Caribbean Star #57 vol. 4 / 2015

Caribbean First Interfaith Newspaper, Serving The Community

August 28 – September 3, 2015

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Star

See Page 34

GUYANA Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan

POLICE TO SET UP INFORMATION COMMAND CENTRE

See Page 16

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Vol.4 #57

GPHC SUCCESSFULLY DELIVERED 3075 BABIES BETWEEN JANUARY AND JULY See Page 4

GOV’T CRACKING DOWN ON ‘RAMPANT’ GOLD SMUGGLING – TROTMAN See Page 11 BUDGET PASSED

MONEY FROM CASH GRANT TO BE PLUGGED INTO OTHER PROGRAMMES – SCHOOL BUSES TO RICHMOND HILL: WISA PREMIER CHAMPIONS BE BROUGHT BACK

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August 28 – September 3, 2015 Caribbean Star Newspaper Killed in fight Missing man found: Bullets to the head over girlfriend

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CUNUPIA man was killed in a fight over his girlfriend on Tuesday.

Satish Narine, of Akallo Drive, Railway Road, died after he was struck on his head. Police said the suspect is the girlfriend's former boyfriend. Narine's father, Alex Narine was inconsolable as he spoke with reporters yesterday at the Forensic Sciences Centre in St James where an autopsy was done.

“I want to give my life for my son. A million times I would give my life for my son, without any hesitation.

“God blessed me with him and that man take him away from me so? I love that boy more than gold. Why they thief my son life from me so boy? I can't take it, I can't take it. He never do a wrong in his life. He never smoke, never drink, never lie, never do drugs, nothing”, Alex Narine said as he wept.

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he mother of a missing man faced her worst nightmare on Wednesday, when he was found murdered in Claxton Bay. Lee Vaughn Martin, 30, left his West Park, Cocoyea, home on Tuesday evening.

The following day, his mother went to the San Fernando police station to file a missing person report.

She was informed that her son's maroon coloured Mitsubishi Lancer car was found abandoned in Claxton Bay. Hours later, Martin's body was found with bullet wounds to the head.

His body was removed to the Forensic Science Centre in St James, where an autopsy is expected to be performed on Thursday.

Southern homicide detectives are investigating.

Martin worked at at technology company in Port of Spain as a Call Centre Representative.

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Facebook Photo of LeeVaughn Adrian Martin

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GUY$42 billion worth of gold smuggled in four months; several visas revoked uyanese and United States (US) authorities have uncovered a money laundering and gold smuggling racket that has so far fleeced the country of more than US$200 million (GUY$42 billion) worth of the precious metal over a four-month period.

Top officials of the Guyana government said a number of Guyanese gold exporters have been smuggling out huge quantities of gold from Guyana and on arriving in the US have been declaring them as “scrap gold” which do not attract duties in that country.

The failure to declare gold exports at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport also means that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has not been unable to tax the exports here.

The calculation of US$200 million was made for gold arrivals from Guyana over the period November, 2014 to March, 2015.

The officials have confirmed that the smuggling and sale of “scrap gold” in the US is part of a massive money laundering operation.

The American visas of several gold miners and traders have since been revoked, even as several more are the subject of an intensive investigation.

While some of the gold is being funneled through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, authorities say other quantities are being placed on Suriname-bound planes at the Ogle International Airport. Apart from attracting lower taxes in Suriname, the yellow metal is sold to the Middle East.

The sources said security is relaxed to allow the smugglers to pass through both airports without checks and declarations.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper GPHC successfully Gun amnesty programme will be tried for one month - Public Security Minister delivered 3075 babies between T January and July

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August 28 – September 3, 2015

he Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) successfully delivered 3,075 babies between January 1st this year and July 31st, a release from the hospital .

Another 50 babies were recorded as stillbirths.

Out of the total deliveries, 657 babies were born to teenage mothers ranging from under 14 to 19 years old.

During the same period last year, the release said that the hospital successfully delivered 3151 babies out of its 3207 deliveries as 56 were stillbirths. Out of the total deliveries last year, 673 babies were born to teenage mothers.

The release said that deliveries in January 2015 surpassed the other months with a total of 565 babies being delivered while for the same period last year, April had the highest amount of deliveries with a total of 501 babies being born at the GPHC. The GPHC’s maternity ward admitted a total of 5092 patients during this period, the release added.

he Ministry of Public Security Gun Amnesty Programme, which provides for persons to hand over unlicensed firearms and ammunition to the authorities without facing prosecution, will take effect from September 1, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

Contrary to what is being reported, Second-Vice President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, told GINA that the programme will be tested for one, not two months.

Minister Ramjattan also noted that the programme is one in a box of options that will be utilized to reduce the level of crime, violence and insecurity in the country. “As it were, we have to do a lot more to prevent these arms and ammunitions from coming in through the very long borders that we have with Brazil and Venezuela and even those brought through custom security,” Minister Ramjattan

said.

He said that reducing the number of illegal firearms on the streets and gun-related crime will be a hard task, but one that the new Ministry is prepared to try. “We are trying and one of the things that we will have to try is this option of voluntary handing over these illegal weapons to the police station,” he said.

The Public Security Minister said that, it is important that the gun amnesty programme be given a trial in Guyana. He pointed out that the measure has been tried and tested in many other countries, and has

proven to be a very useful option of getting illegal weapons off the street.

Minister Ramjattan explained that, his office is currently drafting the order to ensure the operationalisation of the amnesty, which would be gazette very soon. He said too, that the Ministry is working to finalize all the places where members of the public who want to, can voluntary turn in their weapons under the programme. He said that churches and faith-based organisations that already work with the Force on the ‘Cops and Faith Programme’ will be

involved in overseeing the gun amnesty programme and collect the firearms.

The Minister also restated the need for those who have illegal firearms to take advantage of the amnesty period, or instead face harsher penalties for failing to submit their illegal weapons within the period. “Those who are then caught with an illegal firearm after the amnesty period will have to face the full brunt of the law after (the amnesty),” Ramjattan said. He pointed out that the penalty is largely a jail term for being in unlawful possession of a firearm.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

August 28 – September 3, 2015

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Caribbean Star Newspaper PPP’s Prorogation of Parliament stunted budget allocations – Minister Bulkan tells House

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August 28 – September 3, 2015

INISTER of Communities Ronald Bulkan, said significant reduction in capital spending for agriculture in Region 2 is due to the prorogation of Parliament by the former Administration last year.

Responding to the Opposition questions on the more than 50 per cent — or $80 million — “cut” in capital allocation for agriculture, He offered the explanation.

Members of the Opposition informed the House that the significant reduction clashed with the publicly stated position of the Government, that it would promote agriculture and agricultural diversification.

Minister Bulkan assured the House that the Administration is true to its promises on agriculture, but pointed out that the sum allocated in capital expenditure is for the remaining four months of this year.

Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Cornel Damon nevertheless lamented that the money “cut” from the capital expenditure for agriculture could have been used to upgrade all-weather roads, drainage and irrigation, and other works to enhance agricultural production.

It was also noted that the access roads to rice fields are in poor state, and suggested that the Administration should

have paid attention to the plight of farmers.

Another PPP/C MP Yvonne Pearson, pointed out that Amerindian communities have not all been catered for in the capital allocation. Bulkan was at pains to explain that full preparation of the budget did not begin in January, but after May; and the amount allocated is to be spent for the remainder of the year.

He also contended that the PPP/C should be blamed for the plight of the rice farmers, since they prorogued the Parliament in a move that affected the approval of sums for critical works.

Several roads will also be rehabilitated, and Bulkan said once the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) makes representation, attention will be given to the Lima Sands Bridge which is in a state of disrepair.

But he said any provision for the repairs to that bridge will be included in the 2016 budget.

Boat for schoolchildren The minister also informed the House that a schoolboat will be purchased to be used to ferry children to school in the Lower Pomeroon region, and the Administration will construct a primary school at Aurora, and build sanitary blocks at several primary and secondary schools in

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan Region 2.

In Region 3, under current expenditure, $1 million will be spent on spares and services to vehicles. The fleet of vehicles has been increased from three to four.

Some $24 million has also been allocated for repairs and maintenance of sanitary blocs, fences and gates of 20 schools in the region.

Under capital expenditure, the Opposition drew to the attention of the House a reduction in fuel and lubricants for the region compared to the sum allocated in 2014, and asked the Government whether the slashing was politically influenced.

Minister Bulkan said that was not the

case, as fuel was purchased and stored in 2014, and stocks were available in reasonable qualities for use in 2015.

On this matter, former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali put the question to Minister Bulkan that it was wrong for some to say that the former Administration had abused a fuel facility when it was in power.

But Bulkan said the question does not follow a logical deduction.

The Opposition also pointed out that with some 125 per cent reduction in capital spending for agriculture, drainage and irrigation and agricultural output would be negatively affected.

Opposition MPs were also uneasy about the non-allocation of sums for land and water transportation; the trimming of allocation for roads from $47 million in 2014, to $23 million this year; as well as the reduction of money for land development. The Opposition also strongly insinuated that there was a reduction in the sums allocated to the regions that support the PPP/C. But Bulkan said that was not the case;and on that score, he again repeated that the reduction had to do with late preparation of the budget and the fact that no government can meet all the demands of the people.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

August 28 – September 3, 2015

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HINDUISM: A Guru - the spiritual light to God’s realization By: Jai Balkarran (Uncle Jai)

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amaste and my humble pranam to all. My name is Jai Balkarran also known as Uncle Jai to many. I am a very blessed member of the Shaanti Bhavan Mandir and a Bhakt of Shree Ram. One of my favorite past time hobbies is to engross myself in our Hindu scriptures, especially the Ramayana. I am indeed blessed to be captivated by the words of our scriptures and the teachings, which certainly helps me in my everyday life.

Hinduism is a sweet religion, once it is explained accurately as well as interpret correctly with its relevance to our day to day lives.

In Hinduism there are various paths an individual can choose to merge the Atma with the Paramatma. There are many ways that one can achieve this, such as: continuous chanting rigorously, unconditional meditation, complete detachment and denial of material possessions and total supplication to God. There is a very simple way which I believe we can achieve the merging of the Atma and the Paramatma and that is, sitting at the feet of a divine individual and beseech upon that person to be your Guru (teacher). Gurus are not self-proclaimed as such, but is chosen by God to inspire his chelas in the spiritual path to God’s realization.

For the success in the divine search, as in every other aspect of life, you need guidance which makes it necessary to have a Guru. Therefore, the wisest of all actions is to tune in with the will of your Guru who is sent to you by the Lord as a response to your soul’s desire. A Guru can be defined as one who teaches individuals to dispel all darkness from their lives. Having a Guru in your life also teaches a person how to rid oneself of ignorance, ego, greed, anger, jealousy and hatred. These are components when bulked together or even standing alone causes mankind to fail at any task at hand. These predominant qualities that is so prevalent in today’s world can prevent a person from achieving the true purpose of life, which is, to meet with the Supreme Being.

There are several examples of Guru’s that are prevalent in the world around us. The Christians can define Jesus Christ as a Guru

because he and his disciples are all one in spirit. There is Buddhism, the religion based on the teachings attributed to Gautama Buddha, commonly known as the Buddha. There is also Mahatma Ghandiji as well as Tulsidasji, just to name a few more. We can learn something from each of these individuals, not only to help elevate our spiritual journey but to also make us better individuals.

A Guru does not have to be a famous icon but one whose influence has inspire us spiritually or morally by being in his/her company. Although our parents should be our personal Guru’s and we should learn from their teachings, a personal Guru is the person who helps you to the pathway of God. In Hinduism when one has found a Guru that has impacted his/her life in a positive way, a special ceremony is performed. The most significant aspect of this ceremony is when the secret mantra is whispered in the ear of the individual by the Guru. The ceremony is very sanctified and secret. The mantra given is filled with energy and is very powerful. It is so influential that it becomes invalid if repeated to someone else, all the significance and sacredness becomes invalid. That is when it is said that God, Guru and Self are one in the same.

The title Guru comes with many roles and responsibilities.

The Guru, in his/her entire being belongs to you. He or she may have several other chelas, but when he/she is needed by you, it is his/her duty to come to your need. A Guru continuously shares his knowledge and wisdom. Being near to your

Guru does not mean breathing the same air but it means having complete unconditional faith in his/her instructions. A Chela should make his/her life an expression of the teachings of his/ her Guru and should make every effort to exceed the expectations of his/her Guru. The intentions calculated will further help the chela to achieve his/her own level of realization. A Guru clears the path of obstacles in your life by instilling the knowledge necessary to overcome problems and resolve situations. He essentially turns thorns into a beds of roses.

In one of our revered scriptures, the Ramcharita-manas, we read about King Dasrath, the king of Ayodha. He was materially wealthy and had all earthly possessions but he was deficient in one area, he was not blessed to have someone carry out his lineage. When he was faced with this turmoil, he did not turn to anyone except his Guru. Why? Remember the Guru alleviates our pains by enhancing our life with the knowledge we need.

Vashistha Muni was the Guru of King Dasrath. When he heard of Dasrath’s ordeal of not having a son to pass on his lineage, he gave him with the best advice anyone could give. King Dasrath was told by his Guruji to perform two yajnas (Ashwamedha and Putrakameshti) but do them with complete faith and devotion. Soon after the yajnas were performed King Dasrath and his Wives were blessed with four sons. Here we see a clear example of when an individual listens to the instructions of his/her Guru and follows it with complete faith and devotion, miracles

are bound to happen. The key is to follow the instructions of the Guru with complete faith and devotion. It does not make sense to obtain the instructions but not follow them with belief, faith and certainty. This only shows distrust in the relationship.

There are several other examples in our lovely scriptures which show the faith individuals have in their Gurus along with the success of individuals who followed their Guru’s advice. Another example in the Ramayana is a well-known one. It is when our dear Lord Shree Ram was faced with the challenge of breaking the bow to gain Sita Maa’s hand in marriage. It is noted that before Shree Ram pursued anything, he waited for instructions from his Guru on how to proceed. The end product obviously was bliss as we know.

did not give up on his request; he pleaded and was very persistent.

Finally, Lord Surya agreed. This example shows when you are inspired by an individual and would like him or her to be your Guru, do not give up, be persistent in creating the relationship. Hanumanji excelled in his life, not only by the grace of God but also his Guruji.

It is not only about having a relationship with your Guru but also believing in the mantra that is given to you, one must have faith in both. The mantra can act as the Guru when the Guru is not physically present. It has powers to move mountains but one must trust that the mantra given to you by your Guru will aid you in overcoming all obstacles in life. For those individuals who still have their Gurus alive, my advice to you is to continue to create a last-

Another prime relationship in the Ramayan that depicts the importance of Guru/chela relationship is with Hanumanji and his Guru Surya. This relationship shows that one should be persistent when trying to obtain a Guru that motivates and inspires but more so has an impact on one’s life. Hanumanji wanted Lord Suyra to be his Guru because he is all knowing teacher. Hanuman orbited around the sun and requested him to accept him as a student but Suryaji refused because he stated he was always on the move and Hanumanji would not be able to learn. Hanumanji

ing relationship. It is important to cherish your Guru, honor and respect him/her but most importantly have divine faith in his/her teachings. One can access God through Guru. God and Guru are one and the friendship that exists between Guru and chela is eternal. I can safely say that I found true happiness and peace when I met my GuruJi “The Late Shree Prakash Gossai” for he possessed the spiritual knowledge and wisdom that guided me. So devotees, be mindful and do not take your Guru for granted, for the Guru/ Chela relationship is the most sacred of all relationships. Jai Ho!

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August 28 – September 3, 2015

PM discloses... Vehicles acquired for specific ministries diverted under previous Administration

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo

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URING consideration of the 2015 Budget Estimates, it was revealed that in the 2014 Budget, $23 million was allocated by the PPP Government to purchase a highend Land Cruiser for then Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, but he never got the vehicle.

The disclosure was made by Hinds’s successor Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, during examination of the 2015 Estimates.

It was disclosed that the $23M was spent by former Finance Minister Ashni Singh on a Land Cruiser and other ve-

hicles, and that the Office of the Prime Minister was used merely “as a parking lot for the multi-million-dollar money-bag.”

It was explained that the money at reference was transferred to the Ministry of Finance and used to buy “one of several elite vehicles that were at the disposal of Minister Singh, and not the then Prime Minister.”

From the sum of $23M, $18.2M was used by the Ministry of Finance to acquire a new Toyota Land Cruiser, while the balance was spent on purchasing a Toyota Corolla and a Toyota Surf.

The three vehicles which were never handed over to the Office of the Prime Minister have since been recovered.

Because the vehicles were never added to the fleet for the Office of the Prime Minister, an allocation of $22 million is now being sought to buy a four-wheel-drive Sports Utility Vehicle for Prime Minister Nagamootoo. This vehicle would be used for travelling to rural and hinterland areas.

It was revealed to the House that between 2012 and 2014, some $50M was voted by the PPP regime to buy vehicles for the Office of the Prime Minister, but when the regime demitted office, only eight old, reconditioned vehicles were recovered. (GINA)

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Caribbean Star Newspaper PNM WRITES POLICE* ....accuses Partnership of bribery, electoral vandalism, intimidation

he People’s National Movement (PNM) is accusing the People’s Partnership of electoral vandalism, intimidation and bribery.

“Desperate times bring desperate measures for our opponents... We are now aware, particularly in the marginal seats, of offences being committed under the Representation of the People Act—specifically people are being invited to accept gifts and money as inducements prior to an election, to vote for the UNC (United National Congress),” PNM public relations officer Faris Al-Rawi told reporters at a news conference yesterday at Balisier House in Port of Spain.

He said the party was facing two serious issues—vandalism/intimidation, in which money

‘Desperate times, desperate measures’: PNM public relations officer Faris Al–Rawi, centre, fields questions from the media during yesterday’s news conference at Balisier House, Port of Spain. Looking on are Rohan Sinanan, left, campaign manager, and ­general secretary Ashton Ford. Photo: AYANNA KINSALE is allegedly paid by the UNC to people to engage in the acts of destruction of PNM placards, posters and billboards and bribery of voters to vote UNC. Vandalism and violence Al-Rawi said 30 ­billboards were burnt in the San Fernando West

constituency (where he is the PNM candidate).

“People were caught yellow-handed while vandalising PNM paraphernalia and campaign material.

People were caught yellow-handed hanging UNC buntings and materials,” he said.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

August 28 – September 3, 2015

9

Money from cash grant to be plugged into other programmes – school buses to be brought back

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ONEY from the $10,000 education cash grant programme will be plugged into the school-feeding programme, besides another increase in the uniform voucher programme and the procurement of school buses. Despite the public’s criticism of Government’s move to put distribution of the cash grant on hold, Education Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, during his budget debate presentation to the National Assembly last Friday, assured citizens that the money that was once used to fund the cash grant programme will be “redirected” towards widening of the schoolfeeding programme, among other enhancements.

“I wish to say that the funds will be redirected into the increase of the uniform voucher programme and the widening of the school-feeding programme,’’ said the minister, while adding that, “the large school buses have to come back,’’ citing the

dangers and expensive travelling in the current buses.

Mere days after assuming office, Government had taken steps to review the education sector’s spending priorities which will determine which programmes should continue or not. Under the previous Administration, several policies were implemented which, according to Dr. Roopnaraine, have not resulted in any “meaningful improvement.”

The education cash grant initiated under the previous Administration was under thorough review by the new Administration since the manner in which it was implemented, with no criterion to determine who benefits, was more reflective of political gimmickry.

Many felt that the programme should have been tied to students’ performance, with the focus being on building strong parental involvement in children’s education, which would more

likely have yielded value for the money invested.

It is this factor that led Government to review the programme, so as to ensure that the most marginalised groups in the country are the prime beneficiaries of the grant and not those well-off parents and those children who would hardly attend school.

“We need to determine how successful we have been in providing and expanding access to education for the most marginalised groups in the country. We will ensure that the system does not perpetuate inequalities by differential levels of access to certain groups, based on their geographical locations and ability to take advantage of educational opportunities,” said Dr. Roopnaraine as he quoted this aspect from the 2015 budget.

After a startling discovery that most children attend school on an empty stomach, especially the New Campbellive Second-

Education Minister, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine ary School, as highlighted by Dr. Roopnaraine, the new Administration has decided to plug money into feeding those children.

“We [Government] believe that we have to try enhancing existing methods like expanding the meals and school-feeding programmes, and to come

up with new methods to create access to education,” concluded Dr. Roopnaraine.

Among new methods are community involvement, revamping of the Parents and Teachers’ Association programmes and the re-establishment of regional education, among others.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper Husband arrested for murder of Corentyne farmer – id facts from police, statements not adding up August 28 – September 3, 2015

DEORAM Sookchand, the reputed husband of murdered 56-year-old cash-crop farmer Pamela Kendall, who was shot dead last Thursday at her home has been arrested.

C

rime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed last evening that the man was taken into custody following several discoveries the police made as they tried to piece together the puzzle surrounding the woman’s murder. The first discovery concerned a telephone call that was placed to the home of the deceased while the man was at the hospital with the woman, moments after she was pronounced dead.

One relative had reported that a call was received at the house, with the caller stating, “If anything happen, y’all don’t call my name.”

The woman’s reputed husband never reported to the police or told family members that he had called the home, but as investigators questioned relatives, including the person who had taken that specific call, the relative told police that the voice on the other end of the line was

positively identified as Deoram Sookchand’s.

Additionally, the police investigation has been able to ascertain that Sookchand had been deported from the United States several years ago after he was charged and jailed for drug and violent crimes. He never told the police about his past, although he still has a very strong American accent.

When the Guyana Chronicle visited the home of the deceased on Saturday, the man called on the police to bring his wife’s killer to justice, as he said his whole life was now “messed up.”

The two had been living together for the past nine years, and Sookchand has described his wife as the nicest person he had ever met. He said they had no problem between themselves or with anyone.

Asked if he believed that his wife’s

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Deoram Sookchand lamenting the need for additional police presence in the community killing was related to simple larceny, the man at one time had said yes, then at another time he said he was not sure.

It was during that interview with the man that this newspaper found several inconsistences in what he reported had happened on the night his wife was killed.

At one time the man had said he had seen more than one person in the house, and then he changed his story to say he had heard several voices, which suggested that there was more than one person.

He also admitted that when his wife was killed the place was pitch dark, as the community was experiencing a blackout, and he said he had continued to hide in the bathroom with the water running.

But the man again contradicted himself when he said that he saw the persons who invaded his home jumping the back fence and making good their escape, even as he had earlier stated that he remained in the bathroom until the men were gone.

As the inconsistences during his interview continued, the man said that after his wife was shot he came out of the bathroom and saw a pool of blood, but this contradicts his statement that the place was pitch dark.

“Well, on Thursday night, around 06:00-06:30, we locked up and we getting ready to go inside the kitchen, this door there; and me and my wife went in and I told her lock the door, I am going to take a shower. Soon as she turned around [to lock the door] and I was in the shower, this person ran in. And when she turned around, the guy was right there.

She screamed and boom! I heard the shot. I am in the shower now, I freeze; black out, dark as pitch, you can’t see nothing. We don’t know who it is, and next thing they peep in the shower. I was not there because they could not see me, I was [there] against the wall, and they probably thought I run upstairs. The

shower was running,” The man told this newspaper on Saturday afternoon at his home.

He further stated: “They went upstairs, they run through the house. I don’t know if they looking for me, but they did not try to steal anything. They did not tumble anything or what. He run down back, run out the door, and they scaled and jumped the fence and run away. I came out the shower screaming, looking for my wife, see bare blood on the floor and I could not find her. This time, never knowing she get up and run out and run across the street to her brother’s house, and she fell down in the yard.”

Meanwhile, despite the man admitting that the water in the shower was running, he claimed that he was able to hear whispers coming from outside that gave him the impression there was more than one person. “It is more than one, that I know because I saw one, but there was more, because the reason why I heard the whispering; so I know that there was more outside, but I could not see it because I was locked up in the bathroom and it was dark, you know, blackout.”

Despite the man claiming that he went straight to the bathroom after ordering his wife to lock up the house, he managed to still tell this newspaper that he saw his wife was shot after she turned around and saw a gun, something he could not have possibly seen had he indeed been in the bathroom as he earlier claimed.

“Well that [is] what I can tell you, because everybody house that they go to is a robbery, and I guess being by she turned around and saw this person with the gun, she screamed and [that] is why they probably shot her, and maybe they did not mean to shoot her and kill her, but it happened that way,” the man had once said.

By Leroy Smith

August 28 – September 3, 2015 11 Caribbean Star Newspaper Gov’t cracking down on ‘rampant’ gold smuggling – Trotman

After government took up office in May it found evidence of rampant gold smuggling particularly to Brazil, Suriname and the United States and has made tackling it a priority, Raphael Trotman, Minister of Governance with responsibility for natural resources management said Wednesday.

“T

here was gold smuggling when we came into office and we found it was quite extensive. We decided to make it priority”, he told Stabroek News adding that the issue is of serious concern as every bit of ore or gold that leaves Guyana undeclared means less revenue for the country.

Trotman said that the Guyana Gold Board and to some extent his ministry are looking at the situation. He acknowledged that there are ongoing investigations regarding the smuggling of gold from Guyana.

“From what we are seeing gold is going over our borders with Brazil and Suriname and some amounts are going up to the US”, he said.

Trotman stressed that the most pertinent thing now is the extent of smuggling that is taking place. “It is rampant…”, he asserted.

Trotman added that he was not in a position to say whether the US visas held by some gold miners have been revoked as part of any investigation into a gold smuggling racket with origins here.

Asked what was the government’s response to this situation, he said there is collaboration with foreign jurisdictions and that the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) is also looking at the situation.

Meanwhile, US Charge d Affaires Bryan Hunt when asked about the smuggling of gold from Guyana to the United States said that he could not speak about a specific case but could speak generally.

He told reporters shortly after a meeting with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo at Parliament, that the US works with CANU, SOCU and the Guyana Police Force on narcotics and money laundering across the board.

“I am not going to comment on the specifics of ongoing investigations but it would be fair to say that we are actively engaged with the government on all issues relating to international crime, and narcotics smuggling and money laundering.

Asked specifically about gold smuggling, he said “I think it is fair to say that we watch all avenues through which illegal proceeds could be smug-

gled into and out of Guyana and that would include the widest possible range including watching the precious metal industry”.

With regard to visa revocations, he said that under US laws anyone who has committed a felony would be ineligible for such a visa. “To the extent that we have individuals who have committed offences in the money laundering realm they too will be ineligible for US visas just like any other felon”, he said.

He steered clear of specifically saying whether visas have been revoked as part of a gold smuggling investigation. “I can’t go into specifics of these …what I can say is if we find evidence that someone has committed a crime… they would be ineligible and therefore their visas will be ineligible for travel to the United States”, he said.

The biggest confirmation of the extent of gold smuggling from Guyana occurred in 2012 when 476 pounds of gold which originated from Guyana was stolen from a Guyanese fishing boat which was in Curacao. The gold is said to be worth US$11.5 Million.

According to police reports, the robbers went to the port area in three dif-

Raphael Trotman, Minister of Governance ferent cars and guards let them inside the restricted area in the mistaken belief that they were customs officials.

News agency Amigoe had reported that six men, carrying guns and wearing masks and hoodies along with the police jackets stormed the ship. At gunpoint, they pushed the 51-year-old captain as well as the three Guyanese crewmen onto the ground.

The perpetrators apparently knew their way around the ship and walked directly to the three metal boxes with the gold bars which had a total weight of 476 pounds and they reportedly took only five minutes to remove them.

Then Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud had reiterated Government’s “zero tolerance” for gold smuggling. No one locally has been charged in connection with the gold and authorities here have said nothing about who the owner

might be. The former government had been criticised for not taking the Curacao case more seriously. Sources here have said the smuggling of gold is being done by well-known players in the industry who have high connections.

The US has since taken a special interest in the Curacao case.

In 2011 the chairman of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s (GGMC) Board of Directors Major General (rtd) Joe Singh had expressed worry that some of the gold production is being smuggled out of the country.

Making reference to stories of people going into certain interior airstrips with money to purchase gold, he told a bi-monthly meeting of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association that “where that gold is going I have a suspicion because I understand that there’s a lucrative cross border movement of gold.”

The smuggling has coincided with a decline in gold declarations.

Gold declarations and earnings have been on a downward spiral since last year following a record high in 2013. In 2009, gold declarations were 305,178 ounces, while in 2010 declarations rose to 308,438 ounces. In 2011, gold declarations amounted to 363,083 ounces increasing to 438,645 ounces in 2012.

The following year, 2013, the gold industry achieved total declarations of 481,087 ounces representing the highest level of production in the history of the industry. However, in 2014, gold declarations dropped by almost 20% compared to the previous year, ending at 387,508 ounces.

As a result, last year, gold export receipts declined by 27.6 percent, to US$469.8 million, the result of a combination of a 20.1 percent contraction in export volume, to 385,683 ounces, and a 9.4 percent decline in average export prices, to US$1,218 per ounce.

12

August 28 – September 3, 2015

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August 28 – September 3, 2015

ISLAM Peace / submission to the will of our creator.

HAJ, ESSENCE

By Abdul Hamid Alhamdoelillah! Barefooted and bareheaded, Muslims from every corner of the World are once again responding to the heavenly cry of verse 27 of Surah An-Naml to re-live the Divine Message and gladden the heart of Nabee Ebrahim Alayis Salaam: “(O Ebrahim) proclaim among mankind the Hajj. They shall come unto thee on foot and every lean beast, they shall come forth from every deep ravine.”

The Hujjaj are all Guests of Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala. They have all come to wash the dust of journey from their faces with the waters of Zamzam and to quench the thirst of their spirit with the etherial waters of the Hajj rituals, to seek greater strength for carrying out their Islamic obligations and responsibilities. These servants of the Glorious Creator and Sustainer in the course and process of their journeying had discarded all the accoutrements of attachment to the Doonya, not only in the Miqat of Hajj but also in the Miqat of life. They have come to assure Almighty Allah Azza Wajjal that they have not become tired of struggle. They know well that the Abu Lahab’s, Abu Jahls, Fir’auns and Qarun’s of this age sit in ambush to take revenge, asking each other: “Are there any Lanat, Manat and Hubal any longer in the Ka’bah? Yes, there are!

And more dangerous than those stone idols, though with a new face and with a new guile.

All the Hujjaj know that the Baitullah is a place of safety, and that Hajj is an everlasting Divine Gift and an ever-flowing river at whose banks Muslims, forever, may always wash away the dusts of hardship and suffering, pollution and malaise. They can refresh themselves with this eternal provision in order to overcome these kinds of vulnerability at all times.

There is no loss to the Muslim Ummah heavier than allowing the teachings and guidance of Islam, which are a vital and lasting reserve for negligence or ignorance of their religious or political leaders, and to deprive the people from their benefits. Hajj is an everlasting reserve of this kind, and it is obligatory upon all Muslims to understand it better and to employ it more fully for the good of the Islamic Ummah.

The point is that if the Hajj were held rightly and as commanded by Almighty Allah Azza Wajjal, it is capable of remedying all the major maladies and causes of failure, though not all of a sudden but gradually in the course of several long years. This is a gathering of millions of brothers and sisters from all over the world at a single place. The scene is the observance of spiritual rights performed in unison under the majestic banner of Tawhid.

With refreshed memories of the early years of Islam, of the battles of Badr

and Uhud, and the pilgrim’s presence in Masjidun Nabawi within whose walls still reverberate the animating revelations of the Most Glorious Qur’an and the resounding cries of “Allahu Akbar”.

The greatest drawback of Muslims the world over is that they have not yet understood the real philosophy of the Divine commands of Hajj. As a result the Hajj, with all its majesty and mysteries, has remained a dry ritual and a fruitless and futile exercise for some people. One of the foremost and important duties is to understand what the Hajj is for, and why we should perpetually expend a part of our material and non-material resources for its undertaking. What does Hajj have to do with how we live? What does it have to do with any struggle? What does it have to do with how Muslims should confront its avowed enemies and its repressive onslaughts? What does Hajj have to do with the imperative to recover the rights and dignity of Muslims and all other deprived and oppressed human beings from the oppressors?

What does Hajj have to do with the urgent need to think out the means to relieve Muslims of the moral and material pressures weighing upon them?

What does Hajj have to do with how Muslims can emerge as a major second force in the world? Yes, how very sad - they contend that all that there is to the annual Hajj is a pleasure shopping trip to visit the Qiblah, to quench their thirst from the well of Zamzam and to visit Madinah. This then is their rendition of Hajj. Hajj is a means to bring humankind closer to Almighty Allah Rabbul Ala’meen - the Master and Lord of the Baitullah. Hajj is not merely a sequence of ritual movements, acts and words. For merely words and actions devoid of meaning cannot bring one close to Almighty Allah Azza Wajjal. Hajj is a storehouse of Divine teachings, from which we must draw the content of the outlook of Islam on all aspects of life.

The message of Hajj is the imperative to create and build a society free of material and moral indignities. Hajj is the stage on which are recurringly projected all the love-inspiring scenes of life of an individual and society in the search of perfection in this Doonya. The rituals of Hajj are the vital rites of life. Since the Muslim Ummah must transcend all race and nationhood to become Abrahamic in order to join the caravan of the Ummah of Nabee Muhammad Ibn Abdullah Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam, the Hajj is an exercise for the achievement of a monotheistic pattern of life. The Hajj is the exhibition ground and the measure of the spiritual and material capabilities of Muslims. Hajj is like the Most Glorious and Noble Qur’an, wherefrom everyone derives benefit.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

If the thinkers of the Islamic Ummah familiar with its sufferings, were to fathom fearlessly the depths of this ocean of Divine Teaching, they will bring back pearls of guidance, wisdom and liberty, if they were not afraid to plunge into the rules (Akham) and the social objectives of Hajj. Its fountains of wisdom will forever suffice to quench their thirst. Alas, what is to be done and to whom shall we speak of the grievous fact that the Hajj, like the Most Noble and Glorious Qur’an, has become a complete stranger amongst us? To the same extent that the Holy Book of life, beauty and perfection has been concealed behind the curtains woven out by us, this precious treasure has been buried under the dirt of our perverse thinking. As a result, its message of Muhabbat, guidance and life and its life-giving philosophy have been turned into the murmurs of terror, death and the cemetery.

The Hajj has fallen prey to the same fate. Millions of Muslims undertake Hajj every year to place their feet on the footmarks of Almighty Allah’s Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam, of His Friend Nabee Ebrahim Alayhis Salaam and his obedient son Ismail Alayhis Salaam and Hajira Radhiallahu Ta’ala Anha.

Unfortunately no one asks himself or herself as to who these illustrious slaves and servants of Almighty Allah Jallah Wa’ala were, what did they do, what were their objectives and what did they require of us. There is no doubt whatsoever that a Hajj devoid of spirit and dynamism, a Hajj devoid of Bara’ah and unity, and a Hajj bereft of the intent to abolish apostasy and polytheism - such a Hajj is most certainly not a Hajj at all. Muslims must strive for the resurrection of Hajj and the Most Noble and Glorious Qur’an, and endeavour to bring them back into the context of their life. Year after year others will come and learn, find and return, to speak and to act, to listen and to think and contemplate.

Ultimately, the entire Ummah may attain what Almighty Allah Subahanahoo Wata’ala and the Din of Al-Islam have taught them: to always keep in one’s view the great panorama of the life of the Ummah of Islam. This great panorama of the life of the Ummah of Islam manifests itself so much that one is able to see beyond national, racial, ethnic, and tribal frontiers. To examine the depths of one’s own existence and to learn the conduct, the path and the direction of a life that is worthy of a Muslim; and to do all this in the light of the remembrance of Almighty Allah Subahanahoo Wata’ala.This is the refreshing spring of consciousness that in Hajj, every year, gushes forth in the Divine Sanctuary for the benefit of the great multitude of pilgrims, and this plenteous and perpetual source of guidance can satiate everyone who opens their hearts and minds to receive its limpid abundance. Hajj is a manifestation of the unity and solidarity of Muslims.

Almighty Allah Most Exalted, has called all Muslims to assemble at a certain place at a certain time and to perform certain rites and movements that symbolize coexistence, harmony and discipline, and to assemble together for several days and nights, its

first salient impact is to infuse each one of them with a feeling of love, solidarity and communal unity.The annual Hajj with its sacred rites, rituals and places, must revive the spirit of unity, oneness and greatness in all the Muslims of the world and forge a single united Ummah out of the different nations and tribes. As a single united Ummah we must become united in the exclusive service of Almighty Allah and prepare the ground for the realization of the words of our Glorious Creator and Sustainer in verse 92 of Surah Al-Anbiyaa: “Verily, this Ummah of yours is a single Ummah and I am your Lord, so serve and worship Me.” The Hajj of Nabee Ebrahim Alayhi Salatu Wasallam is the same as the Hajj of our Beloved Nabee Muhammad Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam wherein the movement of Tawhid and unity is the driving spirit of all the rites and ceremonies. It is a Hajj that is a source of Baraka’h and guidance and is the main support of the life and strength of the one single united Ummah. It is a Hajj that possesses abundant benefits and is rich with the remembrance of Almighty Allah Subahanahoo Wata’ala, a Hajj wherein the Muslim nations get a concrete feeling of being part of a world-wide Muslim Ummah and are relieved from feelings of weakness, impotence and self-alienation through an invigorating sense of Muhabbat, brotherhood and fraternal closeness with other nations. The true meaning of Hajj is to discover the significance and worth of the great duty to the House of Almighty Allah Subahanahoo Wata’ala. The Hajj is a manifestation of Tawhid (monotheism) and the Ka’bah is the home of Tawhid.

The repetitive mention of remembrance of Allah (Dhik’rullah) in the noble verses related to Hajj, indicates the presence in this Sanctuary should have the blessed result of wiping out the traces of every agent aside from Almighty Allah from the mind and conduct of Muslims. The traces of the various forms of Shirk must be wiped out from their life. In its surroundings, the axis and focus of all movement is Almighty Allah Subahanahoo Wata’ala. The Tawaf around the Holy Ka’bah, the Sa’ee between Safa and Marwa, the (Rami) pelting of Shaythaan at the Jamarats, the Wuqoof at Arafat and all other divine rites involved in the Hajj - each of them symbolizes, in its own way, attraction towards Almighty Allah. Repulsion from all negation of any “partners” in regard to Almighty Allah Subahanahoo Wata’ala.

This is the “sincere creed” of Nabee Ebrahim Alayhi Salatu Wasallam the great idol-breaker and herald of Tawhid who stands at the apex of history. The Hajj and the great congregation around the House of Tawhid should negate these manifestations of Shirk and warn the Muslims against them. Hajj is a call for the condemnation of Fithnah, hatred, oppression, and repression. The mysteries and secrets underlying Hajj are more than what I have indicated here. A reflection on these secrets, are meant to revive the Islamic personality of the Muslim individual and society and to revive the struggle against the agents

hostile to it, opens up a new horizon before the pilgrim and draws him or her towards a world of relentless effort and dynamism.

The primary duty of each and every pilgrim is to reflect upon these secrets and to exchange views with other Muslims from all over the world in order to find clues and solutions to solving problems facing and confronting the global Muslim Ummah. Is it not the purpose of Islam and its luminous laws to administer and guide the material and spiritual affairs of human life? Is it not the case that religiosity and politics are inextricably united in the Islamic ethos? Today the Muslim Ummah are once again awakening and rising up to the task of struggling for the sake of Almighty Allah. The aroma of liberty, independence and return to Islam and the Most Holy and Glorious Qur’an has filled the atmosphere in many Islamic countries.

It is essential, more than ever before, that they strengthen their bonds with that luminous and miraculous past, with the first era of Islamic struggle and Qiyam for the sake of none other than Almighty Allah Subahanahoo Wata’ala. A true and perfect Hajj is a Hajj worthy of Tawhid. A Hajj that is the mainspring of the love of Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala, and all of humanity, of the rejection of satans, idols and idolaters, such a Hajj would first curb the growth of all problems of the Islamic Ummah and then resolve them, to become a source of honour for Islam and vigour for Muslims and of independence of Islamic countries and their freedom from the evil of the aliens. It is on the basis of such a correct view of the significance of Hajj that should be given top priority in the international agenda in bringing the contemporary Hajj closer to the Hajj of early Islam. Such a Hajj revived the ceremony of disavowal of the polytheists [Bara’ah min al-mushrikin] in Hajj as a symbol of this, and it has pursued the observance of this great Islamic duty despite all the political harassment and obstructionist moves inspired by un-Islamic motives.

Hajj is the ideal forum for the awakening of Muslims and revivification of the spirit of Allah wariness and faith in the implementation of the Islamic Shari’ah, as well as a means for the restoration of the honour and independence of the world’s Muslims. Hajj teaches us that it is our foremost duty to do what we have to for averting this danger and putting an end to this colossal injustice being perpetrated against Islam and the Muslims all over the world. As sincere Muslims we submit to whatever our Glorious Creator and Maker has willed and we submit to His command. Hajj teaches us that we do not submit to disgrace and to servitude of another than Almighty Allah Jallah Wa’ala. The passing hardships and sorrows encountered will never be able to darken his or her life, however difficult the path to achieving a goal may appear for Almighty Allah declares in verses 5 and 6 of Surah Al-Inshirah: “So, verily, with every difficulty, there is relief.

Verily, with every difficulty there is relief.”

And this is the Message of Hajj.

August 28 – September 3, 2015 15 Caribbean Star Newspaper Acting CEO of GPL had no utility experience up to 2012 -former PM Sam Hinds says in letter

A

cting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Colin Welch arrived at the company in 2012 without any experience at a utility.

This was revealed in a letter in today’s edition of Stabroek News by former Prime Minister Sam Hinds who defended actions he took during that period and called for a recognition of the progress that GPL had made. Welch became a figure of controversy after the now severed GPL CEO Bharat Dindyal clashed earlier this month with him openly at a GPL facility. That confrontation was one of the factors which eventually led to Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson sacking Dindyal. Days later, GPL announced that Welch had now been elevated to the post of acting CEO pending a permanent appointment.

Hinds’ disclosure that Welch had no utility ex-

perience and that he had been given a poor evaluation by Dindyal will raise further questions about the decision to elevate him. The former Prime Minister, who had responsibility for the power sector for 23 years, explained in the letter how Welch arrived at GPL. “Sometime in 2012, Mr Welch was introduced to me as a Guyanese who had studied at Harvard, had worked at major US companies and who was keen to contribute his expertise and experience in management to his country, specifically at GPL. Mr Welch although he had no utility experience, seemed to be just what GPL needed. He could be a great addition to the executive management level where there was a shortage of numbers and everyone seemed too much stuck in hands-on dayto-day work. I requested the Chairman to negotiate with Mr Welch with intent to hire him, seeking

the best (lowest) acceptable compensation package. “The first appraisal of Mr Welch by the CEO (Dindyal) was blistering. I ruled that it was too early to make such final determinations. Mr Welch should have more time to catch his feet.”

Hinds further said that sometime subsequently, Welch in focusing on loss reduction had raised with the Human Resources Manager the propriety and procedures of a high level appointment in the Loss Reduction Division. Not obtaining a response to his satisfaction, Hinds said that Welch sent him a copy of his letter which he (Hinds) requested the board to investigate and report on. “The board apparently in a reflex action, replied that the matter should not have been brought to my attention as yet. I replied that even so I wanted a response to the substance at issue. I learnt later that the appointment was reversed.

“With this background, I can understand the strong feelings and passionate actions of this Deputy CEO as well as the CEO. It might have been too great a challenge for the Human Resources Manager to have arranged things to the sufficient satisfaction of the two parties and to have avoided that confrontation”, Hinds said.

The confrontation that Dindyal and Welch had earlier this month related to attempts by Welch to have two senior GPL managers removed from the premises with the aid of the police. Dindyal intervened on two occasions to stop this and it was during one of these that there was a heated exchange in which Dindyal used profanity and referred to Minister Patterson in a disparaging manner. A video of this confrontation ended up on social media. And for the first time since the matter surfaced in public, Hinds confirmed that he gave no authorization for a pay raise for Deputy CEO (administration) Aeshwar Deonarine. Deonarine’s paying of himself $27m as the retroactive difference between his pay and Welch resulted in Patterson sending Deonarine on leave and handing the matter over to the police. Deonarine has since signalled that he will repay the money.

Hinds in his explanation said “Early this year the board sought my approval to raise the pay of the Deputy CEO Admin (Deonarine) to that of the Deputy CEO Operations (Welch) saying that there might have been a promise to do so. I pointed to the fact that by all accounts the Deputy CEO Operations would be let go at his next appraisal and what would we do then? Reduce the pay? Up to the time of the ending of my mandate I did not approve the increase”. Hinds also said he was unaware that approval had been given for the retroactive payment of higher board fees. Higher fees had been claimed by board member Carvil Duncan and this matter has now also been handed over to the police.

Said Hinds: “Our cabinet had been repeatedly resistant to generally raising board fees from where they were earlier pegged. Eventually, earlier this year, new increased levels were set, payable from the current date. The question of arrears was raised but to my knowledge remained open up to the time of the ending of my mandate”.

Hinds also provided insight into the salary and benefits of Dindyal which at the reported annual figure of $74m has stirred public consternation.

Hinds noted that both Dindyal and another senior manager Robin Singh had been let go on the privatization of GPL in 1999 and “had to find their way as best as they could”. When the core partner walked away, Hinds said that GPL called on both Singh and Dindyal who were then heading electricity utilities in small islands in the Caribbean to drop whatever they were doing and return home.

“We committed to fully compensating them, matching and even bettering whatever they were then receiving as foreign North American nationals. A few years ago I wrote the board affirming the North American compensation package of the CEO, which was particular to him. At the same time our not so long term target must be to fill the post of the CEO (and all other executive managers) with ‘Guyanese” receiving compensation packages which would be in line with the compensation packages of executives in other Guyanese companies, and well related to the compensation of the unionized employees in GPL. We had to get past the forced practice of having to pay whatever we had to pay, which payment would be particular to the individuals”, Hinds said.

Dindyal had been negatively evaluated by the GPL board last year which had subsequently told Hinds that it would not support a renewal of his contract. Yet, Hinds kept on Dindyal without contract. Hinds in his letter said “Towards the end of 2014 the board did come to me with the failing grade assessment of the CEO Bharat Dindyal. I conceded to the board that there was nothing factual which I could fault in their assessment but with the projects almost completed at that time, let’s look back and see where things could realistically have been done differently and better.”

He added “It was clear that the relationship between the CEO and the board was beyond mending; an orderly separation was to be contemplated. I set a period of six months to one year for a separation, both sides considering and developing options within the first six months which would be implemented any time during the second six months, hopefully at a time of mutual convenience.”

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

August 28 – September 3, 2015

Police to set up Information Command Centre

Parliament clears $20.89b allocation for agriculture

T

HE Ministry of Public Security plans to establish an operational Communications and Information Command Centre. This is among some of the key measures being operationalised to support the crime-prevention and investigative capabilities of the Guyana Police Force.

The aim is to strengthen not only the forensic and criminal investigative techniques of the Force, but also its ability in crime-detection through the application of information technology methodologies. Funding for the venture is covered in the 2015 Budget.

Second Vice-President and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, told the Government Information Agency (GINA), that the financing comes under the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Citizen Security Programme II, which aims at improving the operational efficiency of the Force with regard to reducing the levels of crime, violence and insecurity.

He explained that the monies that are going to be disbursed for the command centre and other supportive measures amount to some US$2.5 million. In addition to the establishment and management of the centre, funds will also go towards the resuscitation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) feeds within the city to the Timehri environs. It also provides

P Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan for improvement in 911 services countrywide.

“We are going to have many cameras all around the city streets and a command centre that would see what is happening,” Minister Ramjattan said. He added that the command centre would be manned by civilians.

According to Ramjattan, the centre will have many mounted television cameras that could be used to trace incidents and to link these with ambulances, fire service and police service and responses.

“On that screen you will actually know where a police car is and, if there is a robbery you will divert immediately the closest patrol vehicle to the scene of the crime and as well call 911 or the fire service,” the minister explained.

-sugar probe to cost $52m

arliament’s Committee of Supply on Tuesday passed the Ministry of Agriculture’s 2015 Budget of $20.89B inclusive of the $52M price tag attached to the Commission of Inquiry into the sugar industry which will be providing an interim report on its findings sometime next month.

The revelation that the COI will cost the government $52M will finally answer the longstanding question as to who will be footing the bill for the comprehensive analysis into the industry that is set to determine the way forward for the sector inclusive of possible divestment of the Guyana Sugar Corporation. When the COI was first being touted by the APNI+AFC coalition prior to the general and regional elections in May, party members were adamant that the cost would be the responsibility of the Guyana Sugar Corporation, even though GuySuCo is heavily indebted. The passing of the Agriculture budget was done in the wee hours of Tuesday morning before the first session of the Committee of Supply drew to a close at roughly 03:00hrs. At the commencement of the consideration of estimates for the Agriculture Ministry, Minister Noel Holder was without many technical staffers and as a result had to promise to provide answers to questions at a later time.

PPP/C projects such as the procurement of pumps by the Indian company Surendra

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and the Hope Canal scheme have been carried over with unresolved questions. Holder told the House that while he was unable to provide a breakdown of the planned $2B capital expenditure he would do so at a later date. While the agriculture ministry allocation was passed by the Committee of Supply along with the Office of the Prime Minister, the various Constitutional Commissions were discussed but their allocations not passed as a decision was made by the House to delay voting until these bodies were placed in a separate table as had been agreed on Monday.

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GOD IS GENEROUS TO THE FAITHFUL “Praise ye the Lord. Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised. The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.

Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high, Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth! He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people. He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord.” Psalm 113:1-9 God gave us His promise.

The Bible is full of wonderful promises from God to people who trust in Him. He delights to answer our prayers. He works for our good. There is no one who loves us like our Heavenly Father. His love for lost mankind pushed him to sacrifice His Son Jesus Christ as a ransom for our souls. Jesus endured great pain on the Cross to pay the penalty of the sins of the world. By the shedding of His Blood we are redeemed and reconciled to our Heavenly Father. The critics and mockers may spew out unkind statements about us and our God, but nothing they say can take away the fact that God loves us (including them, too) and He does wonderful things for His children who trust Him. God is to be praised because He cares.

The Psalmist inspires us to worship the Creator of the heavens and earth. The Word requires praise to God all day long, not because of what He does, but because of Who He is. Then the author brings into focus the goodness of this great God. He speaks of our loving Father giving attention to people who may be destitute. This includes many of us who recognize our life is meaningless without God. Whether we may be rich or poor materially, of some elevated status or just ordinary people, accepted or rejected by others, the writer wants us to know God is paying attention. “He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill.” It is a story only God can pull off. He demonstrated His care by sending His Son Jesus Christ.

A great king confessed our God is greater.

In the book of Daniel 4:1-3, the Bible records a story about the king of Babylon.

He was the king of the greatest empire among all nations. Such kings thought of themselves as gods. Here is the con-

fession of the Babylonian king regarding the God of the Bible: “Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me. How great are his signs! And how mighty are his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.” In this Chapter, the prophet Daniel documented how this great king experienced God’s when he humbled himself and admitted God is greater than him and his gods. Chapter 4 concludes with the king’s exaltation regarding the true and living God: “Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.” Now He published the greatness and goodness of the true and living God. Hannah was insignificant before God blessed her.

In the book of 1 Samuel, Hannah was despised because she was childless. One day, she became desperate and cried out to God. He responded and gave her what she desired so much – a son whom she named Samuel. Her praise is recorded in 1 Samuel 2:1-8: “And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let

not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.

They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble. The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon them.” This prayer of thanksgiving encourages everyone who is discouraged to trust in God for He cares for you.

God raised up Mary from obscurity.

The young girl of Nazareth was unknown until she encountered a powerful moment with God. She would bear a son according to the prophecies regarding the Messiah. Her Son would become the Messiah. She believed what the angel told her. On a visit to her cousin Elizabeth, she exclaimed her praises to God. Luke 1:4654: “And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that

fear him from generation to generation.

He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy.” She praised Him while at the same time reminding the world that God is good to everyone who trusts Him. Whatever you might be going through, you can trust God and see what He is able to do for you. James 4:6 says, “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”

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F

Caribbean Star Newspaper Georgetown to become ‘green city’ – set for grand return to glory as the famed ‘garden city’ August 28 – September 3, 2015

OLLOWING a meeting with President David Granger this past week over his ‘Green’ vision for Guyana, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has not only embarked on the restoration of the renowned “Garden City,” but is doing this within an eco-friendly, green-environment framework.This is according to Town Clerk Royston King who, on Friday last, laid out an elaborate plan for citizens and other stakeholders to participate in the various spheres associated with the city’s The patriotic passion of President David Granger has kick-started a ‘clean up the city’ drive, a day after he took office in May, and that ‘clean up’ drive has spread throughout Guyana revitalisation drive.

This drive involves what was deemed most important, “a vigorous education initiative to instill in citizens the necessity, and long-term benefits of a clean, green city.”

The town clerk pointed out that this new approach to the city “demands a new attitude from all citizens occupying or traversing the capital.” This is especially so, since work is currently ongoing to address matters that have caused the decay of the capital of Guyana. These include the revision of legislation related to offences and penalties, and additional regulations to ensure the continuance of

A section of the Botanical Gardens in Georgetown what city administrators envision.

As it stands, Georgetown has been plagued by flooding due to blocked drains, canals and other waterways. The city is congested given its layout, while citizens – particularly the business community – have confiscated city alleyways, reserves and other open spaces. Overgrown bushes and grass characterise almost every inch of Georgetown, while huge buildings have risen; some not adhering to the construction or zoning rules and regulations of the Council.

“This will be no more,” King charged.

“Until the requisite legislation is passed to seriously arrest acts that contribute to the city’s deterioration, we will boost enforcement of all existing laws.”

King also warned that citizens should be mindful now of how they treat the city, before indicating a “no-tolerance”

policy for persons who, among other violations, arbitrarily destroy or occupy city property, and dump or cause waste to be dumped illegally.

As part of the education aspect of the green-city initiative, training and assistance programmes will be made available by the Council.

It will include information on harmful chemicals such as weedicides and poisons that negatively impact the environment. There will be programmes on recycling and composting processes among others. Information on the benefits of low-carbon strategies and the benefits of alternative energy sources will also be accessible.

Given the enduring value of trees, particularly in the human respiratory process, their importance would be made known to all citizens. They will be encouraged to plant more trees and to care for them. “Plant and animal life must be respected in the city,” King charged.

In relation to vagrants and homeless persons who not only contribute to the ugliness and filth within the city, moves will be made to collaborate with the relevant ministries to address this.

In the meantime, City Hall has commenced the restoration of recreational areas for public convenience. The Council said it is adamant that it wants to see its

The patriotic passion of President David Granger has kick-started a ‘clean up the city’ drive, a day after he took office in May, and that ‘clean up’ drive has spread throughout Guyana citizens living as one, lending to the concept of “cohesive communities.” “We are therefore restoring recreational parks, playgrounds, sporting facilities and other social areas where the young and old can meet and talk, where uptown can meet downtown and dwell, and where all citizens are recognised only as citizens.”

The town clerk concluded that while the city is up for a grand return to glory, its citizens will also have to come up to par. He said City Hall will be making moves towards citizens’ health development, with related programmes that encourage exercise and healthy eating.

The town clerk’s passionate appeal is that citizens start now, “to wrap their minds around a new, healthier and greener Georgetown.”

RAMADHAR BACKS PNM ONE TIME executive member of the Congress of the People (COP) Kishore Ramadhar, who is brother of that party’s political leader Prakash Ramahdar, took a small group into the camp of the Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) on Tuesday evening waving the Balisier flags and even saying that he was encouraging COP supporters to vote for the Opposition.

“M

y reason for going to the PNM meeting was to tell supporters of the Congress of the People (COP) that it was okay for them to vote for the PNM in these elections,” Ramadhar told Newsday as he positioned himself among the small

group wearing the COP colours.

They were warmly welcomed at the PNM meeting at the Croisee in San Juan. Leading the welcome was PNM political leader Dr Keith Rowley.

Questioned further on the lack of support for his own party, Ra-

madhar said the action was being taken, “because the People’s Partnership and COP leadership have betrayed the trust of the COP membership and violated every principle and ethical code the COP holds dear.” This included, he said, deception of the population on a massive scale with false statements such as asking people to vote for them by using people-centred development such as box drains, paved roads and buildings for social services, as a cover up of corruption.

Ramadhar said that, “by applying the same reasoning supporters of the COP used to vote out the PNM in 2010, they must now vote out the People’s Partnership.” He said he could not deny that the PNM has a lot of baggage, but pointed out that during the last five years, the PNM had not been involved in governmental corruption.

Asked if he had joined the PNM, Ramadhar said, “I have not joined the PNM. It is not my intention to join the PNM.” Efforts yesterday to contact his brother and COP Political Leader Prakash Ramadhar yesterday were futile. However, commenting on the presence of the identifiable COP group at the PNM meeting, the party’s General Secretary Clyde Weath-

erhead told Newsday that Kishore Ramadhar, “should formalise his membership with the PNM.” Asked if the COP could discipline Ramadhar and other dissidents, Weatherhead said, “You cannot be in a party and support another party, especially at elections time.

That is the height of hypocrisy!”

The COP, Weatherhead said, has nine candidates contesting the September 7 elections and the general membership of the party is behind them.

“If some members of the COP were not in support of the party’s candidates,” he said, “they should go and fully join the party whose candidates they support.” Some of the people dressed in the colours of the COP, he said, were no longer members of the COP, including Satu- Ann Ramcharan, who Weatherhead said resigned from the COP over a year ago.

Rowley, at the meeting, acknowledged Ramcharan’s presence as “another woman in my life who shared many political conversations and platforms with me.” Welcoming her and the others who held aloft PNM flags that were emblazoned with “Vote PNM” amid cheers, Rowley said, “Satu has had some excursions into the COP and tonight, as I say to Satu and all visiting COP

members, the doors of the PNM are wide open!” Echoes of “wide open” resounded in the Croissee.

The PNM has no problem with anyone who would have supported any other political party, and holds no animosity to others who serve in other parties, Rowley said. Last week, Rowley also issued an open invitation to, “my good friend” Winston ‘Gypsy’ Peters.

On Tuesday, Peters announced that he had resigned from Cabinet and also as a member of the United National Congress (UNC), the main party in the People’s Partnership.

Earlier this week, at a campaign meeting in Couva, Rowley welcomed to the stage former UNC chairman of the Couva/Tabaquite/ Talparo Regional Corporation Dave Persad, who at that meeting, slammed the People’s Partnersip as engaging in five years of fraud and corruption.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

August 28 – September 3, 2015

21

Ashok Singhal Brings Communities Together In The U.S.

A

By a Special Correspondent n evening with Ashok Singhal and Hindu awareness Yatra will be held On Sept 11 at Surya Narayan Mandir in Jamaica Queens, NY, discussing the challenges faced by Hindus all over the world. Singhal will be accompanied by Prashant Hartalkar, VHP leader from, Nagpur and Champat Rai. VHP’s international VHP secretary.

The program is organized by the New York chapter of VHP. President of the Surya Narayan Temple, Pundit Ram Hardowar said Ashok Singhal activist and former international working president the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) is travelling across to spread the message of Hindu dharma Hindu identity to Hindu community of USA. Ashok Singhal recently was in news because of his arrest and release for doing 84-kosi Parikrama Yatra.

Singhal was quoted in India that Satya Sai Baba had told him that by 2020 the entire country of India will be a Hindu country and by 2030 the entire world will be Hindu.

“I feel that revolution has started,” Singhal said at a function organized and attended by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and other RSS

Pandit Ram Haridwar

Dr. Pandit Haridwar

SHRI ASHOK SINGHAL functionaries in New Delhi.

Singhal said he was not opposed to “peaceful Islam,” but “Jehadi Islam.”

“Hailing the coming to power of the Narendra Modi, Singha said the “victory has put an end to the 800 years of slavery”.

“This is not a modest revolution. It will not remain confined to India but present a new ideology before the world,” he added.

Ashok Singhal, born in Agra in 1926 was the former international working president of the VHP for more than 20 years. He was succeeded by Praveen Togadia, Singhal.

Son of a government official, Singhal has a Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the Benaras Hindu University Institute of Technology in. Having been in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) since 1942, he became a fulltime pracharak (preacher) after graduation. He worked in various locations around Uttar Pradesh, becoming a prant pracharak (state preacher) for Delhi and Haryana. In 1980, he was deputed to the VHP, becoming its joint general secretary.

After the Meenakshipuram conversions in 1981, Singhal moved to the VHP as the joint general secretary. After noting the main grievances of

the Dalit (lower caste) communities in the area as being access to temples, VHP built 200 temples specifically for Dalits.

Singhal was a key organizer of the first VHP Dharma Sansad in 1984 held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, attracting hundreds of sadhus and Hindu notables to discuss the issues of rejuvenating Hinduism. A trained vocalist in Hindustani music Singhal studied under Pundit Omkarnath Thakur is the founding patron of the VHP (World Hindu Council). In 1984, he became its general secretary and, later, the working

president, a role in which he continued till 2011.

According to community activist, Ramesh Kalicharran, who was recently recognized as the founder of USA Pandits’ Parishad, Inc and as a stalwart Hindu sevek (servant) who did pioneer work in Bhaarat Yatra, Indo-Caribbean Diaspora program and media, the New York phagwah parade, It is great opportunity to meet and greet Ashok Singhal The program will be held at Surya Narayan Mandir, 92-17, 172nd street Jamaica queens NY 11433

The program will be held at Surya Narayan Mandir, 92-17, 172nd Street Jamaica, Queens NY 11433on Sept. 11, 2015, at 7:30 PM • 347-809-4373

22

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College degree pays.

Paying for it is challenging.

As parents, we understand the value of obtaining a college education in today’s competitive workforce. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a typical college graduate earned $11,749 in the last three months of 2011, nearly three times more than a high school dropout’s salary of $4,026. And for most with graduate degrees, the median earnings were $15,733 for the same period.1

B

ut, even though a college diploma can pave the way to greater advancement and earnings potential, paying for it still remains a challenge for most American families. A recent Christian Science Monitor article reports the average tuition for a public, four-year state school rose 5% in 2012

to $8,655 per year.2 And, at private institutions, students need to shell out a staggering $39,518 per year for tuition, fees, and room and board. All told, in the past five years, tuition costs for private schools have increased 13% beyond overall inflation.2 Even as college tuition and

other costs reach unprecedented levels, there are still plenty of options available to help ease the financial burden. Look into available state and university scholarships, financial aid packages, special college savings plans, and low-cost loans.

Here are some steps you can take to make the whole process as easy and as painless as possible.

• Improve your credit score. Establishing good credit can help you secure the low-cost loans you may need—and save thousands of dollars.

• Plan for the unexpected.

Estate planning and the right kinds of insurance will help protect against the derailment of your child’s college plans.

• Save smart and early.

Gain a significant advantage and maximize your resources by choosing the college-savings plan

that’s right for you.

Ask relatives to share the responsibility. Talk to grandparents and other relatives about contributing money to your college fund.

• Encourage your children to save. Teach your kids to start saving for college early by putting aside a portion of their monetary gifts.

College is a major investment in your child’s future. And, like any investment, it is wise to do as much early preparation and research as possible. It may also be beneficial to consult an experienced financial professional who can advise you based on the specifics of your situation.

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.

The Wall Street Journal, “College Grads Earn Nearly Three Times More Than High School Dropouts,” Neil Shah, April 2, 2013.

2 The Christian Science Monitor, “College Costs Keep Rising Faster than Inflation, Survey Says,” Philip Elliott, Associated Press, August 13, 2013.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper All 13 Guyana films for showing at CARIFESTA as hiccups overcome August 28 – September 3, 2015

fter a few challenges in Haiti, all thirteen films entered by Guyana will be shown at CARIFESTA XII and four have already had their premieres.

This was confirmed by Film Coordinator of the Guyana contingent, Richard Pitman.

He told Stabroek News that upon arrival in Haiti the Film Director told him only four out of thirteen films from Guyana would be screened. Unhappy with this, Pitman said he met with the Director, Reginald Chevallier.

Pitman described the challenge he faced with the local film coordinator who was busy scheduling all the films for CARIFESTA XII in a short space of time. Chevallier was still receiving films from other countries even though the screenings had started on Sunday. The Director only took over the organising for the film screenings in Haiti about three weeks ago since he revealed that the original film coordinator was no longer in charge.

After meeting with the Director, Pitman told him he would assist in scheduling Guyana’s films so that they could all be screened. Initially, Chevallier had said that only four films would be shown because of all the other films from the participating countries and location restrictions. Pitman said he however kept insisting that the Guyanese films, which were generally short films, all be shown and he succeeded in the end.

At festivals of this type there are usually several master classes in film: skill teaching and exchanges on direction, writing, sound and light effects, production and the various aspects of the media arts so that persons can learn from each other about the

film-making process.

“We cannot have film screenings and no networking or workshops for the producers and writers and anyone involved to share their knowledge and learn new skills”, Pitman said in the interview with Stabroek News. “I suggested this be done since we have all these filmmakers already present and I even offered my assistance to organise such event with the team in Haiti – I am awaiting their feedback though the Director agreed it was an excellent idea, he promised to work on that.”

The proposed date for this workshop is Sunday, August 30.

Controversy in Guyana Meanwhile, controversy arose on Facebook where some members of the Guyanese public questioned the films being screened, the producers of those films and how it was decided who would be allowed to accompany their film.

Pitman told Stabroek News that what the Guyana contingent aimed to do is to promote all the films that were submitted and to equally support their screening and representation. Most of the films were from CineGuyana and of the three persons who responded to the public advertisement placed for interested persons to submit their films to be screened in Haiti, Kojo McPherson was selected.

“Guyana is now seeing a new, refreshed interest in film making and CineGuyana Incorporated has just one month ago been launched and (is) trying to push towards the development of the film making industry”, Pitman stated.

Chairman of the Guyana CARIFESTA

Film Committee Enrico Woolford lobbied the CARIFESTA committee to support at least two film producers to accompany their films but the committee decided that only one could go on the state budget.

McPherson was selected because of his versatility in the arts, doubling as a photographer, being an award winning film producer and his association with CineGuyana.

“I do understand the importance of film makers travelling with their films and networking but there were restraints and restrictions in finances. Usually, what I would do is take the materials and knowledge learned at the film festivals and workshops and share it with the other producers after I return”, Pitman said.

Woolford commented on Facebook that no film was left behind. “We sought to accommodate every filmmaker’s work. The CineGuyana films and two films: one from Mike James and the other from Amanda Wilson were sent. Another film got to us late but we brought it. The films are what we are seeking to promote here.

“As Chair of the Guyana Carifesta Film Committee let me state that all the Guyanese and CineGuyana films were accepted.

Guyana’s film sector is now making a comeback. We have 13 films to be screened. We could not possibly take 13 film makers. In the same way, the literary exhibition has several authors but they are not in Haiti.

The Film Committee was allocated 3 spots, the chair, coordinator and 1 filmmaker. All the filmmakers submitted their work. It was the work, the art, which Guyana seeks to promote in the first instance”, Woolford

said on his Facebook post.

When asked by a commenter why the coordinator and chair didn’t double their roles to make space for other producers, Woolford responded “We already are doubling and tripling etc. As chair, I doubled as coordinator of the flight arrangements to Haiti, engaged the business community for the rum and food festival, sat as a juror for Drama and Guyana night. The other persons on the committee and several of those selected are playing several roles.

The screenings have been arranged more as just a movie show rather than an interactive session.”

Two film makers are in Haiti but are not listed under “Film – Media Arts”. Margaret Lawrence and Mosa Telford are both listed under Drama – Performing Arts.

Screenings Guyana commenced its first screening on Monday with Michael James’ Breadwinner. Yesterday featured three more Guyanese screenings at the Triomphe theatre in Port au Prince: Cuffy: Face of a Rebellion, a documentary by Amanda Wilson and Kojo McPherson’s To the Night and Standing.

Tiffany Vasquez and Denise Harris’ film Backyard along with Hope by Shaundel Phillips will be screened today. Tomorrow will feature another of McPherson’s works, Beached and that of Luck beat handsome

by Errol Chan.

Guyana’s final screening will be on Friday with Three Cards by Michael James, The Bottle by Smolana Varswyk and Tradition by the quintet of Margaret Lawrence, Richard Pitman, Ayanna Waddell, Russell Lancaster and Yaphet Jackman.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

August 28 – September 3, 2015

27

Voice Of The Youth My name is Shaw Ryan Khan.

I am the son of Shaw M. Khan and Camille Zeena Khan and I am the grandson of Haji Ali Akbar Khan and Azeezan Khan from Canegrove, Guyana ,as well as Harry Singh and Lillian Ganpati Singh from Industry, Guyana.

My respect to my parents and my grandparents always.

A

round 3 weeks ago, I received a phone call from an older gentleman who was apparently in a rush and did not give me his name.

His reason for calling? Simply to call me a hypocrite because of the friends I keep, which I mentioned their names in my last article. Years ago, I would have been much more furious and would have probably said something back to this individual. But, I did not. I allowed him to speak, did not argue with him, and afterwards he abruptly hung up the phone. Surprisingly, I appreciate his call. No, not because I agree with him on what he had to say. Rather, it’s because I am surprised at myself for the progress I have made over these years to gain peace and serenity. Sure, his words were sharp but my faith and my spirit is stronger. At the risk of being accused of bragging, I’d like to say I am closer to having peace of mind…

Over the years, I have realized that life is too short to bear malice and to hurt one another. What’s the use? You come in this world only for a short time, you meet people along the way, some of whom are friendly and some of whom aren’t so friendly. Wouldn’t you rather go back to your creator and talk to him/ her about all the great conversations/ experiences you had with your friends?

I, for one, know that when I remember all the good times I had with my friends, it brightens my day and makes me feel good. But going back to this individual, I thought about it and meditated on this conversation this past week. Not because I was angry, but because it gave me motivation to write an article about the life lesson I’ve learned from it.

The life lesson I’d like to talk about this week is that in order to live a life of peace, we must learn to not judge others. There is a saying that goes like this; “When a man points a finger at someone else, he should remember that four of his fingers are pointing at himself.”

Quite frankly, I will respectfully never agree with someone who calls me a hypocrite because of who I am friends with. For those of you that know me, you know that I am very shy and very picky

when it comes to my friends. My father thought me to be around those who will teach you things about life when you talk to them. Each of the individuals that I call my friends have thought me so much about life and so much about how to live life, and I cherish each and every one of my friends for blessing me with the knowledge. So, I say this with the utmost respect; to those who want to judge me, please allow God almighty to take care of that. For those who want to criticize me, unless it is constructive criticism, I ask that you kindly keep it to yourself. We have such limited time in this world to explore and discover, so why waste time by trying to put someone down? I am Shaw Ryan Khan. I am a voice of the youth. I don’t claim to represent the youth nor do I take that responsibility. I simply write to teach those that are willing to listen. And those who choose to want to walk beside me are welcome to do so.

This experience reminds me of a story I read on Facebook. A man and his 7 year old son were in Walt Disney World when the son had one of his melt-down screaming tantrums. The father decided to take the bus back to the hotel because the room was the only thing that calmed him down during this trip. While they waited for the bus, the screaming continued. When the bus arrived, it was packed with people but they managed to find a spot where they could stand.

As the bus went around the many stops it had to make before arriving at the hotel, the screaming continued. To people on the bus, he appeared to just be a kid screaming, or a spoiled brat who did not get his special toy that day. It did not take too much longer before the screaming prompted stares, and then glares from the other passengers. The father, feeling ashamed and embarrassed, found himself losing his temper at his own son. He started to feel like God cheated him by not being able to enjoy a normal vacation as a family because of this affliction of his son. He started to wonder what life would be like without having to deal with this burden. And just as the reactions by the

other passengers was becoming more intense, a man seated just in front of him turned around. The father braced for his onslaught of advice on how to raise a well-behaved child. The man calmly said, “Is he alright?” The father replied, “He is autistic.” Then the man said, “It’s alright”, and he smiled. Suddenly, all the anger building up inside the father was gone. He almost wept for shame at how he had felt a moment before. It no longer mattered what the other people thought. He realized his son was a gift from God. He will never forget that man, nor his small, simple act of kindness and understanding…

We, as a society, tend to love to judge people. We love to judge children, friends, family, co-workers, and the list goes on. But the fact of the matter is, we will never be able to swap places with that individual to know what that person is going through so we should never judge that person nor do we have the right to do so. So that girl you called fat? She is starving herself to try to become skinny. That man you made fun of for crying? His mother is dying. That girl you made fun of because of her blemishes and scars? She already had the pain of rejection for marriages. That boy you called poor? He has to work every night to support his family. That old man you made fun of because of the ugly scars? He fought for our country.

You think you know the person you are judging but you know what the truth is?

You don’t.

The moment we learn to stop judging others is the moment we become closer to achieving Peace. The funny thing about this is that people say that the reason they judge people is because other people do it or because they heard it from someone else… But the reality of it is that obtaining peace involves being your own person and not following a crowd. Peace is a simple term to understand yet a hard virtue to practice. My definition of peace will most likely be different than someone else’s definition. So, rather than giving you my definition, I will give you a short story that my professor once told me in college. There once was a king who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried. The king looked at all the pictures. But there were only two he really liked, and he had to choose between them. One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror for peaceful towering mountains all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace. The other picture had mountains, too. But these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky, from which rain fell and in which lightning played. Down the side of the mountain

tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all. But when the king looked closely, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest - in perfect peace.

Which picture do you think won the prize? The king chose the second picture. Do you know why? “Because,” explained the king, “peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace.” So rather than following the norm and joining the crowd, be the person that stands out.

But an individual, not a group. Stand up for peace, justice, and equality. Don’t judge others regardless of what they do or how they look. We are all journeyers in life that are looking to return home with stories to tell. There are no better stories to tell than the ones which recall all the good that you have done in this world.

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; “Be kind, don’t judge, and have respect for others. If we can all do this, the world would be a better place.”

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 @ 646-269-8227 or 718-8491006)

28

August 28 – September 3, 2015

Caribbean Star Newspaper

Robbed West Berbice family unhappy with police investigation

A

T

Budget passed

he 2015 National Budget was approved Thursday morning, GINA said.

On August 10, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan presented a budget for $221 Billion. It iss the first for the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government.

This morning, GINA said that the Finance Minister moved the Appropriation Bill 2015 reflecting an amendment to what was presented in the budget. Both sides of the House had agreed to the amendment so that the budget would conform to Constitutional amendments that allow for the financial independence of Constitutional bodies and agencies, such as the Rights Commission and Service Commissions.

lthough a man was charged with the recent bloody attack on Abdool and Neeranie Kadir, their family remains critical of the investigation conducted by the police.

Shaneeza, one of the couple’s daughters and who was also a victim of last week Sunday’s attack, told Stabroek News that she was frustrated with the investigation.

Shaneeza recalled identifying two men as her assailants during an identification parade but only one of the suspects was charged while the other was released. She said her family is now fearful as they have been told that another attack is being planned, this time targeting other relatives.

However, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Stabroek News that the man who was released from police custody was not a suspect at the time of the identification parade and the investigations are still ongoing into the matter.

On August 15th, the home of the Number 2 Village, West Coast Berbice family was in-

Abdool and Neeranie Kadir vaded by three men, one of whom was armed with a gun and the other two with cutlasses. Kadir and his wife were chopped during the attack, while Shaneeza and her sister, Allissa, were assaulted and robbed.

Gopaul Seecharran was charged last Friday with three counts of armed robbery stemming from the attack.

Members of the Kadir fam-

ily were absent from court on Friday since the news of one of the men being released from custody confused them.

“I didn’t even ask them about the man who was charged because like I get so confused I didn’t even remember about he,” Shaneeza said.

In addition, Shaneeza related that one of the three men who is still at large was seen by her brother at the Rosignol Stelling and a call was immediately made to the police but they were unable to locate the man.

Another man, Shaneeza said, was overheard relating how he planned the robbery.

The man, who is said to be a relative of the Kadirs, knows the family well and he is also acquainted with the house and surrounding areas, Shaneeza said.

She said that he was also heard saying that he advised that pliers be used to cut open an entrance to the back fence from where the bandits gained entry into the yard.

After hearing the story, a neighbour promptly called

the police and informed them about the conversation but no police responded to the report, she said.

The man, who is also a fisherman, has since left for the sea, Shaneeza said.

She said the family believes that if the police had an intelligent plan to capture the bandits, they may have already been apprehended.

“We fed up to give statement and nothing happening… is every day the police them coming to take the same statement over and over and nothing happening,” Shaneeza stressed.

She added that the police force is clearly failing them due to its incompetence but relatives will make use of every available resource in order to receive justice.

Meanwhile, Neeranie, who was severely chopped during the robbery, remains bedridden and in pain, Shaneeza said.

Relatives took the injured woman to the Mahaicony Hospital and she was given some additional pain killers recently.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

August 28 – September 3, 2015

29

World News Highlights

lock after leftist leader Alexis Tsipras resigned.

military dimensions of Tehran’s past nuclear activity.

PARNDORF, Austria - As many as 50 corpses were found in a parked truck in Austria on Thursday, and another migrant boat sank off Libya, deepening a crisis that is overwhelming Europe and throwing up new tragedies by the day.

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey - Seven people, including at least four civilians, were killed on Thursday in clashes between Turkey’s armed forces and militants in the mainly Kurdish southeast, security sources and the army said.

DUBAI - Iran executed a Kurdish activist on Wednesday accused of killing a public prosecutor, the second such case this month, rights groups said, as Iran, unsettled by Kurdish gains in the region, tightens the screws on its Kurdish minority.

ATHENS - Greece’s top Supreme Court judge was sworn in as caretaker prime minister on Thursday to lead the country to elections next month, ending a week of political deadlock after leftist leader Alexis Tsipras resigned.

SKHIRAT, Morocco - Libya’s unofficial government dropped out of the latest round of U.N.backed peace talks on Thursday, soon before they were due to start, in another disruption to efforts to end months of conflict.

WASHINGTON - A coalition led by the United States pummeled Islamic State targets in Iraq on Wednesday with 21 air strikes concentrated near the cities of Baji and Tuz, according to a statement released on Thursday.

ATHENS - Greece’s top Supreme Court judge was sworn in as caretaker prime minister on Thursday to lead the country to elections next month, ending a week of political dead-

VIENNA - Iran appears to have built an extension to part of its Parchin military site since May, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said in a report on Thursday, as part of its inquiry into possible

MADRID - A Moroccan man arrested in Spain this week is accused of coordinating a network of Islamic State supporters in Moroccan cities who spread the group’s message and

recruit militants to fight in Iraq and Syria, a court document said on Thursday.

BEIRUT - Islamic State has seized new territory from Syrian rebels in northern Syria, advancing in an area where Turkey and the United States are planning to open a new front against the group in coordination with insurgents on the ground.

BRUSSELS - Leaders of the European Union declared this week that it has “failed” in the face of human agony on its frontiers. But the migrant crisis may now be forging a better way forward.

TRIPOLI - A boat packed with migrants sank off the Libyan coastal city of Zuwara on Thursday and officials said hundreds might have died.

EISENSTADT, Austria - Up to 50 refugees whose corpses were found in a truck on an Austrian motorway might have already been dead when the vehicle crossed into the country between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, local police said.

SARAJEVO - A Bosnian Muslim wartime commander who defended Srebrenica against separatist Serb forces was indicted on Thursday for war crimes over the alleged killing of three Serb prisoners of war, Bosnia’s state prosecutor’s office said.

LASHKAR GAH - Soldiers from the U.S.-led NATO coalition have joined an Afghan army campaign to try to stop a Taliban advance in Helmand province that has undermined hopes of a negotiated peace.

Rowley: We will honour PP commitment POLITICAL Leader of the People’s National Movement (PNM) Dr Keith Rowley declared at his party’s political meeting Monday night in Couva, that he will pay Caroni workers monies which the People’s Partnership promised to pay, but to date, has not done so.

Rowley suggested that whether or not Caroni workers deserve the payment, a PNM government will be obligated to pay it.

Furthermore, he exonerated the PNM government from any wrong doing in how it handled the closure of Caroni 1975 Ltd, explaining the steps the then PNM administration took to bail out the TT economy amid a then turbulent world economy resulted ultimately, in Caroni’s closure. “I want to ask all those people who make a career out of lying about the PNM and its role in the sugar industry and those who worked in the sugar industry, had the PNM not bought those private lands and created Caroni 1975 Ltd, and made it State lands, all you now living on Caroni lands, legally and illegally... would you have had those lands available to you? “I was the Minister of Agriculture when the sugar industry was approaching its dying days…Caroni ran up a debt of $2 billion and under my stewardship as Minister of Agriculture, I took the burden of Caroni and took a note to cabinet to write off that debt...$2 billion written off! I led a

challenge and brought Basdeo Panday, as head of the union, for the company and government to sign the historic tripartite agreement to give the sugar industry a chance to live a little bit longer.

“But when the economies of the world changed and the world trading arrangements changed, we knew those who were paying a higher price for our sugar in Europe and the United States they will stop doing that,” Rowley said.

Former UNC chairman of the Couva/ Tabaquite/ Talparo Corporation, attorney Dave Persad made a surprise appearance at the PNM’s meeting, showing clearly which party he now supported.

He deemed the People’s Partnership as being corrupt and called on members to vote the PNM into office.

“For five years there was political fraud perpetrated upon the decent people of TT. I could talk about the Government’s corruption from tonight until September 6 and I will not finish,” he said amid loud cheers.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

August 28 – September 3, 2015

Music is the only thing I’ve ever fallen in love with that has never hurt me — Vp Premier

WEEKLY HOROSCOPE ARIES

(March 21-April 19) On Monday, it’s not all about you.

It’s about this other person in your life who, it turns out, needs more help and more support than you ever realized. You are a great listener and a loyal friend, but once this person opens up to you, you’re going to feel the burden of what they’re going through. That’s because you care deeply about their situation. Still, by midweek you realize that there’s only so much you can do, and you owe it to yourself not to become too emotional over something you can’t control. This weekend, take yourself out and do something fun. Clear your head a little.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22) Monday and Tuesday get everything off to an amazing start. Everyone is finally communicating with one another, and all of the confusion and weirdness that has characterized some of your social interactions lately has lifted.

What a relief! You’ve learned a lot lately -- namely, you’ve learned which friends are your true friends and which ones you have to watch out for. Now that you’re feeling more comfortable in your own skin, you’re going to be able to have a lot more fun, especially on Thursday and Friday. This weekend, you are going to radiate with confidence. You’re going to make heads turn.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21) On Monday, your friends love you and you love them back. It’s nice how that works. And it’s also nice that even if the rest of the world gets you down a bit, there are people in your life who lift you up. On Wednesday, there’s a chance you may feel like being alone, but Thursday and Friday you’re going to want to spend with your pals. Try to convince them to go on a journey with you somewhere unexpected over the weekend. The destination doesn’t even matter. The joy will be in the trip itself.

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

GEMINI

(April 20-May 20) You were kind of in a rut there for a while, but an unexpected development on Monday is going to change everything. On Tuesday and Wednesday you’re going to feel the full range of emotions -- maybe a little possessive, maybe a little passionate -- which is to be expected. Change brings out funny feelings. Nevertheless, everything that’s happening in your life is positive, and there’s no reason to feel anything other than optimistic about the path you’re taking, and that will be clear on Friday and through the weekend. Sure, it’s going to feel a little scary at first, but the best things in life always do.

(May 21-June 20) You have a lot of energy on Monday. You also have a lot of people to see. This is going to be one of those weeks when you just go, go, go. Time will fly, especially Tuesday and Wednesday. But be sure to pause to take a breath -- and maybe have a sip of water -- every now and again. You don’t want to tire yourself out. On Friday or over the weekend, a friend is going to call on you for a favor, and you’re going to have to take action. The challenge of it will be fun.

VIRGO

LIBRA

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Make a splash on Monday.

Do something you might not normally do, something that will turn a good friend’s frown into a smile. You are one of those people who brightens a room, and Tuesday and Wednesday you’re going to wander into several rooms in need of brightening. Turn on the charm full blast. Toward the end of the week, you’re probably going to be exhausted -- spreading happiness around the world is a wonderful, tiring task -- but this weekend you’ll be rejuvenated by a jolt of romance. Do something creative with this special someone.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Your work is all you can think about on Monday. Are you doing what you love? Are you itching to make a change?

(Whatever you’re feeling, though, Monday and Tuesday are not the days to ask for a raise.)

Some of your friends are in the same boat, careerwise. It’s a boat whose direction is a little unclear. It would not be a bad idea to spend some time later this week planning for the next couple months, and maybe, in an abstract way, the next couple of years. Your weekend, thank goodness, will be exceptionally fun. It will take your mind off all these big questions.

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Monday is going to be a super day. The rest of the week, by comparison, is going to be a little slower and more routine.

But really, at the start of the week you’re at the top of a mountain. Where could you possibly go from here? Tuesday and Wednesday you may find yourself worried about your financial situation (it’s understandable if you feel a bit frustrated) but by Thursday you should be out of that funk. A sudden adventure, large or small, is going to lead to an exciting discovery on Friday. This weekend?

Relax. Take it easy.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18) On Monday you’re going to find yourself connecting with someone you hardly know. It’s amazing how much you can have in common with a perfect stranger. It’s also amazing how good you are at communicating.

You should leverage that talent on Wednesday in your job, too. You’ll be able to go so far if you can figure out how to make people believe in your vision for the future, but you won’t be able to get them to believe in your vision unless you start talking about it. Toward the end of the week, a couple of small successes are going to really lift you up.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22) Something’s up at home on Monday, and rather than deal with it you’ve decided to flee the house. That’s actually not a bad plan right now. Let someone else sort it out. Why involve yourself in some crazy drama unless you absolutely have to, right? Nevertheless, in spite of your efforts to avoid it, drama might still be on the menu for Wednesday and Thursday. A good friend could turn into a basket case over a minor issue, and you’re going to be the one to calm them down. Ah, friends. So wonderful and weird, aren’t they?

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21) It’s Monday and you’re having trouble arriving at a decision. Time to call on the advice of friends. By midweek, find someone who’s been in a situation like this before whose opinion you trust, and let them know what’s happening. At the very least it will feel good to get it off your chest. And, as an added bonus, they’re going to be flattered that you turned to them for their perspective. You’re drawing closer to several new friends on Thursday and Friday, in fact. You truly are surrounded by incredible people. This weekend, someone’s going to make you an offer you can’t refuse. Be wise. Don’t refuse it.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20) For a while there, the two of you were total partners in crime. You could count on each other for anything. At the start of this week, suddenly an interpersonal complication has emerged.

Ah, interpersonal complications. The world is full of them. But, you know, the world isn’t full of people as diplomatically savvy as you are, and you’ll be able to solve this little spat if you move quickly -- by Thursday or Friday at the latest. You are not up for being walked all over, and rightfully so. State your position and be clear, but be calm about it. This other person will most likely come around once they have the weekend to think about it.

Importance of Friends and Family

By Tej K Budhram

M

y name is Tej and I am a blessed member of the Naujaavan Mandalee youth Group of the Shaanti Bhavan Mandir.

My article is about the importance of friends and family.

Definition of friends: My definition of a friend is this: someone you have for support and share interests with and can be either family or people that you are not related to. To have a friend means you have someone you can talk to, or play games with, spend time with. It’s important to have friends who share the same interests as you, but it’s also exciting to have friends with different interests. This way you can learn a new skill, or learn something new. For example, my best friend is a girl. We share similar interests, but she also likes to share some of her interests with me that she knows all too well I won’t be in to. But she is my best friend, and I am glad that she trusts me enough to do this. When I go to Mandir, I have friends there too who are people I share my culture and religion with. This is good for me because

I get to learn a lot from them. One of my best Mandir friends is a boy name Robert. He is so much fun. We went to the observation deck at the Freedom tower with our Moms this summer. We share a lot similar interests; Robert is definitely one of my close friends. Sometimes we don’t see one another often, but when we do it’s always fun.

FAMILY As I said family can be friends also.

My mom is my friend because she is always looking out for me and she supports me with anything I want to do, and makes me food (this is really important, to have a friend who can cook like my mum). My mom is probably my best friend in a way because she laughs and jokes with me, but my goodness, when she gets upset, I run for cover. She can really get upset with me at times, but she just yells and takes away my ipad. I know how to win her over, nothing a good foot rubs can’t fix! My Nani and Nana are my friends because I look up to them for guidance. So these are examples of family that are friends. I live in New York with my Mom, but my mom’s family live in London. We are always in touch, this is very important, and thank God for Facetime! My Nanie is my favorite she always Facetimes me.

She also asks lots of questions and checks up on how me and my Mom are doing. When I am having conversations with Nanie at the same time, she will be having a conversation with my Nana about something he did not do, like put the food in the fridge, or put the garbage out, or what time he will be picking up my Moosie at the train station (they make me laugh). It

makes me feel like I am a part of their life and they are a part of mine. I also love how Nanie can never figure out how to maneuver the camera. She will want to show me something but it’s funny how long it takes her and how I have to explain how to do it every single time (this is where I get that from!) My family is very fun and my grandparents are so cute. I love how my Nana will call to talk about my plans for the weekend or what my Mom is doing (because she is always doing something), and Nana tells me to help, but Mom does not want my help, he insists, but he does not know how My Mom can be, she likes things her way. They are my family, but they are my friends because we are always in touch. I love to test my Mousies and Nana on trivia because this is something I just love doing. My cousin Ishana is my friend too, because we live in different continents and Mousie Shivi will call me so we can keep our bond. Ishana likes to see my Snapping Turtle, whose name is “Snappy”. She is fascinated by him. This is why my family are my friends. We are always in touch, no matter what happens we talk on the phone or “the facetime” as Nanie calls it. I told her just FaceTime

is fine we know what she means.

Life is good when you have family and friends who love, support and care for you. I am blessed to have the type of friends and family who are always a facetime/call or text away.

I don’t get to see them often, but we do have a really strong bond. I know my Mousies are always sending me gifts from London when I do well in school. They always reward me and I love that they are always there for me. They listen to me, talk to me and check up on me and how I am doing in school. This makes me feel good. It’s good to have family who make you feel loved. I definitely have that, even if they live far away. Everyone should have friends who are like family and family who are caring and loving to one another. Mom says that our family is like every other family, just a bit more distance. We all love each other and care for one another a lot. It feels nice to belong to such an intense family. We have lots of girls in our family, and I suppose that’s why I am drawn to Sapna as my Best friend because of all the women in our family! I’m surrounded by great friends and family.

I don’t know what I would do without them.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

August 28 – September 3, 2015

Entertainment News

Big B: Never discriminated between Abhishek, Shweta

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egastar Amitabh Bachchan says he and his actress-politician wife Jaya have always treated son Abhishek and daughter Shweta equally.

The 72-year-old Piku star spoke on gender equality on the occasion of Women's Equality Day. "Women's Equality Day... between my daughter and my son there shall be equality from us as parents...," he wrote on his Twitter page.

Bachchan a l s o

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paid a tribute to saint and missionary Mother Teresa on her 105th birth anniversary, via his Twitter account.

"Remembering Mother Teresa... her sacrifice and dedication...! In one picture I stand behind her..." he captioned a collage of two photos of himself and her.

She died on September 5, 1997 at the age of 87.

Lea Seydoux to star opposite Channing Tatum in 'Gambit'?

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Hrithik praises Ali Zafar for Coke Studio's 'rockstar' look

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ollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan seems to be very much impressed by Pakistactor Ali Zafar for his rockstar look in Coke Studio 8.

The 'Bang Bang' actor took to Twitter to applaud Ali and tweeted, "Rockstar. Serious talent. Such freedom. Mazaa aa gaya!.", to which

Tyga raps about sex with Kylie Jenner in new song

he project has 15 new tracks including Stimulated, which is about him getting intimate with his girlfriend and reality TV personality Kylie Jenner, reports aceshowbiz.com.

The rapper doesn't mention Kylie's name in the song, but he does make clear reference to her.

Stimulated isn't the first song featuring the rapper explicitly talking about being intimate with the 18-year-old.

In June, he released the equally-raunchy Pleazer that has guest verse from rapper Boosie BadAzz.

ond girl Lea Seydoux has been offered the lead role in X-Men movie 'Gambit' opposite Channing Tatum.

The 30-year-old Saint Laurent star is being considered for the role of Belladonna Boudreaux aka Bella, Gambit's love since childhood, but eventually gains powers of her own and becomes the head of the Assassins Guild, reported Deadline.

To be directed by Rise of the Planet of the Apes, helmer Rupert Wyatt, the script for the film is penned

by Josh Zetumer based on a treatment by Gambit co-creator Chris Claremont.

Tatum along with Reid Carolin, Lauren Shuler Donner and Simon Kinberg is producing the film.

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singer -turned actor replied "Thank you. You're a true rockstar!.", The Express Tribune reports.

Meanwhile, other celebs such as singer Adnan Sami, Mahira Khan also took to twitter to praise the 35-yearold singer.

Ali, who started his Bollywood career with 'Tere Bin Laden', has won three Lux Style Awards and three Indus Music Awards.

Vin Diesel announces "XXX" sequel Actor Vin Diesel has announced that he is set to return to the action franchise 'XXX' with a sequel.

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he 48-year-old Fast and Furious star, who played Xander Cage in the 2002 film but was not part of its second installment, State of the Union,

took to Instagram and said a new film is in the pipeline, reported Female First.

"While I was filming XXX, guys on set called me Air Diesel... The time to return has come. Filming starts December in the Philippines."

There is, however, still no word on a director for the film.

Directed by Rob Cohen, XXX chronicled the life of Xander Cage, a stuntman and rebellious athlete-turned- reluctant spy for the National Security Agency who is sent on a dangerous mission to infiltrate a group of potential Russian terrorists in Central Europe.

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August 28 – September 3, 2015

Ranaghat girl's short film with Lindsay Lohan to be screened at LA fest

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etween courtroom dramas and uploading waist-training selfies, Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan has also shot for a short film. Inspired by T S Eliot's 'The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock', the 12-minute 'Till Human Voices Wake Us' (THVWU), which will have its red carpet premiere on the opening night of the Los Angeles Short Film Festival on September 3, is directed by Ranaghat girl Indrani Pal Chaudhuri.

"This festival is one of the few whose winners qualify to apply for nomination for the Oscars. Apart from Eliot's poem, my film is inspired by the Celtic myths of Selkies -guardians of the sea who are seals in water and women on land -who storm Manhattan to save one of their kind from falling for a drowning man. The story is told through the eyes of Lana (Lindsay Lohan), the marine biologist who discovers these creatures. It is a plea to protect the sustainability of our oceans," Indrani told TOI from New York. Though Indrani has photographed Lindsay earlier, this is the first time she has directed her. "She was brilliant in the role of a marine biologist who longs to share the freedom of the sea creatures she studies.

Lindsay stayed in character so much that she wanted to swap roles and become a Selkie instead.That dramatic moment, of course, was captured on Oprah Winfrey's OWN docu-series," she adds.

Since 1994, Indrani had been attached to the Pal Chaudhuri school in Ranaghat

as the administrator and chief fundraiser. Do the students of her Ramakrishna Vedanta Society Vidyapith of Shakti Empowerment Education Foundation know about the film? "When I'm in Ranaghat, I focus on the needs of the schoolkids and not my life. I was recently in Ranaghat on my way back from filming a documentary in Nepal called, `Mera Gaon (My Village)', about a monk who is helping people recover from the onslaughter of the recent earthquake. I discussed the project with the kids at the school," she said.

Indrani's earlier short film, `Legend of Lady White Snake', has won four awards at the Los Angeles International Film Festival, including the best film award.

For her second short film, Indrani drew the concept from her studies of cultural anthropology at Princeton University, for which she received a BA `magna cum laude' high honors. "I wrote and directed

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Caribbean Star Newspaper Jazbaa Trailer: A mother's fight to save her daughter

he much-awaited trailer of Sanjay Gupta's Jazbaa, that marks Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's comeback after five years, is finally out.

The trailer offers a glimpse of the nail-biting suspense that the film has in store. Jazbaa's trailer opens with a disconcerting call to advocate, Anuradha Verma, played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. She is ordered to save a criminal within the next four days. The

caller threatens her with dire consequences for her daughter on failing to complete the task assigned to her. Irrfan Khan, steals the show with his dialogue delivery. After watching the trailer, the film indeed seems to be very promising. Now that Ash is a mother, Jazbaa, where she is trying to protect her daughter, seems to be the perfect comeback vehicle. The movie is set to release on October 6, 2015.

Katrina Kaif:

See page 33

Rekha's exit from 'Fitoor' was sad

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atrina Kaif says even though it was nice working with veteran actress Rekha for "Fitoor", she was sad when the actress walked out from the film.

Rekha, was replaced by Tabu in the Abhishek Kapoor directed romantic-drama, which stars Aditya Roy Kapoor in the lead.

"It (working with Rekha) was nice. But then she and the producers decided to part ways for their own reasons. That was very sad because I have known Rekha ji for a long time and we have our own independent equation together.

That was the only sad thing. Every film has its destiny and you have to respect that," Kaif told PTI. The film, which is an adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel "Great Expectations", will have Tabu play the role of Miss Havisham as Begum.

The 32-year-old Phantom star will be seen opposite Aditya Roy Kapoor for the first time, but she says, the duo recently got to know that they had worked together for an advertisement almost 11 years ago.

"Adi and me have been working since the same time. He had interviewed me as a VJ for my film Humko Deewana Kar Gaye.

We searched for the interview on YouTube and laughed our heads off.

"And then Adi pointed it out to me that 11 years ago, on my second or third ad film, Adi was in the ad as one of the boys in the group. He was in the ad and you can see him very clearly. We looked for that ad too and had a good laugh about it."

Kapoor plays the character of Noor in the film, and Kaif, who will be seen playing Firdaus, credits their equation to their friendship.

"We have a funny equation. We both have been working for long but obviously I have done many more films. He is a really nice person. He is also part of my friend circle. We knew each other well."

Fitoor, which was shot in Kashmir, marks Abhishek's fourth film as a director, after his 2013's hit drama Kai Po Che and Kaif says his interpretation of the classic novel fascinated her.

"Fitoor was a script Adi and I were really excited about. I thought it was such a beautiful, passionate love story but not cliched, it was very new. Abhishek has got a very unique vision that shows in the films he has made. He has got his sensibilities and his take on things. The film is an retelling of Great Expectations but I really liked his adaptation."

Fitoor also stars Aditi Rao Hydari, Lara Dutta, Rahul Bhatt and is scheduled to release on February 12 2016.

August 28 – September 3, 2015 33 Caribbean Star Newspaper 'Fast & Furious' ride coming to Universal Studios Florida

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Eva Mendes sparks engagement rumors

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ctress Eva Mendes, who has been dating actor Ryan Gosling for four years, has been photographed wearing a giant emerald ring on her right hand, sparking rumours the couple has got engaged.

She was first spotted wearing the bling on July 25 while promoting Estee Lauder's new Dimensions Skincare line at Nordstrom's Aventura Mall in Florida, reported Aceshowbiz.

Mendes, 41, has been flashing the alleged engagement ring in photos she shared on her Instagram.

Neither the actress nor Gosling, 34, has addressed the rumours. Her representative also has not yet made any comment on the matter.

Mendes and Gosling first met in the fall of 2011 on the set of their drama flick The Place Beyond the Pines.

Despite their headline making romance, the couple has been acting very private about their personal life.

They welcomed their first child together, daughter Esmeralda Amada, in September 2014.

Continued from page 32 `THVWU' with Hollywood producer Rick Schwartz (of `Black Swan', 'Gangs of New York' and 'The Departed' fame), executive producer Jeremy Frommer and creative director and production designer G K Reid. The film grew out of a photo shoot and video we did together for VICE Magazine,""Indrani said, adding short films were an important avenue in the West for direc tors to explore their creative ideas."Many feature films are developed from shorts."

Her latest short has a Kolkata connect too. Bengali actor Shayan Munshi is part of the cast, which also includes Puneet Prasad, Yash Patel, Aneet Padda and Mehr Bhatti. She has heard about Sujoy Ghosh's 'Ahalya'. Explaining her passion for presenting ancient ideas and mythologies in modern context, Indrani points out how her first film was inspired by an ancient Chinese story of how a snake demoness turned into a woman to experience love in New York."My second film does the same with the Celtic legend in Brooklyn. At Princeton, my focus was on Indian philosophy and legends. The feature film I'm working on brings Indian legends to life in a very modern context.

I intend to watch 'Ahalya' too," she said.

'Fast & Furious' themed ride, based on the popular action franchise, will be coming to Universal Studios Florida in 2017.

Fast & Furious: Supercharged will be a stand-alone attraction in the Florida location and have its own original storyline that incorporates the cars from the films, reported Entertainment Weekly.

The official Universal Orlando Resort blog described the ride as an immersive experience that will make ticket holders "feel like part of the 'Fast family'..."

The special ride will give people a peep in the underground racing world and explore the headquarters of Toretto and his team, including specially-designed ve-

hicles for an "adrenaline-pumping ride" with their favourite stars from the films.

Furious 8 is scheduled to release in April 2017.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

August 28 – September 3, 2015

Caribbean Connections

Accused cleared of killing pregnant wife

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-acquitted due to insufficient evidence

anslaughter accused Gavin Towler was found not guilty of the charge that he killed his common-law wife Samantha Marques, due to insufficient evidence.

Towler gulped as he bowed his head in silence when Justice Jo-Ann Barlow directed the jury to return a not guilty verdict at the conclusion of his trial in the High Court.

Tears gushed from his mother’s eyes as she uttered the word “Jesus,” with a sigh of relief. Judge Barlow told Towler, “You are free to go” but expressed her hope that the freed man would be able to secure a job to provide for the children.

Towler was acquitted because the state did not establish a prima facie case against him, based on the evidence that was presented.

The prosecutors were Michael Shahoud and Narissa Leander.

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Gavin Towler

Curacao considering following Aruba’s lead to keep out unwanted Venezuelans

Runway At Barajay Airport In Madrid, Spain

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ILLEMSTAD, Curacao, Wednesday August 26, 2015 – Sources in the Ministry of Justice are indicating that Curacao is contemplating following Aruba’s lead and adopting measures to keep unwanted Venezuelans out.

The news comes in the wake of a spate of crimes allegedly perpetrated by Venezuelan visitors in the Dutch Caribbean territory. The Curacao Chronicle reports that five Venezuelans were recently arrested on suspicion of committing a number of armed robberies on the island.

A Venezuelan also attempted to steal jewellery from a store at the Renaissance Hotel, while there are confirmed cases of Venezuelan women working in illegal prostitution on the island, according to the Chronicle.

The newspaper reports that these are “just a few examples” of cases that are making the Curacao authorities consider measures against Venezuelans similar to those taken in neighbouring Aruba.

Venezuelan tourists don’t want to return to their country – Curaçao Chronicle http://t.co/ClcbsCWLG7 via @CuraChronicle — Nathan Crooks (@nmcrooks) August 10, 2015

In Aruba, authorities have imposed measures which they call “indirect visa” to keep the unwanted Venezuelans out.

The Aruban government has identified four categories of Venezuelan tourists.

Number one is the “prudent tourist” that visits the island for five to seven days and has enough cash to cover their expenses.

Second, there are those who are in transit and only spend one night on the island to continue with their travel.

Then there are those who are called “ATM tourists.” These are the Venezuelans who use their credit cards to get dollars and take these back to their country. Finally there are those who stay illegally on the island. This group is reportedly increasing and is the reason for the measures taken by the Aruban authorities.

Under the terms of the “indirect visa,” a Venezuelan tourist must have $500 in cash to cover two days of stay on the island. If the stay is three days, they must have $700 dollars in cash on arrival.

Visitors who do not meet the cash requirements are put on a flight back to Venezuela.

Breakthrough by scientists turns cancer cells back to normal

LORIDA, United States, Wednesday August 26, 2015 – For the first time, cancer cells have been reprogrammed and disarmed in a scientific breakthrough that could lead to new treatments and even the reversal of tumour growth.

Aggressive breast, lung and bladder cancer cells have been turned back into harmless benign cells by restoring the function which prevents them from multiplying excessively and forming dangerous growths.

So far the technique has only been tested on human cells in a laboratory, but researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Florida are hopeful that it could one day be used to target tumours so that cancer could be “switched off” without the need for surgery or harsh chemotherapy.

The scientists likened the process to applying the brakes on a speeding car.

“We should be able to re-establish the brakes and restore normal cell function,” said Profesor Panos Anastasiadis, of the Department for Cancer Biology. “Initial experiments in some aggressive types of cancer are indeed very promising. It represents an unexpected new biology that provides the code, the software for turning off cancer.”

Dr Anastasiadis thinks the approach, detailed in the journal Nature Cell Biology, would apply to most cancers other than brain and blood cancers.

Unlike conventional cancer drugs, which work by killing cancer, the new American approach aims to render it harmless.

Cells need to divide constantly to replace themselves. But in cancer they do not stop dividing, leading to excessive cell reproduction and tumour growth.

The Mayo Clinic team discovered that the “glue” that holds cells together is regulated by biological microprocessors called microRNAs. Under normal circumstances, the microRNAs instruct the cells to stop dividing when they have replicated sufficiently. They do this by triggering production of a protein called PLEKHA7 which breaks the cell bonds.

In cancer, that process does not work.

The researchers discovered that they could switch on cancer in cells by removing the microRNAs from cells and preventing them from producing the protein.

Crucially, they also found that they could reverse the process – switching the brakes back on and stopping cancer.

MicroRNAs are small molecules which can be delivered directly to cells or tumours so an injection to increase levels could switch off disease.

“We have now done this in very aggressive human cell lines from breast and bladder cancer,” Dr Anastasiadis said.

“These cells are already missing PLEKHA7. Restoring either PLEKHA7

LEAD AUTHORS OF THE STUDY, DR. PANOS ANASTASIADIS (LEFT) AND DR. ANTONIS KOURTIDIS. (PHOTO: MAYO CLINIC) levels, or the levels of microRNAs in these cells turns them back to a benign state. We are now working on better delivery options.”

The Telegraph reports that cancer experts in Britain said the research solved a riddle that biologists had puzzled over for decades – why cells did not naturally prevent the proliferation of cancer.

“This is an unexpected finding,” said Dr Chris Bakal, a specialist in how cells change shape to become cancerous, at the Institute for Cancer Research in London.

“We have been trying to work out how normal cells might be suppressing cancer, and stopping dividing when they form contacts with each other, which has been a big mystery.

“Normal cells touch each other and form junctions then they shut down proliferation. If there is a way to turn that back on then that would be a way to stop tumours from growing.

“I think in reality it is unlikely that you could reverse tumours by reversing just one mechanism, but it’s a very interesting finding.”

Henry Scowcroft, Cancer Research UK’s senior science information manager, was cautiously optimistic.

“This important study solves a long-standing biological mystery, but we mustn’t get ahead of ourselves,” he said.

“There’s a long way to go before we know whether these findings, in cells grown in a laboratory, will help treat peo-

ple with cancer. But it’s a significant step forward in understanding how certain cells in our body know when to grow, and when to stop.

“Understanding these key concepts is crucial to help continue the encouraging progress against cancer we’ve seen in recent years.”

Caribbean Star Newspaper

August 28 – September 3, 2015

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Alleged granny killer charged Colin Alleyne, the man who allegedly bludgeoned and strangled elderly Montrose caretaker Danrasie Ganesh, was charged with her murder.

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lleyne, 23, of 77 Cemetery Road, Timehri, was arraigned at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, where he was not required to plead to the indictable charge that on August 1st, 2015 at Montrose, East Coast Demerara, he murdered Ganesh.

The unrepresented Alleyne kept the court waiting for almost an entire hour as he refused to leave the adjoining Sparendaam Police Station until the police officers provided him with his own clothing.

Alleyne, who was kept in a holding cell in the police station, could have been heard all the way out on the road as he continuously verbally abused the lawmen.

The ruckus continued with

Alleyne banging loudly on the wall of the station and urging the cameramen to take his photo when he was ready to come outside.

After police fulfilled the man’s request by giving him his own clothing, a subdued Alleyne appeared from the cell with a big smile on his face. He made no attempts to hide his face from the cameras. As he made his way to the courtroom, which was filled with relatives of the dead woman, he was heard saying, “Make space for the ‘Real G’ to pass.”

After granting the prosecution’s request for four weeks to facilitate the completion of the case file, Magistrate Zamilla Ally ordered that he be remanded until his next court appearance on September 27.

Colin Alleyne (centre) at court Ganesh’s body was found in a pool of blood in the kitchen of the bottom flat of the two-storey Montrose house, for which she had been caretaker for some time. An autopsy revealed that the elderly woman died as a result of strangulation and brain haemorrhaging reportedly as a result of the severe beating she received at the hands of her killer.

Fortunately for the police, the entire attack was caught on CCTV cameras in the house.

The footage showed the elderly woman being attacked by an unknown male suspect, who

UG student succumbs after Mahaicony accident

Timothy Barnwell ays after being seriously injured in an accident at Mahaicony, a final year University of Guyana (UG) student succumbed early tuesday morning at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH). Dead is Timothy Barnwell, of Nelson Street, Mocha, East Bank Demerara, who was a final year electrical engineering student.

Barnwell celebrated his 29th birthday last Thursday.

While the details surrounding the accident are unclear, Stabroek News was told that Barnwell was heading to Georgetown to join his family for his birthday when he was involved in the accident at around 5am on Thursday at the Mahaicony Public Road, East Coast Demerara.

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Danrasie Ganesh

Anna Lou Barnwell, his mother, said that she was informed that her son was involved in an accident when she called his cellphone to wish him happy birthday on his special day. However, the call was answered by another individual, who related the news of his accident to her.

The woman said the person informed her that Barnwell was in a critical condition at the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital and awaiting transport to the GPH. As a result, she immediately left for the GPH, where she found her son in an unconscious state.

After visiting the scene yesterday, she learned that it was a villager who lives in close proximity to where the accident occurred that rendered assistance by rushing her son to the hospital.

According to Anna, the man heard a loud impact and rushed to see what was transpiring. Upon arriving at the scene, the man discovered that a car, which was driven by Barnwell, had smashed into an electrical pole. He removed Barnwell from the wreck and took him to the nearby hospital.

A CT scan later revealed that Barnwell had a fractured skull, a swollen brain, and brain haemorrhaging as a result of the accident.

Barnwell, who was in the process of completing his studies, was also planning to wed next year.

launched a surprise attack on her. The suspect, now identified as Alleyne was seen continuously beating and strangling the woman throughout what was first described as a robbery.

Alleyne, who went into hiding after a still photo of him from the surveillance footage was circulated in the press, was arrested on Saturday. At the time he was reportedly wearing the same clothes he had been wearing when he carried out the attack.

It was while in custody that the man reportedly confessed to killing the woman and claimed

that he was hired by one of Ganesh’s close relatives to break into the house and find documents for the property, which is presently the subject of a dispute. He said he was paid $700,000 by the relative.

The man told investigators that after taking documents he had found to the relative, who was waiting outside, he was instructed to go back inside and retrieve the surveillance footage. However, instead of taking a disk from a DVR, he found and collected a disk from a DVD player. Family members have since publicly defended the implicated relative.

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August 28 – September 3, 2015

Caribbean Star Newspaper Seventeen-year-old charged with five robberies

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17-year-old was remanded to prison after being charged with five counts of armed robbery.

It is alleged that Anfernee Archer, on August 21st, at West Ruimveldt, while being armed with a gun, robbed Jameila Messiah, Dimitris Howard, Kimberly Moore, Kimberly Billy and Jermaine Kirk.

Among the items stolen were personal documents, two handbags, two cellphones, a gold wedding band and $8,000 in cash, carrying a total value of $175,500.

Archer pleaded not guilty to all five charges, which were read to him by city magistrate Ann McLennan.

Additionally, he told the magistrate that he doesn’t know the persons who claimed that he robbed them.

Nevertheless, the unrepresented youth was remanded until September 3rd, when his next hearing is scheduled before Magistrate Alex Moore.

Anfernee Archer

..PM wishes Gypsy the best

Prime Minister Kamla Persad–Bissessar during the march against domestic violence by the Network of Women Non–Governmental Organisations headed by Hazel Brown.

P 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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rime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has said she wishes her former minister, Winston “Gypsy” Peters, all the best in his future endeavours.

Peters has resigned as Minister of Community Development and member of the United National Congress (UNC). He was rejected by the UNC's screening committee, which the Prime Minister heads, to defend the Mayaro constituency in the September 7 general election. Businessman Rushton Paray was selected to contest the seat.

Persad-Bissessar briefly responded to questions from the media on Peters's resignation yesterday following a march against domestic violence by the Network of Women Non-Governmental Organisations headed by Hazel Brown.

“I haven't heard what he (Peters) said, but I wish him good luck in his future endeavours,” said Persad-Bissessar.

Asked if she had received his resignation letters, the Prime Minister said she had been out all morning and she did not yet see the letters. Questioned on Peters's claim she had been undermining him for the past year and a half, Persad-Bissessar responded, “I wish Mr Peters well in his future endeavours, thank you very much.”

Peters entitled to his opinion Told Peters had said she was ungrateful and that he would not advise anyone to vote for her, the Prime Minister said, “I wish Mr

Peters all the best in his future endeavours.

“It's a democratic country, he's entitled to his opinions. I do not share his opinions, I think there are thousands of people who would not share those opinions, but he's free, it's a free country, freedom of expression. I really want to wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

She also responded to questions with respect to claims by corruption-accused Independent Liberal Party Leader Jack Warner that a close, personal relationship resulted in the appointment of Reshmi Ramnarine to head the Strategic Services Agency (SSA). “Absolutely untrue. In fact, this is a man who is crawling on his belly now so he tells us and so he's lost his brain.

I think he is hallucinating at this time. Totally untrue allegations. My lawyers will deal with those, of course,” she said. Speaking later on after a meeting with the Port of Spain Rotary, the Prime Minister addressed the issue again.

“It is the silly season. There will be some persons as it their democratic right, they are free to join any party. I believe that the candidates we have in every area are winning candidates. I think we will win the Mayaro seat.

I am not perturbed. We are convinced that we will win this election. I will speak to you on the night of September 7,” she said.

The Prime Minister added: “I am not unduly perturbed. In fact, we have done very well. Over ten or 12 persons who were ministers or sitting MPs have not been given a seat to contest, and thus far only one has expressed dissatisfaction.

“And I wish him (Peters) the best in whatever he chooses to do.”

The Prime Minister said with only two Cabinet meetings left and a week and a half before the election, she did not intend to appoint a new minister of Community Development, but would put someone to act.

She said before the end of the day the acting appointment would be made.

August 28 – September 3, 2015 37 Caribbean Star Newspaper August 29,July 201 Caribbean Star Newspaper Tropical Storm Erika closerEqualityNews.ca to Eastern Caribbean, prompting more warnings, watches, flightThursday, cancellations

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RIDGETOWN, Barbados, Wednesday August 26, 2015 – Tropical storm warnings have been expanded as far west as Puerto Rico as Tropical Storm Erika continues on a track that will take it near or over parts of the Caribbean tonight, and near the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico tomorrow.

After Erika’s maximum sustained winds dipped to 40 miles per hour yesterday evening, they increased to 45 miles per hour again, by this morning.

The storm is now about 335 miles east of Antigua. Its approach has prompted additional warnings to be issued and the full list of territories now under tropical storm warning are: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, the US and British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra, St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius.

Tropical storm watches are in effect for Guadeloupe, St. Martin, and St. Barthelemy.

At 8 a.m., the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) said Tropical Storm Erika was moving toward the west near 17 miles per hour.

While it had been previously predicted that Erika could have reached hurricane strength by weekend, forecasters now say it is expected to remain a tropical storm and very slowly gather strength over the next few days as it continues to move quickly to the west.

The northern Leeward Islands may feel tropical storm-force winds by late tonight into early tomorrow.

Erika will then bring more rain to drought-suffering Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and tropical storm-force winds tomorrow and tomorrow night.

“Erika is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 2 to 4 inches with maximum amounts of 8 inches across portions of the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico through Friday morning,” the NHC said.

The storm’s future track and intensity beyond Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands is highly uncertain, forecasters say, due to a potential track over land in the Caribbean, interaction with a wind shear and the nature of the upper-level steering flow near the eastern US next week.

But they believe it may track near the Bahamas this weekend and possibly parts of the US southeast coast next week.

Tropical Storm #Erika moving west toward the Leeward Islands. Many questions in track & intensity after that. pic. twitter.com/YCbWD3yssf — CNN Weather Center (@CNNweather) August 25, 2015 All interests in Hispaniola, the Bahamas, Cuba and the southeast US have therefore been advised to monitor Tropical Storm Erika’s progress.

Meantime, regional airline LIAT has cancelled several flights for the second time in the past week due to an approaching storm. This time, 17 flights scheduled for today, tomorrow and Friday have been called off, while two other flights were rescheduled.

Cancellations for Wednesday, August 26: FLIGHTS ROUTES LI 512 Barbados to Antigua

Poli Wanted Trinidad polic PITBULL KILLS GRANNY LI 526 San Juan LI 524 LI 508 to Tortola LI 509

Antigua to St. Kitts to Tortola to

LI 560 Dominica to San Juan LI 326 Barbados to St. Maarten LI 561 San Juan to Dominica LI 327 St. Maarten to Barbados Barbados to Dominica to Antigua LI 550 Antigua to St. Kitts to St. Maarten LI 771 (Antigua to St. Lucia) has been reAntigua to St. Kitts to St. Maarten to St. Thomas timed to depart at a time to be advised LI 553 St. Thomas to St. Maarten to Anti- LI 362 (Barbados to Antigua) has been reTortola to St. Maarten to Antigua gua timed to depart at a time to be advised LI 508 Antigua to St. Kitts to St. Maarten Cancellations for Thursday, August 27: to Tortola Cancellation for Friday, August 28: FLIGHTS ROUTES LI 509 Tortola to St. Maarten to St. Kitts to FLIGHT ROUTING LI 581 Antigua to Dominica to Barbados Antigua LI 527 San Juan to Tortola to St. Kitts to said there was incident An great toedgeable came toAntigua LI 527 84-year-old San Jun to Tortola St. Kittswhen to LIit526 to St.occurred.

Kitts to Tortola to Ramlogan Antigua ORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, Wednesday July 9, 2014, CM an undertaking within grandmother was yesterday the training of dogs and Antigua San Juan

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

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 lo

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A former head o Parliamentofthat Azizul hours Rahaman after of thea photo disagreed with themitted deci- Dr suicide hisheappeared on a defunct state-ow sion of the dog’s owner to Jones Animal Clinic exam- would accommodate cerana Airwaysho C carry out the training at the ined the dog and confirmed tain amendments based has blamed g it was one of the danger- on suggestions from Indehouse. officials forlic th ous dogs referred to in the pendent Senators and also aviation woesagr “Aggression training within Dog Control Bill which was from members of the Opcountry. your own environment and passed in Parliament last position. training of dogs within your month but is yet to be pro- The Independent Senators Co Former GAC had already forwarded own household where you claimed, police said. wh Manager, Fazal have ageable people or fam- Rahaman removed some their suggestions to him, the adamant that ily members in your house of the animals and locked but he was still awaiting spite rather than the Opposition’s before the vice or operational Act is proclaimed by Presia q forced the dent Anthony Carmona. closure ofHis the airlinevisi “This bill is clearly needed. back in the I would like those perhos late nineties, sons who argue that there and it is one should be no legislation to of the ma-The control these dangerous jor reasonsme dogs, I would like them to G u y a n e s egra pay a visit to the relatives are payingMa of victims to explain their e x o r b i t a ntpro position and to offer some prices toside condolence. I am calling travel upous upon them to go pay them North. a visit and to offer them 623 The formerbey some compensation,” said aviation ofRamlogan. info ficial is convinced thatlice Section 19 of the Dog Un Guyana’s curren Control Act: ed t affairs is one of have been avoi 19. (1) Where a class A and the continuanc dog injures a person, FAMILY PHOTO: 84-year-old Lillian Bunsee who “prosperous an without reasonable cause was mauled to death by a pitbull yesterday in her own oping” state-ow whether in a public place The home. rier being pres or on private premises, the oth prized for itsnox fu owner or keeper of the dog and importance is a no no. Aggression is not them away at the clinic yes- commits an offence and is han nese travelers. the type of training to do terday evening. He told the liable on summary convica b within that environment. Express the dogs were be- tion to a fine of $100,000 “They didn’tTrik High potency dog food and ing temporarily kept at the and to imprisonment for

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

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.

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.

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

38

Caribbean Star Newspaper

August 28 – September 3, 2015

CRICKET & Sports

Fastest to 8,000: AB breaks Ganguly’s record AB de Villiers breaks Sourav Ganguly’s world record of being the fastest to score 8000 ODI runs.

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fter a gap of 13 years, Sourav Ganguly’s record of being the fastest to reach 8000 runs in one-day international (ODI) cricket has been broken by the swashbuckling AB de Villiers today. The South African batsman took 182 innings to reach the milestone whereas Ganguly belted the same numbers in 200 innings.

In the match against New Zealand, De Villiers played an important innings to give a strong platform to the Proteas, who finished at 283 for the loss of 7 wickets in 50 overs.

The Kiwis were desperate for De Villiers’ wicket because he looked in good rhythm and was becoming a headache for

the bowlers. It was Doug Bracewell who finally brought relief to the visitors when he clean bowled De Villiers after the latter reached 64 runs off 48 balls which included 8 boundaries and 1 six.

Bracewell bowled a slower delivery, on a good length, and as De Villiers looked to drive through cover, the ball sneaked through bat and pad and hit the off stump. It was a massive wicket for New Zealand, but by then De Villiers had already entered the record books, for the umpteenth time.

De Villiers is the only batsman to score 8000 runs in less than 200 ODIs. It took De Villiers 10 years and 205 days to reach the landmark.

De Villiers, pacers give SA series 2-1 South Africa 283 for 7 (de Villiers 64, van Wyk 58, Milne 3-71) beat New Zealand 221 (Latham 54, Wiese 3-58, Rabada 2-33) by 62 runs

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outh Africa have not lost successive ODI series in five years; a score higher than 271 has never been successfully chased at Kingsmead and neither of those records changed as the hosts sealed the series in the decider with a 62-run margin. In the process, AB de Villiers became the fastest batsman to 8000 ODI runs, reaching the milestone in 182 innings, 18 fewer than Sourav Ganguly; South Africa posted their highest opening stand in 17 ODIs, of 89; Morne van Wyk scored his first innings of substance since his recall; Farhaan Behardien’s cameo showed his ability to finish and Imran Tahir underlined why he is being regarded one of the best limited-overs spinner in operation at the moment.

That’s not to say New Zealand did not turn up. Their attack adapted fairly well to a surface that did not offer the seamers as much as was expected. Adam Milne and Doug Bracewell bowled tight lines and Grant Elliott’s taking pace off the ball proved effective, but their fielding - they put down

four chances compared to South Africa’s three - let them down and their effort with the bat fizzled out once they lost the men they usually rely on.

Martin Guptill went early and Kane Williamson was dismissed seven balls before the halfway stage of their innings and it proved a loss from which New Zealand could not recover.

After taking Tuesday off to rub shoulders with the national rugby squad instead of training to save the series, South Africa’s intent was questioned but they began answering with bat in hand. Van Wyk’s reign saw no need in his natural aggression and found his first runs with a flat-batted pull. Amla played the foil and rotated strike while van Wyk beat the ball to the boundary.

He almost paid for that approach when he was on 17 and top-edged a pull off Milne that should have been caught at fine leg but Bracewell spilled an easy chance.

Bracewell had salt rubbed into the wound when van Wyk took 10 runs off his next over to see South Afri-

ca through the Powerplay unscathed.

He went on to survive New Zealand’s squeeze, which accounted for Amla, who sent a leading edge back to Grant Elliott, and Rilee Rossouw, who was caught at slip, and brought up a half-century off 79 balls. That score may be too late to save his international career but it played an important part in setting South Africa up.

De Villiers and David Miller built on that with a fourth-wicket partnership of 86, which came in just 10 overs.

Miller found some of the touch he has been missing, perhaps because he had de Villiers at the other end launching most of the attack. The South African captain reached 8,000 runs with a swipe to midwicket and upped the ante when he dispatched an Ish Sodhi longhop over midwicket, took three fours of Milne’s seventh over and looked in the mood for a big one, particularly with time left in the innings. But he could not negotiate a Bracewell slower ball which found his off stump and left it to Miller to take over.

Miller lasted less than three overs before loosely offering a catch to Luke Ronchi but Behardien was on hand to accelerate. He timed and placed the ball well for a quickfire 40 off 28 balls to ensure South Africa scored 44 runs in the last six overs and finished strongly.

Behardien’s effort proved to be the major difference between the two sides, after New Zealand’s innings

started in similar fashion. Guptill fell to a rejuvenated Dale Steyn, who invited the drive with a full delivery that moved away and found the edge but Tom Latham and Williamson provided stability.

They did not take any risks against Kagiso Rabada, who bowled with pace and control, beat the bat and found steep bounce, but waited for lapses from Kyle Abbott and David Wiese - two bowlers who have still not become as consistent as South Africa might like. Williamson could have been out for 24 when he pulled to Miller at deep midwicket but was let off, and then again on 37 when Rabada raced in from deep cover and dived needlessly instead of being on his feet and collecting, and New Zealand looked like they were laying the platform for a victory push.

Tahir changed all that with a googly that snuck under Williamson’s bat as he came down the track. Although Latham brought up his fifty three balls later, New Zealand’s fight seemed faded.

Latham was run-out to bring Elliott to the crease but he could not pull off his World Cup semi-final heroics. New Zealand lost their last eight wickets for 107 runs, with South Africa’s attack including a still-wayward Wiese sharing spoils, and after their first two fell with the score on 102, it was obvious why an innings of two halves would not win them the series.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

August 28 – September 3, 2015

39

Clarke’s parting plea for better Test pitches

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ichael Clarke has signed off for the final time as Australia’s captain with a plea for groundsmen to be granted the freedom to prepare the pitches they see fit, after the conclusion of the equal shortest Ashes series ever. No match reached the fifth day and two barely made it into a third, leaving Clarke to wonder if this was healthy.

Australia have taken pride in the way home pitches are prepared by groundsmen largely independent of national team influence, meaning that each ground has a chance to develop its own consistent characteristics. However the surfaces at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge in particular seemed tailored to the whims of England’s captain Alastair Cook and coach Trevor Bayliss, expressed publicly through the media, resulting in short, one-sided contests after the Australians failed to cope with conditions.

Clarke called for groundsmen to be allowed to dictate their own pitches. “I’d like to see groundsmen around the world - not just here - have the courage to go

with what they think is a good cricket wicket,” he said. “I think we’ve seen in the first two Test matches a lot of talk from the media and the commentators . . . about how flat the wickets were, yet those two Test matches were over in four days. One team won and one team lost. The next three are over in two and a half and three days.”

“I think Test cricket is a five-day battle. I want to see good and fair cricket for both batters and bowlers. I think that’s the way the game should be played - and, most importantly, I want to see a winner and a loser. But if the groundsman feels he knows how to produce a good wicket that will be a great battle of Test match cricket then I’d like to see them back themselves and go with that and not be persuaded by what’s said in the media or what the commentators say.”

Looking back over the series, Clarke argued that better cricket was witnessed at Cardiff and Lord’s than in the ensuring three Tests, even if Australia rebounded from their heavy losses at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge to win on a

somewhat more equitable surface at the Oval. He also said that numerous English groundsmen had told him they were unhappy to be compelled to do the bidding of others.

“Cardiff and Lord’s, we did see some really good cricket. I’m not saying the wickets were fantastic - don’t get me wrong - but we’ve seen a winner and a loser over four days,” Clarke said. “I think the past three Test matches have not been that case. People have tickets for today to watch a whole day’s play and tomorrow, and the same for Edgbaston and Nottingham. The fans of the game deserve to see a really good contest for five days.

“I don’t know what influence the ECB had . . . and to be honest I don’t know what influence they [Cricket Australia] have in Australia either. If I go to the groundsman at the Gabba and say ‘I want it to be a turned like the SCG’ he’ll absolutely laugh at me. It might be different around the world. You’re given a role, a responsibility, and a job and you want to be able to do your best at that.

“I’ve got a feeling, from the conversations I’ve had with a lot of the groundsmen in this country, they’re a little bit disappointed they haven’t been able to do as they’ve wanted to do.”

Clarke finished his career with 115 Tests, of which 57 were played against either England or India. When asked about this slant in terms of fixtures, Clarke said he wanted to see the game grow as widely as possible, and hoped that administrators would genuinely seek to achieve that in the future.

“I’d love cricket to be played in every country around the world . . . I’d love everybody to have the opportunity to see this great game,” he said. “In the same breath I cherish how lucky I’ve been to be able to play against England as regularly as I have, and play against India and South Africa and Bangladesh, whether it’s Test, one-day or Twenty20 cricket.

“Whatever we can do to grow the game, make the game better, touch a lot of different people around the world, that’s what I would like to see. I’d like to see cricket played in all countries.”

Kumar Sangakkara’s farewell speech

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Venkatapathy Raju worked with the Nepal squad ahead of the World Twenty20 Qualifier Sharda Ugra © ESPNcricinfo Ltd

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Raju to coach at Americas cricket combine

enkatapathy Raju, the former India left-arm spinner, has been announced as the third man in the lead coaching panel at next month’s ICC Americas cricket combine in Indianapolis from September 18 to 27.

Raju joins Courtney Walsh and Mike Young in the coaching staff for the Americas combine. Walsh and Young were the first two coaches to be announced as part of the talent evaluation panel that will help pick a combined Americas squad to compete in the 2016 WICB Nagico Super50 tournament in January. Raju lived on the mid-Atlantic coast in the USA for two years following his retirement from international cricket, and is quite familiar with the standard of cricket in America.

“I played for a couple of seasons, mainly in the Washington and New Jersey areas, and therefore have already seen first-hand the talent that exists in the Americas Region,” Raju said in an ICC press release. “I can’t wait to work with

Courtney, Mike and the other coaches to help the players improve their skills, in what really is an exciting initiative for the development of the game.”

Raju, who played 28 Tests and 53 ODIs for India from 1990 to 2001, is currently working as an ICC Asia Development Officer. He spent 10 days working with the Nepal squad in June during a camp in Dharamsala ahead of the World Twenty20 Qualifier. Prior to that assignment, Raju had also travelled to the UAE in October 2013 to assist their team’s spinners ahead of the 2014 World Cup Qualifier.

Earlier this month, the ICC named 83 players for phase one of the combined trial in Indianapolis from September 18 to 21. It is expected that anywhere between five to ten players from that group will be invited again for phase two of the trial from September 24 to 27, where they will join the 21 previously shortlisted players to compete for a spot in the final squad chosen to go to the Caribbean in January.

our excellency, the President of Sri Lanka, the honorable Prime Minister, Members of Parliament, all the well wishers and the invitees, fans, all my friends, my family - who are all here, which is a rare occasion that all of us are together - Virat Kohli and the Indian team, Angelo and my team, I have got so many people to thank here.

I will start off with my school - Trinity College, Kandy. Trinity College gave me a fantastic ground there in Kandy. It was an amazing school to go to. I owe a lot of who I am today to the grounding and foundation I got there. To all my coaches - I had so many because my father used to take me to so many coaches when I was young - a big thank you.

To all my past captains, to Sri Lanka Cricket, to all my team-mates, thank you very much for everything that you’ve done for me. The support that I received, the inspiration, the drive and the commitment you have shown, not just to the game but also to each other and to me, I value all very, very highly. I am going to miss all that chat we had in the dressing room.

To Charlie and Suthami Austin, thank you very much for managing me. You’ve become much more than managing, you’ve become family. I know I haven’t thanked you enough in the past but today I’d like to say a huge thank you to Charlie and Suthami for being friends and being my managers and most of all for making me the godfather of your beautiful children.

I didn’t have to look far for inspiration (gets emotional). My parents are here. I didn’t have to look far. I had amazing siblings. I am blessed with a wonderful family.

I was blessed to be born as your children.

When I look up at the box, people that I’ve known for 30 years, friends, family, everyone is here and to see that they love me is great and it will be my greatest achievement.

Lot of people ask me who inspired me and I always say I didn’t have to look far for inspiration. I am sorry I don’t want to embarrass you too much, but I didn’t have to look far from my home for inspiration because I have the most amazing parents that anyone could wish for.

I had amazing siblings and all the support, the love that they showed over the years, whether I played cricket or not, whether I did well or not, the only place I could go and feel safe was home and thank you ‘amma’ (mother) and ‘apachchi’ (father). Thank you.

It’s been one of the most special privileges of my life to play in front of the Sri Lankan people and Sri Lankan fans. I’m especially thankful to your love and support.

My innings has ended. I won’t play international cricket again. But I’ll come with you Khettarama, to Galle, to Tamil Union, and to SSC to watch the young cricketers play.

To Virat and his team, thank you most of all for the wonderful cricket that you’ve played. I can’t ask for anything more than tough cricket when I’m leaving and you guys over the years have been our toughest opponents. We’ve planned to beat you, we have at times and at other times we have failed, but thank you so much for putting in that effort. It doesn’t matter whether we lost today, we will try to beat you again in the next game, but thank you for the toughness, thank you for giving no quarter, and thank you for really making it a privilege of mine to play against you.

And to Angelo and the team… Angie you’ve got an amazing team, you’ve got an amazing future and I just hope you will work hard and enjoy this sport, this sport we only play for a short times. It comes and goes, but don’t be afraid. Take pride in what you do, don’t be afraid to lose when you are searching for a win, and keep Sri Lanka and the flag flying high.

Thank you.

40

August 28 – September 3, 2015

Shri Prakash Gossai Founder

Caribbean Star Newspaper

Acharya Arun Gossai Spiritual Leader

Caribbean Star Newspaper

August 28 – September 3, 2015

Saha, Vijay ruled out with injury

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riddhiman Saha and M Vijay have been ruled out of the final Test of the Sri Lanka series due to hamstring injuries. Wicketkeeper-batsman Naman Ojha will replace Saha in the squad, whileKarun Nair comes in for Vijay.

Saha had picked up the injury, to his lower right hamstring, during the second Test at the P Sara Oval. He retired hurt while batting on day four of the game, but came back out at the fall of India’s seventh wicket and was at the crease when Virat Kohli signaled the declaration, but it was KL Rahul who kept wicket at the start of Sri Lanka’s chase.

Vijay had missed the first Test due to what was tagged a hamstring “niggle”. He returned at the P Sara Oval, where he followed up a first-innings duck with 82 in the second. According to a BCCI release, during the game, Vijay “sustained mild re-occurrence on his pre-existing injury in his right hamstring and would need further

strength training to recover completely”.

Karnataka batsman Karun Nair comes fresh off an unbeaten century for India A against South Africa A, in a fourday game in Wayanad. Nair, who is yet to debut in senior international cricket, grabbed the spotlight in the 2013-14 domestic season, hitting centuries in three successive Ranji Trophy matches, including the quarter-finals and the semi-finals. In 2014-15, after a quiet start to the season, he impressed once again in the big game, hitting a triple-hundred in the Ranji Trophy final.

Madhya Pradesh’s Ojha had been called up as a replacement for Saha during India’s tour to England in 2014 as well, but did not get a game with MS Dhoni still around. Like Nair, he had made a mark in 2013-14, with 835 runs in seven Ranji Trophy matches and 430 runs in three innings, including a double-century and two centuries, for India A against an Australia A in Australia.

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Naman Ojha is likely to take the gloves for India at the SSC © Getty Images

Victory sends off Clarke and Rogers on a high Australia 481 (Smith 143, Warner 85, Voges 76, Starc 58) beat England 149 and 286 (Cook 85, Siddle 4-35) by an innings and 46 runs

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flirtatious Ashes series which has often been seductive without delivering much in the way of longterm commitment, so much so that the urn might have been sponsored by Ashley Madison, lent its loyalties for the final time to Australia as they claimed the fifth Investec Test by an innings and 46 runs.

There has been much to enjoy over the five Tests in a series watched by capacity crowds - and lovers of Test cricket will delight in that - but history is likely to judge this hit-and-miss series one of the more insubstantial affairs between two teams possessing striking inconsistencies - loved for their skill, unlikely to be hailed for their resilience.

Alastair Cook, England’s captain, will make light of that, content that after a 5-0 whitewash in Australia the Ashes have been regained. “I honestly believe this is a highly-talented group of players,” he said. “Being underdogs helped us and allowed us to play with a bit of freedom.

It has been a very different Ashes series: two-and-a-half day Test matches with one side getting on top and the other unable to respond, but I am very proud of the lads.”

As if to reveal this trait, all five matches have been one-sided. There has been entertainment a plenty but little tension.

As well as this victory margin - an innings and 46 runs, Australia found further consolation in London when they won by 405 runs at Lord’s. England dominated by 169 runs in Cardiff, eight wickets at Edgbaston and an innings and 78 at Trent Bridge. The

ability to fight back in adversity has been strangely lacking. It has not been a series to be holding tickets for the final day.

Rain delayed Australia for nearly three hours on the fourth day - not many batsmen on either side can claim to have done that to bowlers during this series - before Peter Siddle, appearing in the final Test like a battle-hardened guest star from a more sober age, took the last two wickets to finish with 4 for 35 and 6 for 67 in the match.

England’s winning margin was clipped to 3-2 and properly so. Stuart Broad, the leading wicket-taker in the series, is followed by four Australians. Joe Root is the only England batsman in the top four run-makers.

But England won some decisive passages of play, not just Stuart Broad with eight wickets on a heady first morning at Trent Bridge, but also the man who pipped him for the Man of the Series award, Joe Root, who struck centuries at Cardiff and Trent Bridge. The citation from Australia’s coach, Darren Lehmann, praised: “Outstanding knocks in bowler-friendly conditions at key moments.”

Chris Rogers, one player whose resilience could be taken for granted, was Australia’s Man of the Series. It has been hard work: the wickets have been tough and England have bowled pretty well,” he said. “I am a very proud Australian but it’s quite fitting for me that I get to finish up in England,. England has been pretty good to me.”

Pitches at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge shamelessly played to England strengths.

England, although they are far from being a strong Test side, can be an exciting one and they can be grateful to have regained popularity and come away with the spoils. Considering the disenchantment that surrounded English cricket after a feeble World Cup challenge, the director of England cricket, Andrew Strauss will more than settle for that.

Michael Clarke, although saddled with an Ashes record of five defeats in seven, at least retired knowing that for his farewell appearance the dressing room had responded to his leadership. “But this was not about me,” he said. “It was about the need to show determination. We are very proud of the result, although Alastair and England deserve a lot of credit.”

England still trailed by 129 when they resumed their second innings at 203 for 6. Mark Wood’s appearance as a nightwatchman on Saturday evening had appeared dubious even for those who are not automatically critical of the tactic. Any policy that pushes Moeen Ali down to No. 9, where his involvement can be curtailed in the space of two balls, surely does not have logic on its side, especially considering the prospect that he will be used as an

opening batsman against Pakistan in the UAE in October.

Since it was pointed out that the umpires have excelled in this series, with 31 of the first 32 reviews falling in their favor (the umpire’s call margin of error helps in this of course), the figures have been slightly tarnished by several reversed decisions for Kumar Dharmasena, the latest being when Australia successfully overturned his refusal of Siddle’s lbw appeal against Wood, DRS showing the ball going on to hit leg stump.

The recent introduction of the system where the third umpire’s instructions can be heard on TV and radio has added to the understanding of, and trust in, the system.

India’s continued resistance is perverse.

Jos Buttler’s disappointing Ashes campaign then came to rest when three overs later he drove Mitchell Marsh weakly to mid-off. Had Moeen’s edge of Siddle carried to slip before he had scored, Australia might well have beaten the rain.

Instead, much fidgeting ensured before Siddle bowled Broad with the second ball of the resumption, defeating an intended blow down the ground, and then found the edge as Moeen attempted a back-foot force.

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August 28 – September 3, 2015

Caribbean Star Newspaper

Smith to pick Ponting’s brain for captaincy tips

Australia’s new captain will seek Ricky Ponting’s help to guide the team through a difficult transition period.

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ELBOURNE, Aug 27 (Reuters) - New Australia captain Steven Smith will seek counsel from former skipper Ricky Ponting on how to lead the team and be its best batsman in a period of transition.

Smith will take the reins of the one-day team for the first time in a one-off match against Ireland on Thursday before taking charge of the test team for a series in Bangladesh in October.

With the retirements of former skipper Michael Clarke and opening batsman Chris Rogers, Australia will have a different batting lineup going forward but Smith will be expected to be the rock in both teams.

“I’m looking forward to hopefully being able to get him on the phone and talk a few things about him and just continuing to try and learn,” he told Australian media ahead of the ODI match in Belfast.

“I was lucky enough to play under him as a player. He’s certainly a little bit different to Michael (Clarke) in a few ways that he’s run things, both good and bad, each of

them to their own (style).”

A member of some of Australia’s finest teams in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Ponting led the team as a generation of greats came to the end of their careers.

Though Australia struggled to regenerate following their retirements, the hard-bitten Tasmanian continued to lead the way at number three in the batting order before giving up the captaincy to Clarke after a poor series in the 2010-11 Ashes defeat on home soil.

Smith batted at three in the recent Ashes series defeat, bookending a string of failures with a pair of centuries in the second and fifth tests. He will bat at three in the one-day team but is undecided where he should bat in tests, despite most pundits urging him to stick to the slot that Ponting owned for most of his career.

“Hopefully first and foremost I can keep making runs, that’s pretty important to me,” Smith said.

“To make sure I’m leading from the front.”

Will these two resuscitate a struggling Australia?

Richmond Hill: WISA Premier Champions Richmond Hill Sports Club defeated Enterprise CC by 43 runs to take home the West Indian Softball Cricket Association 25 Over Premier championship last Sunday at Dr. Charles Dew Park.

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nterprise won the toss and ask Richmond Hill (Sponsored by The Law offices of Rasul and Associates) to take first strike. Before a sizable crowd at hand, Carl Bennet provided the ball by ball commentary that added much excitement to those in attendance.

Skipper Kumar Chickery and Asif Ally (Ganguly) opened the batting for Richmond Hill and provided them with a decent start of 32 in five overs before Ganguly perished for 7 to a reverse sweep on the square leg boundary.

Satish Wilfred (VC) joined Kumar and they batted with a mix of aggression and caution. The two took the score to 71 when Kumar held out at deep square leg to the first ball to K. Singh’s second over.

Singh would take wickets with the third and sixth deliveries in his over to leave Richmond rattling to 73 for 4.

Needing to consolidate, Imran Wahab batted with vice-captain Satish but found runs very hard to come by. As a matter of fact, when Imran was bowled by K. Singh’s last ball in the 16th over for 2 in seventeen deliveries, Richmond Hill was 85 for 5 and would have been happy with a score of around 130. However, Shashi Wilfred joined his brother Satish and the two punished the bad deliveries for WISA

maximums according to commentator Carl Bennet while scampering singles and doubles.

Scampering would cost Richmond Hill the timely batting of Shashi to a hamstring injury when he retired hurt for 17.

To add insult to injury Satish who made his first significant score of the season – 52 with five towering sixes got out to Ramesh Barron with the score at 151 for 6 in the 23rd over.

After being 158 for 7 at the end of the 24th over Richmond Hill closed out their innings very strong with sixes off the bats of J. Hemraj (8), Darshan Chickery (9*) and Shashi Wilfred (23) to bring their score to 177 for 9. K. Singh was the pick of Enterprise CC bowling attack with 4 for 18 from his five overs. Remarkable, given the fact that he conceded 15 from his first over. He was ably supported by M. Sukhra and S. Seepersaud with two wickets apiece.

Enterprise CC began their reply with Dinesh Pooran and Ramesh Barron. The two put on a flyer against Richmond Hill’s pacers; Rohit Dutchin (Beast) and J. Hemraj (Blackie). At 35 without lost in the fifth over, Enterprise CC was well on their way and Richmond Hill was in some trouble. Then came the move of the game.

Skipper Kumar Chickery introduced the accomplished Akbar Khan who did not bowled a delivery for the entire competition. He took the wicket of Pooran with his fifth delivery for 9.

Enterprise lost wickets at 48, 52 and 53 from the steady bowling of Akbar Khan and Shashi Wilfred before Manoj Sukhra and K. Singh put on a 46 runs partnership for the 5th wicket. At 105 for 5 in the 17th over, Enterprise CC needed the kind of acceleration like that of

Richmond Hill to pull off the win but lost steady wickets instead. Ganguly accounted for Sukhra’s wicket for 22 with the score at 109 for 6. He then wrapped up the tail to secure Richmond Hill’s first Championship in three years. Enterprise CC was bowled out for 143. The aforementioned Ganguly, was Richmond Hill’s best bowler with 4 for 17. He was superbly supported by Akbar Khan with 2 for 7 in his four overs and Shashi Wilfred with 2 for 32.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

August 28 – September 3, 2015

43

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