Caribbean First Interfaith Newspaper, Serving The Community
June 5–11, 2015
Caribbeanstarnews@gmail.com
Star
Hardat Kissoon
GUYSUCO
POLICE SAY WORKING ON LEADS
IN MURDER OF RICE FARMER See More on Page 15 TRINIDAD
MIRACLE IN CUREPE
Unable to bear intense labour pains while on her way to get a maxi taxi to take her to hospital, a 34-year-old pregnant woman sat down on a pavement in Curepe early yesterday morning and gave birth to her fourth child, a healthy baby girl.
See More on Page 11
WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
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GUYANA
Vol.4 #45
Amid a crisis in the sugar industry, the Government of Guyana dismissed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Sugar Corporation, Dr Rajendra Singh, while also asking the Board of Directors to resign with immediate effect.
SPORT
CEO FIRED BOARD TOLD TO GO
BISHOO LEADS FIGHTBACK BUT AUSTRALIA MOVE AHEAD See Page 38
See More on Page 16
GUYANA
GUYANA
CABINET APPROVES TASK FORCE TO EFFECT CITY DRAINAGE
COUPLE SLAIN IN TAIN HOME The discovery of two bodies in a home at Tain, Corentyne, Berbice, first suspected to be the result of a murder/ suicide is now being treated as a double murder and a suspect is currently in custody.
See More on Page 3
TRINIDAD
JACK ON INTERPOL WANTED LIST
Interpol has issued a red flag, or “wanted,” notice for former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner, government spokesman Andrew Johnson confirmed yesterday.
See More on Page 4 V
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June 5–11, 2015
Cabinet approves Task Force to effect city drainage
abinet on Tuesday approved the formation of a Public Infrastructure Task Force to assess and holistically approach drainage and irrigation reform for the city. Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson lobbied for the task force that will comprise the entities currently charged with drainage and irrigation as well as members of civil society. Heavy rains on Sunday saw several parts of Guyana flooded including Georgetown, the East Coast and the West Coast. At a press briefing held at the ministry yesterday, Patterson said that within the next two weeks he will be finalising the Terms of Reference for the task force. He said agencies such as the Guyana Association of Profession-al Engineers (GAPE), the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), the relevant government ministries, and persons such as businessman Stanley Ming will be invited to collaborate. He noted that Ming had spoken extensively on the flooding throughout Guy-ana. Patterson said “hard social and political decisions,” will need to be made, alluding to the fact that relocation of homesteads had not been ruled out. The minister said a full mapping of the current drainage and sewerage network in Guyana was necessary groundwork for the task force. He said funding was available, highlighting that various international bodies were already prepared to assist in areas of urban rehabilitation. When questioned by Stabroek News the minister noted that he would need to seek legal counsel since the various legislation such as the Municipal Act, Sea Defence Act, Public Utilities Act and Georgetown Sewerage and Water Act would need to be “harmonized” so that a multilateral agency could function accordingly. He said the Task Force was being initiated to “nurse back to health,” the ailing drainage and infrastructure networks of the capital; “it is our baby malnourished, deformed or whatever it is…” Rehabilitation not solution While the Task Force logistics are to be worked out as a medium-term initiative, Patterson noted that cabinet also approved $75 million to be used immediately to clear the four major outbound channels at Kingston, Lamaha Street, Sussex Street and Meadowbank. “I’d like to make it clear to the citizens of Georgetown this is not a solution to our drainage problem this is an attempt for the next four to six weeks to ensure that should there be another period of high rainfall that the time taken to reduce the flooding or get the water out of the city will be reduced,” Patterson warned. He said that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the M&CC were assisting with the cleaning of the Cummings canal and Muneshwers koker site respectively. Patterson stated that he would not be detailing his staff to find the $500 million that was designated exclusively for Georgetown, from the previous government’s $1 billion ‘Clean-Up My Country’ campaign. He said that he simply did not know where that money went and how it was spent considering that much of the work that is
currently being done in relation to the four major canals with the recently approved $75 million was already supposed to have been completed. He said all six pumps across the city are now operational, however due to the length of time the Lamaha Street pump was out of commission problems with the pipe work signalled urgent rehabilitation and the NDIA was still doing fabrication work as of yesterday. Most of the stagnant water had been drained by yesterday, and a few communities were still struggling to remove the last remnants of floodwaters from their homes and businesses. Engineer and Technical Advisor Walter Willis said that only two of the 13 canals leading to the Demerara River in George-
From left are: Mayor of Georgetown Hamilton Green, Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr. Karen Cummings, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson and Media Coordinator in the Prime Minister’s Officer, Beverly Alert town and surrounding areas were still in need of rehabilitation. He noted that Meadowbank and the Lamaha Street outlet con-
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tinued to need further works. The ministry will be providing a hotline for residents to call in and report ongoing issues with blockages of secondary and tertiary drains so the MCC, as well as the Force Account Unit of the Ministry and the Ministry of Com-munities can address and clean. Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr Karen Cummings stated that persons dealing with flood-related health issues are free to call the ministry at 227-1316 for assistance. She was present during the press briefing to give an update on public health care following flooding and to relay to the public that health centres are equipped with the necessary medication and training to prevent the spread of disease.
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Caribbean Star Newspaper
June 5–11, 2015
Jack on Interpol wanted list
nterpol has issued a red flag, or “wanted,” notice for former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner, government spokesman Andrew Johnson confirmed yesterday. Johnson addressed the issue at a media briefing yesterday where Government emphasised it had nothing to do with the US Justice Department’s indictment of Warner. According to international reports, Interpol—the international policing organisation—issued the “red notices” or international wanted persons alert for six men with ties to Fifa, including Warner and Nicolas Leoz, as well as four sports marketing executives for charges including racketeering conspiracy and corruption. In all, 14 current and former Fifa officials and other corporate executives were charged by the US Department of Justice last week, with American and Swiss authorities making seven arrests following a dawn raid in Zurich on Wednesday. Warner is out on $2.5 million bail after appearing in court on the charges last week, while Leoz, of Paraguay, is under house arrest in his country after also appearing in court. An Interpol statement confirmed the red notices were issued on the request of US authorities.
The Interpol “red notice” means the accused risk arrest anywhere they travel. In distancing Government from the US moves yesterday, Johnson said Warner was seeking to make a link but there was none. On Warner’s claim that the Prime Minister “was trying to put him in jail,” Johnson said, “Nothing is further from the truth. At no stage of the game did the political administration have anything to do with this matter; that would be inappropriate and irregular. “It’s patently false to make a link between what has occurred with him and the Government...it has nothing to do with proximity to elections or his estrangement from the Government. The indictment is based on the US authorities’ investigations...the people at the centre of this are the US authorities and the US Attorney General.” He said Warner’s extradition issue was the result of the treaties on such issues between the US and T&T and Warner was not being treated differently from anyone else. He noted that five other T&T citizens had been extradited to the US in recent months. He said Warner was held in high regard by a lot of people and “no one took pleasure or pride in what
This screenshot of Interpol’s website shows undated portraits of, from top row left to right, Jack Warner, Nicolas Leoz, Alejandro Burzaco, Hugo Jinkis, Mariano Jinkis and Jose Margulies. Interpol added the men to its most wanted list yesterday, issuing an international alert in the ongoing Fifa corruption probe. The Interpol “red notice” means they risk arrest anywhere they travel. (Interpol via AP) was occurring with him.” On Warner’s claims that he’d already been “jailed,” Johnson said that was true when one was sentenced but Warner had spent one night in detention due to bail issues only. Johnson said Warner’s charges were
not a “gift” for Government and he couldn’t say how the situation would play out in election platform statements. He said it was expected Warner might challenge the extradition request.
Caribbean Star Newspaper
June 5–11, 2015
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Caribbean Star Newspaper
June 5–11, 2015
House lot sales to be phased out – Scott
Junior Communities Minister Keith Scott, who has responsibility for housing, plans to move housing development in the country from the sale of house lots to the sale of turn-key homes in communities that are outfitted with basic services, such as schools and police stations.
“W
hat we are doing is developing the concept that people must have a house… we intend to have houses together with community centres, school, churches, pharmacies and in some cases even fire stations so that people would not have the need to have to go down to a different area to look for a job or to shop or go to school,” Scott told Stabroek News in an interview. “We will have to phase out the house lot project,” he said, while adding that it is too expensive for people to have a house lot then try to build a house. He said that many people have house lots but are unable to build. Tens of thousands of house lots were handed out by PPP/C governments at varying costs between 1993 and 2015, “Our concept
of new communities will come into play here,” Scott said, while adding that there are several schemes in existence, including one on the way at Perseverance, East Bank Demerara, where 1,000 turn-key houses are being built. The houses have two bedrooms and will cost at least $4M each. This is one of the projects initiated by the former PPP/C government. Scott added that he will be reviewing this project to ensure that everything is “above board.” He envisioned that the project will be completed by year end and the homes will be ready for distribution but added that there needs to be cooperation from the bank to ensure that this venture is successful. Scott said there are developers also who are constructing “high level” homes in the same area and this too will be
Keith Scott looked at in addition to contracts that would have been awarded to persons. According to Scott, the ministry also intends to ensure that when there are construction projects in communities, labour comes from within the area. He said that the experts, such as the engineers, can be sourced from outside, but the carpenters and the artisans will be taken from the communities. ‘Zero tolerance for corruption’
Meanwhile, Scott, who moved into his new office recently, said currently several facets of the ministry’s operation are being reviewed and investigated. He noted that since his arrival, the ministry has already began to undergo changes to ensure there are “competent staffers.” “We intend to make sure that this ministry becomes the best of all ministries,” he stressed. Towards this end, Scott has warned that action will be taken against any ministry employee who is found to have been involved in corrupt practices during the execution of their duties, while noting that several of the projects started under the previous PPP/C administration will be investigated. Scott said it is the policy of the new government to ensure that “there is zero tolerance for corruption… I too will not tolerate it for one second. If we find in the course of our review any skullduggery, we shall take effective and immediate action and those persons guilty shall be dealt with condignly.” Under the previous government, there were many allegations of corruption in the sale of house lots. Within the last few years there has been a housing boom, with several schemes being opened up along the East Bank Demerara corridor and on the West Demerara.
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Caribbean Star Newspaper
By Krishen Mohanlall
June 5–11, 2015
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Music in Hinduism
Sita Ram! My name is Krishen Mohanlall and I am a blessed member of the Shaanti Bhavan Mandir. I am proud to be a Hindu and I would like to tell you about the important role that music has in Hinduism. It has certainly influenced my life and definitely made me a better individual.
A
t a very young age, I had a strong desire to play the dholak. Every time I went to mandir, I would pray that I get a chance to play, hence an opportunity to learn. Even though I never had any formal training, I had this deep passion and determination to play the dholak. I paid keen attention to dholak players and try to copy their style whenever I was given the opportunity. Traveling to different mandirs with our youth group in Guyana, made it possible for me to acquire more skills, which gave me the chance to play at many different events. I used to look forward for Holi season, just to develop on my skills, which enabled me to play the perfect drumbeat for chowtals. Even after I moved to the U.S.A., I continued to practice and perform at many places of worship. Today, because of perseverance I am a very accomplished and skilled dholak player. While this is the most favorite instrument I enjoyed playing, I have also learnt to play other instruments traditionally used in kirtan, such as the harmonium and the dhantal. At the Shaanti Bhavan Mandir, I noticed many youths playing the dholak and other instruments and I thank
Pandit Manoj for giving them the opportunity. Getting them involved is such a great thing and will definitely lead them in the right direction. When used in a spiritual setting, these instruments are not only for producing music for the ears to enjoy. They help to set the mood to get devotees in a calm and blissful mindset. Sounds and vibrations play a very important role in Hinduism. The syllable “OM” that is used in just about every prayer is believed to be the sound of the creation of the universe. We use music in every aspect of life and one of music’s most prominent and most important roles today, lies just as it always has, within the realm of our religion. In Hinduism music plays a significant part in the way that the believers relate to the deities, to other believers, and in how we understand and pass down our beliefs. Music works as a means of expressing passion and gratitude to the subject of worship and for religious adherents to convey their feelings to the deity of choice. The meaning behind Hindu music, the way it is used and the frequency of its use combine, make the role of music in Hinduism particularly interesting. Mu-
sic is not only a talent that is showcased, it is also a form of worship. We hold bhajans (devotional songs) and playing instruments at the same level as prayer recital. India, the birthplace of Hinduism, is known across the world for producing some of the most brilliant singers and musicians. Additionally, we believe that all music emanates from Saraswati Devi, the goddess of knowledge who is portrayed holding a veena. For these reasons, we treat instruments with utmost respect. For example, we never allow our feet to touch the instruments. These are some of the reasons that music is very important in Hinduism, more so than
in other religions and cultures. I encourage you and your families to either sing or learn to play an instrument in order to take part in this wonderful aspect of our culture. For all those that are already involved, especially the youths, I applaud your efforts and keep up the good works. I am very glad that I play the dholak because not only it has given me the opportunity to visit many beautiful places of worship and religious events, but it has also reinforced my faith, spirituality and connection to God. It helps me to appreciate and realize what a rich culture we have and also stimulate my brain cells to keep me mentally focused. Jai ho!
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Caribbean Star Newspaper Former Chief Election Officer Boodoo resigns from local gov’t -had been earning $500,000, new minister says unsure of what he was doing June 5–11, 2015
Regional Executive Officers likely to be replaced
F
ormer Chief Election Officer Gocool Boodoo earned close to half a million dollars per month as a consultant for the Ministry of Local Government but has since resigned his position according to new Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan who said he is unclear as to what services were provided by Boodoo. Bulkan told Stabroek News yesterday that following the May 11th general elections, Boodoo, who had an office staffed with a secretary and other persons, resigned his position even though he would have liked to have met with him to discuss various matters. Boodoo’s contract with Gecom was not renewed, after expiring on April 30, 2013, following a majority vote against rehiring him. He had been blamed for an embarrassing near-announcement that the PPP/C had won a parliamentary majority at the 2011 general elections when it hadn’t. Shortly after the non-renewal of the contract, it was announced that he was at the ministry as a consultant. “Gocool Boodoo is the consul-
tant who is establishing the electoral unit in the Ministry of the Local Government,” then Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon told this newspaper in November of last year. Gocool BoodooRonald Bulkan “It has to do with ensuring we are prepared for local government elections. We play our part, helping with things like public awareness and this and that, stuff like that… what is Gecom’s (Guyana Elections Commission) role and what is ours,” then Minister of Local Government Norman Whittaker had said later. No local government elections were held. “He never came to work. That was the strange thing…I was hoping to have the opportunity to get a report from Mr Boodoo (on) what basically were his functions but I never got that opportunity to be able to learn what he was doing,” the minister said . The minister also confirmed that former Minister of Local Government Clinton Collymore, who was employed as an advisor to then Minister Whittaker has been fired. Bulkan said that when he assumed duties he was informed that Collymore and Whittaker were at the
ministry up to May 15th-one day before President David Granger was sworn in. Bulkan said that he enquired about the former minister and left messages that he wanted to see him as soon as he reported for work as he wanted to find out about his duties and the nature of the advice he gave to the minister. He had also hoped to get copies of reports he would have given to the minister. Because he had not turned up for work for more than three days without a valid reason or a medical, which is required under the public service rules, Bulkan said Collymore was advised that this represented voluntary separation. He said about a week and a half after, Collymore appeared at his office asking to see him but never actually turned up to work. The minister said he could not see him and that the ministry had already made the determination that he would have been let go. “He walked off the job but I have been unable to find out what advice he was giving to the minister…” Bulkan said, adding that when he visited Collymore’s office “it was like a jungle and it was impossible to find anything.”
His office has now been converted into the office of Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings. REOs This was the state of the Ministry of Local Government’s boardroom when new Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan took up office. Meantime, the minister told Stabroek News that most, if not all, of the Regional Executive Officers (REOs) would be replaced because not only were they political appointees, they were also contract workers which according to him indicates that they did not see working in the public service as a career move. According to the Minister, nine of the ten REOs were employed as contract workers except for the person in Region Two, who is acting in his position. He said that the controversial REO of Region 8 (Potaro/ Siparuni) Ronald Harsawack has not returned to his position since he resigned to be a candidate on the PPP/C’s electoral list. While the Alliance For Change had won the Chairman-
ship of that region in 2011 in a coalition with A Partnership for National Unity, the council had repeatedly complained that Harsawack was stifling it, bypassing its authority and in the run-up to the last elections campaigned for the ruling party. In 2015, the PPP/C narrowly won the region, doubling its votes. Raphael Downes has since been appointed as acting REO of that region, Bulkan disclosed. Of the other eight REOs on contract, three-Regions 3, 4 and 7have their contracts coming to an end in two weeks with the remainder seeing their contracts ending in January of next year. Region 4’s REO, Deolall Rooplall was also controversial and was previously dismissed by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) by way of a no-confidence motion which was not approved by then Minister of Local Government Ganga Persaud. The region had accused the REO of the overextension of his responsibility which infringed on the RDC’s functions and that he had refused to account for $126 million in savings approved for the 2012 Work Plan.
See page 9
Caribbean Star Newspaper From page 8
Deolall had taken over from Shafdar Alli, who also had several run-ins with the council but was finally removed by the Ministry of Local Government for alleged irregularities. The minister also confirmed that Region Nine’s REO Claire Singh was sent on leave. Documents that she had to hand over in relation to what she was working on bore a date prior to the elections which was scratched out and changed indicating that “she understood that she was playing an overt political role and that with a change in administration it was untenable for her to remain there”, Bulkan said. He added that the fate of the remaining REOs would be determined case by case as most if not all of the REOs were political appointees. Region 3 REO Donald Gajraj has also been sent on leave. “In the tenth Parliament the APNU was very critical of the management administration of what we saw as the politicization of the operations and management of the regions and we criticized and condemned that political dimension…that was being practised in
Gocool Boodoo, Ronald Bulkan the management of our RDCs and the management of the regions,” the minister said . He contended that the political appointees as REOs were usurping the authority of the councils which he said was “perverse”. “It was undemocratic and as I said it was perverse,” the minister said, adding that he would have spoken repeatedly against this situation and that having condemned it the coalition government is duty-bound to reverse those conditions. Bulkan said it is expected that the new members of the Regional Democratic Councils would be sworn in by the end of this month. It is not clear if the PPP/Cwhich won seven of the ten regions-would be participating in this process as the party is yet to identify its Members of Parliament and has not stated whether
it would be taking up its 32 seats. Asked how he was going to go about appointing new REOs in light of the fact that a campaigner for the APNU+AFC, Carl Parker is now the acting REO of Region Nine, the minister stated that the Parker was a member of the regional administration as an officer of the Ministry of Local Government but was forced out “as a result of political interference.” “This was a professional officer who was prevented from executing his duties and was forced out from the public service because he sought to bring professionalism and not partisan political considerations so I think we need not to forget that the current acting REO was an officer within the public service and based in that very jurisdiction,” the minister said. He continued that the criteria would be established for the hiring of new REOs which among other things would encompass qualifications, experience and, based on President Granger’s recent announcement, entry by persons into the public service would have to be anchored on merit and performance. Carol Sooba Bulkan was also questioned
June 5–11, 2015 about the future of the acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba with the Georgetown Mayor & City Council. She was sent on leave last week after a motion of no-confidence was passed against her by the council. Bulkan said it is known that Sooba was one of the “most contentious and controversial public officers within our local democratic construct.” He said from the outset she was deemed to be unqualified, unsuitable and unfit for the position by the APNU and the municipality, pointing out that the council had passed several successful no-confidence motions against her. “Miss Sooba was actually foisted, imposed on the municipality of Georgetown to carry out the dictates of the central government via the ministry. In the process she has visited untold damage to the Georgetown council and as it is with many other appointees in the local government construct, Miss Sooba’s retention in that position is really untenable,” he said. He said on the completion of her leave she would be asked to appear before a disciplinary hearing to defend her stewardship and conduct during the time she was there. He said that as minister he would
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ensure that the acting Town Clerk as a woman and as a public servant would receive fair treatment and that she “would not be discriminated against or victimized in any way out of any irrelevant or extraneous considerations.” It is her performance during the period she acted as Town Clerk which would be scrutinized. Asked if she would be retained in any position at the municipality should she so desire, the minister said any position would have to be commensurate with her qualifications. He pointed out that she did not meet the criteria that were established by the committee appointed by the local government ministry for the position of Town Clerk. He said there “maybe and could be advertisements for a new Town Clerk.” Meanwhile, Bulkan said that the first time he managed to have a meeting with all staff members of the ministry because of the unavailability of the boardroom which was used as a storage room for equipment and other items purchased under the clean-up campaign project. The items were removed and are now being distributed to various regions.
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Caribbean Star Newspaper
June 5–11, 2015
Cops still to close probes into suspected teen suicides
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lthough investigations remain open into the deaths of two teenage girls, whose bodies washed up at foreshores on the West Coast and East Coast Demerara, police are yet to find any conclusive leads. Commander of ‘D’ Division Marlon Chapman told Stabroek News that investigators are awaiting results of samples taken from the remains of 17-year-old Devkumarie Ramadhar as an autopsy found the cause of the teen’s death to be inconclusive. Ramadhar’s body was discovered on April 11th at the Ruimzigt foreshore, West Coast Demerara. Chapman could not say where exactly the samples were sent to be tested, since they were taken to Georgetown and would have been sent overseas from there. The inconclusive result of the autopsy was due to the advanced stage of the decomposition of Ramadhar’s body. Jagranie Omadat, mother of Ramadhar, said she is still trying to come to grips with the death of her daughter but remains hopeful for closure. Persons who observed the body of the teen noticed various lacerations but because all her internal organs had decomposed, the pathologist could not find the cause of death, Omadat said. She is convinced that her daughter was murdered although she had previously made two suicide attempts.
Devkumarie Ramadhar While Omadat related that she is aware that samples were taken from the body of her daughter to be sent overseas for analysis, she could not say exactly where the samples were sent. The distressed mother said that she still calls her daughter’s two cell phones. One of the phones is turned off and the other will ring once and then cut off, she added. On the day her daughter went missing, Omadat spoke with her in Georgetown and the girl handed her a bag and asked her to carry it home for her. The teen then left with her friend in search for a job. As the mother was about to enter the
Alicia Ali house, her phone rang and it was then that Omadat was informed about the problems her daughter had at her previous workplace. The mother said after numerous calls to her daughter’s phone went unanswered, she was successful in getting an answer and the teen promised to relate what had happened when she got home. She never made it. Her partly nude body was discovered at the foreshore five days later. Omadat revealed that she is still unable to go into her daughter’s room as she often gets overwhelmed. The mother also dismissed allegations which were made in the media that Ramadhar had problems at
home. “Me pickney na da type, we don’t get them kinda problem… you can go and ask all the neighbour if them ever hear we getting problem,” Omadat said, while she noted that they family encountered petty issues like every other family but she was not aware of any major problem. Although Omadat has two other daughters, they reside with another relative, while a minor son resides with her. The nude remains of another teen, 15-year-old Alicia Ali, were discovered on the foreshore near Turkeyen on March 25th. Although the case was suspected to be a suicide, police have not closed the case. Police sources had previously said that investigators were looking at “persons of interest.” According to the sources, investigators had questioned the girl’s relatives as well as a male friend. The Campbellville Secondary student went missing after she was sent on an errand to a nearby shop by her mother. Police later found a suicide note allegedly written by the teen and addressed to her mother. Police officials indicated that they have not ruled out suicide although they were looking in the direction of a murder. The circumstances surrounding the discovery of the girl’s body were questionable since the garments she was wearing at the time she went missing were not found, while her body bore visible marks of violence.
Securing Guyana’s territorial integrity, curbing maritime crimes are priorities -President Granger reminds Coast Guard Officers on first official visit
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CKNOWLEDGING that there are some challenges in the daily operations of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard, Head of State David Granger has given his commitment towards institutional strengthening of that unit.During a tour of the Ruimveldt Coast Guard Headquarters yesterday, President Granger was briefed on what currently obtains, and what is required to bring about optimum results and efficiency. Speaking to the importance of the Coast Guard, the President said when it was established 25 years ago, the maritime threat existed, and today it still exists. “But, as they say, eternal vigilance is the price we have to pay for freedom, and one of the most vulnerable frontiers of Guyana is this fore frontier, this coastland, and we can only depend on you to protect this entire frontier.” Reminding the ranks of their role, the President observed that they all have important law enforcement functions in terms of combating maritime crimes, including smuggling, piracy and all forms of trafficking. “These crimes distort the economy; most of the crimes of contraband and trafficking contribute to keeping Guyana poor, and that
Officers and ranks of the Coast Guard, along with President David Granger, during a tour of a workshop at the Coast Guard Headquarters at Ruimveldt
Head of State David Granger addresses ranks of the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard during a meeting
is why you’re given a law enforcement function,” the President told the ranks. Describing the ranks as Guyana’s best and first line of defence against maritime crimes, President Granger pointed out that no other agency can effectively carry out the mandate that rests on the shoulder of the coast guards. He however noted that they must not shy away from their responsibility to protect Guyana’s assets, particularly humans and military resources. Equally, the President said it is imperative to ensure that foreign trade is protected, while ensuring that citizens feel safe as they traverse Guyana’s waterways. The Head of State added that
solve these maritime claims, we will not be able to exploit a source of one of our most important resources, that is offshore petroleum.” Meanwhile, the president has assured that under his administration, the Coast Guard will be given the much needed attention it requires. Discussions will soon begin in an effort to bring the Coast Guard up to strength in terms of manpower, as the possibility of a Reserve arm of the unit will be explored. Training both locally and overseas would be given much priority, while the upgrading of equipment will also be looked at. However, in the interim, the
while it is important to protect the country’s territorial integrity, the presence of the Coast Guard must be felt in every area. Speaking on the issue of training, President Granger said it is his view that specialised training must be given on issues relating to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas, since Guyana has a very large sea frontier. Each rank, he said, should have a clear understanding of both land and sea frontier issues. He noted that while the Coast Guard has a role to play, his administration intends to resolve some outstanding border dispute issues amicably. “The fact is that unless we re-
President called on the ranks to be responsible by taking care of the equipment that is in hand as they have over the years cost the government huge amounts. “You here in the Coast Guard are not just looking after the rivers, looking after the coastland; you are protecting the future of our country, you are protecting our children’s inheritance, (and) you are protecting the patrimony of this great nation.” In addition, some of the recommendations made by the Disciplined Forces Commission several years ago will now be implemented in an effort to address some of the challenges facing the Coast Guard. President Granger further assured that his administration would continue, as long as it is financially possible, to provide the resources needed to protect the territorial integrity of Guyana. While congratulating the ranks for the professionalism shown over the years, the President reiterated the call for every effort to be directed towards the suppression of criminality and to ensure that piracy and smuggling are brought to an end. The Head of State was also given a tour of the entire facility on the base. (GINA)
Caribbean Star Newspaper
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nable to bear intense labour pains while on her way to get a maxi taxi to take her to hospital, a 34-yearold pregnant woman sat down on a pavement in Curepe early yesterday morning and gave birth to her fourth child, a healthy baby girl. Two women, passing by, stopped and helped the woman, safely holding the baby and its umbilical cord, until police and an ambulance arrived to take the mother and child to the Mt Hope Women’s Hospital. Someone, observing what had happened, filmed the amazing birth with a cellphone, posting a video on the social media website, Facebook, which went viral. It was still dark, at about 4 am, when Crystal Dennis and her common-law husband Anthony Abraham, 53, set out along the Priority Bus Route (PBR), heading east to Curepe Junction, from their wooden shack off Farm Road, St Joseph. Dennis had woke Abraham up telling him she could not sleep as she was getting a pain and felt the baby was coming and said
June 5–11, 2015
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MIRACLE IN CUREPE they needed to go to the hospital, Abraham told Newsday outside where they live on the bank of the St Joseph River. Abraham said he didn’t believe Dennis but still left with her, and as they walked along the PBR her pains got more intense. As they neared the Priority Mall to get a maxi taxi, Dennis could go no further. “At that point I did not believe her still because sometimes she stretches the truth but when she started bawling, I realised the baby was really coming and she could not move. Then people came and helped her and in no time the baby came out,” Abraham recalled. The 26-second video shows two women and a man surrounding Dennis as she lay on the ground. One woman holds the crying baby while the other comments that nobody wants to pick Dennis up to take her to the hospital. In the background, the other woman says, “this baby wants to live” before the video ends. Reports indicate a police officer arrived soon after and called
an ambulance which arrived ten minutes later to take Dennis and her baby to the women’s hospital. The newborn girl was healthy and weighed six pounds, Kumar Boodram, chief executive officer of the North Central Regional Health Authority, which manages the maternity hospital, told Newsday when contacted about the condition of the baby and Dennis. Boodram said the mother and baby, who has not been given a name yet, had to be provided with clothes as they had none with them. He said Dennis has no fixed place of abode, so social workers will intervene. In his interview with Newsday, Abraham said people in the area told him that someone took a video of Dennis giving birth and it was all over Facebook. “My family abroad will see that, I hear everybody watching it and it on the news too, I can’t believe it,” he said. Abraham disclosed that this was their fourth child. He said his three other children (two girls and one boy) live with his mother in Malabar. He could not say how old they were.
Cops hold, release wife in taxi driver murder probe The wife of murdered La Parfaite Harmonie taxi driver Dennis Narine was held by police as investigations continue into the man’s death.
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aomi Narine was subsequently released on station bail, Stabroek News was told. Although it was suspected that the man’s death was as a result of an attempted home invasion, based on new information obtained police are currently examining another possible motive for the Narine’s murder. According to the dead man’s mother, Bibi Shameena Khan, her daughter-inlaw contacted her on Monday evening to inform her that she had been placed on $40,000 station bail. Khan said she told her daughter-in-law that she should contact her relatives to help her since she was busy taking care of the couple’s children. The woman further added that she doesn’t know what to make of the situation, while noting that she is “fed up of everything.” Dennis Narine, 26, died in his mother’s arms early Sunday morning before he could be taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital for treatment.
“This little girl will have to go with my mother too because we can’t really take care of them,” he said. Dennis is unemployed while Abraham plants a small garden and sometimes collects glass bottles. They have been together for 15 years. “I don’t like to beg people for nothing, if I have to pick up bottles to survive I will, once I’m making an honest dollar,” he said. Abraham said Dennis sometimes asks to have her children back but he tells her that is not possible now.
“They are better off where they are now, we can’t have children where we are, they will have a better life with my mother,” he said. When told that social workers will be intervening he said he was familiar with the procedure. “I know about the social workers but despite anyone’s situation, I don’t think anyone should make decisions for another person. They have children too, they wouldn’t like anyone to do that for them,” Abraham declared.
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Work on draft National Youth Policy underway — Education Minister distribution of 2500 questionnaires concluded about three years after, with the then minister promising that the policy was almost completed. In December of last year, Dr. Anthony had further stated that preparation for the policy was expected to be finalised within three months. He added that a steering committee had been working with representatives from various youth organisations across the country in an attempt to give feedback on the content of the policy. Prior to this, a consultant whose services were funded by the Commonwealth Youth Programme, had been recruited by the ministry. The ministry later disclosed however, that the document did not meet the ministry’s expectations which forced a decision to have another consultant recruited. Apart from assistance from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the ministry had also acquired the assistance of Cuso International, and had benefited from the services of a number of vol-
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unteers who had worked along with the ministry in ensuring the successful completion of the youth policy. Following this, Dr. Anthony the then minister made a public declaration that, “We are hoping that within the next three months the final document will be ready.” Simultaneously, frustrations were mounting which resulted in letters being penned by youth advocates during this time in local newspapers and social media, which reflected disgust at the fact that the failure to implement the policy translated into a neglect of youth and social issues affecting them. But during an interview recently, Education Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine explained that since his assumption to office, he has begun to work on the policy through a consultative effort, with youths from various youth organisations. According to the minister, in order to produce a comprehensive youth policy, inputs must be made by youths who are directly affected. As a result, the
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BREAKFAST
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S Guyana continues to struggle with the implementation of a coherent National Youth Policy (NYP) which has been in the making since 1992, the recently swornin Minister of Education who has responsibility for youth, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, has disclosed that work which will produce a draft of the youth policy, is currently under way. A National Youth Policy aims to re-define the role youths play in the world through Information and Communication Technology (ICT), science and research, and sport. Against an eventful backdrop of multiple consultations, repeated calls for the presentation of the policy and numerous promises by former minister of Youth, Dr. Frank Anthony, Guyana has failed to produce even a draft of the youth policy. In 2011, the minister announced the commencement of countrywide consultations on the document to meet the changing socio-economic circumstances facing Guyanese youth. These consultations and
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Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnarine steering committee has been meeting with youth leaders in this regard to build on experience and offer solutions to these issues. Additionally, the current committee which is responsible for drafting of the policy is under examination, the minister said. He explained that the current committee comprises people from the “youth scene” who are au fait with what is needed to successfully execute the
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production of the youth policy. “The entire process is articulated by persons who are involved” the minister noted, while adding that the final draft will be the “fruit of intense consultations.” As to how soon the ministry was working to have the document presented, the minister’s response was “as soon as possible,” though he posited that within a week or two, fruits of their labour will be manifest.
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Caribbean Star Newspaper
June 5–11, 2015
ISLAM
Peace / submission to the will of our creator.
Sha’baan
A summary of the booklet on the 15th Sha’baan by Sheikhul Hadith Hadhrat Moulana Fazlur Rahman. May Allaah grant him a long healthy life.
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llaah Ta’aala has presented His bondsmen with some special occasions with the golden opportunity of earning the mercy and forgiveness of Allaah Ta’aala. Explicit examples of these occasions are the month of Ramadaan and Laylatul Qadr. So is the fifteenth of Shabaan. Several Ahaadith extol the tremendous merits of this occasion. Amongst them is the fact that countless people are forgiven by Allaah Ta’aala during this blessed night. It is due to this reason that it is called “The Night of Baraat” (i.e. the night wherein judgement of savior from Jahannam and punishment is passed). However, it should be borne in mind that a vast majority of narrations describing the benefits and virtues of this night are in fact quite weak. The foundations of the Shari’ah are the Qur’aan, the Sunnat and the lives of the Sahaabah (RadhiAllaahu-anhu). None of the narrations regarding the excellences of this night of Baraat are free from criticism and comment by the scholars of Hadith. Moulana Yusuf Binouri (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) says, “I have not come across any Sahih, Marfoo or Musnad Hadith regarding the excellence of the night”. [Ma’aarifus Sunnan, vol 5, pg 419]. The Muhaddith, Ibnu-Dihya, has also agreed that neither has anything authentic been narrated regarding the fifteenth night of Shabaan nor has any specific Salaat been narrated for this night via reliable narrators. [Faydhul-Qadeer Sharhul Jaamis-Sagheer. vol 2., pg 317]. Whilst even Allama Ibnu-Taymiyyah, a scholar notorious for refuting such things, also accepts the virtue of the night of Baraat, he says, “So many Ahaadith and reports exist regarding the excellence of the fifteenth night of Shabaan that one is compelled to accept that this night possesses some virtue”. Some of the pious predecessors used to specially devote this night for Salaat. [Faydhul-Qadeer. vol 2., pg 317]. Moulana Abdur Rahman Mubarakpuri writes in the commentary of Tirmidhi, “The sheer number of Ahaadith regarding this night serve as proof against those people who refute the excellence of this night”. [Tuhfatul-Ahwazi. vol 2. pg 53]. The virtue of this night as established from these Ahaadith is that from the very beginning of the night Allaah Ta’aala turns with special mercy and attention towards the creation and forgives those who repent and seeks forgiveness. Every Muslim should therefore value this night. Turn towards Allaah Ta’aala with sincere regret and shame over sins committed and make a promise never to return to sin and seek forgiveness from Allaah Ta’aala. Seek forgiveness for oneself and the rest of the Muslims, living and deceased. Have firm hope and resolution in the heart that Allaah Ta’aala will surely show mercy and forgiveness. UNFORTUNATE PEOPLE It is understood from Ahaadith that even on this night, some are deprived of Allaah’s forgiveness.They are, 1. Idolaters 2. Those who harbor enmity against others 3. Those who consume alcohol 4. Those who disobey their parents
5. Those who wear their trousers, thoubes, etc, below their ankles 6. Those who commit adultery and murders 7. Those who sever family ties. From the above, we can gauge the severity of these sins and need to perpetually abstain from them as they are so grave that even when Allaah Ta’aala’s mercy comes to the fore, they still pose an obstacle to forgiveness. SPECIAL VIRTUES OF THE NIGHT OF BARAAT The special virtues of the night of Baraat are, 1. Contrary to other nights wherein Allaah descends to the lowest Heaven to bestow His special blessings during the last third of the night, on the night of Baraat the special rain of mercy and forgiveness from Allaah Ta’aala begins to shower down right from the beginning of the night and continues up till dawn. 2. The Sins of countless people are pardoned. Furthermore, the number of pronouncements seeking out those who want forgiveness supersede those which occur on other nights. [Hafiz Zayud-deen Iraqi, Faydhul Qadeer, vol 2, pg 317]. It should be remembered that while the narrations regarding the night of Baraat are weak, the narrations regarding Allaah Ta’aala’s descending to the nearest Heaven during the last third of every night are totally correct. VISITING THE GRAVESIDE ON THE NIGHT OF BARAAT Rasulullaah’s (SallAllaahu alayhi wasallam) awakening during any night and visiting the graveyards is recorded in some previously mentioned Ahaadith. However, visiting of the graveyard is not a special characteristic of this night in particular.It is proven from another authentic narration that Rasulullaah (SallAllaahu alayhi wasallam) used to visit the graveyard during the last portion of every night. There is no specific reference in the Ahaadith to the night of Baraat or any other night. Furthermore, it is understood from the Ahaadith that whenever it was the turn for Rasulullaah (SallAllaahu alayhi wasallam) to spend the night with Hadhrat Aisha (RadhiAllaahu-anha), he would visit the graveyard. [Muslim Shareef, vol 1, pg 313]. Thus a wide and general application of this practice is understood. About visiting the graveyard on the night of Baraat, we should ponder how much this practice conforms to the authentic Ahaadith of Nabi (SallAllaahu alayhi wasallam). Are we following the norm, or are our actions truly spurred by an intention to follow the Sunnah? The turn of Hadhrat Aisha (RadhiAllaahu-anha) occurred once every week. It can thus be concluded from the above riwaayat that Nabi (SallAllaahu alayhi wasallam) would visit the graveyard for a minimum of once a week. FASTING ON THE FIFTEENTH OF SHABAAN IS NOT ESTABLISHED FROM HADITH Some people believe the misconception that fasting on the fifteenth of Shabaan is Sunnat. They have been deceived by the Hadith of Hadhrat Ali (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) that appears in Ibne-Maja which has been fabricated. The Hadith states that Rasulullaah (SallAllaahu alayhi
wasallam) said: “When the 15th night of Shabaan comes, then spend this night in Qiyaam (Salaah) and the day in fasting. For verily, Allaah descends during this night to the nearest Heavens”. [Ibnu-Maja, pg 99]. This Hadith is however very weak. Some scholars have declared it as Mowdhu (fabricated). One of the narrators of this Hadith is Abnu-Abi-Jabrah, who has been accused of fabricating Ahaadith. [Taqrib of Ibnu-Hajar, pg 396]. Imaam Bukhari and others have also proved him to be weak. [Mizanul I’tidal, vol 5, pg 503]. Thus this Hadith cannot be relied upon. Hence the fasting of this day should not be regarded as Sunnat , since a weak narration is not sufficient to prove this fast as been Sunnat. Another interesting fact is that fasting on this day is only discussed in this weak Hadith. If it were a Sunnat act, a stronger hadith would have been available to prove it. FASTING DURING THE MONTH OF SHABAAN IS SUNNAT AND A CLEARLY ESTABLISHED PRACTICE OF THE SHARI’AH Fasting in the month of Shabaan, without the stipulation of any day, is proven from Rasulullaah (SallAllaahu alayhi wasallam). In fact, he used to fast excessively during this month. This is substantiated by a Hadith of Hadhrat Aisha (RadhiAllaahu-anha) wherein she describes the fast of Nabi (SallAllaahu alayhi wasallam). She says that aside from the month of Ramadaan, he never used to fast for an entire month. However, of the remaining months, he would fast the most in Shabaan. [Bukhari, vol 1, pg 264]. THE NIGHT OF BARAAT AND QUR’AAN Has the night of BARAAT been mentioned in the Qur’aan? The most correct opinion is that the night of Baraat has not been mentioned in the Qur’aan. Hafiz Ibnu-Katheer writes that those like Ikramah who have explained the “blessed night’ in the Qur’aan as the night of Baraat are very distant from the correct interpretation. [Ma’arisfus-Sunan, vol 5, pg 420]. IS SUSTENANCE, LIFE AND DEATH DECIDED ON THIS NIGHT? Qazi Abubakr bin Arabi writes that there is no reliable Hadith regarding the fifteenth of Shabaan from which it may be understood that sustenance, life and death are decided on that night. He has even gone so far as to say that there is no reliable narration concerning this night being the blessed one. [Ma’ariful Qur’aan, vol 7, pg 757]. Since the significance of the night of Baraat has been mentioned in a number of narrations, and the narrations are not in conflict with any verse in the Qur’aan or any authentic narration, we do accept its significance. However, the opinion that sustenance, death, etc. are determined on this night is in conflict with the Qur’aan and is therefore unacceptable. It has been established from the Qur’aan that these decisions are passed to the Angels on Laylatul Qadr and not on the night of Baraat. It is on this account that the scholars of research have always rejected this opinion. The opinion of the lecturers would not be considered in this discussion, instead the opinion of the scholars of Tafseer and Hadith will be relied upon. There is a Hadith of Hadhrat Aisha (RadhiAllaahu-anha) mentioned in Mishkaat [pg 115] on the authority of Baihaqi’s Da’waatul-Kabeer. This Hadith discusses that the decisions are passed on this night regarding those who will be born; those who will die; the actions of men are placed in front of Allaah and sustenance is revealed. The Condition of this Hadith is unknown and the scholars of Tafseer and Hadith do not consider it reliable. SOME STRANGE AND INNOVATIVE PRACTICES ASSOCIATED WITH SHABEBARAAT The occasion of Shabe-Baraat has become synonymous with some baseless beliefs and practices. 1. Burning lights and candles. :Nothing has or can be found in any Hadith, whether strong or fabricated, nor in any Islaamic books. The Muslims of India,being in close contact with the Hin-
dus, probably began imitating them in their practices, thus resulting in the introduction of this and various other bid’ats [Ma-Thabata-bis-Sunnah, pg 215]. 2. Preparing of Sweetmeats: Some consider this being compulsory. Without it there can be no Shabe-Baraat. This is absolutely baseless. Some say that this act gains significance from the fact that on the occasion of Uhud when the blessed tooth of Rasulullaah (SallAllaahu alayhi wasallam) became Shaheed, he had some Halwa. Others say that Hadhrat Hamza (RadhiAllaahu-anhu) was martyred on this day and the sweetmeats are taken as his “Faatiha” (In commemoration of him). These are fabricated and concocted theories. How can it ever be possible when it is a known fact that the battle of Uhud in which Hadhrat Hamza(RA) was martyred took place in Shawwal and not Shabaan. 3. Souls Visit Families: Some people firmly believe that the souls of the deceased visit their families homes and see whether any food has been prepared for their honour or not. Some people feel that if a person dies before ShabeBaraat than until his “Faatiha” is not made on Shabe-Baraat, he is not counted amongst the dead. These are baseless ideologies that clearly contradict the Ahaadith. 4. Distribution of Food: Some feel that it is compulsory to distribute food on this night with the intention of Isale-Sawab. There is no association between this practice and the significance of the night. No special acts of charity etc. have been prescribed for this night. [Fatawa Imdadiyyah, vol 4, pg 27]. 5. Hadith on Rajab, Shabaan and Ramadaan: Some people quote the following narration in their lectures: Rasulullaah (SallAllaahu alayhi wasallam) said: Rajab is Allaah’s month, Shabaan is my month and Ramadaan if the month of my Ummah”. It should be noted that this “Hadith” is a fabrication. [Akhbaare-Modhoo’, pg 329]. OTHER ACTIONS WHICH ARE THE RESULT OF MISINFORMATION On these nights, in many Masaajids, 1. Congregational Yaseen Khathams are held: 2. Congregational Zikr sessions are held; 3. Congregational recitation of Salaat wa Salaam are held; 4. One person recites the 40 Durood etc. whilst others listen; 5. Individual Quraan recitations takes place. All the above are NOT proven in the Shariat of Islaam. Some opine that before this we were performing hundreds of Rakaats but now this ‘benefit’ is lost. To this we say, The author of Majma ul bahrayn has related in his commentary that a man thought of saying two rakahs of nafl salaat in the Idgah before the Id Salaat. Hadhrat Ali (RA) forbade him. The man said,”O Commander of the Faithful, I well know that Allaah The Most High will not punish me for saying Salaat;(why am I then being prevented from Salaat? ) Hadhrat Ali(RA) said:”I also well know that Allaah The Most High does not recompense an act which the Rasul did not perform or for which he did not persuade (his Ummah).Hence your Salaat is in vain and a vain work (in devotions) is unlawful. Probably Allaah might punish you that you did a work which the Rasul did not do”. (Majalis ul Abrar-majlis 18. pp 129).-Fatawa Rahimyah Vol.1 pp 60 -English. Can anyone object and question why Hadhrat Ali (RA) stopped the person from performing Salaat, from reciting the Noble Quraan, from remembering Allaah? “Oh Allaah! Show us that which is Haqq (truth) and guide us to follow it and show us that which is Batil (false) and guide us to refrain from it. May Allaah shower His choicest blessings upon the best of His creation, Hadhrat Muhammad (SallAllaahu alayhi wasallam) and upon his descendants and his entire Ummat”. Sheikhul Hadith Maulana Fazlur Rahman.
June 5–11, 2015 Caribbean Star Newspaper Police say working on leads in murder of rice farmer
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olice in `C’ Division say they are working on a number of leads in their investigation into the fatal armed robbery of rice farmer Hardat Kissoon and are optimistic that there will be a breakthrough. Kissoon was shot dead in a mini bus by another passenger on Monday. At the time he was returning to his Cane Grove, Mahaica home after changing a cheque worth just over $500, 000 at a city bank. The money was his payment for paddy he had sold to a rice mill in the Mahaica area. The new APNU+AFC administration will
be under immediate pressure to ensure that the Guyana Police Force produces results in cases like these. A police official told this newspaper yesterday that while no arrests have been made, investigators are “following leads”. He said that a helmet which was dropped in the bus by the gunman as he fled has been processed but he was unable to say if it revealed any fingerprints which could lead to the identification of the gunman. Police had said in a press release that around 14:35 hours at Turkeyen Public Road, East Coast Demerara, Kissoon was
travelling in a minibus when another man in the vehicle requested to get off. “As the man was passing Hardat Kissoon he pulled out a firearm and held him at gunpoint and demanded a bag that he had in his possession. A struggle ensued over the bag during which Hardat Kissoon was shot to his chest and the perpetrator escaped with the bag,” the release said. Kissoon died on the scene. Based on the accounts given to this newspaper the gunman was constantly on this cellphone and moments after the shooting. Jumped onto the back of a waiting motorcycle which
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Hardat Kissoon sped off. Police officials told this newspaper that careful planning went into the incident. One police official said that there is nothing at this point to suggest that there was collusion between bank employees and the gunman. The official said that Kissoon could have been singled out based on a number of things. “It could be that he went in with a bag and came back out with it bulky…” Based on what this newspaper was told shortly after the shooting, it would appear that after identifying Kissoon as a target, the gunman followed him to the Route 44 bus park. When the father of three would have boarded the bus, the gunman would have jumped in and ensured that he sat close to him. Ramdei Ramgobin told Stabroek News yesterday that she had heard nothing from the police about her son’s death. She said that she was told that the post-ortem examination will be conducted today following which he would be buried the next day. Kissoon who also planted bora, left his home around 7:30 am after assisting his brother with “paddy shying”. Like all other rice farmers and other business people in the area, whenever they have cheques to change they have to travel to the city as there are no commercial banks in Mahaica or surrounding villages.
Region 2 joins President’s ‘Clean-up Guyana’ initiative
R
EGIONAL Education Officer of Region 2, Ms. Baramdai Seepersaud, has said that the Department of Education at Cotton Field has joined President David Granger’s initiative to clean up Guyana. According to the top Regional Education Official, all the schools within the township of Anna Regina are also involved in the drive to clean up their surroundings. Ms. Seepersaud said the Department of Education and all the schools in the township, Walton Hall to Three Friends started the campaign at 13:00 hrs today (Tuesday). At the education department, Ms. Seepersaud and all her staff members were seen with cutlasses, rakes and wheel-barrows cleaning up the Government compound where they work. Students of the Anna Regina Multilateral School and Cotton Field Secondary Schools were also busy cleaning the drains near their schools.
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Caribbean Star Newspaper
June 5–11, 2015
GuySuCo CEO fired -board told to go
mid a crisis in the sugar industry, the Government of Guyana dismissed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Sugar Corporation, Dr Rajendra Singh, while also asking the Board of Directors to resign with immediate effect. Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder told Stabroek News that the dismissals were necessary. He said that the enormous amount of money the corporation recently requested, $16B, to avert an industry-wide shutdown was reflective of the poor management by both the CEO and the Board. He noted that in 2014 the corporation received a $6B bailout. The GuySuCo Board is currently chaired by former PPP/C Minister Shaik Baksh, who could not be reached yesterday for comment. It also comprises Dunstan Barrow, Chairman, Board of Directors, Linden Enterprise Network; Dr Dindyal Permaul, Chief Executive Officer, Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA); Keith Burrowes, Executive Chairman, Board of Directors, Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest); Badri Persaud, Managing Director, Guyana Oil (Guyoil); and Geeta SinghKnight. Raj Singh is an ex-officio
Rajendra Singh member. Rajendra Singh Holder stated that the new APNU+AFC government just did not believe that the corporation needed that much money ($16B) , “we don’t believe these figures.” He said that the interim management which is to be appointed will take roughly a week to go through the finances and ascertain just how much money is required. The interim committee will oversee the corporation for at least six months. Holder said that the operations of the corporation under Singh’s
tenure had been at a “total financial loss,” and as a result there was no need to keep on such an ill-performing executive along with the Board of Directors. He said that a Commission of Inquiry (COI) will be established by the end of the month and will look into the operations of the sugar corporation and chart the way forward. He also said that the government wished to assure workers that they will be paid and that there will be no industry shutdown. The government’s planned COI is based on its Manifesto promise of what it intended to do within its first 100 days in office. According to a release from the government, the interim management committee will take charge from today. No names were released as to who would be on the committee. The cash-strapped GuySuCo in the last few days had managed to secure $400M from the National Commercial Bank of Jamaica after the modification of a US$15M loan agreement. On Tuesday, cabinet chose not to pronounce on the requested bailout for GuySuCo. Singh told this newspaper yes-
terday that he did not wish to comment as yet on his dismissal stating that he had not yet seen the letter. He did however say that the government could not deny that the industry needed billions. He cited the revelations of the Economic Services Committee of Parliament last year which made it public that GuySuCo’s debt exceeded $58B. Singh said the industry’s financial woes were well documented and known to the public. The New Jersey, US-based Singh was controversially appointed as Chairman of GuySuCo in July 2012. He was deputy chairman at the time. Questions had been raised then about his suitability for the position. He was later appointed CEO after the resignation of Paul Bhim. In recent years GuySuCo’s production has slumped even as its debt has grown substantially. It has also been beset by lower prices for sugar, a dwindling labour supply, unpredictable weather, deteriorating field husbandry and difficulties transforming beds for mechanical harvesting. A major drain on the industry has been the Chinese-built Skeldon factory which has severely underper-
Dr. Ravideen Ramsamooj. Ph.D. Trained music teacher.
formed. General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Clement Rohee yesterday said that a new board and a new CEO will be faced with the same challenges. Speaking on behalf of the party, which held office for 23 years as the industry continued to decline, Rohee said that “I don’t know if it is a changing of the guards to solve the problem. I think it is a systemic and financial problem and that is what they have to grapple with.” He said that the new APNU+AFC Government would have the same challenges, “They have to sit in cabinet and find the solution to the problem just like we had been doing.” Rohee noted that the government’s plan for a COI would cost millions. He questioned where the money would come from and was cynical as it related to the inquiry’s findings stating, “What will it tell them? Where to find the money?” The PPP’s General Secretary made no attempts to justify or explain how days after the new government was sworn in GuySuCo dropped the bombshell of an imminent industry shutdown. (Stabroek news)
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Caribbean Star Newspaper
June 5–11, 2015
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Pomeroon coconut industry under attack by strange disease — farmers call for help
T
GRA deems comments on Warehouse theft irresponsible
HE coconut industry in the Lower Pomeroon River is under serious attack by a strange disease known as “coconut lice”. Reports are that the disease has already attacked a large number of trees, killing many, and according to largescale coconut farmer, Mr. Parsram Persaud, known as “Indal” of Grant Macedonia in the Lower Pomeroon River; the lice are attacking the branches of the trees before getting into the trunk, which eventually kills the tree. Mr. Persaud, who cultivates more than 50 acres at Cozier and another large area at Macedonia, said his coconut trees have been seriously attacked, and he is losing heavily. Mr. Persaud said the disease was detected several months ago after some coconut trees in his farm were
observed having discoloured leaves. He said the disease causes young coconuts to fall off and is spread by ants and birds to other farms. According to the farmer, coconuts are in high demand especially water coconuts and he is calling on the Ministry of Agriculture to investigate and bring the disease under control. Another farmer of Aberdeen, on the Lower Pomeroon River, Mr. Sase Paul said his 20 acres are also under attack. The farmer said he depends on his farm for his livelihood to maintain his family. Coconut farmer Balram Tulsie of Cozier said his farm with hundreds of coconut trees are seriously affected. The farmer said many other farms are also affected by the strange disease. Just before the General and Regional Elections on May 11, several farmers
from the Lower Pomeroon River met with Vice-Chairman of Region 2, Mr. Vishnu Samaroo at a meeting on the wharf of the Charity Marketing Centre and complained to him about the strange disease that was attacking their farms. Mr. Samaroo assured the farmers that the matter will engage the Agriculture Ministry and arrangements will be made for a technical team to visit the affected farms and advise as to how the disease will be eradicated. However, according to reports, the disease is still attacking coconut farms in the Lower Pomeroon River. Coconut is one of the largest crops grown in the Pomeroon and with the high demand for water and dried coconuts on the international market, farmers are enjoying good prices for their produce. (Rajendra Prabhulall)
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S police continue their investigations into the recent disappearance of a quantity of foreign alcohol at the Eccles Warehouse, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) wishes to reiterate its call for persons not to pre-empt or stymie the process with unnecessary speculation at this point.“Unfortunately such careless rhetoric has already been noted,” the GRA said in a statement while pointing out that the Professional Guard Services (PGS) – while commenting on the matter in a letter to the press on June 3, 2015, appears to be certain that a GRA employee was involved. The GRA said it views this claim “damning and irresponsible” and based solely on hearsay. It is the Authority’s view that Mr. Dougal Kirkpatrick, the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of PGS, who penned the letter, should know better than to draw hasty conclusions before the relevant authorities conclude their investigation and to irresponsibly publish the name of senior officers of its Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) who are involved in the investigation process. The Authority said it is not denying that there was a GRA accomplice (or accomplices) involved but with no substantial evidence at present, it would be “unethical to name and blame”. This is why the GRA said it was deliberate in its initial decision not to disclose the name of the private security firm when the issue was first reported. “What remains certain is that there was a serious breach in security protocol at the Warehouse and as a result distrust has been created,” the GRA stated. GRA’s Commissioner General, Mr. Khurshid Sattaur emphasised that maintaining the integrity of the GRA will continue to be his primary concern. However, he is concerned that such thoughtless actions continue to jeopardise investigations which are in progress. The Internal Audit Division of the GRA has since embarked on a comprehensive audit of the warehouse to determine whether other thefts may have occurred and to ascertain possible weaknesses in the system of internal control that could have contributed to and prevented such occurrences.
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Caribbean Star Newspaper
June 5–11, 2015
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Caribbean Star Newspaper
June 5–11, 2015
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WE HAVE ACCESS TO GOD Referring to the Book of Daniel, Chapter 2 records the time when the king of Babylon had a dream that troubled him. He could not remember the dream, only that he was restless over something he saw in the dream. He called for his magicians, astrologers and sorcerers to remind him of the dream and also to interpret it for him.
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o one among the Babylonians could satisfy the king’s request. This king was angry and ordered everyone in that line of profession to be killed. When Daniel heard of it, he petitioned the king for time to enquire of the God of Heaven for an answer. The petition was granted. Daniel, a man of prayer and humility, faithfulness and integrity, went to his close friends and encouraged them to pray over the matter. And God gave him an answer. “Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation. Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.” Daniel 2:17-19 The case can look impossible sometimes. The situation was precarious with a proud and hasty king making a demand that seemed impossible. Sometimes we find ourselves in a crisis situation that appears to be heading quickly towards our downfall. Joseph in the Book of Genesis experienced severe adversities from Israel to Egypt and ended up in a dungeon under false accusation. Joseph must have had anxious moments, but his faith was steadfast in God. The Holy Spirit used him to minister to people even in prison. He eventually was promoted to the position of Prime Minister of the mighty Egyptian empire. Queen Esther was between a rock and a hard place when her people were threatened with annihilation. The jealous Haman hated the Jews and played a deceptive act that led the king of Persia
to issue a decree that Jews should be destroyed. She was one of them! God worked it out so Haman was hanged on the same gallows he built. The Jews were free again. There are so many more examples in the Bible. In our day, we face difficulties of our own. If we would admit it, we need help. As Daniel, Joseph, Esther and others found help in God, we, too, have access to Him and He wants to help us, too. God is real and wants to hear from us. Now, some people no longer believe God is real. Some simply deny His existence. Of course, if they could believe God is not there, they will not be guilty of sin and there is no need for repentance. This may be the reason the Bible is criticized and its morals resisted. There are others who may acknowledge He is there, but exercise little or no faith in Him. To some, God either is not interested in our affairs or He is unable to do anything for us. Hear the facts written in Psalm 46: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging….The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” We have access to God through His Son Jesus Christ. When we need help, we need someone capable and willing. God cares for us and He is more than able to meet our needs. He is the One “that is able to do exceeding
abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. (Ephesians 3:20)” The prophet Jeremiah reminded Israel “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” and “Thus saith the Lord the maker thereof, the Lord that formed it, to establish it; the Lord is his name. Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” 1 John 5:13-15 says, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” In order for us to have access to Him, it was necessary to deal with the barrier of sin. When we were alienated from Holy God because of sin, God initiated a plan to reconcile us to Himself. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 “ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” It is out of pure love that God sent His Son to earth to redeem a fallen race. There is no other reason. This unselfish act of Christ is of benefit to humanity. None of us was worthy of what He did for us. After all He has done for us, we can now take ad-
vantage of His offer to come near to Him through His Son Jesus Christ. We can go to God with every burden. “ Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7. Daniel found out God cared for him and his friends. He presented the answers to the Babylonian king who acknowledged Daniel’s God. The Hebrew boys were promoted in government in Babylon. Read it in Daniel chapter 2. We can go to God, too. We cannot go to Him on our terms or through our efforts. It is a humbling experience to admit we cannot help ourselves. It is natural to feel we accomplish something and deserve a hearing from God when we offer sacrifices or perform rituals. The fact is, our performances can buy nothing from Him. He wants us to simply call on Him in faith believing Jesus accomplished everything for us by His death and resurrection. So, bring your burdens in prayer. He cares for you. Let us live daily to please Him who loves us. Take your family to church this weekend.
Pastor Haniff Bacchus Calvary Assembly
of God
102-07 Rockaway Blvd, Ozone Park, NY 11417 Tel. 718-659-4500 www.calvaryozone.org
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Caribbean Star Newspaper
June 5–11, 2015
Double-murder accused in court
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Ralph Ramdhan a.k.a. Vernon Rampersad.
ouble-murder accused Ralph Ramdhan, also called Vernon Rampersad, 50, of Mc Bean Village, Couva, appeared before Chaguanas Senior Magistrate Joanne O’Connor on Monday after he was deported from Guyana. Ramdhan was deported on May 30 and was handed over to Sgt Randy Ramjag of the Homicide Bureau by Interpol officer Sgt Herman Narace.
He was arrested in Guyana on May 13 for being in the country illegally and ordered to pay $30,000 Guyanese or serve 14 days imprisonment. After serving the two-week sentence Ramdhan was deported to T&T. Ramdhan appeared in court charged with the murders of Jankie Bachu and Savitri Sultan and for assaulting Babita Praimsook on August 2 last year at their Celestine
Drive, Thompson Street, Palmiste, home. Sultan, 39, and Bachu, 48, were stabbed to death one week after Sultan took out a restraining order against Ramdhan. Praimsook survived the knife attack with slashes to her ear and fingers, which she sustained as she tried to fight off the killer. Ramdhan will re-appear in court on Friday.
Burnt East Canje boy eager to recover for new school year It has been almost one month since 11-year-old Ricky Samaroo has been admitted as a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Burn Care Unit, where he is being treated for second and third de- Ricky Samaroo gree burns about his body. Ricky was allegedly set alight at his East Canje, Berbice home by his father, Ravendra Samaroo, 35, a field foreman at GuySuCo’s Rose Hall Estate who has since been charged with attempted murder. He was due to appear at court yesterday and relatives of the child say they hope that he faces the full brunt of the law at the conclusion of the court proceedings. Since the boy’s admittance as a patient at the hospital, a close source told Stabroek News that he has been showing signs of slow improvement. The source said he has been eating and responding, including still expressing fears over what had transpired. The child, according to the source, is an ‘A’ grade student who had recently sat the National Grade Six examination and is awaiting his results. Every day, the source said, he has been stressing on getting better quickly so that he can attend his new school after the results are released. Ricky is scheduled to undergo surgeries and doctors have been monitoring his condition closely in order to move forward. The attack on the boy occurred on May 7th, after Ricky tried to dissuade his father, who had been drinking, from leaving to purchase more alcohol. As a result, the man allegedly dealt the child several lashes with long boots and his belt, then doused the child with methylated spirits and lit him on fire. Ricky sustained burns to his face, chest, and the lower part of his abdomen. After being set alight, Ricky ran over to his neighbours, who rushed him to the New Amsterdam Hospital, from where he was transferred to the city.
Caribbean Star Newspaper
June 5–11, 2015
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Caribbean Star Newspaper
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Caribbean Star Newspaper
June 5–11, 2015
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Salara in Pack) Chinese(3Cake . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. $2.50 $1.00 Pinetart . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. $1.00 $1.00 Cheese Roll. Chinese $1.00 Cassava Cake Pone.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. $2.00 Cheese Roll. . Patties . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. $1.00 Chicken/Beef $1.50
Dhal Puri ..................$2.00 Dhal ............................$2.00
Cassava . . . $2.00 PholouriePone. . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 7. . for $1.00
Oil Roti
Chicken/Beef $1.50 Egg Ball . . . . . Patties . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. $1.50
Dhal Puri ............................$2.00 Sada Roti..................$2.00 ................$1.50 Dhal Doubles .. $1.50...$2.50* Oil Roti Rice ............................$2.00 Bake ...........................$1.00
Pholourie for $1.00 $1.00 CassavaBall. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 27 for
Rice ............................$2.00
*W/Any Meat
Egg Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.50
Sada Roti ................$1.50 Doubles .. $1.50...$2.50*
CassavaBall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 for $1.00
Bake ...........................$1.00 *W/Any Meat
Cricket Team Special on tray`s of food with free delivery
Chicken Wings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7.00 Hot Wings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.00 Chicken Wings. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. $8.00 $7.00 BBQ Chicken
Served with Brown Rice or Fried Rice Served with Brown Rice or Fried Rice
Hot Wings . . . . . . . . . .Tso’s . . . . . Chicken . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. $11.00 . $8.00 Spicy Garlic/General
Steam Chinese Vegetable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.00
BBQ Chicken . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. $8.00 Jerk Chicken $9.00
Broccoli w/ Garlic Sauce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.00
Spicy Garlic/General Cha Cha Ki Chicken .Tso’s . . . . . Chicken . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. $11.00 . $9.00
Steam $8.00 Steam Chinese Broccoli Vegetable . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. $8.00
Jerk FriedChicken Chicken. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. $9.00 $7.00
Broccoli w/ Garlic Sauce Sauce . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. $8.00 Mix Vegetable w/ Oyster $8.00
Cha Ki Chicken . $9.00 FriedCha Snapper . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..$10.00
Steam . . .Sauce . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. $8.00 BroccoliBroccoli w/ Oyster $8.00
Fried . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .$10.00 . . $7.00 Fried Chicken Bangamary
Mix Vegetable w/Choy Oyster Steam Baby Pak . . Sauce . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. $8.00 $8.00
Fried Fried Snapper Shark . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .$10.00 .$10.00
Broccoli w/ Oyster Sauce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.00
Fried Bangamary Pepper Shrimp. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .$10.00 .$12.00
Steam Baby Pak Choy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.00
Fried Sharkor . . Fried . . . . . .Shrimp. . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .$12.00 .$10.00 Hot&Spicy Pepper Shrimp.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .$10.00 .$12.00 Fried Calamari Hot&Spicy or Fried Pepper Steak . . . . . .Shrimp. . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .$12.00 .$10.00 Fried RoastCalamari Lamp . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .$10.00 . $11.00 Pepper Steak. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .$10.00 Roast Duck . . $9.00 Roast Roast Lamp Pork . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. $11.00 . $9.00 Roast Duck $9.00 Jerk Pork . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. $9.00 Roast . . . . . . . . Chips . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. $5.00 $9.00 FrenchPork Fries\Platain Jerk Pork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9.00 French Fries\Platain Chips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.00 Chicken
Sweet Com
Cowheel
Vegetable
Chicken
Sweet Com
Cowheel
Vegetable
Vegetable Fried Rice/Lomein/Chowmein . . . . . .$7.00 Chicken Fried Rice/Lomein/Chowmein . . . . . . . .$8.00 Vegetable Fried Rice/Lomein/Chowmein . . . . . .$7.00 Roast Beef Fried Rice/Lomein/Chowmein . . . . .$9.00 Chicken Fried Rice/Lomein/Chowmein . . . . . . . .$8.00 Roast Pork Fried Rice/Lomein/Chowmein . . . . .$9.00 Roast Beef Fried Rice/Lomein/Chowmein . . . . .$9.00 Shrimp Fried Rice/Lomein/Chowmein . . . . . . . . .$9.00 Roast Pork Fried Rice/Lomein/Chowmein . . . . .$9.00 Mixed Fried Rice/Lomein/Chowmein . . . . . . . . .$9.00 Shrimp Fried Rice/Lomein/Chowmein . . . . . . . . .$9.00 Jerk Chicken Fried Rice/Lomein/Chowmein . . .$9.00 Mixed Fried Rice/Lomein/Chowmein . . . . . . . . .$9.00 Jerk Pork Fried Rice/Lomein/Chowmein . . . . . .$9.00 Jerk Chicken Fried Rice/Lomein/Chowmein . . .$9.00 Chinese Fried Rice/Lomein/Chowmein . . . . . . . .$9.00 Jerk Pork Fried Rice/Lomein/Chowmein . . . . . .$9.00 Roast Duck Fried Rice/Lomein/Chowmein . . $11.00 Chinese Fried Rice/Lomein/Chowmein . . . . . . . .$9.00 Boneless Chicken Fried Rice/Lomein/ Roast Duck. Fried Chowmein . . . . . .Rice/Lomein/Chowmein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$11.00 .$9.00 Boneless Chicken Fried Rice/Lomein/. . . . . . . . $11.00 Lamb Fried Rice/Lomein/Chowmein Chowmein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$9.00 Pepper/Hot&Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice/Lomein/ Lamb Fried .Rice/Lomein/Chowmein $11.00 Chowmein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.00 Pepper/Hot&Spicy Fried Rice/Lomein/ General Tso’s/SpisyShrimp Garlic Chicken Fried Rice/ Chowmein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.00 Lomein/Chowmein $11.00 General Tso’s/Spisy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice/ Lomein/Chowmein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11.00
24
Caribbean Star Newspaper
June 5–11, 2015
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Caribbean Star Newspaper
June 5–11, 2015
25
The Sandwich Generation: Caught between two worlds. The “Sandwich Generation” P refers to the large number of adults who are dealing with both young children and aging parents. If you are a member of this group, it may be challenging to find a safe and reliable investment that protects your family and addresses your specific needs. However, there are more options than you may realize.
reparing for the future. Caring for others is a large responsibility. But, there are many steps you can take to ensure that your loved ones are taken care of if something happens to you. First, contact an estate-planning attorney to help you write a will and update it when circumstances change. Secondly, think about purchasing life insurance, which can be tailored to the specific needs of you and your family. For instance, a term life policy can provide affordable death benefit protection for a certain number of years, and may be eligible for conversion to a whole life policy at a future date. Whole life policies provide financial security later in life, and their cash value can be borrowed against to serve as an alternate source of funds as needs arise.1
While there are events you can plan for, such as your retirement or your child’s education, caring for an elderly parent can be unpredictable. While savings and investment accounts can provide some assistance, so can the right insurance. Simply put, members of the Sandwich Generation do not need to go at it alone. Term insurance, whole life insurance, and long-term care insurance are three strong solutions that can help provide financial protection for changing needs. This educational, third-party article is provided as a courtesy by Indra Puran, Agent, New York Life Insurance Company. To learn more about the information or topics discussed, please contact Indra Puran at 646 266 5416.
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Caribbean Star Newspaper
June 5–11, 2015
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Caribbean Star Newspaper
June 5–11, 2015
27
Voice Of The Youth My name is Shaw Ryan Khan. I am known to many as the Voice of the Youth. But, I will never forget where I came from. 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.
I
want to talk about something a bit different this week. It pertains to something that is also very close to my heart. Back when I was in High School, my uncle Eusa would pick me up from school. I won’t lie; certain days I would get in the car and end up falling asleep. Not because I was bored but because I was just so tired from the night before due to the mass amounts of Homework I had. But the other days, where I actually was not tired, were days that I won’t forget because of the amazing conversations I had with my uncle. When we talked, we would discuss politics, philosophy, religion, and the list goes on. I’ll share one story I learned from him. If we were to go back to a time when America was still “young”, we’d find so many individuals who we know, in the present day, to be influential individuals. There was a story that basically said rather than these historical figures going out to have drinks and get drunk, they invited each other over for a cup of tea and discussed how to make this world a better place. At that point in time, they were not only thinking about themselves but also about the society and the future society. After hearing this story, it made me start to think…We’ve reached a point in society where we rarely have get-togethers without it being for partying or for mourning. Quite frankly, there aren’t many individuals who would come together with others, sit at a table, and just talk and brainstorm ideas. We now tend to rely on Governmental officials to do that for us and we tend to blame them when they “ignore” us. We have to realize that the Government is doing the best work it can; sure it can make
mistakes but don’t we all? What I am trying to say is that we need to stop relying on others to do things for us. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean you should become a vigilante. I am simply saying that it is time we come together as one and work to make this world a better place through positivity. 2 years ago, I thought I would be able to bring society together by talking about life lessons I have learned either from personal experiences or from experiences of others. And quite frankly, I failed in doing so. We have come to an age where individuals don’t have time to read. We have come to an age where newspapers are becoming obsolete, where movie stars and singers are more read about than what is occurring around the world. We have come to a point where we need phones with “curves” on them because it saves a few seconds of time to go to certain applications. I remember a few months ago, there was an “ALS Ice Bucket Challenge” trend happening. And if you look at the videos of some people doing this challenge, more than half of them did not know what in the world this challenge is for! We are too caught up in the fanciness and glamor of life that we forget reality. Reality is that the world is tough, reality is that the world is hungry, that the world is slowing dying, that the world is slowly running out of resources for us. We forget that cigarettes are shown to have caused illnesses in those who smoke and even those who just inhale it second handedly. We forget that we are inhabiting Mother Earth and that Mother Earth is not immortal. We forget so many important things yet remember who died last in Game of Thrones or the Walking Dead! About 10 months ago, uncle Eusa re-
minded me of that story of the historical figures brainstorming. And it was as if God instilled this into my uncle because God wanted to remind me that there can be something done. I can’t simply do this by myself, it is too much for one person to do. In October of last year, I finally decided that it’s time for a change. After discussing my ideas and concepts of a better tomorrow, 6 other individuals agreed to join me and help imitate what these historical individuals did. And in November of last year, Beacon of Peace was born. Beacon of Peace is a non-profit organization, created by myself and these 6 individuals (which includes my uncle Eusa). It is our hope to create a better tomorrow for society and help to spread peace and serenity to those we encounter. Our organization is not a religious one, but we are comprised of individuals with different religions. Each member of the Board in this organization has seen life and has seen that there is so much that can be done to help. Since its creation, we have done 2 major events (at least we call these events major). We donated food to feed 25 individuals and we invited Santa and his helpers to come take pictures with children in the community. Before I continue, I just want to say this; you don’t realize how powerful of a positive impact you can have on someone until you experience it. I remember one little girl came to Santa and asked Santa if he was real. Santa replied by saying of course! And the little girl smiled and said “I knew it! No matter what anyone tells me; I will always believe you are real and I’m always going to be a good little girl so I can keep being on your nice list!” Over the last few months, the organization became a little less active. I won’t put the blame on any other person other than myself. Handling an organization, school, work, and a personal life wasn’t easy at all. But after going to a philosophical seminar a few weeks ago, it made me realize so much more. The man who spoke said that the phrase “I give up”, or “I lost”, or “I failed”, should never be in your vocabulary. Rather, it is either you win or you’ve learned a lesson. I’ve realized that I learned a huge lesson. I’ve learned that the 6 other board members isn’t enough, we need more people to help us to make this world a better place. Beacon of Peace is something I want to grow and keep alive. It’s something my board members want to grow and keep alive as well. It’s something for all ages who are interested in helping to make this world a better place. Beacon of Peace is now actively recruiting and awaits your call to join. What can we offer you? Not much. We can offer you an organization that can swear and attest that we wish to help the world, educate
society, and help those in need. We can offer you a membership in the organization whereby you are not just another number in the roster but rather a friend in our hearts. We can offer you a chance to join us in our journey to obtain peace and serenity for ourselves and for others. And hey, it also looks good in your transcript/resume! Schools and workplaces love an individual that gives back to society. We can offer you a spot in our family. So join us and become part of the family who will stay together, pray together, work together, learn together, and help together. For more information, please call us at 347-557-5457. To apply, you can check out our website which has the application form at www.beaconofpeace.org. Lastly, be sure to like our Facebook page at Facebook.com/Bop. beaconofpeace. We hope to hear from you soon and we hope you join our family! Together, we can make a difference. Together, we will become the most powerful instrument anyone could be gifted with; an instrument of peace. 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 this; “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is a progress; working together is a success.” 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)
28
Caribbean Star Newspaper
June 5–11, 2015
Saleem Azeez Abdool
Glenroy Griffith
Julian Mack
Gerald Warde
Trio for trial over killing of Prashad Nagar engineer Three of the four suspects charged with the murder of electrical engineer Saleem Azeez Abdool, who was shot dead in Prashad Nagar last year, were yesterday committed to stand trial at the High Court.
G
lenroy Griffith, Julian Mack and Gerald Warde are charged with murdering Abdool in furtherance of a robbery at Delhi Street, Prashad Nagar on October 19, 2014. The fourth person who was charged with the crime, Justin Griffith, was
T
he discovery of two bodies in a home at Tain, Corentyne, Berbice, first suspected to be the result of a murder/suicide is now being treated as a double murder and a suspect is currently in custody. Dead are Parbattie Vijrauren called ‘Nicki’ 37; of Lot 1 B Kilcoy, Corentyne and US-based Guyanese Ramdat Persaud called ‘Buddy,’ 56, of Lot 62 Tain Village, Corentyne. It is suspected that they were killed sometime between midnight on Tuesday and 3 am wednesday The suspect, who was the former lover of Vijrauren, was taken into custody during the course of wednesday, hours after the discovery of the two bodies in Persaud’s Tain home. Police had said in a press release issued that they were working on a theory of murder/ suicide, and awaiting the results of the post-mortem examination. Later wednesday, a subsequent release revealed that post-mortem examinations done by Pathologist Dr Vivekanand Brijmohan found that both persons died from haemorrhage and shock due to incised wounds. A source told Stabroek News that Persaud had sustained an injury to his head while Vijrauren sustained a gaping wound to her neck. Vijrauren was found lying on a
freed sometime after being charged since there was no evidence against him. In concluding the preliminary inquiry into the charge yesterday, Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry in-formed the three men that after
reviewing all the evidence brought before the court, there was sufficient evidence to conclude that a prima facie case was made out against them. Griffith was represented by attorney Peter Hugh, while the other two defendants were unrepresented. Prosecutor Bharat Mangru led the police’s case at the preliminary inquiry. Abdool, 23, of Lot 33 Delph Street and also of Columbia, Essequibo, died of multiple gunshot wounds to his head, which he sustained in the attack, which occurred at approximately 4:30AM. Police subsequently combed video foot-
age of the attack from a property in the area, which led to the arrest of the men. An uncle who viewed the footage had previously told Stabroek News that Abdool, who was initially held at gun-point in front of his residence, ran towards a Knight Rider Company bus parked nearby, only to be shot at in the shoulder. He added that his nephew’s hand slammed onto the parked vehicle, where he hid, until his assailants rode up to the vehicle, spotted him and fired several shots at him. The man said Abdool ran a few steps away but collapsed.
Couple slain in Tain home Dead: Parbattie Vijrauren called ‘Nicki’, and Ramdat Persaud called ‘Buddy’ bed with stab wounds, while Persaud was on the floor bracing the wall of the room. Vijrauren was clothed in her underwear, while Persaud was naked. Stabroek News was told that an empty bottle was found near to the deceased persons in the room leading investigators to believe that the incident could have been a murder/suicide. However investigators later recovered a sharp object at the scene, suspected to be the murder weapon. This newspaper learnt that the discovery was made shortly after 5 am by a relative who resides in the bottom flat of the home. Eddie Ramdanan, 68, told reporters, that he had gone to the back of the yard when he noticed that some of the grill bars had been removed and the window was open. He said he ventured upstairs and was about to knock on the door when he realised that it was already open. He
Parbattie Vijrauren’s son and sister consoling each other at the scene said he pushed his head in and was greeted by a high odour of blood and saw the lifeless bodies of Persaud and his female visitor in the room surrounded by blood. Shocked, Ramdanan alerted neighbours, who went over to the house and summoned police to the scene. When Stabroek News arrived on the scene, investigators were conducting investigations whilst awaiting the arrival of undertakers. Under the window where the suspect possibly gained entry, there was a bucket and a plank that might have been used for elevation. A one-side slipper was also found outside of the fence. Hundreds of residents gathered outside and once the bodies were
removed and police exited the scene, onlookers poured into the home without permission, gaping at the bloody scene. Relatives of both Persaud and Vijrauren explained to Stabroek News that they received the tragic news via phone calls. Relatives of Vijrauren said she had left home on Tuesday evening between 6.30 and 7 pm to visit Persaud. According to reports, Vijrauren, a mother of two, had worked as a domestic worker with Persaud’s neighbour and became friends with him. Relatives said Vijrauren’s first union ended when her husband died in an accident several years ago. A few years later she shared a common-law union with
the suspect, but ended it after things went sour. Her relatives said the man refused to accept that the relationship was over and subsequently made several threats to Vijrauren; she had indicated to him that she would make a report to the police. Meanwhile, relatives of Persaud said he has been in the country for the past six months and was expected to return to the US on June 22. They explained that between December and January, the suspect had a confrontation with Persaud, during which Persaud sustained a fractured skull, which left him hospitalized for weeks and prevented him from travelling to the US. They said that the suspect had fled the area and police were unable to arrest him. However, he recently returned. According to reports, the suspect has confessed to investigators that he watched the movements of Persaud and Vijrauren on Tuesday night and later climbed through the window, went upstairs and murdered them. Vijrauren leaves to mourn her son and daughter along with her parents and siblings while Persaud is survived by his children one of whom was expected to be married in July, other relatives and friends. Police investigations are continuing.
Caribbean Star Newspaper
June 5–11, 2015
29
World News Highlights
JIANLI, China – Chinese authorities began late on Thursday to right a cruise ship that capsized on the Yangtze River, after divers sent to search for survivors found no signs of life inside. KIEV – Ukraine’s president told his military on Thursday to prepare for a possible “fullscale invasion” by Russia all along their joint border, a day after the worst fighting with Russian-backed separatists in months. MOSCOW – The Kremlin accused Kiev on Thursday of provoking new fighting in east Ukraine to put pressure on the European Union, which is due to decide on whether to extend sanctions on Russia soon.
PARIS – France’s foreign ministry called on Thursday for an immediate an end to fighting in eastern Ukraine after an upsurge in violence over recent days. BRUSSELS – The European Union warned on Thursday that a flare-up in fighting in eastern Ukraine could create a “new spiral” of violence and recalled that EU leaders have said they could tighten sanctions on Russia. OSLO – NATO said on Thursday Russia was delivering sophisticated weaponry to rebels in eastern Ukraine, renewing long-standing accusations amid the worst upsurge in fighting in months between the Kiev government’s forces and pro-Russian rebels. BANGUI – The U.N.’s peace-
keeping force in Central African Republic (MINUSCA) said on Thursday it has begun a probe into claims that one of its peacekeepers sexually abused an underaged girl. ACAPULCO, Mexico – Violence in the run-up to Mexico’s mid-term elections this weekend has killed at least seven candidates and forced another 20 out of the race, battering the government’s record on law and order. SANAA/DUBAI – Yemen’s dominant Houthis agreed on Thursday to join United Nations-backed peace talks in Geneva planned for June 14, a day after their opponents in the exiled government confirmed their attendance. HONG KONG – Tens of thousands attended a candlelight
vigil in Hong Kong on Thursday to mark China’s 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Beijing, an anniversary given added poignancy by protests that gripped the Chinese-run city last year. BAGHDAD – An air strike by a U.S.-led coalition flattened an entire neighborhood of a northern Iraqi town controlled by Islamic State militants, killing dozens of people including civilians, witnesses and security sources said. DETROIT – Lawyers representing a group of Yemeni Americans on Wednesday sought to have a federal judge force the government to order emergency evacuations of 37 American citizens stranded in Yemen since a deadly conflict broke out in March.
WASHINGTON – The United States will send a team to Nigeria in the next few weeks to discuss with the new government ways to renew cooperation in the fight against the Islamist militant group Boko Haram, a senior U.S. diplomat said on Thursday. JERUSALEM – The Israeli military sees potential security benefits in an expected international deal curbing Iran’s nuclear program, a senior officer was quoted as saying on Thursday in an unexpected analysis of the issue. ANKARA – Iran and six world powers resumed negotiations on its nuclear program on Thursday, the Iranian state news agency IRNA said, seeking to overcome remaining differences with a self-imposed June 30 deadline looming to end a 12-year standoff.
Respecting Elders
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By Amelia Rajkumar
hy do teenagers need to respect elders? Parents and elders always have to handle disrespectful behavior from children, especially during the teen years. Some signs include talking back to elders or not listening to instructions given by adults. Although you can blame bad attitudes or rudeness on hormonal changes, it is important to teach your teenagers how to respect their elders. Respect is a value that many people hold. It can be used to gain trust and is the mark of a good person. Teaching teenagers to respect their elders, or other life values such as compassion, humility, and responsibility is very important. It creates a special bond between adults and teens. It also serves as a sign of respect for teens to spend time with their elders—especially senior citizens who may be lonely and in need of company. In today’s world, rarely do teenagers show respect for the elderly. You should try to listen and understand their feelings. Teenagers should volunteer at shelters or go to senior home centers and spend time with the elderly. Try reading books, singing, playing games, or even taking walks with them. Hindus believe in seva (service). At the Shaanti Bhavan Mandir, we are actively engaged in community service. Vising the hospitals, feeding the homeless and volunteering at nursing homes are some of the activities our Youth Group is involved in yearly. In conclusion, I would like to encourage
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Caribbean Star Newspaper
June 5–11, 2015
When people are intent on seeing only the bad about you, no amount of good will ever make them open their eyes — Vp Premier WEEKLY HOROSCOPE
ARIES (March 21-April 19)
Monday and Tuesday you’re number one, top of the charts. It’s like your face is splashed across billboards throughout the land. Your reputation makes strangers want to know you. And you’re interested in knowing other people -- in particular, faraway people. You want to see the world. Use your connections to work toward your biggest dreams this week. Going somewhere exotic can, paradoxically, have a grounding effect. Saturday or Sunday, someone you know announces that they want to travel with you. This is the best idea that’s come along in a while.
CANCER (June 21-July 22)
You’re having a hard time allocating resources and deciding on priorities at the start of the week. Monday and Tuesday are halting, taxing days. Do something to get your blood flowing. A brisk walk? Push-ups? Wednesday brings about a turn toward introspection. You decide that maybe you don’t want to go to the movies Wednesday night after all. Or on Thursday or Friday. Or, if you do go to the movies, you feel like going alone. (There is a certain comfort in doing that.) This weekend, when you try to reengage socially, someone else will be in the mood to go their own way. Funny timing.
LIBRA
(Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
You have a bunch of stuff on the stove right now, and everything’s looking good. There’s a lot going on. Your friends are pitching in to help, your family is excited about the things you’re doing and you’re getting the support you want. When everything’s going so well, it’s strange for the tide to change suddenly, but that’s what happens midday on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday, your sentimental side gets the better of you, and you feel weird for vague reasons. This is, thankfully, an anomaly, a random bump, a nothing. Come Saturday, you’re productive and glowing again. Sunday is a treasure.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Monday and Tuesday you’re occupied with finding containers for your wild, abstract ideas. How can you pour your energy into a project that makes sense to the outside world? Or that furthers your career? Or that means something? The seeming impossibility of it is staggering, but also makes it worth doing. A surprise success in the middle of the day Wednesday is auspicious. Thursday and Friday are an uninterrupted string of successes. By the time the weekend rolls around, you’re looking for ways to get more done and nap at the same time. Now if you could pull that off ....
The weekly horoscopes are updated on every week to gives you an in-depth insight into your family, your love life, any career opportunities, friends and money issues.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
A philosophical approach can certainly make your life seem more amusing and more like a play than real life. But watch out for pretension and righteousness on Monday and Tuesday. In the middle of the day on Wednesday, something happens that alters your perspective -- it may be as small as a confusing comment from a friend, or something bigger. Thursday and Friday are great days, full of more small revelations -- tons of them -- that would be hard to articulate to anyone else. There’s a certain pleasure in that. Your weekend could be described as a series of radical ideas.
LEO
(July 23-Aug. 22)
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
You really don’t have to wonder what your days have in store for you on Monday and Tuesday, because outcomes are up to you. Your days will consist of whatever you want them to contain. That said, don’t foist your will upon other people, or they may foist bad feelings back. Wednesday afternoon is a turning point in your week: Suddenly the simplest thing may become unmanageably complex. Thursday and Friday, no one offers you any information about what they’re thinking -- you have to coax it out of them. This weekend, your social gears are oiled and conversation comes effortlessly.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Flipping idly through a magazine at the start of the week, you find yourself burning with the desire to see Belize. Or Costa Rica. Or Russia. The microcosm of civilization that immediately surrounds you is starting to wear on your patience, and the idea of faces you don’t recognize sounds thrilling. The desire to travel is connected to the desire to get into shape for you, but there’s a difference between the two things, in many ways. One big one: Wednesday through Friday, anyone’s happy to hear about travel, but no one really wants to talk fitness. Vanity is to be avoided this week and weekend.
You feel like a caged animal on Monday and Tuesday -- not caged against your will, but caged by your sense of obligation (most likely to your family). You take your responsibilities more seriously than most people do, which is why you’re destined for great success. But this seriousness can make certain afternoons boring. Thankfully, Wednesday afternoon and all of Thursday and Friday are not boring in the least. There’s some laughing. There’s some romance. (Lots, actually.) There’s even serious, ambitious dreaming about the future. This weekend, nothing stands in your way.
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
There’s too much riding on the risk to justify it to your more conservative friends on Monday and Tuesday. But if you really feel like taking it, and you have it in you to deal with the consequences come what may, well, go ahead. Proceed with care. Wednesday through Friday, you’re focused on managing several factors related to the risk, and on managing relationships. Your boss figures strongly (and is in a good mood) toward the end of the workweek. It is an exhausting week -- ambition is exhausting and produces tiring anxiety. You have a weekend in the domestic realm that’s exhausting, too. Time for a nap!
You make people so insanely happy on Monday and Tuesday that no matter what you’re doing -- be it work-related or school-related or chore-related -- it feels like a party. That’s a sign that you’re doing something right. The party, metaphorically speaking, breaks up sometime around Wednesday. You spend Thursday and Friday around fewer people, but you remain in a euphoric, curious mood. This weekend, craving conversation and contact, you end up meeting a perfect stranger (or several) and becoming fast friends. You’re great at having a good time.
(Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
You have enough room at the table to squeeze a few more people in, absolutely. That’s your attitude on Monday and Tuesday. Not everyone has the gumption you do, and your willingness to take others under your wing will be repaid tenfold. As the week continues, it presents more and more challenges. Wednesday is confusing, Thursday is a total mess and Friday is apocalyptically dramatic. Thankfully, you’re not invested in the drama, so your response is only a very general tiredness. It isn’t until the weekend that you get to have some fun. Lots of it, actually.
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
PISCES
(Feb. 19-March 20)
Disagreements are surprisingly useful on Monday and Tuesday. Someone else’s perspective doesn’t contradict your perspective; it simply gives yours dimension. That’s how you should think about it. Competition is good, and it’s not personal. Wednesday through Friday provide plenty of chances for you to prove that you’re not out to get anyone, and that you’re a sympathetic person willing to give what others need. These are good things to demonstrate -- especially during a week when convictions are strong and feelings run deep. This weekend, all you feel like doing is helping people.
Caribbean Star Newspaper
June 5–11, 2015
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Entertainment News
James Bond movie shooting brings London to a standstill
Daniel Craig
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he shooting of the 24th James Bond movie, Spectre, recently brought central London to a standstill as the city's famous landmarks -Trafalgar
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Square, The Mall, Whitehall - were all shut down for the public. Daniel Craig was spotted shooting a scene, which went on till late night on Sunday, near Admiralty Arch in London with Ralph Fiennes. A few days ago, a night shoot of Spectre was captured by onlookers near the Westminster bridge, which was shut for the public from 11pm to 5am. The recent shoot began from 7pm in the evening and went on till 4am. Craig was spotted wearing layers of clothes to beat the cold.In the past, the film has been shot in Mexico City, Rome and Morocco, reports a website.
Jean-Claude Van Damme reunites with wife
ollywood star Jean-Claude Van Damme insists he and wife Gladys are no longer getting divorced and their relationship is as "strong" as before. The 'Expendables 2' star and wife Gladys Portugues Van Varenberg, who have grown-up children Kristopher and Bianca together, filed a petition to end their 15year marriage in March. But the 54-year-old actor insists they have now put their problems behind them and are as "strong" as ever, reported TMZ. "The JCVD family are still strong, the wife is strong, the kids are strong. There's so much divorce around the world and it's very bad for the children, that's the problem. Couples have to work through their stuff together no matter what, they have to grow," he said.
The actor, who was previously married to Gladys from 1987 to 1992 before remarrying her in 1999 after his marriage to fourth wife Darcy LaPier broke down, claimed staying together would even benefit America. "I've divorced before and it's not funny for the children or the parents or even the country. People have to stick together like in the old times, it will make America look very strong and the value will come back," he added.
Marvel tests Judah Lewis for new 'Spider-Man' movie?
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udah Lewis and three other teenage actors have reportedly been screen tested for the titular role in the upcoming instalment of the "Spider-Man" franchise. Lewis, Matthew Lintz, Charlie Plummer and Charlie Rowe, have joined Tom Holland and Asa Butterfield in the list of possible actors to play the new version of the superhero, said The Hollywood Reporter. The new version of Spider-Man will appear in "Captain America: Civil War" in 2016. Lewis will be seen in the remake of "Point Break" as a young Johnny Utah. He also has a role in "Demolition", coming this fall. Plummer had a recurring role on TV series "Boardwalk Empire", and a supporting role in "Not Fade Away". Meanwhile, Rowe had a lead role on FOX's canceled series "Red Band Society". He appeared in "The Golden Compass". Present for the tests were reportedly producer Kevin Feige, producer Amy
Pascal, and director duo Joe and Anthony Russo ("Captain America: Civil War"). Sources said that the producers had looked at over 1,500 boys from around the world for the role.
Amy Schumer shares a passionate kiss with Tina Fey
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t an awards ceremony held at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, Amy Schumer took to stage to receive her award, and passionately kissed Tina Fey, who had announced her name on stage. A website quoted Amy as saying, "I really wanted to come down here tonight, and in a Madonna kind of way try to like feed off of her youth and maybe suck her soul out in a very awkward, staged lesbian kiss," Amy explained. "But when I pitched
Amy Schumer
that idea to Amy's camp, they came back with such an immediate yes that it kind of grossed me out," she added.
Saif and Kareena holiday in Maldives with family
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ollywood's beloved couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan have taken a break from their busy schedule to enjoy a five-day vacation in Maldives with son Ibrahim and family members Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Kemmu. Soha Ali Khan took to Twitter to share personal pictures from their beach holiday. Take a look at how the Nawabs are enjoying their summer break... Soha and Kunal tied the knot on January 25 at their Khar residence in Mumbai in a private ceremony. On the work front, Kareena Kapoor Khan will be seen opposite Salman Khan in the much-awaited film 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' (Click here to watch the teaser), while Saif will be seen paired with Katrina Kaif in 'Phantom', both directed by Kabir Khan.
Soha Ali Khan captioned this image, “Touchdown in the Maldives!” Picture courtesy: Soha’s Twitter account @sakpataudi
Soha Ali Khan posted this photo and wrote, “Somewhere under the rainbow...” Picture courtesy: Soha’s Twitter account @sakpataudi
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Caribbean Star Newspaper
June 5–11, 2015
Priyanka Chopra is suffering Ranbir Kapoor has been spending time with a pretty girl and it’s NOT Katrina Kaif! from influenza 'Dil Dhadakne Do' actress Priyanka Chopra has been diagnosed with influenza.
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he 32-year-old former Miss World said she has started taking medicines. "Thank u all for asking! Doctor says its Influenza!Sounds scary nah? But started medicines and off to promotion!+ve energies of team #DDD helping majorly," Priyanka posted on Twitter. Priyanka Chopra is suffering from influenza The "Mary Kom" actress has been tweeting about her poor health for quite sometime now. "Sickness keeping me away from delhi #DDD promotions today.. Hopefully steaming and anti biotics will make me ok Tom! #BelievingInMagic zzzz," she wrote earlier. "Dil Dhadakne Do", a dysfunctional family drama set on a cruise, will hit theatres on June 5.
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eports suggest that the actor has been spending time with a gorgeous girl of late. Who is she? Read on to find out! Ranbir Kapoor is in a serious relationship with Katrina Kaif, and we are well aware of that now. There was a time when the lad denied the same or refused to speak about it. But Mr Kapoor has come around and has been dropping subtle hints about his commitment to Kat and wedding bells which will probably be ringing soon. It’s but natural that Ranbir must be spending most of his time with ladylove Katrina. But we hear that the actor has been hanging out with another pretty girl and NOT Kat! Who is she? Do we sense trouble? Well, don’t worry folks, we are simply pulling your leg. RK has been spending his precious time with his niece Samara! The little beauty is the daughter of RK’s sister Riddhima and reports suggest that the actor is extremely close to his sister. Check out this selfie which RK cliked with little Samara. Isn’t it adorable? The trio looks happy and cheerful! RK seems to be going through a low phase in his career as none of his films have managed to create magic at the box office. Post his disastrous Besharam, we were hoping that the hunk would turn the tables around with Roy or Bombay Velvet. But unfortunately, both the films received a thanda response from the janta. Though the audience hasn’t been
Ranbir Kapoor has been spending time with a pretty girl and it’s NOT Katrina Kaif!
RK and Samara responding well to RK’s films, it’s nice to know that he has an affectionate family to support him, which obviously includes Kat as well!
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan wasn’t allowed entry inside the Indian Pavilion at Cannes 2015!
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ishwarya Rai Bachchan who walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival was barred entry by the security supervisors at the gate, says a press release. It states that the actress, who was there to promote her comeback film Jazbaa, wasn’t allowed entry inside the Indian Pavilion by the security personnel. Satish Reddy, the Managing Director of World News Network who was present at the event confirms, “The security personnel did not allow Aishwarya because she was not in possession of the mandatory Blue Pass. Therefore, Aishwarya and the whole Jazbaa team — director Sanjay Gupta and co-producer Sachin Joshi had to wait 20 or more minutes at the gate. It was the prompt initiative taken by Indian Embassy Protocol officer Satyapaul and the FICCI representatives who saved the day for the actress and her film producers.” Satya Paul blames the organisers for this humiliating goof-up and as an Indian representing the country abroad, he claims to have extended his support in goodwill. Wonder why it is making news now — 10 days after Aishwarya has returned from Cannes!
June 5–11, 2015 33 Caribbean Star Newspaper Akshay Kumar Revealed: The grand entry of Salman Khan in Bajrangi Bhaijaan- view pics! and wife Twinkle Khanna step out A in style fter a long long wait, the makers of Salman Khan’s upcoming film, Bajrangi Bhaijaan which also stars Kareena Kapoor Khan, released the teaser trailer of the film a few days ago; much to the relief of eager fans. Well, we now have two unseen stills from the film’s song, Selfie le le re. The song which is composed by Pritam, is the introductory song for Salman and clearly, it depicts the Ramayan with a Lakshman, a Ravan and load and loads of Hanumans. Given that Salman’s character is a Bajrangbali bhakt,
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kshay Kumar and wife Twinkle Khanna were seen outside a cineplex. Twinkle looked casual yet chic in a polka dotted dress with a beige bag and matching flats while Akshay donned a pair of maroon pants with white converse and a white shirt and totally worked the look.
this introduction seems very fitting. The stills were released last night on the official Twitter handle of the film with a tweet that read, “Because we wanted to give you MORE! Here are TWO exclusive stills from the Selfie Le Le Re. #SelfieLeLeReComingSoon.” Reportedly, the song which is choreographed by Remo D’Souza, features 600 dancers, mostly kid, shaking a leg with Salman. Lucky them! Take a look and tell us if you are as excited to catch the song as we are.
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Caribbean Star Newspaper
June 5–11, 2015
Caribbean Connections Political spite Wanted Trinidad police officer PITBULL KILLS GRANNY Caribbean Star Newspaper
Thursday, August 29,July 201311
EqualityNews.ca
- 18, 2014
5 15
...Rowley: $48.5m payment tosuicide directors must be stopped Bloody attack oncommits 84-year-old woman after causedbeing closure at Maraval home placed on ‘Wall of Shame’ O
PPOSITION Leader Dr Keith Rowley will “facilitate and encourage the wrongdo- held at the Office of the Opposition Leader, yesterday called on the Government ing” that almost caused the collapse of this at Charles Street in Port of Spain. to instruct Central Bank Governor country's economy. A sum of $48.5 million has been allocated Ramlogan said there was An 84-year-old great edgeable when it came to incident occurred. Jwala Rambarran not to make any payments Rowley made the statement as he adto be paid to the directors. ORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, July 9, 2014, CMC – A police officer coman Wednesday undertaking within grandmother was yesterday the training of dogs and to the former directors of CLICO, as this dressed the media at a press conference The only director who will not be paid
mauled to death by a family pitbull. Lillian Bunsee had never ventured close to the dogs as she had been attacked in the past, but yesterday morning one of the dogs escaped from its kennel and again attacked her, this time killing her.
Neighbours said the dog was one of approximately ten which were bred and being given aggression training in preparation for sale by two of the woman’s relatives. Never once did the residents hear Bunsee scream for help but only noticed she was being attacked as they walked along the roadway close to her home on La Seiva Road, Maraval. Police said it was shortly after 9 a.m. that the residents saw the woman on the ground with the dog tearing away at her body. They tried throwing boulders at the animal in an attempt to stop it but their efforts were unsuccessful, said officers. Investigators said several police officers who were on patrol nearby went to the scene after receiving a report and was only able to have the dog stop biting the woman after opening fire on the animal, shooting it six times. Residents in the area said the officers had no other option but to kill the dog. The other dogs were all locked away in their kennels, they said. “After the first two shots the dog was still biting the woman, like the shots did nothing to it. The police had to shoot it four more times before it stopped,” said one man.
CPR
Training
The resident, who asked that his name not be published, said regardless of the type, he was always opposed to people giving aggression training to dogs within their own household which is shared with other family members. He said he was also knowl-
of local airline
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A former head of the now- But he said that “reconsidParliamentofthat Azizul hours Rahaman after of thea photo disagreed with themitted deci- Dr suicide hisheappeared on a television programme defunct state-owned Guy- eration never occurred; the sion of the dog’s owner to Jones Animal Clinic exam- would accommodate cerana Airwayshosted Corporationbyairline was eventually carry out the training at the ined the dog and confirmed tain amendments based a senior po-sold has blamed government and within less than a year it was one of the danger- on suggestions from Indehouse. officerthe that hein total was officials forlice the current airline was chaous dogs referred to in the pendent Senators and also aviation woes gripping the os, ” Khan charged. “Aggression training within Dog Control Bill which was from members of the Opawillfugitive from the law. be CL Financial corporate secretary Gita country. your own environment and passed in Parliament last position. Sakal because ofHe an said ongoing matter. thatcivil prior to this, training of dogs within your month but is yet to be pro- The Independent Senators Constable Christopher Madeira, Rowley described the payment of thehad diFormer GAC General the state-owned entity had already forwarded own household where you claimed, police said. rectors who hadas “improper”. been on making suspension Manager, Fazal Khan is been strides.from have ageable people or fam- Rahaman removed some their suggestions to him, have noticed it has been putSerin the the “ITrinidad andthat Tobago Police adamant that political ily members in your house of the animals and locked but he was still awaiting media, apparently Bank spite rather than financial “Wefrom had about 80 percent the Opposition’s before the vice (TTPS), died afterthe heCentral ingested the authority Government, or operational problems of of thethemarket sharesthat in Act is proclaimed by Presia with quantity of weedicide on Tuesday. and country, Tobago forced the the Government of Trinidadthe dent Anthony Carmona. either is taking or hasposted taken on steps have closure ofHis while receivpicture had been theto teleCLICO directors paid sums ofingmoney with the airlinevision not a cent “This bill is clearly needed. programme “Beyond the Tape” co back in the respect to CLICO’s liability tofrom thedirecgovthese I would like those perhosted by Inspector Roger Alexander. late nineties, tors,” Rowley said. ernment. Not sons who argue that there and it is one “I want to go on record as even should be no legislation to sayingwhen that post words “The firstthe of the ma-The we requested control these dangerous when thecarried CLICO the collapse took place, the company protectiveand services to jor reasonsmember to its holding borrow dogs, I would like them to saving ofof that the ‘Wall Shame” is Christopher G u y a n e s egrace only half pay a visit to the relatives company was of done by taxpayers’ moneya If you see Madeira, do not apare payingMadeira. million dolof victims to explain their through the Parliament of Trinidad and Toe x o r b i t a ntproach from the position and to offer some or confront sincelars he is conbago. Since then thehim Parliament has had virprices tosidered government condolence. I am calling armed and extremely dangertually no involvement in the management of travel upous…instead running upon them to go pay them callportfolio ANY police station, the affairs of this andafter this GovernNorth. into debt that a visit and to offer them ment has made the 623-0362/ 4968 aorcareer sendofanmisleading e-mail to The formerbeyondthetape@tv6tnt.com we could some compensation,” said public on this matter. Former GAC GM Fazal if you havenot aviation of- “A few weeks avoid,that one did Ramlogan. we were informationKhan thatago could helptold the poficial is con- of the Government’s achievements they give it. ” capture this fugitive from the was law”.the vinced thatlice Section 19 of the Dog settling of the CLICO matter...we come Under hisof photograph, it will statGuyana’s current state Khan continued that deControl Act: to that in the election campaign when ed that he could was wanted chargeswe affairs is one spite for hugetwo expenditures, more time to discuss that,” heoffice, said. ofhave misbehaving have been avoided, with GACinwaspublic making, “three, 19. (1) Where a class A Rowley said the announcement of the and failure court. the continuance of the tofourappear and fiveinmillion doldog injures a person, FAMILY PHOTO: 84-year-old Lillian Bunsee who payment to the CLICO directors while tax“prosperous and devellars pre-tax yearly. We without reasonable cause was mauled to death by a pitbull yesterday in her own payers’ are “still exposed” was unexpected. oping” state-owned carhad very good junior and whether in a public place The charges alleged that he and anhome. “Whatand we didsenior not expect isPeople that part of rier being preserved staff. were or on private premises, the other police officer, Corporal Lenthis settlement of the CLICO matter was prized for itsnox functioning sent for university educaowner or keeper of the dog John, knowingly wilfully thetopayment oftion monies toand the directors of and importance Guyain marketing, aviation is a no no. Aggression is not them away at the clinic yes- commits an offence and is handed overtaxpayers’ a loadedmonies firearm andexCLICO while are still nese travelers. management and diploma the type of training to do terday evening. He told the liable on summary convica posed bullet-proof belonging to the at CLICO,”vest Rowley courses. ” said. He boasted that within that environment. Express the dogs were be- tion to a fine of $100,000 Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. “That they being so, it isasthe the “They didn’t know as far heposition is awareofGuyHigh potency dog food and ing temporarily kept at the and to imprisonment for
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aggression training in the home environment is creating a time bomb and it is just a matter of time before tragedy strikes,” he said.
animal hospital until the other owner makes a decision “on what he is going to do with them”.
Detectives from the Port of Spain Criminal Investigations Department (CID) led by ASP Ajith Persad went to the scene and detained the man who owned the dog.
“It was not for any legal reason or anything. Relatives and so on would be going to the house to give their condolences and what have you, so we are just keeping the dogs for a little while,” he said.
Up to yesterday evening he was in custody at the CID office along St Vincent Street, Port of Spain. Officers said they would be consulting with Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard SC to determine what charges could be laid against the man. The other owner was not arrested as he did not live on the premises where the
The other owner said residents no longer wanted the dogs in the area, so he may have to “put them to sleep”. Contacted via phone yesterday, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan said the Dog Control Bill was passed on the last day of the parliamentary session in order to prevent it from being “lapsed”. With the passing of the bill,
five years.
(2) Where a class A dog kills a person or causes the death of a person, without reasonable cause, the owner or keeper of the dog commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $200,000 and to imprisonment for ten years.
(People’sana National Movement), the were makingPNM a mistake Airways was the first country’s opposition, who regional was that lastit isstationed because theyMadeira, do not unairline toimproper, offer free unwarranted, it is unexpected that the atit isthe Scarborough Police Station derstand aviation, ” Khan headphones and alcohol on Government ofboard Trinidad and Tobago Tobago, also sep-will told KaieteurinNews. “They was the charged aircraft. make payments to CLICO over directors were totallyarately clueless and handing with a who load-are up to thisthat day have had they known it wasmany a of Heawhom continued Guyedpersons, pistol and bullet-proof vest. answered involvement mistake, they not would have for anatheir Airways grew in to the fly this Government on its way never done He it,collapse...that but by the five flights to New York, was released on TT$150,000 (One out of itoffice seekthree to make payments time they realized, and times to ToronTT dollarwas = will US$0.16 cents) bail, or-to already too late, ” he directors said to,while weekly, while trips inCLICO taxpayers’ monies dered to surrender his passport to in a recent interview at his creased during peak sumare exposed.” court and report to to thethis ScarborQueenstownthe residence. mer seasons with North Rowley said he objected move and ough Police Station twice weekly. American Airlines having called for it to be stopped. Khan believes that was and towe beare chartered aidGovthe “Weheobject calling ontothe Pathologist Dr Valery Alexandrov, “pushed aside” as head influx of travelers. GAC ernment to instruct the Governor of the performed the autopsy Tuesday, of the GACwho for expresswas tothese increase its feet Central Bank not to able make payments, ing his reservations about of planes under his stewsaid that he found approximately 200 for to do so is to facilitate and to encourage one political cubic appointment. ardship. centimetres of the substance the wrongdoing that almost collapsed the According to Khan, he economy. inentire his stomach, which amounted to national realized thatapproximately the“Solack of Khan said the first time we are calling on thefor Government to a regular-sized glass. forward-thinking manin the country’s history instruct the Governor of the Central Bank, agement would destroy there were local pilots who whomajor has theproblem authority overlook “The istothat there taxpayis no the GAC anders'heinvolvement there- were captains on jets. in this bail-out, that this So it doesn’t matter if someone fore gave theantidote. then actionpowers must not take or place until taxpayers’ drinks one teaspoon a bottle. The some eight months toare re-fully“The first he choice forrepasinterest satisfied,” said. sultposition is the same, the pathologist added. consider their of ”sengers was removing him. ...contnue on page 8
89-44 162ND STREET JAMAICA NY 11432 SIDE OF APPLEBEE`S/VERIZON ON 162ND STREET CLASS A dogs are identified in the Bill as: 1. Pitbull Terrier or any dog bred from the Pitbull Terrier. 2. Fila Brasileiro or any dog bred from the Fila Brasileiro. 3. Japanese Tosa or any dog bred from the Japanese Tosa.
June 5–11, 2015 35 Caribbean Star Newspaper Trinidad public servant wins almost $1 million in unlawful imprisonment lawsuit
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ORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Tuesday June 2, 2015 – A public servant who was forcibly removed from her desk three years ago and taken to a psychiatric hospital where she was kept for just over two weeks has been awarded TT$835,000 (US$131,896) by a High Court. The court ruled in favour of accountant assistant in the Ministry of Gender Affairs, Youth and Child Development Cheryl Miller in her unlawful imprisonment lawsuit, saying that she should be compensated for her wrongful arrest and detention at the St Ann’s Psychiatric Hospital. Miller was at work on March 21, 2012, when her behaviour caused a mental health officer to conclude that she was mentally ill. According to the Trinidad Express newspaper, she had a large, black umbrella opened on her desk; she was listening to loud music through earphones; her clothes appeared soiled and her hair was unkempt; and when asked what the problem was, she replied: “Everyone here, everyone here is against me. It goes on everyday, everybody doing me things, they even coming by the window.” She was detained under Section 15 of the Mental Health Act, which states: “A person found wandering at large on a highway or in any public place and who by reason of his appearance, conduct or conversation, a mental health officer has reason to believe is mentally ill and in need of care and treatment in a psychiatric hospital or ward, may be taken into custody and conveyed to such hospital or ward for admission for observation.” However, in the judgment delivered yesterday, Justice Judith Jones said that Miller’s cubicle was not a public place and that her utterances were not enough for a conclusion to be reached that she was mentally ill. “Further, even when combined with the fact of Miller’s appearance, the open umbrella on her desk and the headphones with loud music emanating, even if I accept the evidence, while it may suggest some eccentricity it does not in my opinion provide a reason to conclude that Miller was a danger to herself or to her co-workers as concluded by the officer, far less that she was suffering from mental illness and was in need of care and treatment at a psychiatric hospital or ward,” the judge said. ‘Cheryl Miller dragged away’ She also found that Miller would have been greatly humiliated and embarrassed by the manner of her arrest in the presence of her co-workers. “This was further compounded by her being taken onto the public street and placed in an ambulance and even further aggravated by the widespread publicity that her apprehension and detention at the mental hospital attracted. The fact that calypsoes were composed and sung about her meant that the circumstances and manner of her detention were kept in the public eye thereby increasing and intensifying her humiliation and embarrassment,” the judge said.
“Her mental suffering, affront to her dignity and damage to her reputation has continued long after the incarceration ended. The incarceration had and continues to have a traumatic effect on her. Some three years after the event she has clearly not recovered from its effects.” Miller was only released from the psychiatric hospital after a writ of habeas corpus was granted by High Court judge Justice Vasheist Kokaram. He had ordered that she be released and evaluated and the report from the psychiatrist indicated that Miller posed no danger to herself or to the public. The North West Regional Health Authority, the operator of St. Ann’s Pyschi-
CHERYL MILLER SAYS SHE IS THANKFUL SHE WON THE CASE, BUT FEELS THE COMPENSATION SHOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE. (PHOTO: TRINIDAD EXPRESS) atric Hospital against which yesterday’s
judgment was made, has 14 days to appeal the court’s judgment. There were four other defendants in the lawsuit – the attorney general, the permanent secretary and deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Gender Affairs, and former Minister of Gender Affairs, Youth and Child Development Verna St RoseGreaves. However, they were not found to be liable. In an interview with the Trinidad Guardian, Miller said she was thankful she won the case, but felt she should have received much more. “The things I was made to suffer at the hospital, that amount of money is not enough,” she told the newspaper.
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June 5–11, 2015
Caribbean Star Newspaper Nail polish could be hazardous to your health, experts warn
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ALIFORNIA, United States, Tuesday June 2, 2015 – Nail art, from a simple manicure and polish to all the creative applications found in a professional nail studio, has spawned a whole new industry carving an increasingly significant niche in the beauty business. One expert nevertheless warns that nail care products contain toxic and potentially hazardous chemicals that can seriously affect health. Writing for The Conversation, Dr Thu Quach of Stanford University and the Cancer Prevention Institute of California, says exposure to these chemicals can lead to problems ranging from fertility issues to cancer. Researchers have identified toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate – nicknamed the “toxic trio” because of their serious health implications – as three chemicals of high concern, particularly for nail salon workers. Doctors warn of hidden danger in gel nail polish treatments http://t.co/kLiwEhI8cb pic.twitter.com/P41XEVIG2f — WTVR CBS 6 Richmond (@CBS6) May 4, 2015 Toluene is a commonly used solvent that creates a smooth finish across the nail and keeps the pigment from separating in the bottle. It can nevertheless affect the central nervous system and cause reproductive harm. It is most commonly used as an additive in gasoline. Formaldehyde, a recognised cancer causing substance, is used as a nail-hardening agent, as well as a disinfectant for nail care tools in salons. Dibutyl phthalate, which is added to polishes to provide flexibility, has been linked to reproductive problems.
The “toxic trio” are joined by many other harmful chemicals in nail care products. Nail studio technicians are particularly at risk, with many nail salons lacking adequate ventilation, often causing chemicals evaporated from nail products to be trapped inside, continuously exposing workers. Make sure you’re in a well ventilated area when using nail polish remover! http://t. co/ufyldhJuOJ — Joyce Insurance (@Joyce_Insurance) April 15, 2015 According to Dr Quach, nail salon workers pay the price in the form of their health. “As an epidemiologist, I have conducted multiple research studies to examine workplace exposures and health effects for nail salon workers,” Dr Quach said. “In my talks with hundreds of salon workers and owners, many have shared their personal stories of health problems, ranging from chronic headaches to tragic cases of cancer and pregnancy complications,” she added. Research studies have documented acute health effects in some of these workers, including headaches, breathing problems and skin irritations, commonly associated with overexposure to solvents used in these products. Some nail salon workers suffer from thinking and memory problems, neurological symptoms, nausea, respiratory problems, cancer and uncontrollable muscle contractions due to exposure to the chemicals, Dr Quach indicated. Studies have also shown that working in salons is linked to reproductive health problems, including spontaneous birth, preterm delivery and undersized babies as well as pregnancy complications.
Rihanna causes a stir on photo shoot in Cuba
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.
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AVANA, Cuba, Monday June 1, 2015 – Barbados’ pop princess Rihanna caused a stir while cruising down Havana’s Malecon Shore Boulevard in a classic 1950s American convertible last Friday. No sooner had word got around that the FourFiveSeconds singer was in the neighbourhood than Cubans of all ages swarmed around the car, using cell phones to snap pictures of the 27-year-old star while security guards kept a watchful eye on the proceedings. Rihanna arrived in Cuba on Wednesday and made an unannounced appearance at the La Fontana restaurant, according to Cuban state media. Reports say that the Diamonds girl also recorded video footage in Havana’s central district of El Vedado and at the La Guarida restaurant, where the Cuban movie Strawberry and Chocolate was filmed. The hard-working singer/model/businesswoman’s Cuban gig came in the wake of flying visits from New York, to London, to Miami and then on to Cuba in the space of three days. The Unapologetic singer sat for a vintage-themed photo shoot by Annie Leibovitz looking a picture of retro glamour in a scarlet corset, skinny pants and matching high-heeled patent leather mules. For a complete style switch, the singer
FANS TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS OF POP ARTIST RIHANNA AS SHE GETS ON AN AMERICAN CLASSIC CAR AFTER A PHOTO SHOOT WITH PHOTOGRAPHER ANNIE LEIBOVITZ IN HAVANA, CUBA ON FRIDAY. poured her famous curves into a simple but stunning little black dress. The photo shoot was complete with Cuba’s vintage American cars, but the classic Detroit rolling stock reportedly failed to upstage Rihanna’s classy chassis. The Caribbean superstar has barely had time to change her own clothes of late, juggling her modelling and business commitments with recording more tracks for her upcoming album R8, said to be produced by rapper Kanye West. Earlier this year, Rihanna was also appointed the face of Dior, making history as the first black woman ever to represent the French haute couture brand.
June 5–11, 2015 37 Caribbean Star Newspaper Police probe deaths of two crew members Questions being raised about St. Lucia’s on cruise ships in Bahamas waters decision to open embassy in Taiwan
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REPORTS ARE THAT ONE CREW MEMBER ON THE DISNEY DREAM WAS FOUND HANGING IN THE AIR CONDITIONING ROOM. NASSAU, Bahamas, Tuesday June 2, Sunday aboard a cruise ship anchored at 2015 – The deaths of two cruise ship Castaway Cay, a private island that serves crew members, working on separate ves- as an exclusive port for Disney Cruise sels in Bahamian waters, are being inves- Line vessels. The lifeless body of a female crew tigated by police, according to the Associated Press (AP). member was found aboard another cruise The news agency said police had dis- line’s vessel early yesterday as it passed closed few specifics, saying only that they through Bahamian waters, it added. were “actively investigating these incidents In a more detailed report, Inquisitr.com to determine the exact cause of death”. reported that the male cruise ship worker The deaths came about 24 hours apart. was found hanging in the air conditioning AP said a statement from the Royal room of cruise ship Disney Dream. Bahamas Police Force disclosed that a male crew member was found dead early
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rustrated by the Government's failure to protect them from being evicted, and an explosion of PH drivers in Chaguanas, green band maxi taxi drivers switched off their engines and refused to work today. Taxi drivers, plying the Chaguanas to San Fernando route, stood in solidarity with the maxi taxi operaters in protest action at the maxi taxi stand in Chaguanas, opposite Mid Centre Mall. The action left thousands of commuters in south and central Trinidad stranded and allowed PH drivers to pick up the slack. There were reports that PH drivers had increased fares to Chaguanas. Julien St George, president of the Route 3 Green Band Maxi Taxi Association, said maxi taxi operators were facing eviction from their current location. "We are trying to keep our maxi taxi stand in Chaguanas. We are under threat of eviction and if we are evicted we would have to go on the outskirts of Chaguanas and that means more room for the PH cars and vans to ply their illegal trade un the borough," he said. St George said the drivers were not against any plans by the Chaguanas Borough Corporation to relocate the maxi taxi stand. "If the Borough has future plans which will involve the relocation we will oblige, but to take us from where we are and put us on streets I don't think that is an option right now," he said. St George said Chaguanas to Port-ofSpain and Chaguanas to San Fernando
ASTRIES, St Lucia, Tuesday June 2, 2015 – The decision by the St. Lucia government to open an embassy in Taiwan has come under scrutiny from the opposition Lucian People’s Movement (LPM), which described the move as “baffling” and called for public disclosure on the costs associated with the opening. Government announced yesterday that an embassy would be opened in the International Trade Building in Taipei on Thursday. Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony left the island for Taiwan over the weeken,d with other government officials, ahead of the opening ceremony. However, in a statement issued today, the LPM said the decision to establish the full-fledged embassy “is not only baffling from a foreign policy perspective but also raises a number of serious questions concerning the illusionary bubble within which the St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) government has operated over the last three and a half years”. “In light of the fact that Taiwan is not universally recognised as a sovereign state and has yet to settle its dispute with China over its political status, the Lucian People’s Movement has called upon the government of St. Lucia to clarify whether its decision to open an embassy in Taiwan amounts to a formal recognition or
endorsement of the Republic of China on Taiwan,” the LPM statement read. It added that “given the unsettled nature of Taiwan’s political status, coupled with our own financial constraints here at home”, it would have been more sensible for government to appoint a cultural and economic representative in Taiwan. Instead, the party said, the administration had gone the contentious and financially burdensome route of establishing an embassy . “In light of this startling development, which now requires our nation to divert scarce resources towards maintaining yet another embassy abroad, the LPM calls upon the government of St. Lucia to provide a public statement detailing the total cost of the operation and whether it has approached the government of Taiwan for financial assistance in this regard,” it added. During his trip, Anthony will meet with Taiwan’s president Ma Ying-jeou and other senior officials of the Taiwanese government. He will also deliver a lecture to students of the Fu Jen Catholic University on the theme “The Future of Small States in the World System”. A statement from the SLP administration said the government of Taiwan is footing the bill for the trip.
Commuters stranded as taxi drivers strike
A “PH” taxi at the St James Street Maxi hub in San Fernando this morning during the protest action taken by drivers operating Maxi Taxi’s from San Fernando to Chaguanas. maxi taxi operators were facing eviction next month. Chaguanas Mayor Gopaul Boodan explained that the current maxi taxi hub in the borough was located on private lands. "They are being removed because the land is owned by a Chaguanas businessman. We have been blessed to have the use of it for so long. The matter went to court and the court adjudicated on behalf of the businessman," he said. Boodan said discussion was also being held for the State to purchase the land. "I think that is still ongoing as to the terms and conditionsas it relates. The maxi taxi is doing an excellent job in providing service to the people of Chaguanas and we will do everything in our powers to make sure that we have a resolution to this. Very shortly there will be some resolution to the problem," he said.
Maxi Taxi drivers and operators in Chaguanas display placards during the protest action this morming. Maxi drivers from San Fernando to Chaguanas staged the protest because the land owner gave them notice to re–locate within 7–days Boodan said he understood the maxi taxi drivers' frustration. He said area being considered for relocating the maxi taxi stand in Chaguanas were Saith Park, Ramsaran Street and along the Southern Main Road. St George pleaded with the authorities to crack down on PH drivers. He said whereas maxi taxi and taxi drivers were confined to a specific area, PH drivers were allowed to enter lucrative areas in the Borough to ply their trade. "So the demonstration this morning was long overdue, we have stayed quiet for far too
long. We think withholding our services will send a message to the public and authorities that something needs to be done," he said. Adrian Acosta, president of the Trinidad and Tovago Taxi Drivers Network, said several taxi drivers joined maxi taxi drivers in solidarity yesterday. He said the taxi drivers were also affected by the influx of PH drivers in Chaguanas. "We have made complaints to the authorities, highlitinh these issues, but nothing is coming out. If we get no response today we have other plans of action," he said.
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Caribbean Star Newspaper
June 5–11, 2015
CRICKET & Sports
Bishoo leads fightback but Australia move ahead Lunch Australia 153 for 6 (Voges 45*, Johnson 14*, Bishoo 4-59) lead West Indies 148 by 5 runs
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evendra Bishoo claimed three wickets before lunch on the second day in Dominica to ensure West Indies remained firmly in the contest, although Adam Voges had helped Australia edge into the lead. The Australians had added 68 to their overnight total for the loss of Steven Smith, Shane Watson and Brad Haddin, and at lunch they were 153 for 6, with Voges on 45 and Mitchell Johnson on 14. The lead was five runs and the debutant Voges was the key man for Australia; he had looked solid throughout his innings and had the task of building the advantage on the second afternoon. Voges had taken a more cautious approach than on the first afternoon when he had made 20 off 27 balls - his tally on the second morning was 25 runs from 86 deliveries. He was forced into watchfulness by Bishoo, who turned the ball sharply but varied his degree of spin, and found enough drift to deceive the batsmen. Smith (25) added eight to his overnight score before
he was hoodwinked by Bishoo, advancing down the pitch only to see the ball drop short of him, spin past his edge and Denesh Ramdin complete the stumping. If it is rare for Smith to be outflighted by a spinner, it is not so uncommon for Shane Watson, who on 11 drove hard and had his thick edge well caught at second slip by Jason Holder. Brad Haddin showed some intent by launching a Bishoo wrong’un back over the bowler’s head for six, but Bishoo had his revenge by bowling Haddin for 8. It was a beautiful piece of legspin that fittingly came 22 years to the day after Shane Warne’s ball of the century tricked Mike Gatting. Bishoo similarly drifted the ball in and pitched it on leg stump, turning it perfectly past Haddin’s bat to clip the top of off stump. It was the ideal legspinner’s wicket, and by lunch Bishoo had 4 for 59. Australia would be wary of facing Bishoo on a deteriorating pitch in the fourth innings, so the importance of Voges, Johnson and the rest of the batting order building a healthy lead throughout the rest of the second day should not be underestimated.
Shane Watson was one of three wickets for Devendra Bishoo in the session
It’s the captain who wins games, not the coach - Chappell
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ngland has appointed an Australian as their coach on the eve of an Ashes series and what followed was an avalanche of words flowing from the chattering classes. Realistically, though, how much effect will Trevor Bayliss’ appointment have on England and the series? Very little is the most likely answer. I’ve often stated: “An international coach is something the Australian team travels in around England.” While I haven’t changed my opinion in the intervening years, coaches are now a way of life in international cricket. It’s interesting to read the reports since Bayliss’ appointment. It was trumpeted that he has won the Sheffield Shield with New South Wales, the Big Bash League with Sydney Sixers, an IPL trophy with Kolkata Knight Riders, and guided Sri Lanka to the World Cup final in 2011. Well, I have a headline of my own: it was the players and the captain who achieved those results, not the coach. The maximum positive effect even the best coaches can have on a team is minimal. The lower
down the pecking order a team in either standard or grade - the more a good coach can achieve. They’ll have a greater effect on Bangladesh or a first-class team than on the Australian side but it’ll still be minimal. At international level, the best coaches are your team-mates. One, they are playing against the same opponents, and two, they’re generally good thinkers on the game to reach that level. And as for this idea that Bayliss, or any other coach “guided” a team to a trophy - that is a myth. If a captain needs off-field guidance then the team needs a new captain because if he’s not a couple of overs ahead of the game and in charge of his team, then they’re in trouble. And this is where the concept of coaches can be detrimental to producing good captains. The more importance placed on coaches, the more likely it is they’ll encroach on the captaincy tasks. If this continually happens to young captains, then the likelihood is they’ll be underprepared for the task when they reach the higher levels of the game. Alastair Cook may be a case in point. The less prodding Alastair
Cook gets from Bayliss and Paul Farbrace, the better it is for England © Getty Images England’s revival at Lord’s largely revolved around one simple change. Last year against India, they batted Ben Stokes at No. 8 and Moeen Ali at six. That was a joke. Stokes is a batting allrounder and copes exceedingly well with the shortpitched delivery, while Moeen struggles mightily. This season Stokes is at six and Moeen, as the primary spinner, is at eight, which is where they should have been last season. What
has changed? Cook was captain on both occasions. If he hadn’t rectified the mistake, England should worry about the captain’s judgement. This was an obvious move, and getting the batsmen in the right order is important. The series against Australia will be the real test for any improvement in Cook’s captaincy. He was more aggressive in his approach against New Zealand but that was mostly a player-led improvement (the player in question being Stokes). Whether Cook can maintain a more positive outlook in the face of
an onslaught from David Warner and company is the real question facing England. I suspect if that situation arises Cook will revert to type because he’s conservative by nature. If he’s trying to be more positive through prodding from either Paul Farbrace or Bayliss, it won’t last because it has to be an instinctive reaction from a captain who is comfortable being bold. Michael Clarke is a good example of a captain whose tactical instincts are boldness personified. Strangely, Clarke has also struggled to place a cohesive batting order, and part of his dilemma stems from a reluctance to bat himself higher. There’s no doubt Darren Lehmann’s association with Clarke has helped Australia. Clarke is tactically brilliant but his off-field leadership was lacking until Lehmann took a hand in matters. This Ashes series may well be billed as a battle between two Australian coaches. However, the successful coaches are those who have the most talented players and a good captain, and those are the reasons why Australia will have a head start in this Ashes series.
June 5–11, 2015 39 Caribbean Star Newspaper Ajmal dropped De Villiers named SA’s Cricketer of the Year
for SL Tests A A hmed Shehzad, Shan Masood and Ehsan Adil have been included in Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the Test series in Sri Lanka in June. Offspinner Saeed Ajmal, who was part of the squad in the two-Test series against Bangladesh, was left out because of his lack of impact with the remodelled bowling action. Ajmal picked up a solitary wicket in the tour game before the start of Bangladesh Tests, but couldn’t make it to the Test XI with Zulfiqar Babar and Yasir Shah pipping him for spinners’ spots. He played two ODIs and one T20 on the tour, but managed just one more wicket. Babar Azam, Bilawal Bhatti, Sami Aslam were also excluded, while Rahat Ali, Sohaib Maqsood and Sohail Khan continued to be unavailable due to their respective injuries. Shehzad was dropped from both Test and ODI squads after the 2015 World Cup on disciplinary grounds. He was recalled for the Zimbabwe ODIs but remained on the bench throughout the three-match series. Shehzad is one of three openers - Mohammad Hafeez and Masood, being the other two - in the squad. Interestingly, the selectors said they had considered the performance of Pakistan A players on their tour to Sri Lanka recently but both Umar Amin, the top-scorer in longer format, and Fawad Alam, leading run-getter in the limited-over games, were ignored. For Aslam, his 47 runs from three innings in Bangladesh, went against him. “While selecting the squad, the selection committee considered the following key areas: suitability to play in varied playing conditions, potential to perform at international level, current form and fitness, performance in the previous tours of Bangladesh and recently concluded Pakistan A team’s tour of Sri Lanka, and feedback from the team management on the performance of players on Bangladesh tour,” PCB chief selector Haroon Rashid said. “Fawad Alam, Sami Aslam and some other players were also under consideration but could not be included but they remain on the selectors radar. Rahat Ali (hamstring), Sohail Khan (back) and Sohaib Maqsood (wrist) are still on rehab after sustaining injuries and it is hoped that they would be available for selection in the near future. Selection committee has also kept its options open in case of need for the 16th member keeping in mind the extreme weather conditions in Sri Lanka.” Pakistan squad: Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali (vc), Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Yasir Shah, Zulfiqar Babar, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan, Imran Khan, Ehsan Adil.
B de Villiers was named South Africa’s Cricketer of the Year for the second successive year at Cricket South Africa’s annual awards on Wednesday. He was also awarded the ODI Cricketer of the Year, Player’s Player of the Year and Fans’ Player of the Year. De Villiers has scored 1610 runs in 28 ODIs at an average of 80.50 since the start of 2014, including four centuries, and has had a sensational 2015. He set the record for the quickest century in ODIs (100 off 31 ballsagainst West Indies in Johannesburg), followed by the fastest 150 in ODIs - off 64 balls - decimating the same opposition during aWorld Cup game in Sydney. He has also scored 779 runs in nine Tests at an average of 55.64 in the same time period. Hashim Amla, who won South Africa’s
Cricketer of the Year twice in 2010 and 2013, was awarded Test Cricketer of the Year. Since January 2014, he has scored 801 runs in nine Tests at an average of 66.75. Rilee Rossouw, who made his ODI
debut in August 2014 and has already notched up 626 runs in 20 matches in the format, was named South Africa’s Newcomer of the Year. Haroon Lorgat, CSA’s chief executive officer, was delighted with the progress that South Africa and de Villiers had made over the past year. “This has been another great year with truly wonderful achievements from our top players,” he said. “AB is just so special and surely he must be the best all-round cricketer in the world. “De Villiers has modestly taken limited-overs batting to a new level and he has done it with style and panache that is simply beyond the reach of most. He is a true batting genius. He now holds the world records for the fastest 50, 100 and 150 in ODI cricket.”
Craig, Williamson spin NZ to famous win New Zealand 350 (Ronchi 88, Latham 84, Broad 5-109) and 454 for 8 dec (Watling 120, Guptill 70, Craig 58*, McCullum 55) beat England 350 (Lyth 107, Cook 75, Southee 4-83) and 255 (Buttler 73, Cook 56, Williamson 3-15) by 199 runs
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earts and minds are one thing but what New Zealand really wanted to win was this Test. At Headingley, the ground where they first claimed a Test victory in England more than 30 years ago, they had to battle the weather, which took almost a day out of the game, and an England side still swaggering from their heroics at Lord’s last week. They overcame both with time to spare, having scored 804 runs at almost five an over and twice rattled through England with pace, swing and, on the final day, spin. Every member of the side contributed to their victory in the second Investec Test, one which levelled the series and preserved a two-year unbeaten run. In 54 Tests against England in England, it was only New Zealand’s fifth victory and their first of the 21st century. Mark Craig followed some lower-order slugging and immaculate slip catching with three wickets on a wearing surface, finishing England’s resistance by having Jos Buttler lbw without playing a shot. Kane Williamson also picked up three-for with his part-time offspin, after Trent Boult, the joint-leading wicket-taker on either side, had struck twice early on to set New Zealand on their way. That England extended the game into the final session was chiefly down to dogged half-centuries from Buttler and Alastair Cook. Obdurate crease occupation is Cook’s greatest strength and he absorbed 171 balls in making 56, bowing his head over the bat like a monk at prayer. Buttler showed a different side to his game by playing with admirable restraint during his lengthiest Test innings, in terms of balls faced. England had gone to lunch five down, any bravado about attempting to chase 455 scattered to the far corners of the
Yorkshire Ridings. Cook was their chief hope of saving the game but he fell shortly after having become the youngest man to record 9000 Test runs - when he failed in an attempt to reverse his lbw decision against Williamson, who struck in the first over of a spell for the second time, Brendon McCullum knew things were going his way. Buttler made it through to tea, surviving a review for caught down the leg side off Tim Southee and a working over by Matt Henry, who followed a throat ball with one that took the outside edge and fell short of slip; Buttler also required treatment after a length delivery from Henry leapt to strike him a vicious blow on the hand. He was later doubled up by the same bowler, winded by a blow to the stomach. It was an apt representation of England’s pummelling. New Zealand had enjoyed a perfect morning, Boult and Craig taking two wickets apiece in the first hour to help New Zealand once again seize the initiative. Only a scattering of spectators had braved another icy day - despite reduced ticket prices - as the people of Yorkshire wisely decided England were not worth the investment. This was a working Tuesday, after all, and England did not get close to replicating the final-day drama served up against Sri Lanka at Headingley a year ago, never mind their Auckland rescue act against McCullum’s New Zealand in 2013. Still, for the couple of thousand in attendance as well as those watching on television screens around the world, there was much to admire in the way New Zealand went about their business, each wicket celebrated with joyous collective abandon. McCullum’s side have not lost a Test series since their last visit to England and they have won many more admirers besides for the spirit in which they approach a challenge. It made the absence of a deciding Test all the more disappointing, though both sides could take credit from the fact that no two-match series has ever enjoyed such a glut of run-scoring (not to mention 78 wickets as well).
If England did intend to play positively and keep the threat of a world-record run chase in the back of Kiwi minds, it was not easy to discern. Five of the first six overs were maidens, one of which included the wicket of Adam Lyth, caught behind after nicking yet another good one from Boult. With Boult making the ball swing under grey skies and McCullum able to do much as he pleased with his fielders, England regressed into the defensive posture that has frequently cost them in recent years. Lyth was always the likelier of England’s openers to press New Zealand back with his strokeplay but his dismissal without adding to his overnight score brought the seemingly ill-at-ease Gary Ballance to the middle. Despite an attempt to counter a perceived weakness against full, swinging deliveries by batting out of his crease (before stepping back in as per his trigger movement), he was undone by the skills of Boult for the second time in the match. Lightning struck twice, this time via a full ball deflecting off the pads and into off stump. The offspinner Craig, who England dealt with brusquely at Lord’s, was able to settle into a rhythm from the Kirkstall Lane End and he gained rich reward halfway through the session, removing Ian Bell and Joe Root within the space of three deliveries. Both fell to excellent leg-side catches, though the decision making - from Bell in particular - was questionable. Having seen McCullum instruct Kane Williamson to go and stand at leg slip, Bell went back into his crease and steered the ball obligingly straight to the fielder, who scooped it off the ground with glee. Root struck his leg glance much more powerfully, only for Tom Latham’s woolly jumper to absorb the impact and his hands to gratefully clutch the ball. Root had declared on the fourth evening that England still had a chance of chasing 455 but a slim chance had become no chance by the time he was the fourth batsman out inside the first hour. England attempted the talk but it was New Zealand who walked it.
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Caribbean Star Newspaper
June 5–11, 2015 Caribbean Star Newspaper Edge with Australia after 13-wicket day Australia 85 for 3 (Voges 20*, Smith 17*) trail West Indies 148 (Hope 36, Hazlewood 3-33, Johnson 3-34) by 63 runs
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hirteen wickets made for an eventful opening day of the series in Dominica, and it was Australia who went to stumps in the slightly stronger position. Denesh Ramdin gave his men the chance to bat first but they survived only two sessions for their 148 before Australia played out the final session of the day and went to stumps on 85 for 3, trailing by 63 on a surface that had proven surprisingly challenging. Steven Smith was Australia’s rock during the home summer against India and again he appeared immovable, although he also found scoring difficult with variable bounce and a slow outfield. He ended the day on 17 from 67 deliveries and had not scored a boundary; debutant Adam Voges had struck four fours in his 20 from 27 balls, perhaps the positive result of nervous energy. David Warner had fallen early for 8 when he was surprised by extra bounce from a Jerome Taylor delivery and a leading edge was taken at point. Shaun Marsh, promoted to open in the absence of Chris Rogers, edged to slip off Jason Holder for 19, and Michael Clarke edged Devendra Bishoo behind after scoring a bright 18 off 28 balls, including one six over midwicket. Voges was gifted a low full toss second ball to get off the mark with a boundary in Test cricket and by the time stumps arrived he had made a solid start. The Australians were generally careful in their 30 overs at the crease after the West Indies batsmen struggled to come to grips with the conditions and were skittled inside 54 overs.
Michael Clarke was one of several Australians who took sharp catches Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Johnson collected three wickets each and it did not take long for the Australians to get back into five-day mode, having not played a Test since early January. The catching especially was outstanding, with Clarke, Voges and Marsh all making sharp takes of varying degrees of difficulty that ensured their bowlers were backed up. West Indies went to lunch three wickets down but things quickly deteriorated further upon the resumption, when Shane Dowrich, Jermaine Blackwood and Marlon Samuels all fell within a four-over period. Ramdin and Holder put up some sort of fight but it seemed only a matter of time until Australia finished the job. The batting conditions were not as easy as Ramdin might have expected when he won the toss, with the odd ball staying low and two batsmen - Darren Bravo and Taylor - struck on the helmet by quick, accurate bouncers. Nathan Lyon also ex-
tracted more than a little bit of turn, and combined with an outfield the speed of a wet golf green it made life challenging for the batsmen. Still, they didn’t put up much resistance, with no partnership lasting 10 overs. Hazlewood made the first breakthrough when he moved a delivery away just enough to kiss the outside edge of Kraigg Brathwaite’s bat and Brad Haddin completed a simple catch to have Brathwaite for 10. Shai Hope was able to strike five boundaries and his driving through the off side was most impressive, and Bravo also threatened to cause some problems with a typically classy start. Their 40-run stand was the best of the innings, but it ended when Lyon came around the wicket to Bravo, who on 19 edged and was brilliantly taken by Clarke low to his left at slip. Hope fell for 36 off 54 balls when
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he tried to drive Johnson and his thick edge was superbly taken by a diving Marsh at gully. West Indies were 75 for 3 and it was the sort of situation in which the Australians would have been pleased not to see Shivnarine Chanderpaul walking out to bat. Dowrich managed 15 before he dragged on off Hazlewood, and in Hazlewood’s next over he added the wicket of Blackwood for 2 when a thick edge was taken by Clarke, moving across from second slip in front of Shane Watson at first. In the next over, West Indies lost the last of their top six when Samuels miscued a hook off Mitchell Starc and Hazlewood at fine leg took a well-judged catch. Ramdin and Holder tried to reassemble things but Johnson ended that idea when he bowled Ramdin for 19, the ball staying disconcertingly low for the first day of a Test. When Holder edged Starc to Marsh at gully for 21, the end seemed nigh, and the next wicket brought the score to 144 for 9 and allowed an extension of the session past the scheduled tea time. That ninth wicket came from arguably the best of the catches, when debutant Adam Voges ran back from midwicket with the flight of the ball, dived and clung on to get rid of Taylor for 6. A change to the part-time legspin of Smith had done the trick, even if Smith’s wicket came with what could only be described as a long-hop. Shannon Gabriel, one of Test cricket’s genuine No.11s, was then no match for Johnson, and edged to slip for 2 to complete a miserable start to the series for the home side. By stumps Australia were more than halfway to West Indies’ total, but as day one showed, things can happen quickly on this surface even if scoring does not. It was worth remembering that West Indies had been 85 for 3, too.
Hesson and McCullum forging New Zealand’s greatest era With a 199-run second Test victory over England at Headingley, the current New Zealand side added evidence to a case which suggests this is the country’s best Test era under the captaincy ofBrendon McCullum and stewardship of Mike Hesson.
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heir attacking tactics with bat, ball and field have been dubbed revolutionary and make for compelling viewing in the eyes of many beholders. However, a couple of facts suggest the perception extends beyond the anecdotal and into reality. 1. A run of seven undefeated series, starting with the Bangladesh series in October 2013 and extending to this drawn England series, is the most by any New Zealand side. They have also beaten the West Indies home and away, beaten India and Sri Lanka at home, and drawn with Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.
The previous best era began with the 2-1 away victory over Australia in November 1985 and finished with a draw on the bomb-curtailed Sri Lanka tour of April 1987. Between those bookends they beat Australia and the West Indies at home and England away. When you consider that era included two undisputed greats of the New Zealand game in Richard Hadlee and Martin Crowe, it puts the feat into perspective. Tuesday’s victory was New Zealand’s first away win against England in 16 years, second at Headingley, and ninth overall in 101 Tests between the countries but, perhaps most importantly,
it was their first win in a Test starting during May. In seven previous examples - 1965, 2004, 2008 (twice), 2013 (twice), 2015 - they had lost six and drawn one. 2. The Headingley victory provided another tribute to McCullum’s leadership. He insisted they could play the same way as they did at Lord’s, despite seeing the test slip from their grasp on the fourth day. With the win he edges ahead of Geoff Howarth as the most successful New Zealand captain on the basis of percentage wins. Howarth had 11 from 30 matches (36.67 per cent); McCullum has nine from 24 matches (37.50 per cent). As a further benchmark, Stephen Fleming earned 28 from 80 matches (35 per cent). Home and away series against Australia this summer will provide the best gauge yet as to their place in history. Hesson, who along with McCullum was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List during the second Test, said their aggressive mindset was justified at Headingley. “It is challenging if it doesn’t work out because you can get exposed, but if
you truly believe the way you play gives you the best chances of success then, regardless of the situation, you need to stick to your guns. “We were under pressure a lot and took steps forward from 2 for 2 and 23 for 2 in each innings respectively. We could have gone into our shell but stuck with the way we wanted to play. Within a short space of time we got back the initiative. “If you look at the players in the group, most instinctively play with flair. There’s also balance with the likes of Kane Williamson, BJ Watling and Tom Latham. “Seven undefeated test series in a row is something we’re proud of, especially challenging good sides in their home conditions.” New Zealand now prepare for five oneday internationals and one Twenty20 against England. World Cup incumbents Grant Elliott, Nathan McCullum and Mitchell McClenaghan rejoin the squad, while left-arm pace bowler Ben Wheeler and left-arm orthodox allrounder Mitchell Santner are expected to make their limited-overs debuts.
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June 5–11, 2015
S Ravi and Chris Gaffaney in Elite Panel
mpires Chris Gaffaney and S Ravi have been promoted to the ICC’s Elite Panel of umpires for 2015-16. They will replace Billy Bowden, and the retiring Steve Davis. Ravi is only the second Indian, after S Venkataraghavan, to make the Elite Panel since its inception in 2002. He has stood in six Tests, including the recently completed series between England and New Zealand, 24 ODI - three of which were during the 2015 World Cup - and 12 T20s. “I have always enjoyed the company of those umpires already on the Elite Panel and now I have the chance to work with them all on a more regular basis,” Ravi said. “I am really looking forward to the challenges ahead and aim to maintain a
high standard of umpiring.” Elite Panel for 2015-16 Aleem Dar (Pakistan) Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka) Marais Erasmus (South Africa) Chris Gaffaney (New Zealand) Ian Gould (England) Richard Illingworth (England) Richard Kettleborough (England) Nigel Llong (England) Bruce Oxenford (Australia) S Ravi (India) Paul Reiffel (Australia) Rod Tucker (Australia) Ravi’s elevation will not come as a surprise to former Elite Panel umpire Simon Taufel, who gave high marks to Indian umpires in an interaction with ESPNcricinfo recently. Although Taufel,
who is advisor and mentor to BCCI’s Elite Panel of umpires, was non-committal over why Indians had not been in the panel for so long, he stressed the big strides made by the likes of Ravi in the last few years to make themselves eligible. “Our focus is to improve Indian domestic umpiring. We have produced four quality International Panel umpires,” Taufel said. “They are doing extremely well and one of them [S Ravi] officiated at Lord’s in a Test match. It is his fifth Test match. He has been to a World Cup and put his name up for selection.” Gaffaney began his international career as an umpire in 2010 and has worked two Tests, 41 ODIs - three during the 2015 World Cup - and 15 T20Is.
“I have a number of people to thank, especially those who have assisted from the very beginning of my umpire career, and will be doing this individually in due course,” he said. “I, however, need to mention the support and understanding of both the NZC and the Police force, who allowed me the opportunity to follow my career as a policeman and also as an umpire. I am extremely grateful for their understanding, which has made this possible.” The 2015-16 team was picked by the ICC umpires selection panel consisting of ICC general manager Geoff Allardice, chief match referee Ranjan Madugalle, former England player, coach and umpire David Lloyd, and S Venkataraghavan, the former India captain and umpire.
Lloyd has always been youth-first - Cozier
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hief selector Clive Lloyd offered two reasons last Sunday for Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s omission from the West Indies squad for the two forthcoming Tests against Australia, effectively ending the longest career of any West Indian. One was the abrupt decline in the indomitable left-hander’s trademark reliability, as seen over his past two series, against South Africa and England, in which he averaged 16.63 in 11 innings; the corollary was that “the time had come to look to younger players”. In the face of widespread opinion that Chanderpaul be given the two Tests against Australia as a satisfactory send-off to his outstanding career - as was the case when India hosted West Indies for their national icon Sachin Tendulkar’s home farewell in December 2013 - head coach Phil Simmons asserted that the panel had been charged with selecting a team to win a series against Australia; going through the process, Chanderpaul didn’t “fit in”. Michael Holding was one former West Indies player who agreed. “I don’t believe that cricketers should get a series for a series’ sake, and I don’t believe Shivnarine Chanderpaul is still good enough to be playing for the West Indies,” he told ESPNcricinfo. Such explanations didn’t concern those who interpreted his exclusion as disrespect for Chanderpaul’s longevity, commitment and record. Brian Lara, his team-mate during his first 13 years as the rock constantly supporting a brittle middle order, echoed the general consensus. Chanderpaul, he maintained, had “earned the right to say goodbye
Lloyd has been a believer in throwing youngsters in at the deep end in an acceptable way and should be allowed to do it in his own way”. Wavell Hinds, another member of the team during the difficult times, said the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA), which he now heads, “was disappointed in the manner in which Mr Chanderpaul was treated”. He described the process as “untidy and distasteful”. West Indies Cricket Board president Dave Cameron added his voice to the discussions, virtually putting the selectors on notice. “I never really liked how we have ushered out our players,” he said. “At the end of a long and illustrious career like Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s, we want to ensure that whatever we do, it is well respected and that he knows and the region knows how much we value his services to West Indies cricket.” Chanderpaul’s home administration, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), was more forthright. It declared that it just “cannot believe nor even fathom the thought process behind the wanton dropping of the most senior, reliable and dependable batsman of the West Indies for
the past 21 years”. A host of internet bloggers used even stronger, more colourful language. In the hullabaloo, the point was overlooked that, for all his declining scores, Chanderpaul’s experience of 164 Tests would be missing in a team palpably short of it against Test opponents ranked second only to South Africa. Of the squad of 12 initially named for Wednesday’s opening Test, the captain, Denesh Ramdin (67 Tests), and Marlon Samuels (58) are the only ones with more than 50 Tests on their CVs; nine are aged under 30, three under 24. Lloyd was unfazed. As far as he was concerned, it was not a burden on the coming generation, rather a challenge. “Our aim as selectors is to continue to play our young players, to give them exposure, and you can’t get better exposure than playing against one of the best teams in the world,” he said. “They will be tested and that is what it’s all about.” It is a faith in youth that can be traced back to 1974 and Lloyd’s elevation to the captaincy for the tour of India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan over Rohan Kanhai, a
batsman every bit as special as Chanderpaul is now. Kanhai was 38 and had come off a disappointing home series against England in which his highest score in seven innings was 44, his average 26.16. Installing Lloyd, the West Indies board stated it had “arrived at the conclusion that… the time had come for younger players to lead the West Indies team”. Lloyd used the same terminology in this case. The first-timers then were tested by the famed Indian quartet of spinners, Erapalli Prasanna, Bishan Bedi, Bhagwath Chandrasekhar and Srinivas Venkataraghavan, and by the swing of Pakistan’s Sarfraz Nawaz and Asif Masood in alien conditions. Gordon Greenidge’s 93 and 107 in his debut Test, in Bangalore, and Vivian Richards’ unbeaten 192 in Delhi in his second were precursors of long and exceptional careers to follow. Andy Roberts, on his first tour, after a solitary previous Test in Barbados, set a new record with 44 wickets in the seven Tests. Chanderpaul had a horror run against England and South Africa, his last two series © AFP Inevitably, not all newcomers flourish. At least their temperaments in alien environments are tested - as is true in the current situation. Through his 20 years at the helm, Lloyd stuck to his youth policy. Michael Holding, Colin Croft and Joel Garner, all in their early 20s, and Wayne Daniel, 19, were introduced with little to recommend them except obvious talent and youth, to form the feared all-pace attack in support of the established Roberts. Even when his teams were so strong they were a virtual closed shop, Lloyd prompted the selectors of the day to favour youngsters. Almost 30 years after he an-
nounced his retirement following the 1984-85 tour of Australia, aged 40 after 110 Tests, Lloyd returned to West Indies cricket last year as chairman of selectors, after stints as team manager and ICC match referee. He immediately pulled a rabbit from the hat, choosing Jason Holder as ODI captain, at 23 the youngest of all West Indies’ captains, and who in six months has already matched Lloyd’s expectations. Holder’s all-round success in the series against England, and that of Jermaine Blackwood, 23, and Kraigg Brathwaite, 24, in their brief time as Test batsmen, provided early support for Lloyd’s youth-first belief. The confident performance by the next-in-line recruits of the President’s XI in the three-day opener against the Australians last week was a further boost. Lloyd was on hand 21 years ago to observe the surprise inclusion of a skinny 19-year-old lefthander in the 1994 Test against England at Bourda. His name was Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Over the next two decades, through hard work, dedication and discipline, Chanderpaul confirmed the benefits of early exposure to the most challenging level of the game. Typically, Lloyd reckoned, in light of Chanderpaul’s declining returns and his age, that the time had come for him to make way for some younger man. Just as typically, Chanderpaul, with the tenacity that has always marked his cricket, refused the offer to retire before he was dropped. The enormous hole left by his exit surely won’t be adequately filled by the aspiring contenders in the short term, probably not even the long term. Lloyd’s theory is that they should be given the chance.
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June 5–11, 2015
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