Caribbean Star #34 vol.4

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March 20-26, 2015

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Vol.4 #34

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PIETERSEN BREAK-IN… BANDITS CART IN ENGLAND OFF SEVEN WEAPONS, $10M CASH –POLICE PLANS? HAVE FAIR IDEA WHO SUSPECTS ARE Kevin Pietersen’s involvement in the 2015 IPL hangs on a crisis meeting at Lord’s on Tuesday that will examine England’s response to a disastrous showing at the World Cup.

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Urging the electorate to judge them on their record and the PNC on its past, the PPP campaign swung into the city last evening with speakers exhorting their supporters not to repeat a “fatal mistake” and to vote at the “mother of all elections” on May 11.

GUYANA

$100,000 bail for pundit on sex charges WEST DEMERARA US$46.8M HIGHWAY Pundit Harripersad Panday yesterday was granted $100,000 bail after he appeared before Chaguanas Magistrate Bramanand Dubay charged with sexually assaulting an 18-year-old twice PROJECT TAKES OFF earlier this year.

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CHEDDI JAGAN DELAYED CRITICAL CARDIAC SURGERY TO SAVE $$

FIRE CHIEF OUT

FINANCE MINISTER EXPOSES GREENIDGE’S IGNORANCE – ABOUT MATTERS REGARDING IDB LOAN MECHANISMS

– had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure month before death

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The nation’s Chief Fire Officer has been ordered on immediate vacation leave which reportedly will take him straight into retirement. This means that Naya Rampersad, whose vacation leave amounts to 168 days, will be out of the service effectively after 34 years.

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March 20-26, 2015

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March 20-26, 2015

Mischievous Guys band manager busted with cocaine at NY airport

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local band manager was on Sunday busted with cocaine strapped to his legs after landing at the John F Kennedy Airport in New York.

Homer Bowen, who is known locally as the manager of the Mischievous Guys band, is now sitting in jail after he was re- Homer Bowen manded to prison.

He was nabbed on Sunday after he was selected by customs officials, who observed him acting suspiciously.

US Homeland Security Officer Daniel Suden, in court documents, said Bowen arrived in the United States on a Dynamic Airlines flight and was selected for examination. It was stated that while a baggage inspection turned up nothing, the officials observed that during the search Bowen appeared to be nervous. A “pat down” was then conducted and packages were discovered strapped to his upper legs. One of the packages was removed and a probe revealed a white powdery substance which field-tested positive for the presence of cocaine. The cocaine recovered weighed 2.437 kilogrammes. On the very day he was busted, at around 3:55AM,

Bowen posted on his Facebook page: “I am doing something real big for me and my kids pray that God bless me to make it happened thank u God u are a true champion.”

Hours later, he was in custody.

Late last month, gospel singer Mark Ferdinand was also busted after he travelled to the United States to uplift two suitcases containing cocaine, which he had given to another man to transport and who, unknown to him, had been arrested. Ferdinand had received a call from the man, only called “the courier” in court documents, and booked a flight on Dynamic Airways on February 25 and was promptly arrested when he touched down at the airport in New York.

Drugs continue to have easy passage at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri pointing to persistent security holes at the airport. The failure of the security arrangements at the airport has been highlighted by the many instances of couriers slipping through with cocaine, only to be held at their points of destination.

Caribbean Star Newspaper Robbery convict gets eight more years after admitting to two other charges Raphael Hintzen, who is currently serving a five-year-long sentence, was yesterday sentenced to an extra eight years in jail after he pleaded guilty to two additional counts of armed robbery.

H

intzen, 22, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts over a month ago charged with armed robbery.

It was alleged that on January 25, at South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown, being armed with a gun, he robbed Sydel Hector of a quantity of cash and a Samsung Galaxy cell phone, amounting to $204,000. It was furthered alleged on the same day, being armed with a gun, he robbed Ryburn Fraser of a quantity of cash, including foreign currency, totaling $855,040.

The unrepresented Hintzen had pleaded not guilty to the charges read to him

by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. However, when he reappeared yesterday for the start of his trial, Hintzen pleaded guilty to the offences.

He told the court, “My worship I am very sorry and I am begging you to be

lenient with me because I am already on a five years.” Upon having the second charge read to him, he continued to plead, “I have a daughter I would like to go home to and I learn my lesson.”

The police’s case is that on the day in question, at about 12:05 AM, the two victims were sitting in a car when they were confronted by Hintzen, who shot Fraser and then robbed the men.

Fraser was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was admitted and later discharged. During an ID parade, he positively identified Hintzen as the person who carried out the robbery.

Hintzen was before another court recently for offences of a similar nature and he was convicted and sentenced.

After taking all the factors mentioned into consideration, the magistrate sentenced Hintzen to four years imprisonment on each charge.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 20-26, 2015

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Caribbean Star Newspaper FIRE CHIEF OUT

March 20-26, 2015

The nation’s Chief Fire Officer has been ordered on immediate vacation leave which reportedly will take him straight into retirement.

This means that Naya Rampersad, whose vacation leave amounts to 168 days, will be out of the service effectively after 34 years.

T

he development follows social media posts showing a senior fire official in semi-nude positions, and one in which the same official is seen assaulting a female fire-fighter.

In a release yesterday afternoon, the Ministry of National Security stated: “Following the electronic images which have surfaced and are currently circulating in the public domain, the Ministry of National Security wishes to inform the public that the senior fire official in question has proceeded on vacation leave with immediate effect pending the relevant investigations. The Ministry of National Security wishes to assure fire officers and the public that service to the nation will not be impeded in light of

this development.”

The release did not name the official, but Acting Deputy Chef Fire Officer Roosevelt Bruce confirmed to Newsday he was informed that his boss has proceeded on immediate leave and that he would take over at the helm of the Fire Services pending further arrangements. Bruce said he received the instruction from the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Jennifer Daniel, and has complied accordingly.

Bruce did not wish to comment on any allegations levelled against the unnamed senior official fingered in the Ministry’s release or by other officers regarding the publication and distribution of any seminude photos and video showing an assault

of a female officer.

But sources did tell Newsday that Rampersad was at the centre of several reports by junior officers, including a complaint surrounding claims of assault by an auxiliary female officer.

Newsday understands the Ministry of National Security is in receipt of several such complaints and has ordered an investigation into the incidents. The Ministry’s inquiries are said to be in addition to investigations that have been ongoing for a while in other matters including financial impropriety and poor work relations. These matters were said to have also been brought to the attention of then Minister of National Security Gary Griffith who had several meetings with Carl Fran-

cis, the Ministry’s former permanent secretary to deal with the issues so as not to affect morale in the Fire Services. Calls to Rampersad’s cell phone went unanswered throughout yesterday. However Newsday learnt that Rampersad has since returned the cell phone previously assigned to him..

President of the Fire Officers Second Division Leo Ramkissoon told Newsday that he was awaiting information on the matter from the Public Relations Department of the Fire Services, and wished to refrain from commenting until he was in receipt of any information on the matter. The latest controversy had resulted in an auxiliary fire fighter claiming victimisation after she was fired. The fire-fighter is reported to be seeking legal redress in the matter.

Newsday understands that photos of a man allegedly exposing himself and assaulting a female fire-fighter were distributed on social media by fire officers.

In some of the photos it depicts an officer again attacking the female fire-fighter who is seen crying with blood coming from her nose at the end of the assault.

Sources revealed the alleged assault was not reported to the police, but the victim took sick leave and when she returned she was dismissed late last year when she reported for duty. The senior officer has dismissed all allegations levelled against him by the auxiliary fire-fighter claiming that he was set up.

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Jai Mata Di, My name is Dulcie Nirmala Paras and I am a gratified member of “The Shaanti Bhavan Mandir”. It gives me great pleasure in writing today’s article on Navratri and what it means to me. You will also be able to enrich your knowledge in the significance and have a better understanding of the profound meaning of what this great period is teaching us.

As a young girl growing up in the East Coast Demerara, Guyana, Navratri meant Durga Paat, where we saw a coconut, a lime and a nutmeg being offered to the Divine Mother, with no clue as to why, and the special prashadam that was offered was forbidden to be eaten by anyone except married women. I was also told that if you perform this puja once and do not continue, something bad will happen, and this left me circumspect.

But in years to come I was destined to realize that my limited perceptions of this auspicious period was not true.

As I progressed through life, I started realizing the depth and meaning of this wonderful celebration through the medium of our Gurus, Pundits, Learned Individuals, and also having the texts easily available to us. “Sir Google” is also a great asset at our finger tips, with any misconceptions we may have.

I have certainly come a far way and is now equipped with the knowledge of the significance of Navratri, which now takes me through the most divine experience, that was most often unreachable to the common man. The differences in my Navratris earlier and now have become perceptible!

The frightened mind back then, has

now transformed into tears of gratitude. The mantra chantings and soulful chalisas gave way to finding the divine’s presence inside one’s heart.

Habits etched in our soul as a child, gave way to freedom. This inward journey is beyond comparison and explanation! These nine night gives us a time for self-referral and an opportunity to eradicate the misery, sorrow, pain and false pride in our lives, giving us a chance to be the change we want to see.

Significance of Navratri: For Hindus, this festival is of great importance. The beginning of spring and autumn are very sacred for Hindus as they denote climatic and solar influence, hence during this period Goddess Shakti- the ten armed goddess is worshipped. Navratri begins on the first day of a bright fortnight of Hindu month Ashwin. During the festival of Navratri, nine forms of Shakti are worshipped with dance and festivities which culminates on the tenth day; commonly known as Vijaydashmi or Dasshera.

Goddess Durga is worshiped by different names and in different manner during these nine days. ‘Durga’ in Sanskrit means ‘remover of miseries’.

Goddess Durga is the destroyer of evil so Nav – meaning nine and Ratri meaning nights, is the most auspicious time of the Hindu calendar. This fes-

March 20-26, 2015

tival holds much importance, for it is belief that by invoking Shakti, everyone is worshipping the energy behind the essence of this universe.

• First 3 days of Navratri: is dedicated to Durga Maa and her incarnations such as Kumari, Parvati and Kali are worshipped. The destructive aspects of Goddess Durga symbolizes the commitment to acquire triumph over all the evil tendencies of the human nature. The ego, anger, lust and other animal instincts, should be eradicated from within, which is represented by breaking a coconut.

• Second 3 days of Navratri: is dedicated to Lakshmi Maa - the goddess of prosperity and peace. Devotees approaches Goddess Lakshmi to acquire all the spiritual wealth and prosperity.

This is the reason why we offer the lime, asking Maa to remove the bitterness we harbor within. Even though the devotee has acquired victory over evil tendencies, and prosperity and peace, he/she is still deprived of true knowledge. Knowledge is required to live the life of humane tolerance.

• Last 3 days of Navratri: is dedicated to Saraswati Maa – the bestower of knowledge. After the devotee has removed all the negative qualities from within for the past 6 days during the Navratri period, only then he/ she is ready to absorb the principles elucidated by the Scriptures, repre-

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sented by the nutmeg. The ninth and final day of Navratri is also known as ‘Mahanavami’. On this day, Kanya puja is performed to worship nine young girls, who have not yet reached the stage of puberty. These nine girls symbolize one of the nine forms of goddess Durga and is worshipped, and fed. The Dandiya and Garba Raas (stick dancing) is encouraged as a way of celebrating. The festival ends with Ramnaumi, to be celebrated on March 28th this year.

The nine days of Navratri are also an opportunity to rejoice in the three primordial qualities that make up the universe. Though our life is governed by the three gunas, we seldom recognize and reflect on them. The first three days of Navratri are attributed to tamo guna, the next three days to rajo guna and the last three days to sattva guna. Our consciousness sails through the tamo and rajo gunas and blossoms in the sattva guna on the last three days. The three primordial gunas are considered as the feminine force of our magnificent universe. By worshiping the Mother Divine during Navratri, we harmonize the three gunas and elevate sattva in the atmosphere. As I close, I invite you to come celebrate this Navratri with us at the Shaanti Bhavan Mandir, Mar 2028th, 112-06 Jamaica Avenue.

Shubh Navratri 2015!

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Caribbean Star Newspaper West Demerara US$46.8m highway project takes off

March 20-26, 2015

“simple but important ceremony” was held yesterday to mark the commencement of the new US$46.8m West Demerara highway that will help to cut travel time from Vreeden-Hoop to Parika significantly.

Addressing the gathering at the Vreeden-Hoop Stelling, President Donald Ramotar said the Ministry of Public Works’ Fourth Road Project is one of many investments that government was undertaking in the region.

He recalled that only a few weeks ago he was in the region to inaugurate the new GPL electricity plant.

He said over the years, government has been developing fairly rapidly despite having to contend with an international

President Donald Ramotar (second from left) and officials walking along the roadway after the ceremony yesterday to start the Vreed–en–Hoop to Parika Road Project. financial and economic crisis that impacted the region severely.

To take the country to a much higher level of development, he said, the infra-

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structure is not sufficient and noted its importance.

Ramotar highlighted plans to upgrade the West Bank Demerara road and said the Canal No 1 and 2 Polders would be upgraded to highway status as well. With general elections weeks away, he said that his government would focus on quality so the road can stand up to more traffic.

Speaking about the growth of some areas on the West Coast including, Vreeden-Hoop, Parika, Leonora and Tuschen, Ramotar said “transportation is becoming more and more inadequate.”

On that note, he said the need for a new crossing of the Demerara River was becoming extremely important.

Studies have begun for a new bridge across the river and should come on stream within the next five years. That, he said, would help to integrate Georgetown and Vreed-en-Hoop.

He spoke confidently of the construction of the Amaila Falls hydropower project and about connecting Parika with a submarine cable to Leguan and from there to Wakenaam and to the Essequibo Coast.

Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, remarked that over the last three years there were 111 road projects costing $1.32B in areas like Goed Fortuin, La Grange, Nismes, La Jalousie and Good Intent as well as side line dams He reminded residents to make the best use of the roads because they have put in the best designs that would last longer and can accommodate “higher loadings.”

He hopes that the ministry does not have to go back and maintain the roads but said that it would hand over the projects to the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and the regional administration.

He said residents should pay an interest in the proper use of the road to ensure its longevity, for instance putting up barriers to prevent heavily laden trucks.

The civil works with respect to the development of the road such as the installing of new upgraded carriageways, pavements for the safety of pedestrians as well as bridges and culverts, would last over three year.

The ministry has had issues with respect to utilities and said “this has been a bugbear with respect to the “East Bank Demerara and has led to its delay.”

He said the contractors have to ensure that as they move forward they clarify the location, depth and quantity of the utilities such as telephone lines and other buried cables. They are becoming significant impediments to the speedy and proper usage of the roads.

Project coordinator, Kester Hinds said through the Caribbean Development Bank-funded project with counterpart funding from Government of Guyana, the West Demerara would see significant improvement in the form of rehabilitation and the provision of pedestrian and cycling facilities.

It would also see the rehabilitation and construction of bridges and culverts. The project, he said, entails significant road safety awareness in the form of educational programmes for schoolchildren and public transportation drivers.

March 20-26, 2015 Caribbean Star Newspaper Finance Minister exposes Greenidge’s ignorance – about matters regarding IDB loan mechanisms

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LOAN agreement inked between the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Government of Guyana is the subject of a legal challenge filed by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Executive Carl Greenidge.

His contention is that there should be no withdrawal of the monies available under the agreement, since the monies are to be deposited into the Consolidated Fund, from which expenditure is only authorised by an Appropriation Act, a budget.

The IDB, in the latter part of February, approved two loan agreements for Guyana valued at US$32.16 (G$4.4B), one aimed at supporting government’s security and the other aimed at supporting the country’s environmental initiatives.

Dr Ashni Singh, named as a defendant in the matter, in an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday, broke his silence on the matter, which is another legal action to challenge Government spending with him as the Finance Minister. zcarl-greenidge “In this instance, Mr Greenidge’s representation on the matter reflects an alarming lack of familiarity with the manner in which loans of this nature operate,” he said. The

Minister explained that oversight remains a non-issue, given clear and stringent legislative provisions that guide spending.

“There is not a problem with oversight, in terms of spending. There are constitutional and legislative provisions that apply to spending. They remain in place and are fully complied with,” he posited.

Greenidge is calling for a Conservatory Order to stop the spending, as well as a court order to demand full accounting for monies received under the IDB loan.

“This is yet another frivolous action and

unmeritorious action by Mr Carl Greenidge and it constitutes an utter waste of the court’s time,” Dr Singh said.

DIFFERENT PARALLELS Dr Singh underscored the different parallels, in the area of finance, which have been characterised by Greenidge’s presence. “On the one hand, you have a man who has displayed great contempt for the people of Guyana during 1983 to 1992 period, when he refused to have a single set of audited accounts prepared and tabled in the National Assembly. No greater

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contempt for accountability has ever been displayed in the history of this country than by this act on Mr Greenidge’s part,” he said.

The Finance Minister was emphatic in stating that the APNU Executive “lacks the credibility” to speak on any matter in relation to accountability, given his legacy as a former Finance Minister.

“In recent years Mr Greenidge has appeared more preoccupied with repairing his legacy of mismanagement and woeful lack of accountability,” Dr Singh opined.

CONSTITUTIONAL GROUNDS Greenidge, represented by Attorney-at-Law Roysdale Forde, maintains, however, the existence of constitutional grounds for his challenge.

The writ, detailing the challenge, cites Articles 1, 8, 50, 51, 56, 65, 103, 106, 110, 112, 112A, 216, 217 and 219 of Guyana’s Constitution. It also refers to Sections 16, 36 and 61 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, Cap. 73:02.

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall is the second defendant named in the matter.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper Cheddi Jagan delayed critical cardiac surgery to save $$ -had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure month before death March 20-26, 2015

n order to avoid the State having to pay for two trips, the late president Dr Cheddi Jagan who died on March 6, 1997 following a heart attack, postponed urgent and critically needed cardiac surgery by two months.

The disclosures by former PPP stalwart Ralph Ramkarran and Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh – who was consulted by Dr Jagan in the days prior to his heart attack on February 14, 1997 – comes as controversy rages over comments by former president Bharrat Jagdeo who sought to compare his lifestyle to that of former presidents Cheddi and Janet Jagan.

In his column in the Sunday Stabroek, Ramkarran had recalled that throughout the 1970s, Dr and Mrs Jagan were often seen at modest restaurants around Georgetown on Saturday evenings as dining out was one of their few pleasures. This, as well as Mrs Jagan’s visits to the hairdresser, stopped during the 1980s because they could no longer afford it, he had written.

Ramkarran had said that when Dr Jagan was diagnosed with a heart ailment, local facilities were then inadequate and he needed to seek medical attention overseas.

“He was awaiting a foreign trip that had already been planned so as to avoid the State having to pay for two trips.

Unfortunately, his heart unexpectedly gave way before he could travel,” he said.

In a letter to Stabroek News published today, Dr Singh who was consulted by Dr Jagan shortly before the late president’s heart attack, said that he was heart-broken by the disclosure that Dr Jagan had wanted to save money and hence put off what could have

been life-saving surgery.

“After reading Ralph Ramkarran’s article which indicates that Dr. Jagan deferred the surgery to make it fit with a previously planned trip abroad, I am heart broken. I wish Dr. Jagan had told me that. I wish I had thought of that.

That was the kind of person he was.

So I should have thought of it. But I didn’t. He had a heart attack five days later. It was bound to happen. Just a matter of when. We could have saved him. He opted to save – tax-payers dollars or not – at the risk of his life. It was just the air fare. As it turned out, he never recovered. Guyana lost a man of honor and integrity, prematurely. I admired him immensely as servant of the people. And as a fighter for what he thought was right,” he wrote.

Dr Singh said that Dr Jagan postponed urgent and critically needed cardiac surgery by two months. He recalled that he was one of three doctors who met with Dr and Mrs. Jagan on Sunday, February 9, 1997. The other two doctors were Dr Hughley Hanoman and Dr Roger Luncheon.

“The five of us met at State House for the specific purpose of addressing Dr. Jagan’s medical condition and to establish a plan of treatment. I still have my copies of his medical records and test results and some of his notes to me,” Dr Singh said.

Noting that he was not revealing any confidential patient-doctor aspects of Dr Jagan’s medical condition but issues already in the public domain, Dr Singh said that Dr Jagan was in congestive heart failure at the time. “He had already been on medications for that but with only partial success and his heart

failure was getting worse. He needed to have the underlying cause of his heart failure treated. That was blocked coronary arteries and the treatment for that was coronary bypass surgery. And the quicker the better,” he said.

Prior to Dr Singh’s disclosure, the government had not stated that Dr Jagan was suffering from congestive heart failure. Following his February 14, 1997 heart attack, a statement issued by the then Government Information Service, said that Dr Jagan had suffered a “cardiac problem” and was travelling to the US for “further medical investigations.” Subsequently Dr Hanoman told reporters that the president had experienced “episodes of chest discomfort” and had been taken to the hospital “as a matter of caution.”

He had said that after it was found Dr Jagan was experiencing irregular cardiac rhythms, the doctors agreed that the president’s case needed to be further evaluated to find out whether there was need for surgical intervention and that was why the decision was taken to fly him to the US. Following surgery, Dr Jagan died on March 6, 1997.

Other medical sources at the time had told Stabroek News that Dr Jagan knew that he had a heart problem since 1996 and was advised to consult an accredited cardiologist and had planned to do so in March 1997.

In his letter, Dr Singh recalled that before arriving in Guyana, based on test results Dr. Jagan had sent him a few days earlier, he had made arrangements for the late president to have his entire cardiac care including tests, imaging, cardiac evaluations, coronary by-pass surgery, recuperation and rehabilita-

tion, hospital charges, surgeons fees and all other fees waived by the hospital and the professionals involved, as a courtesy to the people of Guyana.

At the time, Dr Singh was chairman of the hospital board of directors at Midland, Texas and recalled that Dr. Jagan had visited him in December 1994 and had met nearly all of the people involved, at a social level and charmed them. “So that when I asked them for their help on his behalf, in February 1997, it was the easiest chips to call in!

The cardiac surgeon, after review of the records, had recommended urgent surgery,” he recalled.

Dr Singh wrote that when he arrived in Guyana in February 1997, Dr. Jagan invited him to stay at State House. “We spent much time talking about his deteriorating medical condition. He was determined to keep that quiet. He had first told me about his health in July 1996 when we met for three days in Houston, Texas. At first, I wondered if he wanted to be treated at the world famous Texas Heart Center but soon discovered that he had no such intention. His notes to me afterwards indicated serial worsening of his condition. He had another physician friend in Ohio. He too had recommended surgery and advised him to have his surgery done at the highly-rated Cleveland Clinic,” he wrote.

Singh recalled that at the meeting at State House in February 1997, Dr. Jagan listened to the pros and cons of the various options. “There was the usual difference of opinions when doctors meet. No plan for definitive surgery was confirmed. Later that night, Dr. Jagan told me that he would “sleep on it” and let me know in the morning,” he

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recalled.

He said that as he was leaving, Dr Jagan said that he had considered all the advice and opinions but based mostly on how he was feeling over the previous two weeks, he had decided on having coronary bypass surgery.

“I was elated and asked if he wanted to travel with me on my flights to Midland, Texas. He said that he couldn’t do that. He wanted to wait two months. He did not tell me why. It occurred to me that he might be looking for a way out, to have the surgery done at the Cleveland Clinic and did not want to hurt my feelings. I was aware that other persons had suggested to him that he should go to a world-renowned center instead of “a never heard of place” if he decided on surgery. So I brought it up and assured him that my feelings would not be hurt. He stopped me immediately. “I want you to do it”, he said, meaning of course, that he wanted the team I had put together to do it,” Dr Singh wrote.

In light of Ramkarran’s letter on why Dr Jagan wanted to put off the trip, Dr Singh said that he was heartbroken.

Dr Singh also recalled that he visited Mrs. Jagan at her home just a few days before she died. “I saw only the exterior, the stairs, the living room and the tiny study. I did not see the bedrooms or the kitchen but I feel that I saw enough to offer my opinion that it was indeed a modest home. Also, judging from its size, appearance and layout, it compares to the modest village home I was raised in at Palmyra Village, East Coast Berbice in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

It simply is not comparable to any of the large homes recently constructed in Georgetown and environs,” he said.

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March 20-26, 2015

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March 20-26, 2015

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March 20-26, 2015 Caribbean Star Newspaper PPP/C speaker sees May 11 as ‘mother of all elections’

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rging the electorate to judge them on their record and the PNC on its past, the PPP campaign swung into the city last evening with speakers exhorting their supporters not to repeat a “fatal mistake” and to vote at the “mother of all elections” on May 11.

“Dem can’t change, is a part of their nature,” Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon said referring to APNU as he addressed a crowd comprising several dozen persons at Bourda Green last evening. “In government they bruk up, in opposition they bruk up, in the future they gon lick up,” he said to cheers and laughter from those assembled.

In attack mode, Luncheon directed his barbs mainly at APNU and its leader David Granger. He repeatedly stressed that APNU is the PNC and cannot change. The kind of past associated with the PNC is like a “nightmare,” he said while adding that the past has been so difficult and real “that it is beyond forgetting.”

“They dare not take you to any examination of the past,” Luncheon declared saying that the PNC has nothing more to offer than platitudes. He said that the PPP will never forget the past and will not give the APNU+AFC alliance any chance whatsoever to ever again get at the helm of government. Supporters shouted “go away” in support of his sentiments.

There is only one alternative and that is the PPP, Luncheon declared while urging Guyanese to “come out and vote for the real alternative” which he said is the PPP. Before the meeting got underway, the PPP’s campaign song ‘It is Time’ blared from loudspeakers and curious motorists slowed. The opposition alliance, APNU+AFC had earlier this month unveiled ‘It is Time’ as their campaign slogan. Several government ministers including Minister of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaran and Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee were present. Presidential Advisor Gail Teixeira was also among those present and former president Bharrat Jagdeo put in an appearance though he did not speak.

The presence of head of the government’s One Laptop Per Family Programme Margo Boyce as well as several other females who hold “senior management positions” in the programme was also highlighted.

Aged warrior Calling himself an “aged warrior” Luncheon thanked Guyana for supporting him and the PPP over the last 23 years in government. He stressed that he was there to “unfrock” the position of the opposition.

“They dare to come forth and to say to you we are the better alternative” but they are not, he said adding that the progress seen today was made real by the late president Dr Cheddi Jagan and the PPP and this is what the opposition dares to challenge. He repeatedly emphasised that APNU is PNC under another name. Hurling barbs at “my good friend David,” Luncheon was critical of the opposition alliance’s presidential candidate’s refusal to appear before the Commission of Inquiry investigating the death of WPA founder Dr Walter Rodney to address claims made against him and others in the PNC that they contributed

Presidential Advisor Gail Teixeira (second from left) among supporters at the PPP rally at Bourda Green last evening. to the assassination of Rodney. He also roasted the opposition for budget cuts and said that they have made a mockery of parliamentary democracy in the 10th Parliament.

“Indeed President Ramotar had a time and a half dealing with these interlopers,” he said while adding that the opposition sat there pretending to be there at the behest of Guyanese and discharging the mandate given to them by their supporters but they enjoyed the benefits of being parliamentarians and give nothing to Guyanese.

“A group of politicians the likes of whom this country has never seen…these are the kind of politicians that Guyana does not need,” Luncheon said, labelling them as refuseniks and angry people.

He accused the opposition of showing arrogance and contempt for the Guyanese people and said that the practices of the PNC in the past are no different now.

Luncheon accused the PNC of having a despicable attitude to “our black comrades” who have not been following their line and becoming members of the PNC. According to Luncheon, the PNC by its attitude has ruled itself out of any consideration for leadership of Guyana and so enormous is their double standards “that we have to keep speaking forever about it.”

Speaking of the 2012 Linden protests when three protestors were fatally shot on July 18, Luncheon charged that Granger had made a “dangerous retraction” that ultimately led to the shooting. He was referring to an agreement between government and APNU to raise electricity tariffs in Linden to be in line with the rest of the country which, he said, Granger initially agreed on then later reneged. July 18, 2012 should be a memorable day because it shows the depth to which a nation could sink, Luncheon said while laying the blame on Granger.

Attorney Euclin Gomes was the first speaker and accused APNU and the AFC of not thinking of Guyanese when they signed the Cummingsburg Accord – the pact to formalize the alliance. He suggested that APNU cannot be trusted. “Somebody getting con in that business and I know it’s not APNU,” he declared.

The attorney urged persons to look back at the past. “The PPP is inviting you to look back,” he said. “If you don’t look back you are not going to be able to know

where you are.”

Gomes urged the electorate to also look back at the record of the PPP and judge the party by that. “It is the real deal,” he said. “Y’all get out of power now man,” a passerby heckled.

According to Gomes, the PPP brought change to Guyana and people are not anxious to leave the country anymore because life is a lot better. He said that “backtrack”, the practice of going to another country illegally has died a natural death because persons do not want to pay that amount of money anymore. “The party nice in Guyana, don’t stop the music,” he asserted.

Gomes also spoke on the issue of race and said that “I don’t know since when the facts can be interpreted as race.” He said that he was in the Corentyne recently and

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was reminded that it was no longer necessary to retrieve “dhall” and “aloo” from “the black sage root.”

The PPP will never allow these things to happen in Guyana again, he said as a passing cyclist heckled “you lie, you lie, you lie.”

The attorney said the upcoming elections is “the mother of all elections” and urged persons not to make the same mistake – which he deemed a “fatal error” – twice and to go out to vote. The 10th Parliament was reduced to a circus because of complacency on the part of PPP supporters, he said.

The APNU+AFC alliance are “only there to decorate the ballot sheet…don’t even look at it,” he exhorted while adding that the election is important to protect gains and if the people do not do so and it is taken away then they have no one to blame but themselves.

“Guyana nice, the party nice, PPP/C nice it up. Don’t stop the music,” he declared while adding that the plan ought to be “kick them out…if you out, stay out.”

Dr Vindhya Persaud also spoke and said that the electorate must not be blind to the visible changes around the country. Referring to the past, she said that it would be disrespectful to dismiss a time when people struggled to survive. Credit is due to the PPP/C for the progress in Guyana, she declared. Not everything has been done but things have started and things are happening, she asserted while urging persons not to vote on personalities and minor things but to vote on the bigger picture.

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March 20-26, 2015

ISLAM Peace / submission to the will of our creator.

Watch your words!

Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.

Abraham Lincoln “It is by shunning idle-talk that intelligence is perfected. Keeping quiet is better than uttering falsehood. The worst of all people is the one who is biased in his speech, deviated in his tongue and mischievous in his utterances”

Allah (s.w.t) says in Surah Qaf 49 v18: “Not a word does one utter, except that there is an (angel) Watching, Ready to record it.”

Abu Huraira (ra) reported that the Prophet of Allah (pbuh) said: “Whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day then let him speak good or remain silent.” (Bukhari & Muslim) This hadith is a clear proof that one should not talk, unless one’s speech is good and beneficial to others. So if we have doubts as to whether or not our speech will be beneficial, then we should not speak. Imam Ash-Shafi (ra) said: “When one desires to talk, then it is upon him to think before he speaks. If there is good in what he will say, then he should speak. And if he has doubt about that, then he must not speak until he clears that doubt.”

Allah says in the beginning of Surah al-Muminoon 23:1-3, “Indeed successful are the Believers, those who in their prayer have Khushoo (modesty, humility, awareness of Allah) and those who refrain from vain talk.”

Here Allah mentions that refraining from vain talk is a sign of the successful believers. Allah also mentions refraining from vain talk after he mentions al-Khushoo. This is because too much talk makes the heart hard. It is not possible to reach the level of Khushoo (modesty, humility, awareness of Allah) unless one refrains from vain talk.

The Tongue Expresses what is in the Heart: If a person is good, it reflects in their speech. Allah has made it very easy for the tongue to move and it is not difficult

to realize that a person’s tongue moves much more compared to the limbs. So if a person is not careful about what he says, even a remark can invalidate his actions. Abu Saeed Al-Khudri (ra) reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said: “When the Son of Adam wakes from his sleep, all of his body parts seek refuge from his tongue, saying: ‘Fear Allah with regard to us, for indeed we are part of you. So if you are correct, then we will be correct and if you are corrupted, then we shall be corrupted.” (At-Tirmidhi) And at the same time, the tongue is a great blessing from Allah. The gratitude that we should show for this great blessing should include, using it for the obedience to Allah, for reading the Qur’an, for seeking Knowledge, to enjoin good and forbidding evil.

The prohibitions of the tongue are that you do not lie, abuse, use foul language, backbite and slander.

Abu Musa Al-Ashari (ra) said: “I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah Which of the Muslims is best?’ He (pbuh) said: ‘He whose tongue and hand the Muslims are safe from.” (Al-Bukhari & Muslim) Sahal Ibn Saad (ra) reported that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “Whosoever can guarantee for me (that he will safeguard) what is between his jaws (tongue) and what is between his legs (private parts), I will guarantee for him Paradise.” (Al-Bukhari) Abu Huraira (ra) reported that he heard the Prophet (pbuh) say: “Indeed, the servant will speak a word, while being unaware of (its consequences), and due to it, he will be cast into the Hellfire, farther than the distance between the east and the west.” (Al-Bukhari & Muslim) The meaning of “while being unaware” is that he does not stop to consider whether his speech is good or not.

Sufyaan Ibn ‘Abdullah (ra) reported that he asked: “O Messenger of Allah (pbuh), tell me of a matter that I may cling tightly onto.’ He (pbuh) said: ‘Say: I believe in Allah and then remain steadfast (upon that).’ I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah (pbuh, what is the most serious thing that I should fear for myself?’ So he (pbuh) took a hold of his tongue and

Caribbean Star Newspaper

said: ‘This.’ (At-Tirmidhi & Ibn Majah).

Uqbah Ibn Aamir (ra) reported: “I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah (pbuh), how does one attain salvation?’ He (pbuh) said: ‘Restrain your tongue, remain in your home and weep over your sins.’

(At-Tirmidhi) Al-Hasan Al-Basri (ra) said, “Whoever does not guard the slips of their tongue has not understood their Deen.”

Isa bin Uqbah (ra) said, that Abdullah Ibn Masood (ra) is reported to have said, ‘By Him Who alone is worthy of worship on earth, no sin deserves more severe and lengthier punishment than the sins committed by the tongue’ (Ibn Kathir) The earlier mentioned Qur’anic verses, ahadith of our noble Prophet (pbuh) and advices by the scholars of Islam are a guide for those searching for salvation against vain talk. So before we talk, we should ask ourselves....

Will my words please Allah?

Will my words bring me closer to Allah?

Are my words in accordance with the obedience of Allah?

If yes, then speak, otherwise one should keep quiet.

Suggested cure for this disease of the tongue: One: We should know that it is a major sin. In fact, a person may make a single statement – not paying any heed to it – by which he may slip into Hellfire.

Two: We must talk about things that are necessary to carry out the worldly affairs within the limits of sharia.

Three: We should distance ourselves from those long useless gatherings where nothing is done for hours except laughing and chatting about silly and frivolous matters. Instead, we should gather to remember Allah and cultivate good speech.

Four: We must glorify Allah in our hearts. If Allah says do not make fun of one another, our reply should be nothing more than, “We hear and we obey.”

Five: We should warn others of the sin of insulting other people and making fun of them, telling lies, slandering.

Let us not allow ourselves to be a ‘silent Shaitan’ listening to others being insulted. Let us speak up and say it clearly that this is not something loved by Allah and His Messenger. Proclaim that if Allah and His Messenger hate it, then so do you.

Six: If you feel the urge to insult someone, ask Allah to protect you from the Shaitan and this satanic act. As Allah swt says in surah Al-Araaf 7:v200: “And if an evil suggestion comes to you from Shaitan, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is Hearing and Knowing”.

Seven: And of course, if anyone of us should fall into this sin, we should be swift in turning back to Allah in repentance. Say, O Allah, I ask You to forgive me and I return to You. Allah (swt) says in surah Al-Hujrat 49:v11:” And whoever does not repent – then it is those who are the wrongdoers”.

The worst of all speech is that which goes against the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (pbuh). The worst speech is also that which is disgusting in nature and abhorrent to the ear.

The good word is rewarded and the evil word is punished. Allah lays example in surah Ibrahim 14:v24-26: “See you not how Allah sets forth a parable? A goodly word as a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the sky (i.e. very high). Giving its fruit at all times, by the Leave of its Lord, and Allah sets forth parables for mankind in order that they may remember. And the parable of an evil word is that of an evil tree uprooted from the surface of earth having no stability.”

Allah mentions in the Qur’an that He made for us two eyes, one tongue, and two lips; that He guided us towards the truth; and that He informed us about the wrong way. In this respect the Qur’an states: “Have we not made for him a pair of eyes? A tongue, and a pair of lips? And guided him towards the two paths (of success)” (90:8-10) Allah informed us that we are responsible for what we do, for what we say, for whatever we listen, for wherever we go, for whatever we write, and for whatever we see. We will be asked in the Day of Judgement about all these activities and more. We will be rewarded if we use our organs and faculties in the best way and for the love of Allah. We will be charged or penalized if we use them in the wrong way. We have to remember that in the Day of Judgement our physical organs will stand as witnesses for and against us.

Allah says in Surah Al-Nur: “On the Day their tongues, their hands, and their feet will bear witness against them as to their actions.”

(24:24) In conclusion, it is by shunning idletalk that intelligence is perfected. Keeping quiet is better than uttering falsehood. The worst of all people is the one who is biased in his speech, deviated in his tongue and mischievous in his utterances.

Therefore, let us pray to Allah (s.w.t) to protect us against the sins of our tongues, ameen.

Shayk Abdullah Khan Abdullah.khan@ihsanacademy.org

March 20-26, 2015 Caribbean Star Newspaper Nandlall: Elections a straight race between PNC, PPP

“THIS is a straight race between the PNC (People’s National Congress) and the PPP (People’s Progressive Party). I would disregard the name change and the label of a coalition. My own view is that it is a facade.

It is a charade. It is not rooted in reality or in pragmatism.” This was the summation of Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, who stressed that this recognition by the Guyanese voters will be the deciding factor at the upcoming May 11 General and Regional elections.

“You had the PNC in Government, and you have a track [record] of 28 years to

judge them by and you have the PPP in Government and you have a track record of 22 years to judge us by. It is as simple as that,” he said, during an interview, “Political Scope,” which was televised by the National Communications Network (NCN).

Nandlall reasoned that no rational mind will have any difficulty in making the decision, particularly considering that the facts are matters of public record.

“You had economic stagnation. You had bankruptcy. You had a national debt that was uncontrollable. You had banning of basic food items. You had taking away of de-

mocracy from the country. You had deprivation of freedoms and civil liberties….fast forward to 22 years of the PPP in Government and look around at the progress,” he stressed. The Attorney-General noted that the progress, peace and prosperity delivered to the Guyanese people cannot be denied. “I can go on to give a litany of data that will make the choice of who to vote for so pellucid and so clear that it boggles the rational mind as to why the voters should be confused,” he posited.

Nandlall proffered the opinion that the manifestation of the provisions of the

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Cummingsburg Accord – which solidified the coalescing of the PNC-majority representing A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) – will not become a reality, as he is confident of a win for the incumbent party at the upcoming polls.

“I am of the view that they will not win the elections,” he said.

According to him, the nature of the alliance reflects a “fraud and farce,” since the provisions of the Cummingsburg Accord, specifically regarding constitutional posts, are contrary to the hierarchy of governance outlined in the Constitution.

Additionally, politicos maintain their contention that the smaller AFC trumped APNU in the outcome of their negotiations that are outlined in the Cummingsburg Accord. Going into the coalition negotiations with the five-party APNU, the AFC controlled 21 per cent of the combined Opposition seats in Parliament, but came out with a guarantee of 40 per cent of the Cabinet, and at least 12 parliamentary seats, should they succeed at the upcoming polls.

APNU held 79 per cent of the Opposition seating arrangement in the House going into the negotiation.

Nandlall expressed his lack of optimism that these arrangements would become reality, on the off chance that the alliance did manage a win at the upcoming polls, given the PNC’s history with such arrangements.

“You have a dominant partner in this coalition, the PNC. The PNC has a history with coalitions…during the early 60s, Dr Cheddi Jagan made a number of efforts to build a national front government…on every occasion, the leader of the PNC, Forbes Burnham, rejected it. His problems with the PPP arose because of his position of leader or nothing…this position dominated the position of the PNC long after,” he said.

All considered, the Attorney General reiterated his confidence of a win for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) come May 11.

“They do not embrace [historically] coalition governments,” he stressed.

Nandlall was emphatic in making clear that the facts that constitute Guyana’s political history cannot be changed.

“They do not want us to revisit the events of the past….after 28 years of struggle we managed to bring free and fair elections to the country…those elections were certified to be free and fair,” he said.

The Attorney General noted that despite the struggles, the atmosphere that prevailed was one marked by arson, strikes, riots, violence and racial disturbances, among other ills that affected the Guyanese people. The gains that have been made and sustained to date, Nandlall asserted, must be consolidated and built on to ensure the future development of Guyana and, by extension, the improved lives of the Guyanese people.

“Their record, their philosophy, their antecedence, their history do not suggest they would embrace democratic concepts,” he said. Nandlall concluded that the choice is clear, in the face of what is the most significant General and Regional Elections, since 1992, and the plethora of utterances by political players intended to influence the considerations of voters in their favour.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper ‘Caricom Insurance’ break-in Bandits cart off seven weapons, $10M cash Police have fair idea who suspects are March 20-26, 2015

FOLLOWING the early morning breakin and robbery at Caricom Insurance Company, which also houses the National Credit Union office at Regent and Oronoque Streets, Georgetown, Crime Chief Leslie James said they are looking for a suspect who may be the mastermind.

Police have since reviewed the footage from nearby buildings, because the ones installed at the said building was removed by the robbers, and they have an idea who they are looking for.

James stated that the incident occurred shortly after 2:00am while the lone guard was in the compound. The bandits used a nipper to cut their way into the building and then they secured the guard by tying

him up. The robbers also removed the security cameras after which they went to a secured area where the company’s security service weapons were stored and took away those guns with more than $10M in cash and fled the scene.

Meanwhile, the owner of the business, Dr. Joshua Safeek, refused to offer any comment yesterday on the incident and referred this reporter to his security department after which the ‘no comment’ response was echoed.

The bandits had ample time to search the place and access the safe.

Police reported that at about 02:00 hrs on March 19, 2015, three men, one of whom was armed with a firearm, broke

into the National Credit Union building at Regent and Oronoque Streets, Georgetown, and torched a safe and took away one . 32 pistol, one .32 revolver and five 12-gauge shotguns along with 45 cartridges.

The unarmed watchman on duty at the compound was confronted and tied up by the perpetrators during the incident. Investigations are in progress.

SHOTGUN AT WATERLOO ST. Meanwhile, in a separate incident at about 11:30 hrs on March 19, 2015, the police conducted a search on an unoccupied premises at Waterloo Street, Georgetown, during which a shotgun was found. Investigations are in progress.

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undit Harripersad Panday yesterday was granted $100,000 bail after he appeared before Chaguanas Magistrate Bramanand Dubay charged with sexually assaulting an 18-year-old twice earlier this year. Persad, the owner and operator of the T&T Spinal Institute at Chase Village, Chaguanas, also has another charge for a similar offence which occurred last year. Yesterday when he appeared before Dubay, the 55-year-old chiropractor, who was represented by Taradath Singh, was told that on February 7 and 14 he grievously assaulted the 18-year-old at his business.

Singh told the court his client was the father of five and recently suffered a stroke on his right side. He added that his client was not well and his whereabouts were well known to the police, he having been arrested at his home. Singh said his client had been attending court regularly in his other matter, which court prosecutor Sgt Shiva Boodoo confirmed. Boodoo said he was not objecting to bail on account that Panday had been attending court religiously in his other matter but asked that conditions be placed on bail.

As condition to Panday’s bail, Dubay ordered he not contact the victim, either directly or indirectly, and must stay at least 300 feet from the victim. The matter was adjourned to April 16. According to the police’s case, the victim is alleged to have gone to the spinal clinic for help with her scoliosis and had five appointments.

During the third appointment, the victim was allegedly told a vaginal examination was necessary and the therapist proceeded to use his fingers to conduct it.

On Valentine’s Day, the fifth and final appointment, the chiropractor allegedly used a phallic object resembling a sex toy and inserted it into the teenager. She later made a report to police.

March 20-26, 2015 Caribbean Star Newspaper Amnesty International calls for independent probe of Crum-Ewing murder

A

mnesty International has begun a campaign to pressure government to carry out a thorough, independent investigation into the killing of activist Courtney Crum-Ewing and bring those responsible to justice.

“The killing of a political activist in Guyana during the pre-electoral period fuels fear that further violence and limitations to freedom of expression may occur,” the international human rights non-governmental organisation said in a statement today.

It urged persons to immediately write to Prime Minister Samuel Hinds or Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud and send copies to Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall calling on the authorities to carry out a thorough, independent, impartial and timely investigation into the killing and bring those responsible to justice.

Amnesty International also urged that the persons call on the government officials to guarantee a favourable context and peaceful atmosphere for the peaceful exercise of freedom of expression, association and assembly and other civil and political rights; and to urge the authorities to provide adequate protection to political activists, journalists and human rights defenders who might be at risk as

Courtney Crum–Ewing during his protest a result of the exercise of their right to freedom of expression. The NGO urged that the appeals be sent before April 28.

Crum-Ewing, 40, was shot around 8 pm on March 10 as he was urging persons in the Diamond, East Bank Demerara community to vote at the upcoming May 11th elections to oust the incumbent PPP/C government. A post-mortem examina-

tion revealed that he was shot a total of five times, including three times to the head.

Persons have linked Crum-Ewing’s murder to his political activism, saying it was most likely committed by those who threatened him after he refused to end his open criticism of the government.

He had staged a one-man picket outside Nandlall’s office over statements the official had made in a recording that was made public last year.

The slain man’s mother, Donna Harcourt, has expressed fear of a “cover-up,” saying that police are not treating the death threat reports made by her son against two prominent members of government when he was alive seriously. The threats are linked to his protest outside of the Attorney General’s chambers.

Amnesty International noted that several members of both the opposition and the ruling party have condemned the killing of Crum-Ewing and urged the police to thoroughly investigate it. “However, given the sensitive electoral context and the police’s poor record in solving high-profile murder cases, there are fears that this killing might exacerbate political tensions, spark further violence and have a chilling effect on freedom of expression,” the statement said.

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

Three men held over reported murder of Dundee fisherman at sea

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he police say they are conducting investigations into the alleged murder of fisherman Avo Singh, 19 years, of Dundee, Mahaicony, ECD, which is reported to have occurred on March 17, 2015, aboard a fishing boat in the Atlantic Ocean off the foreshore of Bush Lot, Berbice.

The police say that the body was reported to have been thrown overboard and has not yet been recovered.

Three men were arrested yesterday and are in police custody assisting with the investigations.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 20-26, 2015

19

JOURNEY TO CALVARY The Gospels record events of the Passion Week concluding with the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. As we approach the Good Friday and Easter celebrations, I want to look at some episodes of our Lord’s life on the way to the Cross. Jesus had already told His disciples He is going to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast where He would be put to death and rise again on the third day. I wonder how it felt to be a part of that kind of conversation.

Mark’s Gospel chapter 14 gives the account of Mary anointing Jesus 2 days before His arrest and the process leading up to His death. This is substantiated by the story from John’s viewpoint in John’s Gospel chapter 12. If we put together the story from the viewpoints of 2 journalists, we can pretty much get excited about the details.

Mark 14:1-9 “After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death. But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people. And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? For it might have been sold for more than

three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.”

There are important spiritual lessons

here.

When we read Scripture, we must try to understand what happened back then, and at the same time, ask ourselves what God can teach us for today. If we grasp the principles and apply them to our lives, we can live a life pleasing to the Father, and have the hope of eternal life. Let me share some things I see. You might come up with some other things that can help you in your relationship with God.

People want to get rid of Jesus.

The story line begins with the religious leaders of the day looking for an opportunity to get rid of the Man who healed the people, loved them and taught them how to find eternal life. We must be careful to read the authentic accounts in the proven record of Scripture instead of paying attention to misinterpretations from sceptics who are 2,000 years removed from the events. The real reason some people want to deny Bible truth was declared by Jesus Himself. “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” John 3:19-21. There is a definite attempt to silence Jesus and the Bible, but shutting out the Light only leads to greater darkness.

Some identify with Him for a benefit.

Someone in the room saw how Mary demonstrated love to the Savior and objected to that. Mary’s brother Lazarus was resurrected by Jesus. She had reason to be grateful. This was her way of showing it. John said of the critic “He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.” John 12:6 NIV. Judas was greedy and this greed eventually led him to betray the Master for 30 pieces of silver. It is unfortunate that some leaders exploit the simplicity of congregations. Some people come to Christ only for what they can get, rather than what they can do for Him. What more can we ask for considering all He suffered to purchase our salvation? All our motives will be tested by fire on that Great Day. We must love Him for our redemption.

Mary poured out (emptied) her jar of expensive ointment. Jesus said prophetically she was anointing His body for burial. He knew He would face death in 2 days; they did not know. The ointment was worth one

year’s wages and was of the kind used by royalty. Mary had options like all of us. We can choose any way we want to express love and kindness to Christ and others.

She could have said some good words to Jesus and kept the ointment, but lip service was not enough. She must do something special. She could have used a part of it on Him and kept some back, but cheap was not an option for her. She would give her best. She could have offered it to someone else that might have been important in her life. Mary gave it all up to demonstrate her love for the Savior who spoke comforting words, eternal truth, healed lives, and raised her brother from the dead. Was He worth it? What is Jesus worth to you?

When we think of the tremendous price He paid for our redemption, we can only love Him more.

It will be remembered.

Jesus was pleased to receive the ointment. He said it was a preparation for His burial. The Bible says His mother and others came to the tomb on Sunday morning bringing spices to process the body of Jesus. They discovered He was risen. It was too late to anoint the body.

Mary had the privilege because she acted in a timely manner. Jesus said her demonstration of love will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached, that is, around the world in every generation. Is God asking you to do something for Him and you tend to procrastinate? We need to respond to His call with urgency. Is Jesus calling you to Himself to forgive your sins and cleanse you? Is He calling you to have a part in ministry? A lot can be lost by putting it off. Your life and work for Christ can make a difference in someone’s life for all eternity.

If Jesus does not return by next week, we will continue following Him on His Journey To Calvary. 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

20

Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 20-26, 2015

Thursday, August 29,July Caribbean Star Newspaper 11 - 18, 2014 15 5 Charity mother found dead with marks2013of violence

EqualityNews.ca

Political spite Wanted Trinidad police officer PITBULL KILLS GRANNY Bloody attack oncommits 84-year-old suicide woman caused after being closure at Maraval home on ‘Wall of Shame’ placed of local airline ORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, Wednesday July 9, 2014, CMC – A police officer comD The lifeless body of a young mother was found on a road at the Charity Squatting Area yesterday morning and her common-law husband, who is said to have frequently abused her, is among three persons now being held by police in connection with her death.

the scene. Stabroek News was told that a gash was seen at the back of the woman’s head and marks of violence were visible at her mouth.

According to the police, the woman’s death is being treated as murder.

Mary Benn said she was informed of her granddaughter’s death about an hour ead is Quineza Benn, 27, of Char- PM before her body was discovered by after her body was found.

Ramlogan said there was An 84-year-old great edgeable when it came to incident occurred. ity. Benn, who was living with her passersby at around 6 AM yesterday.

“Quineza don’t live here with me but an undertaking within grandmother was yesterday the training of dogs and common-law husband, was last After Benn’s body was discovered, the I see her on Sunday when she come to A former head of the now- But he said that “reconsidParliamentofthat heappeared Azizul hours Rahaman of thea photo mauled to death by a family disagreed with themitted deci- Dr suicide his on a television programme seen alive on Monday night at around 9 police were immediately summonedafter to see her children.

Everything was okay defunct state-owned Guy- eration never occurred; the

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-

P

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

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 Airwayshosted Corporationbyairline was eventually a senior po-sold has blamed government and within less than a year officerthe that hein total was officials forlice the current airline was chaaviation woesagripping the os, ” Khan charged. fugitive from the law. country.

Quineza Benn during herthat school days He said prior to this, Constable Christopher Madeira, Former GAC General the state-owned entity had withKhan her and didn’t sickstrides. or anything. who had been on suspension from Manager, Fazal is she been making I didn’t see her and the Trinidad andyesterday Tobago (Monday) Police Seradamant that political thenfinancial early thisdied morning little boypercent come spite rather than “We had 80 vice (TTPS), afteraabout he ingested tell meofthat dead and right or operational problems of Quineza the market shares in a and quantity weedicide on Tuesday. when forced the away I left and gone to see theandcountry, I reach a set people went there and closure ofHis while receivpicture hadof been posted on the teleplenty police and when I watch I see her the airlinevision ing not a cent programme “Beyond the Tape” co back in the lying there,” she recounted. from the govhosted by Inspector Roger Alexander. late nineties, She takes care of Quineza’s ernment.

Not daughter and it is one and son, who are two years and even when five years, the words “The first of the ma-The we requested andpost the carried young mother would visit her member of the protective services to jor reasons children about two to threetotimesborrow every the“When ‘Wall of Shame” Christopher G u y a n e s egrace only halftalka week. she come,isshe would If you see do not apare payingMadeira. dolto her children andMadeira, so. She million stop working e x o r b i t a ntproach lars from the or confront him sinceand he she is conafter she get her daughter gone prices tosidered government and aextremely dangerand livearmed home with man somewhere in a travel upous…instead after running callheANY station, back street and use topolice beat her.

North. into debt that She use4968 to come and tell and I to use 623-0362/ or send anme e-mail The formerbeyondthetape@tv6tnt.com we could not toFormer advise GAC her toGM leave him but hehave never Fazal if you aviation of- use to wantKhan avoid, did takecould lef. The manthe evenpotold information to that help ficial is con- me that one day we would find theyher givebody it.” capture this fugitive from the law”. vinced thatlice on the road but I didn’t really take him on Under it that stat-deGuyana’s current statehis ofthephotograph, Khan continued but look at outcome now,” the granded that he could was wanted charges affairs is one spite for hugetwo expenditures, added ofmother misbehaving have been avoided, with GACinwaspublic making,office, “three, While speaking with Stabroek News, and failure court. the continuance of the tofourappear and fiveinmillion dolBenn received a telephone call informing “prosperous and devel- lars pre-tax yearly. We her that bloody pants were found by relaoping” state-owned car- alleged had very good junioranand The charges that“They he and tives at Quineza’s home. (relatives) rier being preserved and officer, senior staff.

People were other police Corporal Lenwent to searchsent for her card andeducanow prized for itsnox functioning for ID university John, knowingly andwas wilfully they say that the man bag already and importance to Guyain marketing, aviation handed over ation loaded andAt pants wasfirearm inand the diploma bag. nese travelers.packed and themanagement a the bullet-proof vest belonging to police station, he keep thethe pocourses. ” Hetelling boasted that Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. thatthey he didn’t she “They didn’t lice know as farknow as heanything,” is aware Guy-

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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.

afterward. ana Airways was the first were makingsaid a mistake that when who further was related last stationed because theyMadeira, doThe notwoman unregional airline to offer free granddaughter would visit marks atherthe Scarborough Police Station derstand aviation, ” Khan headphones andher, alcohol on of Tobago, violence visible her body. was also charged septold KaieteurinNews.

“Theywere board theabout aircraft. were totallyarately clueless with and handing over a loadhad they known it was and a Hea continued thatvest.

Guyed pistol bullet-proof mistake, they would have ana Airways grew to fly never done He it, but the five to New(One York, wasbyreleased on flights TT$150,000 time they realized, it was and three times to ToronTT dollar = US$0.16 cents) bail, oralready too late,” he said to, weekly, while trips indered to surrender his passport to in a recent interview at his creased during peak sumcourt and report to the with ScarborQueenstownthe residence. mer seasons North ough Police Station twice weekly.

American Airlines having Khan believes that he was to be chartered to aid the Pathologist Valery Alexandrov, “pushed aside” as head Drinflux of travelers.

GAC performedwas theable autopsy Tuesday, of the GACwho for expressto increase its feet ing his reservations about of planes under his 200 stewsaid that he found approximately one political cubic appointment. ardship. centimetres of the substance According to Khan, he in his stomach, which amounted to realized thatapproximately the lack of Khan said for the first time a regular-sized glass. forward-thinking man- in the country’s history agement would destroy there were local pilots who “The major problem is that there is no the GAC and he there- were captains on jets.

So it doesn’t matter if someone fore gave theantidote. then powers drinks one teaspoon a bottle. some eight months to re“The or first choiceThe forrepassult is the same, the pathologist added.

Mary Benn consider their position of ”sengers was removing him. ...contnue on page 8

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.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 20-26, 2015

21

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Time to consider a rollover?

Like most people, you’re probably hearing a lot about rollovers these days. That’s because with so many people changing jobs and switching careers, the proper handling of retirement assets is on a lot of folks’ minds. It’s an important issue that can sometimes get a bit cloudy.

What is a rollover?

Simply put, a direct rollover is a transfer of funds from one tax-qualified retirement plan to another, typically to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). If

Why a rollover?

While everyone’s personal circumstances are different, there are some compelling reasons why a rollover into an IRA may be a strong consideration.

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you changed jobs and still have money sitting in a retirement plan with a prior employer, or if you have recently retired, you are eligible for a rollover.

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You have the ability to choose from among many different funding vehicles as a destination for your rollover. With a broad selection of options available, you can better choose products that best fit your needs and preferences.

Freedom from the plan restrictions that may apply to your employer-sponsored program.

The ability to take a penalty tax-free withdrawal for a first-time home purchase (up to $10,000 which are still subject to taxes) or qualified higher educational expense.

An IRA may provide you

•

with better estate planning options Taking time to consider whether a rollover is right for you can help you build a more sound financial future.

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March 20-26, 2015

Our youths are the force, hope and leaders of tomorrow They will leave footsteps for others to follow Youth have a duty to use their skills strength and creativity Along with imagination to serve the country But how do we prepare them for what is to come What do we do, and where to start from For success, education is the best tool Therefore schools need to ensure that students always attend school Parents also have a role To help their kids become leaders, should be their ultimate goal They should make sure their kids are devoting sufficient time to their studies Through this they will pass with ease Schools should create leadership programs that will help lead the way For youths who need the extra push today.

But in all honesty leadership comes from within There should be a passion deep in the kid’s heart to win Parents, schools, friends, and society Need to encourage the following characteristics in the youth’s personality: The ability to communicate in a way that not only informs but inspires Respect is also an attribute which he/she requires Be generous with time, encouragement, and responsibility You will become a great leader through generosity A leader is decisive and will take responsibility for his/her decisions They will avoid making mistakes or any collisions Be courageous, humble, and express your passion Be a leader with good characteristics and compassion Even imam Shafi’ee talked about being a leader He said a leader needs good character Inshallah we as friends, family and society Will help to prepare our youths for victory Now I must bid farewell to you Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatu Allah wa barkatu By:

Grade 10, Al-Ihsan Academy

Caribbean Star Newspaper UG staff threatens strike yet again if demands not met by tomorrow

THE University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) and the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) are threatening to embark on yet another strike tomorrow, Thursday, if promises made by the university administration are not delivered.

D

emanded by the staff are: salaries for March, including the 10 per cent interim pay increase which was promised by the administration and salaries which were not paid in full for February.

Following is an update dispatched to workers by the President of the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA), Dr. Mellissa Ifill and the President of the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU), Bruce Haynes.

Please accept our apologies for sending this update late. Please be advised that at a meeting held on March 13, 2015, union members agreed to the following: 1. To resist all attempts to impose “work-back-times” that have been determined without agreement from the unions and that the backlog to “work back” must be connected to the strike period. The unions have a commitment from the Personnel Division that this clause in the TOR agreement will be honoured and we will not tolerate any deviations.

2. Any monies deducted from February salaries must be paid in our March salaries.

3. All March 2015 salaries must be paid, including the 10% by the usual university pay day (Thursday March 19).

Retroactive 10% increase payments for the months of January and February are also to be paid in by March 19. Failure to honour nos 2 and 3 would constitute yet another violation of the TOR Agreement signed, and strong and immediate strike action will be taken.

4. That notwithstanding (a) the unproductive nature of the first negotiation meeting following our resumption of duties and, (b) the Administration’s blunt

refusal to meet any of our demands a display of disrespect for staff, bad faith, and a further violation of the Terms of Resumption Agreement, the unions’ negotiators would give the negotiations process one more opportunity and attend another negotiations meeting. If the second meeting produces similar, intractable attitudes from the UG negotiating team, the unions will withdraw from the process and staff will re-engage in various forms of industrial action to highlight our grievances with the process.

5. That the unions will launch a PR campaign to fully expose both locally and internationally, the various violations of the TOR agreement by UG’s senior administration.

6. That a petition to be launched calling for the resignation/dismissal of the VC and his senior administrative group led by a group of academics will be fully supported by the unions in light of poor management of the university and the extremely bad faith demonstrated thus far following our return to work.

This however follows a five-week strike which was embarked upon by the combined unions at the commencement of the semester on January 26. The strike action was initially embarked upon following the imposition of a workload policy by the university administration, their refusal to recognise UGSSA as an official body and the refusal to offer a 60 per cent salary increase for staff.

The strike however ended two weeks ago following a decision taken by the administration to offer a 10 per cent interim increase until a compromise between the two bodies could be made.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 20-26, 2015

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 20-26, 2015

World News Highlights

MOSCOW - Russia described “sanctions rhetoric” as destructive on Friday and said it would do what is in its national interests after European Union leaders kept economic sanctions in place over the Ukraine crisis.

SANAA - At least 87 people were killed when four suicide bombers blew themselves up in two mosques in the Yemeni capital Sanaa during Friday prayers, a medical source told Reuters.

SANAA - Islamic State, an al Qaeda offshoot that has seized large areas of Iraq and Syria, has claimed responsibility for suicide bomb attacks on two mosques used mainly by Shi’ite Muslims in Yemen on Friday, a statement on Twitter showed.

MEXICO CITY - A Mexican journalist fired from her popular radio show after helping uncover a conflict of interest scandal that embarrassed President Enrique Pena Nieto said on Thursday that she believes his office backed her dismissal.

WASHINGTON - Officials from the United States, Italy and Saudi Arabia met in Rome this week to coordinate plans to combat the financial activities of Islamic State militants, the U.S. Treasury said on Friday.

LAUSANNE, Switzerland - Iran and six world powers were set to suspend negotiations on a historic nuclear deal and reconvene later next week to break a deadlock over sensitive atomic research and lifting of sanctions, Western officials said on Friday.

BRUSSELS - European Union

leaders agreed on Friday to increase cooperation with Tunisia following an Islamist attack on tourists in the capital this week, saying they would also offer more economic assistance to the new Arab democracy.

ADEN - Unidentified aircraft dropped bombs on Friday over an area that includes the residence of Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi in the southern city of Aden but he was unharmed, sources at the presidency said.

BRUSSELS - Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said on Friday he would replace within a few days a top minister who is quitting after being embroiled in a corruption scandal.

BRUSSELS - British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Friday he believed European

Council President Donald Tusk would help him achieve the kind of changes to EU rules that Tusk himself described recently as a “mission impossible”.

BRUSSELS - European Council President Donald Tusk said on Friday he hoped to find a solution to Britain’s concerns about the bloc’s policies within existing EU treaties but was ready to discuss the “mission impossible” of treaty change.

BAGHDAD - Iraq’s most important Shi’ite religious leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, called on Friday for greater professionalism and planning by government forces and allied militias in fighting Islamic State insurgents.

VIENNA - The European Union and Balkan countries launched a campaign on Friday aimed at stemming the flow of fighters

from southeastern Europe to join jihadists in the Middle East.

LAUSANNE, Switzerland - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will meet his British, German and French counterparts on Saturday to discuss his week-long negotiations with Iran on curbing Tehran’s nuclear program, a U.S. spokeswoman said on Friday.

BRUSSELS - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday that European leaders wanted a successful end to the Iran nuclear talks but added that the agreement needed to be credible.

ATHENS - The leader of Greece’s far-right Golden Dawn party was due to be released from prison on Friday and placed under house arrest after an 18-month limit on pre-trial detention expired, court officials said.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 20-26, 2015

A Lucky Granddaughter

Jai Sita Ram. My name is Sabrina Persaud and I am a blessed member of the Naujavaan Mandalee Youth Group of the Shaanti Bhavan Mandir. My article is about my beautiful grandmother.

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s she walked through the streets of her village in Canje, Berbice, everyone would call out “Baba, Baba!” This was the nickname my grandmother acquired as she gained popularity throughout the village for her helpful, caring and respectable character. These qualities have made a huge impact on her family, our society, and most of all, me, her granddaughter. From birth I have been blessed to have her guidance and teachings with me as I was privileged to have lived with her all my life. She has managed to always influence me to stay on the right path and has provided me with valuable life lessons that I will continue to carry with me as I grow older.

Just like any grandmother, she has al-

ways looked after my every need and has made sure to shower everyone in our family with love and care, and food, of course.

But there is much more than what meets the eye when it comes to our Baba Rajpati.

She’s certainly one of a kind. She is known for her ability to hold a great conversation and to talk non-stop. But what I love even more is that she will make you laugh at the same time. Her humorous and easy going nature has always contributed to the livelihood of our home. These unique traits have influenced me to always look at the brighter side of things and to have a positive effect on those I come into contact with.

Along with her talkative personality and humorous nature, I’ve acquired valuable life lessons. One of my grandmother’s

main objectives in life was to always give.

Give as much as you can, whenever you can. She never gave up on the opportunity to donate money or give to those who were less fortunate. I remember as a little girl, anywhere we went, my grandmother made it her duty to look out for those who were in need on the streets. She would always reach in her purse to give what she could. From all the stories I’ve heard, this is a very old characteristic of hers that she has had back in Guyana. She was popularly known as the doctor, midwife, and judge of the village, helping to settle disputes, and helping people make decisions. She

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helped take care of the homeless children, clean the elderly homes, and to help women give birth.

Moreover, she has taught me to not only help others, but to work hard in life.

My grandmother is the representation of hard work and has struggled tremendously in her life to be where she is today. Her parents died at a very young age, having to fend for herself. Then at the tender age of 13, which was considered normal in those times, she got married and raised eight children. Today, she deals with numerous health issues, but once again she fights back and doesn’t give up easily, which is why we sometimes call her the ultimate superwoman! At 85 years, she is still one of the strongest women in my life.

We are in the period of Navratri, which is a very auspicious time of the year when we worship the universal mother. But we must not forget that our mothers and grandmothers are our earthly gods and we must reflect on our thoughts and actions. I am lucky to have a grandmother who has taught me about performing good actions and to live a good life. Although it is impossible for me to repay her for all she has done for me, I try my best to take care of her just as she took care of me when I was little.

10 ways to control high blood pressure without medication

By making these 10 lifestyle changes, you can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Contributed by Renita Nal, RPH, Hollis Prescription Center

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ccording to the Mayo Clinic, Lifestyle plays an important role in treating your high blood pressure. If you successfully control your blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle, you may avoid, delay or reduce the need for medication.If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure (a systolic pressure — the top number — of 140 or above or a diastolic pressure — the bottom number — of 90 or above), you might be worried about taking medication to bring your numbers down.

Here are 10 lifestyle changes you can make to lower your blood pressure and keep it down.

1. Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline Blood pressure often increases as weight increases. Losing just 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) can help reduce your blood pressure. In general, the more weight you lose, the lower your blood pressure.

Losing weight also makes any blood pressure medications you’re taking more effective. You and your doctor can determine your target weight and the best way to achieve it.

Besides shedding pounds, you should also keep an eye on your waistline. Carrying too much weight around your waist can put you at greater risk of high blood pressure. In general: • Men are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 40 inches (102 centimeters, or cm).

• Women are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 35 inches (89 cm).

• Asian men are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 36 inches (91 cm).

• Asian women are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 32 inches (81 cm).

•

2. Exercise regularly Regular physical activity — at

least 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week — can lower your blood pressure by 4 to 9 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). And it doesn’t take long to see a difference. If you haven’t been active, increasing your exercise level can lower your blood pressure within just a few weeks.

If you have prehypertension — systolic pressure between 120 and 139 or diastolic pressure between 80 and 89 — exercise can help you avoid developing full-blown hypertension. If you already have hypertension, regular physical activity can bring your blood pressure down to safer levels.

Talk to your doctor about developing an exercise program. Your doctor can help determine whether you need any exercise restrictions.

Even moderate activity for 10 minutes at a time, such as walking and light strength training, can help.

But avoid being a «weekend warrior.» Trying to squeeze all your exercise in on the weekends to make up for weekday inactivity isn’t a good strategy. Those sudden bursts of activity could actually be risky.

3. Eat a healthy diet Eating a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lowfat dairy products and skimps on saturated fat and cholesterol can lower your blood pressure by up to 14 mm Hg. This eating plan is known as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.

It isn’t easy to change your eating habits, but with these tips, you can adopt a healthy diet: • Keep a food diary. Writing down what you eat, even for just a week, can shed surprising light on your true eating habits. Monitor what you eat, how much, when and why.

• Consider boosting potassium.Potassium can lessen the effects of sodium on blood pressure. The best source of potassium

is food, such as fruits and vegetables, rather than supplements. Talk to your doctor about the potassium level that’s best for you.

• Be a smart shopper. Make a shopping list before heading to the supermarket to avoid picking up junk food. Read food labels when you shop and stick to your healthy-eating plan when you›re dining out, too.

• Cut yourself some slack. Although the DASH diet is a lifelong eating guide, it doesn›t mean you have to cut out all of the foods you love. It›s OK to treat yourself occasionally to foods you wouldn›t find on a DASH diet menu, such as a candy bar or mashed potatoes with gravy.

•

4. Reduce sodium in your diet Even a small reduction in the sodium in your diet can reduce blood pressure by 2 to 8 mm Hg. The recommendations for reducing sodium are: • Limit sodium to 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day or less.

• A lower sodium level — 1,500 mg a day or less — is appropriate for people 51 years of age or older, and individuals of any age who are African-American or who have high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease.

To decrease sodium in your diet, consider these tips: • Track how much salt is in your diet. Keep a food diary to estimate how much sodium is in what you eat and drink each day.

• Read food labels. If possible, choose low-sodium alternatives of the foods and beverages you normally buy.

• Eat fewer processed foods. Potato chips, frozen dinners, bacon and processed lunch meats are high in sodium.

• Don’t add salt. Just 1 level teaspoon of salt has 2,300 mg of sodium. Use herbs or spices, rather than salt, to add more flavor to your foods.

• Ease into it. If you

don›t feel like you can drastically reduce the sodium in your diet suddenly, cut back gradually. Your palate will adjust over time.

5. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink Alcohol can be both good and bad for your health. In small amounts, it can potentially lower your blood pressure by 2 to 4 mm Hg. But that protective effect is lost if you drink too much alcohol — generally more than one drink a day for women and men older than age 65, or more than two a day for men age 65 and younger. Also, if you don’t normally drink alcohol, you shouldn’t start drinking as a way to lower your blood pressure. There’s more potential harm than benefit to drinking alcohol.

If you drink more than moderate amounts of it, alcohol can actually raise blood pressure by several points. It can also reduce the effectiveness of high blood pressure medications.

• Track your drinking patterns.Along with your food diary, keep an alcohol diary to track your true drinking patterns. One drink equals 12 ounces (355 milliliters, or mL) of beer, 5 ounces of wine (148 mL) or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor (45 mL). If you’re drinking more than the suggested amounts, cut back.

• Consider tapering off. If you›re a heavy drinker, suddenly eliminating all alcohol can actually trigger severe high blood pressure for several days. So when you stop drinking, do it with the supervision of your doctor or taper off slowly, over one to two weeks.

• Don’t binge. Binge drinking — having four or more drinks in a row — can cause large and sudden increases in blood pressure, in pressure

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6. Avoid tobacco products and secondhand smoke On top of all the other dangers of smoking, the nicotine in tobacco

products can raise your blood pressure by 10 mm Hg or more for up to an hour after you smoke. Smoking throughout the day means your blood pressure may remain constantly high.

You should also avoid secondhand smoke. Inhaling smoke from others also puts you at risk of health problems, including high blood pressure and heart disease.

7. Cut back on caffeine The role caffeine plays in blood pressure is still debatable. Drinking caffeinated beverages can temporarily cause a spike in your blood pressure, but it’s unclear whether the effect is temporary or long lasting.

To see if caffeine raises your blood pressure, check your pressure within 30 minutes of drinking a cup of coffee or another caffeinated beverage you regularly drink. If your blood pressure increases by five to 10 points, you may be sensitive to the blood pressure raising effects of caffeine.

8. Reduce your stress Stress or anxiety can temporarily increase blood pressure. Take some time to think about what causes you to feel stressed, such as work, family, finances or illness.

Once you know what’s causing your stress, consider how you can eliminate or reduce stress.

If you can’t eliminate all of your stressors, you can at least cope with them in a healthier way. Take breaks for deep-breathing exercises. Get a massage or take up yoga or meditation. If self-help doesn’t work, seek out a professional for counseling.

9. Monitor your blood pressure at home and make regular doctor’s appointments If you have high blood pressure, you may need to monitor your blood pressure at home. Learning to self-monitor your blood pressure with an upper arm monitor can help motivate you. Talk to

your doctor about home monitoring before getting started.

Regular visits to your doctor are also likely to become a part of your normal routine. These visits will help keep tabs on your blood pressure. o Have a primary care doctor.People who don’t have a primary care doctor find it harder to control their blood pressure. If you can, visit the same health care facility or professional for all of your health care needs. o Visit your doctor regularly. If your blood pressure isn›t well controlled, or if you have other medical problems, you might need to visit your doctor every month to review your treatment and make adjustments. If your blood pressure is under control, you might need to visit your doctor only every six to 12 months, depending on other conditions you might have.

10. Get support from family and friends Supportive family and friends can help improve your health. They may encourage you to take care of yourself, drive you to the doctor’s office or embark on an exercise program with you to keep your blood pressure low. Talk to your family and friends about the dangers of high blood pressure.

If you find you need support beyond your family and friends, consider joining a support group. This may put you in touch with people who can give you an emotional or morale boost and who can offer practical tips to cope with your condition.

Hollis Prescription Center 205-11 Jamaica Avenue Hollis, NY 11423 Tel: 718-776-2329 Free delivery of your medicine to your doorstep

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 20-26, 2015

Confidence is quiet, insecurity is loud — Vp Premier WEEKLY HOROSCOPE

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

You might see a great-looking opportunity at the beginning of the week, but be sure you look at it in context. How will it impact those around you? What are the long-term consequences? Then, around Wednesday and Thursday, those leadership qualities of yours shine extra bright. Everyone will love to hear your latest big idea at this time, and since you’re surrounding yourself with the right people, they’ll have awesome input, too. Your road may be a little more rocky this weekend. Keep plans minimal, and find a positive way to deal with any frustration.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22)

It’s home (or friends and family) versus work and other responsibilities as the week begins. Explaining your situation and setting sensible priorities is better than stressing. Around Wednesday and Thursday, your sensitive side raises your awareness of a situation, but before you respond, look at the logical angle as well (or get someone to help you do so!). Then you really get it this weekend, with that intuitive understanding of yours helping you click with others and see your place in the universe. Everything’s interconnected in amazing ways.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

A little looking back may be inevitable as the week begins, but make sure you’re looking forward, too.

If you feel a little blue, talk to a friend and come up with a plan. Around Wednesday and Thursday, you’re definitely up for getting out and about. And guess what? Love’s favored now, with your big, beautiful mind as a source of major allure. Smart is sexy, so don’t you dare dumb it down. This weekend, it’s more about baby steps than giant leaps. Appreciate the little things, and be ready to laugh something off.

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)

Those who think you’re a stick-inthe-mud might be mighty surprised by your agile attitude and fluid thinking as the week begins. You’re going with the flow, and you look fabulous doing it. But around Wednesday or Thursday, something – or someone – may stop you in your tracks. Don’t freak out; figure it out. Communication is key to getting a grip on this, so don’t clam up. The understanding you’re seeking is much easier to find from Friday afternoon through the weekend, and you’re also getting along beautifully with others. Enjoy time with friends (or with someone who’s a bit more than a friend!).

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Just because you know it doesn’t mean you have to show it, and a subtle, roundabout approach may be best as the week begins. Offering to help instead of offering your two cents is a nice way to go. You may need to relinquish something around Wednesday and Thursday. Letting go as a way to ultimately have more may be counterintuitive, but holding on too tightly is just uncomfortable.

Some key information’s there for you on Friday or over the weekend. Dig a bit to find it. Once you do, don’t forget to note your first reaction – it’s correct.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

If you’ve got a big idea, the stars are making it much, much easier to get it off the ground as the week begins.

Someone you think might have objections is liable to offer support. But before you get carried away, beware of conflicts around Wednesday and Thursday. Maybe it’s your crazy-busy schedule, or maybe you and a loved one aren’t quite seeing eye-to-eye. Watch for an unexpected solution. Then, if you’ve got romance on your mind, get it out in the open from Friday afternoon through the weekend! A mystery of love can now be revealed. Hot!

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

The strides you make as the week begins are immensely satisfying, but make sure you’re not only concentrating on work.

The interpersonal angle’s favored now, too; make hot stuff happen in your love life! Be ready to make some adjustments to your plans around Wednesday and Thursday. This may be a moment-by-moment rescheduling thing, or it could impact your larger life path.

From Friday afternoon through the weekend, your warmth and wisdom make your world a wonderful place. Share of yourself generously – and help a certain someone find an answer.

If you don’t exercise some self-control and set your own schedule as the week begins, someone else might impose an agenda on you. Be ready to discuss what you’re doing and exactly why. You can definitely move on to bigger and better things around Wednesday and Thursday. Take a glimmer of a promising idea and build it out into a shiny, wonderful thing. But when the weekend comes, your attention is required, with regard to something very much on the practical plane. Tune in, or you might find yourself on the receiving end of a major reality check.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

Moving forward with your private plan is one way to go at the beginning of the week; building trust and finding common ground is another. Then, around Wednesday and Thursday, you’re sharp as a tack, and it’s not just book-smarts – you’re emotionally intelligent as well. Put your head together with someone significant in your life, and see what you two can come up with. Whether you’re on the clock or not, work’s likely on your mind from Friday afternoon through the weekend. If you want a change, start doing some investigating.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Add a new twist as the week begins, and you just might see some immediate and pleasing results. Use that imagination – it’s particularly powerful now. Detailed mental efforts are favored around Wednesday and Thursday, whether you’re tackling the nitty-gritty on a work project or examining the ins and outs of a relationship. Make sure to look at the positive elements as well as doing the problem-solving. From Friday afternoon through the weekend, starting stuff on your own won’t go as well as helping others see things through – and the latter is more fun, too.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Be frugal with money – but generous with your heart – as the week begins.

Extravagance and new things might be momentarily pleasing, but sharing your feelings makes for beautiful and lasting bonds. You’re mentally on fire, both at work and at play, around Wednesday and Thursday. Bouncing those big ideas off someone else who’s extra sharp is fun and fruitful. When the weekend comes, you’re concerned with the opposite of practical matters – maybe romance, maybe higher principles. Explore away, but watch out for losing track of time!

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20)

Go after what you want as the week begins! You’ll never know until you try, and you might just try asking; it’s so simple that it might just work. Around Wednesday and Thursday, between your own stuff and others’ priorities (like your boss’ pet project or family matters), you’ve got a ton going on. Your instinct might be to run yourself ragged, apologizing all the way, but you’ll function far better if you actually take time out for yourself.

Then, starting later in the day on Friday, some truly stellar energy’s coming your way. Plan for an amazing weekend!

Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 20-26, 2015

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Entertainment News

Shashi Kapoor turns 77, wished 'long life'

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n yesteryear's heart-throb Shashi Kapoor's 77th birthday on Wednesday, his nephew Rishi Kapoor and veteran actress Shabana Azmi took to micro-blogging site Twitter to wish him a long life.

Known for his work in films such as Deewar, Satyam Shivam Sundaram and Kabhie Kabhie, the actor had women swooning over him during his heydays.

"Happy Birthday Shashi uncle. God Bless good health and all happiness," tweeted Rishi, who has starred along with him in films like Kabhie Kabhie and Duniya Meri Jeb Mein.

Rishi also shared a photograph of his uncle on the social media platform.

Shabana, who has worked with the screen icon in several films like Fakira and Junoon, praised the actor, thanking him for giving Prithvi Theatre to Hindi filmdom.

"Happy Birthday #Shashi Kapoorji-most gorgeous man. Khush rahiye sehatmand rahiye. Saalgirah Mubarak ho Shashi Kapoor ji. U have been a trailblazer n a huge inspiration. Prithvi Theatre is a legacy u have gifted to our city," Shabana shared in a series of tweets.

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta also wished the actor by tweeting: "Happy birthday

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Shashi Kapoor. They don't make em like you no more."

Shashi is also known for his rapport with megastar Amitabh Bachchan as the duo entertained their fans with movies like Deewaar, Kabhie Kabhie, Silsila and Namak Halaal.

The actor, who has worked in over 100 films in his acting career, has been staying away from the limelight since the late 1990s.

Paul Walker jokes to be snipped from Bieber's roast

he Comedy Central roast of singer Justin Bieber will not include jokes referring to late actor Paul Walker.

A representative for the network has confirmed that jokes about the late actor will be cut from the upcoming TV broadcast, reports aceshowbiz.com.

"Roasts often push the limits of good taste and we give the participants full reign to try things knowing we have to edit to shape the show. Sometimes the line is discovered by crossing it. The Paul Walker references will not be in the telecast," the representative said in a statement.

During the March 14 taping of the roast, Jeff Ross made a joke about Walker. "'Move b***h, get out of the way!' is what Paul Walker should've told that tree," he said, referring to Ludacris' song "Move b***h".

"Too soon? Too fast? Too furious," he added.

Ludacris, Walker's "Fast and Furious" co-star, who was also one of the roasters, was visibly offended by the joke, making a "cut" motion during the taping.

Another roaster, Pete Davidson said: "Just this past year, Justin got arrested for drag racing. Unfortunately, it wasn't with Paul Walker. What? He's doing great! He's got a movie coming out."

Even Bieber didn't like the jokes about Walker. Asked after the taping if there was any joke that went too far, the pop

Pamela Anderson accused of being 'serial baby killer' ctress Pamela Anderson's estranged husband Rick Salomon has accused her of being a "serial baby killer".

The former "Baywatch" actress was granted a temporary restraining order against Salomon, who she filed for divorce from last month. Among the documents she filed to support her claim that his "erratic" behaviour left her concerned about her safety, were e-mails and text messages from her former partner.

In one e-mail, Salomon, who is seeking to have their marriage annulled on the grounds of fraud, claimed the 47-yearold begged him to get pregnant when they were married the first time, in 2007, but then had a termination.

He also wrote: "I did not no she was a serial baby killer to her husbands... she should be locked up.(sic)" According to tmz.com, a text from Salomon to Anderson, who has sons Brandon, 18, and Dylan, 17, from her marriage to Tommy Lee, read: "You never disclosed to me that you (aborted) a baby when you were married to kid rock. I heard you begged him to get pregnant with him too.

I also heard it might have also been twice with him."

In her application for the restraining order, Anderson claimed that since she filed for divorce from the poker player, his behaviour has "become erratic, out of control and has caused me to fear for my safety".

She added that when her husband is "upset", he calls her "cruel names" such as "s**t", "ugly old bi***" and "crack w***e".

The temporary restraining order will hold until a court hearing scheduled for April 3.

Akshay Kumar quits action for Airlift

T star said he "didn't particularly like the Paul Walker jokes."

Bieber's roast will air on March 30.

he Akshay Kumar - starrer Airlift, that is currently under production, will probably be an image defining role for the actor who is breaking away from his action avatar completely with this film.

Sources from the movie's UAE schedule confirm that the actor has practically no action sequences. "He doesn't even

have one punch in the movie. Though the film is essentially a thriller, the only action scenes are the movie's war sequences," informs our source.

"As far as Akshay is concerned, he plays a commoner (a businessman named Ranjit Katyal) and doesn't indulge in his staple punch and kick routine," the source added.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper James Franco says 'I'm gay in my art and straight in my life' March 20-26, 2015

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ames Franco has cleared up all rumours concerning his sexuality once and for all.

The 36-year old actor said that he was a gay in his art but straight in his life, depending on how one defined gay, News.com.au reported.

The '127 Hours' star has appeared in several films with gay themes, and

would be seen doing a three-way gay sex scene with 'Star Trek's Zachery Quinto and 'Teen Wolf's Charlie Carver in his upcoming movie 'Michael'.

Franco, who hit on a 17-year old Scottish girl on Instagram last year, added that if sexuality meant whom you have sex with, then he was straight.

Kim Kardashian, Beyonce, Miley Cyrus go risque with S&M-inspired fashion

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all it the Fifty Shades of Grey effect, lately, many international celebrities dominated the red carpet with S&M-inspired outfits and accessories. From thigh-high black boots and bondage-style dresses to latex pants and metal collars, they didn't shy away from sporting this racy style.

While Madonna, Kim Kardashian, Rita Ora and Beyonce have been spotted wearing this trend in public, young popstars like Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry have taken this theme a step ahead and are experimenting with it not just in fashion, but also in their music videos and on magazine covers. Here are some outfits, straight out of the dominatrix's dungeon...

The crisscross strips of shiny snakeskin on Miley's top barely cover her assets.

The singer attended a fashion week party recently wearing skin-tight lace-up

Beyonce, Miley Cyrus and Imogen Anthony pants that transformed into thigh-high boots. She paired them with a sparkly netted black top.

The model- cum- designer channelled

her inner dominatrix in this revealing outfit. She wore a bralet with daring cutouts and waisted underwear, that she teamed with a blazer and choker.

Nicholas Brendon again arrested "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" star Nicholas Brendon was arrested in Florida for reportedly consuming a mix of pills and alcohol.

Brendon was in Florida for ALTCon, a pop culture convention.

According to a police report, Brendon called the police to report that his phone and wallet had been stolen, reports tmz. com.

When the officers arrived, they saw the 43-year-old had flipped his bed and over-flowed the toilet in his room. He had done other things to himself, suggesting he was not of right mind. As for his wallet, it was on the dresser.

The hotel employees told the police that the actor was mixing pills and alcohol at the hotel earlier in the day.

The actor was also arrested in February for a similar drunken hotel incident. Back then, he did $450 worth of damages to a room and refused to pay his $380 tab for food and beverages.

Sofia Vergara finally picks date to tie the knot

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ofia Vergara has revealed that she and her fiance Joe Manganiello have already fixed their wedding date, but the planning procedure is still under process.

The 'Chef' actress said while promoting her hit TV show 'Modern Family' at Paleyfest 2015, that choosing the right day wasn't that difficult as she and her 38-year-old actor fiance knew since the beginning that which date would it be, E! Online reported.

The 42-year-old actress added that her marriage with the 'Magic Mike' actor would obviously going to be the most important thing in her life, that's why she had been trying to make every thing right.

Vin Diesel welcomes 3rd child with girlfriend Paloma Jimenez

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in Diesel has welcomed his third child with girlfriend Paloma Jimenez and also shared baby's picture on social media.

The 'Fast and Furious' star posted the first picture of his third child on Facebook and wrote with it that he heard babies crying and watched them growing, and added the lyrics of Louis Armstrong and Kenny G's popular single "They'll learn much more, than I'll ever know. And I think to myself, what a wonderful world", E! Online reported.

A source informed that, when the 47-year-old actor's model girlfriend was about to give birth to their third child, the actor wanted to be with his family at the birth, so he backed out of a few promotional stops for 'Furious 7' and the premiere had been moved from Abu Dhabi to Los Angeles.

March 20-26, 2015 Caribbean Star Newspaper Bigg Boss is one show I would never do: Neha Marda

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eha Marda, who is popularly known as Urmi from Doli Armaanon Ki, was contemplating on quitting the show after it took a five-year leap as she wasn't comfortable playing a mother to a nineyear-old kid. However, such was the attachment of the actress to the show that she let go of that decision and decided to continue post the leap. We spoke to her about her character graph on the show and reality TV. I AM REALLY POSSESSIVE ABOUT MY CHARACTER URMI Initially, we were not comfortable with the leap. But when you are attached to a show, it's difficult to say 'no' sometimes. I knew that Shaurya (the name of her son's character) is going to be nine, and I wasn't comfortable playing a mother to a nine-year-old boy, but Shaurya is like my bachcha and Doli... is my show. I am very possessive about the show and I can't see anyone else playing Urmi. I won't be able to switch on the channel and see some other actress playing my role. That is what gave me the motivation to continue doing the show after the leap. In fact, even when the contract renewal process was happening, I told my producer, 'I don't want to continue,' but that was just loose talk. I think I wanted to play Urmi and my producer also gave me a deaf ear, so I didn't push it much. On and off, I do think that I don't want to play a mother to a nine-year-old, but the content of the show is good. There is always insecurity in an actor 'ki aisa role milega ya nahi milega aage jaake'.

I AM READY FOR MOTHERHOOD IN REAL LIFE As a woman, I don't connect with Urmi.

I have never seen anyone leading a life like my character. I am neither a single mother, nor have I faced situations like my character in real life. But while I was shooting with the kid who played the younger Shaurya, I felt like a mother. I used to take care of him like a mother. During lunch time, he used to eat with me. I miss him now. After playing a mother on screen, I wouldn't mind becoming a mother in real life. The younger Shaurya has given me inspiration. Till the time I am committed to the show, I won't think about motherhood. But I am getting to hear that I don't look convincing with the new kid who is playing the grown-up Shaurya. But we are trying to spend time together. They should do something with the scenes to bring out the chemistry.

I WOULD NEVER DO A BIGG BOSS My husband is a complete businessman.

He won't do anything that he's not comfortable with. We have been getting offers to participate in Nach Baliye for a couple of seasons now, but we have always rejected them. He is not comfortable on the sets. We are actors and we have patience to wait for our shot after getting our makeup done. My husband will get irritated. For him, this is not his cup of tea. He tells me, 'I love seeing you on screen but please don't ask me to be a part of this'. I was offered Jhalak... but some issues with the channel happened and they asked me to get out of Doli... since Jhalak... was on a rival channel. I didn't want to create a fuss about it and I didn't do Jhalak... As for Bigg Boss, they have been approaching me for the last couple of years and they really

want me to do the show. Bigg Boss is one show I would never do. I am not comfortable with the format of the show.

MY HUSBAND IS COMFORTABLE WITH ME DOING INTIMATE SCENES The show had lots of intimate scenes in the beginning. I don't know how he manages to watch me. I wouldn't have been able to watch my husband doing such scenes and that's why I didn't marry an actor. He says, 'I see you as the character in those scenes and not as Neha. I like the chemistry you share with your co-star'.

He is very broad-minded in that sense. But had I been in his place, I wouldn't have been a b l e to accept it.

WOULD LIKE TO PLAY A CHARACTER WITH GREY SHADES I would love to play a character with grey shades. Nobody is completely negative. Aisa nahi hai ki log shadyantra rachte hain baith kar jaise hamaare T V

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mein dikhaate hain. In fact, it would be fun to play a character like that. Innocent looks and an evil personality would form a great combo.

TV IS A MORE SECURE MEDIUM THAN FILMS TV is a good medium to make a lot of money. They pay you really well. Since daily soaps usually don't end in a month or two, you can make a good amount of money in a year or so. It's a good medium to get money and also achieve fame. Agar life mein kisi ko risk nahi lena aur ek stable life jeeni hai, toh TV achha medium hai. Trying your luck in films involves risk. There is a bit of risk in TV also, but at least you feel secure for some time.

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March 20-26, 2015

Caribbean Star Newspaper

Caribbean Connections

President Obama and Caribbean leaders to meet in Jamaica

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nited States President Barack Obama is to visit Jamaica on April 9 for talks with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has said.

“The Government of Jamaica is delighted that President Obama will be visiting Jamaica at

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this time. The visit of President Obama will take place on the eve of the Summit of the Americas to be held in Panama from the 10th to the 11th April 2015.”

“It is expected that the President will be proceeding from Jamaica to Panama for this hemispheric encounter which will welcome for the first time the participation of our closest neighbour the Republic of Cuba,” Prime Minister Simpson Miller said in a statement to Parliament.

Obama will meet with regional leaders prior to his arrival in Panama for the Summit of the Americas.

It will be his second meeting with CARICOM leaders follow-

ing his meeting in Port of Spain, Trinidad during the Summit of the Americas six years ago.

“As a member of the hemispheric family of nations… during this historic visit, Jamaica will also host an encounter between President Obama and the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community for discussions on issues on the CARICOM/USA including security and trade.

“Heads of Government will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. As is the regional interest the CARICOM/US summit will be co-chaired by the US president and the current Chairman of CARICOM Perry

Christie, prime minister of the Bahamas,” she added.

Opposition Leader Andrew Holness in an immediate response said the Opposition was extremely happy to know that a serving US President would be visiting Jamaica.

“The Opposition will play its role when President Obama visits Jamaica and would like to place on record our appreciation for the chill in relations between the United States and Cuba.

We the Opposition have always stated that the economic embargo against Cuba should be lifted.

We welcome President Obama to Jamaica,” Holness said.

Prime Minister Simpson Miller said her administration

“is delighted that President Obama will be visiting Jamaica” making it the “second time since our Independence that a sitting US President will be visiting Jamaica.

“We view the President’s upcoming visit as an affirmation of the strong ties of friendship and cooperation that have united our two peoples for centuries.

“We are confident that through fruitful dialogue and exchanges during the visit we will succeed in further strengthening the close relations that exist at the bilateral level between Jamaica and the USA, and between the USA and CARICOM,” she added.

IMF official examines drop in oil price on PetroCaribe and the Caribbean

RIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – A senior official of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says the impact of the drop in oil prices globally will affect member countries of the PetroCaribe grouping differently even though Haiti could be among those most affected.

Adrienne Cheasty, the Deputy Director in the Western Hemisphere Department of the IMF, said if PetroCaribe were to cease, the impact would differ across member countries.

“Governments receiving large flows and without alternative financing sources, like in Nicaragua and Haiti, would be most affected, although less so than they would have been in a world of higher oil prices.”

She said governments that have built buffers, like Guyana, or that have alternative financing sources, like the Dominican Republic and Jamaica should be affected less.

“Belize would be particularly affected as the lower oil prices negatively impact the value of its exports of crude oil,” Cheasty said, noting that so far, Venezuela has assured PetroCaribe members that the aid will continue.

PetroCaribe is an oil alliance of many Caribbean states with Venezuela to purchase oil on

conditions of preferential payment. The payment system allows for the purchase of oil at market value for five to 50 per cent up front with a grace period of one or two years with the remainder being paid through a 17-25 year financing agreement.

Cheasty, whose publications focus on fiscal deficit measurement, fiscal-financial issues, and natural resource management, said the lost income from the oil price drop for Venezuela has caused an-

alysts to question whether PetroCaribe support will continue.

She said the oil price drop will impact the public and private sectors differently. Oil prices have dropped to below US$50 a barrel from a high of over US$100 a barrel in June last year.

“The private sector should see disposable income and profits increase: application of countries’ current pricing mechanisms would lead to full or near full pass-through to

consumer prices in about two thirds of the region by end2015.”

But she said that the reduction or stop of PetroCaribe financing will leave some governments cash-strapped.

“If resources are not recycled from the private to the public sector in the form of financing or reductions in energy subsidies, some governments could be forced to discontinue social or investment programmes,” she said, adding nearly all countries would face

some additional fiscal pressures.

“Some public spending programmes may be particularly affected. Even if PetroCaribe continues, the decline in financing will require new financing or adjustment of around 0.8 per cent of GDP (gross domestic product) on average.

“Nicaragua and Haiti, lacking market access, ample reserves, or deep domestic financial markets, may need to adjust the most. Guyana and St Kitts and to a lesser extent Jamaica have built buffers to offset the impact.”

She said in the case of a stop, deficits are projected to increase in Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, and Nicaragua to the extent that governments take over unfunded social programmes or infrastructure projects.

“A couple of countries with energy subsidies, notably Haiti, plan to offset the additional cost by recovering foregone revenue on the taxation of fuel products.

“In sum, the drop in oil prices is more complex for members of PetroCaribe than for other oil importers. Like others, their countries will gain. But their governments may nonetheless lose. Mainly sweet, but a little sour,” Cheasty added.

March 20-26, 2015 35 Caribbean Star Newspaper Brazil president announces anti-corruption measures following nationwide protest

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More corruption today than 20 years ago

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INGSTON, Jamaica – Jose Ugaz, chair of Transparency International (TI), the global anti-corruption organisation promoting integrity in more than 100 countries, says there is more corruption now on a global scale than when the organisation had its genesis two decades ago.

Ugaz, who was in Jamaica for the signing of the agreement with National Integrity Action (NIA), which formally accredits the organisation as a full chapter of TI, likened corruption to cancer and said efforts to fight this disease were seriously impacted by organised crime.

According to a NIA release, he cited more money – billions rather than millions of dollars – and more power, as twin evils, defined the new phenomenon of ‘grand corruption’ and indicated that Transparency International had established a ‘No Impunity’ taskforce to more effectively challenge this new and dangerous form of corruption.

“We are going to be speaking loudly, naming names and taking legal action,” he declared to a gathering of newly inducted NIA members at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston on Sunday.

In the Latin American region, Ugaz disclosed that there were unprecedented levels of corruption in countries such as Brazil, which was reeling from the multibillion-dollar Petrobras bribery scandal; Panama, where the former president had a total of $1.2 billion unaccounted for and which could rise to $5 billion; Chile, where the son of the president recently quit as head of a state charity over accusations of influence peddling; and Argentina whose president, and her late husband, Nestor Kirchner - who preceded her as president - are both accused of enriching themselves during a dozen years in power.

Ugaz declared that Transparency International has vowed to step up the fight against grand corruption, which is a form of corruption so grave and with effects on human life, human rights and human welfare so catastrophic that they should shock the conscience of the international community and mobilise the will of nations to act across borders, the release said.

In a recent interview, the Transparency International chair stated: “There is still too much corruption out there, and we want to see much more being done about it. We must address the way the corrupt are getting away with it, unmasking them, drawing attention to corrupt schemes such as the abuse of offshore companies, impeding their enjoyment of ill-gotten gains - travelling freely and leading a life of luxury - while the poor have to pay their bills.”

AO PAULO (AP) – President Dilma Rousseff has announced a series of anti-graft measures following Sunday's massive nationwide rallies that protested rampant corruption in Latin America's largest country and called for her impeachment.

In a speech aired nationwide, Rousseff said Wednesday "we have the duty and obligation to fight impunity and corruption."

Among the measures announced are the criminalization of slush

funds used to finance election campaigns, the seizure of assets of people found guilty of corruption, and the requirement that government officials must have a clean criminal record.

"This is a decisive step to expand the government's capacity and power to prevent and combat corruption and impunity," Rousseff said.

Sunday's protest marches were sparked by anger over a sprawling corruption case involving Petrobras, Brazil's state-owned oil company.

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March 20-26, 2015

$272 million lost to Riverton blaze

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RESIDENT of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) William Mahfood is urging businesses and individuals affected by the Riverton blaze to seek redress through the Office of the Public Defender.

Mahfood was speaking at a joint press conference with various civil society groups, the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) and the Jamaica Manufacturers Association (JMA) following the Riverton City fire that started last Wednesday which resulted in a massive inferno and harmful smoke affecting people in the Corporate Area and parts of St Catherine.

According to the Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CaPRI), the fire will cost the economy over $272 million. A breakdown of the figures shows that the cost of extinguishing the fire stands at $102 million, preliminary production loss at $136 million with a significant cost attributed to loss at the ports. Health comes is at $25 million while loss to education ran at $9 million.

President of the JMA, Brian Pengelly, called for the responsible parties to be held accountable.

Pengelley stated that roughly 40 businesses had to "shutter" their operations on Friday following the blaze. He is calling for an oversight committee to monitor the work of the National Solid Waste Management Agency (NSWMA).

"Some were able to open yesterday (Mon-

day), but others who are in food processing had an issue because the environment has to be clean before they can start processing food," he stated. "Say, roughly 80 to 100 people work in each of these facilities, then you can see the manpower that's lost there -- and the cost comes to the companies."

The organisations stated that like many members of the public, they too have lost confidence in the willingness and commitment of the present leadership of the NSWMA and the Ministry of Local Government to effectively manage the process going forward.

As such, the group is calling for proper investigation of the numerous breaches and causes of the fire and full accountability based on the findings. It is also calling for those responsible for the management of the dump and the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) to immediately take enforcement action, including court action, for the breaches to its environmental permit issued to NSWMA, along with the implementation of an oversight team.

In 2008, the Government of Jamaica proposed an environmental levy on all imports into the country at a half a per cent, specifically earmarked at the time to deal with the solid waste issues of Jamaica, including recycling, according to Mahfood.

Today, those funds are in excess of $2.5 billion with no visibility any in managing the country's waste.

Caribbean Star Newspaper Rare Caribbean ‘pillar coral’ species bred and raised in lab

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RIDGETOWN, Barbados, Monday March 16, 2015, CMC – A rare and threatened Caribbean coral species has for the first time been successfully bred and raised in the lab.

A study by the Curacao-based CARMABI Foundation has provided the first photos and documentation of juveniles of this species and could provide information to help bolster local coral reef conservation.

The three-member team also plans to ‘out-plant’ the lab-grown juveniles in the wild which could help populations become more resilient to climate change.

Team leader Kristen Marhaver said the Caribbean Pillar Coral Dendrogyra cylindrus is rare and understudied, and small juveniles of this species have never been seen in over 30 years of surveys in the Caribbean.

She said the species is one of very few corals in the Caribbean that forms large branches, which can provide shelter for important fish species and reduce the energy of storm surge as it approaches shore.

“Strangely enough, pillar corals happen to spawn just half an hour before another threatened coral that is far better studied – the elkhorn corals.

“So the reason why for so many years we’ve never witnessed spawning

pillar corals is that, while they were spawning, virtually all coral spawning researchers and photographers in the Caribbean were on their boats doing final preparations on their dive gear for elkhorn coral spawning. It was literally right under our noses for years,” Marhaver said.

Pillar Corals form a unique ‘smoke stack’ shape like no other coral species, and they display unusual mating behaviour compared to most spawning coral species. Most spawning corals are hermaphrodites that release large bundles of eggs and sperm.

Pillar corals, which only spawn on a few specific nights of the year, build colonies that are either all-male or all-female. The males first release sperm into the seawater, shortly followed by the females releasing their individual eggs. This makes collection and breeding research extremely difficult.

“Now that we’ve suc-

cessfully reared juvenile Pillar Corals in the lab, not only can we study them in more detail to find out what factors could be threatening their survival in the wild, but it also means that we can try to out-plant a small number back to the reef.

“We don’t know if this will work and it is certainly not a cure-all for the reef.

But especially in such a rare coral species, a tiny boost of a few new individuals could make a big difference in their genetic diversity, allowing their populations to adapt and become more resilient to the changing environment in the oceans,” said Marhaver.

The research team included Mark Vermeij from the CARMABI Foundation and the University of Amsterdam, and Monica Medina from Pennsylvania State University. The research was funded by the US National Science Foundation with permissions from the Curacao government.

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 20-26, 2015 Caribbean Star Newspaper Grenada revolution holds lessons for Caribbean development - Skerrit

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T. GEORGE’S, Grenada, Tuesday March 17, 2015, CMC – Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says the 1979 Grenada revolution that brought Maurice Bishop to power marked the most decisive fracture in the Anglophone Caribbean with the political and constitutional status quo.

“The greatest tragedy of that historical episode is that we have failed to learn the lessons of that experience and even more disturbingly, succeeding generations seem to have no knowledge of what is without question, the most significant historical episode in the Caribbean in the 20th Century,” Skerrit said as he delivered the inaugural March 13th Lecturer” Monday night organized by the Grenada Revolution Memorial Foundation Inc. (GREMFO) and Groundation Grenada.

Speaking on the topic: “The Grenada Revolution, Foreign Policy and Development of Small Island States in the Present International Environment,” Skerrit said that the most important lesson for the contemporary leaders of the region, ”is the imperative and the special responsibility to speak out clearly and loudly against any infringement of the fundamental freedoms that our fore-parents so desperately fought for”.

The Grenada revolution was sparked by the 1979 overthrow of the Eric Gairy administration by the leftwing New jewel Movement (NJM).

But the revolution lasted four years when deputy prime minister Bernard Coard staged a palace coup against the island’s first left wing prime minister Maurice Bishop. Bishop and several of his ministers were later killed and Coard and 18 others were sentenced to jail, but were released a few years ago.

Prime Minister Skerrit said it should be noted that “no decisive interventions” were made by the Caribbean or American leadership when then Prime Minister Gairy brought “Grenada into the orbit of fascism” with links to former Chilean leader Augusto Pinochet and South Korea’s strongman, Park Chung-Hee. He said the regional and American governments were also quiet when Gairy used his Mongoose Gang and ‘his progressive subversion of the democratic process”.

In analyzing the lessons learnt with respect to the foreign policy and the development options pursued by the Grenada revolution, Prime Minister Skerrit said the fundamental principles that guided such a policy were one of non alignment and diversification of relations to extend the range of friendships while providing options in pursuit of national self-interest.

“Grenada did not believe in putting all its eggs in one basket, especially a basket that was lined with dictated conditionalities that ran counter to its philosophy of what must be done to empower and enfranchise its people. “.

Skerrit said that this fundamental principle has guided the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) relations with Cuba and Venezuela and indeed the region’s response to the USA intervention in both Iraq and Libya.

“In addition, we must maintain unflinching opposition to apartheid, colonialism and racism wherever and however they are practiced. These values flow logically from

the historical journey of the majority of our people over the last 400 years in the Caribbean.”

Prime Minister Skerrit said that the Caribbean must cease the rhetoric as to how it can mobilize its citizens to be an effective lobby in the Diaspora to advance the region’s approach to development.

“We must simply get on with it! This would be even more meaningful if we co-ordinate our efforts as a region to sensitize and mobilize our people whether in London, New York or Toronto.

“We should note that besides extending its relations with traditional western powers such as the United Kingdom, the European Union and France and seeking to extend relations with the United States, Grenada built up close relations with a wide cluster of non-traditional countries: the Nordic countries, a diverse array of (democratic) Latin American countries, (Sandinista) Nicaragua, the Soviet Union, Vietnam, East Germany, DPR Korea, Mozambique, Libya and Syria.”.

Prime Minister Skerrit said that Grenada’s foreign policy under Bishop is best summed up by a speech the former prime minister gave to Washington’s ultimatum that “Grenada is a sovereign and independent country, although a tiny speck on the world map, and we expect all countries to strictly respect our independence just as we

will respect theirs”.

Bishop also went on to state that “no country has the right to tell us what to do or how to run our country or who to be friendly with. We certainly would not attempt to tell any other country what to do. We are not in anybody’s backyard, and we are definitely not for sale.”

Skerrit told his audience that he has drawn heavily on the Bishop philosophy for guiding his own island through one of the most “devastating recessions in recent history”.

He said when the Dominica Labour Party (DLP), which he leads, came to power in 2000, it found a foreign policy that was determined by traditional colonial customs.

“The 44 countries with which it had established diplomatic relations since Independence were predominantly on the American side of the Cold War divide. As the Cold War thawed out, my administration decided to review the country’s foreign policy. We rationally decided that it was in the best interest of Dominica to shift from supporting Taiwan to adopting the “One China Policy”. “ He said this change of policy began to bear fruit immediately as support, in the form of grants and concessionary loans, was received from the People’s Republic of China and used for infrastructural development on the island.

He said similar close relationships were established with Venezuela that led to the signing of the PetroCaribe Agreement and the joining of the Bolivarian Alliance for Peoples of our America (ALBA) in 2008.

Skerrit said that as a result of the new foreign policy thrust, by 2014 Dominica had established “meaningful and productive relationships” with 94 states.

“In the process it received international

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recognition for its efforts to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development without destroying its natural environment and its communities. In this way Dominica was able to attract more grants, concessionary loans and technical aid from friendly countries,” he said, noting that “today, all countries, particularly small island development states, face the challenges of globalization”.

Skerrit said that in the final analysis, globalization poses both opportunities and threats.

“I believe that the current recession has taught many of us the virtue of uniting; the imperative of diversifying our economies by encouraging entrepreneurship and putting our God-given resources to optimum use; and the need to remain steadfast in our mission to generate wealth in such a way that all of our people receive a fair share.

“We have to first create the wealth and then distribute it more equitably among our citizens so that their lot does not mirror that of their grandparents and great-grandparents.

“Let us be frank. Our small size has not traditionally given us a competitive advantage. However, we now have the opportunity to leverage the technological advances in transport and communication along with the political structures of the Economic Union of the OECS and the Single Market and Economy of CARICOM to better deliver the promises of development to ALL our people.

“In a very real sense, the establishment of these two regional entities as communities of sovereign states is the ultimate testimony of how Foreign Policy may be a clear expression of faith in what can be achieved while maintaining our independence as nation states in this region,” Skerrit added.

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March 20-26, 2015

Caribbean Star Newspaper

CRICKET

& Sports England were wrong to sack me – Cook

lastair Cook has claimed that the ECB’s decision to relieve him of the England captaincy a matter of weeks before the World Cup has been proved wrong in hindsight and described the players as looking “shellshocked” during a disastrous campaign that ended at the group stage.

Cook was sacked in December, amid worsening results and after going more than two years without an ODI hundred. Speaking in Dubai for the launch of the Emirates T20 - Cook is in the UAE to take part in the Champion County match between MCC against Yorkshire - he said that England appeared to lack for leadership after heavy defeats against Australia and New Zealand in their first two World Cup games set them on the road to an early exit.

“I’m always going to have a slightly biased view on that. I was there for three-and-a-half years trying to do a job,” he said. “We got to number one in the world with a full strength side and got to the final of the Champions Trophy. There were things I can be

Alastair Cook said hindsight suggested he should not have been sacked as England’s ODI captain very proud of. As any captain will tell you, leading your country in a World Cup is a huge honour and one that can never be taken lightly. I was very much looking forward to that.

“I understand the pressure I was under. I wasn’t scoring the runs I should, or could, have been scoring, so I understand that my position was in jeopardy. I said at the end of

Sri Lanka that if there was a change, I couldn’t complain because I hadn’t scored the runs.

“But I think you saw in Australia the dangers of making such a big decision so close to the tournament. I don’t know what’s gone on on that tour, and I can only speak from watching a little bit from afar, but it did look like the lads were shellshocked from the first two games. That’s when you need real leadership to help steer you through that. Whether I would have made a difference, I don’t know. But I was fully confident we would get out of our group, and from there, you’ve got to win three games in a row - that’s how this World Cup has worked.

“I can’t speak about what’s gone on there in depth, but you always back yourself, and I would have loved to have had the opportunity that was taken away from me. The selectors made that decision because they thought it was the best for English cricket. Hindsight has probably proved them wrong, but now it’s very easy to say that.”

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Pietersen IPL deal, England comeback in balance

Kevin Pietersen’s involvement in the 2015 IPL hangs on a crisis meeting at Lord’s on Tuesday that will examine England’s response to a disastrous showing at the World Cup.

for Pietersen, who is perpetually excited by the fact that he might challenge all assumptions and commit himself to England in what would instantly become the most talked-about Ashes series in England since 2005 - his debut Test summer and one in which he was a prime force in England securing the Ashes in the final Test at The Oval.

It is The Oval, home of Surrey, which is strongly expected to provide the next chapter of the Pietersen story. Sur-

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hat Pietersen might withdraw entirely from the IPL in the hope of making an England comeback would be a remarkable twist in an extraordinary career, but that probability - first intimated by ESPNcricinfo - is becoming likelier by the day as a battle for the control of English cricket takes shape.

At that Lord’s meeting, Paul Downton, the managing director of England cricket and the man whose first act upon assuming the job a year ago was to end Pietersen’s international career, will face further questions about the series of disasters that has bedevilled England, on and off the field, ever since the decision was made.

If Pietersen receives any encouragement from the outcome of those talks that his England career might potentially be revived, his representatives will immediately step up negotiations to release him from his contract with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the hope of one last hurrah in Test cricket.

It is also entirely possible that Downton, even if he avoided the sack, might regard his own position as untenable.

Sunrisers have made no comment on the situation but it is understood that IPL officials are already aware of the

Let’s try that again: Kevin Pietersen is edging closer to a dramatic England return growing probability that Pietersen will want to withdraw.

Although, from the point of view of England or the player himself, that Sunrisers might challenge Pietersen’s right to resume an international career might be regarded as beyond contemplation, the IPL franchise might feel that their auction strategy and subsequent marketing push demand that the player honours his contract - whatever the cost on both sides.

Money is not the prime motivation

rey released him at the end of last season - not only did they did not want to consider him as a Twenty20 specialist, there was the possibility of legal action over his impending autobiography to consider - but if he expresses a desire to play in all forms of the game then his return will be sanctioned.

Around six English counties have been in the running to provide a home for cricket’s most controversial son, with some of them prepared to offer him a T20-only deal.

It is T20 which many observers believe offers Pietersen the best possibility of an England recall, culminating in a grand return at the World T20 in India next year, but it is the chance - however slim - of another shot at the Ashes which has energised him.

To achieve that, he would have to forego the glitz of the IPL and rouse himself in front of small crowds in Division Two of the County Championship, something that does not fit easily with him.

It is the dream of another Ashes fling which is his prime motivation. After the personal trauma of the past 14 months, the attraction of finishing his England career on a high clearly appeals.

Nevertheless, he must also have been disappointed by the outcome of the IPL auction when he failed to attract interest from the likes of Bangalore or Delhi but was picked up by Sunrisers at his base price of Rs 2 crore (£210,000).

If the Lord’s meeting ended with an understanding that the Pietersen slate was wiped clean, it would point to the weakening authority not just of Downton but also of Andy Flower, the former England coach, who by the time he left the job after last winter’s 5-0 Ashes whitewash in Australia was also of the mind that Pietersen should go.

The change of mood has been sparked by a new leadership team at the head of the ECB - the incoming chairman, Colin Graves, and chief executive, Tom Harrison.

Both are keenly aware of how English cricket is losing the hearts of a wide cross-section of the public. Downton suggested that Pietersen was disconnected with his team-mates after that Ashes disaster, but it is the disconnect between cricket and the nation that could bring about an astonishing development.

Giants add George Selvie to Steve Spagnuolo’s pass-rush mix

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he New York Giants are signing defensive end George Selvie, a pass-rusher who had seven sacks two years ago and three last season for the Dallas Cowboys, and who played his college football with Jason PierrePaul at South Florida. Our man Adam Schefter reports that it’s a one-year, $1.4 million contract with a $200,000 signing bonus.

Ronald Modra/Sports Imagery/Getty ImagesGeorge Selvie joins the Giants after registering 10 sacks over the past two seasons for Dallas.

The Giants will be Selvie’s fifth NFL team since he entered the league in 2010. He didn’t start a single game for the Rams, Panthers or Jaguars from 2010 to 2012, but he blossomed a bit under Rod Marinelli in Dallas, starting all 16 games in 2013 and 13 games in 2014. He just turned 28 two weeks ago, so it’s

George Selvie joins the Giants after registering 10 sacks over the past two seasons for Dallas.

possible he’s a late bloomer.

And yes, the Giants still need a starting safety. But this addition is a reminder of where their current priorities lie. The Giants have brought back Steve Spagnuolo as defensive coordinator, and you know that means they are determined to be as strong and fearsome as possible up front. They franchised PierrePaul to start at one of the defensive end spots, and the other starting spot could go to Damontre Moore, Robert Ayers or maybe even Selvie at this point. The idea is to stack volume on the defensive line, and to be able to put as many pass-rushers on the field as possible when the situation calls for it.

The Giants really like Moore and hope this is a big developmental year for him. They see Ayers as a good rotational piece and likely see Selvie the same way. They like what Ker-

ry Wynn flashed in limited action at the end of 2014. They signed run-stuffing defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis this week to play on the early downs and help Johnathan Hankins focus more on penetrating and rushing the passer. They know they can move Ayers, Wynn or Pierre-Paul inside to defensive tackle when they want to load up with four pass-rushers on passing downs, and Selvie gives them another piece to use in a creative rotation of pass-rushers. It wouldn’t be shocking to see them add another one in free agency or the draft. They do not want to run out of pass-rushers.

So that’s what this move is -a volume move to help the depth of the pass rush. They couldn’t get in on top-end guys like Jerry Hughes or Pernell McPhee at the start of free agency. So for what they’re looking to spend, Selvie seems like a decent fit.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper Misbah & Afridi quits international cricket

March 20-26, 2015

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akistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq admitted not scoring a century will remain a lifelong regret as the curtain fell on his 162-match, one-day career following defeat in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Australia got the better of Pakistan by six wickets in Adelaide on Friday to qualify for the semi-finals where they will meet defending champions India next Thursday in Sydney.

Misbah fell for 34 in Pakistan’s below-par total of 213 which Australia chased down for the loss of four wickets with 16.1 overs to spare.

Misbah, who retired from one-dayers on Friday along with fellow veteran Shahid Afridi, said his failure to score a oneday hundred would have to remain a regret.

“It was my wish (to score a one-day hundred) but it didn’t come about,” said Misbah, who has the most runs in all oneday cricket -- 5,122 in 162 matches -without scoring a hundred.

“I put my whole effort into it but that didn’t come and it will be a disappointment but I enjoyed my career and I am satisfied.”

Misbah’s highest one-day score was 96 came against the West Indies at The Oval in the 2013 Champions Trophy.

“It was really an honour to represent my country,” said Misbah, who will continue to play Test cricket.

“I enjoyed my cricket and gave everything to my country.”

The 40-year-old said he had no intention of reconsidering his decision to quit one-day cricket.

“I told the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about my plans,” said Misbah.

“Until and unless you put responsibili-

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ahab Riaz delivered one of the most fearsome spells in World Cup history but Australia, helped by some shoddy Pakistan fielding, weathered the storm and set up a semi-final showdown with India. Chasing 214 to win this quarter-final, Australia faced trouble at 59 for 3. Wahab delivered a bouncer barrage to Shane Watson but, like a zing bail earlier in the day, Watson wobbled but did not fall, and was there to strike the winning runs.

The key moment came when Wahab’s efforts led to a top edge from Watson that flew high to fine leg, where Rahat Ali contrived to drop the simplest of chances. Wahab let out a scream, and you could sense all the pressure he had built slowly dissipate. Wahab was playing like a cornered tiger; Rahat after his drop looked like a cornered kitten. Pakistan soon ran out of energy and options.

Watson, Steven Smith and Glenn Max-

South Africa end knockout streak

South Africa 134 for 1 (de Kock 78*) beat Sri Lanka 133 (Sangakkara 45, Tahir 4-26, Duminy 3-29) by 9 wickets

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Misbah and Afridi ty onto youngsters they will not improve and the time has come to do that, they need to take responsibility.

“I have played my innings. The PCB has a chance, these players have a chance to develop a team for the next World Cup and progress.”

Misbah said his message to the younger players is to work hard.

“If you want to compete at international level you have to work hard and that is what I learnt from my seniors and greats like Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad You-

suf, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.

“The kind of fighting spirit I saw in them, I followed and you have to follow that.”

Misbah singled out one-day victories in India (2012/13) and in South Africa (2013/2014) as his high points as skipper.

“Victories are special but beating India in India was big, then winning in South Africa to become the first Pakistan team to win a series there, that was also special.”

Australia book semi-final berth Australia 216 for 4 (Smith 65, Watson 64*) beat Pakistan 213 (Haris Sohail 41, Hazlewood 4-35) by 6 wickets

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well secured the result.

Just as Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene left ODI cricket with a disappointing loss on Wednesday, so too will Misbah-ul-Haq and Shahid Afridi.

Misbah was always in the game, though, his 34 helping to rebuild Pakistan’s innings and his captaincy asking questions of Australia. Who’d have thought that in a World Cup quarter-final a 40-year-old skipper would be under the helmet at short leg?

But so Misbah was as the pressure built on Australia. Wahab’s initial sixover spell brought 2 for 24 - David Warner cut to third man and Michael Clarke fended a short one to a man in close.

The Clarke wicket was indicative of Pakistan’s approach, and it only became clearer when Watson arrived.

Wahab fizzed bouncer after bouncer at Watson’s head and chest; Watson ducked and fended awkwardly. He scored only four times off Wahab in that spell, one flew off the shoulder of the bat short of third man, one was the drop

by Rahat. At the other end, Smith had

no such trouble, calmly compiling runs, cover driving with exquisite timing and placement. In terms of fluency, watching Smith and Watson batting together was like seeing Winston Churchill trying to converse with Manuel from Fawlty Towers.

But once Wahab was too exhausted to continue, Watson was a different batsman. He immediately pulled Sohail Khan for four, and the runs began to flow.

Smith fittingly brought up his half-century with a superb cover drive for four off Rahat from his 51st delivery, but was eventually lbw to Ehsan Adil walking across his stumps for 65.

Maxwell joined Watson after the 89run Smith-Watson stand and played some outlandish shots, including a tennis smash that flew off the frame of his racquet, or bat, and was put down by Sohail at third man. Typically, it was off a Wahab short ball. Pakistan will go no further in this tournament, but it will not be through any lack of effort from Wahab. Maxwell was on 44 and Watson 64 when the victory came.

hen South Africa were asked to chase in the big knockout, the mind obviously went to the stats: only one successful chase of 270 or more out of nine in the last four years, and four out of 14 chases of 240 or more.

The other side of the statistic was that their bowlers had allowed those scores - hardly big by current standards - extremely rarely. If they were to win for the first time in a World Cup knockout match, their batsmen would have to do it the difficult way or their bowlers would have to do it. The bowlers did it, and how: in the shortest World Cup knockout match of all they bowled Sri Lanka - who once again made questionable moves - out for 133 in a show of pumped-up skill, hostility and aggression.

Kyle Abbott, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel set it up with probing spells at the top, leaving Sri Lanka at 47 for 2 by the time spin was introduced in the 15th over. Imran Tahir and JP Duminymade sure the pressure wasn’t released, and were there to accept the wickets when the pressure became too much. Duminy became the first South African to take a hat-trick at the World Cup. Playing what turned out to be his last ODI innings, Kumar Sangakkara - who had scored four centuries in his last four innings - was neutralised through excellent bowling and the failure of the rest. His score at various points of the innings read 0 off 15, 2 off 27, 6 off 42, 34 off 90 and out for 45 off 96. He was the ninth man out with the score at 127, only just past the lowest score in a World Cup quarter-final: West Indies’ 112 against Pakistan in 2011.

On big days, you are looking for early signs that everything is going to be all right. Sri Lanka tried all sorts of verbal gamesmanship. When they won the toss, Angelo Mathews said, “Obviously the pressure will take it to them.” He introduced debutant offpsinner Tharindu Kaushal as a “duplicate Murali” and “mystery spinner”. They made mystery moves, too. Kusal Perera was asked to open although Lahiru Thirimanne had scored 261 runs at the top of the order this World Cup. Perera kept slashing at everything outside off until Abbott bowled a perfect seaming delivery, which looked like it would swing in when in air, but left him a touch upon pitching. The edge was taken, and would have died well short of first slip. There are quite a few specialist wicketkeepers going around today who wouldn’t even have attempted it. Quinton de Kock, who is under pressure for having scored just 53 runs this World Cup, not only went for it, not only got his left hand to it, but also took the rebound even as he dived. South Africa’s weakest link had come good. This was possibly the sign they were looking for. De Kock would go on to double his tournament aggregate in ensuring there were no hiccups in the chase.

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