Caribbean Times International by Gytimes

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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ISSUE NO. 103

CANADA EDITION

CN $1.00

WEEK ENDING June 5, 2014

Canada launches major initiative to support Caribbean agro-trade See story on page 5

Top honours for Jamaican cop Page 6

-dressed as woman to catch serial rapist

Superintendent for the Manchester Police Division in Jamaica Marlon Nesbeth (centre) poses with top female cop for 2013-2014 Simone Maye and top male cop Clayton Brown (Jamaica Observer photo)

Trinidad: COP suspends Roberts over ganja video

Page 10

TT’s Sports Minister Anil Roberts

Guyana gov’t revokes several remigrants’ status Page 13

- after detecting evidence of fraud

Guyana's Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

NEWS

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Barbadians warned to brace Israeli company buys Jamaica for more economic woes Private Power Company - following Moody’s latest downgrade

Jamaica Private Power Company Limited (Gleaner file photo)

R I D G E T O W N , BARBADOS: The main opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP) Tuesday warned Barbadians to brace themselves for more economic problems after the U.S.-based ratings agency, Moody’s Investors Service, downgraded the Barbados’ government bond rating by three notches to B3 from Ba3, while maintaining its negative outlook on the island. “We cannot expect to continue to do the same things over and over and get different results. (Monday’s) further downgrade by Moody’s by a staggering 3 notches must jolt us into our true reality,” said BLP and Opposition Leader Mia Mottley. “We were warned that increasing our overall debt, especially our reliance on short-term debt, will lead to a further downgrade. Yet the government continues recklessly to do so. Two weeks ago we increased the Local Loans Limit to Bds$4 billion and now today we are increasing the limit under the Special Loans Act by Bds$1 billion to Bds$2.5 billion. “We were warned that continued Central Bank financing of our fiscal deficit will put pressure on our exchange rate. Yet the Central Bank continues to do so. We were warned that increasing our fiscal deficit and missing our targets for fiscal consolidation will lead to a further downgrade. Yet the government continues unashamedly to do so,” Mottley highlighted.

Barbados’ Opposition Leader Mia Mottley (Nation News file photo)

In a statement, Mottley said that the country was warned that declining foreign reserves would lead to a further downgrade. She said despite such a warning “the foreign reserves dangerously continue to decline in spite of the government’s borrowing to prop them up”. Moody’s Investors Service said the three-notch downgrade reflects the reinforcement of negative fiscal trends given the increasing size of the country’s fiscal deficit, which exceeded 11 percent of GDP in fiscal year 2013/14, and “our expectation of continued challenges to fiscal consolidation”. Moody’s, which had previously downgraded the bond rating to Ba3 from Ba1 last December, also highlighted the increasing government debt ratios, projected at above 100 percent of GDP by fiscal year 2014/15, coupled with elevated short-term debt issuance and gross financing needs in excess of 30 percent of GDP in 2014 and 2015. (Excerpted from Barbados Today)

INGSTON, JAMAICA: AEI Power Ltd has sold its shareholding in Jamaica Private Power Company (JPPC) to IC Power, an international subsidiary of Israel Corp Group. With the transaction, IC Power has increased its holdings in JPPC from 15.5 percent to a 100 percent. Chief executive officer of JPPC, Ingrid Christian-Baker, said the deal "complements IC Power's strategic plan to establish itself as a major player in the power generation business in Central America, the Caribbean, as well as in South America." IC Power, through its Latin America investments arm, Inkia Energy, has invested in Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Panama, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Colombia and Jamaica, said JPPC in a press release on its ownership change. The acquisition price for JPPC was not dis-

closed, but according to earlier reports, IC Power acquired stakes in AEI Nicaragua and AEI Jamaica for US$54 million in cash. AEI owned 84.5 percent of JPPC. It acquired control in 2007, when it bought CMS Energy's 42.3 percent interest and followed up with deals to purchase the 24 percent minority holdings of Atlantic Power Corporation, and Energy Investors Funds’ 18 percent. Christina-Baker confirmed to Jamaican media that the price of US$54 million applied to both companies but said she was unable to offer a breakdown. JPPC owns a 60MW base-load diesel-fired generating facility located on the east side of Kingston. The plant consists of two MAN B&W 9K80MC-5 dieselpowered generators that commenced operations in 1998. The Jamaican company sells its output to Jamaica Public Service

Company under a power purchase agreement (PPA). The current agreement expires in 2018. JPPC also has a fuel supply agreement with Petrojam Limited that runs concurrently with the PPA. IC Power was founded in 2007. With US$3 billion in assets, it has an installed capacity of approximately 5,300MW in America and Israel, including projects under construction Recent acquisitions in the region include Nicaragua (185MW) as well as its latest investments in Colombia (Surpetroil 17MW); Chile (Central Colmito 58MW); Peru (600MW Nodo Energetico del Sur) and Las Flores (193MW plant). Staffing at the company and the company's name will remain intact under the new owner, according to the CEO. "The construct of the company remains as is," she said. (Excerpted from Jamaica Gleaner)

Mother jailed in St. Vincent for burning six-year-old son with iron

INGSTOWN, ST.VINCENT: A Magistrate's court in St. Vincent has jailed a 23-year-old mother of four after she pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to her six-year-old son by burning him three times with an iron. Tashika Da Souza, who was given a oneyear jail sentence, told Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias that she did not know that the iron was hot when she pressed it against her son's left hand and abdomen. Chief Prosecutor Adolphus Delphelce described the act as "wicked, backward and barbaric". The court heard that Da Souza's son defecated on himself after she had readied him for

Tashika Da Souza was given a one-year jail sentence

school last Thursday. She then burnt him with the iron. Da Souza told the court she was sorry for what transpired, but she did not know the iron was still hot, since she had plugged it out a while before the inci-

dent. Da Souza is said to have attempted to hide the incident, but it was reported anonymously to the Questelles Police Station, triggering her arrest and subsequent charge. (Caribbean News)

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EDITORIAL

Global Renaissance Woman

he world is still mourning the loss of famed poet, novelist, educator, dramatist, producer, actress, historian, filmmaker, and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou who was found dead in her university apartment last week. For many who have been following her life and her extensive work in various fields, there could never be enough words to describe what her death means, not only to Americans, but citizens all over the world. Her work and her life story in general have inspired millions to not only better themselves but to help others achieve their own dreams and overcome their own adversities. Described as a Global Renaissance Woman, Maya Angelou was one of the most renowned and influential voices of our time. Born on April 4, 1928, in St Louis, Missouri, Angelou was raised in St Louis and Stamps, Arkansas. In Stamps, Angelou experienced the brutality of racial discrimination, but she also absorbed the unshakable faith and values of traditional African-American family, community, and culture. As a teenager, Angelou’s love for the arts won her a scholarship to study dance and drama at San Francisco’s Labour School. At 14, she dropped out to become San Francisco’s first African-American female cable car conductor. As a young single mother, she supported her son by working as a waitress and cook; however, her passion for music, dance, performance, and poetry would soon take centre stage. During her years abroad, Angelou read and studied voraciously, mastering several languages. While in Ghana, she met with Malcolm X and, in 1964, returned to America to help him build his new Organisation of African American Unity. Soon after Malcolm X’s assassination, Dr Martin Luther King Jr asked Angelou to serve as Northern Coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. King’s assassination, falling on her birthday in 1968, left her devastated. With the guidance of her friend, the novelist James Baldwin, she began work on the book ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’, which later received international acclaim and enormous popular success. The list of her published verse, non-fiction, and fiction now includes more than 30 bestselling titles. A trailblazer in film and television, Angelou wrote the screenplay and composed the score for the 1972 film “Georgia, Georgia”. Her script, the first by an African-American woman ever to be filmed, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. Angelou has received over 50 honorary degrees and up until her death, she was a Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University. Angelou’s words and actions will continue to stir our souls, energise our bodies, liberate our minds, and heal our hearts. When her friend Nelson Mandela passed away last year, Angelou wrote that “No sun outlasts its sunset, but will rise again, and bring the dawn”. Paying tribute, U.S. President Barack Obama hailed her as “one of the brightest lights of our time–a brilliant writer, a fierce friend, and a truly phenomenal woman”. Obama was quoted as saying that a childhood of suffering and abuse actually drove her to stop speaking–“but the voice she found helped generations of Americans find their rainbow amidst the clouds, and inspired the rest of us to be our best selves.” He also presented her with the 2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom. Angelou also received the Presidential Medal for the Arts in 2000 and the Lincoln Medal in 2008. And in 2012, First Lady Michelle Obama had the opportunity to present her with the Literary Arts Award at the BET Honours ceremony in Washington, DC. In the words of the U.S. First Lady; “Maya Angelou teaches us that it’s not enough merely to seek greatness for ourselves. We must help others discover the greatness within themselves. We need to reach down and reach out, and give back, and lift others the way Maya has lifted us.”

Antigua and Barbuda’s National Security Ministry has established a monitoring system at the Parliament building for the new CCTV camera project. Thirty cameras have been installed in 10 locations across Antigua in this phase of the project. In this photo, officials monitor the system (A&B government photo)

Support in line for Caribbean’s food exporters B RIDGETOWN, BARBADOS: The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) hosted the launch of three programmes focused on food safety in the agro-processing and specialty foods sector in Barbados on Monday. The launch included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Caricom Regional Organisation of Standards and Quality (CROSQ), the opening of a special call for proposals–food safety for CARIFORUM agro-processing firms to receive financial assistance and, finally, the launch of the agency’s new regional online food safety portal. Caribbean Export’s executive director Pamela CokeHamilton, opened the proceedings with an informative address on the history and context of the food safety preparedness programme: “Today’s signing of an MOU with CROSQ and IICA is significant as it sets the platform for cooperation to take place with the aim of ensuring that fresh foods and agroprocessed products are produced under standard quality control conditions within the CARIFORUM States so that they meet the sanitary and technical regulatory requirements of the international marketplace.”

Foods sector study

In January 2010, Caribbean Export received US$1 million from the Caribbean Aid for Trade and Regional Integration Trust Fund (CARTFund), funded by DFID, to finance a 2-year project aimed at strengthening the Specialty Food Sector and increasing the export of enterprises of all sizes within the Specialty Food Sector

from CARIFORUM countries. Under this project, a specialty foods sector study was conducted which resulted in the development of a regional specialty food sector strategy and action plan that details the priority actions needed to address the major constraints to expanding the sector. The high costs of meeting global food safety requirements were identified as one of the major constraints to the competitiveness of the agro-processing sector in CARIFORUM. After consultations and feedback from stakeholders across the region, the three initiatives were conceptualised. The first of these, the MOU among the three regional agencies is intended to establish a formal framework for collaboration on matters relating to global food safety export requirements. More specifically, the agreement aims to facilitate the sharing of information on the respective work programmes of the parties to determine strategic areas of cooperation; while operating in good faith on the dissemination of information pertaining to food safety to stakeholders in the CARIFORUM states and ultimately collaboration on specific food safety issues to the benefit of the wider business community in general and fresh food and agro-processing exporters in particular. This MOU also aims to satisfy the promotion of trade and export development among CARIFORUM

states. Gregg Rawlins, representative of IICA, noted that the “launch of the regional food safety preparedness programme is indeed timely as it affords us, partners in development, with another opportunity to position and embed our agri-food enterprises, firms and industries, more firmly into the region’s socio-economic growth agenda.”

Food safety

The event also marked the opening of a special call for proposals--food safety. The objective of the special call is to assist agro-producers and exporters in undertaking the measures necessary to facilitate their meeting global good safety requirements, in particular those of the EU market. The programme involves reimbursable grants of up to 10,000 euros which represent a maximum of 70 percent of the total project cost to CARIFORUM-based agroprocessing firm. Firms that are exporting or demonstrate their potential to export and who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply to this special call for proposals–food safety. Finally, the Agency also launched a regional online food safety portal intended to serve as a key tool in enhancing the awareness of relevant stakeholders on issues related to global food safety requirements, as well as serve as a platform for facilitating the exports of the region’s specialty foods brands and products. (Excerpted from Caribbean News)

5 Canada launches major initiative to support Caribbean agro-trade J News

WEEK ENDING June 5, 2014

AMAICA: Small farmers and processors in the Caribbean are missing out on a Cdn$100-millionper-year market for fresh produce because of shifting market conditions and challenges in reliably meeting the quality, quantity, and foodsafety needs of buyers yearround. This is a situation the Canadian Hunger Foundation (CHF) is working to address through its Promotion of Regional Opportunities for Produce Through Enterprises and Linkages (PROPEL) project. "Despite a wealth of potential in the region, some countries we will be working in currently import 90 percent or more of their fresh produce. In Grenada, for example, only 2.5 percent of fresh produce served in hotels is locally produced. This has troubling implications for Caribbean nations," Stewart Hardacre, president and chief executive

Jamaica’s Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke (right) and Opposition Spokesman on Finance Audley Shaw enjoy potato wedges during the Canadian Hunger Foundation's launch of the PROPEL initiative on Tuesday at the Christiana packaging plant in Manchester, Jamaica (Jamaica Gleaner photo)

officer of CHF, told Tuesday’s official launch of the local PROPEL project at Coleyville, Manchester.

Establishing links

The Canadian government

is investing Cdn$20 million (Ja$2 billion) over six years to link major buyers of fresh produce in their respective markets such as supermarkets and hotels in the first place to

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domestic, then regional, and eventually, international markets. Tuesday’s launch took place at the Christiana packing facility, which is operated by the Christiana Potato Growers' Co-operative Association, consistent with the plan to help Jamaica achieve self-sufficiency in Irish potato production by 2015. The project will also be implemented in Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Dominica, St. Lucia, Barbados, Guyana, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Hardacre explained that through PROPEL, a Caribbean produce-marketing corporation would be established to serve as a broker between small to medium-sized farmers and large buyers, taking orders from buyers and issuing contracts for farmers for the supply of fresh produce at a specific quality and quantity and to be delivered at a specific time.

Describing the project objectives as ambitious, the CHF president expressed confidence and optimism that it would yield significant results. He told the launch: "Up to 28,000 Caribbean producers will be better equipped to supply regionally grown produce to high-value market buyers. Of those, over 26,000 farmers and producers will intensify, improve, or expand their farm operations and reach the required quality and food-safety levels to supply these markets. An additional 1,500 young entrepreneurs will be supported to start farming or agro-processing businesses serving the high-value market.” He added that, “in total, we expect that over 75,000 additional people will also benefit as family members, employees, and other members of producer groups as new job opportunities are created and farming family incomes increase." (Jamaica Observer)

Excitement building in Guyana…

Limacol CPL cheerleaders undergoing training

he Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) fever has started in Guyana with the recruitment of cheerleaders to entertain Guyanese cricket fanatics and ultimately the world. A three-day workshop concluded last Friday at the Pegasus Hotel at which more than 25 young, beautiful and energetic young ladies worked extremely hard with the hope of being selected to be a part of the cheerleading squad. Gyrating to sweet soca music under the direction of Pixie Ducourdray out of Trinidad and Tobago, the participants were definitely having a grand time. Ducourdray told the media that she was impressed with the tremendous talents of the Guyanese girls.

These beautiful young ladies who auditioned to keep the spirit of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament alive during the 2014 matches strike a pose following a practice session last Friday in Guyana

This is the first of a series of training that she was contracted to conduct throughout the region, leading up to the commencement of the second LCPL tournament. She

added that over the three days, the participants showcased determination, charm and discipline. Co-trainer Rehanna Ramdhani, also of Trinidad, was also im-

pressed with the qualities

of participants. She noted that though it was three days of hard work, the participants did not put up resistance. Meanwhile, Digicel’s Public Relations Officer Vidya Sanichara said the company is happy to be one of the sponsors of the LCPL for the second time around. She stated that LCPL gives unlimited excitement in the region and her company is looking forward to the same as was seen last year. With respect to the workshop, she said that Digicel Guyana is com-

mitted to having the best cheerleaders at the matches involving Guyana. She recalled that in 2013, cheerleaders from other countries were used in Guyana and thought it was time to correct the situation. The final selection of the cheerleading team was done last Friday evening and those selected will participate in additional training under the stewardship of Clive Prowell, twice a week at the Classique Dance Company Studio, Hadfield Street, Georgetown. (Guyana Times)

News

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funding for new Top honours for Jamaican cop Chinese teaching hospital in Grenada -dressed as woman to catch serial rapist

ANCHESTER, JAMAICA: Detective Corporal Clayton Brown and District Constable Simone Maye of the Manchester police in Jamaica now hold the title of 'top cops' in the parish. The two were awarded during the Annual General Meeting of the Mandeville Police Civic Committee at the Mandeville Parish Church Hall, recently. A Jamaica National Building Societysponsored trophy went to the top male officer and the trophy for the top female officer was sponsored by the Cotton Tree Citizens’ Association. Superintendent for the Manchester Police Division Marlon

Nesbeth described Brown, who is assigned to the Mandeville Police Station, as a fearless crime fighter. “One of the highlights of him being selected was (Brown) telling the story of how he outsmarted some notorious guys who were serial rapists…over a year ago. They created havoc on the female populace in Manchester. He dressed himself like a female and lured the perpetrators and was able to apprehend them. This matter is presently before the Manchester Circuit court,” he said. Nesbeth said that District Constable Maye of the Kendal Police Station is noted for her customer service virtues and community involve-

ment in the Kendal police area. “It was something which I expected because I worked towards the achievement. For some time now I have seen myself as the 'top cop',” Brown told the media. He said he has been serving in the Jamaica Constabulary Force for 10 years and has aspirations of one day holding the position of Commissioner of Police. Brown, who is a sub-officer in charge of the Manchester Street Crime Unit, said that policing is his first love and he will be furthering his education soon. In July, Maye will mark her fifth year as a district constable. Third-term chair-

man of the Mandeville Police Civic Committee Osbourne James Lawrence said that his organisation has been working with the police for over 30 years. For this year, he said, 15 police officers from police stations in Manchester were nominated for the award based on their exemplary work. The candidates reportedly went through an interview and the particular qualities of Brown and Maye impressed the adjudicators. Lawrence believes that the annual award is one way of helping to build morale among police personnel. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

Trinidad police probing execution of young brothers in Morvant

ORVANT, TRINIDAD: Police in Trinidad are searching for the gunmen who stormed into a house in Morvant and shot and killed, execution style, two brothers, including a nine-year-old on Sunday. Police said the gunmen entered the house and ordered the occupants, including nineyear-old Jadel Holder and his older brother, Jamal Brathwaite, 15, to lie on the ground before shooting them in the head. Police sources confirmed that Jadel is the country’s youngest person to be shot dead this year and the brothers’ execution has sent the murder toll for the year to 185. According to police reports, the boys were at their Petunia Avenue, Coconut Drive, Morvant home relaxing with their mother and neighbour 16-year-old Glendel

Trinidad’s Crime Scene Investigators search outside the Morvant home of brothers Jadel Holder and Jamal Braithwaite, for clues Monday (TT Guardian photo)

Alexander, when at about 3 pm, two gunmen entered the house. Their guns drawn, the men ordered the brothers, Alexander and the brothers’ mother to all lie face down on the floor. The men then stood over Jadel and Jamal and shot both of them once in the back of their heads. The brothers died instantly, while their mother watched on helplessly.

Police sources told the media that Alexander, fearful that he too would be executed, jumped up from the floor and made a dash for the door while a gunshot rang out, with the bullet hitting him in the leg. As he fell, the gunmen left the house, clearly not interested in killing Alexander nor the dead brothers’ mother, whose identity police refused to reveal. A resident, who re-

fused to give his name out of fear, lamented the death of the nine-yearold saying people just don’t care who they kill whether man, woman or child. “Imagine in little Trinidad a nine-yearold is executed just so. What would a nine-yearold have done to deserve such a death?” Another neighbour said the brothers were known to be troublemakers to some but to their neighbours and those who were their friends, Jadel and Jamal were pleasant and polite youngsters who were no better or worse than other youths in the area. Police sources said no motive has been established for the double executions but they believe it was gang related based on the manner in which the two were killed. Police sources said that Jamal was well known to them. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

Hundreds of millions to upgrade Negril

EGRIL, JAMAICA: The Jamaican government is to spend Ja$400 million this year, under the first phase of a major upgrading project in the resort town of Negril, Westmoreland. This phase includes rehabilitation works to the main road that links Sheffield to Negril from the south coast, as well as Norman Manley Beach Park. Tourism and Entertainment Minister Dr Wykeham McNeill made the announcement during his contribution to the 2014/15

Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Dr Wykeham McNeill (Jamaica Observer photo)

Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives last Tuesday. "This investment will produce a town residents can be proud of,

one that presents an improved experience for their visitors, providing opportunities for enjoyment by both groups," he said. Other aspects of the project include landscaping, upgrading of sidewalks and renovation of the craft market, fishing village, and community centre. The project "will complement the dual-purpose pathway already under construction along the Norman Manley Boulevard for the safety and convenience of residents and visitors", the minister stated. (Jamaica Observer)

RENADA: The Grenada government says it has been able to secure from China in establishing a new teaching hospital. “We are ready to go, Sisters and Brother, the benefits are going to be enormous,” said Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell. A government statement said that former administration had floated the idea of the teaching hospital, but had only named the St. George’s University (SGU) as a partner without identifying any other backers of the health facility project. But Mitchell said his administration, which came to power in February last year, had also been able to secure ion secured material support for the institution,

Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell

promising it would be a “first class facility’’ that will “sell Grenada as a serious place of health tourism’”. Mitchell is leading a delegation to North America and the statement gave no indication as to the amount of money the Chinese government is pumping into the teaching hospital. (Caribbean News)

Guyana: Board of Inquiry to investigate prison violence at New Amsterdam

Guyana’s Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee (Guyana Times file photo)

EW AMSTERDAM, G U Y A N A : Following a recent violent episode at the New Amsterdam Prison in Berbice, Guyana, whereby four inmates were critically wounded, allegedly by a fellow prisoner, the Home Affairs Ministry is putting together a Board of Inquiry into the incident. Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, speaking at a press conference at Freedom House on Monday, said while he is not committing to the notion that the incident was gang-related, a Board of Inquiry is being put together in keeping with the Prisons Act, to get to the bottom of the incident. He further said a number of civilians have been identified as well as a Senior Police Officer to form the Board of Inquiry that will make recommendations based on its findings.

The prisoners were injured when another inmate reportedly attacked them with a cutlass over a week ago. The wounded men were transferred from the New Amsterdam Hospital to the Georgetown Public Hospital. There were reports that the four men attacked were part of a notorious gang in the facility; however, Rohee said he was not yet subscribing to that belief and would rather wait on the findings of the Board of Inquiry. Meanwhile, Rohee said the government is continuing to execute its strategic plan for the Guyana Prison Service. He noted that it unsuccessfully went to Parliament to have the name of the service changed to the Guyana Prison and Correctional Service to coincide with the institutional changes. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

News WEEK ENDING June 5, 2014

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Thousands of voter ‘No Guyanese will be IDs still uncollected spared the impacts - one week before Antigua’s of blacklisting’ general elections – citizens warned amidst AML saga

NTIGUA AND BARBUDA: The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) Tuesday said it still had over 6,000 voter identification cards to be distributed. As such, spokesperson for the commission, Anne Harewood George issued an appeal for registrants to go to their respective registration centres and collect them.

Individuals, she urged, should not wait until the last minute to pick up the cards and should keep in mind, general elections are set for June 12. While ABEC has been posting updates on its Facebook page, Twitter account and other media platforms to encourage the electorate, Harewood George said the body has gone further to seek help from the political par-

ties. “We’re enlisting the assistance of the political parties so we’re asking them to speak to their constituents and encourage them to go out and get their identification cards,” the official said. She noted that the commission first spoke with representatives from the political parties last week and again this week. (Antigua Observer)

Jamaican arrested in US$3 million ganja bust in The Bahamas

ASSAU, BAHAMAS: Bahamas police say they have arrested a 49-year-old Jamaican national after seizing marijuana with a street value of more than three million U.S. dollars over the last weekend. The authorities have not disclosed the name of the Jamaican national, but said that two Bahamian men, ages 29 and 28, were also detained after discovering "several large marijuana fields" in Grand Bahama. The police said acting on intelligence they went to Grand Bahama East, where they uncovered 15 marijuana plots with over 32,000 marijuana plants with an estimated street value of US$3.2 million. The police said that the three men

are due to appear in court later this week. Meanwhile, a 44-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman are now in custody after police said they had discovered a large quantity of marijuana on Sunday. They said a 17-year-old male was also taken into custody. The police said they had gone to the Hatchet Bay Dock where they where they observed the juvenile attempting to put a package on a mail boat. Police retrieved the package and found it to contain an estimated 70 pounds quantity of marijuana. The juvenile was arrested and taken into custody. Police said further investigations led to the arrest of the man and woman. (Caribbean News)

St. Kitts-Nevis police deny FBI conducting investigations into unsolved matters

ASSETERRE, ST. KITTS: The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) has denied reports that members of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) are on the island carrying out investigations into unsolved criminal matters. “I have not been notified of any investigation by any external agency and there are no FBI agents here conducting any investigations,” said Police Commissioner Celvin G. Walwyn. “We do have FBI agents here but they were invited by me, through the United States Department of Justice (Regional Legal Advisor for the Caribbean)…to conduct some much needed training which is what we are doing this week. With reference to the allegations they are nil, they are void. There is no such investigation happening in the Federation,” he added.

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on Tuesday evening hosted a symposium in Georgetown where members of the public were engaged on the repercussions of Guyana’s blacklisting as a result of the non-enactment of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) (Amendment) Bill. Guyana was effectively blacklisted internationally last Thursday, following the announcement by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) that the country was referred to the international body, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Among the main concerns raised by citizens during the forum at the Red House were the consequences that will be felt by the average Guyanese man, woman and child. Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, who was among a panel that included Attorney-General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, and PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee, explained that no Guyanese will be spared the impacts of blacklisting. According to him, the price for goods and services, timely transactions in the banking sectors, remittances that many depend on, the local foreign exchange rates and even Guyana’s credit worthiness will be affected. “The typical question that the people of Guyana ask is why the party in Opposition in Parliament would try to present themselves as a responsible party and take such a destructive position?” Dr. Singh asked. He stressed the gravity of the consequences that are staring at Guyana. “These will bring the economy to its knees; we must reject this,” Dr Singh stated.

‘Power grabbing’ mechanisms

Meanwhile, Rohee decried the actions of the combined Opposition as ‘power grab’ mechanisms. He opined that the combined

Three FBI officials are conducting a training programme on the island

The three FBI officials are conducting a training programme dubbed “Active Shooter and Intelligence Gathering Analysis” for senior local police officers as well as members of the Customs and excise Department. The course is in line with previous trainings conducted locally by the U.S. agency. In 2012, agents facilitated a basic homicide investigation course. Walwyn said that the

relationship between local law enforcement and agencies such as the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) remains very strong. He said that because of this close collaboration, four active investigations were started concerning persons shipping guns to St. Kitts and Nevis. (Excerpted from Caribbean News)

Guyana’s Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh

Opposition is seemingly intent on causing “economic and social chaos” that will ultimately destabilise the country–a situation they seem to expect to extract political advantage from. “The government is working hard to get Guyana on the ‘White List,’” Rohee said, bemoaning the fact that these efforts are being thwarted by the combined Opposition. “There is a high degree of political cynicism, to the extent that it has become so corrosive that it is destructive…why do we want to pressure our people?” he asked. The General-Secretary questioned where Guyana will go, if history is allowed to repeat itself. “The country cannot stay at a standstill…the population is waiting for answers,” he said, adding that no Guyanese wants to go backward.

News

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Guyanese rice farmers still being squeezed by payment delays

UYANA: With mounting claims by rice farmers across Guyana that they are not being paid by millers for paddy, some officials say the unavailability of sustainable export markets for rice and its by-products is severely hampering the payouts. Guyana Rice Producers Association President Leekah Rambrich and SAJ Mills owner Carlos Carbos explained that if the markets were sustainable, the millers would not have a problem paying rice farmers promptly. Carbos said the global rice market is very com-

petitive at the moment, with rice from several Asian countries flooding the marketplace. “Look at Vietnam and Thailand, Vietnam produced 15 million tonnes of rice,” Carbos noted. He maintained that SAJ Mill is taking all possible steps to ensure that the farmers received monies owed to them. Speaking to Guyanese media on Monday, Rambrich explained that if the millers are unable to sell the rice, it would be expected that they would be unable to pay the farmers, saying “both parties need to be fair with each other”.

Guyana Rice Producers Association President Leekah Rambrich

Guyana Rice Development Board General Manager Jagnarine Singh

Private sector too laidback – GRDB

Board (GRDB) General Manager Jagnarine Singh lashed out at the millers for using the “un-

However, Guyana Rice Development

Medical doctor on cocaine export charges in Trinidad

availability” of markets as an excuse for not paying farmers. Singh said the rice industry is fully privatised and that prior to 2010 when the Board assumed partial responsibility for marketing Guyana’s rice products, the private sector marketed and exported 100 percent of the rice produced. He explained, however, that subsequent to the government coming on board, those private sectors bodies became complacent and sought to depend on the government to facilitate all of the exports. “The rice industry

is full private sector,” the General Manager stressed, adding “the private sector needs to get up…they are playing a laidback role”. He further highlighted that it is as a result of the government’s intervention in the rice industry, the majority of rice exports are now facilitated by the government. “The government is doing all it can, we are sending people here and there trying to get all of these markers,” Singh noted, revealing that 60 percent of rice exports is possible through the efforts of the government. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Caribbean Airlines expanding routes

Dr Raja Shiva Prasad Muvvalla will return to court on June 30

RIMA, TRINIDAD: An Indian-born doctor in Trinidad, charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, was Monday granted TT$1.5 million bail by an Arima magistrate before whom the doctor appeared to answer the charge. Dr Raja Shiva Prasad Muvvalla, who was based in Tobago, stood before Magistrate Ray Roopchan in the First Court, who read the charge that on November 7, Muvvalla was in possession of cocaine at the Piarco International airport. A second charge, read in court was that Muvvalla was in possession of 17.12 kilogrammes of cocaine for export at Piarco International airport. Both charges were laid indictably and the accused was not called upon to plead. Court prosecutor Alexander, in presenting the exhibits to the court, said the cocaine was found in 16 black plastic packets and carries an estimated local street value of TT$6,848,000. Sgt Alexander included in the exhibits, two cylindrical metal containers resembling water heater tanks, four pieces of metal sheeting and two boxes containing a quantity of pipe fittings.

Sgt Alexander also objected to bail on the grounds that the accused is a foreign national and a flight risk. Muvvalla’s attorney Jai Narine countered by saying his client is not a flight risk and asked that the court note that the incident occurred last year and his client did not leave the country. He said Muvvalla has worked in Trinidad and Tobago for the past five years and is employed at a hospital in Tobago, on contract, which was due to expire in 2015. Narine told Roopchan there was nothing under the Bail Act that prohibited the court from granting his client bail. Narine noted his client had a previous conviction for simple larceny. In 2012, Muvvalla was charged with breaking and entering the pharmacy of the Sangre Grande District Hospital and the larceny of pharmaceutical drugs. After Narine ended his plea for bail to be granted to Muvvalla, Immigration Officer Darren Alexander presented to Sgt Alexander, a detention order issued because of a previous conviction. The case was adjourned to June 30. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

Caribbean Airlines Limited is looking at new markets to service within the region

RINIDAD: The Trinidad-based Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) has announced plans for expanding existing routes to include some destinations in the Caribbean. An official at the stateowned carrier said this is one of the things engaging the attention of new chief executive officer, Micahel DiLollo since his appointment 12 days ago. “We’re looking at new markets as we intend to assess that, taking into consideration the seasonal leisure markets with increased focus on the regional Caribbean market,” senior marketing manager at the carrier, Alicia Cabrera said. “We are Caribbean Airlines; we don’t service all the territories in the region and this is something that our new CEO is looking at. We are reviewing our network connectivity both regionally and internationally.” Cabrera was speaking Monday night at the open-

ing event of Caribbean Week which is organised by the Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO). The annual event, a celebration of the sights, sounds, colours, talents, diverse culture and unique vacation experiences of the Caribbean, runs until June 6. In the past, the shareholders of the regional airline, LIAT, have publicly expressed the view that the expansion of CAL into the Eastern Caribbean could negatively impact the Antiguabased airline. But they acknowledged that the removal of CAL’s fuel subsidy effective October 1 last year puts the islandhopping carrier in a better position to compete. Cabrera told Caribbean media that there is an existing agreement between CAL and LIAT. “We’re looking at code shares; actually right now that is a weakness of our product as far as connectivity

beyond the gateways are concerned,” she said. “LIAT as a code share, currently we do have an agreement with LIAT; it’s called a special pro-rated agreement…but we’re looking at expanding our interline agreements beyond the gateway.” CAL Chairman Philip Marshall said in a recent statement that the company has completed financial audits for the years 2010 and 2011 and that once they are approved a date will be set for an annual general meeting. Marshall said the airline’s financial situation had “substantially improved” one year after Finance Minister Larry Howai told parliament that the airline had recorded losses amounting to TT$700 million. Cabrera said there are many challenges facing the carrier but DiLollo is moving swiftly to address them. (Excerpted from Caribbean News)

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Jamaican Church leaders Young people urged not to discriminate leaving agriculture against HIV-infected persons for gold mining in

Guyana – minister

Discrimination Reduction Technical Officer in Jamaica Juliet Hall (Jamaica Observer photo)

AMAICA: Church leaders in Jamaica are among those being urged to desist from displaying behaviours which might be considered discriminatory against persons living with HIV, as stigma and discrimination continue to be one of the major factors driving the epidemic. According to Discrimination Reduction Technical Officer at the National Family Planning Board (NFPB) Juliet Hall, there have been reports of various discriminatory practices in the church, such as refusal to baptise persons suspected of being HIV positive and the preaching of sermons that make such individuals uncomfortable. A local study conducted in 2012 showed that 14 percent of discriminatory practices against those living with HIV took place in the church. "We are having it across the island. We are having snippets of discriminatory practices happening in both small, medium and large churches," Hall told Jamaican media during a Church Leaders and Pastors' HIV Conference at the Jamaica Conference Centre last Friday. The main aim of the conference was to bring church leaders together to learn about the National HIV/AIDS response so they can develop strategies

to reduce stigma and discrimination among congregants. "As a community that seeks to build the life of persons, we need to tell our congregations this is not appropriate behaviour," said Hall. Discrimination, she said, has resulted in the marginalisation of HIV positive persons and made many unwilling to get tested, access regular care, or disclose their status to partners and families. "One of the first place HIV positive people go to is the church. Sometimes they come for healing; sometimes they think that the messages will suit them and give them a perspective as to how they move and live their lives," she asserted. The conference was organised by a joint committee of church umbrella group leaders and the Joy Town Community Development Foundation. The Foundation is a faith-based nonprofit company that, among other things, organises a HIV prevention and reduction programme. The group does this by offering voluntary counselling and testing for sex workers, hosting HIV workshops and on-the-corner sessions, and conducting case management and vocational training opportunities. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

UYANA: Minister within the Agriculture Ministry Alli Baksh said young people in Guyana are gravitating to gold mining as they are not too interested in farm labour. According to Baksh, this is a major problem facing the agricultural sector today, noting that if it is not addressed, it will negatively impact the sector in the not so distant future. The minister was at the time speaking at the Guyana Agricultural Producer’s Association (GAPA) Regional Conference, attended by scores of farmers last Friday, at the Anna Regina Town Council in Essequibo. The conference was held under the theme “Towards participatory agricultural programme development”. He said farmers are the backbone of the economy and they can look to the government as a viable partner in development. Baksh noted that though there are vast areas of agricultural lands available, there are a shortage of skilled persons, pointing out that the shift to gold mining is a setback to agriculture. He further stated that the impact of the shortage is already being felt as there is a demand for some produce but the supply is not there. Baksh stressed that the GAPA has an important role to play in addressing this problem and to revive young people’s interest in agriculture. He encouraged persons to form themselves into groups and tap into the assistance being provided by GAPA. GAPA Regional Coordinator Laxmi Jaikeshan said the non-governmental organisation will be partnering with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to source small grants for several projects. She said assistance will be given to help farmers construct shade houses in Regions Two, Three, Five and Six.

Guyana’s Minister within the Agriculture Ministry Alli Baksh

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament Cornel Damon called on farmers to expand their production by making maximum use of the lands available to them. He also proposed that farmers pool their resources and acquire a processing facility to preserve their perishable crops and fruits. Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud welcomed the farmers to the conference, saying that their work cannot be underestimated as they feed the nation. He said Region Two farmers have been on top of their game, exporting natural juices to various Caribbean territories, and soon farmers will be tapping into the Trinidad market, supplying coconut water. (Guyana Times)

Canada-based company building Prominent Tobago largest solar project in Suriname businessman on sex charges

A R A M A R I B O , SURINAME: The Rosebel Gold Mine N.V, a joint venture between the Canada-based IAMGOLD and the Suriname government, says it expects to have operational by August next year, the largest solar project in the Dutchspeaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) country. The US$14 million five mega watt project is being funded by Rosebel and will be used at the company’s Brokopondo site, a grid-connected location. The project aims to reduce energy costs but increase the energy supply to allow Rosebel to exploit harder rock deposits. The first panel of the solar project has now been installed and according to Ronald Halas, IMAGOLD’s Vice President, Commercial South America, the project should become operation by August 2014.

T The US$14 million five mega watt project is being funded by Rosebel

“The Rosebel solar energy project is an excellent investment by Rosebel that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide additional power generating capacity in Suriname, and once again demonstrate the importance of the Brokopondo area for the generation of power in Suriname,” said

Halas. The company stated that the project would also help it deliver on its commitments to minimise the impact of the company activities on the environment which include the generation of clean and sustainable electricity. (Caribbean News)

OBAGO: Prominent Tobago businessman Anthony Abraham has been placed on TT$300,000 bail after appearing Monday before Scarborough Magistrate Glen Mahabir to answer six charges of sexual assault against a minor. Abraham of Whim Estate, has appeared on charges of having sex with a female under 14 years; three charges of having sex with a female between the age of 14 and 16 years; indecent assault and grievous sexual assault. The acts are alleged to have occurred between 2011 and this year at two places in Scarborough— Castries Street and Whim—all with the same victim. The charges were laid indictably and Abraham, who is the father of ace national cyclist Emile Abraham, was not called upon to plead. Abraham, 73, was ordered not to have contact with the victim and/or her family. A restraining order of 100 feet was also placed on the accused and he is expected to report to the Scarborough Police Station every Saturday. Abraham is expected to return to court on July 1. (TT Newsday)

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Trinidad: COP suspends Roberts over ganja video T

RINIDAD: The Congress of the People (COP) Monday night suspended Sports Minister Anil Roberts from the party over his failure to cooperate with them in the controversial ganja video matter. The decision was taken following an emergency meeting at COP’s Operations Centre in Charlieville, Chaguanas. It came more than two weeks after the video, which shows a man resembling the government minister rolling what appears to be a marijuana cigarette in a hotel room with two women, was aired. Roberts has refused to confirm or deny whether he is the person in the video and last week also refused to cooperate with COP executives at a meeting specifically called to view the video and address the matter, according to TT media reports. In making the announcement following Monday night’s meet-

TT’s Sports Minister Anil Roberts (TT Guardian photo)

ing, COP leader Prakash Ramadhar said the party felt it had no other option, as the matter has long been occupying public debate. He said after serious consideration, the executive agreed that Roberts did not cooperate with them to clarify the issue, whether he was in the video

and whether any illegal activity was being committed at the time. Based on his failure to co-operate, Ramadhar said they agreed that he will not be allowed to participate in, or represent the party in any form or fashion and they will also take steps to have him removed

as a member. Asked if this was a suspension, Ramadhar said yes, adding that according to the Westminster system that TT follow, in a situation where an issue is unresolved the minister should step aside. He suggested that Roberts should step aside as a government minister as well, but said for now the COP was doing its part. “We will be exploring every option to sever any and every tie with Roberts,” he said. Noting that Roberts was entitled to the presumption of innocence before guilt, Ramadhar said he will still be given an opportunity for a fair hearing before the executive if he chooses to do so. Asked about the possibility of Roberts suing over the decision, Ramadhar said their decision was purely political one, but said they would deal with the legal matter when and if it comes. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

Bahamas to take U.S. spying claims to OAS

A S S A U , BAHAMAS: A foreign service team will travel to Paraguay later this week to address the Organisation of American States (OAS) and meet with a representative from the office of the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State on the controversial allegations that the National Security Agency (NSA) of the United States is recording and storing audio from every cell phone conversation in The Bahamas, Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred

Mitchell said on Sunday. During a press conference, Mitchell pointed out that it has been more than a week since U.S. officials indicated they would give a public response on the matter. No such response has yet come, according to Mitchell. Mitchell said his ministry is “kicking it up to an even higher level to get answers”. He noted that it is imperative to get to the bottom of who, if anyone, authorised the alleged spying. Only the Ministry of

National Security, the Office of the Attorney General and the Commissioner of Police can authorise listening of private citizens’ phone conversations, according to the Listening Devices Act. Mitchell said that everyone in the current and former administration, who would have had authority to sign off on access to the cell phones with the “glaring exception” of the former Prime Minister, Hubert Ingraham, has publically denied knowledge of the matter.

Asked whether he felt Ingraham should provide a public response, Mitchell said, “I am not going to prescribe to him what his behavior ought to be. I only point out to you that everybody has spoken except him and that is as far as I want to go.” He added, “The fact is, the allegations are still out there and as the government of the day we have to get to the bottom of this and if there is unlawful activity we have to make every effort to stop it.” (Excerpted from Caribbean News)

Guyana pushes for Karran’s appointment as OAS ASG

Belize Ambassador to the U.S. Nestor Menez

Ambassador Bayney Karran

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Guyana is to soon begin a fierce lobby for its current Ambassador to Costa Rica Bayney Karran to be given the nod by Caricom for the position of Assistant Secretary General (AGS) of the Organisation of American States (OAS) when the position becomes vacant next year. However, Karran will be up against Belize Ambassador to the U.S. Nestor Menez, who has also expressed an interest in the post. Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett said Guyana will be hoping that at the level of Caricom, there will be broad support for Karran’s candidacy as this is crucial for him to succeed. “If you have two candidates from Caricom, then it becomes much harder because the votes would be split…so we would be looking to lobby our counterparts to support our nominee,” RodriguesBirkett told Guyanese media recently. Karran and Mendez are their countries’ representatives at the OAS, but the Guyanese has more years of experience at the hemispheric body, being appointed his country’s representative there since 2003. Mendez for his part

was accredited in June 13, 2008. Mendez did graduate work at the Eliot School of International Affairs at George Washington University. He served as Counsellor of the Belize High Commission in London from 1997 to 1999. Karran once served as Guyana’s Ambassador to the U.S. Prior to becoming a diplomat, he spent two decades working as an Attorney. He received his first ambassadorship in 1997, serving as his country’s representative to Venezuela until 2003. During this span, he was also accredited as Ambassador to Chile and Colombia (1998-2003) as well as Ecuador (19992003). Since 1997, he has been a delegate to ministerial and multilateral organisations, such as the Rio Group, the OAS, the Association of Caribbean States and the Latin American Economic System. Current, OAS ASG Surinamese Albert Ramdin has served his two terms and would not be eligible to run again. While Ramdin has expressed an interest in the Secretary General position, his government said it would not support his candidacy, but rather would give Guyana its vote. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Jamaican gov’t reviewing bids for three casinos

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Horace Dalley, says the government is still in the process of reviewing bids for the three proposed Las Vegas-style casinos that are earmarked for Jamaica. Speaking at last Thursday’s opening of the 2014 Gaming Industry Summit at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston, Dalley said much is at stake with only three licences to be awarded. He noted that the

granting of such licences is dependent on whether the prospective licensees are fully compliant with the government of Jamaica’s requirements. “There is no room for error, and all efforts are painstakingly being made to ensure due diligence and suitability,” he said. As for lounges in the exclusive gaming sector, Dalley said operators will be happy to hear that they still have a few years before the casinos become active. He also predicted that their current clientele are not likely to shift, as the casinos will require play-

Jamaica’s Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Horace Dalley (right), and Chairman of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission, Gary Peart, arrive at the inaugural Gaming Industry Summit, held at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston, last week (JIS photo)

ers to be guests in the in-

tegrated resort.

“Nevertheless, I urge gaming lounges to be proactive and review your business models to ensure your unique positioning and customer retention in the market,” he said. Turning to the issue of gambling addiction, the minister noted that the work of organisations such as Rise Life Management will continue to be vital as the casinos come on stream and access to gaming machines and gaming lounges increase island-wide. He added that, as such, it is imperative that all gaming facilities practice responsible gaming

and adopt a responsible gaming code of conduct to ensure the protection of all vulnerable groups. Dalley further said the voluntary exclusion programme, currently upheld by a few gaming lounges, must be expanded into all other gaming establishments, for the support of those who have gambling addiction and feel unable to control their problem. A voluntary exclusion programme or voluntary self-exclusion is a policy enacted by several casinos as a method of addressing the issue of addictive and compulsive gambling. (JIS)

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Grenada looks to attract high-end, eco-tourism visitors

EW YORK, U N I T E D S T A T E S : Grenada says it intends to take full advantage of the tourism industry which is regarded as a major revenue earner for the Caribbean in a competitive global environment. Manager for Projects and Reporting at the Grenada Tourism Authority, (GMA), Christine NoelHorsford, told Caribbean media that the island has gone past the teething pains of its new rebranding initiative and is on a drive to position the island as the destination of choice in the region. “Grenada is doing

The United Kingdom market is a very important one for Grenada

pretty well, especially from the U.S. market. Right now we are up eight percent even given the time of our economic challenges that we are facing,” she stated. “We find for us this year…in

terms of the numbers, it’s looking very good for the destination. “We’re focusing on some niche markets including the dive market (and) epicurean, you know people like food,

culture and heritage so we are finding that we are not doing things the same old way that we used to. “We are looking for new marketing opportunities and focusing

on that; ensuing that people have a very good experience when they come to the island. So for us overall it has been very good for the destination,” she added. The United Kingdom market is also a very important one for Grenada but the UK figures have trended downwards since the introduction of the British Air Passenger Duty (APD). Noel-Horsford spoke with Caribbean media as the 41st edition of Caribbean Week got underway in New York on Tuesday. Caribbean Week is organised by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO). The annual event is a

celebration of the sights, sounds, colours, talents, diverse culture and unique vacation experiences of the Caribbean. Director of CTOUSA, Sylma BrowneBramble, said the yearly gathering remains relevant after 41 years and is important now more than ever; with the various countries reaping the benefits. “The countries do see changes in the numbers. Our job is to create a platform for the destinations to use to promote their own national destination and to the extent that they participate in the events they see the returns on their investment,” said. (Caribbean News)

Antigua hosting first phase of U.S.-led military exercise

T. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA: The first phase of the United States-led military exercise, code named “Exercise Tradewinds,” began in Antigua on Monday with Washington emphasising its importance to the safety of the countries within the region. “Tradewinds is vital to the nations of the

Caribbean, Canada, and the United States in order to collaborate against common threats to our peoples and the way we live our lives, as well as to sharpen our collective responses to deal with humanitarian crises, natural disasters, and pandemics,” said General John Kelly, Commander of the United States Southern Command

(SOUTHCOM). “The United States is one of many equal partners in the Caribbean, and SOUTHCOM is interested as much in human rights, developing deep and lasting partnerships across a large range of issues, diplomacy, economic development, and environmental matters, as contained in military topics. A section of the participants of ‘Exercise Tradewinds’ 2014 (Antigua Observer photo)

“Like the other nations participating in Tradewinds, we place a very high value on this training and the understanding and cooperation it fosters.” The exercise is being attended by an estimated 300 military and security forces from Canada and several Caribbean countries, excluding St. Lucia. Last year, the United States suspended assistance to the Royal St Lucia Police as a result of allegations of serious human rights violations which occurred between 2010 and 2011.

The allegations included claims of extra-judicial police slayings which the government is currently investigating with the help of a team of police officers from Jamaica. The first phase of the June 1-10 training exercise will focus primarily on maritime security and countering transnational organised criminal groups on the high seas, as well as training to improve the ability to respond to natural disasters and provide humanitarian relief. The exercise will provide realistic simulated disaster events to

test the Antigua and Barbuda National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) as well as the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). The second phase, will be held in the in the Dominican Republic, June 16-25. The exercise supports the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), a regional security partnership between Caricom member states, the Dominican Republic, and the United States of America. (Antigua Observer)

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Guyana gov’t revokes several remigrants’ status -after detecting evidence of fraud

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: The Foreign Affairs Ministry in Guyana has been forced to revoke the re-migrant status of several persons under the State-run Remigrant Programme as many were using the scheme to import all types of luxury vehicles and other items, but never really fully resettled in the country. The remigrant scheme is administered by the Foreign Affairs Ministry in conjunction with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). The ministry determines and grants remigration status while the GRA administers the tax exemptions. Under the scheme, a Guyanese, age 18 and above, who has been residing legally overseas for a minimum of five consecutive years and is now returning to Guyana, can benefit. Also, Guyanese students/graduates who have attended or are attending a training insti-

tution and residing overseas for a minimum of four years and are now returning to Guyana, can also benefit. Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett said that while she will not deem the programme a failure, she acknowledged that some persons had misused it and once this was detected, their re-migrant status was revoked. Currently, the Auditor General’s Office is investigating a scam involving senior GRA officials and some re-migrants regarding the misuse of the scheme. Rodrigues-Birkett said initially, the probe looked into that specific aspect of the fraud, but she asked that it be widened to see whether persons who applied and were granted re-migrant status, actually live in Guyana. The remigrant Diaspora programme seeks to create a framework for overseas-based

The Remigrant Programme aims to attract skilled nationals to return and develop Guyana

Guyanese to return and make meaningful contributions to their birth land.

Room for fraud

Meanwhile, asked whether the criteria required for qualification leave room for fraud, Rodrigues-Birkett responded: “You would

Eleventh Clarendon cop charged with murder in Jamaica

L A R E N D O N , JAMAICA: The eleventh Clarendon policeman charged with murder has been denied bail. Monday, the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) charged District Constable Howard Brown with the 2011 murder of Andrew Bisson. His arrest came as INDECOM continued its probe of death squads in the Jamaica Constabulary Force. His attorney, Dwight Reese, made a bail application, however, senior Resident Magistrate, Judith Pusey denied the request after INDECOM opposed it. Two other policemen who INDECOM had previously charged for murder, were also charged with the district consta-

ble for the 2011 killing. Last week, the Court of Appeal quashed the bail granted to two other Clarendon-based policemen accused of extrajudicial killings. INDECOM opened the probe in March into the conduct of members of the Police Area Three, which includes Clarendon. INDECOM says its investigations have led the Commission to suspect that there are incidents that were first reported as homicides involving civilians and gunmen, but were later found to be police shootings. Residents of several communities in Clarendon have demonstrated against the murder charges brought against the Clarendon cops. (Jamaica Gleaner)

have noticed that a couple of re-migrants have taken us to court. We just check the departure and arrival at the airport with Immigration and Customs. What has been happening is the Guyana Revenue Authority, they would normally run those checks and then

they inform us that they have noticed John Jones who should be in Guyana has spent 29 months in the U.S. and we are able to effect a revocation of the status. We have had several revocations…but we don’t publicise them.” She added, “we have found some cases where people submitted fraudulent documents. In fact, right now, the Auditor General is doing an audit. I have asked him to do an audit of the entire system because we want to make sure that we encourage people who are interested in re-migrating to Guyana to make use of the facility, but at the same time, we want to make sure that we detect those persons who are trying to beat the system.” She noted too: “We check to see if you were living legally abroad for five years or more and do first run on documents to see what you want duty-free concession on,

but it is not our responsibility to grant that. We send what we discover to the GRA and they would make the final decision, but we have been working together, so if they pick up something, a vehicle document for example, we would use the embassy abroad and local commissioner to check it out. It is not to put a stigma on the remigrants; I would say it’s a minority of people who would try to beat the system.” The minister however, acknowledged that a number of the remigrants might be citizens in the country they came from and have sufficient ties that would require them to travel. The aim of the programme is to attract skilled nationals to return and develop the country and RodriguesBirkett said so far, there have been a variety of people returning. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Trinidad: Multi-level car park for San Fernando Waterfront

AN FERNANDO, TRINIDAD: San Fernando Mayor Kazim Hosein has promised citizens a new multi-level car park as part of the San Fernando Waterfront Redevelopment Project in Trinidad. Hosein made the statement at a clean-up and beautification exercise at King’s Wharf, San Fernando, Tuesday. The clean-up effort came following the demolition of DR Singh’s sawmill earlier this month. The sawmill, which had occupied the land for over 60 years, was described by the mayor as an eyesore and a health hazard to the public. “This was never an appropriate site for the sawmill, as its operations could have put the lives of citizens in danger,” Hosein said. “We are proposing to build a multi-level car park here for the people who come to the hospital, or those who use the water taxi and have to park their cars on the side of the road,” he added. Meanwhile, expressing his disappointment at the lack of consultation by the Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development over

San Fernando Mayor Kazim Hosein seems to be giving some instructions to the backhoe operator during the clean-up exercise at the Waterfront, King’s Wharf, San Fernando, Tuesday (TT Guardian photo)

the waterfront project, Hosein said the council felt left out. “Everyone has their eye on this project, but we in the council feel we should have more input. It’s as we always say, ‘Don’t sit in Port-ofSpain and make decisions for San Fernando.’” (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

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Guyana: Baby recovered, alleged TT celebrates kidnapper remanded to prison Mandela in July

Ravikan Bistonauth with his son in the company of his wife Sandra Mclean

E R B I C E , GUYANA: A 47-year-old woman was on Monday remanded to prison when she appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Whim Magistrate’s Court in Guyana for kidnapping a nine-day-old baby on the Corentyne, close to two weeks ago. Baitoon Hussain called ‘Debbie’ of Mahdia, Region Eight, pleaded not guilty to stealing the child. The mother of three was charged under Chapter 18:01, Section 19 for ‘Child Stealing’. Police Prosecutor Sergeant

Phillip Sheriff told the court that on May 24, with intent to deprive Sandra Mc Lean of her nine-dayold baby, Hussain took the child away. Attorney Rodwel Jagmohan, representing the accused, requested that Hussain be granted pre-trial liberty; however, Sheriff objected, stating the gravity and nature of the offence should dictate that she be remanded. Sheriff argued that if granted bail, Hussain will not return to court. However, Jagmohan pleaded for reasonable bail. Magistrate Singh denied the accused bail and

Baitoon Hussain has been charged for kidnapping the nine-day old baby

ordered that she return to court on June 16 when the police are expected to present statements and a date for trial. Hussain was at home at Chesney Village, Corentyne on Sunday with the baby boy when police swooped down on the house and rescued the child. On May 24, Hussain, who allegedly identifying herself as “Bibi Khan”, befriended McLean under the guise that she had special interest in the child. She lured McLean to Rose Hall Town and later at the Port Mourant Market, where she disappeared with the infant.

Reports in the local media claimed that the alleged kidnapper had faked a pregnancy, then abducted the child because she was being pressured by her husband, who wanted a son. She and her reputed husband have been together for two years. He is said to have sent money from the interior to take care of her during the supposed delivery. She later confessed to kidnapping the child and claimed that she paid the mother Gy$800,000. However, the child’s mother denied receiving any money. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

R I N I D A D : Minister of N a t i o n a l Diversity and Social Integration Rodger Samuel has announced there will be a series of events from July 13 to July 18 in Trinidad and Tobago to celebrate the life of former South African President Nelson Mandela. Addressing the postCabinet press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister, St Clair, last Thursday, Samuel said Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar announced last year plans to have a ‘Mandela Day’. Mandela passed away last December and the prime minister and a delegation, including Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley, attended the state memorial for the iconic world leader in South Africa. The local celebration will include a poster competition for primary and secondary school students. Samuel said the National Library, the University of the West Indies and oth-

er universities would host lecture series on Mandela. The celebrations end on July 18, the day the world will celebrate “Nelson Mandela International Day” to mark the South African anti-apartheid leader’s contribution to peace. Samuel said the theme of the celebration will be “Nelson Mandela, the evolution of a world icon”. “The reason we chose that theme because of what Nelson Mandela in his own way, meant not only to South Africa but meant to the entire world and what he stood for, justice and care for all humanity, volunteerism, and all of those things that he would have lived and his life would have identified with and by,” he said. The minister said out of the celebrations, they intended to establish, an arm of the 67 movement. The 67 movement, according to Samuel, is a world movement that looks at Mandela’s life of peace and justice for helping humanity. (TT Newsday)

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Trinidad’s Dog Guyanese diplomat Odeen Ishamel Control Act kicks to retire soon due to fading health in but stakeholders G not ready

The legislation separates dogs into two classes—A and B (TT Guardian photo)

RINIDAD: The law governing ownership of dangerous dogs in Trinidad and Tobago came into effect Monday but several issues, including insurance coverage for people who do not own homes, the type of microchip to be used and the process to retrieve a dog, once given up, remain unclear to citizens. Because of this uncertainty, the TT Veterinary Association (TTVA) has urged the government to postpone the Dog Control Act 2014 until such issues have been properly resolved. President-elect of the association, Dr Karla Georges, said the body had already met with the Local Government Ministry and recommendations had been put forward, but these were yet to be implemented. “One of the most important issues is the microchiping of the dogs. Up to now we do not know exactly who is doing it and whether there has been any decision on the particular type of microchip to be used.” Georges said. Others matters which need to be ventilated are the registration and training of the dogs. “Are the corporations equipped to handle the influx of dogs? If an owner relinquishes a dog and wants to get it back what is the process? Do they have to fill out a form and if so to whom? Nobody even knows what the form is

going to look like. These issues have not been addressed.” With attacks against the public increasing in recent years, sparking huge debate about laws each time, the government felt it had to move on the act. The legislation separates dogs into two classes—A and B. Class A is considered as the more dangerous types of dogs—the Pitbull Terrier, Fila Brasileiro and the Japanese Tosa and any dog which is bred from any of these breeds. Class B dogs are all other types of dogs. Senior executive member of the association Dr Marc Driscoll, who echoed Georges’ statements, said another major issue was that of insurance. He added that it was still not decided which companies would be handling the policies and what were the details of such policies. Insurance companies do not have separate policies to cover Class A breeds, says Baliram Sawh, vice president-general of the Association of TT Insurance Companies (ATTIC). He said this insurance could be covered under their homeowner’s policy, but it was still undecided which companies would be providing this. The only way you could get this type of coverage is via home ownership or if you’re a business owner, he added. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

E O R G E T O W N , GUYANA: Guyana’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Odeen Ishamel is to retire shortly, owing to fading health, Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett has said. Ishmael has been credited with putting together what he described as a serialised edition of the history of Guyana, which contained some very damning documents of the Forbes Burnham-led People’s National Congress (PNC) Administration. 'The Guyana Story' is available on the Internet. Rodrigues-Birkett said Ambassador Ishmael will be demitting office and he will be replaced by an appointment by the President. “He is retiring because of health reasons. Ambassador has been unwell for some time, and no doubt that would have affected his ability to function 100 percent, and of course, we wished that he had recovered sooner but these are some of the things we have to experience with health,” RodriguesBirkett related. Appointed Ambassador to Kuwait in 2011, Ishmael’s work has helped raise Guyana’s profile in the Middle East, RodriguesBirkett said, noting: “We are now a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and prior to this membership, we were not present in that part of the world. I think the establishment of that mission has improved our profile in that area.”

Guyana’s Ambassador to Kuwait Odeen Ishamel

Asked what tangible benefits has the country received so far as a result of the mission there, Rodrigues-Birkett said: “It is not just establishment of diplomatic missions and posting ambassadors, you don’t have an instant item that you can point to, but we have had in recent times increased visits. We have also received indication from the Saudi Arabian government that they want to send a team of investors to Guyana and they have invited a team from our end so we are working with them on that.”

Distinguished service

Prior to his Kuwait appointment, Ambassador Ishmael

also served as Ambassador to Venezuela (November 2003-January 2011) and to the U.S. (June 1993-October 2003). While in the U.S., he was also Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States (OAS). Ambassador Ishmael previously worked as a teacher and achieved in the 1980s the status of Deputy Headmaster in the Guyana school system. He broke away from teaching in 1970-1971 and worked as an Information Officer in the Ministry of External Affairs (now the Foreign Affairs Ministry) of Guyana. Ambassador Ishmael holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography, a post-graduate Diploma in Education and a PhD in Education. In his political life, Ambassador Ishmael served in the Central Committee and the leadership of the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) from 1972 to 1982 and in the Central Committee of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) of Guyana from 1980 to 1988. He has written numerous articles on education, Guyanese history and international political issues, which have been published in newspapers and journals in Guyana, the Caribbean, North America and Latin America. Ambassador Ishmael and his wife Evangeline have two children–a son, Safraz Waseem Ishmael, and a daughter, Nadeeza Ishmael. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Jamaica: Sixty children murdered, 99 shot and injured in past 16 months

AMAICA: Sixty children were murdered and 99 shot and injured by criminals between January 2013 and May 2014 in Jamaica, according to the latest data from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Statistics Department. Police report that, in the last two months alone, seven children between the ages of seven and 17 years were murdered, while one was shot and injured. The Police High Command, in response to the brutal attacks has issued a call on all Jamaicans to redouble their efforts to safeguard the nation’s youth. The police said they were also concerned about the number of youths becoming involved in gun-related crimes, citing statistics to show that, for the period January 1, 2013 to May 25, 2014, some 44 children were charged with murder, 40 with shooting and 94 with breaches of the Firearms Act. “Police intelligence suggests that gangs con-

Penda Honeyghan reads to children from Craig Town, Kingston who are participating in a mentorship programme managed by students of the AZ Preston Hall at University of the West Indies (Jamaica Observer photo)

tinue to co-opt children in their criminal organisations to commit crimes," the Police High Command reported. "Children are routinely found to be armed with weapons of all kinds—knives, machetes, even cleverly made home-made firearms, which are believed to be supplied by criminal gangs," the police said. While the police con-

tinue to enforce the law and employ policing strategies to dissuade young people from a life of crime, parents, caregivers and communities were being urged to care for children and to seek the assistance of the police, the Child Development Agency, or other appropriate authorities where necessary. The police also urged citizens to report

any abuse of children or their involvement in crimes. "Children are too precious a resource for well-thinking Jamaicans to stand by and do nothing to help them. Now more than ever, Jamaicans must unite for change; it is our civic duty to care for and protect our children," the police said. (Jamaica Observer)

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Trinidad’s oldest indentured immigrant dies a day after celebrating 110th birthday

Dengue cases in Caribbean jump five-fold in ten years

R I N I D A D : Soogaree Jattan, Trinidad and Tobago’s oldest surviving indentured worker who turned 110 on Indian Arrival Day, last Friday, has died. Soogaree, who came to Trinidad from India in 1908 when she was just four years old, was pronounced dead at 4.10 pm Saturday at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex where she was warded for three days prior to her passing. Chief Executive Officer of the North Central Regional Health Authority Kumar Boodram confirmed her demise. He said he was in the ward when she “took her last breath”. On her birthday last Friday, Soogaree was visited by a few family members including her daughter Anandai Ramlagan. Genealogist Shamshu Deen, who has known Soogaree for over 25 years told TT media that he went to the hospital to see her Saturday, but was not allowed in the ward as the doctors were trying to resuscitate her. “I knew her for so long,

PAHO said last year was one of the worst years for dengue in the hemisphere’s history

Soogaree Jattan (TT Newsday photo)

I thought she would live forever. I used to boast about her and hold her up as an example. Now she is no longer there,” he said sadly. Deen said he met Soogaree’s great-granddaughter at the hospital Saturday who told him that she had grandchildren. He said that means that Soogaree has great, great, great grandchildren. “That is exceptional, as a researcher I have never met someone with great,

great, great grandchildren, it’s a first for me,” he said. Deen said Soogaree never knew her exact date of birth so decided to celebrate her birthday on Indian Arrival Day. Soogaree who was believed to be the oldest living person in Trinidad and Tobago, if not the Caribbean, was admitted to the Mt Hope hospital last Thursday. She was receiving oxygen and drips at the hospital and was being treated for fluid in her lungs. (TT Newsday)

ASHINGTON DC: The Pan A m e r i c a n Health Organisation (PAHO) says the number of dengue cases in the Americas, including the Caribbean, increased five-fold between 2003 and 2013. According to data presented this week at a high-level regional meeting on dengue hosted by PAHO, between 2009 and 2012, over one million cases were reported annually, on average, with more than 33,900 severe cases and 835 deaths. PAHO said last year was one of the worst years for dengue in the hemisphere’s history, with 2.3

million cases, including 37,705 severe cases and 1,289 deaths. By comparison, the number of cases reported region-wide in 2003 was 517,617, PAHO said. Despite countries’ efforts to control the disease, PAHO warned that dengue continues to spread due to, among other reasons, uncontrolled, unplanned urbanisation, lack of basic services in communities, poor environmental management and climate change. In the Americas, nearly 500 million people are at risk of contracting the disease, PAHO said. “All government sectors, communities, and families have to work to-

gether to fight the vector and control this disease, which knows no borders, discriminates against no one, and is everyone’s problem, not just the health sector’s,” he said. Espinal said Canada, continental Chile and Uruguay are the only countries in the region that have reported no dengue cases to date, despite the presence of Aedes aegypti mosquito in Uruguay. PAHO estimates that improvements in care prevented about 1,500 deaths last year, equivalent to over 25 percent of all deaths from the virus over the previous decade. (Caribbean News)

Guyana, U.S. partner to strengthen correctional services

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: The Guyana government in partnership with the U.S. Embassy will be looking to strengthen the local correctional services as the two parties signed the third amendment to the Letter of Agreement on Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement. The Letter of Agreement, which was signed by Foreign Affairs Minister

Carolyn RodriguesBirkett and U.S. Ambassador D Brent Hardt, at the Foreign Affairs Ministry last week, comes under the umbrella of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) and will see the enhancement of Guyana’s capabilities in narcotics control and professionalisation of law enforcement. After the signing, Rodrigues-Birkett

pointed out that the Caribbean governments recognised the transnational nature of crime and the emergence of new threats; however, she noted that the region cannot face them alone; hence, the need for support to extended by the U.S. to effectively combat the problem. She noted that the U.S. CBSI programme has yielded much success over the years, particularly since the

Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett and U.S. Ambassador D Brent Hardt signing the agreement at the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Georgetown last week (Guyana Times photo)

signing of the first agreement in 2011. Rodrigues-Birkett went on to say that the CBSI programme has not only been successful in Guyana, but in other countries of the region. M e a n w h i l e , Ambassador Hardt noted that despite all that was accomplished over the years through the CBSI programme, there is still much more work to be done and the Letter Of Agreement

will allow for that. He noted that the U.S. is committed to working with the Guyana government to combat the illicit trafficking of narcotics and illegal weapons while advancing public security and promoting social justice. He continued that the Letter Of Agreement will see an additional US$850,000 being plugged into boosting law enforcement’s effectiveness and increasely

police capacity in fighting crime. Apart from the CBSI initiative, over the years there have been several partnerships between the two countries, with Guyana benefitting from programmes such as the SKYE Project, which has provided training for over 1000 youths while over 300 have found full-time employment. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

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Over Gy$417 million to be invested in road rehabilitation throughout Guyana

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : The Housing and Water Ministry’s Community Roads I m p r o v e m e n t Programme (CRIP) has been a huge success and has provided a better quality of roads and easier access for thousands of individuals to their communities across Guyana. Following on this success, the ministry last Friday signed contracts with five construction companies for the second phase of the project, which will see an additional Gy$417 million being invested. The signing of the contracts which was done at the Ministry’s Boardroom came about after these companies were deemed the most suitable for the job following a public tender which was opened on

April 29. The rehabilitation process would also cater for safety features such as speed humps, and reshaping of the drains and road corners to avoid accidents by careless road users. Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali, who was present at the event, expressed his joy of being able to “move forward with this phase of the project”. He noted that this money will be used for the rehabilitation of 24 roads in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six. This intervention will directly benefit 15,685 people.

Strict on deadlines

He added that the ministry has been doing work on numerous roads in new housing schemes; however, this project will target the old schemes as these need maintenance

Guyana’s Housing Minister Irfaan Ali and some of the contractors look on as one of the representatives signs the contract (Guyana Times photo)

too. The minister also noted that some of these projects are expected to be completed in a threemonth timeframe, but by September, all of the work should conclude. In addition to this, he told

the contractors that the ministry will not be accepting any excuse if the deadlines are missed. He highlighted the fact that if the deadlines are not met, liquidated charges will be placed on the companies.

The change in the weather pattern should have also been catered for during the bidding process because this is usually the number one excuse for failing to meet deadlines. These projects will be supervised

by authorised personnel in the various communities. Minister Ali also pointed out that 15 out of these 24 roads are main access roads in communities such as Windsor Forest, Belladrum, Number 64 Villages, Footpath, and Enterprise, among others. The companies contracted for the project are Barden Construction, Guy America Construction, KP Jagdeo, H Nauth and Sons and Erin Lall Civil Works. Over 250 roads have thus far been rehabilitated under the CRIP initiative at a cost of Gy$2.4 billion through funding by the Government of Guyana and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). (Guyana Times)

Free private health care to benefit 6,000 in TT

R I N I D A D : Cabinet last week approved a TT$10 million health project to benefit more than 6,000 citizens initially. Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan told the weekly post-Cabinet news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister, St Clair, about the initiative, the External Patients Programme (EPP), which is intended to ensure that people who have to wait prolonged periods for appointments will be allowed to have the surgery or oth-

TT’s Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan (TT Newsday file photo)

er procedures at private medical institutions across the country. Among those to benefit initially are patients awaiting cataract surgery, CT and MRI scans and reports, pathology specimen reports, hip and knee surgery. The list will be increased to include prostate surgery and other operations. He related that people who wanted those operations done in the public health system have an extremely long waiting time. A condition for accessing the programme, Khan stat-

Grand Palladium Resort unveils largest solar PV plant in Jamaica

A N O V E R , JAMAICA: Operators of the Grand Palladium Resort and Spa in Hanover says that the facility set to save over Ja$80 million in energy cost per year from the installation of a solar PhotoVoltaic (PV) power plant. The solar power PV plant said to be the largest in Jamaica to date was unveiled at the hotel last Friday. According to the Spanish-based hotel, investment in the project totalled US$3.4 million and full return is projected after four years, with a US$21.9 million in energy savings over 30 years. General Manager of Grand Palladium Jose Morgan, while addressing the official unveil-

ing ceremony, said that his hotel was the first in Jamaica to embark on such an investment. Morgan encouraged other companies able to undertake a similar investment to do so, “and in the end, it’s a win, win, your pocket will win, the tourism sector will win, Jamaica as a destination will win.” The system was installed by local company, Sofos Jamaica, an arm of the Barcelona, Spainbased Sofos Group. “This is the first major project for us in Jamaica but we are already working with Digicel Jamaica and in the Tryall Golf Club in Hanover. We also have many other projects with different Jamaican companies that will begin soon,” Juan Mayoral, CEO of the Sofos Group

said at the unveiling. Meanwhile, Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Phillip Paulwell in expressing his support congratulated Sofos Jamaica on the historic project. Paulwell told the gathering that the Jamaican government is also doing its part to ensure small hoteliers can invest in renewable energy solutions. He announced that based on current trajectory, “solar will become the cheapest energy source by 2030 if we (Jamaica) continue to benefit from economies of scale”. He also encouraged other local hoteliers to demonstrate their commitment to reducing energy bill by undertaking similar projects. (Jamaica Observer)

ed was that the patient must have been waiting in the public health system for more than three months. The patient will have to fill out a form to the programme administrator at the Ministry of Health and will be given a voucher to go to an institution for the required service. The chosen supplier will redeem the voucher. Khan said negotiations were still taking place with those suppli-

ers. Moves to have unused capacity at public hospitals were frustrated, he complained, because “those who were supposed to do the normal work were not doing it and making sure that there was a backlog. So we are partnering with the private sector.” Khan disclosed that dental services were also expected to be added to the EPP short-

ly. He said the system would reduce the possibility of fraud and audit programmes would be in place at the regional health authorities. Khan also reported that private health institutions have been asked to submit proposals to the government to make this initiative successful and it will be an ongoing exercise and not just for the shortterm. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

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WEEK ENDING June 5, 2014

GPL plugs US$60 million Caribbean governments back to fight electricity theft, rum marketing campaign other losses in Guyana C

A citizen makes a point at the public presentation last Friday

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bharat Dindyal said the utility will be plugging some US$60 million, a quantum investment, to fight loss reduction in Guyana. Speaking at the company’s Developmental Programme Agenda at its first 2014 Public Meeting held at Duke Lodge, Duke Street, Kingston, Dindyal disclosed that the funding will come through loans and grants from the International Development Bank (IDB) and the European Union (EU). The CEO said part of the funds will be acquired through a loan process and at a one percent interest rate. This initiative, Dindyal related, would significantly cut loss reduction to eight percent, with five percent being technical losses and the remaining three percent being non-technical losses.

“I know it’s ambitious, but we can achieve it,” said Dindyal, pointing out that the project of its kind is the largest in this part of the hemisphere. Dindyal pointed out that the funds will be obtained in the latter part of 2014. It was explained that the power company continues to operate with huge losses due to discrepancies, with Region Four accounting for more than 73 percent of the grand total. According to Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Technical Areas) Colin Welch, the utility continues to be significantly affected by illegal connections and illegal streetlights, which in a large part contribute to the losses faced by the company.

Illegal connections

He explained that in 2013, the company suffered a total of Gy$565.3 million in losses as a result of tampering by consumers, but remained positive that with the implementation

of the Smart Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters, this illegality will be controlled. Welch pointed out that 5610 illegal connections were removed in 2013, with 2266 persons arrested. He related that 3640 illegal streetlights were removed by the company in 2013, accounting for Gy$23.3 million in losses. The street lights, Welch explained, are a responsibility of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council, but is shunned by most of them. When questions were raised as to why the conviction rates were low in comparison to the arrest rates, the Deputy CEO explained that there were a large percentage of persons before the court on charges for stealing electricity. He said that a majority of the cases were dismissed for want of prosecution, which is attributed to the lack of witnesses when the cases are called in courts. Also in the area of loss reduction, it was related that the power company will soon be cracking down on commercial and residential businesses pilfering electricity. According to Dindyal, the recently installed AMI meters have been feeding the company with real time data on how much power is being used by the consumer. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

A S T R I E S , ST.LUCIA: Prime Minister Dr. Kenny D. Anthony has assured Caribbean rum producers that an marketing campaign to position Authentic Caribbean Rums in Europe and internationally has the backing of Caribbean governments. Dr. Anthony was speaking at a regional rum exposition in St. Lucia, which hosted 16 Caribbean rum producers and journalists from six European countries. The prime minister acknowledged that despite victories at rum festivals worldwide, the Caribbean had a lot to do to maintain its foothold in traditional markets in Europe and to establish new markets globally. He said although the region was known for the ‘absolute quality and excellence’ in the rums produced, it still had to deal with competition in the international market.

A regional rum exposition was held recently in St. Lucia

“The Authentic Caribbean Rums campaign should market the Caribbean personality and the fact that Caribbean producers are the best at what they do,” Anthony indicated. He also urged rum producers to get engaged in promoting responsible consumption of rum as the health and other sectors were pushing for curbs and increased taxes on rum products. The exposition was organised by the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers Association (WIRSPA) to introduce to the visiting European

journalists the Authentic Caribbean Rum marketing campaign and the mark associated with it. Dr. Frank Ward, Chairman of WIRSPA said the exposure was very important for producers because their industry throughout the islands and territories have always been export oriented. “It is therefore vital that we continue to be able to export to discerning consumers who are willing to pay what I consider a premium for literally a premium product,” he stated. (Antigua Observer)

Community fibre optic project launched in Tobago

Acting CEO of TSTT George Hill makes a presentation to Agnes Webbe, director of the Human Capital Development Unit in the Ministry of Tobago Development (TT Guardian photo)

OBAGO: Acting CEO of TSTT George Hill, addressing a Tobago audience at the launch of the Mahogany Fibre-to-theCommunity project, said more than TT$15 million was being spent by blink | bmobile in bringing fibre optics closer to thousands more homes throughout Trinidad and Tobago. Residents of Milford Court are among the first in Tobago to benefit from this technology, which will allow the community and eventually others, to benefit from Blink’s Quad Play service packages and price bundles. Hill said Tobago was one of the focal areas in the company’s five-year strategic plan, for delivery of increased fibre op-

tic and wireless broadband as well as improved mobile coverage. “Residents and businesses will be able to access the complete quintuple portfolio of voice, broadband, entertainment, security and mobile,” he said. Hill added the company’s five-year strategic plan included providing customers with a new experience by giving them better choices and more control to define the services they want. He said it was hoped that Tobago would become a broadband paradise which attracts significant foreign investment. The international Telecommunications Union (ITU) has estimated that by the end of 2014, the global aver-

age for broadband penetration in homes will be about 44 percent. Among developed countries, that average is closer to 78 percent of households which the ITU says is approaching saturation. TT is well above the global average at 55 percent and with the launch of blink | bmobile’s Long Term Evolution and Fibre-tothe-Community projects, the company’s target is to achieve 95 percent coverage of the country. Deputy Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Tracy DavidsonCelestine said the launch is welcomed as it fits into the Comprehensive Economic Plan of the THA. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

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Jamaica gov’t unveils big plans for kids in State care J AMAICA: The Jamaican government says it will begin implementing several targeted interventions to improve conditions for children and adolescents, especially those in State care, during the 2014/15 fiscal year. These include the phased implementation of a child case management system; legislative reforms; transformation of the Maxfield Park Children's Home as a model care child facility; and therapy and counselling sessions. Minister of Youth and Culture Lisa Hanna made the announcement last week, saying the Child Case Management System is designed to

maintain accurate records of children taken into State custody at places of safety, until their departure from these institutions. "You can monitor their academic records, their medical records, their extra-curricular records, their parents, all the details (and) you can also trace whether or not they have behavioural problems," the minister related. The system, which will cost more than Ja$50 million to implement, is slated for roll-out over the next three years, and will facilitate information sharing among the ministry's agencies, the CDA, the Office of the Children's Registry, and Office of the Children's

dren.

New facilities and legislation

Jamaica’s Youth and Culture Minister Lisa Hanna (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)

Advocate. This will also be extended to other child service entities, such as the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse

and Children's Court. The minister explained that this will assist case workers manage their loads more efficiently and keep better records of their chil-

With regard to the transformation of the Maxfield Park Children's Home as a model facility, Hanna said "new dorms (will be established); and our therapeutic centre will also be there as well for children who need more counselling", adding that staff training will also be undertaken. Maxfield Park Children's Home is one of 59 residential care institutions for children currently in operation, of which 50 are owned and operated by private interests, including faithbased organisations, with significant sponsorship from the government.

Hanna pointed out that while the home is designed to accommodate close to 200 children, there are less than 100 youngsters resident at the facility. The minister said that several pieces of legislation, including the Child Care and Protection Act, and adoption laws were under review. She urged the staff of the CDA and all the other agencies that cater to the needs of children to continue playing a vital role in the development of the nation's children. There are close to 6,000 children in State care at public and private children's homes, and in foster care programmes. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

Guyana’s Foreign Minister says free movement has improved in Caricom

they are not the same. She noted that, on the one hand, there are skilled persons who are qualified for the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) Certificate, which allows them to travel to any member state under the CSME programme and work without having to apply for a work permit in those countries. She disclosed that since this Skilled Certificate Programme was implemented in 2006, she has approved over 4000 applications in Guyana. Rodrigues-Birkett

said she does not keep a record of the persons granted applications, but noted that she has approved some 40 applications from Caribbean nationals. The minister indicated that there are several skilled professionals, such as pilots and engineers from other Caricom countries, who are working in Guyana. She pointed out that mostly university graduates and professionals are the ones applying for the certificate, but she noted that this does not mean when they apply for the certificate, they

will leave. The minister stated that, contrary to popular belief, Guyana does not have a high rate of migration for teachers and nurses. In fact, she emphasised that there are minimal cases where persons from these professions apply for the CSME Certificate. On the other hand, she explained, there are unskilled persons, or those who do not qualify for the CSME Certificate, and who in some cases for whatever reasons are treated harshly at some airports. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

TT to go high-tech to beat criminals

sel (LRPV) to secure the country’s economic zone from 12 to 200 miles. Griffith said the new, fast and manoeuvrable interceptors were some of the most sophisticated in the world, capable of defeating any boat in the Great Race and able to handle the rough waters of the Gulf unlike their predecessors. He add-

ed the very effective and highly reliable seacraft will be locking down the shoreline, equipped with GPS tracking, linked with radar, and working in tandem with aerial surveillance from drones and helicopters. Coordination will be done by the National Operations Centre (NOC). (TT Guardian)

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: The free movement initiative within the Caribbean Community (Caricom) has improved over the years, resulting in more people migrating within the region to find better opportunities. This is according to Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, who pointed out that the initiative has been one of the highlights of the community. The minister noted that more than often, persons misconstrued free movement to mean

Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett (Guyana Times photo)

that anyone could move anywhere at any time. Another major issue facing the community is the confusion

with free movement and hassle-free movement, Rodrigues-Birkett said, explaining that while they are both linked,

R I N I D A D : National Security Minister Gary Griffith says the TT government will be employing modern high-tech equipment such as helicopters, drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), hovercrafts, fast patrol vessels and interceptors to stem the influx of drugs, illegal firearms and human trafficking into the country. The minister noted that the 21st century state-of-the-art equipment will replace the outdated, defective and inappropriate security assets including the blimp, six Austal patrol vessels, over 15 interceptors and defective radar that are all in need of repair. He was responding to United States Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs William Brownfield’s statement that the amount of drugs passing through the Caribbean bound for the

tection. The first tier will have interceptors operating from the shoreline to two miles out; the second tier will comprise 50-metre fast patrol vessels operating from two miles to ten miles out and; the third tier will consist of a long-range patrol ves-

The TT government will be using drones, hovercrafts, fast patrol vessels and interceptors to stem the influx of drugs, illegal firearms and human trafficking

U.S. had quadrupled in the last year. TT is a major transshipment point. Speaking to TT media over the weekend, Griffith said, “There have been legitimate concerns pertaining to securing our borders from the illegal entry of drugs, weapons and human smuggling, which entails much more than just throwing three offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) in the water. We need to ascertain the intelligence and also analyse the importance of securing our borders” at both illegal and legitimate ports of entry to

avoid such occurrences as the US$100 million cocaine in juice cans drug bust.”

Deterrent mechanisms

He added, “To this effect, we will be working with the Ministry of Transport to put proper mechanisms in place to provide a deterrent and also to pinpoint specific mechanisms to ensure successful operational capability for interception without going into details.” He said the sophisticated equipment will be deployed in a maritime lock-down consisting of a three-tier layer of pro-

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UYANA: The Night of Legends Concert promises to be a night to remember with artists like Eddy Grant, Terry Garaj, Mighty Rebel and Dave Martins, set to grace the stage on August 9 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. The Guyana Festival Committee on Monday announced the more than 16 artistes who would be performing at the concert as part of the inaugural Guyana Festival–set to be the country’s showcase– during a launch at the Housing Ministry’s boardroom. Acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali stated that the four-hour concert will showcase everything Guyanese and will make history in Guyana. “It will be the renovation and revoking of the characteristics and personalities of what we ought to

Seated: Guyana Festival Coordinator Tameca Sukhdeo Singh; Guyana’s acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali; and Night of Legends Chairman Lennox Canterbury, surrounded by some of the artistes who will be performing at the Night of Legends Concert (Guyana Times photo)

have as Guyanese. It is now time for all of us to embrace the opportunity of loving who we are, celebrating who we are, sharing who we are, and endearing others to be who we are,” the minister stated. In brief remarks after

the announcement, some of the artistes stated that they were very happy to be part of such an event and hoped that it continues. They noted that they were waiting for such an event to take place so that they can showcase their talent. Some of the other

names that will be performing include Teddy Jones, Sash Persaud and Aubrey Mann. Guyana Festival Coordinator Tameca Sukhdeo Singh and Chairman of the Night of Legends Lennox Canterbury were also in attendance at the launch.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Minister was questioned by media operatives about the cost of the Guyana Festival, which will be held August 8-10 under the theme “Sound, Soul and Taste of Guyana”, but he said “if we worry about costs for the event, the event will not happen”. He also announced that the ministry is collaborating with Fly Jamaica Airways for special packages for Jamaicans to come to Guyana for the Festival. Around 20,000 Festival Passports are presently being printed and will be sold in countries around the world including the United States of America, Canada, and all

Caribbean countries. The Passports will be sold for Gy$3000 each at venues to be announced shortly. In respect to the Festival Coins which are being designed by Kings Jewellery World, production will begin shortly. The family-oriented event will take the format of an exhibition during the daytime showcasing local craft, art, and culinary delights, in addition to celebrity and demonstration tents, with concerts in the evenings. There will also be a children’s playground. On Friday, August 8, the opening ceremony will feature an air show by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and will see a fusion of Guyanese cultural items comprising dramatic performances, poetry, and dance, etc. On Saturday, August 9, before the concert, games and various community competitions will be hosted in the day. The event will culminate with a culinary cook-off competition of traditional Guyanese foods, such as duck curry, pepper pot, cook-up, metemgee and black cake, followed by a grand concert aimed at promoting the next generation of Guyana’s musicians and developing new/young talent. Performing will be Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo, Adrian Dutchin, Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts, and others. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Jamaica’s Queen Ifrica insists she’s not homophobic

Queen Ifrica (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)

AMAICA: Reggae singer and deejay, Queen Ifrica, on Monday sought to clear the air regarding her ongoing contentious association with the gay community. Queen Ifrica told Jamaican media that she is not homophobic, insisting instead that she has love for everyone in spite of their beliefs. “One thing that a lot of people don’t know about me is that I love people, regardless of their religious, sexual or any other belief they might have. I just love people in general,” she said. The outspoken artiste has come under in-

creased pressure in recent times because of anti-homosexual lyrics she used while performing at the 2013 Independence Grand Gala in Kingston. As a result she has been banned from performing at several shows, the latest being an event at the Amazura Concert Hall in Queens, New York where she was the headline act. Meanwhile veteran artiste and producer Tony Rebel, who also spoke with Jamaican media Monday supported his colleague, saying a lot of people are not aware of the love she has for people, including those of the gay community. (Jamaica Observer)

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orna WelshmanNeblett has reached a pinnacle that few women of colour have attained in the fragrance industry. More than 20 years ago she launched Angel, the first Thierry Mugler perfume, in the U.S. market. The fragrance has been flying off high-end shelves since. Born in Georgetown, Guyana, she is committed to her homeland and the Caribbean and seeks improved health care for women in the region through the Organisation for Social Health and Advancement for Guyana and the Caribbean (OSHAG/C), a New York group that focuses on treatment, follow-up and cosmetic care for breast cancer patients. Welshman-Neblett’s career in the fragrance industry began in the late 1970s, when Elizabeth Arden established a separate fragrance company with Chloe, Burberrys and others. Welshman-Neblett started working with Thierry Mugler Parfums (now a division of Clarins Fragrance Group) in 1993, presenting the brand to retailers, establishing a sales team and creating a strategy to bring Angel to the market. Energised by the creativity required to bring a fragrance to market and to develop appealing packaging and descriptors, she holds, fittingly, the title of senior manager of sales and marketing administration for Groupe Clarins U.S.A., U.S. arm of the Paris-based luxury cosmetics company. “What I enjoy most about working in the industry is seeing the happiness that a fragrance brings to a consumer. It is about the person who’s wearing the fragrance—for them

In the audio booth for America Now News, which airs on Fox network

to smell good and feel good at the same time,” she declares. Welshman-Neblett earned a bachelor’s degree at Washington Business Institute. She is a staunch advocate of community involvement, evidenced by her recognition from the City of New York and former New York City Council member Una Clarke. “I learned from an early age that working in a community and organising with others is the best way for people to come together for a worthy cause,” she says. In 2013, she was honoured as one of 25 Influential Black Women in Business by The Network Journal- a black professional and small business magazine.

Asha Blake, Emmy Award Winning Journalist

Asha Blake is a former network anchor turned digital media mogul and media consultant to the stars! She was born in 1961 in Guyana, the daughter of an education specialist and a teacher. Blake was raised in Toronto and later in Minnesota, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree from the

University Of Minnesota School Of Journalism. A five-time Emmy award winner, Blake has served as a solo anchor for national network news programs, hosted syndicated daytime programming, and co-hosted a national talk show for NBC and ABC. Over the course of a successful 20-year career in television journalism, Blake conducted thousands of live interviews, covered numerous high-profile court cases, and served as a medical reporter early in her career. Blake co-hosted the NBC national news program “Later Today” and ABC’s “World News Now”, “World News this Morning”, and “Good Morning America Sunday”, in addition to reporting for ABC’s “World News Tonight” with Peter Jennings. Blake coverage of breaking world events has put her in front of a number of world leaders, including Desmond Tutu, Bill Clinton, Jesse Jackson, Rosa Parks, Al Gore, as well as celebrities such as Jay Leno, Jude Law and Denzel Washington. Blake has hosted two nationally syndicated shows:

I N G S T O N , JAMAICA: After living in New York City for two years, Kingston-born Eddy Edwards moved to sunny South Florida in 1981. He was in the Big Apple long enough, however, to see the emergence of Jamaican jerked food. Edwards is currently preparing the fourth annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival. A joint production with VP Records, it takes place July 20 at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, New York. According to Edwards, who also promotes the annual Jamaican Jerk Festival in South Florida, the New York show has grown significantly. The 2013 event was particularly satisfying. He estimated that it drew 16,000 patrons including current mayor of New York City, Bill De Blasio, who was running

Actor Leon of Cool Runnings fame (left) and then New York City mayoral candidate Bill De Blasio at the 2013 Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival in Queens, New York (Jamaica Observer photo)

for office at the time. "Last year's Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival really resonated with the New York audience and the festival who feasted on a variety

of Jerk and Caribbean cuisine as well as enjoyed the entertainment," Edwards told Jamaican media. "The festival is familyfriendly, so there is some-

“Smart Gardening” on PBS and “Life Moments”, the nationally syndicated daytime women’s reality program that celebrated great and unbelievable moments in the lives of every kind of women. Blake has also been actively involved with many charity organizations, including serving as a celebrity ambassador for UNICEF, volunteering for Make A Wish, and supporting Race For A Cure and Meals on Wheels. Following the 9/11 Attacks, Blake created and launched a public service website providing a free planning guide to help organise pertinent personal information in the event of an emergency. In 2010, Blake launched her powerhouse media com-

pany, Goldenheart Media. Headquartered in Asha’s hometown of Los Angeles, California, Goldenheart Media is a multimedia powerhouse company specialising in media relations, branding, corporate communications, and messaging and entertainment program development. She has been featured in magazines and newspapers including TIME, USA Weekend, INSTYLE Magazine, Emmy Magazine, Core Business, Ladies’ Home Journal and other media outlets. Blake is married to former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Mark Dusbabek and has a daughter, Sasha. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Welshman-Neblett, 2013 Influential Black Women in Business Award recipient

thing for every member of the family to enjoy, from the traditional and folk presentations on the cultural stage, to the cooking demonstrations and competitions," he added. The Jamaican community in New York City's largest boroughs (Brooklyn, Bronx and Queens) was massive, long before Edwards migrated to the United States. But while reggae and later dancehall quickly became a hit among Americans in NYC, it was not until the 1990s that Jamaican food, including jerk, won over non-West Indians. "The restaurant business in New York has grown rapidly and with that also jerk cuisine saw an increase in popularity. More and more Americans were introduced to the music and food of Jamaica, through various interactions with its people or as they travelled to the is-

land as visitors," Edwards explained. "As a result, the market for Jerk has grown beyond just the core Jamaican and Caribbean community, you now find variations of Jerk on menus in posh mainstream restaurants created by renowned chefs," he added. As CEO of Jamaican Jerk Festival USA Inc, Edwards has run the Jamaican Jerk Festival in Pembroke Pines, Florida since 2000. He said there is not much difference with the New York show in terms of marketing. "The bulk of the marketing is to the core target, which is the Caribbean community, but there is also an outreach to mainstream markets as we feel that the jerk cuisine and reggae music has the capacity to cross ethnic and cultural boundaries," he indicated. (Jamaica Observer)

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RINIDAD AND TOBAGO: Over 5,000 children, together with their teachers and parents joined dozens of temple groups in South Trinidad to celebrate Indian Arrival Day last Friday. The State declared May 30 as a Public Holiday and the Maha Sabha and other cultural groups have accept-

WEEK ENDING June 5, 2014

ed the month of May as Indian heritage month. During the past month, celebrations were held at all Hindu institutions—schools, colleges, temples and social institutions. The form of the celebrations has been puja (worship to God) and recognition and honouring of the elderly in the community. Last Friday’s cele-

brations began at the headquarters of the Debe/Penal Regional Corporation, SS Erin Road, Debe, at 9.30 a.m. and the procession of thousands journeyed to the Parvati Girls Hindu College Grounds in Debe. The procession was led by dancers, boys and girls scouts, pundits and teachers. Music was sup-

Five Opposition Senators were outfitted last week to mark Indian Arrival Day in TT. Standing from left are: Faris Al Rawi, Avinash Singh, Diane Baldeo Chadeesingh, Stuart Young, and Foster Cummings (TT Newsday photos)

RINIDAD: Since the landing of the Fatel Razack in 1845, many stories have been shared of ancestors arriving in Trinidad and Tobago from India. Even now in the 21st century, people continue to come from all parts of the world to TT's shores. One such modern day arrival story is that of Neha Dawar. Dawar came to Trinidad as an infant with her parents in the 80’s and grew up in a traditional Indian household in South Trinidad surrounded by local culture and influences. For her, all stages of her life involved a unique fusion of cultures. “I did not see much of a difference, Indian culture in TT has definitely evolved. Being from an Indian household even in Trinidad, I always had strict but very supportive parents. As a child they always encouraged me to think of my future goals rather than boys or going to birthday parties.” As a teenager,

Neha Dawar is studying fashion at UTT (TT Guardian photo)

Dawar was deeply immersed in East Indian culture and did not always understand certain terms and concepts in regular Trinidadian parlance. It made for a slightly socially awkward time. “Sometimes I would be laughed at and made fun of because I would not try what everyone was trying. I wasn’t a social or talkative person back then, but I always saw Trinidad as a great and

unique culture, very similar to India.” Those similarities she identified were the existence of Mandirs locally and the focus on traditional and innovative Indian music.

Culture

She also illustrated some facets of East Indian culture which local East Indians follow more strictly than in India. “Today, some Trins may follow more traditions than Indians!”

plied by the Shiva Boys Hindu College Tassa Group and ‘The Big Truck’. At the Debe venue important personalities of the area, together with Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar addressed the audience. Other organistaions in TT held their own activities to mark the occasion.

Shalini Sundar, seven, plays with a model of the ship Fatel Razak on which the first Indian labourers arrived in 1845, during Indian Arrival Day celebrations hosted by the El Dorado Co-operative Society Ltd and Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation at El Dorado Recreational Grounds last Friday

TT’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar returns the salute given to her by Cub Scouts during Indian Arrival Day celebrations at Parvati Girls' Hindu College, Debe last Friday

Dawar considers herself a creative person and guided by her parents, she was trained as a Kathak dancer by her Guru in India from a young age. In spite of all the traditional influences of India, Dawar’s need for creative expression was also heavily influenced by the inspiration of the costume and mas making aspects of Trinidad Carnival and fashion design, which led to her desire to move away from the traditional to pursue a career in fashion. This passion for fashion guided Dawar into pursuing a degree in fashion at UTT Caribbean Academy of Fashion Design where she is currently completing her studies. For Dawar, what some see as an odd combination between dance and fashion, actually go together quite smoothly for her. Dawar has designed all of the outfits in which she has danced. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

Dominican singer wins Caricom song competition

OMINICA: Dominica’s G o o d w i l l Ambassador Michele Henderson has won the 2014 Caribbean Community (Caricom) song competition with her composition entitled “Celebrating Caricom.” “I am very happy that my work has been recognised and was considered worthy of regional attention and I want to congratulate all the other entrants and the other 10 finalists who have participated in the competition as well,” Henderson said on the State-owned DBS radio. “I feel very proud that our little island Dominica can come up on top for a change, in a regional competition. I am very excited about it and I would like to thank all the people who helped, contributed and encouraged,” she added. More than 50 regional artistes from 15 countries participated in the competition that was first held last year. The

Dominica’s Goodwill Ambassador Michele Henderson

aim of the competition was to engender the full participation of Caricom nationals in composing and selecting a Caricom song, which will be used at official functions including meetings of Caricom Heads of Government and at international events. Dominica had three other competitors and Henderson will receive the US$10,000 prize. The song will be presented to the general public for the first time on July 1 during the Caricom summit in Antigua. (Observer Media)

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Guyanese actor achieves Hollywood fame BY TANGERINE CLARKE

ward winning television and screen actor, Sean Patrick Thomas said a disciplined Guyanese upbringing definitely moulded him into the person he is today. “My family lived in Wilmington, Delaware where we were considered different in our neighbourhood because we were the only black people, who were Guyanese,” said Thomas, whose success brought him to the bright lights of Broadway in the role of Asagai in “A Raisin in the Sun”. This is the same play that got Thomas noticed at the University of Virginia, his alma mater where he was encouraged to take up acting by his drama teacher. “We have a great ensemble cast, and when I walk off the stage after the show, fans come

up to me and say I enjoy your character, I relate to the role you play. That makes me feel good that I did my job well,” Thomas said of the role alongside Denzel Washington that ends June 15. He added, “Fans also say I enjoyed seeing you in the movie–“The Last Dance”, or on TV, and I am glad to see you on the Broadway stage.” “This is very nice to hear,” added the American-born thespian. “Playing Asagai on Broadway is satisfying for me as an actor,” noted Thomas, who no doubt was born for this role in “A Raisin in the Sun”. He was nominated for an Image Award in 2009, for Outstanding Actor in a mini-series. Thomas said he never had the desire to become an Engineer like his father. “I was never a Math and Science guy. I did ok with B’s, but I was more enthusiastic about

Sean Patrick Thomas

History and English. In an exclusive telephone interview from his New York location recently, Thomas recalled that his parents made education a top priority in his Guyanese household. His mother, Cheryl, a retired Financial Analyst, and father Carlton, an Engineer, who both worked for DuPont, celebrated with loud applause when “you brought home a good report card, a diploma from a graduating class, or an

award”, the actor added.

Disciplined upbringing

“My father was very disciplined, very focused, and he took his job of being a dad seriously.” “There was never a day where I felt he wasn’t thinking about my siblings and me. He taught us how to improve our lives for adulthood,” said the actor, whose dance steps alongside actress Julia Styles in “Save The Last Dance” won him an MTV award for the breakout role.

His dad, now deceased, would have said, “Way to go, I am proud of you,” he said. An exceptionallytalented professional, Thomas is one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood, clinching the role of Detective Temple in TV’s 'The District'. He also had parts in “Barber Shop 2”, “Conspiracy Theory”, “Reaper”, “Halloween Resurrection”, “Cruel Intentions” and “The Burrowers”. The stage production of “Amen Corner” took him to Atlanta, under the direction of Kenny Leon, who directed him in “A Raisin in the Sun”. Despite his enormous accomplishments, the illustrious actor says he stays close to his Guyanese relatives, even picking up his favourite Guyanese foods: roti and curry, tennis rolls and pepperpot, when he visits his aunt Lynn in

Brooklyn. The 43-year-old intensely - focused actor said, “It would be nice to receive an award for my work. But I act because I love doing it. I am satisfied just working to support my family, and becoming a better actor than I am today.” With his gorgeous wife, New Orleans native and actress Aonika Laurent at his side, the Fine Arts Master’s Degree graduate, says he plans on sharing his culture with his family during his second visit to Guyana. While there, the father of two would like to share his acting skill at the Theatre Guild Playhouse in Georgetown. But for now, Thomas, who no doubt will win the Tony Award, and an Academy Award in the future, is eager to play the role of black-super hero. (Excerpted from Caribbean Life)

Jamaica literary festival draws top-flight authors Veteran hotel

R E A S U R E B E A C H , JAMAICA (AP): Best-selling authors take to a seaside stage, bottles of Red Stripe beer in hand. Budding writers line up to read their works to a big, appreciative audience. Bookloving islanders and tourists mingle with literary luminaries as the sun sets over the Caribbean Sea. It's the Calabash International Literary Festival, Jamaica's unique, spirited take on the world of literary gatherings, and the biennial event held over the weekend has been getting bigger at each staging. Since 2001, the tiny, laid-back beach town of Treasure Beach in arid southern Jamaica has been home to the festival, attracting Nobel laureates and a slew of other acclaimed writers. From modest beginnings, Calabash has grown into a major international literary event. One of its three founders, Jamaican novelist Colin Channer, has dubbed the three-day celebration of writing as the "greatest little festival in the greatest little district in the greatest little country in the world". This year, authors Salman Rushdie, Zadie Smith, Jamaica Kincaid, and Colum McCann were among the novelists and poets participating in readings and themed discussions in between reg-

Acclaimed novelist Salman Rushdie is shown on a stage discussing his life and work for an appreciate audience of book-loving Jamaicans and tourists in Treasure Beach, Jamaica, last Saturday (Photo: AP)

gae-and rap-fuelled celebrations and beach-side socialising. The festival, free of charge and open to anyone, started last Friday and ran through Sunday evening. Kincaid, an Antiguaborn novelist and essayist, said the festival has given the people of the Caribbean a top-flight literary event in a part of the world where storytelling and creativity with language has always been prized.

Inspiring

"Among all the other things we do, black people also make literature. We are very imaginative, literate people. The problem has always been access. That's why this event is so inspiring,"

she said by the saltwater pool at Jake's, a hotel that's a collection of funky, colourful cottages that hosts the celebration every two years. Rushdie said it's no wonder that Calabash has steadily earned a name as a festival of choice for some of the world's most gifted authors. "It is an extraordinary event. The audience is big, extremely appreciative, very focused. And the setting is spectacular," he told The Associated Press on Sunday, a day after he took to the stage to discuss his writings and career in front of an eager, diverse crowd of a few thousand people.

Rushdie's works include the Booker Prizewinning "Midnight's Children" and the bestselling "The Satanic Verses", which some Muslims consider blasphemous. A fatwa, or Islamic edict, was issued against Rushdie in 1989 by Iran's late revolutionary leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, which forced Rushdie into hiding under British police protection for years. The success of Calabash has fostered a more lively literary scene within the Caribbean, inspiring the creation of literary festivals on other islands, among them Trinidad and Tobago's NGC Bocas Lit Fest and Barbados' annual Bim Literary Festival and Book Fair. Alison Donnell, an English professor at England's University of Reading who co-edited the 2011 "Companion to Anglophone Caribbean Literature", said many literary gatherings can seem to be the products of a "culturally homogenised repertoire of ticketed good taste", but Calabash and the other Caribbean gatherings are free and fun. "Yet they are also feverishly important to a regional literary culture that has suffered from decades of the familiar idea that Caribbean writing comes to maturity" abroad in such major cities as New York, London and Toronto, Donnell said by email.

administrator gets Lifetime Achievement Award in Barbados

Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Sue Springer, giving thanks to some members of her team and family after receiving the prize (Barbados Today photo)

ARBADOS: Veteran hotel administrator, Sue Springer, has received the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Springer, current BHTA executive vicepresident, headed a list of 15 people and hotels awarded last Sunday night for their outstanding contribution to the industry at the association’s 2014 Biennial President’s Gala held at Bellevue Plantation House, Waterford. Outgoing president Patricia Alfonso-

Dass said the UK-born Springer served at various administrative levels in Barbados before taking up the BHTA post. “For the past 13 years [Springer] has been the face and voice of the BHTA,” she said. An emotional Springer said, “The industry is my life. I know nothing else, so I really can’t help with anything else other than tourism”. Giving credit to the many persons with whom she worked, she said Barbados’ tourism future lies with the youth. (Barbados Today)

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The Mother of Chinese modern dance…

RINIDAD: Dai Ailian might not be a household name in Trinidad. But throughout China, she is known as the “Mother of Chinese modern dance.” Dai Ailian was the Trinidadborn ballerina who devoted all her life to Chinese dance. She was born Eileen Isaac in 1916, to a third-generation Chinese family in Couva whose origins were in Xinhui, Guangdong Province. Her life story will be told at Napa in Trinidad this week through a dance production titled 'Couva’s Lotus', presented by the Dai Ailian Foundation and Kith and Kin productions, in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy of TT and the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism. The production is directed and choreographed by local icon of dance and founder of her own eponymous dance company, Carol La Chapelle. There is a list of firsts attached to Dai’s name:

She died on February 9, 2006 (China.Org photo)

among them, she was cofounder of the National Ballet of China and the Beijing Dance Academy. She’s also said to have been the first person to bring western ballet to China in the 1940s. In an interview on the Chinese TV programme 'Up Close', two years before her death on February 9, 2006, Dai Ailian spoke about her desire and passion for dancing as well as her early training in ballet in TT.

‘Jumping’ in TT Carnival

She said Carnival shaped her experience of

Dai Ailian was born in Trinidad

creative motion. She did not think seriously about dancing

as a career until she was 14, when her mother sent her to London to

take some classes. But while in London, disaster struck when her father gambled away all the family’s money and could no longer support Eileen and her sisters, who were living in the UK. A sister returned to TT; but Dai chose to stay in London. She did not have the money to pay for her classes, especially after her father went bankrupt; despite that, her teachers still tutored her. She did all sorts of jobs just to survive on her own, and in 1931 at the age of 14 won scholarships to study at the Jooss-Leeder Dance School at Dartington Hall, according to www. china.org.cn. Then while at the London dance school, Dai met her long-time love, an Austrian-British sculptor whom she never married but loved all her life, accompanying him for a year in London, according to the China Daily paper. Fascinated by the story of Yang Guifei, the

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: In the late 19th century, the decision was made for the construction of a market that would stand the test of time in order to accommodate the increasing number of vendors in Georgetown; that market has survived to this very day. While little official information appears available about the history of Bourda Market, previous unofficial research relates that Bourda market was originally built in 1880, and was soon reconstructed in 1902 to accommodate a growing number of vendors and consumers. The market got its name from the famous colonial, Joseph Bourda, who was also the proprietor of the Vlissengen Plantation, and was one of the many colonials who found their final resting place in the Bourda cemetery which is opposite the market. The actual Bourda market borders on the north and south by Robb and Regent Streets respectively, and on the east and west by Orange Walk and Bourda Street. The market has a long history that goes back to the 1870s when mention was just made of the Bourda market in the City Council’s minutes book. The area in which the market is situat-

View of Bourda Market from the north-eastern corner

ed seems from very early in its history to have been where people gather to vend their produce on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. From this humble beginning the area later developed into a marketing centre.

Beginnings

According to Schulder Griffith, who was Clerk of Markets at the time of the study, vendors who normally occupied the Stabroek area came down to the Bourda area to do business after the construction of the Stabroek market began. As early as 1878, a shed was erected to accommodate the increase of vendors that now occupied the Bourda area. The Bourda Market was declared a temporary market in 1880. The report of the City Council of 1881 asked the

Council to decide whether to make the temporary structure which was the shed to become permanent. After three and a half years of existence, the shed had become unsafe and was therefore in need of much repair. The report added that if the market was to continue permanently it would be necessary to erect a more substantial building and fence it securely. The construction of Bourda Street and drains in the area was laid out in that same year. In 1901, a plan was prepared of a “new iron market” for Bourda, but due to the high prices for materials in that year, the decision was made to start construction in the following year. Provision was then made in the 1902 estimates for the construction of the new

market.

Construction

The foundation stone of the Bourda market was laid on 12 December 1902 enclosing an area of 12,500 square feet, accommodating some 2,328 stalls. Bourda market, like Stabroek market, is enclosed with iron railing. It is a giant timber framed shed with three giant truss roves constructed of wood. A simple iron railed fence surrounds the entire structure. A clock tower was also constructed, which still exists though it is apparently not functioning. The Bourda Market clock was built by W Potts and Sons Makers of England in 1902. The clock bell is of cast bronze and weighs approximately 500 pounds. Legend has it that this

bell is a commemorative bell cast for the coronation of England’s King Edward in 1902. The market was later extended to include what was once called the Bourda Green. The Bourda Green was paved with concrete, and vending was permitted in the 60s, but the area was later organised and improved by requiring vendors to build stalls so

favourite concubine of Emperor Xuanzong in the Tang Dynasty (AD 618907), she choreographed a solo performance called Yang Guifei in 1936 according to the stories and her own imagination, says the China Daily.

Turning point: to China

By chance, Dai read Edgar Snow’s ‘Red Star over China’, which helped her decide to move from the UK to China. In 1937 she travelled there, and became heavily involved in benefit concerts and studies of Chinese folk dances and operas, creating pieces based on folk traditions, such as The Drum of the Yao People. Dai migrated to Hong Kong in 1940 and soon fell in love with the noted painter Ye Qianyu, says China Daily. She choreographed, performed, and taught dance all over China, and was eventually named the principal of the Beijing Dance School when it was established in 1954. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

as to remove their produce from off the ground. Further improvements were made as the area was provided with electricity, and stalls had to be made secure to prevent people from sleeping in them since the area that housed the Green was not enclosed. The Bourda Green is a famous historic site because it was where the politicians in the 40s and 50s would gather to stage their political meetings. Many of them launched their political careers on that very ground. The vendors who occupied the Green were mostly from the East Coast of Demerara. The Green is now so filled to capacity that the Merriman’s Mall has to be used for the selling of farmer’s produce. Bourda Market remains one of the most well-known and utilised traditional buildings in Georgetown. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

The Clock Tower

Bollywood

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Ranbir Kapoor finally Saif plays peacemaker between commits to Katrina Kaif Karisma, Sunjay Kapoor

he much speculated and most talked about couple in B-Town---Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor are finally coming out

of closet with a wedding date! According to reports in Indian media, before the couple flew to CapeTown for Ranbir's

ambitious new film ‘Jagga Jasoos’, their families met to fix the date for the wedding. The reports also suggested that the wedding may even be before year-end. The recent pictures floating on social media of Ranbir-Katrina being caught hand-in-hand is a clear indication that Ranbir has finally committed to this relationship. The sizzling chemistry between the two is quite evident, just like we saw it during their Spain holiday pictures. (TOI)

Priyanka Chopra sends legal notice to former boyfriend and manager

he inevitable has happened. In a bid to thwart the biopic of her former manager, Prakash Jaju, Priyanka Chopra has sent a legal notice to her ex-boyfriend Aseem Merchant, who is producing the film. The actress believes that the film will revolve around her personal and professional life and has sent a copy of the notice to Jaju too. The notice, sent by Priyanka's lawyer Anand Desai states: "Our client is shocked to note that while all the news articles mention the proposed film as your (Jaju's) biopic, the promotions largely refer to our client and inclusion of aspects of her and her family life rather than references to you.” It added, “…Our client calls upon you to withdraw all the publicity ma-

S terial of the film with immediate effect, desist using or referring to any personal or confidential information about her and/or her family.” (TOI)

his 11-year-old son, Aarav. “When I see how I’m bringing him up, I can literally hear my father’s voice in my own,” said Akshay, adding, “Twice a week, I do the same thing [that my father would do with me] with Aarav. I wake him up before the sun comes up and we go for a run on the beach before he leaves for school.” The Bollywood star has also been sending Aarav for karate lessons since he was three-years-old (he now has a brown belt first stripe). “Besides enjoying football and volleyball at school, he also loves gymnastics and parkour,” stated Akshay, who feels that Aarav “has definitely got my sporting gene”. (Hindustan Times)

Vivek Oberoi commemorates 'World No Tobacco Day'

ivek Oberoi along with BEST started the 'No Tobacco day' campaign to commemorate 'World No Tobacco Day' in Mumbai recently. Speaking at the event, the 37-year old actor said that it was his dream to make India Tobacco free, stating, "I am very happy to see that BEST has taken such a good initiative. I have been associated as a brand ambassador with 'World No Tobacco Day' from past 1213 years. This is not just a day but also a dream to make India Tobacco free". World No Tobacco Day 2014 seeks to educate the public with regard to the tobacco industry's harmful tactics and to alert smokers and potential smok-

The couple had longdrawn arguments while in family court but finally agreed on `divorce by mutual consent', thanks to some well-timed intervention from Karisma's brother-in-law Saif Ali Khan. The source told Mirror that had it not been for the actor, the

Shruti Haasan buys house in Mumbai

‘Aarav has got my sporting gene’ - Akshay Kumar

kshay Kumar’s father, late Hari Om Bhatia, was in the Indian army. So it doesn’t come as a surprise when the actor says that “discipline was the most important lesson” his dad ever taught him. Now a proud father himself, Akshay is inculcating the same principles in

ollywood splits tend to be venomous but according to a source present in the judge's chamber on Saturday where Karisma Kapoor and Sunjay Kapoor signed their divorce papers, theirs could be "the ugliest".

proceedings, which lasted six hours, might have ended in an impasse and the quarrelling couple may not have signed the divorce papers at all. The source revealed, "Karisma and Sunjay started hurling accusations at each other from the word go. The couple arrived at the Bandra family court at 11 am and by afternoon, things went out of hand." The scene became so ugly by 2.30 pm that it was assumed that the couple would get a date for another hearing. Seeing that matters were becoming worse, Saif, who was accompanied by wife Kareena Kapoor, decided to take charge. "He had a meeting with Lolo and then spoke to Sunjay too," the source revealed. (TOI)

hruti Haasan has finally bought a house in Mumbai. She will move into the two-bedroom apartment in Andheri later this month, and will have B-Town celebs like Imtiaz Ali and Prachi Desai as her new neighbours. For the actress, who had been staying in a rented apartment in Bandra, the security in the premises remains an important criteria. After a stalker incident last November, she clearly didn't want to take any chance. Sources say her father, actor Kamal Haasan, is quite pleased that his daughter has bought her own home in the city. (TOI)

‘I am secure about whatever I do’ - Sunil Shetty

ctor Sunil Shetty, who will be next seen in Anand Kumar's ‘Desi Kattey’, says he has accepted the generational change and is happy to see young talent in Bollywood do well. "I accept the change around me. I don't like to complain about this gener-

ation or the previous generation. I accept both success and failure and just focus on my work and if a film fails, I move on to a new movie," Shetty stated. "I am secure in whatever I do. I still live with my parents and meet my childhood friends. I have a social life," he added. The 52-year-old actor, who gave hits like ‘Mohra’, ‘Dhadkan’ and ‘Gopi Kishan’ in the '90s, will be seen playing the role of an army officer turned shooting coach in 'Desi Kattey'. Shetty's daughter Athiya Shetty is all set to make her debut in Salman Khan's production 'Hero' opposite Sooraj Pancholi while the actor hopes to launch his son later. (TOI)

‘No friends in the industry’ - Sonakshi Sinha

S ers on the most important preventable cause of death and disease in adults. (TOI)

onakshi Sinha is a well-known actress in Bollywood, but she says she doesn't have any friends in the industry as she has not worked with actresses. "I don't think I have any friends in the industry. If you look at my films, I have done only solo roles and I have not worked with any other actresses in the films. So, I don't interact much with others. If at all we meet, we meet at award functions," said the ‘Dabangg’ star.

Asked if she would like to do a multi-starrer film, she said: "Why not? Of course, I would like to and my next film ‘Action Jackson’ is a multi-starrer film." (TOI)

hollywood

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WEEK ENDING June 5, 2014

Lawrence tops mostJustin Bieber apologises for Jennifer liked list of female stars racist joke in years-old video J

ustin Bieber has apologised for a racist joke heard during a fiveyear-old video clip of the singer that was widely circulated online, calling the comment a "reckless and immature mistake." In the clip--which was originally

recorded when the singer was 15 but has recently surfaced by British tabloid newspaper The Sun on Sunday-the pop star is heard telling a joke with a racist punch line. It has since been posted on TMZ. Bieber is heard asking, "Why are black people afraid of chain saws?" He then answers his own query with a reference to the N-word. Bieber, through a representative, released a statement to The Hollywood Reporter addressing the matter: “As a kid, I didn't understand the power of certain words and how they can hurt…Five years ago I made a reckless and immature mistake, and I'm grateful to those close to me who helped me learn those lessons as a young man. Once again…I'm sorry.”

Nicole Kidman 'proud' of her children with ex Tom Cruise

icole Kidman feels "proud" of her two children with former husband Tom Cruise for the adults they've become. While talking to the Australian Women's Weekly, the 46-year-old beauty, who is also a mother to two daughters with husband Keith Urban, said that both Isabella and Connor Cruise are kind and hardworking, and are doing brilliantly with the creative and artistic fields they have chosen, News. com.au reported. Both Connor, who's a DJ, and Isabella, a student at Art School in

ennifer Lawrence claimed first position in the mostliked summer movie actresses list by TheWrap. com. According to People Magazine, the website ranked the stars by Q Score, a metric which is used in Hollywood to calculate how well does the audience respond

to celebrities, where the 23-year-old Oscar winning star beat actress Melissa McCarthy by just two points while, ‘Maleficent’ star Angelina Jolie ranked third. Meanwhile, 'Sin City: A Dame to Kill For' star Rosario Dawson was at the bottom of the list at 23. (TOI)

Helen Mirren glad she waited to wed

ame Helen Mirren doesn't think her marriage would have lasted if she had settled down earlier. The 68-year-old actress wed director Taylor Hackford in 1997 after 12 years together, and though they are incredibly happy and she sometimes regrets not meeting him when they were younger, she thinks their relationship is stronger

for it. She said: ''I used to say to Taylor, 'Oh why didn't we meet earlier?' But it's a really good thing, because we probably wouldn't be together now. I couldn't have dealt with him earlier on.'' The 'Queen' actress insists she has no regrets about never having had a child because her work has always come first. (TOI)

George Clooney to become a politician London, live in Los Angeles, and it is said the cause of their family rift is their dedication to Cruise's belief in Scientology. (TOI)

Angelina Jolie may quit acting post playing 'Cleopatra'

ngelina Jolie admitted that though she was working on a Cleopatra biopic, the project may be her last venture as an actress. In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, the 38-year-old actress said that there were numerous ideas for the film and though it was complicated to get it right, they were getting close and the preparation would

certainly be huge, US Magazine reported. She added since the project was so big, she feels it to be one of those with which she can end her acting career in a great way. Jolie had recently confessed to an American Newspaper as well, saying that acting was her mother's choice for her, and she only realised in her mid-30's that she wanted to focus on other things. (TOI)

over several trash cans on his pushbike, but his speedy descent down a steep hill and ended in disaster. When he careered into the bins and was left covered in blood on the sidewalk. (TOI)

Madonna's manager Guy Oseary, which made the pop star freeze Moore out of her life, reported showbizspy.com. "Ashton has flat-out stolen Madonna's manager, Guy Oseary, as a friend from

Demi, and now Guy and Madge have mutually frozen Demi out of their lives," a source told radaronline.com. "Ashton and Guy have become super close. They would often throw parties together be-

ctor Ashton Kutcher has reportedly destroyed ex-wife and actress Demi Moore's friendship with singer Madonna. Kutcher, 36, has got friendly with

Lindsay Lohan to shift to London indsay Lohan is reportedly house-hunting in London as she wants to make a fresh start outside the U.S. The ‘Mean Girls’ star, who recently documented her struggle to get her life and career back on track on her self-titled OWN series after her six stints in rehab, thinks it will be good for her career, reported femalefirst. co.uk. "Lindsay's really enjoying being in the UK and has told her pals that she's staying here for good," The Sun newspaper quoted

Tom Cruise's narrow escape as a child ctor Tom Cruise says that he narrowly escaped a serious injury during his childhood when he tried to emulate a stunt by Evel Knievel. The 51-year-old was a big fan of the stuntman and decided to recreate one of Knievel's famous canyon jumps, reported contactmusic.com. "I saw Evel Knievel jumping off a canyon and I lived on a steep hill so set up boards and trash cans to copy him. I was about eight years old and my sisters begged me not to do it, as I had been to the hospital a few times by this point," said Cruise. Cruise set up ramps so he could leap

eorge Clooney wants to launch a career in politics after marrying Amal Alamuddin. The 53-year-old actor, who is ru-

moured to be preparing to tie the knot with the British lawyer in September after getting engaged last month, is reportedly gearing up to take part in the next U.S. election. A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: ''He has big ambitions and aims to get into politics imminently. He wants to do more humanitarian work and hopes to join the Democrats' 2016 election campaign.'' The Oscar-winning producer and actor, who rallied for President Barack Obama ahead of the 2012 election and co-founded humanitarian aid organisation ‘Not On Our Watch’ with several friends, including Matt Damon and Brad Pitt, six years ago, believes Amal, 36, will help boost his chances of securing an official role in the next government. (TOI)

a source as saying. "Lindsay has also started investigating getting acting work in London," added the source.

The news comes after the 27-year-old moved back to her native New York City from Los Angeles earlier this year. (TOI)

fore Mila Kunis found out she was expecting," added the source. Kutcher and Moore split up in 2011 and their divorce was finalised in 2013. (TOI)

feature WEEK ENDING June 5, 2014

AMAICA: On December 13, 2014, Manchester will celebrate its 200th birthday as Jamaica's youngest parish. Here, historian Donald I Blair traces aspects of its development. Two centuries ago, what would become the parish of Manchester were the hilly districts of Mile Gully, May Day, and Carpenters Mountain in the parishes of St Elizabeth, Vere, and Clarendon. The distance between the districts and their commercial, administrative, and ecclesiastical centres was vast and so, on November 29, 1814, the white citizens petitioned the Assembly for a parish of their own. On December 13, 1814, the petition was accepted and the Assembly passed Act 55 George.c.23 creating a

new parish from the eastern portion of St Elizabeth and the western portions of Vere and Clarendon. The new political entity was named Manchester, in honour of General William Montague, Duke of Manchester, and Governor of Jamaica (1807-27). Manchester became the youngest and sixth largest of Jamaica's 14 parishes. Over 80 percent of Manchester's surface is covered with limestone and so weathering and erosion have combined to create an abundance of sinkholes and caves. The Gourie Cave, on the outskirts of Christiana, is the longest of its kind in Jamaica and the Smokey Hole Cave in Cross Keys stakes its claim to be the deepest cave on the island. In her carving and sculpting activities

Mother Nature did not forget to create a few rivers in the parish: among them are Alligator Hole River, Alligator Pond River, Gut River, Hector’s River, Two Rivers, and Swift River. Nature has also enriched the parish with an abundance of bauxite which was discovered in 1942. A l t h o u g h Manchester’s mountainous terrain made it unsuitable for the cultivation of sugar cane which requires large tracts of flat land, the colonists found other ways to benefit from the land. One way was to introduce less labour-intensive agricultural practices such as cattle rearing and the production of crops such as coffee, citrus, banana, and pimento.

Prosperous Parish

Over the two centuries since it was founded,

The red mud lake close to Kendal, just north-east of Mandeville is a remnant of the bauxite/alumina industry

| www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Gut River in south Manchester (Jamaica Observer photo)

Manchester has grown and prospered. As Manchester nears its 200th birthday, education continues to be a prime focus as the academic standards of the primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions continue to rise. From its earliest days Manchester made its mark as a pioneer for new business enterprises. The Mandeville Hotel, one of the oldest in the Caribbean, began operations in 1875. Fortysix years later, Norman Nash founded the Pickapeppa Company at Shooters Hill. The Irish potato was introduced into Jamaica at Bethany in 1902; since then its success has given birth to the Christiana Potato Growers Association.

However, none of the previously mentioned enterprises has impacted Manchester more than the bauxite industry. It has provided stable incomes for both skilled and unskilled labour with its relatively high wages. It has propelled the parish to become one of Jamaica’s highest per capita incomes.

Famous people

As the land is productive and resilient, so are its people. Standing tall among them is Jamaica’s National Hero, Norman Washington Manley. Manley was a Rhodes Scholar, a WWI veteran, an advocate of adult universal suffrage, the founder and leader of the People’s National Party, Jamaica’s first and only premier, and

one of the two “Founding Fathers” of Jamaica’s Independence. Molly Rhone, a daughter of Manchester, is the Jamaican Queen of Netball. Mile Gully’s native son, the Right Reverend Bishop Alfred Charles Reid, was ordained a priest of the Episcopal Church in 1961. Nothing in the world of entertainment says Jamaica more than its music. The creative geniuses of Ernest Ranglin (b 1932) and Byron Lee (1935-2008) have contributed significantly to that recognition. In sport, the achievements of Arthur Wint rank second to none among the natives of Manchester. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

The lure of Guyana’s scenic Maipaima By Matt Hallett

UYANA: Coming to research jaguars in the Kanuku Mountains, I had anticipated seeing some amazing things, but I don’t think that I was prepared for what I was going to experience when I travelled to Nappi Village in Region Nine to set camera traps in the nearby Maipaima area. Arriving in the village of Nappi alone is a surreal experience. Nestled at the foot of Nappi Mountain, it is one of the most scenic villages in Guyana. The thatch roofs of the homes contrast with the expanse of green forest, and the bare black rock of the mountains in the background is breathtaking. Venturing into the forests of Maipaima is like venturing into the rainforests of your imagination. Entering the shade of the canopy, you are surrounded by giant 100-foot trees on every side. The Mora trees seem to be as wide at the base as they are tall. In the canopy above you notice a shaking along branches. As you focus your eyes on the movement that has caught

Serene view of Nappi village

your attention, you see a black spider monkey spring across a six-foot gap between trees and effortlessly bound away 100 feet above. As you ponder the possibilities if you were to be able to bound hand over hand through the canopy, your ears are pierced by the harsh cackling of a group of scarlet macaws in a tree just behind you. As you follow the raucous calls with your eyes and move quietly and carefully along the forest floor, your eyes finally discover the bright red feathers that you were searching

for. Although macaws and other parrots are commonly kept as pets in cities and towns all over the world, there is something about seeing these animals in their element, living wild and free, that connects you to a place. You move further along the forest floor under the spell of the forest around you, and come across an opening in the canopy – to be treated to the majestic harpy eagle souring overhead. The presence of nesting and soaring harpy eagles is a clear indication of the

nature of Maipaima’s forests – large expanses of uninterrupted nature that stretch across the Kanuku Mountain range, sustaining some of the forests most impressive creatures. Moving along and thinking about the life in the canopy, a bright yellow flash on the forest floor catches your eye. You move stealthy and quietly to investigate and you see the brilliant bright yellow stripes of a three-striped poison arrow frog contrasting against the moist black skin on its back. It snaps its legs and disappears into the leaf litter on the forest floor. The forest floor in Maipaima is alive as well. Millipedes move slowly and deliberately breaking down massive amounts of vegetation. The abundance of life moving everywhere around you is almost overwhelming. Suddenly, your eyes adjust and you notice potentially the most perfectly adapted resident of the forest floor. The bushmaster sits quietly and perfectly camouflaged against the leaf litter, resting and digesting its latest meal. Tracks can be seen all over the trail on the forest floor.

Mammals are notoriously difficult to see in the forest, but they tell you that they are there with the tracks that they leave behind. In every direction you see paca (laba), red brocket deer, tapir and peccary tracks – further indication of the health and abundance of this forest. It is obvious that jaguars are plentiful in and around Maipaima, as their sign can also be seen not far behind the tracks of their abundant prey. Following the abundant life in the Maipaima wilderness concludes with a hike to the immense and impressive Jordan Falls. The falls exist in a clearing that allows you to see across vast stretches of green, almost reminding you of heads of broccoli that stretch to the horizon on every side. Contrasting with the open calm of the forest is the congestion of running water below your feet. It is places like this that leave a lasting impression and cause you to reflect what we value in this life. It’s an experience that I won’t forget. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

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WEEK ENDING June 5, 2014

Several top reggae performers for Montreal

Marcia Griffiths (Jamaica Observer photo)

ANADA: Marcia Griffiths, Maxi Priest and Sanchez are among the first acts named to headline the Montreal International Reggae Festival set for August 15-17 in that Canadian city. These three reggae acts and vintage crooner Percy Sledge were named by the organisers with the rest of the line-up to be announced at a press conference on June 14. The organisers note that this year's roster of

acts will offer a mix of classic lover's rock with soul. Maxi Priest is expected to go to the festival fresh off the release of his new album ‘Easy to Love’. The festival is also pleased to have Marcia Griffiths who continues her celebration of 50 years in the music industry. Crooner Sanchez returns to Montreal after what the festival notes was an outstanding performance in 2009. (Jamaica Observer)

Trinidadian nominated for Canadian award Trinidadian Anslem Douglas

G C

A N A D A : Songwriter of the internationally acclaimed and Grammy Award-winning hit “Who Let The Dogs Out,” Trinidadian Anslem Douglas, has been nominated for Best Caribbean Style Artist at the upcoming Black Canadian Awards 2014 which is schedule to take place on June 7 in Toronto. The Black Canadian Awards ceremony is an event that reflects a commitment to showcasing and celebrating achieve-

ments of Black Canadian professionals, artists, trailblazers and leaders within the community. During the nomination period, the organisation received more than 20,000 recommendations. Also nominated for an award is the Queen of Bacchanal, Destra Garcia. On the night, Douglas will perform the soca version for the ever popular “Who Let The Dogs Out.” Voting ended on Tuesday.

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: Guyanese designer Nelsion Nurse recently launched his new collections at the Theatre Guild. His line will be showcased at Style Mission on 21 June at the Pegasus Hotel in aid of spreading awareness on Sickle Cell. His applauded collection Bold Instincts (black and White) is a business casual/semi-formal collection for males and females. “Black and white are always used to symbolise strength and wisdom and Bold Instincts tells the story of the undying determination to reach one’s goals, whether it be the business oriented mother or the sophisticated guy,” the designer said. Nurse’s other collection, Euphoria (coloured), is described as “a hot Caribbean flavoured collection that goes from swimwear to evening gowns”. It is a comfortable and breezy collection that is perfect for any occasion. “Euphoria brings the joy and beauty of the Caribbean together, with radiant colours perfect for anyone who wants to be different,” Nurse noted. (Photos by Helio Phoeli)

The designer (center) with models wearing his designs

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JADCO joins forces with Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport

A M A I C A : The Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JACDO) and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) have signed a 15-month long, Joint Initiative Agreement that will enable JADCO to immediately benefit from the organisation, which has over 20 years of anti-doping expertise. The agreement which was signed on May 15 of this year will run through to August 2015 and will enhance JADCO's capacity to implement its anti-doping programme locally and meet the requirements of the World Anti- Doping Code. Carey Brown, executive director of JADCO, commenting on the alliance said: “The Commission is pleased to consolidate its partnership with CCES and its guidance will be crucial in the further development of Jamaica's antidoping programme.” “We are pleased to lend our expertise to JADCO and assist them with the development of their anti-doping programme.” said Paul

Executive Director of JADCO Carey Brown (Jamaica Observer photo)

Melia, president and chief executive officer of the CCES. “Not only are we proud to be supporting JADCO's efforts, this partnership also helps to ensure our Canadian athletes have confidence that all competitors continue to strive to play fair,” said Melia. In March 2014, representatives of the CCES and WADA met with the JADCO Board of Commissioners and its Executive Officers to dis-

cuss the project plan and identify several specific areas for cooperation. JADCO will also receive guidance and technical assistance in making the necessary adjustments that will ensure that it will be ready to fully implement all the new requirements under the World Anti-Doping Code 2015 and the mandatory International Standards which will come into effect on January 1, 2015. (Jamaica Observer)

TT’s Walcott, Lalonde struggle at Diamond League

nited States: T r i n i d a d and Tobago Olympians Keshorn Walcott and Lalonde Gordon both struggled in their respective disciplines when the IAAF Diamond League continued in Eugene, Oregon, Saturday. Walcott, who won gold at the 2012 London Olympics, finished seventh in the men’s javelin event, this time with a 75.50m throw, a step back from his 83.94m meet-winning effort at the IAAF World Challenge, in Beijing, China, two weeks ago. Walcott started with two faults and his third attempt was not good enough to put him among the top six, who were given a further three throws. In the end, Vitezslav Vesely of the Czech Republic won the event with an 83.75 throw, which put him on five points to remain the Diamond League javelin leader. Andreas Thorkildsen (80.52) and Dmitriy Tarabin (80.28) placed second and third, respectively. Meanwhile, Gordon, TT’s double bronze medalist, suffered bitter disappointment after he was unable to finish the

Limacol CPL match times confirmed

Keshorn Walcott

400m dash after pulling up with an injury. Grenada’s Olympic champion Kirani James and Lashawn Merritt of the USA, who held the world leading mark, both crossed the line in 43.97 in a new world leading tie. Finishing third was Youssef Ahmed Masrahi of Saudi Arabia, who clocked 44.77. In other Diamond League results, Jamaica’s Novlene Williams-Mills claimed the women’s 400m with a 50.40-second finish, ahead of USA’s Francena McCorory (50.53) and another Jamaican Stephanie McPherson (50.63).

Jamaica also came up big in the women’s 400m hurdles, via Kaliese Spencer who took her Diamond League points tally to six with win in a world leading time of 54.29. USA’s Kori Carter (55.22) and Tiffany Williams (55.97) finished well behind in second and third. In the men’s 110m (wind +0.8), Pascal MartinotLagarde of France placed first in a world leading 13.13 mark, and was followed by Jamaica’s Hansle Parchment (13.20) and USA’s David Oliver (13.21), in second and third, respectively. (TT Guardian)

he Limacol C a r i b b e a n Premier League (CPL) has unveiled the start times of the 37 games set to make up the Biggest Party in Sport. A mixture of morning, afternoon and evening fixtures will cater for all audiences across the Caribbean, and ensure that an ever increasing fan base around the globe will be able to catch all of the action from what is set to be an exhilarating six weeks of high octane T20 action. “We saw from last year’s tournament that

whatever time of day, the Caribbean people will come out to support the Limacol CPL and create the unique, energetic atmosphere that has made the competition famous,” said Damien O’Donohoe, Chief Executive Officer LCPL. “A high percentage of last year’s fans were families, so it makes sense for us to ensure they are catered for with earlier starts, in addition to local and global television audiences who are eager to follow the action ball-by-ball. “The LCPL, which

thrilled sell-out crowds in six countries across the Caribbean in 2013, is once again looking to excite fans with high intensity T20 cricket for the 2014 tournament. “Grenada, known for its vibrant culture and hospitality, will serve as the opening venue to showcase the region’s most exciting domestic Twenty20 tournament. Global stars including Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Kevin Pietersen and Muttiah Muralitharan will take part in the ‘Biggest Party in Sport’,” he added.

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING June 5, 2014

Guyanese outraged over WICB position on Cricket Bill interested in is to retain their respective positions on the board,” he added.

By Rajiv Bisnauth

UYANA: Cricket administrators in Guyana are outraged at what they called the brazen attempt by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to dictate how a sovereign country should conduct its affairs, slamming the Board’s President for asking President Donald Ramotar to hold off on assenting to a Bill that was passed in the country’s Parliament, while demanding that the Caribbean Community (Caricom) force the Antigua-based body to issue an apology to the country. Over the weekend, the WICB announced that it was pulling the Third Test between West Indies and New Zealand from the National Stadium, owing to the passage of the Cricket Administration Bill, which it said places the administration of the game in Guyana in the

Scapegoat

Guyana's President Donald Ramotar

WICB President Dave Cameron

Former GCB Chairman of Selectors Claude Raphael

hands of politicians. The Bill had received the vote of the government and the main Opposition party, A Partnership For National Unity (APNU). In its statement, the WICB said following engagement with the government on matters pertaining to the Bill, the parties have not been able to find a mutually agreeable resolution.

into law until these matters are resolved, noting that it gave its commitment that once Ramotar provided such an undertaking, all arrangements in Guyana will be kept in place. Former Chief Executive Officer of Bauxite Company, Dunstan Barrow said all Guyanese and Caricom should condemn WICB President for the statement issued on the situation. "The Bill comes out from a countrywide consultation and consen-

sual position from the National Assembly, except for a particular group that is against this Bill, so I find it extremely strange that they (WICB) do not want to support it," Barrow stated. “Cricket is in a crisis in this country over the last four years and we cannot continue to promote illegality,” Claude Raphael, a former Chairman of Selectors of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) said. Also weighing in on the issue was Former Vice President of the

Condemnation

The Board said it had sought an undertaking from President Ramotar that the Bill not be signed

Former Chief Executive Officer of Bauxite Company, Dunstan Barrow

GCB Malcolm Peters, who said the WICB is promoting illegality in the system. “They have an opportunity to solve this problem here with our cricket, but it clearly shows that they do not want to. The Cricket Bill is the only way forward, the only thing that will solve this problem,” Peters indicated. “The WICB is not interested in cricket administration, they are not interested in cricket development, all they are

The Guyana government has since said that it does not discount that the WICB may be looking for a scapegoat in this matter, since their agents in Guyana were restrained by a Court Order from acting or holding themselves out as officers of the GCB and as agents of the WICB. The government said in a release that the Bill seeks to bring transparency, accountability, and good governance to the administration of cricket in Guyana and to address the plethora of allegations of rigged and fraudulent elections, financial irregularities and lack of accountability in respect of cricket administration, inter alia, because of the absence of legal personification in its structure. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

TT women face Central Barbados replace Guyana Americans for spot in Italy as hosts of third Test

N T I G U A : Kensington Oval in Barbados will host the third Test of the upcoming series between West Indies and New Zealand. The match was pulled from the National Stadium in Guyana last weekend after the failure of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the government to reach agreement over the controversial Cricket Administration Bill.

Members of the senior TT women’s volleyball team pose for a team photo before the start of the 2014 FIVB Women’s World Championship qualification tournament NORCECA Pool Q qualifiers held at Ciudad Deportiva Coliseum, La Habana, Cuba earlier last month (TT Guardian file photo)

RINIDAD: TT’s senior women’s volleyball team will have almost three extra weeks to prepare for their hosting of the FIVB Women’s World Championship Fourth Round qualifiers to Italy after a decision was taken by NORCECA to push the competition dates back from June 2-9 to June 22-30. And when the fiveteam competition gets going at the Central Regional Indoor Sports Arena, Saith Park, Chaguanas, the KellyAnne Billingy-led “Calypso Spikers” will do battle with Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua after all five teams were secondplaced finishers in their respective Third Round groups from which the winners gained tickets to

the World Championship carded for Italy in September. In the five fourteam groups played, Canada clinched the top spot in Pool S by beating Mexico; Puerto Rico overwhelmed Costa Rica in their Pool R decider; USA topped Panama in Pool O; in Pool P, the Dominican Republic crushed Nicaragua and Cuba’s 14-year-old Melissa Vargas smashed her way through to win MVP honours and led her team to win the Pool Q final. It will be the second straight occasion that Billingy and her teammates will be competing in a Fourth Round playoffs for a World Championship spot after missing a place in Japan during the 2010 qualifiers.

It was the second win in the tournament for TT over Barbados while the locals also swept past Honduras and Anguilla in their round-robin matches. Earlier last month in Cuba, TT overcame Haiti and Curacao both in four-sets before losing to host Cuba, in their final round-robin match, and in the gold medal contest with a ticket to Italy at stake, both by 0–3 margins. The other teams to qualify for the Women’s event in Italy are Argentina, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brazil, Cameroon, China, Croatia, Germany, Japan, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Russia, Serbia, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, as well as hosts Italy, thus far. (TT Guardian)

According to the WICB, the Bill “thrusts the administration of cricket in Guyana from an independent body to the government of Guyana”. Government interference in cricket bodies is frowned on by cricket’s world governing body, the International Cricket Council. The Test match will be played over the same dates from June 26 to 30. “The WICB thanks

the Barbados Cricket Association and the government of Barbados for their commitment in ensuring that the match is successfully hosted following the rescheduling,” a WICB statement said Monday. The opening Test bowls off at Sabina Park in Jamaica from June 8-12 with the second Test scheduled for Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago from June 16-20. (Jamaica Observer)

Jamaican Omar Walker lands triple in Canada

ANADA: Jamaican Omar Walker landed his second triple to share riding honours with female jockey Jennifer Reid on the eightrace card at Assiniboia Downs racetrack in Canada last Saturday. He started his triple in the first race when he guided the Blair Millertrained 'Miss Bear' to victory over fiveand-onehalf furlongs (on the dirt). Walker's fine form continued in the second race when he rode the 8-5 favourite 'Best Laid Plans' to victory in a six furlongs (On the dirt) event over Conventional (Paul Nolan) and Knucklebuster (Renaldo Cumberbatch) in 1:05:40 minutes for trainer William Tourangeau. The Gary Danelson-trained 'Ol'Steely Blue' then put the icing on the cake for the 31- year-old Walker in the fifth race, an Optional Claiming event for three-year-old upwards over six furlongs (on the dirt). It could have been a fourtimer for Walker but his mount, 'Summer Shadows', went down to 'With Justice' (Jennifer Reid) in the seventh race over five-and-one-half furlongs.

Jamaican Omar Walker (Jamaica Observer photo)

Walker remained in fifth position in the jockeys' standing on eight wins, while Reid is in seventh position on four wins. (Jamaica Observer)

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Trinidad: Marvin Oliver is Central Guyana names FC Player of the Year Commonwealth squad

Marvin Oliver leaps to head the ball during one of his Pro League performances (TT Guardian photo)

RINIDAD: Thirtyeight year-old midfielder Marvin Oliver was named Player of the Year when Digicel TT Pro League club, Central FC held its 2013/2014 season Dinner and Awards function at Super Industrial Services (SIS) Auditorium, Couva in Trinidad last Wednesday night. Oliver, who recently penned a two-year extension and turns 39 in August, beat top performers and Trinidad and Tobago internationals Willis Plaza, Rundell Winchester and goalkeeper Jan-

Michael Williams, and brothers Elton John and Jason Marcano to the award. But Oliver, who won similar awards at former clubs Caledonia AIA and San Juan Jabloteh, prefers to share his latest award with his Central teammates. “My teammates deserve to share the award with me,” said the classy midfielder, who in 2007 had won the Toyota/TT Pro League Player of the Year award. My name was called to receive the award but I wouldn’t have been voted the top Central FC player

if it wasn’t for the support of my teammates on and off the field. We worked as a team and they allowed me to strive and do what I do best,” he said. Oliver admitted however, that it was a tremendous accomplishment for him, especially at his age, and was again thankful for the support of his teammates and coaching staff. Twenty-year-old Tobagonian Winchester, whose deceptive speed caused problems for opposing teams and excited the league, grabbed three awards on the night. Winchester was named the Central FC’s “Young Player of the Year” and also walked away with the “Goal of the Season” and “Supporters’ Choice Goal of the Year. Plaza with 18 goals in 20 matches for the “Sharks” was a sensation since joining the club during the mid-season (December/ January) transfer window and picked up the club’s “Golden Boot” and “Most Offensive Player” awards. Toyota/TT Pro League 2006 “Player of the Year”, goalkeeper Williams, was awarded the “Most Defensive Player” accolade, ahead of top defenders Yohance Marshall and Elton John. John’s work however, didn’t go unnoticed, and he picked up the Supporters’ Player of the Year, while brother Marcano was chosen as the Players’ Player of the Year. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

TT’s Sport Minister lobbies WICB for Narine’s inclusion

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: TT’s Sports Minister Anil Roberts has asked the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to reconsider their decision to rule off-spinner Sunil Narine ineligible for selection for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. Narine opted to stay behind in India to represent Kolkata Knight Riders in Monday’s Indian Premier League final against Kings XI Punjab, instead of returning to join the ongoing West Indies camp by the stipulated June 1 deadline. The WICB announced last Friday that Narine’s decision would rule him out of consideration for the threeTest series against New Zealand that bowls off on June 8 at Sabina Park in Jamaica. However, in a lengthy official letter to WICB president Dave Cameron, Roberts argued that Narine’s unavailability for the bulk of the ongoing preparation camp should not

Sunil Narine (WICB photo)

make him ineligible for selection. He said while he understood and agreed with the “country first policy”, Narine’s inclusion in no way compromised this principle. “I put it to you today that allowing Sunil Narine to participate in the final of the IPL on June as a West Indian, as a “Trinbagonian”, as an ambassador of Caribbean brilliance and then ensuring that he arrives at the West Indian training camp post haste does not, will not, and cannot breach any of the tenets of your “coun-

try first policy,’” Roberts wrote. He added: “Mr Narine is not on holiday with his family, he is not shopping, and he is not viewing the NBA Playoffs. He is plying his professional trade in what stands as the epitome of international quality cricket in the world today. He is plying that trade not for himself but for the people of the Caribbean who will turn on their TV sets and tune in with 1.3 billion people across the globe to support the West Indian Sunil Narine.” (Antigua Observer)

Winston George

Adam Harris

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Guyana will be a part of the 20th edition of the Commonwealth Games and has officially named its track team for the event set to be held in Glasgow, Scotland from July 23 to August 3. The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has named a three-member team that will consist of all males namely Olympians Adam Harris and Winston George, along with South American under-23 bronze medalist Stephan James. World junior Silver

medalist Kadecia Baird who was shortlisted for the event opted not to attend due to the World Junior championships being around the same time, according to President of the AAG Aubrey Hutson. Harris will be featuring in the 100 metres while both George and James are expected to participate in both the 200 and 400 metres. All three of the members are overseas preparing for the meet with both Harris and George recording extremely good times in their latest competitions. (Guyana Times)

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INTERNATIONAL WEEK ENDING JUNE 5, 2014 Shivnarine Chanderpaul

Chanderpaul ready for NZ Tests

ce West Indies b a t s m a n Shivnarine Chanderpaul said he is fully focused and ready to face the touring New Zealand team during the upcoming threeTest match series in the Caribbean. The veteran lefthander, the West Indies second highest Test runscorer behind Brian Lara, is keen on churning out the runs against the Black Caps after enjoying a relatively successful season with English county side Derbyshire. The experienced middle-order batsman notched up four half-centuries in seven innings of the FirstClass season in April and early May. He later linked up with the West Indies training squad for the series and was on Tuesday named as part of the 13-man

squad for the first Test, starting on Sunday at Sabina Park, Jamaica. “It was pretty tough over there in England, but I did some extra work in the gym and on the bowling machine and so on, so I think I’m ready for the series ahead,” Chanderpaul told this publication during an exclusive interview. He added, “I know the New Zealand players will be coming hard at us, but we need to read the home conditions well and get some wins during the series. I think we have a good captain in Denesh [Ramdin] and hopefully we [will] have some positive results during the series.” Chanderpaul, who made his Test debut in 1994 against England at the GCC ground, Bourda, has played 18 Tests

against New Zealand, scoring 1037 runs at an average of 45.08. His highest score of 126 not out is among two centuries and seven 50s he has against the Black Caps. With a record 153 Test matches to his name, the most by a West Indian, Chanderpaul will start the series 734 runs away from becoming the leading West Indies runscorer. Lara currently holds the record with 11953 runs.

Support for Ramdin

M e a n w h i l e , Chanderpaul has given the recent appointment of Denesh Ramdin as West Indies captain a nod of approval. “Denesh is the new captain and I think he’s pretty good, he can handle himself…I’ve seen him handle himself in the past because you know he has a good head on his shoulders,” the middle-order stalwart pointed out. He added, “He would need some help and support from inside, the coaching staff and everyone else. He would also need a lot of support from the players also on the field.” Himself a former West Indies captain, Chanderpaul said he is prepared to offer any form of support to the leader of the day as he has done in the past.

- hard-hitting Irishman returns to the TT Red Steel with high hopes

evin O’Brien is back for the Limacol Caribbean Premier League 2014 (LCPL) and he is coming with high expectations. After helping the Red Steel to reach the semi-finals in the inaugural season in 2013, he is aiming to go all the way this year. The 2014 edition of the LCPL will be back in just under six weeks when the Caribbean will once again light up for this thrilling party atmosphere across 30 exciting matches. “I am very excited to be back in the Caribbean and happy that the Red Steel resigned me,” the Dublin-born cricketer said. “As well as looking forward to linking up with the Red Steel team again, I’m also looking forward to meeting the new players.” The LCPL will add two new locations to this season’s event with the Spice Isle, Grenada, hosting the opening games and St. Kitts and Nevis the closing round. Kevin (who also runs his own cricket academy based in Dublin) says: “CPL is going from strength to strength and the addition of new venues will definitely add to the brand image, so I am really excited to be a part of it, and I’m especially looking forward to the opening set of games in Grenada.” Other changes this year include each team

Kevin O’Brien

playing two more league games which the 2013 Associate and Affiliate Cricketer of the Year thinks is great news; “It gives us (Red Steel) an opportunity to gel more and develop our team chemistry. I am familiar with some of the new players in the squad, like Jamshed, who I faced when we (Ireland) played Pakistan and also Kennar Lewis of Jamaica who I came across in the Nagico Super50 a few months ago.” On this year’s competition, O’Brien (who scored the fastest cen-

tury in Cricket World Cup history) says: “The Tallawahs and Amazon Warriors remain the favourites, but each team in this season’s CPL has at least two to three match- winners, so it is going to be interesting. Gayle, Russell, Narine, Santokie–these are just a few of the players who can make a huge impact this season, they’re all quality cricketers.” Kevin O’Brien will travel to the Caribbean in early July to meet with the team and begin preparation for CPL 2014. “I am with Surrey now in England, but on July 5th, I will head out to the Caribbean and join up with Red Steel. I can’t wait.” So it’s all eyes on the Irishman this year as the tournament gets under way in mid-July.

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