Guyana chronicle 30 05 14

GUYANA

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GUYANA BLACKLISTED! No. 103843

FRIDAY MAY 30, 2014

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

INCLUDING VAT

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‘Today, I call upon the opposition to unconditionally pass a CFATF-compliant Bill to limit the harm already done, and the dangers to our people’s wellbeing.‘I will assent to such a Bill as soon as it is sent to me by the National Assembly’ ––President Donald Ramotar

President Donald Ramotar

‘The entire world recognises the importance of being in good standing with FATF, except the 33 persons who sit opposite us in Parliament. If you speak to anyone in the world, they would say it is a grave matter’ – Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh

‘They (the combined Opposition) should now take a bow, because this is what they have delivered to Guyana and its people as a 48th Independence Anniversary gift...’ - Attorney-General Mr. Anil Nandlall Attorney-General Mr. Anil Nandlall

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 30, 2014

Police prevent convicted wife killer from taking death leap ––as 78-year sentence pushes him over the edge

By George Barclay JUSTICE Navindra Singh has sentenced wife killer Kevin Verwayne to 78 years’ imprisonment after an Assize jury found him guilty of murdering his 20-year-old reputed wife, Suzy.

In an apparent suicide bid, the 25-year-old labourer of Pouderoyen, West Bank, Demerara attempted to leap from the court’s gallery to the ground 40 feet below, but his attempt was foiled by Police Sgt. Kenneth Wishart, who snatched him by the feet and, with the help of others, brought him back to safety.

S g t . Wi s h a r t w a s

Police succeed in restraining a convicted Kevin Verwayne (in handcuffs) leaping to his death over the Court’s railing after learning he’d have to spend the rest of his life in jail

among the police and prison officers who were taking the prisoner to the lockups from where he would be taken to a lawful prison to begin serving his 78 years’ imprisonment.

Sgt Wishart told the Chronicle, “If I did not snatch him in time, I am sure he would have been a dead man.”

One day in March 2011, Kevin, who normally used to threaten his lover that he would take her life for being unfaithful to him, hired a taxi and took her to a canal at Houston, EBD. The confession statement he gave to the police and his friends and relatives detailed that, on their way, he reminded

her of her deeds, then he hugged her by the neck and jumped into the canal with her, where he kept squeezing her neck and holding her beneath the water until she became lifeless.

Thereafter, he placed some trash over her body, and left for home, where he told his relatives what had happened.

His cousin named ‘Blacks’, to whom he had told the story, took him to the police, and he gave them a statement.

At his trial, which lasted about two weeks, seven witnesses gave evidence.

Kevin was represented

by Attorney-at-law Mr. Melvyn Duke.

After his conviction yesterday, Mr. Duke asked the judge for clemency and leniency.

Before imposing sentence, the judge also enquired from leading Prosecuting counsel, Mrs. Judith Mursalin, whether she had anything to say. She said investigations revealed that the accused had killed his reputed wife in a deliberate, unprovoked and unjustified act, and she lamented the frequency with which violence is being perpetrated on women in the country, and she declared that strong action must be taken to deter same.

Before imposing penalty, the judge said he does not impose the death penalty, but in sentencing for murder, he begins with 60 years, and would add or subtract as the situation warrants.

In this particular case, he said, because the act was premeditated, he would add 10 years to the 60.

For cruelty, he would add five years; and because domestic violence ranks as a licence of frequency, he would add an additional six years to the sentence.

The accused had been incarcerated for three years, therefore he would deduct the three years from the total sentence.

Noting that the accused had proffered no mitigating circumstance, the judge sentenced the accused to 78 years’ imprisonment.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 30, 2014

Just as the nation feared...

Based on Guyana’s huge hydropower potential…

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Guyana has been blacklisted

By Vanessa Narine

GUYANA has been effectively blacklisted internationally following the country’s referral yesterday to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) by the Caribbean Action Task Force (CFATF), the body that blacklisted Guyana regionally last November.

FATF’s decision follows a review of Guyana’s progress on Monday, where a local team, headed by Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall, was present.

The review was in relation to the protection of the international financial system from money laundering and financing of terrorism risks, and the encouragement of greater compliance with standards.

At the end of its fiveday meeting yesterday, CFATF issued a missive advising its members to consider implementing “further” counter-measures against Guyana, some counter-measures having already been implemented after November’s blacklisting, to protect their financial systems from the ongoing money laundering and terrorist financing Finance Minister, risks emanating from Dr Ashni Singh Guyana, as described below.

The regional body made it clear that Guyana has strategic Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) deficiencies, and has not made sufficient progress in addressing these.

According to CFATF, in a public statement, “As a result of not meeting the agreed timelines in its Action Plan, the CFATF recognises Guyana as a jurisdiction with significant AML/CFT deficiencies, which has failed to make significant progress in addressing those deficiencies, and the CFATF considers Guyana to be a risk to the international financial system.

“Members are therefore called upon to implement further counter measures to protect their financial systems from the ongoing money laundering and terrorist financing risks emanating from Guyana.

Also, the CFATF has referred Guyana to the FATF.” DETAILED COUNTER-MEASURES The regional watchdog body went on to detail the counter-measures that can be taken by its members to protect their financial systems from the ongoing money laundering and terrorist financing risks emanating from Guyana.

These include: * The requirement of enhanced due diligence See page 8

‘Reversing the damage done is not going to happen overnight, and mere passage of this Bill will not make this go away. When the world has been put on notice that Guyana is in default, it will take a lot of work and passage of time to correct this’ - Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh

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In address to the nation ...

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 30, 2014

President urges Opposition ‘to unconditionally pass’ controversial AML/CFT legislation ––to spare Guyana and its people further embarassment and hardship GUYANA was referred to the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) yesterday by the regional body, the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), which stated that Guyana is considered to be a risk to the international financial system after failing to implement its recommendations, particularly the enactment of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of terrorism (AML/ CFT).

And President Donald Ramotar, in his address to the nation last evening, called on the combined Opposition to pass a CFATF-compliant Bill, in the interest of limiting the harm already done to the country by being blacklisted, and the dangers such a development poses to our people’s wellbeing. Below is the full text of Mr. Ramotar’s statement: “We have just received news that at the 39th Meeting of the CFATF, held from May 26 to 29, 2014, Guyana, which has been the subject of a CFATF review, as a re-

“The Opposition demanded that it be sent to a Special Select Committee, because they had amendments.

They proposed no amendments; the Government then returned the Bill to Parliament in November 2013. The Opposition voted it down.

“In December, the Bill was returned to Parliament, and again the Opposition demanded that it go to a Special Select Committee for them to make amendments.

They only proposed amendments in February 2014, just before a CFATF review meeting later that month.

“A CFATF assessor was invited to look at the amendments. At a meeting held of the Special Select Committee on February 21, 2014, he expressed the view that the opposition’s amendments were not CFATF-compliant.

He spoke to the media and the business community, and expressed the same opinion.

“CARICOM Leaders at the Heads of Government meeting in St. Vincent urged Guyana to pass the Legislation to prevent the unnecessary hardship to our people and the rest of region.

“Individual CARICOM Leaders, the Organisation of American States (OAS), the local business, labour, banking, insurance and farming communities also made several appeals to have this legislation urgently passed.

“The Chairperson, the CEO of CFATF also visited Guyana, and again urged that the CFATF- compliant Bill be passed. Moreover, exhortations by the diplomatic community here also pointed to the dangers, and urged that we pass this Bill.

“In spite of these regional, international and local voices, the Opposition stubbornly refused to support the passage of a CFATF-compliant Bill.

“In so doing, they have now put in danger our country’s financial system. Moreover, they have now endangered the very welfare of all of our citizens.

“Today, I call upon the opposition to unconditionally pass a CFATF-compliant Bill to limit the harm already done, and the dangers to our people’s wellbeing.

“I will assent to such a Bill as soon as it is sent to me by the National Assembly.”

PRESIDENT DONALD RAMOTAR sult of the National Assembly not passing the necessary legislation, that is the AML/CFT Bill, was referred to FATF. “In the meantime, they have issued a public statement, informing the world that Guyana poses serious risks to the International Financial System. They called upon the rest of the world to take measures to protect their systems from those risks.

“The measures, at this stage, could include the requirement of enhanced due diligence; introducing enhanced reporting mechanisms or systematic reporting of financial transactions; refusing the establishment of subsidiaries or branches or representative offices in Guyana, or otherwise taking into account the fact that the relevant financial institution is from a country that does not have adequate AML/CFT systems and limiting the business relationships or financial transactions with Guyana or persons in our country, among others.

“Fellow citizens, as you know, the Government did everything possible to get this piece of Legislation through the National Assembly. A CFATF-compliant Bill was laid in Parliament since April 22, 2013 by the administration. Had it been passed then, Guyana would not be in this situation today.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 30, 2014

Executive Director announces...

Green Climate Fund ready to receive contributions

By Clifford Stanley THE Green Climate Fund (GCF), a global initiative established to channel billions in new finances to developing countries like Guyana, last week concluded discussions on all the elements which needed to be put in place before it could

William G. Demas Memorial Lecture.

Agreed to by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UFCCC) in 2010, the role of the fund is to make a significant contribution to the global efforts to limit warming to two degrees

and timely role in climate action globally by catalysing public and private funding at the international, regional and national levels through dedicated programming in climate change mitigation and adaptation and as a driver of climate resilient development.

GCF Executive Director, Ms Hela Cheikhrouhou (centre) no doubt being commended for her excellent presentation by none other than Chairman of the CDB Board of Governors and Guyana’s Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh (left) as CDB President, Dr. Warren Smith (right), awaits his turn to do likewise

receive contributions.

The disclosure was made

by GCF Executive Director, Ms Hela Cheikhrouhou during her feature presentation at the William G. Demas Memorial Lecture themed ‘Green Climate Fund: Great Expectations.’

The talk, at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown, was hosted by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in honour of a former Governor of the Bank, scholar and highly respected public servant, Mr. William Demas, who died in 1998.

“The Fund is now ready for business,” Cheikhrouhou told the gathering for the 15th

centigrade (2°C) by providing financial support to developing countries to help reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change.

“The vision of the GCF is to devise new paradigms for climate finance, maximise the impact of public finance in a creative way and attract new sources of public and private financing to catalyse investment in adaptation and mitigation projects in the developing world,” Cheikhrouhou explained.

She said the GCF is poised to play a relevant

The memorial lectures have been staged by the Bank during its annual general meeting every year since his demise and Cheikhrouhou was the selected speaker this year.

Audience included The Chairperson for the event was Dr. Warren Smith, President of the CDB and those in the audience included Guyana Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Denzil Douglas and Premier of Montserrat, Mr. Reuben T. Meade.

Chairman of the 44th annual meeting of the CDB Board of Governors and

Guyana Minister of Finance, Dr.Ashni Singh; CARICOM Secretary- General, Ambassador Irwin La Roque; other Ministers of the Guyana Government, more Governors and members of the CDB and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

During her presentation Cheikhrouhou said climate change poses the greatest challenge humankind has ever faced.

“Rising temperatures, rising sea levels jeopardising the lives of people in low-lying coastal areas and small island states, increase in hurricanes and related damages, loss of income from tourism etc pose a severe threat to countries all over the world and the Caribbean in particular,” she warned.

She stressed that in order to stay below 2°C of warming, the world must effectively become carbon negative and most fossil fuels – the driving force behind many economies and much of our develop-

ment – must be replaced by renewables and clean forms of energy.

Cheikhrouhou declared:“It cannot be business as usual any longer. The costs of inaction would amount to 22 per cent of gross domestic product for the Caribbean as a whole by 2100 and could reach an astonishing 75 percent or more of GDP by 2100 in Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, St.Kitts and Nevis and Turks and Caicos.”

She disclosed that the GCF represents an important avenue for developing countries including those in the Caribbean to access a new source of grant aid for mitigation of climate change and for building resilience to its hazards.

Joint endeavour The Executive Director pointed out that the Fund is a joint endeavour between developed and developing countries with equal representation of both worlds on its Board.

She said that representatives on the Board will work in collaboration to access resources to implement programmes for mitigation and adaptation.

The GCF is counting on pledges of finances from developed countries and innovative and compelling strategic proposals from developing countries to make the fund successful.

She emphasised:“Decisive action based on strong political will and accompanied by sufficient resources – financial and otherwise – is imperative in addressing the negative impacts of climate change through both adaptation and mitigation.

“Only through cooperation, collaboration, a common vision and aligned political will can we rise to the great expectation of finally winning the battle against climate change.”

“The challenge is huge and the expectations are certainly great. It can be done,” she maintained.

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Maya Angelou: A phenomenal woman still rises, even after death SHE transcended some of the direst challenges that can face a woman and a human being to rise above her fortunes and her circumstances to stand triumphant as one of the most compellingly strong and vibrant women and human being of her day.

Poet, author and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou has died after suffering from heart problems for years.

She passed away at her North Carolina home in the United States on Wednesday at the age of 86.

Most poets and writers verbalise their pain and Maya was no exception: “Up from a past rooted in pain, I arised,” she informed the world, because she refused to give in to the turbulences in the human condition and just lie down and die.

This phenomenal woman influenced ‘women of substance’ worldwide – women of no mean global standing, such as Oprah Winfrey, as she wrote: “From behind nights of terror and fear, I arise into a daybreak miraculously clear.”

Born on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, writer and civil rights activist Maya Angelou is known for her 1969 memoir, ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’, which made literary history as the first nonfiction best-seller by an African-American woman. In 1971, Angelou published the Pulitzer Prize-nominated poetry collection, “Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘Fore I Die”. She later wrote the poem, “On the Pulse of Morning” - one of her most famous works - which she recited at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration in 1993.

Angelou has received several honours throughout her career, including two NAACP Image Awards in the outstanding literary work (non-fiction) category, in 2005 and 2009.

Multi-talented barely seems to cover the depth and breadth of Maya Angelou’s accomplishments. She is an author, actress, screenwriter, dancer and poet. Born Marguerite Annie Johnson, Angelou had a difficult childhood.

Her parents split up when she was very young, and she and her older brother, Bailey, were sent to live with their father’s mother, Anne Henderson, in Stamps, Arkansas.

As an African American, Angelou experienced firsthand racial prejudices and discrimination in Arkansas.

She also suffered at the hands of a family associate around the age of 7: During a visit with her mother, Angelou was raped by her mother’s boyfriend. Then, as vengeance for the sexual assault, Angelou’s uncles killed the boyfriend.

So traumatised by the experience, Angelou stopped talking.

She returned to Arkansas and spent years as a virtual mute.

During World War II, Angelou moved to San Francisco, California, where she won a scholarship to study dance and acting at the California Labour School. Also during this time, Angelou became the first black female cable car conductor—a job she held only briefly, in San Francisco.

In 1944, a 16-year-old Angelou gave birth to a son, Guy (a short-lived high school relationship had led to the pregnancy), thereafter working a number of jobs to support herself and her child. In 1952, the future literary icon wed Anastasios Angelopulos, a Greek sailor from whom she took her professional name—a blend of her childhood nickname, “Maya,” and a shortened version of his surname.

In the mid-1950s, Angelou’s career as a performer began to take off. She landed a role in a touring production of Porgy and Bess, later appearing in the off-Broadway production Calypso Heat Wave (1957) and releasing her

first album, Miss Calypso (1957). A member of the Harlem Writers Guild and a civil rights activist, Angelou organised and starred in the musical revue ‘Cabaret for Freedom’ as a benefit for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, also serving as the SCLC’s northern coordinator.

In 1961, Angelou appeared in an off-Broadway production of Jean Genet’s ‘The Blacks’ with James Earl Jones, Lou Gossett Jr. and Cicely Tyson. While the play earned strong reviews, Angelou moved on to other pursuits, spending much of the 1960s abroad; she first lived in Egypt and then in Ghana, working as an editor and a freelance writer. Angelou also held a position at the University of Ghana for a time.

After returning to the United States, Angelou was urged by friend and fellow writer James Baldwin to write about her life experiences. Her efforts resulted in the enormously successful 1969 memoir about her childhood and young adult years, ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’, which made literary history as the first nonfiction best-seller by an African-American woman. The poignant work also made Angelou an international star.

Since publishing Caged Bird, Angelou continued to break new ground—not just artistically, but educationally and socially. She wrote the drama ‘Georgia, Georgia’ in 1972—becoming the first African-American woman to have her screenplay produced - and went on to earn a Tony Award nomination for her role in the play Look Away (1973) and an Emmy Award nomination for her work on the television miniseries Roots (1977), among other honors.

Angelou has written several autobiographies throughout her career, including All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes (1986) and A Song Flung Up to Heaven (2002), but 1969’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings continues to be regarded as her most popular autobiographical work. She has also published several collections of poetry, including Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘Fore I Die (1971), which was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

One of Angelou’s most famous works is the poem ‘On the Pulse of Morning’, which she wrote especially for and recited at President Bill Clinton’s inaugural ceremony in January 1993 - marking the first inaugural recitation since 1961, when Robert Frost delivered his poem ‘The Gift Outright’ at President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration. Angelou went on to win a Grammy Award (best spoken word album) for the audio version of the poem.

In 1995, Angelou was lauded for remaining on The New York Times’ paperback nonfiction best-seller list for two years - the longest-running record in the chart’s history.

Seeking new creative challenges, Angelou made her directorial debut in 1998 with Down in the Delta, starring Alfre Woodard. She has also written a number of inspirational works, from the essay collection ‘Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now’ (1994) to her advice for young women in ‘Letter to My Daughter’ (2008). Interested in health, Angelou has even published cookbooks, including ‘Hallelujah!

The Welcome Table: A Lifetime of Memories With Recipes’ (2005) and ‘Great Food, All Day Long’ (2010).

Angelou’s career has seen numerous accolades, including the Chicago International Film Festival’s 1998 Audience Choice Award and a nod from the Acapulco Black Film Festival in 1999 for Down in the Delta; and two NAACP Image Awards in the outstanding literary work (nonfiction) category, for her 2005 cookbook and 2008’s Letter to My Daughter.

An icon – a legend in her own lifetime, has died, but she still rises and will continue to rise as she challenges the human spirit in oppressed people for generations to come.

GUYANA CHRONICLE MONDAY May 30, 2014

Guyana

EDITORIAL When Maya Angelou died on Wednesday at age 86, she left behind a legacy of resilience. The Jim Crow South – which raised and shaped her – held terrors so fathomless as to render anyone’s capacity for love inert. But hers survived; it even flourished.

Documents of her struggle spoke to generations of admirers, yet despite their universality, they stayed rooted in singularities unique to her existence: Always distinctly black, and impossible to separate from her womanhood.

Perhaps no greater testament to this exists than her 1978 poem ‘Still I Rise’: ‘You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may tread me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?

Why are you beset with gloom?

‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I’ll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?

Bowed head and lowered eyes?

Shoulders falling down like teardrops.

Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?

Don’t you take it awful hard ‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines Diggin’ in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I’ll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?

Does it come as a surprise That I dance like I’ve got diamonds At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history’s shame I rise Up from a past that’s rooted in pain I rise I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear I rise Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise I rise I rise MAYA ANGELOU

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GUYANA CHRONICLE MONDAY May 30, 2014

65kph is a reasonable speed limit for East Berbice APPROXIMATELY four months ago, in a letter published in your newspaper, I asked the authority that fixes speed limits to kindly advise on the rationale used to fix the speed limit in East Canje, Berbice, at 50kph.

Editor, to date there has been no response. Is it that these officials feel that they have no obligation to respond to the foolish public, or that they are supreme and cannot be questioned? Or is it that they think Berbicians are milking cows to be used to fatten others.

I hope the Honourable Clement Rohee or the Honourable Robeson Benn, whichever Ministry the authority falls under, can use some turpentine on them.

In my previous letter, I showed -- by comparisons to other areas, width of road, congestion, etc -- that fixing the speed limit at 50kph was not consistent, rational or realistic.

I also queried 50kph at Tain and Esplanade Road, and the requirement to stop before proceeding across bridges on the Corentyne. I asked whether statistics of tickets issued in East Berbice for 2013 showing tickets issued in the 50kph zone and 80kph zone could be published. If they need a copy of my letter, they can call 618-3510.

Editor, the police continue to be unreasonable. Imagine, at 14:00 hours on Labour Day, when, as one sugar worker put it, there was not even a red ant walking on the road, the police was there with the speed gun. It is hard to drive below 50kph on an uncongested road. As I said before, 65kph is more realistic.

I once again ask the authority responsible to share the rationale used to fix the speed limit in these areas at 50kph, or change it to 65 kph and remove the stop sign on the bridges.

MOHAMED AKEEL

Time to make Anil Nandlall Senior Counsel THE Attorney–General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall, should be appointed a Senior Counsel (SC) since he has fulfilled all the requirements and beyond for such conferral to be made, which was advertised in the newspapers.

Mr. Nandlall is one of the most important young intellectuals produced by the Hugh Wooding Law School in the 21st Century, and this is demonstrated in the depth and breadth of his scholarship as the holder of such an important office.

The foundation for Mr. Nandlall was laid as a student at Queen’s College, amidst a class of highly competitive colleagues where he breezed through, as well at the Hugh Wooding Law School, where he performed exceptionally well.

His acuity and integrity as an academic has brought dignity and refinement to his office, as well as to all areas of law, which is reflected in the many publications which bore his stamp, and he has demonstrated the qualities we need to move this country forward by his brilliant advocacy of the law, both in the Courts and in Parliament.

His wealth of experience, erudition, humility and genuine respect for everyone is an inspiration, which he continues to demonstrate with importance which young attorneys should try to emulate, since relationships are what life is all about.

His stellar performance as Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs since 2011, and his passion for his job has inspired many, and influenced political discourse, since he is never daunted by the forces of those who think that they are better advocates of the law, but in many instances are forced to eat back their words, so to speak.

He is best known for the passion with which he advocates his independent thoughts, since he understands the importance of a good debate, and citizen engagement in politics as a strategy of institutionalising democracy, and is never daunted by those frivolous minds who write issues of the law.

Mr. Nandall is truly an outstanding legal son of Guyana, and there is no doubt that he deserves to be conferred with Silk.

PETER FRASER

More food for thought on the Colwyn Harding matter FOLLOWING on from my previous letter, I wish to go further on the allegations against the police in the Colwyn Harding matter.

How many people have properly examined a police baton?

I could now understand why Cecil Kennard came to the conclusion that Harding wasn’t baton-raped after he (Kennard) examined a police baton before reaching his conclusion.

The largest part of a police baton, in terms of circumference, is towards the tip (end). The said end (tip) is not rounded nor pointed. Rather, the baton’s tip (end) is sawn-off, making it flat, and this flat area at the tip (end) is much larger than the anal opening.

Before a baton can enter the rectum, it first has to pass the anal opening, which is a ring of powerful muscles called the sphincter muscle, which is always tightly closed, even during sleep.

Ask anyone who has ever had a prostate examination done on him by a doctor as to how (un)comfortable the experience was, even though the doctor would first wear a glove over his hand, then insert his glove-covered finger through the anal opening and into the rectum.

For a police baton to enter the rectum, it first has to rip and tear apart the anal opening, resulting in serious damage with profuse bleeding, and requiring immediate life-saving surgery.

Harding alleged that the police baton was covered with a condom. Was the allegedly horrible police who did such an allegedly horrible act also, at the same time, very considerate of Harding’s well-being that he took time to place a condom over the baton?

Harding spent many weeks in prison on remand with normal bowel movements. How could this be so if his allegations of baton-rape were true?

On January 13, Nigel Hughes told the magistrate in a packed Providence Magistrate’s Court that Harding’s mother, Sharon Harding, in the presence of himself (Hughes) made a police report to Timehri Police Station that the police baton-raped Harding on November 28, 2013, and later assaulted him at the station.

The prosecutor said it was an allegation, and that Hughes should use the word “alleged”, which Hughes refused to do. It was pointed out by the prosecutor to the magistrate that Harding ably walked into Court, and did not report anything to the magistrate, except that he did not beat the police.

It was further pointed out by the prosecutor that on Novem-

Noise Nuisance unabated FOR the safety of myself and family, I am kindly requesting you withhold publishing my contact information.

I feel compelled to seek your support to highlight and address a most disturbing and traumatic evil of noise nuisance in our society.

I readily acknowledged the numerous actions implemented by the Minister of Home Affairs to eliminate this highly annoying scourge.

However,it continues to grow even stronger and has spread widely; it has been ignored for too long and is constantly interfering and affecting our sanity.

I am a resident of Versailles on the West Coast of Demerara and almost every weekend, night and day, especially on a long weekend, I usually fear staying in my own home. The loud music and boom boom emanating from Aracari Resort, which also contributes to triggering the alarms of cars parked in the said Aracari Resort compound, can best be described in its intentions of sending the residents crazy, is no exaggeration.

The police have responded. However, after they leave, in about 15 to 20 minutes music goes up ten times louder than before.

This matter was before the Courts approximately three years ago with the involvement of the Environmental Protection Agency where a ruling was made against the excessive loudness of the music. Three years after we continue to suffer.

We have become a very violent society and we need to explore the variables between loud obnoxious boom boom music and violent behavior.

I am appealing, through your medium, seeking any interventions in this most appalling, disgusting and life-threatening ‘disease.’

RESIDENT Name withheld by request

ber 28, Harding was in prison on remand, as he did not pay his bail, nor did anyone pay the said bail on his behalf.

According to Harding’s mother, something happened to Harding on November 28 (while Harding was in prison on remand). Note that the allegations changed from November 28 (when Harding was on remand in prison) to January 13 (when Harding was in police custody). Innocent police are being blamed, as it is profitable to blame the police to extract G$100 million of hardworking Guyanese tax-payers’ money in settlement or lawsuit.

Did the Guyanese public note the haste with which a settlement was requested, with a threat of a lawsuit, before an investigation could be done? With such a seriously grave threat being made against the police, all innocent persons need to beware.

Which innocent person is now safe from being falsely accused of anything by those backed by the Alliance For Change (AFC); A Partnership for National Unity (APNU); Guyana Bar Association (GBA); and Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA)? There are two lengthy taped conversations on the Internet in which a witness claims an offer of money was made to change testimony.

How believable the allegation, and how reliable is the witness as to the alleged assault that took place in the police lockups? The doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital say Harding did not report any rape to them and that they treated him for hernia. Was Harding afraid they would discover his allegations to be false? Was he advised not to do so, as his allegation would be discovered to be false?

I am recommending to the Guyanese public that anytime anyone consults a doctor, they should raise the topic of a baton being inserted through the anal opening then entering the rectum. It is also recommended that every adult male should get a prostate examination done on him every four years for the early detection of prostate cancer, and then understand the discomfort of a finger being inserted, so as to comprehend that a baton could never have been inserted into Harding’s anus.

In my estimation the allegations are fictitious, pretentious and malicious, and therefore all the allegations are to be treated as such. This whole matter has been a conspiracy to procure conviction of an innocent person, and it is an offence. It has also been an attack on the Guyana Police Force, on law and order, on the harmony of the people, and against the peace of the country.

REAZ HOLLADAR

CAL rip-off and blockage of choices THE former Prime Minister of Trinidad, Dr. Eric Williams, once stated that one minus ten leaves zero when he was referring to the possibility of his island’s withdrawal from the West Indian Federation.

This type of thinking permeates Trinidad-owned Caribbean Airlines (CAL). Their fares are high when they are the only operator for a route, and the moment a competitor enters and offers a lower fare, Caribbean Airlines quickly matches it.

This is the rip-off we get from our CARICOM neighbour, and yet still we have in Parliament the opposition blocking the project for the construction of a larger and modern airport, which will give us more choices.

The construction of the new airport is now in its infancy, and already there are two new airlines planning to start operations in July 2014. This is forward planning by these two new airlines: Copa and Instel. They are looking into the future, and seeing the growth trajectory of a new airport and, as such, are positioning themselves to benefit from it.

I wish these two airlines every success, and cannot wait to visit the exciting destinations of Aruba, Curaçao and Panama.

REGGIE BHAGWANDIN

Guyana has been...

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From page 3

measures; * Introducing enhanced reporting mechanisms or systematic reporting of financial transactions; * Refusing the establishment of subsidiaries or branches or representative offices in Guyana; * Taking into account the fact that financial institutions from Guyana that do not have adequate AML/CFT systems and limit the business relationships or financial transactions with the country.

In November 2011, the CFATF brought to the attention of its Members certain jurisdictions, Guyana among them, with significant strategic deficiencies in their AML/CFT regime.

With a view to encouraging expeditious rectification of the identified strategic deficiencies, Guyana and the CFATF developed an Action Plan with identified target dates to address the strategic deficiencies that exist in Guyana’s national architecture to combat money laundering and Minister Anil Nandlall the financing of terrorism.

Back in November 2013, CFATF had said: “Guyana has failed to pass the relevant legislation necessary for it to significantly improve its AML/CFT regime, and therefore has not substantially addressed the outstanding deficiencies...”

But while the government contended that the deficiencies at reference were wholly addressed in the AML/CFT Amendment Bill, it has still not received the support of the combined Opposition -- A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) -- both of whom are calling for certain conditions to be met before they do so.

APNU, for instance, has proposed three amendments that proffer a change to the entire governing apparatus of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), two of which are the removal of the words Attorney-General wherever it appears and replacing it with the acronym, FIU; and vesting a Police or Customs Officer with the power to seize currency from any person, anywhere in Guyana, if those officers have reason to believe that it is the proceeds of crime, or will be used to fund criminal activities. The Party is also calling for President Donald Ramotar to assent to Bills passed in the National Assembly, through the Opposition’s one-seat majority, but as the Head of State was at pains to explain, those calls are unconstitutional.

The AFC, which is fully behind APNU’s position, is demanding the establishment of the PPC (Public Procurement Commission), which the government has agreed to, providing that Cabinet retains its no-objection role in the process; but the latter position has been rejected by the AFC.

With neither Parliamentary Opposition party budging on their positions, the Attorney-General, on behalf of the Government, earlier this month offered them counter-proposals, in the interest of ensuring that the amendments made are CFATF-compliant, and reaching a compromise.

These counter-proposals are being considered by the Parliamentary Select Committee, which has been reviewing the AML/CFT Bill for more than 12 months now, and held its most recent meeting last Thursday, May 22.

NO REVERSAL Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, has told the Guyana Chronicle that even if Guyana were to pass the AML/CFT Amendment Bill today, it would not mean a reversal of CFATF’s decision.

“The entire world, he said, “recognises the importance of being in good standing with FATF, except the 33 persons who sit opposite us in Parliament.

“If you speak to anyone in the world, they would say it is a grave matter. The Opposition in Guyana says we

‘The entire world recognises the importance of being in good standing with FATF, except the 33 persons who sit opposite us in Parliament.

If you speak to anyone in the world, they would say it is a grave matter’ – Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh are crying wolf; nothing will happen; and no one will be affected.

“The truth is that there are people today who cannot do international transactions; they cannot make international payments; the staff of international agencies here are affected… There are people who are affected right now. There are people who say to me that the cost to send remittances have gone up because of increased scrutiny and greater due diligence.”

Noting that the dismissal of the consequences for Guyana is nothing less than irresponsible, Dr Singh said: “It is irresponsible to say no one will be affected; irresponsible to say that only big businesses will be affected, because big businesses translate to little jobs, and every big business, if you want to treat them dismissively, employs hundreds of ordinary Guyanese; and if a big business cannot execute an international transaction, that affects its workers, its profitability, and its viability.”

He, however, said that though the government remains committed to acting in the interest of the Guyanese people, correcting the damage done by the issuance of CFATF’s missive to its members will not be an easy task.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 30, 2014

“Reversing the damage done is not going to happen overnight, and mere passage of this Bill will not make this go away,” Dr Singh said, adding: “When the world has been put on notice that Guyana is in default, it will take a lot of work and passage of time to correct this.”

But, he said, the government is willing and ready to do all it can to reverese the situation. “We are committed to enacting the legislation; to do what we have to in Guyana’s interest, but make no mistake about it, it will not be easy to reverse the damage done by this advisory; and the responsibility for the damage lies with the Opposition.”

As the minister was at pains to explain, international blacklisting goes to the core of Guyana’s financial system, in terms of negative impacts.

“We cannot trifle; we cannot gamble with the integrity of our financial system,” he said. “No responsible leadership should take a position that results in the integrity of a country’s financial system, and a country’s credibility to the rest of the world being tarnished and affected.

“This inflicts severe damage to the credibility and financial standing of our country, and I maintain that no responsible politician would allow this to happen... It is extremely unfortunate that the Opposition refuses to allow a CFATF Bill to be passed through the parliament.”

He drew reference to Belize, which was also blacklisted by CFATF last November, saying that in spite of their ideological differences, the country’s political leaders were able to recognise the importance of compliance with CFATF and, by extension, FATF’s standards and enact legislation.

And because Belizean parliamentarians saw the importance of putting country first, theirs was the sweet victory yesterday when they learnt that their country was given a favourable review by CFATF. Unfortunately, Guyana was not so lucky, and will now have to contend with the challenges for Foreign Direct Investment, trade transactions, remittance transfers, business operations and even the Man in the Street.

NO SURPRISE But, as Dr. Singh said, the Government was not surprised by CFATF’s decision, given the fact that the Opposition chose to ignore all the forewarnings of the risks of not enacting the legislation.

“This is an extremely, extremely unfortunate and calamitous development for Guyana, and I am very disappointed,” Dr Singh said, adding: “On the other hand, I can’t say that it comes as a surprise to me. For weeks and months, we have been cautioning that our failure to enact this legislation will lead to CFATF taking this position. We have said this ad nauseam, ad infinitum. We have repeated it in public; we have repeated it in Parliament; we have repeated it in the Parliamentary Committee. It was only a matter of time...

“This was the inevitable consequence of the Opposition’s refusal to enact a CFATF-compliant Bill, and the responsibility for this lies squarely and firmly in the hands, and at the feet, of the Opposition.”

FATF’s next plenary meeting is slated for June 23 to 25, 2014 in Paris, France, at which time the international body is likely to put Guyana up for review by its International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 30, 2014

Old Kai: Chronicles of Guyana…

The combined Opposition is way out of its league ––on issues of Economics in Guyana

OLD Kai has been paying special attention to the areas of focus by the opposition politics parties over the past few years. Everything they have done to date has been centered on distracting from the economic revolution underway in our country.

They cannot dispute the fact that Guyana has experienced record years of consecutive economic growth, so they have smartly stayed as far away from this reality as possible. Conversely, they have embarked on a deliberate strategy to destabilise the factors of economic growth by strangling, through their one-seat majority in the National Assembly, any initiative that would aid the business sector.

Their justification has been lack of transparency and corruption. It does not matter how much information is provided; it does not matter what this PPP/C Government does. The opposition will continue to maintain its stance, because it simply does not have another option. It is fully aware that economics is not its forte, so it will stick to those two excuses, without venturing further to explain in detail exactly what are the particulars of its concern.

Their position is buffered by the ‘independent media’, the majority of which do not care to press the opposition for more details. They are running out of ammunition to attack the Marriott Hotel, after the investor from Hong Kong was identified; so be prepared for a shift in their line of fire in the days ahead.

When you have individuals such as David Granger and his buddy Joseph Harmon, along with Khemraj

Ramjattan and Moses Nagamootoo articulating the economic policies of the opposition, you get the picture. These are the individuals who are vying to be placed in positions where they will direct the future of Guyana’s economic progress, and by extension the economic future of each and every single Guyanese, regardless of what your features are, your economic status, your profession, ethnicity, political persuasion, sexual orientation etc.

In economics, one is taught the formula for forecasting.

To determine a future outcome, one is required to take a combination of past and current data, using a prescribed formula, to come up with a projection. If we were to forecast the economic ability of the AFC/APNU, I daresay the results will be very grim.

Let’s start with the AFC: This is a small party that is less than 10 years old. We are told that the Party has raised millions upon millions of dollars over this period, yet this Party has had trouble honouring something as straightforward as its rental obligations. As a result, it has moved its headquarters around the Capital City more times than Hammie and Sooba have clashed at City Hall.

The financial mismanagement was evident in the fallout after the last elections, when members accused an elite clique within the Party of not properly accounting for the expenditure of over $20M, while the Party’s leadership is still to pronounce on one of its MP’s from Berbice being accused of misappropriating millions of dollars in party donations.

The financial mismanagement and lack of accountability inside the Party reached a crescendo when the fallout spilled

out into the open, and several members, both locally and overseas, who were significant financiers packed up their bags and left the AFC’s camp. The situation got so dire that they sent Moses Nagamootoo to the media to highlight their financial plight, and beg for more donations.

Bear in mind that this does not take into consideration their numerous flip-flops, siding with contractors who employed their membership to use their position in the National Assembly to force a particular outcome in awarding of project etc.

If we were to use their ability to maintain the financial health of their small political Party, then clearly within the range of 10, they would come out 7. It is guaranteed that based on their performance thus far, being placed in charge of the Executive arm of Government will do great damage to the economic wellbeing and future prospect of Guyanese.

But, clearly, that is not a possibility, as even the AFC leader has admitted that they knew before the 2011 elections that they would have not been elected to Government.

Hence, it is easy to see why they made, and continue to make, all manner of grand and over-the-top declarations, as they are aware that they will never be called upon to honour them.

We will focus on the PNC-APNU economic performance in tomorrow’s edition, and come up with their forecasting score. In the meantime, you can make your own assessment and send your comments to oldkaichronicles@gmail.com

Did the political Opposition hear the CDB president on renewable sources of energy?

THERE has never been any doubt as to the PPP/C government’s socio-economic development plans for the country, inclusive of which is using its abundant sources of renewable energy as a means of replacing fossil fuel.

The reasons for this are many-fold, beginning with the importance of creating a green economy, thereby mitigating the creeping dangers of climate change; affording the nation a cheaper rate of energy charge, which would result from a significant reduction in fossil fuel prices; and allowing manufacturers to expand their businesses, particularly in the direction of value-added products.

The above explains why the government has brought the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Bill to Parliament for legislation, so as to begin what would be the country’s most important socio-economic project that would forever change all our lives, setting the country

firmly on the road to modernisation.

But the painful story of the combined political opposition stymieing the acceptance of this Bill is well known.

Their motive? Unbelievably, playing politics; for it is unthinkable that they are not aware of the significance of such a historic project, with the great economic benefits that such will bestow on the nation.

Therefore, yesterday’s address by Dr. Warren William Smith, President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) at its 44th Annual Meeting of its Board of Governors, was as timely as it was significant for the salient truths when he pronounced, in quite unambiguous and forceful language full of development realities, that because of the Region’s reliance on imported fuels and high electricity costs, the region is uncompetitive.

His advice is quite simple, but honestly objective: New sources of energy must be created. Immediately, one must ask the question: Did the political opposition, both the A

Partnership For National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), listen to the eminent speaker’s advice? And if they did, then what are they going to do about such a reminder?

Surely, it must have been happy on the part of government to listen to a truism which they have been battling valiantly to realise in the context of Guyana’s development; and, yet again, painful to know that an intransigent opposition with a mediaeval mindset, refusing to join in the efforts of moving Guyana along the line, as outlined by the CDB president.

It is instructive to note that Dr. Smith emphasised the significance of Guyana having enough renewable energy potential that can supply its domestic needs, all of CARICOM, and even neighbouring Brazil.

Did the political opposition hear Dr. Smith’s address on renewable sources of energy, and its centrality for higher economic growth?

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 30, 2014

Finance Minister on AFC’s about face ...

‘Too little, too late!’

By Vanessa Narine

THE Alliance for Change (AFC), following the announcement that Guyana has been referred to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) yesterday, contends that the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Amendment Bill, whose enactment could have prevented the country’s international blacklisting, can be passed in 72 hours.

The AFC is now willing to compromise, by amending Section 54 of the Procurement Act so that Cabinet’s right to raise an objection on the award of contracts is enshrined, something it had previously objected to.

The Procurement (Amendment) Bill 2013 was read the first time in the National Assembly last November, and aims to amend the 2003 principal Procurement Act by making changes to section 54 by deleting subsection six – effectively restoring Cabinet’s no-objection role.

Section 54 deals with Cabinet’s involvement in reviewing the award of procurement contracts and the phasing out of its functions with the establishment of a Public Procurement Commission (PPC), in the interest of decentralising the procurement process.

Currently, the procurement process is decentralised at the level of Ministry, Regions, District Tender Boards and the Ministry of Finance’s Tender Board.

Contracts above the $15M mark are taken to Cabinet for its no-objection statement.

Sub-section Six states that: “Cabinet’s involvement shall cease upon the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission except in relation to those matters referred to in subsection one which are pending.”

Without the Procurement (Amendment) Bill 2013, once the PPC is established, Cabinet’s no-objection role will no longer be effective.

Government’s position is that if Cabinet is clothed with the responsibility to be accountable to the National Assembly for public spending and to be held accountable, the Cabinet must have a role in the procurement

process.

The AFC had premised its support for the enactment of the critically important AML/CFT Bill on the establishment of the PPC, which the Government agreed to, provided that Subsection 54 was amended to maintain

FAST-TRACK The AFC, in a statement yesterday, now proposes a road map to fasttrack the operationalisation of the PPC, and the passage of the AML/CFT Amendment Bill.

The Party said: “The

‘They (the combined Opposition) should now take a bow, because this is what they have delivered to Guyana and its people as a 48th Independence Anniversary gift...’

- Attorney-General Mr. Anil Nandlall.

Cabinet’s no-objection role, but for over 12 months the latter was rejected by the Party.

Additionally, the AFC had endorsed the many conditions of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and neither Opposition party budged on its positions leading to a political stalemate that resulted in the non-enactment of the AML/CFT Bill, which languished in the Parliamentary Special Select Committee that was reviewing the legislation.

AFC proposes that a process to fast-track the operationalisation of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) be implemented with the government naming two nominees to the Procurement Commission, APNU naming two, and the AFC will name one.

“These five names would be submitted to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to ensure they meet the criteria for the Procurement Commission. This could be done within 24 hours.

“The next stage of the process would see the Na-

Friday may 30 –– 05:00 Saturday may 31 –– 05:30

tional Assembly approving the nominees. Given the Government’s demand for Cabinet to retain a role in the award of contracts, the Alliance For Change has already indicated its willingness to compromise by amending Section 54 of the Procurement Act so that Cabinet’s right to raise an objection on the award of contracts is enshrined.

“Once the House approves the nominees they could be sworn in. Following this the Alliance For Change would have no hesitation in giving its support for the passage of the AML/CFT Bill. The Party believes that this can be accomplished within 72 hours. It is time to cut the rhetoric and let us move things along. The people of Guyana demand no less of their leaders.”

TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE Asked by the Guyana Chronicle yesterday to comment on this latest development, Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh

expressed his dissatisfaction at the timing of the proposal by the Alliance for Change.

“The AFC’s offer is too little too late,” he said, before going on to explain that the AFC’s proposal is an impossibility in the timeframe stipulated, since the Procurement (Amendment) Bill 2013, which ensures Cabinet’s no-objection role, has to be passed in the National Assembly; after which the nominations by each Party have to be approved by the PAC. More importantly, he said, even if the proposal was to be seriously considered, the establishment of the PPC requires a twothirds majority in the National Assembly, and the AFC and the ruling party only constitute a 60 per cent majority.

As for Attorney-General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall, his initial response was to question the timing of the position change.

“This is a tragedy whose consequences are yet to be

assessed,” he said. “Certainly the financial climate and environment in Guyana will be different; certainly financial transactions across borders will be severely affected.

“Ultimately, it will result in added economic and financial burdens to every citizen of Guyana.

“Those in the Opposition and other cynics, who accused us in the Government of engaging in scaremongering tactics, should now be called upon to answer for their irresponsible and utterly foolish assertions.

“Significantly, this disaster has been brought about upon the people singularly by the arrogance, stubbornness and greed of the combined Opposition for political power.

“They (the combined Opposition) should now take a bow because this is what they have delivered to Guyana and its people as a 48th independence anniversary gift, blacklisting as our country’s birthday gift. I hope they feel a sense of fulfillment.”

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 30, 2014

CDB President recommits to advancing regional integration -at end of fruitful 44th Board meet

By Vanessa Narine THE 44th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Carib-

Dr. Singh had echoed similar sentiments, in underscoring the need to work more urgently and concert-

ment agreed that the Bank should sharpen its focus on a limited number of key priority areas in going forward. Those

CDB President, Dr. Warren Smith speaking during the close of the 44th Annual Meeting of the CDB’s Board of Governors (Photos by Cullen Bess-Nelson)

bean Development Bank (CDB) ended on a high note yesterday at the Guyana International Convention Centre (GICC), with CDB President, Dr. Warren Smith expressing the Bank’s recommitment

edly to restore faith in regionalism; pride in regional identity; and enthusiasm for the regional enterprise.

Cognisant of those appeals, the CDB President yesterday said: “We heard the repeated calls from your-

areas are consistent with CDB’s comparative advantage and operational capacity.

At the 44th meeting, governors, for the second consecutive year, participated in a roundtable discussion intended to provide guidance

evaluation, energy, risk, and communication.

“The recruitment process is continuing apace, with a focus on strengthening capacity, particularly in the Operations Area.

“Similarly, reasonably good progress is being made in our reform agenda. Governance and accountability mechanisms have been strengthened, and transparency and disclosure policies are being operationalised.

“Governors have spoken loudly and frequently over these four days about the need to vigorously pursue internal reforms in all of (their) aspects. Even though much has already been done in this regard, management intends to deepen and accelerate the process over the next year.”

The CDB President appealed for the “customary support and encouragement” from the Bank’s Governors and Directors as it manages the difficult but necessary reform process.

Smith also addressed issues relating to the CDB’s credit rating, risk management, sovereign debt, and financial sector crisis.

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, the CDB’s outgoing Chairman of the Board of Governors, un-

past several months to implement the reform agenda.

“More specifically, I find it most pleasing to learn of

The CDB’s new Chairman of the Board of Governors, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Denzil Douglas, left, with outgoing Chairman of the Board of Governors, Guyana’s Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh

the improved credit rating of the Bank, a direct result of hard work and focused attention. The truth is that the reform agenda has been set for some time now, and it is time for delivery. There

The CDB’s management team

to the process of regional integration.

This commitment to the process of regional integration had been underscored

by President Donald Ramotar and Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh on Wednesday.

In his address at the opening of the CDB meeting, President Ramotar had challenged the Bank to address several areas he described as quintessential to ensuring development of the region’s competitive advantage with a focus on regional integration.

self and the other governors for a recommitment to regionalism, and we also sensed your infectious enthusiasm for the regional enterprise.

“We concur with these sentiments, and will play our part in designing and implementing regional approaches, especially in areas such as climate change, including renewable energy; transportation; taxation; and economic and social statistics.”

The CDB President said the organisation’s manage-

to the Bank’s management in crafting the entity’s strategic plan for the 2015-2019 cycle.

Management also provided an update on the implementation status of measures agreed during the 2013 Governors’ Roundtable.

Smith also acknowledged concerns raised about the Bank’s internal capacity and the status of its internal reforms. He said: “Governors will be pleased to know that, over the past year, the Bank accelerated the recruitment of staff in key areas, such as internal audit,

derscored the identification of areas of challenges and priorities going forward, as a major success for the assembly.

“The Bank has served us well,” he posited.

ENCOURAGING STRIDES At the end of the meeting, the CDB elected a new Board Chairman, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Denzil Douglas.

He said: “I am indeed encouraged by the strides the Bank has made over the

development.”

Dr. Douglas made it clear that for all borrowing and non-borrowing member coun-

is no shortage of good plans and good intentions. “…over the next twelve months, I intend to do my part to push forward the agenda for change.

“The performance of the Bank is central in tackling the major issues related to competitiveness; to renewable energy and high electricity costs; to the increasing threats posed by climate change; (and to) achieving sustainable growth, arresting high unemployment, and breathing new life into the elusive goal of private sector

tries, CDB is a trusted partnership which must be put to work alongside the many other strengths of the Bank which have repeatedly been referred to time and time again.

Next year, the CDB Board of Governors Meeting will be held in St Kitts and Nevis. In May of each year, the Board of Governors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) holds the Bank’s Annual Meeting in one of its 27 member countries. This is normally a week-long event comprising seminars, workshops, and two days of formal meetings attended by the institution’s governors, most of whom are prime ministers, ministers of finance, or other high level authorities of the member countries.

The governors used the opportunity to review the Bank’s operations, and to undertake an assessment of its performance relative to its agreed mandate and goals.

The Caribbean Development Bank is a regional financial institution that was established in 1970 for the purpose of contributing to the harmonious economic growth and development of the member countries in the Caribbean.

Nineteen regional borrowing member countries, three regional non-borrowing member countries, and five non-regional, nonborrowing member countries comprise the Bank’s clientele.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 30, 2014

Guyana delegation attends ILO Conference in Geneva LABOUR migration and employment strategies, strengthening ILO Convention 29 on forced labour, and facilitating transitions from the informal to the formal economy are the priority items on the agenda of the 103rd Session of the International Labour Conference, which got underway earlier this week in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Conference is being attended by worker, employer and government delegates from the ILO’s 185 member States. It is expected to focus on ‘Building a future with decent work’.

Guyana’s delegation is being led by Labour Minister Dr. Nanda K. Gopaul and Chief Labour Officer, Mr. Charles Ogle. Representing local workers is Mr. Seepaul Narine, Treasurer of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions, while the employers’ delegate is Ms. Jerry Goolsarran, Consultant to the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industries (CAGI).

Guyana’s delegation attending the 103rd Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland headed by Labour Minister, Dr. N.K. Gopaul.

The International Labour Conference, among other things, is responsible for supervision of the application of Conventions and Recommendations at the national level. It examines the reports which the governments of all member States are required to submit, detailing their compliance with obligations arising out of ratified Conventions.

It is also the body that crafts and adopts international labour standards in the form of Conventions and Recommendations. The Conference is also a forum where social and labour questions of importance are discussed and every two years the Conference adopts the ILO’s biennial work programme and budget, which is financed by member States.

Since the adoption of the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (1998), another important function of the Conference is to examine the Global Report covering the four fundamental rights, namely: (a) freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining; (b) the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour; (c) the effective abolition of child labour; and (d) the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation. The Conference concludes on June 12, 2014.

GUYANA CHRONICLE FRIDAY May 30, 2014

According to new ECLAC report:

13

Latin America, Caribbean received US$184.92 billion in Foreign Direct - a change in trend forecasted for 2014 Investment in 2013 LATIN America and the Caribbean notched a new historic high in 2013 upon receiving US$184.92 billion dollars in foreign direct investment (FDI), 5% more than in 2012 in nominal terms, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) informed yesterday.

Global FDI flows climbed 11% in 2013 from the previous year, and Latin American and Caribbean participation in the world’s total stayed at 13%, said the report ‘Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean 2013’, which was presented yesterday at the United Nations organisation’s headquarters in Santiago, Chile.

According to the report, FDI towards the Region has grown steadily since 2003, with the exception of 2006 and 2009, although in proportion to the size of the economies it has remained practically stable since 2011. This growth has been sustained by an increase in domestic demand and high prices for commodities exports.

In the last two years, the economic expansion has slowed and metal prices have fallen, which is why ECLAC forecasts that FDI flows will diminish slightly in 2014. Despite this, the organisation notes that transnational companies still show great interest in the Region’s long-term growth in consumption and in the exploitation of natural resources.

According to the study, 82% of FDI flows go to the Region’s six biggest economies, although in relative terms they have more impact in smaller nations, especially those of the Caribbean.

Brazil receives 35% of the FDI that comes to Latin America and the Caribbean: in 2013 the country attracted 64.046 billion dollars, slightly below the level seen in 2012. Mexico is the second-biggest recipient with 38.286 billion dollars in 2013, which was double the amount received in 2012 thanks to Anheuser-Busch Inbev’s acquisition of the Modelo beer company for US$13.249 billion dollars.

In 2013, the countries that received less foreign direct investment were Chile (-29%), Argentina (-25%) and Peru (-17%), while flows increased significantly to Panama (61%) and Bolivia (35%). Central America drew 21% more FDI than in 2012 while the Caribbean registered a 19% decline (due to a specific operation in The Dominican Republic).

“In the last decade, foreign direct investment in Latin America and the Caribbean has multiplied by four, but it is necessary to analyse its role in terms of achieving structural change for equality. We believe this income should be part of the production diversification processes that the Region’s countries are carrying out,” said ECLAC’s Executive Secretary, Alicia Bárcena.

According to the organisation’s top representative, “investment in sectors with high technological content has a greater possibility of generating positive impacts in the local economy, but it is equally important for transnational businesses to establish links and productive chains with local companies.”

The average profitability of transnational companies in the Region dropped below 6%, its lowest level in a decade, mainly due to the decline in prices for some commodities exports. Despite that, these companies’ total profits rose to US$111.662 billion dollars in 2013. These earnings, the report warns, represent a negative flow that affects the Region’s current account deficit.

With respect to the sectors that receive flows, ECLAC’s study does not show evidence of significant change. In 2013, the service sector attracted 38% of the total, manufacturing 36% and natural resources 26%.

Europe as a Region led the list of main investors in 2013: both in Brazil and Mexico it accounted for about half of FDI flows. The United States, for its part, continues to be the biggest single investor.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE FRIDAY May 30, 2014

Finance Minister calls for institutional strengthening of regional and international institutions

By Derwayne Wills FINANCE Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, has called on international finance corporations (IFCs) -- the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) -- to aid Guyana in establishing good public/private partnership (PPP) transactions.

Recognising the role to be played by regional and international development partners in helping to identify good opportunities for public/private partnership, Dr. Singh issued the call on Wednesday during a public/ private partnership seminar initiated in lieu of the 44th Annual Meeting of the CDB’s Board of Governors.

The minister noted the extreme importance of the PPP model for use in financing the huge infrastructure gap that persists in the Region, and during his earlier address to the opening ceremony, he asserted that in “recognising the severity of the fiscal constraint facing us in the Region, and acknowledging that it would be impossible for the required investments for

Guyana’s Finance Minister and CDB Bank Governor, Dr. Ashni Singh, makes a point during Wednesday’s meeting (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo) transformation to be made within the confines of public sector fiscal and debt sustainability, it is absolutely critical that the Bank pays greater attention to private sector financing.”

Dr. Singh observed that multilateral and regional institutions regard themselves more in the capacity of guardians and protectors from ill-fated PPP projects than the promoters and facilitators of good PPP projects.

He added that the major impediments for the Region are the ability to identify good opportunities for PPPs; structuring good transactions; and bringing credible investors to those transactions, while ensuring that such transactions are brought to conclusion with successful implementation.

He also noted that there is a fair distance to be travelled by the Region in assuming the first leap in ad-

vancing towards some PPP investments.

Minister Singh said he had seen many presentations and papers that cautioned on the risks, which are all too familiar; however, he said it would be essential for good transactions to be published along with feasibility studies, so that credible investors could be brought to the table in order for negotiations to be confirmed and concluded.

The minister said what obtains in the Caribbean is the general perception of many that airports, roads and bridges are public sector investments, while regrettably, the Region is not quite at the point where there is conclusive consensus that an airport is a ripe opportunity for PPP. “I believe there is a very important role to be played given the lack of experience in the Region in implement-

ing PPPs with the recognition of the urgency and legitimacy of the instrument as a solution,” Dr .Singh said.

The Finance Minister said the Region does not have too many options if it continues to hold to the reality of limited alternatives to private capital. As such, this results in the existence of a considerably wide infrastructure gap at the same time when the country is faced with very severe fiscal circumstances.

“The dilemma for us is that in each of our respective countries we have -- largely because of scale -- fairly limited institutional capacity to implement good PPPs on a large scale,” Dr. Singh said.

He related that, in similar circumstances as Jamaica, Guyana is fortunate that there exists some amount of capacity, but this is not to shy away from the reality that the nation could not pretend to possess the level of capacity that would be needed to implement all the PPPs. He concluded that there in an important role to be played by the identified institutions in public/ private partnerships.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE MONDAY May 30, 2014

PPP/C administration has taken Guyana through 22 years of positive growth -HPS

CABINET Secretary and Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, has said that on the occasion of Guyana celebrating its 48th Independence Anniversary, no one can doubt the positive changes that have been wrought.

During his post -Cabinet media briefing on Wednesday, Dr. Luncheon said the changes over the last 22 years have been most demonstrative and most instructive.

“And of course the last 22 years constitute the time that the current PPP/C administration has been in office, there can be no useful effort in comparing our economic situation between those dark days of the 80s and 90s and what we enjoy today.”

Dr. Luncheon said for Guyanese, most important has been the measures by the administration to redistribute wealth,

which he said was created over the last 22 years.

“And those measures include the income tax rates that have been reduced since 1992, the income tax threshold that has been reduced, old age pension that has been increased, wages in the public service that have been annually increased for decades, a national minimum wage that has been successfully implemented.”

Dr. Luncheon added that the economic turnaround has seen incisive interventions by this administration in the social sector particularly in education, health, housing, and water.

“The private sector has prospered and progressed, indisputably, similarly the welfare of the poor and the disadvantaged and the vulnerable that has not gone unattended to.”

This administration, Dr. Luncheon said, challenges anyone to dispute these accomplishments as

Guyanese celebrate 48 years of independence and reflect on tasks not yet completed and others not yet undertaken.

“The President in his address on the occasion in his message encouraged Guyanese to be proud of the accomplishments, and profoundly, he paid particular attention of the state of the body politic currently in Guyana.”

In his message, the President also repeated his earlier calls for more constructive engagement with the political opposition ultimately for the good of Guyana and Guyanese.

Guyana on Monday last celebrated its 48th Independence Anniversary with the symbolic flag raising ceremony which was held at the National Park and other flag raising ceremonies which were held in the ten administrative regions. (GINA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 30, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE MONDAY May 30, 2014

Parents fail to identify alleged baby kidnapper

By Asif Hakim THE parents of the now 15-day-old baby who was kidnapped when only nine days of age, have failed to positively identify the alleged kidnapper at an ID parade staged yesterday morning at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Eve Leary, Georgetown.

Earlier, Police had arrested Bibi Khan, a former sales representative of Multi-Technology Vision (MTV Channel 14/65) in connection with the kidnapping of the child, and his parents were taken to the CID Headquarters in the city from Berbice to confirm whether she was the suspect.

However, the parents did not finger Khan, of Zeeburg, West Coast Demerara, who was arrested by the Police late Wednesday night, along with another person, and had matched certain

The distraught parents: Father, Ravikant Vistonauth; and mother, Sandra McLean, called ‘Pinky’ specifics of the alleged kidnapper.

According to the infant’s mother, she would even decline to press charges against the kidnapper who had identified herself as Bibi Khan, an assumed alias, if the woman would only return the child.

“I don’t want anything, no Police action or nothing, just that she put the baby some place and I will come for him. I want back my baby,” the The now 15-day-old mother appealed. infant who is still missAccording to ing after being kidMcLean, the kid- napped on Saturday napper had met her at the hospital where she was admitted to await delivery and cultivated her friendship, expressing an interest in the newborn and giving her $5,000, for the child, on each of two separate occasions.

Last Saturday, nine days after the boy’s birth, the family was hosting a celebration, and the kidnapper turned up and offered to sponsor part of the festivities.

The mother, together with the baby and See page 18

17

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GUYANA CHRONICLE MONDAY May 30, 2014

Parents fail to identify ...

From page 17 the woman, made their way to Rose Hall Market, Corentyne, Berbice, where the kidnapper sent the mother to purchase fish before disappearing with the infant.

That happened last Saturday, leaving the parents who live at Number 60 Village, Corentyne, frantic with worry about the infant’s whereabouts.

His father, Ravikant Vistonauth and mother, Pinky, were distraught.

BEFRIENDED HER According to Pinky’s aunt, Radhika DeBarros, a woman named Bibi from the Surinamese border town of Nickerie befriended her niece while the latter was in hospital awaiting delivery.

The alleged kidnap“Since then, she per, who has been has been around to i d e n t i f i e d a s ‘ B i b i see the baby rather Khan’ often,” De Barros said, adding:“The woman was nice; I can’t even tell you how this happen.”

On the day of the kidnapping, De Barros said Pinky had gone to the market in the company of the kidnapper and had asked the latter to keep the child while she went to get something.

“In two minutes, the woman disappeared,” De Barros related, her voice loaded with emotion.

Assistant Commissioner and Commander of Police ‘B’ Division, Brian Joseph, told the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday that there were no new leads in their investigations.

The authorities are continuing their search though for the missing child and anyone with information in relation to this case is being asked to contact the nearest Police station, or the parents on telephone numbers 338-1297, 660-2651 or 693-9484.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 30, 2014

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 30, 2014

Inaugural Guyana Festival to feature cultures that comprise national tapestry

By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally

THE inaugural Guyana Festival – Sound, Soul and Taste - slated to take place at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence from August 8-10, 2014 will feature a fusion of the six different cultures that make up the Guyanese tapestry; and for the very first time, will be bringing together reflections of a true melting pot that represent the Guyanese identity.

Speaking to this newspaper on the developments and progress the festival is making, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh, who is also marketing coordinator of the festival, explained that the festival is receiving tremendous support both locally and internationally.

Only recently, he said, Courts Guyana donated $2M and Caricom Bottling Inc. donated $3M towards staging the festival.

the festival internationally in New York, Miami and Toronto, with flyers being placed in aircraft traversing the Guyana route. Flyers have also been placed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and at a number of hotels, Haralsingh disclosed.

The Guyana Festival Passport, costing US$15, will be available to mark this event, and there will also

be a festival coin available at King’s Jewellery World.

Other branded memorabilia available for purchase both locally and internationally will soon be available.

The GTA will announce at a later date, where these ‘keepsake’ items will be available, but interested persons can also contact the office at 219-0094/96.

The Guyana Festival covers three days, and

Guyana Festival memorabilia Haralsingh explained that the festival committee is presently focusing on making persons aware of the event by means of a massive marketing campaign. “We have had a road show in Parika, Region 3, and the staff distributed flyers and had discussions with the public; and I average that we directly reached a few thousand persons.”

He indicated that there will be a series of other road shows across the length and

breadth of Guyana, and committee members are currently working to have some of the Guyanese singers and other celebrities onboard these road shows.

In high-traffic areas, such as the East Bank of Demerara, the Rupert Craig Highway and a few other places, the festival committee has already placed billboards to sensitise the public of the event.

A number of persons are also working on marketing

Guyana Festival Passport

will feature the country’s most celebrated legends in sports, culture, art, music, food, entertainment, and much more. Day One will feature an air-show and national concert; Day Two the audience will experience the Night of the Legends, and Day Three will feature a National Cookoff with food from every culture, followed by the Generation X Concert.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 30, 2014

At Public/Private Partnership Seminar...

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Brassington cites Berbice River Bridge as successful model

By Derwayne Wills CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Mr. Winston Brassington, has said the US$41M Berbice River Bridge succeeded in reducing transportation constraints.

He was speaking Wednesday, at a Public/Private Partnership Seminar held during the 44th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Board of Governors at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

According to Brassington, the benefits of the project for the country were marked by the significant and essential assistance of the initiative in the reduction of transporting time to cross the river, from three hours by ferry to three minutes using the bridge.

He noted that the financing of the construction was broadbased and ushered in the commitment of the top five banks in the country, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and the Hand-In-Hand Group of Companies.

According to him, the revenue collection from it is governed by the Berbice River Bridge Act which was passed in Parliament and provided for a concession agreement, through which annual tolls could be adjusted in order to ensure sufficient charges are collected to outweigh the operating and maintenance costs as well as servicing capital of the massive Public Private Partnership (PPP) venture.

Brassington said the bridge, having been opened in December 2008, the projected tolls for which feasibility studies were conducted to corroborate profits, as regards the willingness to pay, reflected that passengers were expected to pay for vehicles using the ferry as well as for each passenger.

SINGLE TOLL However, the bridge managed to eradicate this system by setting in place a single toll, which included all passengers for a flat rate that provided round trip usage of the

Head of NICIL Mr Winston Brassington speaking at the CDB meeting on Wednesday structure under the benefit principle for taxation.

Given that cars and minibuses constitute 95 percent of the passenger revenue accumulated yearly, the tolls on the bridge were similar to what had been paid while using the ferry service and that base rate remained constant throughout, in excess of ten years, from the time of the commission of the multi-million-dollar edifice, according to Brassington.

The NICIL CEO maintained that, in real terms, inflation has been 67 percent from the time of the bridge opening, so it therefore translates that the rate demanded from passengers is substantially less than what was being paid on the ferry in 2005.

He confirmed that the level of revenue collected from

Coinciding with independence anniversary…

National Library exhibition features women writers of significance

By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally

THE Resources and Documentation Centre of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, in collaboration with the National Library, has launched an exhibition highlighting Guyanese women writers who would have made a significant contribution to the country’s literary arts.

The four-day display, at the National Library, in Church Street, started on Tuesday and continues through May 31, with the focus on 50 of Guyana’s known women writers.

Among them are Pauline Melville, who was the first Guyanese writer to be awarded a Commonwealth Prize for Literature; Oonya Kempadoo, who has been cited internationally as being a great talent of the 21st century; and the late Beryl Gilroy, one of the oldest Guyanese authors who has made a great impact on the international scene, particularly in the United States.

Representative of the Resources and Documentation Centre, Yvonne Stephenson, explained that the exhibition is aimed at encouraging other women to write and youngsters to continue writing until they are recognised.

She noted that there are many women who write and are not known, and as well, there are persons who are not aware of the known writers in our society, therefore, the need for such a show.

Stephenson expressed her sincere thanks to the staff of the National Library for assisting in making the event a reality since they were given very short notice.

TIMELY Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Patrick Findlay, who spoke

Persons viewing the book exhibition after the launch

tolls has increased slightly, reflecting an overall increase of between four percent and eight percent in any one year.

Brassington said, in reviewing the revenue and performance, there is some laudability in examining the projected level of revenue accumulation and noting a steady growth in both passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles accessing the bridge’s service.

Commenting on the benefits of Public/Private Partnership between Government and Private Sector, Brassington reaffirmed that there is recognition of the concession type model as a useful mechanism to fund infrastructural development aimed at reducing the eventuality of incurring fiscal risk of domestic public debt. on behalf of Minister Jennifer Webster at the launch, said the occasion is timely as Guyana is celebrating 48 years as an independent nation and that the environment created by displaying the skills, talents and creativity of Guyanese women writers speaks to the fact that the country’s development goes far beyond economics and technology.

He said the occurrence has presented the public with the most talented writers who would have tremendously impacted on the way persons see themselves and, in some instances, helped to understand the Guyanese society.

“No doubt we need engineers, accountants, economists, doctors, lawyers and entrepreneurs but, equally, we need creative writers who will produce a corps of writing, a body of literature we could call our own,” Findlay said.

He continued: “The women we are saluting today are, without a doubt, expanding our literary horizon both at home and further afield. We are proud of them, their outstanding creativity, their creative minds and their brilliance in telling their stories have earned some of them awards in a highly competitive arena.”

Another speaker on the programme was Acting Chief Librarian, Emily King, who expressed delight at being a part of such a showing because the National Library is presently engaged in a campaign to create general awareness of the literary Guyanese writers.

She said this will also give youths the opportunity to see what Guyanese writers have contributed in the literary field.

Other writers featured include Sherene Nobe, Mahadai Das, Maya Tiwari, Stephanie Bowri, Lynette Dolphin, Grace Nichols, Rose Magdalen-Daniels, Brenda Harris, Jennifer Trotman-Smith, Elly Niland, Cassia Alphonso, Varalie Joseph and Julia Theresa Kanhai.

The National Library would like to encourage all persons, especially students, to view the exhibits.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 30, 2014

W

ell hello there.... The red hot fashion divas are back with a bang, and we bring you with pleasure a scorching sampling of a few that we ran into not so long ago. And from what I have seen, these hotties are really mixing up the mood, as is evident in their sexy, saucy, provocative and enticing undertones. Well, soak up all the fun folks, and do remember to check out the next three pages for the wildest entertainment ride ever...

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 30, 2014

rovocative P st o M ‘s ll e sh b m o B

Esther Osborne: Unforgettable for her radiant beauty and stunning womanliness

Esther is simply unforgettable among the male species (Ha! Ha! Ha!)

G

UYS, Esther Osbourne’s beauty is so electrifying, and her personality is so demurely suave that she will rock the foundations of your masculine world and have you thinking about permanent commitment before you know what has come over you.

This warm, effervescent, and very cheerful personality possesses that very

Kross Kolor to host ‘Centre Stage’

Babes…

rare, girlish, haunting beauty that is accentuated with an enriched aura of provocative allure and accessorized with apple dimples, pearly white teeth, and a twinkle of merry mischief in her sparkling, lively eyes.

She has a figure any man would die to see in the woman of his dreams; and this hottie glides like a goddess among mere mortals as she goes about her business in the public ways.

A mere few years ago she appeared out of nowhere, thrilling thousands with that coarse, melodious and husky voice that arouses forbidden passions in her listeners. She competed at the GT&T Jingle and Song Competition at that time as just a young ‘fresh and green teenager’, but she has now blossomed into an amazing woman of astounding beauty.

Esther enjoys singing, modelling, dancing, travelling, and interaction; and believes in her lifelong motto: “Do unto other as you would have them do unto you”.

Now menfolks, the foregoing narration does not mean that Esther is ‘looking for something’ among you droolers. I can almost see you girding up your loincloths in readiness for hot pursuit. Well don’t even think about it, because she has not even left a number for you to try your luck.

In any case, even if she had done so, I would not have revealed it in this article, because I do not want Esther to be pitted against some of you lecherous wolves out there.

T

HE Guyana Music Network, in collaboration with the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), will be kicking off the 76th Emancipation celebrations with the staging of a talent show and competition.

“Centre Stage”, as this talent show is deemed, will be in the form of a stage show, and will feature new and upcoming artistes who are members of the Guyana Music Network or who would have been identified as youths with potential by other members of the network.

The occasion is a one-of-a-kind competition spearheaded by Kross Kolor Records, and it is open to young Guyanese singers, dancers, designers, instrumentalists and comedians between the ages of 12 and 24 years.

Its main objective is to discover new talent in the various creative fields. This event provides a stage for creative expression; provides Kross Kolor’s Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts professional setting for proper expression; enables youths to express themselves to a captive audience, provides guidance and training for upcoming artistes to express their talent in a professional manner; and provides a platform for free expression.

Unlike any other competition that has been held in the country, “Centre Stage” will be produced in two phases, with the grand auditions being the first. A total of 26 persons will be selected by an esteemed panel of judges in the various creative fields to compete for the top prizes in the finale.

Interested persons can register as a group (maximum of six persons), solo, duo, or trio, and can also be registered under more than one category. The grand audition will be held on June 28, (time and venue to be announced) and the finale will take place on August 1 at the National Cultural Centre.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three performers in each category.

Registration can be done online at www.guyanamusicnetwork.org, and application forms can also be uplifted from Kross Kolor Records in Duncan Street; at The National School of Dance in Thomas Lands; at Classique Dance Company in Hadfield Street; at Theatre Guild Playhouse in Parade Street, Kingston; and at The National School of Music on Brickdam and College Road, Georgetown. The closing date for all applications is June 20.

Don’t Do That!!!

Our roads have become veritable racing circuits for madmen

I GUESS NOT a single person many years ago would have ever imagined or fathomed that there would have come a time when sane minds would dread attempting to use our roads as pedestrians or as passenger on our mini-buses.

Well folks, wake up and see the light!!! That era is here; and yes, we have been transformed into a neverending horror movie that keeps getting more graphic and horrifying as the clock ticks.

I am referring to the Jurassic Park that our roads have become with the veritable lunatics behind the controls of dangerous machines traversing our roads.

No wonder our road accident statistics have such a large number of fatalities, and our typical accident scene is such a carnage of productive lives mercilessly snatched away through the ruthlessness and greed of some lunatic driver or the other trying to perform the

Look at them all, way past the ‘white line’. They should be ashamed of themselves as providers of public transportation.

impossible.

But are we powerless to stop this?

First of all, the young school girls and boys will have to stop riding those ‘boom buses’, because if those apparently mindless youths do not pile up in those veritable death traps like sardines, the lunatics behind the wheels of those killing machines would have no one to carry at amazing speeds on their escapades with death.

Then if the police can stop being so friendly with those road-enraged drivers of public transportation, they would be better able to disci-

pline them.

And, police officials, don’t even dare trying to argue with me, because I have walked around the bus park areas, especially at the Stabroek Market area, and have seen just how “friendly” the police have been with those drivers, and how they allow some of them to behave as “untouchable sacred cows”.

These days drivers do not even stop behind the ‘white line’ just before the traffic lights, and in most cases they are unable to do so because they are just plain speeding too much. I firmly believe that if the situation

deteriorates any further, it would constitute a plague or some similar disaster that has the potential to wipe out our entire population.

The reckless drivers of today definitely need reining in, and this is a desperate plea to the authorities of law and order to do something to save this nation from the reckless and feckless drivers who are suddenly appearing to be ubiquitous and perennial in Guyana.

The situation has reached the point where national supplication to The Almighty seems to be the only answer.

Do we not have enough law enforcement officers to bring this sorry situation under control? May Heaven help us all!!

In this photo, some of the drivers approaching the junction of Church Street and Vlissengen Road were coming with such speed that many crossed way over the white line when the traffic lights changed. What a dangerous situation…

Cherlyn Maloney, Guyana’S singing evangelist, is dedicated to spreading the Gospel in song CHERLYN MALONEY was born on Guyana’s East Coast Demerara to Menza and Vesta Blackett as the last of four children birthed by her mother. Cherlyn gave her heart to the Lord Jesus Christ at the tender age of nine, and is today still walking with Him in a deeper way.

She started singing in Sunday School at the age of nine, and was a member of the Tucville Assembly of God Church, which is now called the ‘House of Prayer’, under the leadership on Reverend Louis Crawford. Cherlyn later met her husband, Lennox Maloney, and got married in the year 1987. They are both dedicated to taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world in music.

The Maloneys later obtained a transfer to Newtown AOG, and came under the leadership of Pastor John Cummings. Cherlyn started singing in the Church Band, named “The Gospel Flames”, whilst her husband later started a Gospel Group called ‘The‘Ambassadors’, of which she was one of the lead singers.

This gave her the opportunity to minister in Guyana and internationally.

Cherlyn’s first album was recorded in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in the year 2004. Titled “Don’t Give Up”, it was the precursor for her second album, titled “God Will Make A Way”, recorded in the year 2006. In 2008, she received the ‘Accolade Award’ in Guyana for best female Gospel artiste; and in 2010, she received the ‘Artistic Award’ for best female Gospel artiste. In 2010, she recorded her third album, titled “Don’t Be Discouraged”, this time in Jamaica. In 2013, she recorded a single, titled “Unity Impacting the Nation.”

Reports are that her songs are a blessing to all who hear them in Guyana, Trinidad, Jamaica and the USA, where she been ministering. She and her husband pledge to continue spreading the Gospel in song and music as long as God gives them the strength to so do.

All the songs she has sung were written by herself and husband, except the chorus on track eight (8) of the ‘Don’t Give Up’ album. Lennox Maloney is Cherlyn’s promoter, music arranger, and bass guitar player.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 30, 2014

Let’s tell it like it is….

This pageant was more like a pain in de joint and a horrible experience

This ill-mannered drag queen kept interrupting the programme

WELL, Let’s get it straight here folks, and tell it like it is. You see, I really love pageants, and I ensure that I am present at most of them. But yuh see when Ah guh tuh pageants an Ah see people doing sheer nonsense, Ah does really get vex or bex, and yuh know Ah gon tell it like it is!

Well, folks, I stepped out to a pageant the other day and I very nearly fell into a coma!! I should have known better than to go to this pageant, because every event hosted before the actual pageant night started almost two hours after the appointed time.

Well Ah deck out in meh lily white outfit, not realiz-

ing de place wouldah been so haat. Before intermission time, Ah deh sweating lika guinea pig. Anyways, Ah tried tuh put dat aside and relax to enjoy what was unfolding before meh eyes.

Folks, Ah have to admit dat de décor was really good, and de concept intended was okay; but people, Ah was most shocked when de outgoing queen tumbled onto de stage to perform a certain dance display. Ah mean, come on people! in adda pageants, de only time you see dat queen is when she tekking she final walk tuh crown she successor.

And to top things off, the outgoing queen daringly chaired the entire pro-

‘Kiss My ART 2K14?

Artist Call-Out! C

alling all artists of all genres! RED Entertainment’s ‘Kiss My Art 2K14’ Art Festival is coming soon!

Send your portfolio to info@redentertainmentgy.com (or reply here) by June 15th!

Applicants must send in their names, contact numbers and a description (maximum of 300 words) of their work along with a maximum of three pictures. The RED team will review all applicants and decide from the most creative.

There are only 40 slots available!

This is a chance for you to showcase your art with your own perception and style in an environment created to complement the likes of any artist.

RED Entertainment wants to show Guyana your artistry and genius in a vibrant and cultured fashion.

A Gy$6,000 fee is chargeable for participation, but it will cover a designated space to display your art (tent, table, chairs and display backdrops inclusive).

Check out the attached snapshots from last year’s Kiss My Art event!

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gramme. What nonsense is that! I mean, the other emcee was certainly doing a fine job. What that queen needed to know was that, by chairing the programme, she became extremely stale by the time she was ready to make her final walk.

Almost de entire audience de deh echoing dis sentiment. Ah only hope she can tek constructive criticism.

Well, she must have regretted that move, because she became the object of verbal abuse for a certain drag queen called ‘Angel’, who interrupted her ever so often with very unpleasant remarks that had members of the audience laughing their heads off.

And that was anadda thing: Dis individual deh interrupting de programme so often, much to de annoyance of many baddy who bin deh, and de staff at de venue just staan deh and didn’t do a thing to shut up dat intrudah.

Deh shoudda throw he/she outside suh de programme coulda guh awn widdout interruption.

To add salt to the already painful wounds inflicted on the poor audience, they were tortured mercilessly in having to wait for ages for each item to appear on stage, as the MC talked about techni-

The rowdy crowd that protested the judges’ decision

cal difficulties and the other things the audience did not pay their hard earned dollars to listen to.

Den, shamefully, adda persons had to fetch crowns in de middle ah de event.

Well Ah tell yuh, it couldn’t get badder dan dat.

Well, I never heard in history that franchise holders are made judges of their own pageants. Trust me, this really beats me…

Well, the real drama exploded when a contestant appeared on stage in a certain gown and the MC announced the name of a certain popular designer as the creator.

That designer shot up like a bolt of lightning and screamed, “Nat me!!! Me nevah design

that thing! Y’all don’t tek alyuh eyes tuh pass me!”

After de show, de designah get interviewed by several media houses, and he tell dem dat de contestant de buy a ready-made dress on Regent Street and she ask he to add ah lil ‘greenery’ tuh give it a lift. He seh dat he didn’t alter dat dress or design it at all! He even seh dat deh de ask he fuh alter two adda dresses fuh contestants, but he nevah actually design anything.

There were other little mishaps here and there, but those we could have lived with, so I will refrain from mentioning them. But I cannot help asking why in Heaven’s name did the pro-

moters allow that dreadful dance from the Unique Arts Groups? The butt shaking, splitting, and other vulgar, suggestive moves were certainly not suited for an event of that magnitude.

And that horrible set of persons who blocked the doors to the venue protesting against the judges’ decision should all be ashamed of themselves. Have any one of you had real pageantry experience, or even listened to the judging criteria? I suppose not…

I think that when we are going to host pageants, we should pay keen attention to details before we forever leave a negative lasting impression.

Overseas filmmaker enthralled by Guyana’s beauty and happy people GUYANA is indeed an extremely beautiful country with very happy and jolly people, but some will never savour that rare experience unless they come here for one reason or another.

Just recently, overseas-based Film Director Max De Bowen got the opportunity to visit us, and he has since been enthralled by our country’s pristine beauty and the generous hospitality of our people.

Max is here to film the movie ‘A Bitter Lime’, which will premiere in September 2014. Since some of the actors and most of the extras are indeed from Guyana, Max will be here for a while, basking in the glory of the heady tropics.

This movie is actually a drama piece, and several of the episodes will be shot at some of Guyana’s most historic and impressive locations; and of course here in the city of Georgetown.

Some parts of the film, according to Max, have also been shot in Los Angeles. Max is also expecting a small cast from Los Angeles.

Max De Bowen, Director of ‘A Bitter Lime’

“Guyana is indeed a great country to do projects of any sort, and I would advise other overseas companies or individuals planning to make films to use Guyana as the ideal film location.

This place is exotic and so beautiful, and the people are so warm and welcoming it really leaves me having

a grand time. Guyanese are really down-to-earth, and I am actually surprised that the governing elites are so easily accessible, unlike in some other countries”.

Max has, so far, visited many locations here, and has already met with His Excellency President Donald Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, and other Government officials.

“This is all really amazing, and if I was asked to find one location that creditably represents the entire universe, I will definitely choose Guyana.

I would prefer to live here as against living in Australia and any other country. Guyana has a rich originality to it that is truly amazing”.

The Production Manager of this film is Kross Kolor’s Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Williams. The film will take the form of a documentary depicting Americans who are frustrated with their lives and are searching for somewhere exotic in which to rebound, so to speak. They search, found and adored Guyana, as the film will dictate.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 30, 2014

Bombshell’s Hottest Dudes…

Timeka Marshall confirmed for Jamzone NY

The ladies’ soliciting corner…

‘Prince JP’ has all the royalties to offer

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UYANA’s songbird Timeka Marshall will be performing live in New York City this summer when Hits and Jams Entertainment takes Jamzone to Brooklyn.

Jamzone New York City, which is slated for August 9th, 2014 at The Village on Ralph Avenue in Brooklyn, is promised to be nothing less than adrenaline-charged, and plans have definitely kick-started in this regard with the first booking of Mavado, and now Timeka.

This talented young woman launched a music career in 2005 when she emerged as the winner of the first GT&T Jingle and Song Competition. She has since risen to stardom, and is currently working diligently to improve her craft while residing in the ‘Dancehall-Reggae Nation’ Jamaica.

Her most recent singles are ‘Come Over’, ‘Take it Easy’ and ‘Undercover Lady’ More acts are yet to be added to the Jamzone NYC lineup.

While this will be the first year for Jamzone to be hosted in the U.S., the event is in its fourteenth year in Guyana, where it is established as the greatest calendar event. Promoters are aiming for Guyana’s most anticipated event to make a similar impact on the international scene.

GUYS appear in this column raving about their bodily assets, masculine charms and all the variety of sensual pleasure they have to offer.

Some rave about their ability to bring the very moon from heaven for the idea lady of their dreams; and yes, some gullible ladies do fall for that.

Whether they do get that “moon” from heaven or they get to “swoon” with disappointment I have no idea, because they never call to say….

This week’s ‘bombshell dude’ is quite honest and straightforward in his dealings; and while he promises a whole bundle of royalties for the ladies, he also whispered that he has something really special in store for the woman of his dreams.

Westside braces for 2014 Car and Bike

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T SEEMS like much talk is being generated around the prospects of the 2014 Westside ‘Champion of Champions Vehicle Sound Off’, tabled for the Goed Fortuin Community Centre Ground, West Bank Demerara, on June 07, 2014.

Well, just yesterday, we spoke with the promoters, and they have let on that, already, over ten participants have signed on for the event. Promoted by KR Benjamin Entertainment, the event will see steamy clashes between contenders vying for top honours in the twelve- and eighteen-inch speaker categories.

The top finalists will be awarded with lucrative packages from a whopping prize package of over $250,000.This venture will see SUVs, cars, vans, bikes and mini- buses facing off in a ‘boombastic sound clash’ to determine which vehicles are fitted with the hardest, loudest, and cleanest sounds.

Parents are urged to bring out the kids, since this event will also feature

a Merry-Go-Round, Bouncy Castle, Trampoline and more for the family. Hot, spicy bar-b-que will also be on sale.

Amongst the many attractions are guest appearances

by the 2013 Miss Bootilicious Lingerie Divas.

Music will be supplied

by Stereo Sonics and TRS Sounds, alongside Entertainer Ras. Admission is easy, man.

‘A provocative Indo brother with show-stopper looks and the groove to match.

Prince JP’ is a singing superstar

‘Prince JP’, as he is more popularly known, enjoys singing and dancing, and was actually one of the finalists in the recent GT&T Jingle and Song Competition festival, where he impressed with his performance in the Chutney segment.

The Prince believes in “living life to the fullest” and also in “living every day as thought it’s your last”, so for him and the one who would get lucky by him, life would be a great big sensual blast.

Now ladies, this is the catch you have been waiting for, but I will make you work a little hard this week for your meal, so there will be no contact number provided.

Seek and you shall find…. Let’s see how good you are at that.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 30, 2014

Aries It’s tempting for you to answer email, talk on your cell and check your messages all at once today. You might actually be able get away with all of it, too! However, make an effort to check in with yourself even during the height of your multitasking, rather than trying to seek new heights. It’s vital to see how you’re doing, especially now that your energy is running high.

Taurus Focus on the now and put aside any complex long-term plans. There are tons of awesome activities going on right under your nose, and you should explore as many of them as you can. You’ve got plenty of stamina, and you love the buzz that your work ethic brings, but it’s past time to remember that there are other things to enjoy that don’t involve big payoffs. What are you working so hard for?

Gemini When you bat those eyelashes, people come running to do your bidding -- and then want to stay to see what other shenanigans you come up with. Spread that flirty energy all around. It may all be fun and games today, so make sure that everyone knows what’s on your agenda. Those who want to come along are totally welcome, but any downer types are better off at home.

Cancer It’s too easy to get caught up in an unimportant issue or distracted by something going on in your mind, so you could miss the main point. Don’t let that happen now, or something vitally important could pass you by. Keep your wits with you and just focus on what’s right in front of you. That should ensure that you don’t miss a thing. Record what’s going on so you can review it later!

Leo Where would you find yourself without the support of your best friends?

There’s nothing like such support to remind you how fortunate you are -- and to inspire you to new heights. That’s even more true right now when, as you let big plans churn in that brain of yours and need trustworthy folks to brainstorm with. Listen to their ideas after you’re done talking, too. It’s only fair!

Virgo ‘Think twice, speak once’ should be your motto for the day, and it should serve you well when it comes to personal matters. Actually, it’s not such a bad habit to get into at work, either! Your mind is moving at a quicker pace than usual, so if you blurt out what you’re thinking instantly, it is likely to backfire in a big way. Just make sure you have your mental editor working overtime before speaking face to face.

Libra A time of great abundance and new beginnings starts now, especially in your social life. You may be inspired to start up new conversations and new patterns in your social sphere to keep things interesting. In the normal course of events, you are an important connector between people, but today you might run into someone who has access to truly electrifying things! This fresh start is exactly what you need.

Scorpio Your imagination is on fire today! Take advantage of this rush of inspiration and suggest a few changes at work. You normally excel at digging deep and analysing ideas, but right now is the time to brainstorm, create castles in the sky and think about big projects. Don’t be afraid to think about shaking things up in the biggest way, though implementing those changes should be put off for a day or two at the least.

Sagittarius Keep yourself on your toes by diving into some new challenge -- especially if it’s self-imposed. If you’ve always been afraid of heights, it’s time to sign up for skydiving lessons. If it’s public speaking that makes you shaky, volunteer to speak at a big meeting coming up. You should find that confronting your fear directly not only diminishes it, but also stimulates your brain in new ways.

Capricorn Cut the excess today. Some believe that nothing exceeds like excess, but you’re definitely not in the opposite camp, and especially now. You’re much hardier, and you know that those with the lightest baggage move at the quickest pace.

Whatever you find excessive, heavy or just plain unnecessary you need to leave behind. If it turns out you need it later, you can always improvise.

Aquarius If you’ve learned anything from those old classic screwball comedies, it’s that snappy repartee leads to connections of a deeper -- and far more romantic -- kind. Whether you’ve been together for ages or are just now exploring new possibilities, make sure you really use your brain when speaking with them.

Intellectual interests should lead to plenty more at a time like this.

Pisces One of the best features of great poetry is how any given line or phrase can mean one thing on first reading, but something entirely different (and maybe deeper) when read again. Think of your life as an epic in progress, with various evolving interpretations coming to you over time. Rather than label ling something good or bad, just wait to see what happens next. You are sure to be surprised at their latest meaning.

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Fredericks reelected president of UDCA THE UPPER Demerara Cricket Association (UDCA) last Sunday, April 27, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Virgie’s Place, Old England, Upper Demerara River where ten clubs were represented.

Incumbent president Bradley Fredericks in his report thanked those who attended but expressed the hope that those absent would recognise the importance of unity within the new dispensation of the Cricket Administration Bill.

Fredericks said the Bill seeks to bring order to our National game and includes Linden (UDCA) for the first time as a legal entity within Guyana’s Cricket, adding that all the clubs in the area should be prepared to cope with the concomitant demands expected.

“A new era has dawned on us and we must take full advantage,” he stressed, even as he applauded the Government of Guyana and APNU for including UDCA legally in the new movement.

Following the AGM, the election of office-bearers was held where Fredericks and his entire Executive, were returned en bloc with members giving their full support for the new executive body and wishing them well in their new term of office for the period April 2014 – 2016.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 30, 2014

Fixtures for Ali 15/15 softball tourney released ACTION in the Rafman Ali 15/15 round-robin softball tournament which is being played in two categories, Open and Over-40, and is being sanctioned by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc., is set to commence June 1 with matches at Everest Cricket Club and Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) grounds.

At Everest in the Open category, Wolf Warriors will play Challengers at 09:00hrs and Farm XI at 11:30hrs on Pitch two, Princess Hotel will battle Farm XI at 09:00hrs and Brickery at 11:30hrs on Pitch three. Trophy Stall will take on Brickery at 09:00hrs and Speed Boat at 11:00 hrs on Pitch one while Jaguar will face Speed Boat at 14:00hrs on pitch two.

At CPCE, Trophy Stall B will challenge Jaguar at 09:00hrs on Pitch one and Accomplishment at 11:30 hrs on Pitch three, Sunil XI will entertain Challengers at 11:30hrs on Pitch one, Accomplishment will match skills with Line Top at 14:00hrs on Pitch one, Tradesman will face Line Top at 09:00hrs and Sunil XI at 14:00hrs on Pitch three.

In the Over-40 division, Sundy Masters will clash with Uitvlugt at 14:00hrs and Success will battle Enterprise at 13:00hrs on Pitch two.

The open segment will be of 15 overs duration and the

Over-40 will last for 20 overs and to date, some of the sponsors on board are Regal Stationery and Computer Supplies, Trophy Stall and Andrew Art, while all teams are asked to provide their own Supreme balls.

The winning team in the

Newmarket 09:00 hrs Lashkaal 09:30 hrs Divine 10:05 hrs Wonderstruck 10:40 hrs Hillbillyboy 11:15 hrs Stormardal 11:50 hrs She’s Gorgeous 12:25 hrs Tilstarr Newcastle 09:10 hrs Subversive 09:40 hrs Wilde Inspiration 10:15 hrs Kathlatino 10:50 hrs Sir Frank Morgan 11:25 hrs Polar Eyes 12:00 hrs Dutch Lady 12:35 hrs Bourbon Prince 13:05 hrs Adiator Stratford 12:50 hrs Utopian 13:20 hrs Rum And Butter 13:50 hrs Lauberhorn 14:20 hrs Theatre Queen 14:50 hrs Monetary Fund 15:25 hrs Vital Plot 15:55 hrs White Diamond Irish Racing Tips

Open division will pocket a trophy and $100 000 and the runners-up a trophy and $50 000 while the first-place side in the Over-40 segment will receive a trophy and $75 000 and the runners-up a trophy and $50 000.

Down Royal 12:55 hrs Shemshal 13:25 hrs Highbrow Blue 13:55 hrs Hero De Villeneuve 14:25 hrs Primo Uomo 14:55 hrs Pirita 15:30 hrs Toccata Blue 16:00 hrs Datanarra South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:30 hrs Albarakah 09:05 hrs Augusta National 09:40 hrs Laurie’s Gold 10:15 hrs Gianduja 10:50 hrs Intimate Touch American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Safari Samba Race 2 Daddy Loves Gold Race 3 Charge Now Race 4 Acrostic Race 5 Ruby’s Rocketman Race 6 Favor Factor Race 7 Run a Dubb Dubb Race 8 Frege Race 9 Lord Trondor