other Egyptian church bodies. Lilian Trasher is honored with a feast day on the liturgical calendar of the Episcopal Church (USA) on December 19.

Ref:http://www.inspirationalchristians.org/biography/lillian-trasher/ Ref: http://worldmissions.ag.org/ regions/eurasia/ Everyone can do something to fulfill the mission of the Church. 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

March 13-19, 2015

ABSENT

ecruits manned the prisons, police and fire stations as hundreds of officers of the three arms of the protective services did not report for duty yesterday.

Their day of “rest and reflection” was the latest stand-off in a salary dispute with Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) Stephanie Lewis, whose offer of an increase that was less than ten percent has been rejected by the three associations representing prisons, police and fire officers. In a unified force, the Police Social and Welfare Association, the Fire Services Association and Prison Officers Association, are demanding a 19 percent increase in salaries.

Many police stations were near empty, especially in north Trinidad, while the Tobago division was severely short-staffed.

There were not enough prisons officers to take inmates to their hearings at the Port-ofSpain Magistrates’ Court and High Court, where cases, such as the high-profile Vindra Naipaul-Coolman murder trial, were adjourned. See Page 15A Fire stations had as few as two fire-fighters on duty.

For president of the Police Social and Welfare Association, Inspector Anand Ramesar, the message from his officers was loud and clear.

“Officers would have acted... and expressed their frustration with the salary negotiations.

Many police stations, divisions and departments seemed to be short-staffed, such as Arouca the attendance was almost zero and in divisions in Tobago attendance was very dismal,” Ramesar told Newsday.

He too noted the low turnout by prisons officers “which had the repercussion of no prisoners being brought to court.”

Ramesar said the police association tried to avert the action in a meeting with members.

“However, I can say for a fact that the members have expressed that they will not be deterred until there is a favourable response to their salary negotiations grievances,” he declared.

The associations and the CPO met last Friday.

“The CPO did not change her position, notwith-

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The police association has called on its general membership to attend a meeting today at the Chaguaramas Convention Centre at 8 am to discuss the salary negotiations.

High absenteeism is expected again today.

“The association learnt through the grapevine that members will choose to rest and reflect,” Ramesar said.

Prisons were virtually crippled by the poor turnout of guards, president of the Prison Officers Association Ceron Richards disclosed yesterday. More than 300 prisons officers failed to report for work. At the Maximum Security Prison, an estimated 100 officers were not on duty, with a similar low count at the Golden Grove Prison, while 50 officers stayed away at the Women’s Prison, seriously affecting these penal institutions in Arouca. At the time he spoke with Newsday, Richards did not yet have the data for the Carrera Island Prison.

Apart from prisoners not being taken to court, recruits were used to augment the staff shortage. The use of recruits, Richards cautioned, was risky since they did not yet have the experience to “treat with the operational areas”. Even so, he too expects even more prisons officers will be absent today, and appealed to the CPO and Finance Minister Larry Howai to make a better offer based on market rates. “All the officers are asking for is for them to be reasonably and fairly compensated, in relation to the market value and given what they are truly worth,” he said.

At fire stations, a minimum of two officers were present to respond to any emergency. Up to 600 officers work at stations across Trinidad and Tobago each day, but more than 200 were absent yesterday, said Leo Ramkissoon, president of the Fire Services Association.

“We have at least 220 fire officers attached to the operational section who did not turn out for work. These are the officers who man the fire tenders throughout the country, Piarco and Tobago. That is a particular concern for Piarco and Crown Point where officers are needed round the clock. If you do not have fire officers at those two stations then the airports have to be downgraded and international flights cannot use the airport, so international flights cannot land and take off,” Ramkissoon warned.

Of 30 firefighters rostered at Piarco, only two were at the station yesterday, therefore, personnel not trained in “aerodrome fire fighting” were assigned to man the appliances. There were also only two at Crown Point, Tobago. Three fire-fighters reported to work at the Fire Service headquarters, Wrightson Road, Port-of- Spain, which usually has 40 officers rostered daily.

There was no fireman on duty at the Couva station where up to 30 officers are assigned.

Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams is currently out of the country and, when contacted, advised that questions be referred to Deputy Police Commissioner Ann Marie Alleyne. However, Alleyne could not reached for comment. Newly appointed Prisons Commissioner Sterling Stewart said operations ran smoothly at the prisons, with no disturbances despite the absenteeism of prisons officers, confirming recruits were called in to assist.

“We knew that some form of industrial action was going to take place between Monday and Tuesday but we did a contingency plan from since Sunday where we instructed the Superintendent of the Prisons Training College to mobilise the recruits and the instructors and deploy them at the various prisons to augment the batches,” Stewart said.

The recruits worked with those officers who were on the job, and with senior prisons officers.

“A number of officers did report for duties and the recruits have been working alongside them... in carrying out basic daily functions of having inmates go to court, airing, exercises, feeding and basic hygiene,” Stewart further assured.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Roosevelt Bruce, commenting on how yesterday’s action affected the Fire Services said, “we have a number of persons absent today, some reporting sick and some were unaccounted for.”

“The general response is that we were not adversely affected because we had persons from the non-operational sections who are trained fire fighters and they have been augmenting the strength,” he said.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 13-19, 2015

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Build a team of professionals for your business.

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s a business owner, you probably handle most of the responsibility of running the business yourself.

But what if you could utilize a team of professionals to consult and guide the management of your company? What if this team could understand your situations and needs on an ongoing basis?

No matter what type of business you own or how successful you are, everyone can benefit from the guidance and knowledge of these four key business specialists, many of whom are independent business operators just like you.

Attorney: You may want to hire an attorney who specializes in the needs of business owners and can consult with you on asset ownership, best-choice business form, succession planning, contract review, and employee-employer relationships.

It’s crucial to establish a rela-

tionship with your attorney, so that you can pick up the phone when you have a question.

Accountant: Again, you may prefer someone who understands the needs of independent business people and, if possible, also knows your industry. An accountant should help you “read” your books more effectively, translate raw data, plot areas of profit and loss, and show you how to manage your tax liability. In short, your CPA could save you money. Don’t make the mistake of meeting only once a year at tax time: give your accountant the opportunity to work with you all year long.

Financial institution officer: Credit is the lifeblood of many businesses. It’s always important to maintain contact with a person who can help you access the cash flow you need when you need it, and at a favorable rate. In addition to

issuing credit, many financial institutions frequently provide a wealth of other services at minimal or no charge. Regular contact with your institution will keep you abreast of new opportunities that can benefit your business.

Insurance professional: An insurance agent familiar with the challenges facing independent business owners can act as an effective problem solver. Specifically, a trained, licensed insurance professional can play several crucial roles in your business: •

Help your company meet its immediate insurance protection needs. This includes helping select and fund insurance for key executive coverage, death and disability* buy-out, pension, and other qualified plans.

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Help meet your personal insurance and financial product needs.

Family decisions can be a key factor in making any business decisions. Your insurance agent can help you coordinate a cohesive insurance program that satisfies your needs and goals on personal and professional levels.

•

Help coordinate the work of other professionals.

Insurance agents will help you focus on the big picture and work to help you put together a team of professionals.

please contact Indra Puran at 646 266 5416. *Disability insurance is available through one or more carriers not affiliated with New York Life, dependent on carrier authorization and product availability in your state or locality.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 13-19, 2015

Mahdia man warded after ‘jumbie’ lash RIDGEWOOD TRAVEL AGENT CHARGED

F

IFTY-ONE-YEAROLD Roderick Stevens of Mahdia, Region 8, is currently warded at the Georgetown Public Hospital where he is nursing injuries to the left ear, eye and internal head injuries, after being dealt a severe ‘jumbie’ lash (an ambush) on the ear with a bottle.He was struck from behind and is therefore unable to ascertain who had attacked him. However, he recalls that on the evening of February, he and his wife, Madrina Thomas, had gone to meet with his uncle at the popular ‘Cevon’s shop’ at Princeville, Mahdia.

While there, he recalled seeing a ‘douglah’ (mixed race) young man whom he had never seen in the area before, looking at him. According to Stevens, the man was ‘high’, (intoxicated). But he said he paid the man no mind, since he was just there to collect some money from his uncle on whose mining claim he had worked earlier. Around midnight, he said, he and his wife left the shop and set out for home.

But on the roadway he encountered a cousin who said she would accompany them, but had to go back to the shop to collect her torchlight. It was while he and his wife were waiting out in the dark for her, that someone crept up and lashed

him on the left side of his head.

“I was waiting and I only see somebody from a dark spot, come up and lash me, and I fall,” the injured man said. As Stevens lay unconscious, his wife and cousin sought help and took him to hospital. He remained at Mahdia Hospital while being treated for a week and was discharged on February 24.

But the next morning he discovered that he was bleeding from the inner ear.

“All the dressing soak,” he declared. He was taken back to hospital and on that same day was evacuated to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he learnt that the inner ear had burst and so he needed surgery. On March 2, after being treated at the GPH, Stevens was discharged and sent to the Amerindian Hostel on Princes Street, but while there, the ear started bleeding heavily again and by March 8 he had to be readmitted to the GPH. However, he remains warded at the institution, and although the head and face are still badly swollen, the bleeding had subsided.

Stevens said that while he was in hospital, detectives came to take a statement from him and mentioned that someone is in custody at Mahdia, in connection with his wounding.

IN IMMIGRANT FRAUD SCAM

D

efendant Allegedly Stole Thousands Of Dollars From Undocumented Victim With Promise Of Legal Status; Public Asked To Call District Attorney’s Office of Immigrant Affairs If Victimized Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown today announced that a Ridgewood, Queens, travel agent has been charged with stealing thousands of dollars from an undocumented alien in return for purportedly procuring legal immigration status for the individual – who was actually a confidential informant working with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.

District Attorney Brown said, “Earlier this year, I established an Office of Immigrant Affairs to assist members of Queens County’s various immigrant communities in navigating and accessing the criminal justice system because it has been my office’s experience that immigrants are often specifically targeted for fraud and exploitation due to their unfamiliarity with the law and their heavy reliance on finding someone to assist them in navigating the process of obtaining the necessary documents to work and remain in the United States.”

District Attorney Brown continued, “In this particular case, the defendant is accused of being a con man who unscrupulously exploited an individual looking for help in achieving his American Dream but ultimately found only an American Nightmare. Anyone who believes that he or she may have been a victim of the defendant’s alleged scheme is asked to contact my Office of Immigration Affairs at 1-718-2866690 or my Integrity Unit at 1-718286-6524.”

The District Attorney noted that his Office of Immigrant Affairs serves as a liaison to immigrant communities in Queens, both to ensure that they are aware of and know how to access the criminal justice system if they are victimized and to assist community members and groups with questions, concerns or complaints and direct them to the appropriate bureaus and divisions within the Queens District Attorney’s Office.

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Dariusz Buczynski, 44, of 53-49 65th Place in the Maspeth section of Queens. Buczynski, the owner of Anka Travel and Consulting Services located at 65-14 Fresh Pond Boulevard and formerly at 71-20 Fresh Pond Road, both in Ridgewood, was arraigned yesterday before Queens Criminal Court Judge Bruna DiBiase on a criminal complaint charging him with third-degree grand larceny and second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument.

Buczynski, who faces up to seven years in prison if convicted, was released on his own recognizance and was ordered to return to court on May 4, 2015.

District Attorney Brown said that the United States Department of Homeland

Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is charged, in part, with investigating document and benefit fraud involving citizenship applicants.

District Attorney Brown said that, according to the criminal charges, an informant working with Homeland Security went to Buczynski’s business, Anka Travel and Consulting Services, on July 27, 2012, and met with Buczynski and asked for assistance in securing government documents granting legal status, including work documents and legal resident status. Buczynski allegedly advised the informant that he would charge$12,000 for the entire process, which included his fees and government filing fees.

At various times between October 25, 2012, and October 9, 2013, it is alleged that the informant met with Buczynski at both his Fresh Pond Road and Fresh Pond Boulevard business locations and supplied Buczynski with whatever documentation he requested and signed numerous documents regarding his immigration application and work authorization request. During these meetings, the informant also alleged paid Buczynski various sums of money – including $6,000 in cash to start the work authorization paperwork and $1,650 in cash for application fees and the informant’s working permit card.

Finally, on October 9, 2013, it is alleged that the informant met with Buczynski, who printed out four purported government forms and told the informant that he should receive paperwork from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service in two to four weeks and that the informant should bring him the paperwork when he received it. A review of the records of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services allegedly revealed no applications and/or forms purportedly submitted by Buczynski on behalf of the informant and that a review of the bar codes that appear on the forms purportedly submitted by Buczynski did not correspond to any forms filed on behalf of the informant.

The investigation was conducted by Special Agent Peter Giannakos, of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and by Assistant District Attorney Carmencita N. Gutierrez, Director of District Attorney Brown’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.

Senior Assistant District Attorney Daniel J. O’Leary, of the District Attorney’s Integrity Bureau, is prosecuting the case under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney James M. Liander, Bureau Chief, and under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for Investigations Peter A. Crusco and Deputy Executive Assistant District Attorney Linda M. Cantoni.

It should be noted that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 13-19, 2015

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

World News Highlights

in London on Friday, marking the end of 13 years of British military operations in the country.

STOCKHOLM – Swedish prosecutors want to question Julian Assange in London over allegations of sexual assault, potentially ending an impasse that left the WikiLeaks founder holed up for almost three years in Ecuador’s embassy.

MADRID – Spanish police arrested eight suspected Islamic militants in a dawn raid on Friday who were planning attacks in Spain and were recruiting fighters to send to Syria and Iraq, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

BERLIN – Muslim women teachers can wear headscarves as long as it does not cause disruption in school, Germany’s top court said in a ruling that overturns an earlier ban and may fuel debate about what some nationalist groups see as creeping “Islamization”.

BANGKOK – The party of Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi will contest the general election this year even if there is no change in the constitution to allow the Nobel laureate to become president, one of the party’s top leaders said on Friday.

LONDON – Queen Elizabeth joined army top brass and relatives of British soldiers who died in Afghanistan at a commemoration service at St Paul’s Cathedral

BRUSSELS – European Union leaders are unlikely to reach agreement at their summit next week to prolong economic sanctions on Russia that expire in July,

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f you suffer from allergies for even part of the year, you may wonder when you’ll get a reprieve. People with spring allergies, fall allergies, or winter allergies might feel relief during their off seasons, but for those who experience allergy symptoms yearround — it’s a constant battle with allergens in the air. According to WebMD in an article reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD the following are twelve natural ways to defeat allergies.

12 NATURAL WAYS TO DEFEAT ALLERGIES

1) Shut Out Breezes Keeping indoor air free of your allergy triggers can help relieve nasal symptoms. Installing special air filters in your furnace and air conditioning systems can remove 90% to 95% of particles from your indoor air. Closing doors and windows when outdoor pollen counts are high also can help keep pollen and other outdoor allergens out of your home.

2) Consider Alternative Therapies While research results are conflicting, some people find seasonal allergy relief with certain herbs and supplements. The best evidence is for butterbur, which several studies have shown can help decrease nasal allergy symptoms. Other studies have

a senior EU official said on Friday.

BAGHDAD – The offensive to retake Tikrit appeared to stall on Friday, two days after Iraqi security forces and mainly Shi’ite militia pushed into Saddam Hussein’s home city in their biggest offensive yet against the militants.

SKHIRAT, Morocco – The United Nations opened a new round of consultations with Libyan politicians on Friday on ending the country’s crisis, but the internationally recognized Libyan parliament was absent after seeking a delay.

BUDAPEST – Hungary expects to wrap up talks with the European Union soon about a fuel supply deal for the country’s Paks nuclear plant, the government said on Friday, adding that the EU’s concerns do not block a planned expansion of the facility.

BRUSSELS – The European Commission declined to say what decision it had taken over a proposal by Hungary to buy nuclear fuel from Russia, citing confidentiality, but stressed it was not blocking construction of the plant at Paks.

ANKARA – An alleged spy detained in Turkey for helping three British girls cross into Syria is a Syrian national working for a country in the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State, the Turkish foreign minister said on Friday.

PRAGUE – New or extended European Union sanctions against Russia would not help the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Friday, though he added he would not go against the bloc’s consensus.

COLOMBO – When Sri Lanka’s President Maithripala Sirisena received India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an ocean-front colonial building on Friday, the two looked out over a $1.4 billion Chinese real estate project halted days ago after criticism from New Delhi.

MOSCOW – Russian state television aired what it said was footage of President Vladimir Putin working at his residence outside Moscow on Friday, a first appearance since he dropped out of sight days ago, triggering rumors he was ill or sidelined by internal conflict.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

shown butterbur may work as well as antihistamines in some people.

3) Wash Away Allergens Each time you walk into your home, you bring small pieces of the outside world with you. After being outdoors, your clothes, shoes, hair, and skin are covered with tiny particles from everywhere you’ve been. Taking a shower and changing your clothes will help wash away any allergens. Leaving your shoes at the door will help keep you from tracking allergens through your home.

4) Boost Your Vitamin D Studies show that a lack of vitamin D may cause allergy symptoms or make them worse.

If you have allergies, try to get at least 200 IUs of vitamin D daily.

Sources include fish oils and fatty fish -- such as tuna and salmon -or supplements if you can’t get the vitamin from your diet. Although you can get vitamin D from sunlight, you should wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, which can block vitamin D-producing UV rays.

5) Wear a Mask A mask can prevent allergens from entering your airways when you can’t avoid certain allergy triggers, like when you’re mowing, raking, or vacuuming. An N95 respirator mask -- available at most drugstores and medical supply stores -- will block 95% of

small particles, such as pollen and other allergens.

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6) Eat a Healthy Diet One study found that children who ate a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, and nuts -- particularly grapes, apples, oranges, and tomatoes -- had fewer allergy symptoms. While researchers continue to figure out the association between diet and nasal allergies, eating a healthy diet is known to do the body a world of good in general. To get moving in the right direction, try adding at least one fresh fruit and vegetable to every meal.

7) Use a Nasal Rinse A nasal rinse cleans mucus from your nose and can help relieve nasal allergy symptoms. It also can rinse away bacteria, thin mucous, and help decrease postnasal drip.

Buy a rinse kit or make one using a Neti pot or a nasal bulb. Mix 1/2 teaspoon salt with pinch of baking

GENEVA – Countries should negotiate with Islamic State to persuade it to let U.N. children’s agency UNICEF into areas the militants control, the aid organization’s representative in Syria said on Friday.

soda in 8 ounces of warm water.

Leaning over a sink, gently flush one nostril at a time, keeping the other nostril closed as you let the liquid drain.

8) Drink More Fluids If you’re feeling congested or have postnasal drip from your allergies, try drinking more water, juice, or other fluids. Drinking extra liquid can help thin the mucus in your nasal passages and may give you some relief. Hot fluids -- such as teas, broth, or soup -- may be especially soothing because they add the benefits of steam.

9) Learn How to Clean Safely Keeping your home clean is one of the best ways to keep indoor allergens at bay. But cleaning with harsh chemicals can aggravate your allergies and trigger allergy symptoms. Try cleaning with ordinary household products like vinegar or baking soda. And use a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter to trap allergens. If your allergies are severe, consider having someone else do the cleaning.

10) Try Some Steam Inhaling steam is a simple way to alleviate the discomfort of nasal congestion and can ease breathing when you have allergies. Sit over a hot bowl or sink full of water and place a towel over your head to trap the steam. Or sit in the bathroom

with a hot shower running. You can use steam several times a day to relieve symptoms.

11) Avoid Cigarette Smoke, Other Fumes Cigarette smoke can aggravate your allergy symptoms, worsening your running, itchy, stuffy nose and watery eyes. If you smoke, quit, and ask others in your household to stop smoking too. Try to avoid places where people smoke, opting for smoke-free restaurants, nightclubs, and hotel rooms. It’s best to also avoid other fumes that can worsen symptoms, like aerosol sprays and smoke from woodburning fireplaces.

12) Know Your Triggers It may sound simple, but to avoid your triggers, you first need to know what they are. «I’ve heard of people getting rid of their beloved pet and then learning the pet wasn’t causing the allergy,» says Louisville pediatric allergist James Sublett, MD. Make an appointment with an allergist for an allergy skin test to help pinpoint your triggers.

Contributed by RENITA NAL, RPH AND Hollis Prescription Center 205-11 Jamaica Avenue Hollis, NY 11423 Tel: 718-776-2329

Caribbean Star Newspaper Jai Seeta Raam!

My name is Sunitie Sobhai, a proud and blessed member of the Shaanti Bhavaan Mandir’s Naujavaan Mandalee. I am honored to be given the privilege to write an article for the Caribbean Star newspaper. The topic of my article is: Kids my age (10 years) should have responsibilities.

What are responsibilities? According to the Websters dictionary it says; the quality or state of being in charge of someone or something. To me the word responsibility means you are given a task. You know what you have to do and you do it with pride. As children grow, they should be given responsibilities by their parents.

By the time you are at least nine or ten you will have quite a few responsibilities.

Some of the responsibilities are: making sure you are up to date with your school work, cleaning of your room, help doing the laundry, taking out the trash, and other chores around the house.

We should be given responsibilities because it helps us to grow up with discipline. When children grow with discipline, they will then have respect for themselves and for others. Also we should have responsibilities because they will benefit our life. Responsibilities benefit our life because we can then be prepared for the future and the challenges that we will come across. Here are some facts I know about responsibilities.

If you create and make your own schedule, you can show that you are respon-

March 13-19, 2015

29

Sugar production stands at 22,500 tonnes - harvesting expected to move ‘full swing’, if rains hold

T sible by following your schedule without being told. Once you do that, it shows how responsible you are. You will then be trusted with more important responsibilities.

Another fact is, if you fail to live up to your responsibilities, you would have to work two times harder to gain back the trust of the person who gave you that responsibility. These are some of my experience and it made me understand how important responsibilities are to my life. I hope all the parents who read my article and have not yet given responsibilities to their child/children will start helping them by doing so. Also, for all the children who are given responsibilities I hope you take it seriously and appreciate what your parents are doing for you.

“THE HANDS THAT SERVE ARE HOLIER THAN THE LIPS THAT PRAY” JAI HO!

HE days of rainfall did not stop harvesting of sugar canes, although it made for a slower pace of work, according to Chief Industrial Relations Officer, James Sukhu.“The rains hampered our work, but we continued harvesting. We have had about two days of sunshine and if we have a good weekend, harvesting will be back to normal, back in full swing next week,” he said in a telephone interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

He added that to date production of sugar stands at 22,500 tonnes.

“We are a little behind the target we set for ourselves, but harvesting has not stopped,” Sukhu assured.

Asked about the strength of the labour force, he noted that in the factories there is a 85 per cent turnout, while in the fields, the turnout is approximately 63 per cent.

“The field worker turnout is not what we wanted because of the rains,” the Chief Industrial Relations Officer said.

Questioned about the factories in operation, Sukhu stated that seven of the eight factories are in operation, the exception being the Skeldon Sugar estate.

“Skeldon was expected to start grinding today (yesterday),” he said.

In addition to Skeldon, GuySuCo’s seven other estates are located at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara; Wales, West Bank Demerara; Enmore and La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara; Rose Hall and Albion on the Corentyne Coast in East Berbice; and Blairmont, West Bank Berbice.

The cycle of the current sugar crop comes to an end in early May. In 2014, GuySuCo recorded a production of 216,147 tonnes – the first crop having surpassed the 75,000-tonne target, bringing in about 80,000 tonnes.

The calamitous drop in sugar prices on the global and preferred market scene, which challenges all sugar industries, coupled with the dramatic fall in earnings and, by extension, cash flow; and the prevailing weather conditions were among several of the difficulties that affected the local sugar industry during 2014. The industry saw a dismal sugar production level in the past years, but Guyana has since been taking steps to turn around its sugar industry, and hopes to soon meet a 300,000-tonne target. There is also a projection that the sector would reach a 400,000-tonne goal by 2020.

The production being targeted by GuySuCo for 2015 is some 240,000 tonnes.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 13-19, 2015

You cannot have a positive life with a negative mind — Vp Premier WEEKLY HOROSCOPE

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Legal matters, paperwork and processing are favored on Monday, so if you’ve been putting off such things, procrastinate no more. From Tuesday through most of Thursday, make a concerted effort to understand your emotions rather than just blindly reacting. What’s the source? How can you address it? Find out, and you’ll be ready for some interesting explorations around Friday and Saturday. Maybe it’s career options, maybe romantic ones – take a look around. On Sunday, slow down.

Getting grounded now makes for a promising new week.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22)

Be ready to clear up a little miscommunication on Monday – the sooner, the better. Then, from Tuesday through most of Thursday, your emotional reactions are strong, but then again, so is your intuition. You’re just extra-sensitive, which can be a very good thing.

If you’ve got tons of social stuff planned around Friday and Saturday, scale back a bit; you’ll want time alone as well (or perhaps alone with a certain someone!). On Sunday, get something done that you’ve been putting off – even if it’s a little thing, the sense of accomplishment will be great.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

The stars smile on you on Monday, so get up, get going and make the most of your sweet self. From Tuesday through most of Thursday, work, money and material stuff may be uppermost in your mind, but don’t lose track of your usual lovely balance. Be ready to reprioritize according to your values. Watch friendships blossom and your network branch out around Friday and Saturday – and if you’ve got romance on your mind, this is a fine time to pursue that, too. A more serious mood comes on Sunday. What’s on your mind?

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You’ll be involved in the day-to-day on Monday, and you’d be wise to not push problematic issues – whether at home or with your boss. From Tuesday through most of Thursday, the right path is illuminated by the stars, and you’re pretty much skipping along while whistling. Hint: The more organized you are, the greater your forward motion now. That motion may seem to be reversing around Friday and Saturday, but it’s not as bad as you think. Regroup and rethink your plan. Sunday sends great energy your way – you’re back on track and more.

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)

Monday looks busy, but carve out some time for yourself – a walk, a cup of tea, a little reading. A little pause can be very refreshing. From Tuesday through most of Thursday, you’re liable to be extra passionate – about ideas, your point of view, a certain person. Try to incorporate flexibility; if you do you’ll be ready for anything. Go slow around Friday and Saturday, when situations and motivations are shifting fast. Committing too quickly could get you in a tough spot. On Sunday, though, you’re grounded and good to go.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22)

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

Though it seems like an unlikely day for love, Monday’s got romance written all over it. You’re whip-smart, too – really the whole package. From Tuesday through most of Thursday, your feelings are evolving in reaction to the world around you, and the closer you observe, the more progress you’ll make. A snail’s pace is actually the most productive now. Expect extremes around Friday and Saturday – good times, bad times ... you’ll get your share. Respond with intelligence rather than flippantly, and the former will outweigh the latter.

On Sunday, actions speak louder than words.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Friendships and more romantic connections are favored on Monday, so be sure to get in touch (maybe literally!). From Tuesday through most of Thursday, if you think somebody doesn’t have your best interests at heart, you’re very likely right. Consider a frank discussion about dovetailing your needs, or consider ending this arrangement.

Around Friday and Saturday, look out world, here you come! You’re unstoppable – and unstoppably hot.

What’s especially sexy: Your frankness and humor. On Sunday, quiet down and you’ll hear something interesting.

Do some comparison shopping on Monday, whether it’s your work or personal budget that’s at stake (or your heart – there’s a lot out there for the picking in the online personals!).

From Tuesday through most of Thursday, remember that people can tell when your attention’s wandering.

You’ll get bonus points for tuning in and asking an intelligent, engaged question or two. Then, will you be the responsible one or take a risk around Friday and Saturday? Or, better, how about a little of both? On Sunday, some sweet energy comes your way. A romantic brunch, anyone?

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Decisions are tough on Monday.

Watch out for getting paralyzed by the sheer volume of considerations to take into account. If you can, wait to choose (or at least give yourself room to back out). From Tuesday through most of Thursday, your vision’s renewed and your confidence is strong. Don’t be surprised if you attract a new follower or admirer now. You may be feeling devil-may-care around Friday and Saturday, but don’t get too carried away. Think ahead, at least a bit. On Sunday, you’re thinking more clearly, not to mention communicating beautifully.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

A new friend – or just a nice smile – comes from an unexpected place on Monday, so keep your eyes and heart open. From Tuesday through most of Thursday, you may be sensitive about your innermost feelings, but sharing them with the right person gives you a sense of connection.

Why soldier along solo? Look for your outlook and your sense of life’s possibilities to expand amazingly around Friday and Saturday. New friends, experiences and even love are at your fingertips, so reach out.

On Sunday, rest up – but get some exercise to get the blood pumping and the mood elevated, too.

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

You can make a very fruitful new contact on Monday, whether it’s for business, pleasure or a little bit of both. Connections are less than crackling from Tuesday through most of Thursday; you’ve got plenty going on in your own heart and mind to keep you busy, and others may just have to get in line. Tell ‘em they can cash in their rain checks around Friday and Saturday, when you’re ready to focus your attention on people and projects, lending your wit and general wonderfulness to any and all occasions. On Sunday, you’re artistic, whether you’re creating or appreciating.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20)

One-on-one relationships or meetings could be tricky on Monday. Look for reasonable compromises and better ways. From Tuesday through most of Thursday, though, recognize when others are being unreasonable and set some limits. Being passive isn’t going to cut it now – get a consult from a friend or mentor if you’re uncertain about what to do. Making the right choices is easy around Friday and Saturday, and you look great while doing it. No need to toot your own horn; you’ll get applause. On Sunday, a talk with a friend far away is fun and fruitful.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 13-19, 2015

31

Entertainment News

Helen Mirren reigns on Broadway as Britain's Queen Elizabeth

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early a decade after winning an Academy Award for her role as Britain's Elizabeth II in "The Queen," Helen Mirren is ruling over Broadway in "The Audience," a new play about the monarch's weekly meetings with her prime ministers.

Mirren said she has huge empathy for the 88 year-old royal she plays in the British import that premiered in London and opened on Sunday at New York's Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre.

"Both times, for the film and now the play, I had to do a lot of research and the more research I did really, the more respect I gained for her," Mirren, 69, said ahead of the opening.

The queen's weekly meetings with her prime ministers are private, so "The Audience" is an imagining of the conversations and relationships Elizabeth has had with eight of the 12 British leaders who served during her more than 60-year reign.

Mirren, a multiple-Tony nominee, admits it is difficult to imagine what Elizabeth's world is like. But the newspaper USA Today said her Elizabeth defends the monarchy and "deftly reconciles her sense of entitlement with a deep humility and empathy."

In the play, which does not run chronologically, Mirren is shown as a older queen reassuring a doubtful John Major, played by actor Dylan Baker, that is he is up to the job. In the next scene she changes into the young Elizabeth, holding her first meeting as queen with the formidable Winston Churchill (Dakin Matthews).

The play, written by Peter Morgan who also penned "The Queen," and directed

by Stephen Daldry, lets audiences listen in to her conversation with a depressed

K

H

arrison Ford, who recently survived a near death plane crash, has received positive reviews of his aviation skills from experienced pilots and mechanics.

According to experienced pilots, the motor skills of the 72-year-old actor are good and the actor is thorough and professional when it comes to inspecting the planes he flies before takeoff to make sure they are airworthy, TMZ.com reported.

Other pilots said that the proof of Ford's flying abilities were validated on a Venice golf course as he laid it down as safely as possible, without an engine.

Gordon Brown (Rod McLachlan.) They hear her playful, friendly banter with Labor Prime Minister Harold Wilson and watch as she soothes a testy Margaret Thatcher.

With each scene the queen's age changes along with her costumes and hairstyle.

"Even if she's not the real royal deal, this is still about as close as most of us are going to get to a cozy tete-a-tete with the best loved of the regal Windsors," said The New York Times newspaper.

Mirren also appears alongside younger versions of the monarch, showing her reluctant to move into Buckingham Palace and her early annoyances with royal life.

"It's obvious who the real ruler is when it comes to Broadway. Mirren's crown is safe," said The New York Post newspaper.

K-Stew to star in Woody Allen's next flick opposite Bruce Willis

risten Stewart will be seen in the upcoming film of Woody Allen with Bruce Willis and Jesse Eisenberg.

The 'Twilight' actress and Willis will work for the first time with the 79-yearold director, whereas it will be Eisenberg's

Experienced pilots back Harrison Ford's aviation skills post near-death crash

second project with the director after 'To Rome with Love', E! Online reported.

Allen's upcoming project will have a usual producer collaboration of Letty Arsonson, Stephen Tenenbaum and Edward Walson.

"The Simpsons" co-creator Sam Simon dies at 59

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hilanthropist Sam Simon, one of the creative minds behind the popular animated series " The Simpsons", has passed away due to terminal colon cancer. He was 59.

Simon died yesterday at his home here, his foundation, the Sam Simon Foundation, confirmed the news via Facebook, reported Time.

"It is with much sadness that we must let you know that Sam Simon has passed over," the announcement read.

Simon was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2012, and was told he had only three to six months left to live. He survived that diagnosis. Simon had said in an interview earlier that he was able to stay positive despite his diagnosis.

He reportedly said he was planning to donate USD 100 million of his fortune to charity, mostly to animal organisations.

A graduate of Stanford University, the director had nine primetime Emmys to his name. One was for his work on "The Tracey Ullman Show", where fellow "Simpsons" co-creators Matt Groening and James L Brooks also worked, while the other awards were for "The Simpsons".

Simon left the show in 1993, just four years after it debuted on Fox, but remained in the credits as an executive producer and continued to earn money from the show thanks to home video sales deal.

He also wrote episodes of "Taxi", "Cheers" and "It's Garry Shandling's Show" before landing "The Simpsons".

Simon largely retired from the entertainment business while only in his 30s after realising he was financially set for life a few years later.

He was a staunch advocate for animal rights. Since 2002, Simon had self-funded, at the annual cost of several million dollars, the Sam Simon Foundation, dedicated to rescuing and retraining stray dogs who would otherwise be euthanized.

According to him, the foundation aimed to 'rescue dogs' and 'train them to be service dogs, (to help) people with disabilities', primarily the deaf.

The show's showrunner, Al Jean, paid tribute to his late colleague on Twitter. "@thesimpsons #everysimpsonsever Just heard terrible news of death of @ simonsam. A great man; I owe him everything," Jean tweeted.

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March 13-19, 2015

Sunny Leone burdened by 12 extra kilos

Sunny Leone in 'Ek Paheli Leela' unny Leone is seen at her ethnic best in the song 'Mere Sayiaan Super Star..' from her upcoming movie Ek Paheli Leela. Teaming the Golden lehenga embellished with rich embroidery by designer Rohit Verma, the actress makes it look ethereal. But very few know that the lehenga she sports in the song weighed almost 12kgs.

While we have seen actresses sporting heavy lehengas and even dancing around them, it is the first time for Sunny who is not at all used to wearing such heavy Indian clothes, and still managed to carry it off with finesse. What we hear is that the actress paid heavy price for opulence whilst performing intricate steps in a su-

S

per heavy costume.

A source close to the film says, "Sunny's main concern was to carry herself with ease in that heavy, ethnic wardrobe.

The shoot went on for three days and Sunny even found it difficult to sit properly and as a result whenever she wore the lehenga for the shoot, she would not be sitting at all." Sunny managed to carry it off but the dance steps were becoming more complex and therefore choreographer-turned-producer Ahmed Khan decided to get another lehenga made and requested Rohit Verma to make a replica of the same golden lehenga weighing little lighter. We hear the lehenga was made within 24 hours with more than 10 people working on it.

Caribbean Star Newspaper 10 Dead after celebrity reality show helicopter crash

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wo helicopters carrying French sports stars filming a popular European reality show crashed in a remote part of Argentina, killing 10 people, including two Olympic medal winners and a sailing champion, authorities said.

The helicopters apparently collided in the air Monday near Villa Castelli in La Rioja province, about 730 miles (1,170 kilometers) northwest of Buenos Aires, La Rioja Secretary of Security Cesar Angulo told TN television. All 10 people on board - eight French nationals and two Argentine pilots - were killed.

"An explosion occurred and it's believed that they collided," said Angulo, referring to the helicopters. Photographs showed the burning and smoking wreckage of the helicopters on the ground in dry scrubland, with people gathered nearby.

Among the dead were French Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer Camille Muffat, Olympic boxer Alexis Vastine and sailor Florence Arthaud, according to a statement from La Rioja's government. They were taking part in the reality show " Dropped."

The deaths are likely to place new attention on the risks involved with reality TV shows, which have been highly popular and sometimes involve taking celebrities and others to far-flung locations to faces challenges against the natural elements - both physical and mental.

Two years ago, TF1 - France's bestknown private-sector network, which aired the show - canceled the remaining season of the "Survivor"-like reality show "Koh Lanta" after a 25-year-old participant died of a heart attack on the first day of filming.

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said France's foreign ministry is in contact with authorities in Argentina to determine what caused the crash.

Adventure Line Productions, the show's producers, said in a statement, that its teams were "devastated and share the deep pain of the families and loved ones."

"We are in contact with the production teams on site (and) with the French and Argentine authorities. We will give more information as soon as possible," the producers added. Angulo said one of the helicopters belonged to La Rioja province and the other belonged to neighboring Santiago del Estero province.

"The helicopter from La Rioja was a Eurocopter with a capacity to hold six people. It appears to have brushed against the other helicopter from Santiago del Estero shortly after takeoff," the statement from the provincial government said.

The crash occurred around 5:15 p.m. local time, according to the Argentine news agency Telam. The rugged, sparsely populated area is on the edge of the Andes mountain range that separates Argentina and Chile. The news of the deaths plunged the French sports world into mourning.

"The brutal demise of our compatriots is an immense sadness," said French President Francois Hollande in a statement.

French Secretary of State for Sport Thierry Braillard said on the BFM TV channel, "Some had finished their careers and one

was dreaming of gold in Rio. I'm profoundly saddened. French sport has lost three stars this morning."

Muffat, 25, won the gold medal in the 400-meter freestyle at the Olympic Games in 2012, adding a silver medal in the 200-meter freestyle and a bronze in the 4 by 200-meter freestyle relay. She had since retired from swimming to focus on her personal life.

"Camille was quite a shy and reserved person. She was discreet. But when it was time for a bit of a laugh she was always there," said Olympic gold medalist Amaury Leveaux. "French sport has lost a great champion."

Richard Papazian, the president of the Nice swimming club in southern France where Muffat used to swim, could barely contain his emotion.

"I could not believe it and then the news was confirmed. What a terrible tragedy," said Papazian on BFM television, his voice cracking. "I had a lot of affection for Camille. I can't find the words. It's a terrible destiny."

Vastine won a bronze medal at the 2008 Games in Beijing, but his semifinal loss to Manuel Felix Diaz was hit by controversy as he was docked points by the referee in the final round. Vastine broke down in tears after the defeat. In 2012, he lost in the quarterfinals at the London Games also amid controversy when he drew on points against Taras Shelestyuk of Ukraine but lost on the countback rule, thus missing out on a medal. Arthaud, who was 57, was a pioneer in sailing. In 1990, she won the famed Route du Rhum race - a trans-Atlantic single-handed yacht race between Brittany and the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe - on her boat Pierre 1er.

Former France and Arsenal striker Sylvain Wiltord, ice skating champion Philippe Candeloro, former Olympic swimming champion Alain Bernard and veteran cyclist Jeannie Longo are among the other French athletes who took part in the show, but none was involved in the accident.

"I am sad for my friends, I'm trembling, I'm horrified, I don't have words. I can't say anything," Wiltord tweeted.

Candeloro, in a statement on his Facebook page, said he is "extremely shocked."

Other French athletes spoke of their sorrow over the loss.

"I don't have words to express the pain I feel, the tears are flowing and won't stop," said former French sprinter Muriel Hurtis a gold medalist in the 4 x 100 relay at the 2003 world championships.

The crew had arrived on Sunday in Villa Castelli, where it had previously filmed a version of "Dropped" for Switzerland and Denmark, said the mayor of Villa Castelli, Andres Navarrete.

The Argentine statement identified the remaining victims as Laurent Sbasnik, Lucie Mei-Dalby, Volodia Guinard, Brice Guilbert and Edouard Gilles, as well as Argentine pilots Juan Carlos Castillo and Roberto Abate.

Associated Press sports writer Jerome Pugmire in Paris contributed to this report.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 13-19, 2015

33

Meena Kumari’s stepson threatens to sue Tigmanshu Dhulia over her biopic

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ajdar Amrohi, son of late filmmaker Kamal Amrohi and stepson of legendary actress Meena Kumari, is extremely upset that a biopic was announced (by Tigmanshu Dhulia) on the actress, without his knowledge. It was reported that Dhulia's film will be an adaptation of late journalist Vinod Mehta's book, 'Meena Kumari: The Classic Biography'.

Tajdar stated, "People want to dig up the dead, without having the decency of realising that it may hurt the feelings of those close to her. Tigmanshu is a good filmmaker, but he should

have come to me first for my inputs before making the announcement. I'm here to protect my chhoti ammi's integrity.

I've always considered her my mother, not stepmother. Besides, I'm already making a film on her called Meena Baa Kamaal (Meena - the extraordinary), starring a newcomer who bears an uncanny resemblance to her.

Contrary to reports, Manisha Koirala wasn't approached for the role."

While technically, a filmmaker can make a film on whoever he wishes to, Tajdar reasons, "Can you make a film on Mee-

A high-profile UKbased businessman smitten by Lisa Haydon

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ctress Lisa Haydon, who won accolades for lending Kangana Ranaut an able support in 'Queen', is reportedly good friends with a UK-based businessman, who moves about in high places and has homes in several destinations across the globe. The suave gentleman, whose social life is rocking, shuttles frequently between London, India and Hong Kong. The rumour mills have it that Mr Moneybags and Lisa are so smitten with each other that they may take their friendship further.

We texted Lisa asking her if there was any truth to the rumour on her getting engaged shortly. "I prefer not to discuss my personal life, as some things are sacred. But no, we are not engaged."

na Kumari without mentioning my father Kamal Amrohi or Pakeezah? I don't want them to be misrepresented. What is the authenticity of your source material? For instance, people say that my father and she were divorced. But it's not true. They have been buried next to each other in Rahmatabad, where my biological mother has also been buried. However, even her grave is not right next to my father's."

When asked if his film will play safe and not address Kumari's personal life, he clarified, "I will touch upon the controversial issues because I have the right

Tajdar Amrohi, Meena Kumari, Tigmanshu to. It will be a balancing act and I will not disrespect her. Many are eager to portray her as the 'tragedy queen', but that was only her onscreen image! She never said that she was tortured

or beaten by my father, as some believed. If that was the case, she would have gone to court."

We called and messaged Tigmanshu, but he didn't revert till the time of going to press.

34

Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 13-19, 2015

Caribbean Connections

Jamaican-born sprinter found dead in New York City hotel

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EW YORK, United States, Tuesday March 10, 2015, CMC - Jamaican born student athlete, Sabrina Cammock, was found dead in a Times Square hotel over the weekend, New York police have reported.

Police say there were no signs of criminality when Cammock, 21, was found at around 9:20 a.m. Saturday at the Hotel Edison.

Medical examiners’ spokeswoman Julie Bolcer said an autopsy was conducted Sunday, but the results were awaiting further studies.

Cammock, a sprinter for Syracuse University, competed as recently as the previous weekend, when she was on the women’s 4x400 relay team at the 2015

ACC Indoor Championships.

“Sabrina was a wonderful and remarkable person and student-athlete,” Syracuse track and field coach Chris Fox said in a statement Saturday. “Our team and coaching staff are devastated by her loss.”

SABRINA_CAMMOCKA member of a school record-setting 4x100-meter relay team, Cammock won a Syracuse scholar-athlete of the week award last April and was also was named to the 2012-13 Big East conference All-Academic Team.

Cammock who left Jamaica for the United States after competing Grade Six, hails from Watt Town in in the parish of St Ann located in the north coast of the island.

Female warden gunned down outside Jamaica primary school

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INGSTON, Jamaica, Monday March 9, 2015, CMC – Police were searching for a gunman who shot and killed a warden at a school here on Monday. Classes at the Kilsyth Primary and Infant school in Clarendon were suspended Monday after Natalee Gayle, a female warden was shot dead outside the institution. Media reports said that Gayle was standing outside the school gate when a car drove up and the gunman alighted and shot her. The vehicle then sped away. According to the Jamaica Gleaner “it is reported that the woman was shot at least eight times”. Subsequently, a car reportedly involved in the shooting was intercepted in the nearby community of John’s Hall following a police chase according to the Jamaica Gleaner report.

Police said they had no motive for the killing.

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March 13-19, 2015 35 Caribbean Star Newspaper Man pleads guilty to raping five females including young child

C 2000 lb great white shark back in Bahamas waters

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ASSAU, Bahamas, Monday March 9, 2015 – A great white shark weighing 2,000 pounds (908 kilos) returned on Friday to the waters of the northern Bahamas where a GPS device attached to the marine predator confirmed it had roamed before, the non-profit OCEARCH organization said. The ocean research group confirmed via a Twitter post that the nearly 14.5-foot (4.4-metre) female shark named Lydia has been tracked for just over two years. Lydia has travelled some 34,500 miles (55,500 kilometres), since she was first tagged near Jacksonville, Florida on March 3, 2013. She carved her niche in history last year when her arrival in the UK made her the first great white shark on record to have crossed the Atlantic Ocean.

Referring to her record crossing, a National Geographic report states: “Researchers had suspected great whites could make such a journey, but none had previously been documented doing so.

“The shark now also holds the distinction of traveling the farthest of any known great white. This champion swimmer blew past the previous record holder, a female that swam from South Africa to western Australia and back—crossing the Indian Ocean both ways, for a total of 12,427 miles in 2004.” Great white sharks seized the public’s imagination following the release of the 1975 blockbuster movie “Jaws,” based on Peter Benchley’s bestselling novel.

OCEARCH is a non-profit organization with a global reach for unprecedented research on great white sharks and other large apex predators. In a collaborative environment established by Founding Chairman and Expedition Leader Chris Fischer, OCEARCH enables leading researchers and institutions to generate previously unattainable data on the movement, biology and health of sharks to protect their future while enhancing public safety and education. OCEARCH is a leader in open source research, sharing data in near-real time for free through the Global Shark Tracker, enabling students and the public to learn alongside PhDs. Over 50 researchers from more than 20 institutions have collaborated with OCEARCH to date with over three dozen research papers in process or completed. Research expeditions are conducted worldwide aboard the M/V OCEARCH, which serves as both a mother-ship and at-sea laboratory.

Utilizing a custom 75,000 lb. capacity hydraulic platform designed to safely lift mature sharks for access by a multi-disciplined research team, up to 12 studies are conducted in approximately 15 minutes on a live mature shark.

lose up of a prisoner hand's fettered with handcuffsKINGSTON, Jamaica, Tuesday March 10, 2015, CMC – A 27-year-old man is due to be sentenced on Thursday after he pleaded guilty to raping five females, including an eight-yearold child in the western parish of St. James in 2012.

Patrick Green, described by the police as a serial rapist, made the confession when he appeared in court on Monday.

Police said he was also facing charges in connection with several other cases of rape in the central parishes of Clarendon and Manchester.

He was linked to the 2012 incident following the results of DNA tests.

The five were raped on the night of September 24, 2012, when armed men invaded a home in the community of Irwin Point and forced four women and a child into a nearby open lot.

According to the Jamaica Observer, “brothers Kerron and Sheldon Brissett were subsequently charged for the brutal 2012 rape of five females, but they were exonerated after almost a year behind bars when DNA results failed to place them at the crime scene. They have since sued the State”.

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36

March 13-19, 2015

Wage talks with cops hit snag again CPO not budging

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alks between the Police Service Social and Welfare Association and the Chief Personnel Officer reached a stalemate yesterday, with the association describing meetings with the CPO as a waste of time.

Association secretary Insp Michael Seales said the CPO yesterday made it clear her offer from last Tuesday was not going to change. The body wants a 19 per cent increase and is using wages packages for seven other institutions as its bargaining comparators. Apart from the Police Service, the Fire and Prisons Services are also demanding a similar wage increase. The combined average, they say, is a 24 per cent wage increase and the three associations are asking for at least 80 per cent of that. But Seales said the Government has removed the Airports Authority from the comparative institutions being used, effectively reducing the combined average increase to 16.4 per cent, and is offering 60 per cent of that, which equates to a 10 per cent wage increase.

“We can say off the bat that we will not be going back to meet with the CPO because it is a waste of time, as she had nothing new to offer us,” Seales said. Seales said the association was initially hopeful that comments made by Finance Minister Larry Howai in Parliament last Friday would have helped resolve the matter. Howai had said that new stipulations had been given to the CPO from the Government which would help the negotiations move forward.

But any hope of a resolution was dashed yesterday, Seales said, when the association was contacted by an official from CPO’s office. “We were told in no uncertain terms that no new offer would be put on the table. We paid a lot of attention to what the Finance Minister had said in Parliament, but the disclosure made by the CPO does

not mirror that. There seems to be a disconnect between the CPO and the Finance Minister,” he added.

According to a 2011 market survey conducted by the welfare body, the maximum average salary of an inspector of operations at the Airports Authority was $16,252, while that of a police inspector was $13,570. An estate sergeant of operations at the AATT earned an average maximum of $12,204 while a police sergeant was $9,228. The average maximum salary of an estate corporal at the AATT was $10,032 while a police corporal earned $7,776. The market survey also showed that the maximum average salary for a T&TEC inspector is $15,321, a sergeant $12,728 a corporal $11, 844 and a constable $11,038.

A manager for physical security at TSTT meanwhile earns an average of $19,029, an estate sergeant $16,884, an estate corporal $12, 665 and estate constable an average $11,268. A sergeant at Petrotrin earns an average of $14,881, a corporal $13,675 and a constable got an average of $12,715.

The market survey also showed an estate police sergeant at UWI collected an average $11,049, an estate corporal $9,508 and an estate constable $8,442. These figures were presented during talks held between the association and the Chief Personnel Officer.

In a letter dated January 19, the association said the comparator organisations included: 1. Telecommunications Services of T&T 2. T&T Electricity Commission (T&TEC) 3. Petroleum Company of T&T Limited (Petrotrin) 4. Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation Ltd 5. Trinidad Cement Ltd 6. Airports Authority 7. University of the West Indies

Caribbean Star Newspaper Former prime minister denies US authorities revoked his visa

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ASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Tuesday March 10, 2015, CMC – Former St. Kitts-Nevis prime minister Dr. Denzil Douglas Tuesday described as “bogus,” media reports that the United States government had revoked his visa to enter the North American country.

“The document, a graphic of a head photograph of Dr. Douglas with a passport graphic in the background and side bearing a stamp marked, “revoked”, being circulated is fabricated and bogus. It’s not a document that is and ever was in my possession,” Dr. Douglas said in a statement released here.

At least one regional news publication reported Monday that Dr. Douglas was stripped of his diplomatic visa “due to his refusal to adhere to international standards and various advisories in the processing of our passports and management of our citizenship by investment scheme”.

The publication said that the new Team Unity government has already met with top US officials and “pledged to revamp the entire scheme in order to restore our reputation and integrity on the world scale”.

In his statement, Dr. Douglas, who lost the February 16 general elections by a 7-4 margin, said that “this is a continuation of the attempts to tarnish my image and legacy of nearly twenty years of catapulting St. Kitts-Nevis to leading developmental positions in the Caribbean region”.

He said the publication was also “the latest effort in an attempt to distract the electorate from the failings” of the new government headed by Dr. Timothy Harris “to deliver on the promises it made to the people… during the recent campaign”.

Dr. Douglas said that he has been made aware that the government has revoked the diplomatic passports issued to former ministers of the Labour Party ad-

FORMER ST. KITTS–NEVIS PRIME MINISTER DR. DENZIL DOUGLAS (FILE PHOTO) ministration “even though on assuming office they met in place a policy of former Heads of State and Government and others continuing to hold diplomatic passports.

“In this circumstance where a visa was issued in the diplomatic passport which has been recalled/cancelled, we’ve been advised that we need to apply for new visas in our regular passports,” he said.

Dr. Douglas said that the “origin of the fabricated document seems to point to an internet-based service which is well known for its propaganda against the Labour Party administration,” and is operated by a well known “propagandist” for the People’s Action Movement (PAM) and the Team Unity.

Dr. Douglas said that the visa issue is the continuation of the “victimization” being meted out to people claimed to be supporters of the last administration, including the former Commissioner of Police who was “”forced out of office although he has unserved years on an existing contract”.

He said it was also intended to “distract attention from the recent increase in gun-related murders and criminal activity in the Federation…”

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.

March 13-19, 2015 37 Caribbean Star Newspaper Investigators found ‘death list’ existed in extra judicial killings

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ASTRIES, St. Lucia, Monday March 9, 205, CMC – Police Commissioner Vernon Francois Monday said his “conscience is clear” as human rights lawyers reacted to a report of an investigation conducted by Jamaican police into alleged extra-judicial killings by members of the St. Lucia Police Force.

At least 12 people were killed by police during the period 2010-12 as they reacted to an unprecedented wave of homicides and violent crimes between 2008 and 2010.

Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony in a radio and television broadcast on Sunday night said that the investigators had found that a “blacklist or death list” existed and that the police had staged “fake encounters” to legitimize their actions.

He said the investigators had recommended that “all police officers involved in the unlawful killings of citizens in respect of the files reviewed must be prosecuted”.

But Francois denied suggestions that he had turned a blind eye to wrongdoing by his officers even as the report suggested “willful blindness” by the Commissioner and “particular members of his management team”.

Francois, who is now on vacation leave, told reporters that he jealously guards his integrity and is not involved in anything remotely corrupt or unlawful.

“I was hoping that we would have been at the stage where definitive statements would have been made about dealing with the situation as it relates to the government of St Lucia and the United States, but we are still at the stage where a lot of unproven allegations are being made,” the Police Commissioner said.

According to Francois, there was need to move beyond the stage where people are still “staying in the dark under the bushes” and making allegations.

“It is time to provide evidence,” he said, citing the need for the laws of natural justice to be set in motion.

Francois said that in his role as Police Commissioner, he is not engaged in supervising police investigations.

“If there is a police related shooting I do not get involved in the investigation and the files would be referred to the DPP,” he said, pointing out that at no time in the matter had there been any complaint to him suggesting that something had gone wrong and challenged anyone to come forward with information that he was told about irregularities and did nothing about it.

“My conscience is clear,” he added.

In 2013, the St Lucia government enlisted the help of the Jamaican police to investigate the RSLPF following a decision by the United States to withdraw security related assistance after claims of human rights violations.

In August 2013, Washington suspended all forms of assistance to the RSLPF, citing allegations of serious human rights violations.

“The Department of State has made a policy decision to withdraw training and material assistance to the Royal St Lucia Police Force due to credible allegations

of gross human rights violations,” the US State Department said in a statement then.

As a result, Francois was prevented from travelling to the US to represent the Regional Security Service (RSS) at a conference of Black Police Chiefs.

In his address, Prime Minister Anthony said that the report, a copy of which has been sent to the United States, would not be made public.

He said that his administration would not be making any statement regarding the guilt or innocence of the police officers involved and “the question whether anyone is to be prosecuted is solely for the Director of Public Prosecutions to determine after evaluating and assessing the probative value of the evidence placed before her.

“Likewise, it is for the courts to pronounce on the innocence or guilt of any person who may be charged. The most that the Executive Arm of the Government can do is to provide the resources

to the Director of Public Prosecutions to carry out the duties and the responsibilities assigned to her by our Constitution.

A copy of the report has now been made available to her.”

But human rights attorneys Martinus Francois and Mary Francis said they were disappointed with the contents of the report and the decision not to release the document to the public.

“It said very little,” said Francois, the brother of the embattled police commissioner, accusing the government of double standards.

He said on the one hand the administration appeared to be concerned about human rights, while at the same time the report on the investigation into the alleged extra judicial killings had been “hidden away” from the public.

Francois said that the address by the prime minister was lacking in substance.

He also accused Prime Minister Anthony of passing the buck, in announcing that the report will be passed on to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Victoria Charles-Clarke for action.

Francois felt the DPP was already overburdened and asserted that a special Prosecutor should have been appointed.

He said the United States would not be impressed by the actions of the St. Lucia government.

“St Lucia will continue to be mired in that unsavory situation,” Francois told reporters.

Francis, who is representing the families of two men allegedly shot and killed by police during the infamous “Operation Restore Confidence” said she is disappointed that the government had decided

against making the report of the investigations public.

“As it is right now, I am very disappointed. I am not happy with state of affairs,” Francis told the St. Lucia News Online (SNO) Monday as she responded to the alleged 2009-2011 extra-judicial killings report she added.

Francis said that she was not pleased with the tone of the report and the fact that it will be kept classified.

She promised a further response later, indicating “there are so many things that came out of the report…”

The human rights attorney, who is also representing the families of two of the men killed, said that the families need closure.

“The report should also tell us who bought these high-powered guns,” she said.

Meanwhile, the leader of the small opposition Lucian Peoples Movement (LPM), Therold Prudent, is accusing the government of hiding behind the report that probed the death of the 12 people.

“We don’t believe what Dr. Kenny Anthony has said to us is the whole truth.

We do not believe that anything would become of the report now that it is sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)<’ he said, accusing the government of reneging on its responsibility to the population.

“Unless the government decides to be forthcoming with the people of St.Lucia and allowing us the citizens of this country an opportunity to judge for ourselves, we have to accept that there is something dapper than what the government has told us,” he said.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 13-19, 2015

CRICKET & Sports

New Zealand clinch thriller over Bangladesh

A very English farewell for England England 101 for 1 (Bell 52*, Hales 37) beat Afghanistan 111 for 7 (Shafiqullah 30) by nine wickets (D/L method)

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t was time for England to bid farewell to the World Cup and Sydney dutifully laid on a suitably hangdog English day, more downcast than overcast, and a match ravaged by rain. A revised target easily achieved; Afghanistan dispatched on a gloomy evening with nearly seven overs to spare in a run chase cut to 25 overs. What a way to go.

It could have been worse. When rain intervened for a third time, and eventually curtailed Afghanistan’s innings at 111 for 7, England briefly faced the threat of an abandonment which would have brought with it their worst record in a World Cup: they have never before won fewer than two games.

At least they were spared that. They negotiated a revised target of 101 with nine wickets intact, the only casualty being Alex Hales, caught at the wicket for 37. Ian Bell constructed the unbeaten half-century many predicted he would and had the decency to forego a celebration. Playing without fear is easier when you are out of the tournament and there is no fear to be had.

They made an entertaining trio, the Afghanistan pace bowlers, awash with physical threat:

Shapoor Zadran, intimidating of frame, wild of hair, a left-armer with a run-up so long you could plot it on Google Maps; Hamid Hassan, the fastest of them all, speeds in excess of 140kph, bearing red and green accessories in the shape of a thick headband and war paint on his cheeks; and Dawlat Zadran, more conventional and, on this occasion, less threatening.

They are worthy of respect, too. When the match commenced, during this World Cup, Afghanistan’s pace bowlers had taken more wickets, at lower cost and with a faster strike rate in comparison to their England counterparts.

Hassan was the best of them and he was rewarded with the wicket of Hales, breaking an opening stand of 83 when he found a thin outside edge with one that held its line. But Afghanistan’s ground fielding was accident prone as they failed to cope with a damp outfield: Hales was dropped twice at backward point, the first time before he had scored, by Najib Zadran, Shapoor frustrated on each occasion, hands flung into a forest of hair.

Afghanistan has built an international team out of nothing because of an innate love for the game. England have the resources, but the nation - especially young people - has rarely been more disconnected with its traditional summer game.

•

New Zealand 289 for 7 (Guptill 105, Shakib 4-55) beat Bangladesh 288 for 7 (Mahmudullah 128*, Soumya 51) by three wickets

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ew Zealand ended the group stage with a perfect sixout-of-six record, but their bowlers were fully challenged for the first time in this World Cup as they sneaked a three-wicket win over Bangladesh. The win ended a five-year losing streak against Bangladesh, and it was hard work all the way for the tournament favorites.

Mahmudullah, Soumya Sarkar and Sabbir Rahman made New Zealand count to 288, the biggest total they have conceded in this tournament so far, before Shakib Al Hasan’s four-wicket haul nearly derailed their chase. But Martin Guptill’s sixth ODI hundred set an excellent platform, before Grant Elliott and Corey Anderson kept them going in the final ten overs.

Tim Southee struck a six and a four in the penultimate over to complete the win.

Guptill struck 11 fours and two sixes in his 100-ball 105, and added 131 for the third wicket with the struggling Ross Taylor, who made 56 off 97 balls. Elliott and Anderson made 39 each on the back of each other, the latter’s contribution more immediate to the final equation, hitting three sixes and three fours in his 26-ball blitz.

Shakib, the stand-in captain, bowled himself and Taijul Islam at the start of New Zealand’s chase. It was the first time two left-arm spinners had opened the bowling in an ODI. It worked almost immediately, with Shakib picking up McCullum and Williamson in the fifth over, but Guptill, who survived a close leg-before shout on 19, and Taylor held the innings together. Guptill’s last ODI hundred was against India in January 2014, so it was an important innings for the opener.

WORLD CUP POINTS TABLE Prelim

Team

P

W

D

L

NR

NRR

PTS

NZ

6

6

0

0

0

+2.564

12

SL

6

4

0

2

0

+0.371

8

AUS

5

3

0

1

1

+1.597

7

BAN

6

3

0

2

1

+0.136

7

ENG

6

2

0

4

0

-0.753

4

AFG

6

1

0

5

0

-1.853

2

SCO

5

0

0

5

0

-1.769

0

Group A

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Group B

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IND

5

5

0

0

0

+2.157

10

SA

6

4

0

2

0

+1.707

8

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PAK

5

3

0

2

0

-0.194

6

IRE

5

3

0

2

0

-1.014

6

WI

5

2

0

3

0

-0.511

4

ZIM

5

1

0

4

0

-0.595

2

UAE

5

0

0

5

0

-1.961

0

Caribbean Star Newspaper

T

March 13-19, 2015

39

Permaul, Bishoo bowl Guyana to seventh win

he spin duo of Veerasammy Permaul and Devendra Bishoo took 18 wickets between them to bowl Guyana to a five-wicket win - their seventh from eigth games - over Jamaica. Left-arm spinner Permaul grabbed five-wicket hauls in both innings to take his fourth first-class ten-for. Legspinner Bishoo picked up four in each innings as Guyana came back after conceding a small first-innings lead.

Jamaica were dismissed for 258 after choosing to bat, with fifties from Jermaine Blackwood and Chadwick Walton after opener John Campbell made 48.

They were 185 for 3 at one stage before losing their last seven wickets for 73.

Rajindra Chandrika (69) and Leon Johnson (78) took Guyana to 136 for 1 but the side collapsed as well to be bowled out for 236. Legspinner Damion Jacobs claimed 5 for 67 and Guyana were also hurt by three run-outs.

Jamaica lasted 40.5 overs in their second innings. Only Blackwood (47) man-

aged to make more than 30 as Jamaica slumped to 138. Guyana were reduced to 42 for 3 in their chase of 161 but fifties from Johnson and Vishaul Singh put them on their way to victory.

Jomel Warrican singlehandedly spun Barbados to a nine-wicket win over Leeward Islands. The left-arm spinner took eight wickets in the first innings and five in the second as Leewards were bowled out for 215 and 150. Shane Dowrich’s century took Barbados to 353 in their first innings, leaving a tiny chase of 13 which was completed in four overs.

Warrican had figures of 35.3-6-888 after Leewards chose to bat. Opener Lyndel Richardson (51) and No. 6 Rahkeem Cornwall (48) chipped in with decent scores but no one else went past 20.

Kyle Corbin (75) provided the start for Barbados but they were reduced to 160 for 5. Dowrich and Kevin Stoute (63) revived the innings with a 108-run partnership. Dowrich added 60 more with

Veerasammy Permaul grabbed five-wicket hauls in both innings to take his fourth first–class ten–for Ashley Nurse as the innings stretched to 119 overs.

Miguel Cummins struck thrice to have Leewards reeling on 22 for 4 before Montcin Hodge (37) and Cornwall (53) steered the score to 100. Warrican took

over now, removing the next four batsmen in quick time as Leewards crumbled to 111 for 9. Gavin Tonge clubbed 33 off 21 to make sure an innings defeat was avoided. Warrican had him stumped to end on 5 for 50.

Never played under captain like Brendon - Hadlee

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ew Zealand have been playing it cool over recent weeks. They have known they are heavily fancied for the World Cup, as strongly as the nation has ever been, but while embracing the benefits of a home tournament they have been keen to try and keep a lid on the emotions.Shortly, that lid could well be ripped off. Not against Bangladesh in Hamilton, but come a week on Saturday in Wellington. In a way, the cat is already out of the bag.

In his post-match press conference following the Afghanistan match in Napier, Daniel Vettori referenced “the biggest match of our careers” when throwing ahead to the quarter-final. And on Tuesday, the cricket team and the All Blacks were linked in the same question to Trent Boult, which led him to say: “I’ve never been compared to an All Black.”

When the two sports are mentioned in the same breath you know something is brewing.

At the head of all this - and one of the men who will need to marshal the New Zealand players through the quarter-final and, the nation hopes, two further matches - is Brendon McCullum. He has certainly not been cowered by the demands of the last few weeks. If anything they have emboldened him to find new levels of aggression both in his captaincy and batting.

His 42 off 19 balls against Afghanistan was not the most significant innings in the tournament, but it meant he was the first batsman to make three consecutive scores over 40 at a strike-rate of 200plus following his displays against England and Australia. In the field, he has almost created a new brand with his allout attacking approach: the McCullum way.

He is the most talked about sportsman in New Zealand at the moment and there is no shortage of plaudits coming his way.

In these pages recently he was labelled

Richard Hadlee: “I had some good captains, but Brendon is something a little bit special at the moment.” an “honorary Aussie” by Ashley Mallett.

The latest praise came from two of New Zealand’s finest ever players: Stephen Fleming, an outstanding leader himself, and the country’s greatest cricketer, Sir Richard Hadlee.

“It’s fair to say, that in my career of 18 years through the 1970s and the 1980s, I didn’t play under a captain as aggressive as Brendon,” Hadlee said. “I had some good captains, but Brendon is something a little bit special at the moment.”

Hadlee, taking the bowlers’ view, pinpointed McCullum in the field and the utmost belief he has in his tactics and team-mates.

“When you’re aggressive and proactive, it can be high risk, it can backfire.

At this stage it hasn’t,” Hadlee said. “But, what he is saying to his bowlers, and if I had a captain like that what he would be saying to me is, I back you. I’ll give you the field that you need to get wickets,

and do the job. That would’ve been nice in my time, although it didn’t happen.”

Fleming, who led New Zealand 303 times across all formats from 1997 to 2007, argued that McCullum has been central to the evolution of the one-day game which is increasingly rewarding the pursuit of wickets ahead of containment.

“Those rave reviews are right. I think over two years he’s helped built a brand of cricket that is aggressive, and in some ways it’s creating the new way to play the ODI game,” Fleming, who retains strong links with McCullum through Chennai Super Kings, said. “You’re now seeing Michael Clarke, also an excellent captain, do the same. And Dhoni as well, he’s had the bowlers to do it. It’s one thing to have that style, number two create a team that can back it up, and that’s what I think Brendon’s got. But it’s taken a while in the making, but I think you can see the fruits of it.”

McCullum has won 55% of his ODIs as captain (26 out of 47), compared to 45% for Fleming, although the sample size is much smaller as the latter led in 218 games. As a further example, Martin Crowe won 48% of his 44 ODIs as captain.

If he leads a victorious World Cup campaign, McCullum will be forever revered.

“He’s a naturally aggressive guy, a gambler as well, but I think he’s better than that,” Fleming said. “I think it’s just an aggressive outlook where we want to hit every ball for six, and it’s obviously contagious. You’ve got guys who can get up, whereas in the past we’ve been a little bit conservative. But now we’re seeing a team that’s ready to bleed runs to get wickets and that seems to be the way that the best teams are playing now.”

Greatness is Contagious is one of the sayings plastered on posters promoting the tournament. So too, it seems, is the McCullum way.

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March 13-19, 2015

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Caribbean Star Newspaper Sangakkara, Dilshan tons set up big win Sri Lanka 363 for 9 (Sangakkara 124, Dilshan 104, Mathews 51, Davey 3-63) beat Scotland215 (Coleman 70, Mommsen 60, Kulasekara 3-20, Chameera 3-51) by 148 runs

K

umar Sangakkara is retiring from one-day internationals at the end of this tournament. You have to wonder why. But regardless of how far Sri Lanka progress, Sangakkara will at least go out in personal glory. At Bellerive Oval, he became the first man in ODI history to score centuries in four consecutive innings, and the first to make four hundreds in one World Cup, and together with Tillakaratne Dilshan he ensured a comfortable win over Scotland.

The 148-run victory should mean Sri Lanka finish third in Pool A, assuming Australia beat Scotland and New Zealand defeat Bangladesh. Scotland showed some fight with the bat, but the 195-run partnership compiled by Sangakkara and Dilshan was the difference.

To cap off his outstanding day, Sangakkara also moved past Adam Gilchrist to top the all-time World Cup wicketkeeping dismissal tally.

Sangakkara and Dilshan have become one of cricket’s most consistent double-acts and this was their 20th century stand in ODIs; only Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar have combined for more. Sangakkara finished with 124 and Dilshan made 104; Angelo Mathews later added the second-fastest fifty of this World Cup, off 20 balls, but a series of late wickets meant Sri Lanka missed the opportunity for a 400-plus total.

Scotland’s target was 364 and perhaps on 364 days of the year it would be an unrealistic aim against a Full Member. This was one of those days, although Freddie Coleman and Preston Mommsen ensured respectability.

Throughout the tournament Scotland have shown enterprise and resolve, impressed observers while coming up short. It was the case once again.

Giants give Coughlin 1-year extension

T

he New York Giants announced Wednesday night that head coach Tom Coughlin has agreed to a one-year contract extension through the 2016 season.

The move was expected and is largely procedural. The three-year contract extension Coughlin signed following the team’s Super Bowl XLVI victory ran through 2014, but the Giants have a policy of not letting coaches operate as “lame ducks” with only one year left on their deal. So this time last year, they gave Coughlin a one-year extension through 2015, and this extension keeps him from heading into this coming season as a lame duck.

Coughlin hinted last month at the

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NFL scouting combine that this move was in the works. Newly signed defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo got a two-year deal, and offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo recently had his contract extended through 2016, so there was little chance the Giants were going to create a situation in which the coordinators were signed for longer than the head coach.

Coughlin has coached the Giants for 11 seasons. He has a 104-83 record that includes two Super Bowl titles.

He is the third-longest-tenured head coach with his current team in the NFL. Bill Belichick has coached the Patriots for 15 seasons and Marvin Lewis has coached the Bengals for 12.

March 13-19, 2015

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Dave Cameron re-elected WICB president

Dave Cameron (left) will head the WICB till 2017

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ave Cameron has been re-elected WICB president for a second term, till 2017, after the Jamaican defeated his sole challenger, former West Indies fast bowler Joel Garner, with a convincing 8 votes to 4 margin. Cameron further stamped his authority when his deputy Emmanuel Nanthan won the vice-presidency elections for the second successive time, defeating Trinidad & Tobago businessman Baldath Mahabir also by an 8-4 margin.

The elections, which were held in Kingston on Saturday as part of the WICB annual general meeting, assumed particular importance since Cameron had received a lot of criticism for his handling of West Indies’ pull-out from the India tour last year. Players, both current and former, and politicians, including prime ministers in the Caribbean, wanted Cameron to take the responsibility for the India debacle and resign after Dwayne Bravo and his team decided to abandon the tour midway into the ODI series last October.

Consequently, the BCCI slapped a $42.7 million claim on the WICB, to cover damages from the loss of revenue.

The relations between the WICB and the players became extremely strained and it all came out in the open after Chris Gayle questioned the Clive Lloyd-led selection panel’s decision to omit Bravo

and Kieron Pollard from the World Cup squad. Gayle was pulled up by the WICB disciplinary panel even as the team was in the middle of the World Cup campaign.

Despite the growing criticism, though, Cameron remained steadfast during their campaign, the Cameron camp proudly listing their achievements: installing a professional franchise structure at the domestic level, improving relations with the West Indies Players Association, and putting in place a fresh memorandum of understanding with the players that should lend financial security to not just the internationals but also to players from the regional teams.

Cameron’s detractors, meanwhile, said that under Cameron’s watch the WICB had lost respect, especially in the eyes of powerful BCCI. Garner, in his manifesto, said he wanted to help West Indies cricket strengthen its base and climb up the ladder once again. But Garner, who was nominated by his native Barbados Cricket Association and supported by the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board, was aware of Cameron’s dominance. Leading up to the elections, Cameron had secured the support of four WICB members - Guyana, Windward Islands, Leeward Island and his home country, Jamaica. Garner’s camp hoped that people might change their mind on voting day, but it did not happen.

Rubel accuser ‘drops’ charges, law may differ

ubel Hossain’s match-winning performance against England may fetch him an unexpected pay-off a Bangladeshi actress says she will drop the charges under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act against him that saw him spend three nights in jail in January. But Bangladeshi law does not allow such charges to be dropped unilaterally, and the entire legal process is usually drawn-out and complicated.

The actress, Naznin Akhtar Happy, told a private TV channel in Bangladesh, in the aftermath of the England match on Monday, that she was moved enough to drop the charges.

“I’ve forgiven him. I am not going to continue the case against him,” Happy told Channel 24 television on Tuesday.

“I am not going to give any testimony or

evidence against him. And if I don’t carry on with the case, then there is no case.”

Her statement came a day after her lawyer Cumar Debul Dey said he wouldn’t represent Happy. A few hours after Bangladesh’s win over England, he wrote on his Facebook page: “I am withdrawing myself as Happy’s lawyer in light of Bangladesh and Rubel’s success. In future, if any other lawyer is appointed to deal with this case, I will not have any problems.”

On January 8 Rubel was sent to jail by a Dhaka court in a case filed under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. Dhaka Metropolitan magistrate Muhammad Anwar Sadat passed the order after Rubel surrendered before the court and pleaded for bail. Rubel had, on December 15, been granted four weeks of anticipatory bail in the case. This came

Rubel Hossain’s case has not not yet been concluded two days after the complainant, an actress, had filed the case against Rubel with Mirpur police station on charges of making false promises of marriage.

Three days later Rubel was granted

bail pending the police submission of the charge sheet to the court. He was also allowed to travel abroad, excusing him from appearing before the court for further proceedings.

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