Caribbean Star #35 vol.4

Caribbean First Interfaith Newspaper, Serving The Community

March 27-April 2, 2015

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Vol.4 #35

GUYANA

THREE SMUGGLERS, US$7 MILLION IN COCAINE SEIZED

BY US COAST GUARD IN CARIBBEAN SEA See More on Page 34

FOUR ON MURDER CHARGES OVER CANJE ‘ACCIDENT’

ANGELINA JOLIE HAS OVARIES AND FALLOPIAN TUBES REMOVED See More on Page 31

Vickram Sohan

Ameer Khan

Mahendra Samaroo

Lakeram Samaroo

GAYLE

See More on Page 38

UNION TAKES PROTEST TO KAMLA’S HOUSE

Jaipaul Datt

An East Canje, Berbice quartet was jointly charged with the 2014 murder of a 20-year-old man at the Reliance Magistrate’s Court yesterday and subsequently remanded to prison.

See More on Page

GUYANA

13

See More on Page 6

GUYANA

DEFENCE LAWYERS ACCUSE JUDGE OF ERRORS IN NEESA GOPAUL MURDER CONVICTIONS

NUDE BODY OF SCHOOLGIRL FOUND AT TURKEYEN SEAWALL See More on Page 31

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Lawyers for Bibi Sharima-Gopaul and her former lover Jarvis Small, the couple found guilty of savagely murdering 16-year-old Neesa Gopaul, have filed their notice of appeal, contesting the conviction and sentencing of their clients.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 27-April 2, 2015

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March 27-April 2, 2015

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March 27-April 2, 2015

ccusing Government of committing a crime against the House of Representatives, Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley and his People’s National Movement MPs walked out of the Parliament Chamber during yesterday’s no-confidence motion against Rowley.

They declared the motion was a further attempt to cover-up the circumstances of the proclamation of Section 34 in a bid to discredit Police Complaints Authority (PCA) director David West, a witness for Rowley in his defence against a defamation lawsuit filed by former Attorney General (AG) Anand Ramlogan.

For a while, Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner, leader of the Independent Liberal Party, was the only opposition MP to remain in the Chamber, but he too would walk out after being kept in check by Speaker Wade Mark when he hit out at the Government over the motion.

In what seemed to be a planned move, Colm Imbert, the representative for Diego Martin North/East, was the first and only PNM MP to counter Government Chief Whip Dr Roodal Moonilal’s opening statement on the motion, and gave the signal for the Opposition walkout.

Imbert described the motion against Rowley as “frivolous, vexatious, childish, vacuous, tenuous, absurd and having no basis and purpose”.

Asking what all the “tralala” was about, he declared, “Mr Speaker, I am not staying in this Parliament to continue this foolish debate.”

Throwing down a pile of papers on the desk while his PNM colleagues applauded, he said, “I am leaving now. It is overbearing. You could say whatever you want to say. Whatever you have to say. Say it outside. If you name man, if you name man, come outside. Don’t stay inside.”

As Imbert spoke his colleagues began to walk out as he packed up his things and he was the last to leave the chamber.

In his contribution to the debate, Imbert said Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was bent on using the Parliament to discredit West for her lack of consultations with her

Caribbean Star Newspaper IT'S A CRIME

Cabinet, Ramlogan and others in the criminal justice system, and to conduct background and security checks on him when nominating him to head the PCA. Instead she tried to lay the blame on Rowley, who will in no way benefit from West being appointed a PCA director, Imbert said adding, “I cannot accept that she operates by ‘vaps’.”

One would assume, he said, that one of the first things Persad-Bissessar would have done was to consult with the AG on the appointment, but instead West’s nomination was made by former National Security Minister Gary Griffith, and agreed that West was a suitable candidate.

Since Persad-Bissessar recommended West to Rowley, Imbert said one would have assumed that any normal person making such a recommendation would have conducted all due diligence.

Claiming there was no way West’s appointment could enrich Rowley, Imbert reiterated, “the inescapable conclusion in this whole tralala is to damage the credibility of Mr David West.”

West’s 12-page witness statement, he said, “if true, is awful”, but it has nothing to do with the defamation matter brought against Rowley

by Ramlogan.

“All West was testifying to”, Imbert said, was what happened in the extradition process of businessmen Steve Ferguson and Ish Galbaransingh, of being approached by Ramlogan, of being told to rescind instructions to arrest Ferguson and Galbaransingh, and to have nothing more to do with the extradition of the two men.

Government, he said, does not want people to know about the witness statement even though it was available in the registry of the courts for all to see.

When you look at the witness statement, he said, it had nothing to do with Rowley, but with everything pertaining to the Section 34 fiasco and witness tampering.

That was why the motion was frivolous and he could not stay in the Parliament, he said,

as he set the stage for the walkout amid desk thumping from his colleagues.

Condemning the walkout, Moonilal, who at the time was about to speak with reporters in the corridors outside the Chamber, said he was nearly “stampeded” by Port-of-Spain South MP Marlene McDonald and others behind her as they emerged from the chamber.

Noting that they “just simply pack up their bags and lunch kits and gone,” he said, “This is outrageous. Abandon the Parliament?”

Calling on the people to abandon the PNM for their “reckless attitude,” Moonilal said, “People vote for you to come to the Parliament to discuss the issues.”

The walkout, he said, builds the case that those aspiring to high office were unfit for it and lack dignity.

While the PNM MPs walked out on the motion against their leader who wants to be Prime Minister, he said Government MPs would not walkout on the Opposition’s motion on the conduct of Finance Minister Larry Howai.

“We don’t intend to walk out. We intend to participate in that debate,” he said. Although Moonilal said the Howai motion would take place tomorrow, at the end of the sitting he noted that the Opposition Chief Whip was not in the Chamber to set the agenda for that debate. Therefore, he declared the House would adjourn to April 8 to continue the debate against Rowley.

Government had six MPs lined up to speak yesterday, Moonilal said. Rowley later called reporters to a press conference and when asked why the MPs did not leave the Chamber when Moonilal spoke on the motion, he said, “If we had walked out before, how would the population have been educated about the origin and rejection of this motion as any aspect of the Commonwealth parliamentary practice?”

Rowley said Imbert was not “talking to them (Government benches). Mr Imbert’s presentation today was talking to the people of Trinidad ad Tobago.”

The PNM, he said, “will take no part in estab-

lishing this horrible precedent in Trinidad and Tobago and the Parliament. What we have not done for 59 years we will not do in our 60th year.”

He continued, “We will have no part of it.

They will stay in the Parliament and talk to themselves, and to Prakash Ramadhar.”

None of the PNM MPs, he said, walked out under duress.

Rowley reiterated that “the charade” in the Parliament was a continuation of the Prime Minister’s attack on West as a witness.

“The Parliament was being used in a most frightening way to terrorise and discredit a witness who is before the court on an explosive piece of testimony,” he said. The objective, he said, was to discredit West, and weaken and dilute his testimony before he goes to court to defend his allegations.

“It is not aimed at me, the Leader of the Opposition,” Rowley said, “it was aimed at David West.”

If West’s testimony survives in the court, he said, it means that the People’s Partnership Government should have been out of office since August 2013 on account of the Section 34 fiasco.

Claiming Persad-Bissessar used the Parliament to further a crime, he said she misled Government, Independent, and Opposition MPs on the Administration of Justice Act when she allowed the proclamation of Section 34.

“If she has confidence in me then I have an issue,” he said adding, “if they have confidence in me, they would want to share the loot with me.”

Reiterating his call for elections to be held now, Rowley said the Parliament was being used by Government to protect people who should be having their day in court. Responding to Moonilal that he had an apartment at One Woodbrook Place, Rowley said that even though he has never been unemployed since the age of 17 and his wife has been practising law for the past 30 years, he cannot afford to buy an apartment there.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 27-April 2, 2015

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 27-April 2, 2015

Exxon well one-third of the way

Union takes protest to Kamla's house

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HE OILFIELD Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) led a protest to the private residence of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at SS Erin Road, Phillipine today.

Union president general Ancel Roget and about fifty members stood at the gate to the compound, singing union songs and waving placards.

Within twenty minutes, several police vehicles arrived, and the group was told that they would not be allowed to block the entrance.

Roget responded that the residence was not private, since Persad-Bissessar had used the venue to call a State of Emergency in 2012. The group eventually continued their protest away from the gates.

The union is demanding that the government settle all outstanding negotiations before calling the general election, and the first order of business should be to settle with the police. It is uncertain if Persad-Bissessar is at the residence, where she often conducts meetings.

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xxonMobil’s rig, Deepwater Champion has completed drilling for roughly one third of the allotted time the energy giant committed to for its well offshore Demerara.

Drilling commenced for the US$200M oil exploration project on March 5 and the company has a 60day drilling schedule planned, with

the intention of drilling at a depth of 1750 metres. The total area allotted to Exxon for exploration covers 26, 806 square kilometres.

Prior to drilling commencing, Country Manager, Jeff Simon told Stabroek News that the process had been smooth with the rig arriving on time and checks being done seamlessly.

Commonwealth restates support for Guyana’s territorial integrity

T Members of the Oilfield Workers Trade Union march outside the private residence of Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar at Phillipines, near San Fernando.

he Commonwealth Sec-retariat yesterday said that the Secretariat had received an update from Guyana on recent developments concerning the challenge to petroleum exploration

by Venezuela within what Guyana maintains to be its exclusive economic zone.

A spokesperson for the Secretariat recalled the Commonwealth’s “consistent and unequivocal support for the preservation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and said that Guyana’s concerns had been brought to the attention of all Commonwealth member states.”

The spokesperson added that the Com-monwealth – a grouping of former British colonies – has remained engaged with the issue and looked forward to the settlement of differences bilaterally through dialogue and cooperation.

Venezuela earlier this month objected to drilling by ExxonMobil off the Demerara coast.

The company is however proceeding with drilling. Venezuela argues that part of the concession stretches into its waters. Guyana denies this.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 27-April 2, 2015

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Lord Rama – A Supreme Being My name is Sunita Bacchus and I am a blessed member of the Shaanti Bhavan Mandir. As our minds are blissfully charged with the power of Maa Devi, we continue to embrace the divine knowledge bestowed on us during these past nine nights as we celebrate Vasanta Navraatri and embrace the coming of our sweet Lord Rama.

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s my eyes began to open this morning, I peacefully lay in my bed and listened to the sounds that echoed around me. I heard chirping of birds that echoed sweet notes. In the distance my ears heard the calling out of a lone bird which seemed to be singing another tune but still beautiful to my ears. Instead of focusing on my agenda and my responsibilities, at that very moment my focus was on the melodious and sweet sounds which made my entire being happy, calm, peaceful, relaxed, and contented. At that point, I had no care in the world but to focus on what the great lord has blessed me with. Suddenly, there was an interruption to my perfect world, a plane passing drowned out the sweet sounds and though still in a good place, the noise from the plane caused me to shift my focus back to reality, and focus on what I needed to conquer. I share with you my knowledge of who Lord Rama is and Ramnawmi.

Lord Rama is the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu and is one of the most popular deities in Hinduism.

He is considered as the Supreme Being and is the key figure in the Ramayana. Lord Rama is the embodiment of compassion, courage, gentleness, righteousness and integrity; and inasmuch as he possessed great strength/power, he was still peaceful and gentle

in nature. He ardently practiced an adherence to dharma as our wonderful scriptures clearly notates. He was a skilled marksman and used his skills only to rid the world of evil.

It was believed that Rama lived in the Yug of Treta. In many pictures and books Lord Rama is represented as a figure that is standing with an arrow in his right hand, always accompanied by his wife Maa Sita, brother Lakshmana and the embodiment of strength , Lord Hanumanji. He was an ideal husband, brother, son and king.

A role model he was and is to all mankind.

As Hindus celebrate Ramnavami on Saturday, March 28, 2015, I will briefly delve in to the significance of Ramnawmi.

Ramnawmi falls on the ninth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra. This is one of the most revered and important Hindu festivals and is celebrated with great fervor by Hindus all over the world. We celebrate this auspicious holiday to remember the birth of Lord Rama, son of King Dasarath and Queen Kausilya. As individuals we pray but also as a community we pray jointly to rid the world of negativity and all the forces associated with it. We pray for our lives along with our brothers and sisters of the world to experience and have peace of mind, happiness and a life filled with the

divine being.

In this period, Hindus sought to rid the mind of negative thoughts and purify the body. Hindus celebrate this day and pray for peace, bliss and divinity not just in their lives but for the entire universe.

It is also the celebration of good over evil but ideally we yearn to have the characteristics of Lord Rama. The Bhagvad Gita states that Lord Rama made his entrance into this world for the sole purpose of destroying the demon Ravana – good conquering evil.

It is also important to note that it is not only a day to celebrate the birth of Lord Rama but some authors and knowledgeable pundits say it is the day when Lord Rama and Maa Sita were married.

During this period not only do we need to prepare our mind but also our bodies. While some Hindus fast for Ramnawmi, the first eight days that leads up to

Ramnawmi are also a period of fasting for Hindus. Hindus fast until noon or by eating only once a day. Another option of fasting is until midnight and some fasts on the first and last day of Navratri (last day being celebration of the birth of Lord Rama). One option of fasting is refraining from meat, fish and eggs. This is recommended during this period or any religious period. Many substitute their meal with fruits, fruit extracts and vegetarian foods.

Also many devotees clean their homes and alters. In preparation to celebrate the birth of Rama many temples in the community perform a thorough cleaning. The moorties in temples are cleaned and adorned in decorations for the coming of Lord Rama but also for all the devotees who will visit night after night.

There are several ways to celebrate this joyous occasion.

Hindus worldwide celebrate in temples and homes by reciting prayers which adore the glory of Lord Rama. There are many Hindus that read from the scripture known as the Ramacharatimanas at this time to familiarize themselves of the teachings of Ram. Poojas are performed, messages are shared by Pundits, bhajans and kirtans are sung in dedication to Lord Rama. These religious songs depict his life and what he stands for currently in our lives.

The most emotional aspect of celebrating Ramnawmi is the rocking of the cradle with baby Rama seated inside. Mother’s reminisce on the purity of their grown children but also their innocence.

Adults are reminded by the baby in the crib to strive to be innocent again and rid their lives of the negative qualities. It is not just a day of celebration but a day for Hindus to reexamine themselves and practice the principles of Hinduism.

There is no denying that Lord Rama is someone who is revered, loved and worshiped by Hindus worldwide. Hindus and people of other faiths aspire for peace, tranquility for their families as well as for themselves. But as Hindus, we do not only aspire to have these wishes for ourselves but we also pray for everlasting peace for the entire world, something that is very difficult to achieve. Nevertheless, let’s remember what Lord Rama represents. Let us continue to pray and hope that one day that the peace and tranquility we seek not just in our lives but in this vast kingdom, is very much possible.

Shubh Navratri & Ramnawmi.

May you continue to experience peace and happiness in your lives.

Please come out and celebrate the last three nights of Navratri at the humble home of the Shaanti Bhavan Mandir, 112-06 Jamaica Avenue.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 27-April 2, 2015

Nude body of schoolgirl found at Turkeyen seawall

he nude body of a female third form student of the Campbellville Secondary School was found at the seawall just off Turkeyen.

She was later identified, at the Lyken Funeral Parlour by her mother Maylene Williams, as 15 year old Alicia Alli who resided in an apartment complex in the nearby community of Cummingslodge.

The body of Alicia Alli being retrieved from the seawall yesterday.

The body of Alicia Alli being retrieved from the seawall y Stabroek News was told by a friend of the teen’s mother that around 7pm on

Tuesday evening the teen was asked by her mother to purchase bread at a nearby shop.

However after several hours elapsed and she did not return her mother became worried and solicited the help of friends to search the area for the girl.

Their attempts were futile and they subsequently visited the Sparendaam Police Station where they made a missing person’s report.

It was the police who informed the mother yesterday that the body was found and transported her to the morgue where Alli was positively identified.

The body of Alicia Alli being retrieved from the seawall

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Woman says stole cash for sick mother

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young woman was on Tuesday charged with stealing cash from her former employer, which she said was intended to be used for her mother’s surgery.

Parbattie Abhimanan, 22, bowed her head as she walked into the prisoner’s dock at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court 1.

It is alleged that between March 5 and March 9, 2015, Abhimanan, now an ex-employee of Fullworks, stole $361,000 from Hardat Persaud.

Abhimanan initially pleaded guilty to the charge but changed her plea.

According to the prosecution, Persaud secured the cash in a drawer on March 5, 2015. He returned for the cash on March 9 but he noticed the drawer had been pried opened and the cash was missing.

The matter was reported to the police and an investigation was carried out with all the employees. Abhimanan later admitted to stealing the money.

“It was for my sick mother’s surgery,” Abhimanan explained to Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry as she continued to bow her head.

After Abhimanan changed her plea, the Chief Magistrate placed her on $75,000 bail. Her next court date is April 13, 2015.

March 27-April 2, 2015 9 Caribbean Star Newspaper ‘Hurt’ Ramotar plans complaint to Obama on Amaila project

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resident Donald Ramotar is hoping that a planned meeting between United States President Barack Obama and CARICOM leaders on April 9th in Jamaica would present the opportunity for him to express his government’s “hurt” at the stalled Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP).

“Particularly Amaila and the incredible abandonment of the Blackstone and the Sithe Global deal on Amaila. We have been hurt and we need to rekindle interest, maintain the level of interest of investors in Guyana, particularly related to its developmental agenda,” Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon said yesterday.

Before US-based Sithe Global pulled out from here in August 2013 as the developer of the US$858.2 million, 165-megawatt hydro venture, the AFHP was shrouded in controversy as costs escalated. Sithe Global pulled out of the AFHP citing a lack of political consensus. The company had issued explicit statements that unless all three parties in Parliament backed two measures for the controversial US$858 million project it would pull out. The measures were not fully supported and the company walked away.

However, the Ramotar administration has consistently maintained that it will continue to pursue the Amaila hydropower venture.

In February, the President stated that another company was identified to replace Blackstone/Sithe Global as the developer for the AFHP. Speaking at the commissioning of a US$35 million power plant at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara on February 9, Ramotar said that government is working towards beginning the construction of the actual project before the end of this year.

He reiterated his position during an address at Port Mourant earlier this month but is yet to identify who the new developers are. It is also unclear what due diligence they were subjected to. Other officials are also tightlipped on the identity of the prospective new investor and a source recently would only confirm that discussions are ongoing.

According to the source, any premature announcement of the identity of the prospective investor will prejudice ongoing discussions.

Dr Luncheon yesterday explained that on the agenda for the meeting be-

tween Obama and the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are trade and security in the region.

Prime Minister of Jamaica Portia Simpson Miller last week informed that Jamaica will host the meeting and discussions will centre on issues on the

CARICOM-USA agenda including security and trade. According to her, they will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The Jamaican Prime Minister also stated that plans were in place to hold bilateral talks on a range of issues of mutual interest.

Stabroek News understands that while bilateral talks are planned with the host country, up to yesterday it was still unclear if the other CARICOM Heads of State would have the same opportunity with the US president.

Diplomatic protocol would prohibit a Head of State from galvanizing or advancing support for a specific government project during a regional discussion. Stabroek News understands that the total time for the regional meeting will be about two to three hours.

As such, Ramotar might only be able to mention Amaila in passing as a regional development issue on the grounds that it is a renewable energy initiative. In that context, the President could say that his country has been putting policies in place for hydropower and Amaila could be used as an example.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper Mash day murder convicts jailed for 75 years each

March 27-April 2, 2015

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evon Thomas, 22, and Randy Isaac, 19, were yesterday sentenced to 75 years each in jail, after being found guilty of murdering 25-year-old businessman Kumar Mohabir, on Mashramani Day, 2013.

The sentences were handed down by Justice Navindra Singh, after a 12-member jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict following three hours of deliberation. The judge ordered that the men not be eligible for parole, until after they would have spent 40 years behind bars.

The two were on trial in the High Court for the murder of Mohabir, of Enterprise, East Coast Demerara, who died of multiple stab wounds, in the wee hours of the morning of February 24, 2013.

Justice Singh explained to the two young men that his sentencing began at a base of 60 years.

He then informed them that 10 years were added for the injuries inflicted, while he added another five years for the cruelty of the attack.

Asked by the judge’s clerk whether they had anything to

Kumar Mohabir

Devon Thomas

say as to why the court should not go ahead and pass sentence on them, a visibly shocked Thomas, holding a Quran in his hand, said, “I am innocent about this charge, the only person can judge me, is Allah.”

After addressing the court, Thomas sat in the prisoners’ dock, with his head bent on the Quran which he cradled in his hands; shaking his head in seeming disbelief.

Meanwhile, Isaac who also held a Quran, and wore an expressionless look on his face, said, “I’m innocent.”

As they were being escorted

from the courtroom, Thomas patted his grandfather’s head as he walked past the elderly man who sat still, watching his grandson being whisked away to prison.

The verdict and sentences were received with sighs of relief by Mohabir’s family. Relatives of the convicts could however be heard making sounds of distress.

One woman broke into tears and had to be consoled, while a number of persons got up and left the courtroom, prompting the police to order persons to remain seated in a bid to main-

tain order.

Advancing factors of mitigation on behalf of their respective clients, attorneys Latchmie Rahamat and Peter Hugh, said that they had previously unblemished records, and had no pending matters.

Rahamat who represented Thomas, said her client was 19 years old at the time he was charged and had a fixed address at 95 Better Hope South, East Coast Demerara.

Hugh meanwhile, who said that his client was 17 years old at the time of the incident, begged the court to impose a minimum sentence.

After being called to lead their defence on Monday, the young men had proclaimed their innocence, after giving un-sworn statements from the prisoners’ dock, in which they expressed a desire to go home and be reunited with their families.

The state’s case as presented

by Prosecutor Stacy Goodings, in association with attorney Diana Kaulesar, is that on Mashramani Day, Kumar, who was with his family, was attacked by Thomas and Isaac, along with

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other persons.

She said he was taken to the hospital where he later died.

Main prosecution witness and eyewitness, Navindra Mohabir, Kumar’s brother, had testified that Thomas and Isaac, both of whom he said he knew well, were the men who stabbed and beat both him and his now dead brother.

Navindra had maintained under cross-examination that he was not mistaken about the identities of the two. “When I see them, I recognise them right away, ’cause I know them,” he had emphasised.

In directing the jury, Justice Singh explained how the law needed to be applied to the facts of the case. He emphasised to the jurors that they were the “judges of fact,” while he was the “judge of the law.”

The trial which commenced on March 16, saw nine witnesses who testified on behalf of the state which included policemen and civilians. With the exception of the convicts each giving unsworn testimonies however, no witnesses were called by the defence.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 27-April 2, 2015

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 27-April 2, 2015 Caribbean Star Newspaper Greenidge ‘barking up the wrong tree’ –Dr Luncheon

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HE legal challenge regarding a loan agreement inked between the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Government of Guyana, which was advanced

by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) executive, Carl Greenidge was considered by Cabinet at its weekly meeting on Tuesday.And Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, contends that “Greenidge is barking up the wrong tree” in his attempt to prevent Government from accessing the funds available under the loan.

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.

The challenge seeks to have proceeds of the sums of money under the loan agreement between the Government of Guyana and the Inter-American Development Bank be paid into the Consolidated Fund and for those moneys not to be withdrawn without the authority of an Appropriation Act. It further seeks a Conservatory Order restraining the Minister of Finance from spending the proceeds of the said loan until the substantive matter is heard and determined.

The attempt to block the continuation of the current Administration’s developmental agenda, in the months

before the May 11 Regional and General Elections, will not stymie the Government’s efforts, according to the Cabinet Secretary.

“He may be in the court a lot,” Dr. Luncheon said.

He stressed the fact that the Constitution and other legislative provisions pertaining to government spending in the months where there is no Appropriation Act (no budget) are clear.

The Cabinet Secretary added that these statutory provisions have not been breached.

Luncheon told reporters that Guyana as a developing country that depends on external financing from domestic and foreign partners – the more common partners being the International Development Bank (IDB), World Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and others.

He also pointed to the bilateral relations Guyana has with countries, including India and China, which support the nation’s development.

“Mr. Greenidge himself was involved with the donor community for the same purpose he is now taking the Government to court for,” Dr. Luncheon said.

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,

Four on murder charges over Canje ‘accident’

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n East Canje, Berbice quartet was jointly charged with the 2014 murder of a 20-year-old man at the Reliance Magistrate’s Court yesterday and subsequently remanded to prison.

Brothers Mahendra Samaroo, 30, called ‘Labba’ and Lakeram Samaroo, 26, called ‘Kettle Boy,’ who are cane harvesters and live at Betsy Ground; Ameer Khan called ‘Buddo’, a mason of Fort Ordnance and Jaipaul Datt, 34, called ‘Vickram’ also of Betsy Ground were charged with killing Vickram Sohan called ‘Robbie’ of Betsy Ground at New Forest. Sohan died on October 21, 2014. They appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus yesterday and were not required to plead to the charge. The allegation is that sometime on October 14, 2014, the quartet hit Sohan off his motorcycle in the vicinity of New Forest. Sohan was found in an unresponsive condition and rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital. At the time, it was said that he had been involved in an accident. Owing to his severe condition he was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital on October 15.

His mother, Jaiwantie Singh, called ‘Lay, Lay’, who spoke to Stabroek News yesterday in the court compound said they had taken him to the Woodlands Hospital on October 16.

She explained that doctors had told her family that her son had been lashed in his head. The post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as massive head inju-

ries, a fractured spine and bronchopneumonia.

But up to the day of his burial, the mother said, she had believed her son died as a result of an accident. Singh said however, that there were lingering questions as to how the motorcycle was not damaged, but her son was so seriously injured.

The grieving mother said they had not reported the incident to the police as they were afraid of Sohan being locked up if he had recovered as he was not a licensed rider.

It was only in recent months that an eyewitness who was in turmoil with his conscience came forward and told the deceased’s mother how her son allegedly met his demise.

Attorney Ramesh Rajkumar, who represented the four accused, provided biographical information on them and asked Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus for a speedy preliminary inquiry.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Phillip Sheriff’ had no objections and the PI was set to begin yesterday afternoon.

Moments before the court proceedings began, family members of the accused flocked the court compound and as the men were being escorted into the court, they wailed loudly.

Datt’s mother looked at him and said, “Pray my son go down on your knees and pray.”

Six persons, civilians and lawmen, are expected to testify.

13

Dr Roger Luncheon 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.

April 1 has been the date scheduled for a hearing of the matter. ***pull quotes: ‘Mr. Greenidge himself was involved with the donor community for the same purpose he is now taking the government to court for’ – Dr Roger Luncheon

14

March 27-April 2, 2015

ISLAM Peace / submission to the will of our creator.

Spreading the message of Islam.

“And whose words can be better than his, who calls (people) towards Allah, and performs good deeds. And says: ‘I am one of those who submit to Allah!’”

Certain commentators have written that whoever invites people to Allah through any means deserves the honor mentioned in the above verse.

For instance, the prophets call people to Allah by means of miracles, and supernatural actions, the scholars invite them by preaching and arguments, the Muslim warriors call them by means of conquest; and the muazzins call them by means of the azaan. In short, whoever invites people to good deeds deserves this reward, whether he calls them to the formal observances of Islam or to the internal improvements of the spirit, like the mystics who stress the purification of the heart and the realization of Allah’s attributes. Such a person should also be proud of the honor bestowed on him by Allah, of being categorized as a Muslim, and he should proclaim this honor in words.

Some other commentators interpret that he should not be proud of being a preacher, but should consider himself as an ordinary Muslim. “(O Prophet! SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) preach to them (the Truth), for preaching proves very beneficial for the Believers.”

The commentators have written that by preaching is meant instructing the believers through the verses of the Holy Qur’an, for these would guide them to the Right Path. But such a preaching can be useful for the disbelievers also, for thereby they may become believers.

However nowadays, preaching is not performed regularly and properly. Generally the object of the preachers is to show off their ability and eloquence to the listeners, whereas the Holy Prophet (SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) has said: “Whoever learns the art of declamation in order to attract the people towards himself, his prayers and observances, whether obligatory or optional, will not be accepted on the Day of Judgment.”

“And command your family to ob-

serve the prayers, and also perform these yourself regularly. We do not ask you for sustenance. We will give you sustenance; and the ultimate success is for the God-fearing.”

Numerous traditions say that whenever anyone complained of poverty to the Holy Prophet (SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM), he recited this verse, and advised him to perform his prayers regularly, as though pointing to the fact that regularity in prayers will lead to ample provision.

It has been stressed in this verse to do a thing yourself before giving instructions to other, because this is a more effective and successful method of preaching. That is why all the prophets themselves first did what they preached to others. Thus they became examples for their followers, who would not then think that the teaching of their religion are so difficult to carry out.

Moreover, Allah has promised ample provision for those who perform the prayers regularly, so that they should never feel that prayers can interfere with the earning of their livelihood, whether through trade, service, etc.

Thereafter it is stated as a rule, that ultimate success and salvation will be attained by the God-fearing only.

“0 son! Perform thy prayers regularly; and command people to do good deeds, and prevent them from forbidden things, and bear patiently whatever befalls you (in the preaching of Truth): undoubtedly this demands courage!”

(Surah Luqmaan: 17) In this verse, several important things for a Muslim have been mentioned, which can be a means for our salvation; but we have neglected these very badly.

Not to speak of the lack of preaching the truth, we have neglected even the prayers, which is a basic principle of Islam, in fact the most important after faith. There are so many people who do not perform their prayers at all; but even those who do, hardly perform it with all its requisites, such as congregational prayers. It is the poor only who perform the prayers with congregation in the mosque, while the rich feel it below their dignity to be present in the

Caribbean Star Newspaper

mosque.

“0 careless person! What is an insult for you, is a matter of pride for me.”

“0 Muslims! there must be a group among you who would invite people to Good; and would command them to do good deeds, and would prevent them from forbidden things; and these are the people who will attain salvation.*’ (Surah Aaliimraan: 105) In this verse, Allah has clearly commanded the Muslims to prepare a group or party which would preach Islam throughout the world: but we see that the Muslims have totally neglected this commandment. On the other hand, the non-Muslims, are preaching their religion day and night. For instance, parties of Christian missionaries have been specially assigned to propagate their religion in the whole world; similarly other communities are trying their best to preach their own religions. But the question is, is there such an organization among the Muslims? The answer, if not in the negative, cannot be in the affirmative either.

If any individual or any party among the Muslims arises for the preaching of Islam, unreasonable objections are raised against them, instead of giving them help and co-operation, whereas it is the duty of every true Muslim to help those who preach Islam, and to remove shortcomings where necessary; but these people neither do anything themselves to preach Islam, nor help those who have devoted their lives to this sacred cause. Thus the result is that even the sincere and unselfish preachers are disappointed, and give up their efforts in this regard.

“0 Muslims! You are the best of peoples, who have been selected for the guidance of mankind; you enjoin them to do good deeds, and prevent them from forbidden things; and you have firm faith in Allah.” (Surah Aali Imraan: 10) That the Muslims are the best of all nations, has been asserted in certain sayings of the Holy Prophet (SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) also; and there are some verses of the Holy Qur’an that corroborate this. Even the above-mentioned verse bestows the honor of ‘Best Nation’ on us, provided we preach Islam, command people to do good and prevent them from evil.

The commentators have written that in this verse, the preaching of truth and prevention of evil has been mentioned before faith even, whereas faith (Imaan) is the root of all Islamic beliefs and actions. The reason is that faith has been a common factor among all the nations of the world, but the special thing that has particularly distin-

guished the Muslims is the mandate enjoining people to do good, and to prevent them from evil.

So, this is the real basis for the superiority of the Muslims, whenever they fulfilled it; and since in Islam good actions are of little value without faith, it is therefore specifically mentioned at the end of the verse. In fact, the real object in this verse is to emphasize the importance of enjoining people to do good deeds, and this is the distinguishing feature of the Muslim Ummah. It is not sufficient to enjoin good and to prevent from evil only now and then, but this practice should continue at all times and on all occasions regularly.

Reference to the task of preaching the truth are found in earlier religions, but the distinguishing merit of the Muslim Ummah lies in taking it up as a regular assignment. This is not a temporary work, but a permanent one.

“In the talk of an assembly of common folk there is no good at all, except those who command people to give charity (to the poor) or instruct them to do good things, or make peace between people (they will be rewarded by Allah).

And whoever does this only to please Allah, soon he will receive a great reward from Allah.” (Surah Nisaa: 114) In this verse, Allah has promised a great reward for those who preach truth; and how great and honorable can be the reward that has been called ‘great’ by Allah.

In this context, the Holy Prophet (SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) has said, “A man’s words may be a burden (sin) for him, except those that he has spoken for giving instructions for good deeds, and preventing others from forbidden things, or for remembering Allah.”

In another Hadith, the Holy Prophet (SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) has said, “Shall I tell you a virtue better than optional prayer, fasting and charity?” His Companions said, “You must tell us that virtue, 0 Messenger of Allah!” (SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM). He said: “To make peace between people, for hate and mutual conflict uproot good deeds, just as a razor removes the hair.”

There are many more verses of the Holy Qur’an and sayings of the Holy Prophet (SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) that instruct us to make peace between people. What we mean to emphasize here is that to make peace between people is also another form of instructing them to do good and preventing them from evil. To introduce peace and cooperation in the society should therefore be given due importance.

March 27-April 2, 2015 Caribbean Star Newspaper Parties set for key rallies at Kitty, Whim

T

he two major political contestants will kick their campaign into high gear on Sunday with the PPP holding its first major rally in the city and the APNU+AFC alliance heading to Whim, Berbice.

In what is shaping up to be a close race in the May 11 general and regional elections, the rallies at Kitty and Whim will give an indication of the crowds the two parties can pull in areas which are not their traditional strongholds. The two parties and their supporters have been active in the news and social media as well as holding meetings on street-corners as

both seek to put forth their programmes and win supporters.

The two parties have not published their manifestos as yet but are active on social media with the PPP in recent days pushing its #livingthechange and #embraceprogress campaign on Facebook utilizing images of projects it has undertaken while in government while the APNU+AFC alliance pushes ahead with their #ItIsTime and #MoveForward campaign on the social media platform.

The PPP’s rally comes against the backdrop of a raging controversy involving former president Bharrat Jagdeo who im-

plied that the party’s founder Dr Cheddi Jagan lived in luxury comparable to his own lifestyle. On Monday, two weeks after Jagdeo made the statement, party General Secretary Clement Rohee finally stated that the former president’s remarks do not reflect the official position of the party. Rohee initially did not defend the Jagans when questioned on the matter and his statement on Monday underscored division in the party over the Jagdeo remarks.

In the intervening period, Jagdeo’s assertion attracted criticism from supporters of both Cheddi and Janet Jagan,

15

including their children, as well as former party stalwart Ralph Ramkarran. Jagdeo has faced scrutiny and criticism over his inability to account for his personal wealth after his two terms in office.

Jagdeo, at a press conference at Freedom House, had said, “I don’t believe ministers should have to live in a logie to prove that they are not corrupt… Cheddi Jagan didn’t have to prove that by living in a logie.”

This was his reply when asked if he believed that his posh home at ‘Pradoville 2’ and the rapid accumulation of wealth by ministers would be within the late president’s ideals.

“I don’t think Cheddi Jagan, living in Bel Air Park at that time, in a nice house, was typical of Guyana. But Cheddi Jagan lived at that time there. Did that weaken his commitment to the cause? No. At that time that was a prime area. It was a big piece of land, nice house and it still is a nice house,” Jagdeo said.

Following the comments by the former president, Ramkarran said that it was a “sin” for Jagdeo to use the name of the late President Jagan to “justify his mansion, his pension and his Cadillac lifestyle.”

“The impression given by Dr Jagdeo that Cheddi Jagan built a mansion, at the time comparable to his own, in an existing exclusive area is completely false and disingenuous,” Ramkarran said.

The Jagans’ daughter Nadira Jagan-Brancier had said too that Jagdeo’s comments were untrue. “I am extremely disappointed that Bharrat Jagdeo would try to compare his lifestyle to that of my parents, former presidents Dr Cheddi Jagan and Mrs Janet Jagan, and defend his opulent lifestyle by pathetically claiming that my parents also lived in a large house in an affluent community. Nothing could be further from the truth,” she had said.

Meantime, the APNU+AFC rally at Whim will give an indication of the alliance’s support in Berbice- a PPP stronghold. In the 2011 elections, the AFC managed to pull a significant number of votes away from the PPP in Berbice which resulted in the combined opposition gaining a majority in the National Assembly and relegating President Donald Ramotar to a minority government. It will be a key test of whether the opposition alliance’s prime ministerial candidate Moses Nagamootoo can attract a substantial crowd in his home village following the AFC’s link-up with APNU. PPP supporters have characterized Nagamootoo’s participation in the alliance as a betrayal and have been arguing strongly that the alliance is essentially the PNC of old notwithstanding the fact that the AFC will be guaranteed 12 seats in Parliament.

The May 11 elections are two years early as with the three sides failing to see eye-to-eye, gridlock in the National Assembly ensued, and facing a no-confidence motion, Ramotar suspended Parliament then called elections.

Votes from Berbice would be critical if the joint opposition is to keep its gains and the rallies come as the campaigns kick into high gear and with expectations that the parties would unveil their programmes for the country should they win the May 11 elections.

16

Caribbean Star Newspaper Businessman charged with abducting, confining woman Suspect charged with murdering A fisherman in Atlantic Ocean March 27-April 2, 2015

businessman was among three persons on Monday brought before a city court to answer charges of the alleged abduction and unlawful confinement of a woman.

Freeman Fordyce, Nelson Pratt and Carl Klass appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry to face the charges. Two of the men were subsequently remanded to prison, while Klass had the charge of unlawful confinement against him withdrawn by the prosecution after the court heard he had no part in the crime.

According to Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, between August 27 and August 31, 2014, Rhonda Ward was standing on Croal Street when Fordyce, the businessman, drove up and stopped in front of her.

He then allegedly proceeded to push Ward into his car, after which he drove to a house in Alberttown, where he forcibly kept her confined, while Nelson Pratt kept watch. The woman was, however, released the same day.

In addition to the abduction charge read to him, Fordyce was also charged with assaulting a police officer and

behaving in a disorderly manner on March 20 at the Brickdam Police Station.

Both Fordyce and Pratt pleaded not guilty to the charges read to them.

On behalf of Fordyce, attorney Peter Hugh stated that the man owns a pawn shop, from where Ward had borrowed $500,000 but was subsequently unable to repay.

Hugh said further that on the day of the alleged abduction, Fordyce had offered to take Ward to a relative’s home, in hopes of getting the money which was owed

to him. However, when Ward failed to provide the money, he said Fordyce pushed her out of his car. Fordyce was allegedly arrested and charged two days after the incident occurred.

Mangru objected to bail, saying he feared if it were granted the accused would attempt to tamper with Ward.

He also asked the court to take into consideration the seriousness of the crime and the penalty it attracts.

The Chief Magistrate afterward refused bail for the duo and ordered them to return to court on April 2 for trial.

Randolph Williams

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suspect was yesterday charged with the murder of Dundee, Mahaicony fisherman Avo Singh, who police say was dumped into the Atlantic Ocean by crewmates after an argument.

However, only Randolph Williams, 37, called ‘Spanish,’ of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, was brought before Magistrate Charlyn Artiga to answer the murder charge at the Whim Magistrate’s Court.

The charge stated that Williams, a fisherman, on March 17, 2015, in the vicinity of Number 35 Village, murdered Singh.

As the charge was read to Williams, he stood and listened attentively. When questioned by the magistrate about his address, he told her he resides at Good Hope with his grandmother. He also explained to the magistrate that he is the father of an 11-year-old and is currently in a common law relationship.

Bail was refused and the matter has been adjourned until April 15th.

Police said Singh, 22, of Lot 20 Dundee, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, had an argument with other crewmen aboard their fishing vessel in the Atlantic Ocean, off the foreshore of Bush Lot, Berbice and was thrown overboard. His three fellow crew members, including the captain, were afterward taken into custody.

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March 27-April 2, 2015 17 Caribbean Star Newspaper Defence lawyers accuse judge of errors in Neesa Gopaul murder convictions

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awyers for Bibi Sharima-Gopaul and her former lover Jarvis Small, the couple found guilty of savagely murdering 16-year-old Neesa Gopaul, have filed their notice of appeal, contesting the conviction and sentencing of their clients.

On March 5th, Justice Navindra Singh sentenced Sharima-Gopaul, the girl’s mother, to 106 years in jail, while he sentenced Small, called ‘Barry, to 96 years, following a unanimous guilty verdict by a 12-member jury at the end of the High Court trial. However, the lawyers for both Sharima-Gopaul, 42, and Small, 37, are contending that Justice Singh committed several errors during the conduct of the trial, including the admittance of evidence that was prejudicial and failing to properly direct the jury. They also say the sentences handed down were far too excessive.

In his notice of appeal, which was filed last Tuesday, Small’s attorney Lyndon Amsterdam has advanced four grounds for the challenge. He and his team say Justice Singh erred in law when he refused an application

made on behalf of Small to have a separate trial and when he overturned a no-case submission made on behalf of Small and that he admitted inadmissible evidence, resulting in Small not having a fair trial. They also say the sentence was excessive, irrational and not made in accordance with any established principles of law.

In a brief interview with Stabroek News, Amsterdam expressed hope for an early hearing. “The defence is hopeful that the record will be prepared as early as possible, and that the number one, (Small), will be afforded an early hearing of his appeal,” Amsterdam said.

Meanwhile, attorney George Thomas, who represents Sharima-Gopaul, has advanced 25 grounds for his appeal.

Among other things, Thomas listed that the trial judge failed to sufficiently put his client’s defence to the jury; that the judge misdirected the jury in relation to the evidence, findings and explanations of the forensic pathologist to the extent of inconsistencies and discrepancies with the story of the main prosecution witness; and that the

judge erred in law in admitting evidence, which was more prejudicial than probative, through the main prosecution witness, and failed to direct the jury on the effect of this evidence being inconsistent with other existing evidence.

Thomas is also appealing on grounds that the judge failed to sufficiently guide the jury, or at all, on how to approach the evidence, particularly in respect of circumstantial evidence and drawing inferences and that the judge failed to show how to apply the rule of drawing inferences favourable to the accused.

Cited as grounds for appeal also is the claim that the judge misdirected the jury on how to approach the evidence, particularly in respect to the nexus or connecting evidence between his client and the items associated with the death of the deceased.

Thomas is contending too that Justice Singh failed to warn the jury to disregard the misrepresentation of the evidence and the appealing to emotions stated by the prosecution in the matter.

He also has charged that that

the judge failed to sufficiently direct the jury, or at all, on how to approach the evidence, particularly in respect of the issue of principal and agent, and in respect of the issue of conspiracy.

The lawyer has also advanced for appeal, that the sentence was too excessive in the circumstances; and that “more and further grounds of appeal shall be added at a later stage.”

In handing down the sentences, Justice Singh had said he was starting the sentence at 60 years for each of them. The judge then added 10 years because they premeditated the murder, 10 years because the victim was a child, 10 years for the brutality meted out to the girl and six years for the domestic violence she suffered.

Meanwhile, the judge told Sharima-Gopaul that she was being given an extra 10 years because Neesa was her child and she was supposed to protect her and not stand by and allow her to be murdered.

Main prosecution witness Simone Diane De Nobrega, who was a former cellmate of Sharima-Gopaul, said Sharima-Gopaul had confided in her that it

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was Small who murdered her daughter by bashing her head in with a piece of wood.

De Nobrega had said that Sharima-Gopaul related to her that Small told her that they needed to get Neesa “out of the picture” and that he eventually killed the teen in her presence.

The witness had told the court that despite her assurance to Sharima-Gopaul, she would not have been able to live with herself if she had kept such a secret.

She said as a mother herself of two sons, “I couldn’t carry such a weight.” The woman added, “Neesa deserved to get justice and no matter what, Neesa didn’t deserve to die by the hands of someone she trusted; someone that was supposed to protect her.”

Both convicts have maintained that they are innocent.

Neesa Gopaul’s decomposing remains were found stuffed in a suitcase, which was discovered on October 2, 2010, anchored by several dumbbells in the creek at the Emerald Tower resort. Her head had been bashed in and the trial heard that 50% of it was gone when the recovered corpse was examined.

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March 27-April 2, 2015

Caribbean Star Newspaper

Voice Of The Youth M

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

Every few weeks, I take some time off my schedule to sit down, take a deep breath, and think about who I am, why I am here, and what am I doing that is benefiting the world. It might not be significant to you when you see me put the initial introduction of who I am into each of my article but to me, it reminds me who I am and where I came from. I am a peaceful, yet flawed soul that seeks peace and serenity out of life and nothing more. I’ve spent my life caring about others more than I care about myself and I intend to continue that trend. I believe I am here to make a difference and I know that might seem impossible for one boy to do this. But, if I can positively impact or positively save the life of one soul while making this effort to help society, so be it; I am satisfied with that and I accept that if that truly is my faith to only help one person.

It’s my belief that every individual should take time off of their busy schedule at least once every few weeks to rest our soul, ease our minds, cool off our brains, and allow our body to take a true deep breath.

But I’ve found that to be an extremely difficult process to do because of how busy we are. In particular, I want to spend this week talking about the future generation.

The future of our generation seems pretty grim with the way we are treating them. I for one sympathize with students, especially during their first 12 years in school because they are given so much homework. It has come to a point where most students hate going to school because they feel extremely pressured and tired from all the work they are given. In my years as a private advisor, I’ve heard so many stories of kid’s feeling like they want to give up, like they feel life is too overwhelming. Personally, I blame our educational system. If you think about it, they spend approximately 12 years in a building, 5 days per week, 6+ hours during those 5 days, sitting and listening to individuals talk and they have to listen. And then after those 6 hours, they are given hours more worth of homework to be completed for the next day!

To add to that, they are given projects which has a deadline between a few days and a few weeks but it does not cater to the student’s abundance of homework in general. And to top

that off, you might be saying at least they have vacation…well for the most part, they don’t. Students are given mundane amounts of extra homework to do during the vacation that is expected to be completed when they come back. The general mentality of teachers is that they don’t want their student’s brains to become lazy and forget what they learned. But…it’s called a vacation for a reason, isn’t it?

If you look up the word. “Vacation”, in the dictionary, one of the definition is this; “a period of time that a person spends away from home, school, or business usually in order to relax or travel.” So how can a student relax when they have that stress on their shoulder that there is a project/ homework due by the time they get back to school.

Many of us hate when our bosses give us an abundance of work to do and such a short period of time to do it. We hate when our bosses give us vacation time but assigns work for us to be completed and returned either during the vacation or as soon as we get back. We hate when our bosses pack on the hours we have to stay at work and the amount of work we have to do both during work hours and after-hours, which results in having no time to spend with our family or even any personal time. So why then do we make our future generation suffer?

Just to put this into context; I know two students right now who, even as I write this, are most likely busy with homework. They go into school at 8 A.M., and end school at 3:30 on some days and 5:30 on other days, and even have Saturday school! Each day that they come home, they get something to eat (sometime they don’t even have time for that!), and go straight to doing their homework which sometimes isn’t finished until the next morning or isn’t finished at all, which results in these two girls barely getting any sleep. Now, how is that fair? I don’t need to be a scientist to tell you how unhealthy it is to have nonstop homework with little to no breaks. I don’t have to be a scientist to tell you how detrimental it is to these two students because they are not allowing their brains to rest for the recommended amount of hours. And I don’t have to be a human rights activist to tell you that they, as well as many more students, are being treated unfairly.

Please keep in mind that I am not writing this to have any political gain.

I don’t need that; I am simply writing as a voice of the youth. I know what it was like to have to carry home a backpack that felt like boulders were inside of them; I know what it was like to spend hours and hours doing constant homework and projects; I know what it was like to stress about

projects that were assigned even though its vacation time. Sure, many students may not feel the same like I felt but I’m sure at least some do. I am just here to enlighten you all of what some of the youth are going through.

I also blame the teachers for their lack of concern over their students.

You might say that homework is teacher’s way of making sure students understand the content. But is it really fair for a teacher to give homework that will take up even more than a normal class does? Is it fair for a teacher to give homework, projects, and tests which overlap with the student’s other teachers? Is it fair for a teacher to relax at home or travel afar during vacation time while the student has to suffer with studying and with completing assignments during their vacation time? As teachers, it should be understood that they are responsible for the upbringing of our future generation. So why pressure them in such a way that would cause them to suffer a mental breakdown and quit? I understand some students may not be the easiest to teach/control but do all the students have to suffer because of it?

With the way that our future generation is being bombarded with pressure from school alone, I believe we will see many more mental breakdowns, many more kids giving up, many more kids feeling that they are inadequate to be in this world and taking their own life. We are already seeing the negative effect of this constant pressure! This constant pressure is causing the close bond between a family to slowly become more and more loose. Why? Students, from a young age, are conditioned to be too busy to spend time with family and as they grow older, that conditioning becomes engrained in a student’s lifestyle that they suddenly believe its normal not to have any family time.

Quite frankly, I also blame parents. Parents should see to it that their child is not being overworked, because it could lead to what I have mentioned above! Just as parents are irreplaceable people in a child’s life, so too are children irreplaceable to a parent’s life. There is nothing worse than a parent having to say their final goodbyes to their child. There is nothing worse than a parent having to regret not being there for their child when they needed it the most.

I just want to say this; parent’sdon’t be afraid to check up on how your child is doing in school and how pressured he/she is from school. If you become their friend at a young age, they will grow up as your friend always. And students- don’t be afraid to talk to your parents! They are the

ones who have brought you into this world. If you feel pressured about life, whether because of school or some other reason, talk to your parents! They are there for you, regardless of what you think. God gifted you with parents that love you and care for you, but he only gifted them a certain amount of time in this world. So utilize that time! Talk to them about how you feel, about what is bothering you, complain to them about your teachers, about whatever you want!

Cherish them, honor them, and respect them. They don’t want anything to happen to you. So if you are feeling stressed, once again, I urge you to talk to them. And if you don’t want to talk to them, I’m always a phone call away. Consider me a friend.

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

Lastly my readers, in your journey through life, I hope you heed my advice. I want nothing except peace and serenity. And remember these two things; “never let your head hang down. Never give up and sit down and grieve. Find another way. And don’t pray when it rains if you don’t pray when the sun shines.” And also, “Never give up, and be confident in what you do. There may be tough times, but the difficulties which you face will make you more determined to achieve your objectives and to win against all the odds.”

God bless you all and see you in two weeks!

(Like my articles? Want to give me feedback? Do you have a topic suggestion for my next article? Let me know!

Add me via Facebook @ Facebook.com/ryankhan0721 or give me a call @ 646-2698227 or 718-849-1006)

Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 27-April 2, 2015

19

JOURNEY TO CALVARY cont’d The final week of Jesus’ earthly life is now known as the Week of His Passion or simply Passion Week.

He was 33 years old, smart and demonstrating excellent leadership.

He spoke words of wisdom, comfort and hope. He healed the sick by miracles. He exercised authority over nature, demons and death. Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders in Jerusalem and was in constant danger there. He knew the Heavenly Father had a plan and He always desired to submit to that plan. The salvation of mankind depended upon His obedience to the Father whatever the cost. During that week, He stayed overnight in nearby Bethany where it was safer with His friends. He visited the Holy City daily until the time was right for His death and resurrection for the redemption of mankind.

The triumphal entry into Jerusalem Mark 11:1-11 “And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither. And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him. And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Je-

sus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him. And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.”

Why did Jesus enter Jerusalem on a colt?

That day in history has become known as Palm Sunday and the event is called the

Triumphal Entry. Of course, back then, the disciples did not plan or organize it with a special name. Jesus knew what He had to do.

He was complying with Exodus 12:111 “Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house … And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening… it is the Lord’s passover.”

Jesus presented Himself as the Lamb to be slain. The Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, applauded the anti-type or fulfillment of the Old Testament type when he said in 1 Corinthians 5:7 “For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.”

As with many prophetic aspects of Jesus’ life, the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 was also fulfilled that very day. “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem. See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Jesus presented Himself as the King of Israel. Can anyone else ride a donkey and claim to be Israel’s king? The rider of the colt must be willing and able to endure the Crucifixion and Resurrection. If he did ride the colt and could not endure the Passion, it would be just a joke. 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.

He proved Himself as the King who cared for the souls of His people and gave His life to save us all.

He could have raised a revolt against the Romans or the religious leaders, but He refused. He could have called the angelic host to free Him, but He did not.

He wanted to submit to the Father’s plan for man’s redemption by giving Himself up to die on the Cross.

Is Jesus the King of your life? As He submitted to the suffering of the Cross in obedience to the Father, we can also submit to His Lordship even if it cost us some suffering. We must be bold about obedience to God even if the rest of the world does not approve.

Jesus wept over Jerusalem On His journey to Calvary, Jesus looked over the city of Jerusalem and wept. Luke 19:41-44 “And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast

a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.” He was on the way to the Cross where He must suffer intense agony and death to redeem lost mankind. He will pay a price for the unfaithful, including those who were rejecting Him. His heart broke because of their rejection of Him. They failed to recognize their Messiah and continued in their traditions. They missed the heart of God when they turned the Law into religious traditions instead of a relationship with Jehovah. What are some ways we miss God? We miss Him when we hold on to traditions instead of an exciting and loving relationship with the living God. We miss Him when we flirt with sin and worldliness and ignore Him the way a wife might hurt her husband. We miss God when we know right from wrong and insist on doing what is wrong. Jesus still weeps for those who miss God by our unfaithfulness. As Jerusalem paid their price when the Roman General Titus invaded in 70 AD, those who reject Him today will also be rejected by Him. We must respond to these things.

We cannot learn the horror Jesus subjected Himself to without a response. No one is good enough or can do enough good deeds to earn salvation. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. How shall we be saved if we reject Christ? He loves us all. We must repent of our sins and receive Him as our Savior. We must do it with urgency.

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

C

Caribbean Star Newspaper Andrew ‘Six-Head’ Lewis endorses PPP/C -says onboard with ruling party to ‘knock out’ APNU-AFC Alliance

March 27-April 2, 2015

OMPARING leader of the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Alliance, David Granger with a sign post of danger, People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary, Clement Rohee last evening urged Albouystown residents to vote solidly for the ruling party.Before Rohee took to the podium, former World Boxing Champion Andrew “Six-Head” Lewis,

who was at the meeting, told the Guyana Chronicle that he endorses the PPP, and has joined the party to “knock out the coalition”.

He said the PPP/C is a people-oriented party, disclosing that it has always been for him, and he will never turn his back on the ruling administration.

The PPP/C, he said, was there for him when he won the World Championship,

supporting him as a poor youth from Albouystown, hungry for success in a clean way, and he would encourage the underprivileged to vote for the Cup on May 11.

Lewis said he is not too familiar with the leaders of the Alliance, and said from all indications; they appear to be opportunists and not suitable people to lead the country.

Addressing the gathering, Rohee said Guyanese should not allow the APNU+AFC

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coalition to ‘pull wool’ over their eyes and roll back development, contending that the coalition is nothing more than confusion.

The APNU+AFC meeting at Warlock, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown yesterday was called off, and when this newspaper visited the area, residents said they were unaware of any meeting.

Over at Albouystown, another corner in the city, the PPP/C General Secretary said there have been calls by the Opposition for change, but pointed out that the “PPP is the change”.

He said when the ruling party assumed power in 1992, it inherited a nation in hopelessness; the PPP/C erased the denigrated image by investing heavily in education, health and infrastructure, not only changing the tide, but positioning the country on the path to prosperity.

The change the Opposition is talking about, he said, is puzzling, and can only be construed as “changing Guyana from good to bad”.

“This must not happen,” he said, telling the gathering that they should not subject themselves to be guinea pigs for experiment, noting that the People’s National Congress, now the controller of the coalition, the A Partnership for National Unity, was in government and they wrecked the country.

“They must not do it again,” he urged, proclaiming that a vote for the PPP, which is a vote for the continuation of development, progress and prosperity.

He said the leaders of the Alliance have failed to recognise the “tremendous” change in the country, but it should not be seen as a surprise as they are “desperados” and the situation with Alliance For Change Executive Moses Nagamootoo is obvious.

Nagamootoo, he said, has too many zeros in his name, and like the APNU and AFC, any good thing that will take the country forward, and improve the well-being of the citizenry, they see it as a ‘zero-some’ approach.

Rohee said they want the populace to forget their sordid past, of what they did in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, by trying to do everything to camouflage themselves, but he said their masks will be removed.

“No pedicure, bodicure or footicure” can change them, he said, saying that the people do not want to see a reversal in development, they want it to continue.

Former Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) Jillian Burton said there has been significant development under the PPP/C Government, telling the gathering that today soap, toothpaste, telephone and certain foods are no longer luxury items.

She said more women have been empowered, and the standard of living of all Guyanese continues to rise.

“The people know wolves in sheep’s clothing,” Burton said, and like PPP/C Member of Parliament, Reverend Kwame Gilbert, she urged the Albouystown residents and Guyanese in general to vote with their conscience, and vote for the PPP/C to remain in Government so that progress can continue.

By Tajeram Mohabir

Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 27-April 2, 2015

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Caribbean Star Newspaper Sister denies Gregory Smith role in causing Walter Rodney’s death March 27-April 2, 2015

olitical activist and academic Dr Walter Rodney was killed after he or someone else attached an explosive to a “triggering device” that he had asked Gregory Smith to make, according to Smith’s sister, Anne Wagner, who yesterday claimed that it was members of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) that arranged the man’s subsequent departure from Guyana.

Wagner yesterday took to the stand at the Supreme Court Law Library to testify in the ongoing Com-mission of Inquiry (COI) into the death of WPA founder Rodney, who perished on June 13th, 1980 after a walkie-talkie given to him exploded.

Along with the then ruling PNC, Smith, a former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) member, has long been accused of causing Rodney’s death, Wagner said her brother respected him and would never have caused him harm. He had been a “friend and confidante” to Rodney, she noted. Brief laughter from the audience followed this statement

by Wagner.

Smith has been identified as the man who gave Rodney the device and he was later whisked to Cayenne, French Guiana under a different name where he lived until December 2002, when he died of cancer.

Wagner yesterday said after Rodney’s death, Smith was the target of members of the WPA who wanted him dead. However, she also claimed that it was members of the WPA who had also arranged his departure from Guyana under a different name.

A sometimes confused and emotional Wagner, who relied heavily on her 10-page statement as she was being led in evidence by her New York-based Guyanese lawyer Edward Meertins-George, said her main aim

Anne Wagner in testifying was to clear her brother’s name as the murderer of Dr Rodney. She accused his brother, Donald Rodney—whom she later confirmed that she had never met before—of being a “knowing and active participant in what his brother was doing.”

Wagner is Smith’s oldest sister and co-authored a book—Assassination Cry of a Failed Revolution: The Truth About Dr Walter Rodney’s Death—with him after his death, based on an unsigned manuscript she credited to him and statements he purportedly made during their daily chats while he lived in Cayenne. She said she published the book because it was her dying brother’s wish and its purpose was to document and reveal the truth about “Dr Rodney and the worldwide betrayal of Gregory as the killer.” The book was released five years after Smith’s death.

Things got a little testy during her evidence when attorney Keith Scotland, who is looking into the interest of Donald Rodney, called his client to face Wagner and questioned her about statements made in the book when she would have never met or

even interacted with him. She accepted that she had no personal dealings with the man but added that what she wrote was based on what her brother would have told her.

It was during this cross-examination also that it was observed that Wagner was taking cues from a young man who was sitting in the front row of the audience. With the nod or shake of his head, he signalled how she should answer. It was so obvious that the commission’s lead counsel Glenn Hanoman raised and objected to the situation, forcing the COI’s Chairman Sir Richard Cheltenham to caution the person.

Scotland’s line of questioning focused heavily on the differences between what was written in the book and what was written in statements laid over to the COI by the police and also the uncertainty over which parts of the book she wrote as opposed to what Smith wrote. Donald Rodney had told the commission that the book was a “complete fabrication” and that his brother was in no way recruiting members of the GDF to sell him arms and ammunition or to solicit information as was claimed.

‘Triggering device’ Wagner said Smith was introduced to Dr Rodney through the brother of his then girlfriend after he had left the army disenchanted. After the first meeting, he met Dr Rodney frequently and had many conversations with him although he did not meet other members of the WPA, she added.

According to Wagner, her brother was asked to make a bomb but he refused because he did not want to be part of any violence. But because of his respect for Dr Rodney and what he believed in, he agreed to assemble the “triggering device” although he wanted no part of “making the explosive.” The witness also said her brother related that the triggering device was tested with the walkie-talkie device on Water Street in the presence of Dr Rodney and other WPA members “and there was some red light flashing.” Her brother, she said, told them that it was a dangerous exercise since the walkie-talkie was of poor quality.

In June of 1980, she said the triggering device was collected by Donald Rodney and the boxes for that device and the explosive were built by a man in Robb Street.

After Rodney’s death, she said her brother was picked up by three men and even though he told them that he wanted to be taken to the police station, they drugged him and the next time he woke up he was in his father’s Kwakwani home. It was members of the WPA, whom he did not know, who picked him up and transported him in a plane, she said.

In answer to Scotland, Wagner said her brother just said plane and did not indicate it if was a GDF plane. She admitted that her brother’s account differed from those of other witnesses but questioned “whose account is right.”

Captain Gerry Gouveia had earlier told the commission that he recalled that when he turned up for duties as a GDF pilot at Timehri on June 14, 1980, he was given instructions to transport some persons to Kwakwani. He later found a man, woman and some children waiting in the aircraft hangar. He had said that he left Timehri at 9:08 AM and arrived at his destination at 9:57 AM. He had also said he spent about three minutes on the ground before disembarking. Based on photographs he saw in the newspaper afterward, he believes that he had transported Smith.

According to Wagner, Smith was later sent to Trinidad, where he was told that the WPA would have given him a new identity

and money. But instead he was left stranded and was later forced to return to Guyana as a stowaway on a ship on which he had worked for about a week. He had also sold his watch to get money while in Trinidad, she noted.

Saying that she was experiencing mental blocks at certain intervals, Wagner told the commission that upon his return, her brother went to “the house in Alberttown” where he met with some men from the WPA whom he did not know.

“My brother was a member of the WPA but he was only connected to Walter and Donald Rodney. He was not in that circle,” she said of the other members of the WPA, before adding that he did not socialise much.

She said Smith was later given a new identity and left for Cayenne, where he remained until his death, except for a visit to New York to see his dying mother.

Living on the edge Smith, according to her, was one of the Guyanese who experienced hardships under the Forbes Burnham regime and since he could not find a job he was forced to join the GDF. He was not a member of the PNC or a sympathiser of the House of Israel, she said, explaining that she knew this based on his brother’s integrity and what he would have told her.

Two weeks after he joined the army, she said Smith repaired two radars, resulting in him being sent to a naval school in the United Kingdom for a one-year training stint. On his return, she said he was asked to make a unit and was told he would have been promoted upon completion. However, in the end he saw his commanding officer taking credit for his work and he was told he would have to be a member of the PNC to be promoted.

Wagner explained that she and Smith were very close and after Rodney’s death they spoke every day when he moved to Cayenne and he had expressed fear that his life was under threat by members of the WPA. According to her, Smith was not happy being in Cayenne and he was never reluctant to return to Guyana even though in answer to Scotland she could not say why he did not return after the political regime changed and after an arrest warrant was issued for him. Even though the warrant was not served on him, she said he knew of it from the news and they discussed it.

While in New York she had encouraged her brother to remain, she said, but he indicated that he could not because it would endanger her and her family. She spoke of his life being under threat constantly, while noting that people tampered with his motorcycle and at one point his house was invaded by men with whom he had a shootout and he shot one of them in the process. She also said an “imposter” had also entered his home in the name of his son, whom he had not seen for 14 years, and it was only after the young man could not identify one of his siblings in a family album that Smith realised it was not his son. A brother who resembled him was also run off the road while driving his car and broke his neck.

“It was always living on edge,” she said of her brother’s life.

“If I should ever die an unusual death, the WPA killed me,” were the words Smith reportedly told his sister.

He could not have gone to the police because he was a fugitive and was using another identity, she also said.

The commission continues today when cross-examination of Wagner is expected to continue.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 27-April 2, 2015

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 27-April 2, 2015

World News Highlights

Arab summit on Saturday, Saudi-owned al Arabiya television said on Thursday.

DHAKA - The father of a U.S. blogger who was hacked to death by machete-wielding attackers in Bangladesh complained on Thursday about the lack of a breakthrough in the month since the killing.

SANAA/ADEN, Yemen - Warplanes from Saudi Arabia and Arab allies struck Shi’ite Muslim rebels fighting to oust Yemen’s president on Thursday, in a major gamble by the world’s top oil exporter to check Iranian influence in its backyard without direct military backing from Washington. | Video ADEN - Yemen’s president Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi has left the southern city of Aden under Saudi protection for Egypt, where he will attend an

P

ISTANBUL - President Tayyip Erdogan was quoted on Thursday as saying Turkey may consider providing logistical support to the Saudi-led military mission in Yemen and called on Iran and “terrorist groups” to withdraw from the country.

PARIS/SEYNE-LES-ALPES A young German co-pilot locked himself alone in the cockpit of a Germanwings airliner and flew it into a mountain with what appears to have been the intent to destroy it, a French prosecutor said on Thursday. | Video BERLIN - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday that it was difficult to fathom that a co-pilot from airline Germanwings may have delib-

roof of ownership: Government Chief Whip Dr Roodal Moonilal, in Parliament yesterday, holds up documents claiming they are proof that Opposition Lead...

Proof of ownership: Government Chief Whip Dr Roodal Moonilal, in Parliament yesterday, holds up documents claiming they are proof that Opposition Lead...

GOVERNMENT Whip Dr Roodal Moonilal yesterday accused Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley of an abuse of office and an attempt to deceive Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and President Anthony Carmona in relation to Rowley’s non-disclosure of the fact that he was backing the appointment of his witness in a private lawsuit to the post of director of the Police Complaints Authority.

Piloting an unprecedented motion of no-confidence brought against an Opposition Leader, Moonilal also raised questions over Rowley’s reported ownership of a $3 million apartment at One Woodbrook Place as well as his role, in 2007, in pushing forward the doomed Las Alturas housing project built on a site which lay atop of a failed bedding plane at Morvant.

In a 44-minute speech in the House of Representatives, Moonilal called on Rowley to tell the truth on the issue of the extent of his knowledge – in November 2014 – that David West was a witness in his defence in a defamation lawsuit brought by former Attorney General Anand Ramlogan. He said Rowley and his one-time lawyer in the case, Faris Al-Rawi, had issued conflicting statements on this matter.

erately crashed a plane in the French Alps this week, killing 150 people.

OSLO - Budget airline Norwegian Air said on Thursday it had changed procedures to have two people in the cockpit at all times during a flight after the Germanwings plane crash in the French Alps.

SEOUL - North Korea said late on Thursday it had arrested two South Koreans based in the Chinese border city of Dandong, accusing them of spying for South Korea.

LAUSANNE, Switzerland The United States and Iran resumed negotiations on Thursday aimed at clinching a nuclear deal before a March 31 deadline, and officials close to the talks said some kind of preliminary agreement between Tehran and

into a mountain in the Alps.

six powers was possible.

LAUSANNE, Switzerland - French President Francois Hollande spoke to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Thursday after a request from the Iranian side in what appeared to be an effort to break an impasse that has held up a nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.

PRISTINA/BELGRADE - The leaders of Serbia and its former southern province Kosovo have spoken by phone in the first direct talks without foreign mediators since a 1998-99 war, both countries said on Thursday.

BERLIN - Lufthansa’s chief executive said on Thursday he was stunned by the assumption that the co-pilot of a Germanwings jet deliberately crashed it

WASHINGTON - There does not appear to be a “nexus to terrorism” connected to the downed Germanwings flight in France, White House spokesman Josh Earnest told CNN on Thursday.

WASHINGTON - The United States said on Thursday it was troubled by reports that the head of Thailand’s military junta had threatened to execute journalists who do not report the truth and hoped he was not serious.

DUBAI - Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia plans to beef up security at its borders and around oil and industrial facilities, state news agency SPA reported on Thursday, citing a statement by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef.

Abuse of office He said either there was “monumental ineptitude” or there are “charges to be laid.”

“Is either you know or you did not know because there are grave implications,” Moonilal said. “I am saying the Leader of the Opposition knew. You abused your office as Leader of the Opposition to nominate your witness when you should have made that material disclosure.”

Moonilal continued, “The member for Diego Martin West knew he had a beneficial interest in his witness who was also his nominee and proceeded to deceive the Prime Minister, His Excellency the President, to have that person appointed.”

Proof of ownership: Government Chief Whip Dr Roodal Moonilal, in Parliament yesterday, holds up documents claiming they are proof that Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley owns an apartment at One Woodbrook Place.

Moonilal said in Parliament on February 20 Rowley had said, “I will admit that I did not discuss it with the Prime Minister because as far as I was concerned there was no requirement to discuss it.” However, by March 3, Rowley said, “I had no idea Al-Rawi had sourced him as a witness.”

“Which one is the truth?” Moonilal said. He said it would be, “remarkable, incredulous, unbelievable and bewildering” if Rowley did not know West was his witness.

Moonilal also said Al-Rawi stated in a CNC3 television interview on February 3 that Rowley knew West was his witness.

He said the Integrity in Public Life Act stipulates that persons in public life must act in a manner that is fair and impartial and must show no undue preferential treatment to anyone. Moonilal also called on West to clarify the question of who approached him to be Rowley’s defence witness.

“Given the public interest in this matter, David West should indicate who sourced him, who solicited him? Somebody approached him,” the Government Whip said. “He should indicate whether the Member for Diego Martin West solicited him. This David West is a voluntary witness. He is not the District Medical Officer. He is not an expert witness. He is there because he is willing to provide evidence in support for the interest of and for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition.”

Moonilal also responded to comments Rowley made on a political platform the

night before in relation to claims that Moonilal owned a mall at Holland.

“I don’t own a tulip or a windmill,” the Housing Minister said. Citing the email allegations, Moonilal said Rowley was simply creating mischief, raising allegations without documents or checking facts. He lashed back by making further allegations against Rowley.

Moonilal asked whether Rowley owns an apartment at One Woodbrook Place.

“Is it that the member for Diego Martin West is the owner of an apartment at One Woodbrook Place?” the Whip asked.

“I don’t own an apartment at One Woodbrook Place, I live with my mother at home.”

Moonilal said he was not saying there was anything wrong with owning an apartment per se, but questioned if Rowley had played a role in the granting of statutory approvals for the project.

Moonilal said he understood that Rowley was the minister in charge of giving planning approval for the condominium project.

“A minister who would sign-off on a project just so happened to have owned one apartment there later,” Moonilal said.

“They are accumulating property all over the place. But if I build an outhouse he will ask me who owned and designed the basement.”

In relation to Las Alturas, Moonilal said Rowley, one-time Minister of Housing, was present at a site visit in January 2007.

“He met at the site of Las Alturas and demanded that they move full speed ahead,” Moonilal said.

Caribbean Star Newspaper De Blasio offers cash to NYC landlords in robocalls urging them to take in homeless

March 27-April 2, 2015

29

Help Save Our Beaches My name is Bharti Mohanlall. I am seven years old and a blessed member of the Naujavaan Mandalee Youth Group of the Shaanti Bhavan Mandir.

T THEODORE PARISIENNE/FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

When the previous program ended in 2011, landlords were stuck with thousands of tenants who couldn’t pay their rent.

B

rother, can you spare an apartment?

Mayor de Blasio, desperate to reduce the city’s skyrocketing homeless problem, is making robocalls to Big Apple landlords asking them to house families from the shelter system.

Landlords aren’t expected to be bleeding hearts — those who take up the mayor’s offer will receive a $1,000 signing bonus in addition to the city funds that will pay the family’s rent, the mayor says in the 45-second taped call.

“Hi, this is Mayor Bill de Blasio,” the robocall begins.

“As a landlord, you have an opportunity to fill vacancies in your building and receive a $1,000 bonus from the City of New York.”

Mayor de Blasio is robocalling landlords offering money to house the city’s homeless.

One Queens resident who received the robocall recorded it and posted it on her Facebook page.

“Did anyone else receive this phone call from Bill de Blasio today asking you to shelter homeless families in your house?” Christina Wilkinson of Ridgewood said.

One of her friends sarcastically said she was “lucky” to have the mayor call.

“How many homeless people is Bill de Blasio sheltering in HIS house?” another friend wrote.

De Blasio has revived a program similar that under former Mayor Michael Bloomberg that ended in 2011.

The money for participating landlords is being distributed through the city’s new Living in Communities Rental Assistance program, which aims to move families out of the strained shelter system and into homes.

Many of the families who qualify for the program have full-time jobs, but

still can’t afford the costs of moving and rent. Others in the program are escaping from domestic violence or have other special needs that have left them struggling.

The families are expected to contribute 30% of their income to rent. The amount of assistance from the city depends on the family size, and can range from $1,268 for a family of two to $2,530 for a family of 10.

City Hall said the calls — which end with de Blasio telling interested parties to “please press 1” for more info — are intended to reassure landlords that the mayor is serious about the program.

“This call from the mayor is part of our ongoing conversations and outreach to landlords,” a City Hall spokeswoman said.

“We want to remind landlords with vacant units that these programs are available, a safe business opportunity for them, and a way to help our city combat a huge affordability crisis.”

The city had a similar rent subsidy program under Michael Bloomberg’s administration, but when that ended in 2011, landlords were stuck with thousands of tenants who couldn’t pay their rent.

When the previous program ended in 2011, landlords were stuck with thousands of tenants who couldn’t pay their rent.

“We are ready to work with you,” de Blasio says in the call.

The robocalls come at a time when the city’s homeless shelters are housing about 60,000 people a night.

Many of those are families with kids.

As the Daily News reported Thursday, a report from the Coalition for the Homeless, a private nonprofit, found 42,000 kids slept in homeless shelters last year.

That sad figure includes one in 17 of New York’s African-American children.

oday, I would like to ask my fellow Hindu brothers and sisters to help save our beaches. The beach is such a wonderful place to visit. Many enjoy the quiet and peacefulness of the beach day after day. And who can forget the awesome feeling you get after a good bath on a hot summer day!

I went with the Naujavaan Mandalee Youth Group and the Sadhana Coalition to clean up the beach at Far Rockaway.

You would be amazed to know what we found there. We collected over fifteen bags of items. Murtis, sarees, pans, bottles, and, plastics, just to name a few.

Please be mindful of what you put into

our waters. Every time you leave trashes behind, you are polluting our beaches and our environment.

Hindus worship the sacred waters as goddess Ganga. It is so sad to see how we have made her abode a garbage dump.

Please help us keep our beaches clean and safe. Do not put anything in the water that will not dissolve! And Ganga maa will surely keep smiling at you!

Jai Ho!

30

Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 27-April 2, 2015

“You will always regret the chance you didn’t take” — Vp Premier WEEKLY HOROSCOPE

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Your life may be full of days spent speeding down the highway toward sweet destiny, but Monday and Tuesday aren’t among them. You’re moving in the direction of destiny, sure, but the pace would be more accurately described as that of an infant on all fours. The crawl intensifies to something more like a healthy jog on Wednesday and Thursday, but it’s difficult to keep your legs pumping, since you spend much of your time holding a cell phone to your ear. Friday and Saturday are days of clarity and catharsis and possibly family time.

Sunday’s romantic.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22)

Some ideas are bound to fail. So don’t worry so much about yours being fully formed -– what matters is getting them out there, proposing things, seeing what sticks. The person who comes up with ideas from scratch is the most important person in the cause of progress. Let others help you hammer out the details. Don’t worry about who gets the credit. In the middle of the week, with all this creativity floating around, some people are bound to feel hesitant or left out. Convince them to participate. Friday and Saturday are about new beginnings. On Sunday, make an investment.

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)

The intensity is remarkable. You had a sense that something was developing between you two, but on Monday and Tuesday, it’s undeniable. Whether this is someone you just met or someone you’ve known for a while, a new leaf is turning, and you’re talking about it. Wednesday and Thursday affect you in funny ways. You’re running around like crazy.

There’s no particular hurry, but you’re in a hurry -– it’s completely out of character for you. Friday and Saturday, try to explain it all to a friend, maybe over dinner. Convey your excitement, then spend Sunday dwelling on you-know-who.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22)

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

Put on your high-caliber goggles and take a very close look at what’s going on. Monday and Tuesday, clarity is a prevailing theme, and the main obstacle in achieving it is the presence of busybodies. Like so many bumblebees, they create a commotion about things that can only be described as irrelevant. False information abounds. Wednesday and Thursday, break out of your zone a bit to interact with others, but know that the most useful conversations you’re going to have will be with strangers. This weekend, you’d be wise to come up with ways of entertaining yourself that don’t involve money.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

If it were a black-or-white question, a matter of right or wrong, you wouldn’t be facing the dilemma you have on Monday and Tuesday. Putting off a decision is not a bad move.

Focus instead on finishing up some projects you’ve already started. Then, on Wednesday and Thursday, air your quandary among friends, at least to hear a range of responses. You may find yourself agreeing with someone, and therefore coming closer to a conclusion yourself. Friday and Saturday are warm and comfortable, as if you’re a happy plant in a fresh plot. On Sunday, you get everything you need for growth.

Great writers do some of their most intense work by staring out the window. Major business decisions have been struck over slices of pizza. Monday and Tuesday, strive to get things done in a relaxing environment. Toward the middle of the week, you have no time for staring out the window or going out for pizza -– in fact, you have to strap yourself to your desk to finish everything. Friday and Saturday are downright frantic, and Sunday won’t be very relaxing either. But if you can be flexible, that will prevent you from breaking. Don’t break!

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

You’re climbing fire escapes on Monday and Tuesday, trying to get a better perspective on how the world fits together. If only you could be in a helicopter! Toward the middle of the week, you’re in a crowd situation, and you feel both empowered and overwhelmed by other people’s combined energy. Go with the flow. Try not to overanalyze. See what you learn.

Friday and Saturday are entirely bereft of dreams of helicopters or the anxiety of crowds -– instead, you find yourself relaxing into your work. It’s gratifying to get things done. On Sunday, listen.

A rare feeling dominates your heart and mind at the beginning of the week.

It’s a thrilling feeling. It has something to do with a relationship, possibly a romantic one, and it may inspire you to boldness. Friction, force and sports also figure on Monday and Tuesday. It’s a charged beginning to a happy, productive week, although it would be a stretch to define Wednesday and Thursday as particularly happy. There are a million small tasks you break your back to get done on those days. Friday and Saturday are, by comparison, effortless. You and your friends communicate almost telepathically. On Sunday, you lie low.

Let Monday and Tuesday be days for collecting yourself, getting things back in order and obliging others. The smallest thing can be incredibly satisfying. That remains true at least until Wednesday and Thursday, when the satisfaction you feel in details done well begins to wane.

Put another way, a philosophical conversation would satisfy you more at this time. So go ahead and initiate a philosophical conversation. Friday and Saturday, on the other hand, you’re barely able to keep up your end of small talk. One day you feel like talking; the next day you don’t. Chalk it up to mood. Sunday is radiant.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

Monday and Tuesday, spread out a blanket under a tree and have a delicious picnic. Fruit, bread, cheese -– really live it up. If you have other things to do on Monday and Tuesday, well, try to squeeze in some time for luxuriating somehow (especially with a loved one). Wednesday and Thursday are more work-oriented, or at least task-oriented. Expect a staggering quantity of emails in your inbox. Then, on Friday and Saturday, aim your efforts toward your home life. Maybe buy some buckets of paint and start that redecorating project in earnest.

Sunday is a good day to be at home, too.

A discovery startles you at the start of the week. Suddenly, the past comes into focus in a way that it hasn’t before -– it’s illuminating and instructive. This is a fine prelude to what comes to you on Wednesday, which is a sizzling love affair, or an intensification of an existing love.

Thursday, as well, is all hearts and chirping birds. It only makes sense that Friday, coming down from such excitement, is a bit of a drag. You have responsibilities to attend to and you’re running out of time. Saturday is made for working, but Sunday is, once again, all about you and you-know-who.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20)

Beauty and romance figure strongly at the beginning of your week and set you off on the right foot. On Tuesday, eat a delicious dinner and turn in early (hopefully in the arms of someone else!), because on Wednesday, you need as much energy as possible. The middle of the week is a bit overwhelming, that’s all. It’s nothing you can’t handle. However, don’t expect clarity or direction.

Then, on Friday, you have time to devote to romance once again, and by Saturday, you’re swimming in the nectar of love and affection. What a happy end to the workweek! On Sunday, work out.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 27-April 2, 2015

31

Entertainment News

Mila Kunis admits being Mrs. Kutcher

D Vin Diesel wells up while honoring late Paul Walker

V

in Diesel choked down while honoring his co-star and friend Late Paul Walker at the screening of 'Furious 7'.

The 47-year-old American actor was talking about the late 'Fast and Furious' star when he got emotional and couldn't speak, TMZ.com reported.

Diesel said that the movie was an homage to his friend who died in a car crash late in 2014, just after the emotional moment the crowd jumped in to show their support to the actor.

uring a chat show, actress Mila Kunis finally admitted that she and Ashton Kutcher are married.

The truth finally came out when the star appeared on James Corden's new American chat show.

Corden wheedled out the answer when he pressed her to show the audience her wedding ring, reports mirror.co.uk During the interview, Corden asked her about motherhood after giving birth to baby Wyatt in October. Kunis simply answered "Maybe." He asked: "Either you're married or you're not." Once again she replied saying: "Maybe."

But as he continued asking her, he then demanded she show her wedding fin-

I ger where there was in fact a ring. Corden announced: "They are married, look."

Mila looked on a little red-faced, but knew her secret was out. During the ad break, Corden was seen checking he hadn't offended her but Kunis laughed and said "it's fine."

She also admitted she was "thinking about baby number two", adding that

she "loved being pregnant and really loves being a mummy."

Mila added: "Ashton is an amazing father." In February, Kunis was coy about her nuptials in an interview with Ellen DeGeneres, despite the fact that she and Kutcher sent out a joint Happy New Year message from "The Kutchers".

Sonu Sood astonishes gym mates with human flag act

t's known that Sonu Sood had his injured leg operated a couple of months ago. However, that didn't stop the fitness enthusiast from hitting the gym, right after his stitches were removed. Of course, the leg that has been operated continues to be weak and even though the actor pushes hard, his doctors want him to go a little easy when it comes to leg exercises.

Since Sonu is addicted to the gymnasium, to keep himself gainfully occupied when he is there, he started to train using his hands. A couple of days ago, the actor is said to have stunned fellow gym mates when he mastered the position of the human flag (shown alongside). Quite amazing, right?

Angelina Jolie has ovaries and fallopian tubes removed

T

wo years ago I wrote about my choice to have a preventive double mastectomy. A simple blood test had revealed that I carried a mutation in the BRCA1 gene. It gave me an estimated 87 percent risk of breast cancer and a 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer. I lost my mother, grandmother and aunt to cancer.

I wanted other women at risk to know about the options. I promised to follow up with any information that could be useful, including about my next preventive surgery, the removal of my ovaries and fallopian tubes.

I had been planning this for some time. It is a less complex surgery than the mastectomy, but its effects are more severe. It puts a woman into forced menopause. So I was readying myself physically and emotionally, discussing options with doctors, researching alternative medicine, and mapping my hormones for estrogen or progesterone replacement. But I felt I still had months to make the date.

Then two weeks ago I got a call from my doctor with blood-test results. "Your CA125 is normal," he said. I breathed a sigh of relief. That test measures the amount of the protein CA-125 in the blood, and is used to monitor ovarian cancer. I have it every year because of my family history.

But that wasn't all. He went on. "There are a number of inflammatory markers that are elevated, and taken together they could be a sign of early cancer." I took a pause.

"CA-125 has a 50 to 75 percent chance of missing ovarian cancer at early stages," he said. He wanted me to see the surgeon immediately to check my ovaries.

I went through what I imagine thousands of other women have felt. I told myself to stay calm, to be strong, and that I had no reason to think I wouldn't live to see my children grow up and to meet my grandchildren.

I called my husband in France, who was on a plane within hours. The beautiful thing about such moments in life is that there is so much clarity. You know what you live for and what matters. It is polarizing, and it is peaceful.

That same day I went to see the surgeon, who had treated my mother. I last saw her the day my mother passed away, and she teared up when she saw me: "You look just like her." I broke down. But we smiled at each other and agreed we were there to

deal with any problem, so "let's get on with it."

Nothing in the examination or ultrasound was concerning. I was relieved that if it was cancer, it was most likely in the early stages. If it was somewhere else in my body, I would know in five days. I passed those five days in a haze, attending my children's soccer game, and working to stay calm and focused.

The day of the results came. The PET/CT scan looked clear, and the tumor test was negative. I was full of happiness, although the radioactive tracer meant I couldn't hug my children. There was still a chance of early stage cancer, but that was minor compared with a full-blown tumor. To my relief, I still had the option of removing my ovaries and fallopian tubes and I chose to do it.

I did not do this solely because I carry the BRCA1 gene mutation, and I want other women to hear this. A positive BRCA test does not mean a leap to surgery. I have spoken to many doctors, surgeons and naturopaths. There are other options. Some women take birth control pills or rely on alternative medicines combined with frequent checks. There is more than one way to deal with any health issue. The most important thing is to learn about the options and choose what is right for you personally.

In my case, the Eastern and Western doctors I met agreed that surgery to remove my tubes and ovaries was the best option, because on top of the BRCA gene, three women in my family have died from cancer.

My doctors indicated I should have preventive surgery about a decade before the earliest onset of cancer in my female relatives.

My mother's ovarian cancer was diagnosed when she was 49. I'm 39.

I have a little clear patch that contains bio-identical estrogen. A progesterone IUD was inserted in my uterus. It will help me maintain a hormonal balance, but more important it will help prevent uterine cancer.

I chose to keep my uterus because cancer in that location is not part of my family history.

It is not possible to remove all risk, and the fact is I remain prone to cancer. I will look for natural ways to strengthen my immune system. I feel feminine, and grounded in the choices I am making for myself and my family. I know my children will never have to say, "Mom died of ovarian cancer."

Regardless of the hormone replacements I'm taking, I am now in menopause. I will not be able to have any more children, and I expect some physical changes. But I feel at ease with whatever will come, not because I am strong but because this is a part of life.

It is nothing to be feared.

I feel deeply for women for whom this moment comes very early in life, before they have had their children. Their situation is far harder than mine. I inquired and found out that there are options for women to remove their fallopian tubes but keep their ovaries, and so retain the ability to bear children and not go into menopause.

I hope they can be aware of that.

It is not easy to make these decisions.

But it is possible to take control and tackle head-on any health issue. You can seek advice, learn about the options and make choices that are right for you. Knowledge is power.

32

Caribbean Star Newspaper Kelly Brook gets 'no romance' warning Bruce Willis celebrates 60th birthday at celeb-filled bash March 27-April 2, 2015

A

ctress-model Kelly Brook has been forbidden from dating her US sitcom "One Big Happy" co-star

Nick Zano. The actress opened up about the warning by the show's makers while talking to The Sun newspaper, reports dailymail.co.uk.

"I can't date him. We've been told we're not allowed to because, well...we're just not allowed. It would just be awkward for everyone, we'd have a spat," she said.

However, the 35-year-old feels that the ban has worked in her favour by helping to make their sex scenes look even more realistic.

"When we're kissing, we really go for it because there's a lot of pent-up sexual tension," she added.

Reese Witherspoon smiles away on turning 39

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ctress Reese Witherspoon celebrated a happy 39th birthday, it seems from a photographs that she shared on her social media page.

Witherspoon turned a year older on Sunday, and received best wishes from some of her celebrity friends.

She took to her Instagram page to share a photograph in which she is seen sporting a huge smile while being presented with a birthday cake, reports aceshowbiz.com.

The image is captioned: "Thank you everyone for all the kind & lovely birthday wishes. (and yes, there is a mariachi band behind me...)"

Her celebrity friends, including Ellen

H

ollywood star Bruce Willis celebrated his 60th birthday with family and his celebrity friends by his side at Harlow in NYC. The "Die Hard" star's loving wife Emma Heming was present. The couple posed together in the photobooth and blew out the candles on his chocolate cake, reported Us magazine.

Heming, 36, shared photos from the event with the label "Bee Dub's 60th" on Instagram, writing, "It's fair to say the birthday boy had a great time. #BWBirthdayBash."

Willis' other celebrity guests included Patti Hansen, Keith Richards, and Tony Bennett.

V DeGeneres and Sofia Vergara, wished her.

Talk show host DeGeneres tweeted: "Happy bday, @RWitherspoon! hope you celebrate with people you love, not alone in the desert w/ no water & a fox."

Vargera wrote: "Happy Happy bday to this pretty little girl!!!"

'Fast and Furious 7' full of testosterone: Jason Statham

in Diesel names newborn after Paul WalkerVin Diesel wells up while honoring late Paul WalkerFatherhood made Vin Diesel responsibleVin Diesel teases involvement in Marvel's 'Inhumans'Dwayne Johnson lip-syncs to Taylor Swift's 'Shake It Off' Actor Jason Statham, who is gearing up for his forthcoming action thriller film "Fast and Furious 7", says it is "full of testosterone" and will go "down and dirty" -- just the way fans want to see it. "'Fast & Furious 7' is full of testosterone.

We get down and dirty with bare knuckles. That's the way the audience wants to see it go down. That's the way that Shaw and Toretto want to do it," Statham said in a statement.

Talking about his character, he added: "My character is very black-and-white.

Blood is blood and nothing gets in the way of that, so he's left with no choice but to avenge his brother."

Apart from Statham, "Fast and Furious 7", which also stars Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, late Paul Walker and Indian actor Ali Fazal, will hit Indian screens in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu on April 2, 2015.

Dwayne Johnson set to host SNL for the fourth time

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wayne Johnson, also known as 'The Rock,' is all set to host 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL) for the 4th time.

In the promos, the 42-year old actor appeared alongside cast member Bobby Moynihan, and revealed his porn star name as 'Dusty Summit', since his first pet name was 'Dusty' and he grew up on the 'Summit Street', E! Online reported.

The wrestler who had previously hosted SNL back in 2000, 2002 and 2009, would return back to the 30 rock set after a gap of 6 years, and would appear on the show with musical guest George Ezra.

Johnson was grateful that he got the opportunity to return and took to Instagram, to share a pic which he captioned "No sleep 'til... Great meeting with the entire SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE crew and staff. Amazing energy. #ElectricityInTheAir #WeGonKnockItOut #4xHost

#SNL #March28th #ButFirstDaddysGottaEat #Deuces."

He shared another flashback photo of a previous skit, writing "In 5 days I take the stage and host one more time. Had a blast w/my bud Will Ferrell in this #SNL classic #PapaPeepers #TheAppleEating #LegHumping #Maniac #4xHost #SaturdayNightLive MARCH 28th."

March 27-April 2, 2015 33 Caribbean Star Newspaper Box office: 'Dilliwali Akshay Kumar’s slick stunts upped energy levels at this trailer launch Zaalim Girlfriend' D earns more than Rs 1 crore in four days onning the vigilante cloak to give Gabbar a fresh identity, Akshay Kumar's kickass stunts was the apogee of Gabbar is Back's trailer launch. The event was held at one of the city's iconic single screen theatre's and saw aam janta swarming in to catch a glimpse of Khiladi Kumar.

Beginning on a haunting note with memorial music filling the air, the ambiance changed colour when Akshay smashed red lights off cars and burnt corruption effigies, calling people to act against grievances. The trailer was

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apinder Kaur's Dilliwali Zaalim Girlfriend failed to get many takers at the ticket windows.

The film's release coincided with adult entertainer Hunterrr and opened at just Rs 55 lakh.

Not showing any improvement on its first Saturday, the film managed to cross the Rs 1 crore mark in two days. The film has now made a total of Rs 1.95 crore in four days.

Day 1 Rs .55 crore Day 2 Rs .5 crore Day 3 Rs .6 crore Day 4 Rs. 3 crore Total Rs 1.95 crore

Pregnancy turned me into a kangaroo: Drew Barrymore

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fter two pregnancies, actress Drew Barrymore says her post-baby body can make her feel like a giant marsupial.

The "Blended" star, 40, and her husband, art consultant Will Kopelman, have two daughters: Olive, two, and Frankie Barrymore Kopelman, who was born last April, reported People magazine.

"After making two babies, holy cow, does your body do some crazy stuff!," she said.

"It's hard to stay positive and love yourself," she added, joking, "You feel like a kangaroo with a giant pouch; everything's saggy and weird."

welcomed with hoots and applause, since it places its finger right on the nation's pulse.

Suffused with rebellious energy, the event was a hit with attendees. Though director Krish was missing, the cast comprising Akshay and his co-actor Shruti Haasan, along with producers Ajit Andhare, COO, Viacom18 Motion Pictures and Shabinaa Khan made up for their absence.

Produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and co-produced by Shabinaa, the film releases on May 1.

Akshay Kumar’s slick stunts upped energy levels at this trailer launch

34

Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 27-April 2, 2015

Caribbean Connections

Liat pilots threaten industrial action as Easter weekend approaches

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THE DRUG SHIPMENT WAS ESTIMATED TO HAVE A WHOLESALE VALUE OF ABOUT US$7 MILLION DOLLARS, THE COAST GUARD SAID. (CREDIT: COASTGUARDNEWS.COM)

Three smugglers, US$7 million in cocaine seized by US Coast Guard in Caribbean Sea

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AN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Sunday March 22, 2015, CMC – The United States Coast has transferred custody of three smugglers from the Dominican Republic and 466 pounds of cocaine to US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Special Agents here following an interdiction in the Caribbean Sea. The interdiction off the coast of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico on Friday was the result of a multi-agency international law enforcement effort that also involved the Dominican Republic Navy.

The drug shipment was estimated to have a wholesale value of about US$7 million dollars, the Coast Guard said.

While on a routine patrol early Tuesday, the Coast Guard said a suspicious 20-foot boat was detected, travelling

towards Puerto Rico.

The vessel, carrying three people with what appeared to be multiple bales of contraband onboard, was transiting without the use of navigational lights.

It’s reported that the passengers onboard proceeded to “jettison their cargo overboard.”

Shortly after, the three suspected smugglers were apprehended and the suspected drug shipment tested positive for cocaine.

Since January 2014, the Coast Guard has seized 15,671 kilograms of cocaine and 5,320 pounds of marijuana during 16 counter-drug interdictions as part of Operation Unified Resolve. It said the wholesale value for these seizures is worth more than US$524 million.

British visitors to the Caribbean warned about spread of Chikungunya virus

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ONDON, United Kingdom, Monday March 22, 2015, CMC – Britain has warned travelers to the Caribbean about contracting the Chikungunya virus, based on the dramatic increase in the number of people affected by the disease in the last year.

On Friday, Public Health England (PHE) said according to its latest annual data, there has been a 12-fold increase from 24 cases in 2013 to 295 cases in 2014 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The majority of cases, 88 percent, were acquired on trips to the Caribbean and South America.

The outbreak, which started in December 2013 in the French Caribbean territory of St. Martin, has now affected most of the countries and territories in the Carib-

bean and Americas.

“Chikungunya is an unpleasant viral illness that can cause fever and joint pains, which, in some patients, may persist for a prolonged period,” said Dr. Hilary Kirkbride, head of PHE’s Travel and Migrant Health.

“Prevention relies on avoiding mosquito bites, particularly around dusk and dawn, when day biting mosquitoes are most active, as there is no specific preventive medicine or vaccination against chikungunya,” she added.

Dr. Dipti Patel, joint director at Britian’s National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC), “strongly” recommends that travelers seek pre-travel advice from their general physician, a specialist travel clinic or pharmacy at least six to eight weeks before they travel.

T. JOHN’S, Antigua, Friday March 20, 2015, CMC – Travellers were placed on alert for possible industrial action by pilots of the regional airline LIAT, with the financially strapped company warning that its employees were using a “cynical tactic to exploit the fears of the travelling public” particularly over the Easter weekend.

The Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA) has been calling on the airline to reinstate two pilots who were dismissed following an incident last October in which one of the company’s new aircraft was damaged.

Earlier this week, LIALPA met with LIAT representatives, Antigua and Barbuda Labour Minister Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin as well as Labour Commissioner

time of high travel within the region.

“Threatening industrial action shortly before a public holiday, in this case, the Easter period, is a common, often repeated and cynical tactic employed by LIALPA to exploit the fears of the travelling public,” said the airline’s chief executive officer, David Evans.

“I have had dealings with numerous pilot associations over many years and in many jurisdictions. These dealings have often been tough and uncompromising, but always based on mutual respect and a clear understanding of the needs of the business. This has not been my experience with LIALPA. Unless we can reach a common understanding of LIAT’s current circumstances, LIAT’s future looks bleak.

“We will do everything we can to mi-

LIALPA MET WITH LIAT REPRESENTATIVES, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA LABOUR MINISTER STEADROY “CUTIE” BENJAMIN (CREDIT: FLICKR / CREATIVE COMMONS) Eltonia Rojas and a statement issued afterwards revealed that the government officials were of the view that the two pilots should be reinstated and that LIAT would be reviewing the case.

But the pilots say LIAT has disregarded the advise and in a statement expressed their disappointment with the airline’s decision, calling it “harsh and not in the spirit of good industrial best practices envisaged by the Labour Code of Antigua and Barbuda.”

The pilots are also alleging that LIAT has resorted to “unethical rostering practices” including eliminating crew meal breaks while increasing work hours to compensate for a steadily declining workforce.

The association said these strenuous conditions have resulted in the regional carrier losing 10 per cent of its pilot workforce over the last year.

It also warned the public that the poor working conditions at LIAT, combined with the pilots’ increased stress load, may have a negative impact on the airline’s flight schedule in coming months, citing “inevitable industrial action.”

But LIAT in its respond accused the pilots of threatening industrial action at a

nimise industrial action over the Easter period, for the sake of the travelling public. If however, there is significant disruption, the resulting financial crunch would mean that salary payments would be further delayed, and the airline would be unable to meet the demands of its creditors.

Such a situation would put LIAT in a position of no return, leading to a shutdown of the airline. This would be catastrophic for the entire region and its economies, and or the jobs and livelihoods of thousands of people,” Evans added.

Evans said all of the grievances raised by the pilots are either before the courts or being dealt with in the normal manner.

LIAT maintained that the two pilots were terminated after they blatantly disregarded instructions from the company’s Flight Operations Department and flew an aircraft to V.C. Bird International Airport just hours before the passage of tropical storm Gonzalo.

It said the decision to terminate followed a full internal investigation of the incident during which the pilots were represented.

“The company is quite convinced it acted correctly in this matter, and it is before the courts,” Evans said.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 27-April 2, 2015

35

Child sex offender jailed for 10 years rie-Mursalin told the court that on the day in question the victim’s family had an argument with one of Evans’s family members and he had made vague threats against the child’s family, saying, “I know what I will do.”

That same day, she told the court, around 4.35 pm Evans went to where the child was attending lessons and picked her up on his bicycle, indicating to her that he was taking her to her mother at Number 11 Village. However, he went to Number 12 Village and took the child into a clump of bushes

near a burial ground, where threw her on the ground and used his fingers to violate her, the court was told.

The child’s screams alerted a villager who was dumping garbage nearby and Evans escaped, the prosecutor said. The child was taken to Fort Wellington Police Station and then Fort Wellington Hospital where a medical examination confirmed she was abused, the prosecutor said.

Evans went into hiding but subsequently sent a message to the child’s mother asking her to meet him and she alerted the police. Gild-

harie-Mursalin told the court that Evans had designed the act to seek revenge. She also said it was “malicious and a complete betrayal of the child’s trust.” She asked the court for the sentence to reflect a total condemnation of such abhorrent act.

Meanwhile Horatio Edmondson, Evans’s attorney, indicated to the court that his client was remorseful.

However, while Evans was sitting in the prisoner’s dock he expressed no remorse. It was as he left the court flocked by family members that he started to weep.

Dennis Evans

Child sex offender Dennis Evans was sentenced to ten years imprisonment by Justice Brassington Reynolds in the Berbice High Court yesterday morning.

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vans, 37, called ‘Die Die,’ a cane harvester of West Coast Berbice had pleaded guilty to sexually penetrating a child, whom he knew or should have known, was a minor on October 18, 2010. Evans had initially pleaded not guilty when he had first appeared on March 9. However, he changed his plea moments before his trial was scheduled to start on March 11.

Justice Reynolds had then ordered a probation report.

The report was presented in court yesterday morning by Probation and Welfare officer of Region Five Remeisa Lewis.

Lewis stated that to date Evans had faced 14 court charges. She said he did not complete his secondary education, choosing to seek employment when his family had faced financial constraints.

“Residents have expressed comfort at his incarceration,” Lewis said, adding that they expressed fear at knowing he was around. She described his behaviour towards the community as hostile and abusive.

State Prosecutor Judith Gildha-

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36

March 27-April 2, 2015

We are sorry

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By Miranda La Rose

ven as she announced an investigation to determine whether yesterday’s roadblocks at key locations around the country were linked to current wage negotiations for police officers, Acting Commissioner of Police (CoP) Ann-Marie Alleyne-Daly, apologised to the public for the frustration they felt, stuck for hours in a traffic gridlock.

Assuring the public will not endure such stress during police exercises again, Alleyne-Daly declared the power to order such initiatives will be stripped from inspectors, assistant superintendents and superintendents.

“The authority to initiate road check exercises will reside only with divisional commanders, and heads of sections and branches, going forward,” Alleyne-Daly, who is acting for Acting CoP, Stephen Williams, told reporters during a media conference at the Police Administration Building, Port-of-Spain. Williams is currently out of the country.

Disassociating the executive of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) from the actions that led to massive traffic gridlock on both islands and also caused businesses and schools, even bank branches, to close for the day, Alleyne-Daly assured there will be no repeat of the action.

As such, she said, the TTPS executive has appointed Assistant Commissioner of Police Vincel Edwards to investigate all the action undertaken by all participating divisions. Edwards has been given two weeks to complete the probe.

The TTPS executive has also ordered all the senior superintendents to investigate at their level what took place, she said.

Asked about penalties for police officers if they were found in breach of their regulations and code of conduct, Alleyne-Daly said, she would not preempt the investigations. She noted, however, that disciplinary procedures were in place for disobedience to orders, and insubordination among other forms of indiscipline.

Asked if she believed that the Police Service and Welfare Association was behind yesterday’s action as a form of protest to hasten the salary negotiation for police officers, Alleyne-Daly said, “That is why we are having an investigation. We have no information thus far.” She could not say how many officers would have been involved in the exercise, pointing out, “Every division had officers involved.

We are still tallying how many at this time.”

Asked if she had known beforehand of plans to stage the exercise, Alleyne-Daly said, “Had we known about this, we would

Caribbean Star Newspaper

have taken measures to deal with it.”

From information obtained, she said, the exercise got underway at 5 am and roadblocks were put up at key locations. The order was given for officers to “stand down” at 7 am. However, the effects of the gridlock continued past the mid-morning hours. As to any charges, arrests and traffic tickets issued during yesterday’s action, Allyne-Daly said no information pertaining to the results of the exercise was available at the time.

Alleyne-Daly also said she had no reports of people being robbed during the traffic jam.

Questioned on the effects that the police officers’ actions would have on the public’s confidence in the service, she said, “We want the public to know that we disassociate ourselves from the actions taken and to note the proactive measures being taken.”

The road exercises undertaken yesterday, she said, did not speak to the aim of the initiative which was to increase citizens sense of safety and security.

It should not have caused the level of inconvenience experienced by members of the public, she said.

It was “quite possible,” Alleyne-Day said that instructions for the road blocks to take place were done at the level of operational inspectors. These inspectors

along with superintendents, and assistant superintendents will now be stripped of that responsibility.

Road blocks, she said, were normally done as part of a “total policing day” exercise that may also involve the execution of warrants and doing lectures in schools among other initiatives. In this particular case, she said, “We have recognised that it has gone beyond what was normal and hence the inconvenience to the public.”

Total policing day, Alleyne-Daly said, was done throughout the country on a daily basis, adding “but not of this magnitude.

“You may find that a division will have one today and another division on another day,” she pointed out.

Apologising to members of the public for the inconvenience caused by the police action, Alleyne-Daly gave the assurance that there will be no further inconvenience of this nature.

Mindful of the ongoing wage negotiations with the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO), she said, the executive was supportive of the collective bargaining process.

The police association is expected to return to the bargaining table with the CPO today. They want a 19 percent salary increase while the CPO is offering less than ten percent.

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 27-April 2, 2015 37 Caribbean Star Newspaper New Vybz on Chris Brown’s probation for Rihanna assault ends billboard

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S the first anniversary of his sentence for murder approaches, deejay Vybz Kartel earns his best showing to date on Billboard's Reggae Album chart.

Viking (Vybz is King), an 11-track set produced by Linton 'TJ' White, debuts at number three on that table. It is the controversial artiste's fifth title on the Billboard chart.

White, who has produced hits for Kartel including Touch a Button, Business, Conjugal Visit (featuring Spice), Without Money and Ordinary Servant, is not surprised at reception to the album.

"All the songs are brand new and people want new songs. These are exclusive that have never been released," White told the Jamaica Observer, adding: "At one point we had six of the songs on the iTunes charts at the same time."

Tracks from Viking (Vybz is King) include Dancehall, Gon Get Better, Enchanting, Time, Volcano, Facebook People and Unstoppable.

It bears the TJ Records/Adidjahiem Records/Short Boss Muzik imprints and is distributed by 21st Hapilos.

Kartel's previous entries on the Billboard Reggae Album chart are 2011's Kingston Story which peaked at number seven; Vybz Kartel Roots & Culture: The Voice of the Jamaican Ghetto, which reached number six in 2013; Kartel Forever: Trilogy, which stalled at number 11 in 2013; and last year's Reggae Love Songs & Other Things which got to number seven.

The 39-year-old Kartel (Adidja Palmer) was sentenced to life in prison on April 4 2014 for the August 2011 murder of Clive 'Lizard' Williams. He will be eligible for parole after 35 years.

However, his popularity among the youth and hardcore dancehall fans remains strong. He won four awards at the recent Youth View Awards.

White has also had success on Billboard charts. His reworking of the Showtime 'riddim', called Unfinished Business, scored hits on the R&B Hop Hip Songs chart with Serani's No Games and Mavado's So Special.

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ALIFORNIA, United States, Monday March 23, 2015 – Six years and assorted misadventures since Chris Brown pleaded guilty to attacking Barbadian superstar Rihanna, his probation is over and the case is closed.

On Friday, Brown and his attorney Mark Geragos hugged in the courtroom and again in a courthouse elevator after Superior Court Judge James R. Brandlin said Brown had completed community labour requirements as part of his felony assault case and officially closed it.

“IM OFF PROBATION!!!!!!!! Thank the Lord!!!!!!” Brown tweeted, following the hearing.

The Grammy-winning singer had been under supervision by court and probation officials since the brutal attack on his then-girlfriend Rihanna over the 2009 Awards weekend.

The headline-grabbing incident led to immediate fallout for Brown, with a drop in demand for his music and several cancelled concerts, and his career has only recently shown positive signs of recovery.

Since 2013, the 25-year-old recording artiste appeared to have struggled to complete his community service obligations. His probation was revoked in January after he performed in Northern California without permission.

On that occasion Geragos claimed partial responsibility, telling Judge Brandlin that his office had inadvertently told Brown he could travel without permission.

In 2013, prosecutors questioned whether Brown had complied with the terms of his community labour sentence, and Judge Brandlin briefly re-

CHRIS BROWN ARRIVES AT THE BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS 2013 AT THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA ON MAY 19, 2013 IN LAS VEGAS voked his probation over a hit-andrun case filed against the singer over a fender bender.

The recording star went on to strike a man outside a Washington hotel and was charged with misdemeanour assault.

Ordered into rehab, Brown was subsequently dismissed from the facility for violating its rules and spent twoand-a-half months in custody, with US marshals shuttling him between Los Angeles and the nation’s capital for court hearings.

The apparently troubled R&B singer underwent domestic violence and anger

management counselling, and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and complications from substance abuse.

He nevertheless eventually completed his community labour sentence, which involved manual labour such as graffiti removal or roadside clean-up.

After the final hearing last week, his attorney said he “couldn’t be more delighted.”

“He is in a spot right now and a place right now that I couldn’t be prouder of him,” Geragos said of Brown. He said Friday’s hearing was “a monumental feat for him.”

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38

Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 27-April 2, 2015

CRICKET & Sports

‘Haven’t retired from any format’ - Gayle Chris Gayle is not retiring from any form of the game, but a recurring back injury will keep him out of West Indies’ upcoming home Test series against England.

“Definitely want to play the T20 World Cup next year for West Indies, there’s no doubt about that,” Gayle told ESPNcricinfo. “I’ve got a few concerns and a few injury [cases] to try and solve. I’ll give myself some time and hopefully look back at it and see how well I can actually progress for West Indies cricket at this point in time.

“I’m actually out of the Test series, the back won’t hold up for that format at this point in time. But I haven’t retired from any format as yet. As I go on I will keep informing WICB about my progress in the future with West Indies cricket.”

West Indies were knocked out of the World Cup on Saturday after losing their quarter-final against New Zealand by 143 runs. Gayle made a 33-ball 61 in an attempt to keep West Indies in touch with the asking rate in a chase of 394. Gayle said he suffered a groin strain during the game, but his back didn’t trouble him too much. “[The back] actually held up well, to be honest with you, in the outfield for 50 overs and then opening the batting,” he said. “It wasn’t too bad, slight scare again with a niggle in the groin, so all that was happening, and you have to take the conditions into consideration, it was a bit cold and you’re feeling some pain.”

West Indies lost to Ireland in their opening match of the World Cup, and went through an upand-down ride that eventually

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carried them into the quarter-finals. Gayle felt West Indies had played good cricket and were a ‘good all-round team’, even though they missed Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard - whose omissions he had spoken out against before the tournament.

“I thought we played some great cricket,” Gayle said. “Yes we missed [Bravo and Pollard], but I thought we did well. We had a good all-round team, and the guys played some crucial innings for us.

“It was a situation where you look at it, we reached a quarterfinal, anything could have hap- I’m out of the Test series, the back won’t hold up for that format at this point in time’ - Chris Gayle © pened, you just need two good games. You chase 390 runs, “There’s always room for Gayle looked forward to [Tournament] as well.” psychologically it will affect improvement,” Gayle said. working with Phil Simmons, In West Indies’ group match your batters, but if we actually “There’s no doubt about it. who will take over as West In- against Zimbabwe, Gayle made had a better plan or structure Nothing wrong with a young dies’ coach after the World Cup. 215, the first double-century in chasing these sort of targets, it captain, but goes to show [how] Simmons, the former West In- World Cup cricket. In Saturday’s could have helped us in some inexperience can play a big part dies allrounder, has just ended quarterfinal, Martin Guptill betsort of way. in this sort of tournament. Can an eight-year stint with the Ire- tered his effort and smashed an “[We were bowled out for] Jason actually grow from this, land team. unbeaten 237. Gayle was one 250 with 19 overs to go, that get more structure behind him “I know Phil from a personal of the first West Indies players goes to tell how dangerous and more support in this area? point of view, I know him well,” to congratulate Guptill when he we can be, but just to get the Then hopefully he can build on Gayle said. “He’s a good man, he went past 200. mindset right and get a hold of this and use this as a learning has done well with Ireland and “Yeah, fantastic,” Gayle said. everything and the players to experience. he’s one of us as well, so there’s “[Guptill] batted well, we know actually believe we can make “It’s never going to be easy, no doubt about it. We know how his capability. It was a good these things happen.” coming here and captaining in a we can actually become a stron- wicket out there, it was a belter The WICB appointed Jason World Cup for the first time, it’s ger unit. out there, small ground, small Holder, the 23-year-old all- always going to be a mind fac“I didn’t know he was ap- boundary, but we can’t take anyrounder, as West Indies’ ODI tor and lot of pressure is going pointed, so that’s news to me thing away from the fact that he captain months before the to be there on a youngster like at this point in time, so I wish batted superbly. He set up his World Cup. Asked how he rated that, but in the future, I wish him all the best and hopefully innings fantastically. Congrats Holder’s captaincy, Gayle said him well, hopefully he can use he’ll have a successful coaching to him on getting the double he had room to improve but this as a learning experience, career with West Indies and can century, 237 I think, I wish him wished him well, and hoped he and can get better. Just keep uplift West Indies cricket and all the best furthermore in his would hold the team together in your players together and just take us further in international career, and he’s a wonderful the future. hold them and stick with them.” cricket and help the Regional player as well.”

Ryder suspended for ‘serious dissent’

esse Ryder has been suspended from Otago’s final game in the Plunket Shield after he admitted to a breach of New Zealand Cricket’s Code of Conduct. Ryder was charged

with “serious dissent, including the use of offensive language” following his dismissal against Northern Districts on March 21.

Ryder was given caught by Anton

Devcich off Ish Sodhi for 25 by umpire Gary Baxter in Otago’s second innings, and stuff.co.nz reported that he was heard cursing the decision repeatedly as he waked off Seddon

Park.

Otago are presently fourth in the Plunket Shield, and play their last game against Auckland from April 1 to 4.

March 27-April 2, 2015 Caribbean Star Newspaper Bishoo, Permaul spin Guyana to innings win

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uyana had come into their final match of the Regional four-day tournament with the trophy in their locker and they celebrated by thumping Windward Islands by an innings and 10 runs in Roseau. Devendra Bishoo took 10 wickets over two innings and Veerasammy Permaul was a close second with eight as they directed the course of the match.

Windward Islands had been put in, but their top order had taken control. Devon Thomas (92 off 97) and Tyrone Theophile (58 off 71) struck half-centuries and presented a 131-run opening partnership in 37 overs. That tempo was maintained by the No. 3 Keddy

Lesporis (50 off 55). The trio carved 27 boundaries among themselves to lead the score to 218 for 4. The comfort of that scoreline though was dented by the architects having been dismissed.

It was all the opening Guyana needed. Bishoo took two wickets in two overs to drag the score down to 239 for 6, and finished with 6 for 74. Permaul backed him up with 4 for 64 as the Windward Islands lower-middle order floundered.

They were dismissed for 283, with two ducks and a top score of 18 among the other eight batsmen The Guyana top order, though, almost gave away the advantage. From 111 for 5,

the reliable Shivnarine Chanderpaul struck 119 off 285 and Chris Barnwell came up with his maiden first-class ton 148 off 179, with 14 fours and five sixes - to upset Windward Islands’ early momentum. Their 251-run partnership is the second-highest of the season as Guyana posted 427. Offspinner Shane Shillingford bowled 52 overs and took 5 for 118, including the two centurions.

Windward Islands’ reply was meed, with six single-digit scores. Permaul struck the early blows this time - twice in the 16th over. Then the fourth and fifth wickets fell as the score moved from 85 to 86 and their final five were picked up at the Devendra Bishoo took his third 10-wicket haul in a match in firstcost of only 28 runs. class cricket

Never had a problem with Pietersen - Stewart Kevin Pietersen may have been deemed “disengaged” by the England management, but at Surrey he is viewed as an ideal role-model for young players.

O

nly a few weeks after the ECB hinted that Pietersen was not seen as a “positive dressing room influence,” Surrey have made it clear that they view him quite differently by re-signing him for the 2015 season.

Underlining his commitment to regaining a place in the England side, Pietersen has negotiated his release from his IPL contract with Sunrisers Hyderabad and announced that he will donate all his wages from his Surrey deal to his charity, the Kevin Pietersen Foundation.

Pietersen has not, at this stage, signed to play anything other than first-class cricket for the club and is still scheduled to play in the Caribbean Premier League from the third week of June. All that could change, however, depending on what else happens in the next few weeks. He is likely to make his first appearance of the season against Oxford MCCU in the Parks on April 12, with his first Championship match of the season coming on April 19 against Glamorgan in Cardiff.

“We’ve never had a problem with him,” Alec Stewart, the Surrey director of cricket, said. “If we had ever had a problem with him, we wouldn’t be welcoming him back. I have a relationship with him as does

Graham Ford, our first team coach, who has worked with him since the age of nine.

“Yes, we need good cricketers, but we also need good people. We are trying to bring through young players who learn and do the right thing. Jason Roy, for example has learnt so much from KP. He has huge respect, looks up to him and would like to emulate what KP has done as a player.

“We’ve gained a very ambitious, very good player. That’s why we’ve brought him back in.”

While Pietersen might, in the past, have struggled to motivate himself for the prospect of a Division Two promotion challenge, the incentive of a potential England recall will, in Stewart’s opinion, focus his mind.

Pietersen already averages 77.16 in the nine first-class games he has played for the club with some suggesting that, given good luck with the weather, he could become the first man this century - and only the ninth in all - to register 1,000 runs before the end of May. “It’s a good story for us,” Stewart said. “We want to be successful and we want to win things here, but we also have a duty to produce players for England.

“Kevin is eligible to play for En-

39

gland. He has set his sights on the Ashes and, if he scores runs for us, then the selectors will have to make a decision.”

Stewart went on to suggest that, should Pietersen return to the England team, it might constitute one of the “biggest comeback” stories in sport.

“If he ends up playing for England again it is going to be one of the biggest comebacks in sport,” Stewart said. “Just coming back to play for Surrey isn’t right up there, but for England it would be.

“Going back to the times of Kerry Packer, players got banned. When they went to play in South Africa they got banned and they came back.

So it isn’t as though someone who has been slung out has never come back.”There are examples there of the ECB, going back on decisions.

Will they have to this time because of what he is doing? We’ll see.

“It is sad that one of England’s finest players has been at loggerheads with the ECB. Both parties are at fault. He has been very good for England and England have been very good for him.

“But we got to a situation where they sacked him and that is not right because somehow they have to find some common ground. I am not saying pick him but they have to find common ground where a relationship is recreated whether it is for now or for in 20 years time when, for example, they suddenly might want a dinner for the 2005 Ashes winners. Why would you not want one of the main contributors being there rather than being frightened to invite him?

“And we don’t want everyone exactly the same. It would be pretty dull.”

Saker out, Gibson back for West Indies tour

O

ttis Gibson has been appointed as England’s fast-bowling coach for the forthcoming West Indies tour with the chance to push his credentials for the job full time ahead of the Ashes series against Australia this summer.

Gibson fulfilled the role for nearly three years from 2007 before he was appointed as coach of West Indies. He left that job last August by mutual consent after guiding West Indies to a World Twenty20 crown in Sri Lanka but otherwise finding an overwhelming job to regenerate West Indies cricket a growing source of frustration.

His knowledge of West Indian conditions will now be of particular benefit to England as they seek to rally morale ahead of the international summer.

Failures in major competitions normally bring a desire for a fresh start, but England’s post-World Cup period has also been flavored by comebacks. Jonathan Trott has been recalled to England’s squad for the first time since leaving the 2013-14 Ashes series with performance anxiety and the most celebrated comeback of all - that of Kevin Pietersen - remains a possibility.

Gibson replaces David Saker, whose job was already in jeopardy before he indicated to the ECB that he intended to leave his post in September to take up a position as

coach of the Melbourne Renegades Big Bash franchise - a coaching role with his home state he had long cherished.

Saker was quickly informed that he was not required for next month’s three-Test tour of the Caribbean as England took the opportunity to bring Gibson back into the fold.

He was reintroduced to the England set-up on England Lions’ recent tour of South Africa and also spent time at the England Performance Programme’s four-week training camp for fast bowlers - also in South Africa before Christmas, working alongside James Anderson and Stuart Broad among others The departure of Saker means that every senior member of the coaching setup has now departed since the 5-0 Ashes whitewash Down Under 14 months ago.

England’s managing director, Paul Downton, said: “We are delighted to have secured a bowling coach of Ottis’ calibre as he is highly respected among the fast bowling fraternity and his knowledge and experience of local conditions will be invaluable in the Caribbean.

“We must, however, stress that this is a short-term appointment at this stage. No decision has yet been made on a long-term replacement for David and we will need to review how we staff this position going forward following the conclusion of the West Indies tour. “

40

March 27-April 2, 2015

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Caribbean Star Newspaper Pietersen’s Surrey deal confirmed

K

evin Pietersen’s deal to play for Surrey this summer has been confirmed.

It had long been anticipated that he would return to The Oval after securing a release from his IPL contract. He will now be available for Surrey’s opening County Championship match of the season, against Glamorgan, on April 19 in Cardiff.

Despite some cynicism over whether Pietersen would go through with his intention to commit to county cricket, he is now targeting an England recall. A significant weight of runs will be required to state his case, particularly considering Surrey are in Division Two of the County Championship, but Tom Moody - coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad who agreed to release Pietersen from IPL duty - said England “would be foolish” not to consider a fit and in-form Pietersen.

Writing in the Telegraph Pietersen said: “All I am looking for is a fair opportunity to play for England again. I just want a blank sheet of paper and to be judged on merit. Even if this does not work out and I do not get back in the England team, I will at least end my career knowing I gave it another shot. I would kick myself for a long time if I walked away now without having a go.” He also said his Surrey wages would go to charity.

Surrey have fixtures against Glamorgan, Essex and Leicestershire before England’s first Test of the summer against New Zealand on May 21. But perhaps July 8 is a more realistic date for a return - the start of the Ashes.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be back at Surrey,” Pietersen said. “It’s a club very close to my heart and Alec Stewart, Graham Ford and everyone at the club has been exceptionally supportive. There is a fantastic group of lads here and hopefully we can deliver what the great Surrey fans want to see - lots of runs and comprehensive victories.”

Pietersen release from the IPL came with a clause that Hyderabad could recall him should they reach the knockout stage, which begins on May 19. That would see Pietersen miss Surrey’s Championship match with Northamptonshire.

Alec Stewart, Surrey director of cricket, added: “A Kevin Pietersen with ambitions to play for England and a real determination to score big runs for Surrey will be a huge asset to us. He will play predominantly championship cricket to begin with. That’s not to say we won’t see him in the shorter versions of the game, but to begin with it’s very much championship cricket.”

March 27-April 2, 2015

41

JP Duminy’s familiarity with the team set-up worked in his favour

Duminy named Delhi Daredevils captain

J

P Duminy has been appointed the captain of Delhi Daredevils ahead of the 2015 season. Daredevils were led

by Kevin Pietersen last year, but the franchise released him as part of an overhaul which saw them offload 13 players from their 2014 squad.

Duminy was one of the few survivors and was preferred as the leader over star Indian allrounder Yuvraj Singh and Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews.

Having finished as the last-ranked team in 2014 with just two wins from 14 matches, the franchise sought more balance in

the team and finished as the biggest buyer at the players auction in February.

Yuvraj became the most expensive buy of the auction after Daredevils spent Rs 16 crore (approximately $2.67 million). A proven match-winner with a modest captaincy record in the IPL, Yuvraj was seen as the favourite to take over the captaincy but the management felt differently.

According to Hemant Dua, the Daredevils chief executive, Duminy was the “right choice” as he is a “composed individual and well respected by his teammates and peers.”

A Protea and the weather leaves SA heartbroken New Zealand 299 for 6 in 42.5 overs (Elliott 84*, McCullum 59, Anderson 58, Morkel 3-59) beat South Africa 281 for 5 in 43 overs (Du Plessis 82, De Villiers 65*, Miller 49) by 4 wickets (D/L method)

I

ncredible, just incredible. Amid scenes of rare passion, of the like New Zealand has never seen for a cricket match, Grant Elliott played the innings of his life to carry his adopted country into the World Cup final against the land of his birth. With five needed off two balls, but effectively four because a tie would have been enough for New Zealand due to them finishing higher in their group, Elliott pulled an injured Dale Steyn high over mid-on to ensure New Zealand’s adventure would stretch all the way to Melbourne.

It was a breathtaking match throughout, but the finish was something spectacular.

The quarter-finals had been bemoaned for not providing a close contest. This, though, was an epic. It was also going to be historic in any case with neither side previously reaching a World Cup final, but while everything pointed to an even game it was not guaranteed.

How it delivered as New Zealand, riding on a ferocious assault by Brendon McCullum, were pushed into a position of authority by a stand of 103 between Elliott and Corey Anderson who played another composed innings. Anderson, though, should have been run out on 33 when Rilee Rossouw pinged a poor throw towards the stumps with him miles out of his ground, instead of giving AB de Villiers time to run in.

It came down to 46 needed off 31 balls when Anderson top edged to catch high

into the night sky. Luke Ronchi then picked out deep square-leg to leave 29 needed off 17 balls with Daniel Vettori joining Elliott.

Then it became 12 off the last over after Elliott was given a life on the last ball of the penultimate over when he top-edged towards deep square leg where Farhaan Behardien and JP Duminy collided. A bye was scampered to the keeper off the first ball of the last, but then Elliott lost the strike again. Wait, though. Steyn was limping with what appeared a calf injury.

He had treatment and charged in. Vettori squeezed a boundary behind square on off. Then another bye as New Zealand showed great awareness, before Elliott’s final, crowning, moment to put an indelible seal on an extraordinary home campaign for the co-hosts.

South Africa’s players slumped to their knees, emotions on full display. Some did not move from their outfield positions for a few moments. Elliott offered a consoling hand to Steyn, much as Andrew Flintoff had done to Brett Lee at Edgbaston in 2005. New Zealand’s players charged onto the outfield, led by the inspirational captain who had sparked the demanding chase of 298 with a blistering display.

Only one higher total had been successfully chased on this ground in ODIs, but six overs of McCullum, after the match had been trimmed to 43 overs by rain, completely changed the complexion. McCullum has shredded attacks before in this tournament, but given the occasion and the bowlers in front of him it almost defied belief. Fourth ball he drove Steyn on the up over cover for six then he helped fetch 18 off Vernon Philander’s first over. But it was in Steyn’s third over that McCullum’s

hitting went truly berserk as he drilled him straight down the ground for six and hooked another - that one taking him to a 22-ball fifty - as the over cost 25.

It brought the required rate down from nearly seven-an-over to a run-a-ball.

South Africa were rattled, but managed to halt McCullum in the nick of time when he pulled Morne Morkel to mid-on. He departed to an ovation that will linger long, yet unlike his previous barrages this was not enough to make the result certain. When Kane Williamson dragged on against Morkel, South Africa were back in the ascendency.

Amid McCullum’s display it was easy to forget the man at the other end had just scored 237. Martin Guptill had only faced 11 balls when McCullum fell, but he and Ross Taylor steadily rebuilt the innings until one of Taylor’s bad habits surfaced at the worst time. He played the ball square, there was hesitation, from both batsmen, over the single and Guptill just kept running to the dressing room. Taylor flung his head in the air.

There was no reprieve for Taylor, either, as he tickled a catch down the leg side off Duminy and at 149 for 4 the semi-final was starting to look New Zealand’s glass-ceiling for the seventh time. However, Elliott and Anderson did not panic. They picked off loose deliveries, regularly making use of the short straight boundaries.

Anderson’s let-off came, but it was still far from a comfortable ask even if the mood was changing. The first two overs of the batting Powerplay brought just 11, then Morkel went for 12, including a six over deep square by Elliott, and the same tally came off Imran Tahir who had bowled

superbly to help quell the early charge. De Villiers felt he had to bowl himself and it would not have been beyond him to win the match. With each wicket, New Zealand responded. It was the counter punching of two outstanding cricket teams with their eye on the ultimate prize.

The question will be asked if South Africa came out on the wrong side of the Duckworth-Lewis calculations after their innings was interrupted with de Villiers in full flow and Faf du Plessis set for a hundred in the 38th over. On resumption they plundered 65 in five overs, mainly due to David Miller’s 18-ball 49 as de Villiers lost the strike, but the adjusted 298 in 43 did feel less daunting than the 360 in 50 that could have been on the cards. All speculation, though.

That South Africa could not cut loose until the 30th over was credit to New Zealand’s bowlers, led by the outstanding Trent Boult who took two early scalps to make himself New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker at a World Cup with 21 victims ahead of Geoff Allott’s 20 in 1999. However, for the first time in the tournament fielding let them down as four chances, albeit two tough ones, were missed.

Key to the reconnaissance was du Plessis. Worked over early on by Boult and the brisk Matt Henry, who was called-up at the last minute to replace Adam Milne, du Plessis soaked up the pressure rather than succumb to it. He had been desperate for another knockout contest against New Zealand after the heated quarter-final four years ago which ended with South Africa on the losing side. By a fluke of results he got his wish but in the end there was no redemption.

42

Caribbean Star Newspaper

March 27-April 2, 2015

Be a healthy role model for children 10 tips for setting good examples

Contributed y Renita Nal, RPH, Hollis Prescription Center

According to the United States Department of Agriculture Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion you are the most important influence on your child.

You can do many things to help your children develop healthy eating habits for life.

Offering a variety of foods helps children get the nutrients they need from every food group. They will also be more likely to try new foods and to like more foods. When children develop a taste for many types of foods, it’s easier to plan family meals.

Cook together, eat together, talk together, and make

1.

Show by example Eat vegetables, fruits, and whole grains with meals or as snacks. Let your child see that you like to munch on raw vegetables.

2.

Go food shopping together Grocery shopping can teach your child about food and nutrition. Discuss where vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, and protein foods come from. Let your children make healthy choices.

3.

Get creative in the kitchen Cut food into fun and easy shapes with cookie cutters. Name a food your child helps make. Serve “Janie’s Salad” or “Jackie’s Sweet Potatoes” for dinner. Encourage your child to invent new snacks.

Make your own trail mixes from dry wholegrain, low-sugar cereal and dried fruit.

4.

Offer the same foods for everyone Stop being a “short-order cook” by making different dishes to please children. It’s easier to plan family meals when everyone eats the same foods

5.

Reward with attention, not food Show your love with hugs and kisses. Comfort with hugs and talks.

Choose not to offer sweets as rewards. It lets your child think sweets or dessert foods are better than other foods. When meals are not eaten, kids do not need “extras”— such as candy or cookies—as replacement foods.

6.

Focus on each other at the table Talk about fun and happy things at mealtime. Turn off the television.

Take phone calls later. Try to make eating meals a stress-free time.

7.

Listen to your child If your child says he or she is hungry, offer a small, healthy snack—even if it is not a scheduled time to eat. Offer choices.

Ask “Which would you like for dinner: broccoli or cauliflower? instead of “Do you want broccoli for dinner?”

8.

9.

Allow no more than 2 hours a day of screen time like TV and computer games. Get up and move during commercials to get some physical activity.

Encourage physical activity Make physical activity fun for the whole family. Involve your children in the planning. Walk, run, and play with your child—instead of sitting on the sidelines.

Set an example by being physically active and using safety gear, like bike helmets.

10.

Be a good food role model Try new foods yourself. Describe its taste, texture, and smell. Offer one new food at a time. Serve something your child likes along with the new food. Offer new foods at the beginning of a meal, when your child is very hungry.

Avoid lecturing or forcing your child to eat.

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March 27-April 2, 2015

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