Caribbean Times International by Gytimes

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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ISSUE NO. 69

CANADA EDITION

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Fly Jamaica begins Guyana service this week See full story on Page 11

WEEK ENDING September 26, 2013

‘I am safe, I am hiding’ Trinidadian scholar’s last words before being killed in Kenyan mall attack Ravindra Ramrattan

- first Toronto-Guyana flight scheduled for October 8

ly Jamaica is set to begin operations in Guyana on Thursday and is expected to employ at least 40 Guyanese once things go according to plan. The airline’s local office is currently in the process of training some 25 Guyanese to become flight attendants and two as pilots, as it gets set for the first three inaugural nonstops flights out of Guyana. Beginning on September 26, Fly Jamaica’s first flight will be between Kingston and Georgetown; on the 27, from New York to Georgetown; and on October 8, from Toronto to Guyana. The company said that the introduction of

these non-stop flights will mean less time spent getting to destinations, with an estimated three hours flying time. Easy connections Passengers from Guyana will arrive at terminal one at the John F Kennedy Airport in the U.S., allowing for easy connections to other international destinations throughout Europe. Speaking at a press conference at the Fly Jamaica head office at the Ogle International Airport on Saturday, Finance and Commerce Director Roxanne Reece said the airline will be providing services not offered by traditional airlines. see full story on page 11

Jamaican singer wows coaches on US talent Page 20 show

Page 2 Parbatee Ramrattan cries uncontrollably as the realisation of her son's death struck while she watched the news on TV, even as a family member tries to console her (TT Guardian photo)

Swine flu confirmed in St Vincent Page 2

NEWS

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending September 26, 2013

‘I am safe, I am hiding’ “I

am safe...I am hiding in a supermarket.” Those words, sent to a friend via a cellular phone text message, were the last from Trinidadian Ravindra ‘Ravi’ Ramrattan shortly before he was killed by terrorists who invaded a mall in Nairobi, Kenya on the weekend. Ramrattan, 30, sent this text message believing he had given the terrorists the slip as he tried to hide inside a store. This was revealed Monday by Ramrattan’s sister Rishma, 24, during an interview at the Ramrattan family home in Chaguanas. She spoke of her brother’s last text message as she recalled how

Trinidadian Ravindra ‘Ravi’ Ramrattan (at right) and his siblings in happier times. (TT Newsday photo)

her brother, the 2002 President’s Gold medal national scholarship winner, tried to escape from the terrorists who went

on a shooting rampage. Ramrattan, who had been working as a financial economist in Nairobi for the past four years,

had last visited his parents at their Munroe Road, Cunupia home in June, 2012. Rishma said that her brother was at the mall with friends when the terrorists stormed the building. While his friends all managed to scamper to safety, Ramrattan fled into a supermarket, where it is believed he remained hidden for three hours before being discovered and executed. “Three hours after the attack on Saturday, Ravi text messaged a friend in Kenya, to say that he was hiding safely in the supermarket. So everyone over there thought he was safe. I was receiv-

Trinidadian scholar’s last words before being killed in Kenyan mall attack ing updates from friends who were circulating his information from the ground in Kenya,” Rishma said. Rishma, an attorney who works in the office of the Attorney General, said that her brother’s friends contacted her on Saturday night. They kept her abreast about her brother’s fate via telephone calls as well as live chats on Facebook. Rishma said the family kept their hopes high that Ravindra would survive the ordeal. On Sunday night, Rishma said, Ramrattan’s friend in Nairobi telephoned and said that there was a photograph of Ramrattan, which had been circulating on the Internet. The terrorist attack began on Saturday when gunmen stormed the Westgate shopping mall and took shoppers hostage. The Somali based armed group Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack, and a group from the militant outfit remained in the mall searching and killing shoppers. A total of 68 people were killed. Rishma recalled that on Sunday, her mother Parbatee, telephoned her son, but the calls went unanswered. Rishma said, normally, she would

write on Ramrattan’s Facebook page, such posts as, “Brother where are you?” “On Saturday I wrote on his Facebook page but he never responded. I received the initial phone call that he was missing at the mall. His friends were checking hospitals and mortuaries between Saturday and Sunday,” Rishma said. Ramrattan was a research economist with Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) Kenya, an independent trust established to support the development of inclusive financial markets in the African nation. Ramrattan, the eldest of three siblings, had been living there for the last four years. “I kept watching the BBC news, checking Facebook, Twitter...anything I could have possibly did online to get news about my brother”. In the end it was her brother’s friends in Kenya who got in contact with her with the jarring news that Ravindra was indeed dead. The family said that officials from FSD in Kenya, where Ramrattan worked, are footing the bill to have his body flown back to Trinidad for final rites. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

Swine flu confirmed in St Vincent

he Trinidadbased Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has confirmed six cases of the “Influenza A H1N1 Pandemic 09” in St Vincent and the Grenadines, according

to a statement issued by Chief Medical officer, Simon Keizer. Last week, classes at the Troumaca Secondary School were suspended after the health ministry confirmed that it had become aware that the largest number of patients seeking medical attention for an “acute illness” in the Chateaubelair health district had been from the school. Classes resumed on Monday. The statement by the health official, said that to date there were 48 reported cases of this “influenza- like illness”. “All clients have been treated and discharged,” it said, adding that the respiratory virus is treated symptomatically. “Persons are, therefore, asked to seek medical care from their district medical officer if they present with sore throat, runny nose, elevated temperature or any associated symptoms. Persons are also asked to practice social distancing in the event that they become ill, that is, to refrain from attending school or work if ill” The health ministry

said that it would continue “active surveillance throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines” and that people are asked to continue increased hygienic practices by covering mouth with a tissue or handkerchief if sneezing or coughing. “Hand washing is imperative in reducing the risk of transmission of the virus,” the release said. The “Influenza A H1N1 Pandemic 09” is a specific strain of the virus that became a global epidemic in 2009 and was commonly referred to as “swine flu”. The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes the strain of the virus as “an influenza virus that had never been identified as a cause of infections in people before the current (2009) H1N1 pandemic”. WHO, in a publication on its website, said genetic analyses of this virus have shown that it originated from animal influenza viruses and is unrelated to the human seasonal H1N1 viruses that have been in general circulation among people since 1977. (CMC)

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EDITORIAL European developmental aid?

ast week, the European Union (EU) Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs addressed the opening plenary of the 11th European Development Fund Caribbean Regional Programming Seminar at the Guyana International Conference Centre. As he announced a €1 billion grant promise under the new funding programme, inter alia, he offered the EU’s perspective on “development aid” to the Caribbean. This perspective had been announced earlier in the year and was subsequently interrogated by Stephen Tindale of the Centre for European Reform (CER). We think the centre’s critique offers a salutary corrective to Piebalgs’ presentation. It firstly distinguished between short-term humanitarian aid and long-term development aid to help countries make progress economically, politically and socially. It asserted that “humanitarian aid is not seriously questioned by European politicians and publics...but by contrast, development aid–which accounts for over 90 per cent of global (and European) aid flows–is a highly contested subject”. In his presentation, the commissioner had boasted, “Over the past 10 years, the EU and its member states committed around 50 billion euros per year to development aid.” But CER pointed out, “Europe is giving less development aid than it promised it would. In 1970, the United Nations set a target that developed countries should give at least 0.7 per cent of national income each year in aid. This target has been repeatedly reaffirmed in numerous international meetings, notably in the discussions around the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In 2005, the EU pledged that countries that were members before 2004 would meet the target by 2015. In 2011, total EU aid (commission and member-states) amounted to 0.42 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP)”. CER also points out that of the €50 billion that the “EU” distributed, the EU Commission administered a paltry €9.6 billion, while the rest was given directly by the member states. The report pointed out the problem with this approach: “In European capitals, development aid is more and more considered an instrument of foreign policy, to promote national economic, commercial or strategic interests. These are all legitimate objectives for national governments, but human well-being must not be overlooked. People who lack the necessities to live fulfilling lives must be helped, even if such aid has no commercial or strategic benefit to the donors.” Complaining that there is a lack of “policy coherence” the CER points out that, “The main fault with EU development policy is not the quality of spending, or even the insufficient quantity, but the fact that other EU policies damage poor countries.” The CER concedes that aid will never do as much as trade in fostering development and that the EU is supportive of the “Aid for Trade” (AfT) initiative of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which focuses on improving infrastructure and capacity building. But it notes soberly: “... better infrastructure and capacity building will not be sufficient. The EU should also remove tariffs and quotas which discourage or exclude produce from developing countries. Since 1971 Europe has operated a Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), under which goods from developing countries are given preferential access to the European market. This means reduced or zero tariffs, and higher or no quotas. In October 2012, the EU adopted a revised GSP, which will operate from the start of 2014. Countries which have achieved high or upper middle income, per capita, will no longer be beneficiaries. This includes Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean with the exception of Haiti. Alluding to the EU’s change of policy that led to the unilateral abrogation of the Cotonou Protocol that covered sugar, the report pointed out: “The commission’s desire to focus on the least developed countries is understandable. But there are many poor people in middle income countries, that would benefit from greater earnings. And if the removal of tariffs and quotas was combined with a reduction in European agricultural subsidies, Europe would import more, so the least developed countries would not necessarily lose out.” (To be continued)

Piwari drinking competition in Guyana during Amerindian Heritage Sports and Family Day event in Georgetown on Sunday. (Amerindian Affairs Ministry photo)

Private sector, economic integration and continued reforms key to restoring growth in the Caribbean

aribbean high level officials and representatives from international and regional financial institutions recently gathered in Nassau, Bahamas, on the occasion of the 2013 High Level Caribbean Forum “Building Growth into the Caribbean Sustainability Agenda.” They stressed the importance of private sector led activity, furthering economic integration and continued efforts in structural reforms to kick-start growth in the region. The Forum, a follow-up to the 2012 conference in Trinidad and Tobago on rethinking policy priorities, brought together policymakers, and officials from Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and officials from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. Hosted by the government of The Bahamas, the conference was convened by the International Monetary Fund in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the World Bank. “The theme of this year’s conference is a direct response to feedback at the 2012 Forum where policymakers underscored the need for renewed growth as the necessary anchor to a viable future and to fiscal sustainability,” noted Alejandro Werner, director of the Western Hemisphere Department at the IMF.

The Forum also responded to the request of Caribbean authorities for international financial institutions (IFIs) and other development partners to collaborate and ensure consistent policy advice so as to forge a coherent, holistic approach to reviving growth. The summary conclusions from the Forum included * macroeconomic stability and sustainability are vital prerequisites for growth. Given the need for countries with high debt to reduce their fiscal and external imbalances, the private sector must take a lead role in investment and growth; * the Caribbean has inherent strengths and comparative advantages in key sectors that have not been fully exploited and that hold considerable potential as sources of economic growth in the near term; *forum participants identified important opportunities to develop private sector-led growth. The first priority for policymakers is to implement measures to enhance the business environment, such as reducing bureaucratic processes, and lower costs; and * public private partnerships (PPPs) can play a role in raising much needed investment and funding of infrastructure projects. While the political will exists, the region will need more information on cost and benefits of PPPs, in some cases reforms to the legal frameworks, and greater effort to build consensus among key stakeholders and the public. The end goal should be to achieve the best risk sharing between public sector balance sheets and the private sector.

It also concluded that * reforms to the labour market hold considerable potential: research showed that removing rigidities to wagesetting could have important positive effects on employment and growth. Aligning wages better with productivity and strengthening incentives to improve skills matches are key priorities and * a key element in the path forward is to strengthen integration to help share and lower fixed costs, and to increase trade integration. Indeed, many of the challenges facing Caribbean countries are better suited to regional solutions, such as customs and VAT reforms, regulations for PPPs, information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, and aviation policies. The IMF, together with its sister institutions, said it is committed to working with member governments on many of these constructive ideas. As expressed by Perry Christie, prime minister and minister of finance of The Bahamas, “The IFIs and the IMF need to be flexible in their surveillance and lending operations with small states given their special characteristics and needs.” In this respect, deputy managing director Nemat Shafik reiterated that the IMF is pursuing analysis and policy work tailored specifically to the needs of small states. IMF staff will work with small states to ensure more focus on growth in their Fund-supported programs. (Caribbean News)

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week ending September 26, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Jamaica on target for IMF review Monday, despite missed deadline

he Jamaican government has overcome a threat to the completion of the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) processing of its first quarter performance under the new Extended Fund Facility (EFF) by Monday, after admitting its inability to produce new tax incentive reform legislation this week. The September 30 deadline for tabling a new Omnibus Tax Incentive legislation in Parliament was included in the staff level understanding between the government and an IMF mission to Jamaica in August, which assessed the country's first quarter performance under the four-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF) agreement. It was expected that the Bill would have been tabled when the House of Representatives met Tuesday, in order to meet the deadlineâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a prior action for IMF Executive Board approval of the first quarterly performance which, if positive, will mean the first drawdown of US$30 million (approximately Ja$3 billion) under the new agreement. But in a statement to the House Tuesday, Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Peter Phillips disclosed that finalisation of the tax incentive proposal would require additional time. "It was recognised that the finalisation of tax incentive proposals, along the lines mutually agreed, would require additional analytical work," Dr Phillips told the House. "In light of these additional requirements, the government of Jamaica and the IMF mission staff reached a stafflevel understanding that meeting the end-of-September 2013 deadline for the tabling of relevant tax incentive re-

Jamaicaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Finance Minister Dr Peter Phillips (Jamaica Observer photo)

form legislation would not be possible nor advisable. The legislation will now be tabled in October," he explained. Dr Phillips said, however, that the delay would not impact the expected timeline for the implementation of the legislation. He also advised that the government had been assured by the IMF staff that the revised process would not delay the executive board meeting scheduled for Monday in Washington, DC, to discuss the completion of the first review. "We are confident that this review will be completed," Phillips assured the House. He added that he was reassured by the fact that the IMF staff had already circulated the relevant documentation, in accordance with the agreed schedule. (Jamaica Observer)

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News

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Guyana’s ruling party says local gov’t poll close

- PPP/C in election mode

or the first time since the furore over local government elections in Guyana, the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) said on Tuesday that it has been readying itself for the “impending” poll. In a statement arising out of its recent Central Committee’s meeting, the PPP/C said much emphasis was placed on put-

ney general’s chambers will take to scrutinise the bills before they are sent to the president for his assent. Guyana Elections Commission Chairman (GECOM) Dr Steve Surujbally had also said the commission is fully equipped and ready to stage the long- anticipated local government elections. According to Dr

ting the party into an election mode, especially in view of impending local government elections. Local government elections in Guyana were last held in 1994, but the recent passage of a suite of legislation critical to the holding of the elections under a reformed system has given citizens some glimmer of hope. However, since its passage in the National

Assembly, the bills have been stuck at the attorney general’s office and up to last week, they had not reached the president for his assent. Only last week, junior Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker said the holding of local government elections remains top on the PPP/C’s agenda. He pointed out that the Municipal and

District Council’s Bill, the Fiscal Transfers Bill, the Local Government Commission Bill and the Local Government (Amendment) Bill, which were passed in the National Assembly, have been sent to the attorney general’s chambers by the clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs. It is currently unclear how long the attor-

Surujbally, elections can be held within the next six months, once the president assents to the bills. Currently, the continuous registration exercise is ongoing and will aid in bringing the voters list to perfection. GECOM has already demarcated the various boundaries and constituencies–71 districts. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Courts Guyana to build billion dollar distribution centre at Eccles

nicomer Guyana, operators of the Courts furniture chain, on Tuesday commissioned the site for the construction of a Gy$1 billion (US$ 5.4 million) distribution centre, as it celebrates 20 years doing business in Guyana. Speaking at the sod turning ceremony, Unicomer Guyana Executive Vice President Guillermo Siman said the four acre Eccles, East Bank Demerara location will host a 60,000 square feet distribution centre. The centre is expected to be completed in August 2014. “Twenty-three years ago in Guyana, we value innovation and excellence in services and strategic vision has grown to an even bigger vision…our current distribution centre at Montrose has out lived its usefulness,” said

Guyana’s Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh joined Courts (Guyana) Managing Director Clyde de Haas and Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Clinton Urling at the sod turning ceremony for the construction of Courts Guyana Inc’s distribution centre at Eccles, EBD (Paul Vanvield photo)

Siman. He added: “The US$5.4 million investments demonstrated the confidence in Guyana and its economy and this distribution centre will add to efficiency and improvements in proper distributions and stacking of goods.” Guyana’s Prime

Minister Samuel Hinds was high in praise of the investment. “The group set out to bring better quality life for Guyanese people…furniture sold was sourced locally from small business owners and if the standard were met, they were even sold in other stores across

the region,” said Hinds. The prime minister said the government is happy when employment opportunities are created through the establishment of new businesses throughout Guyana. “We are conscious of the employment opportunities created and more so, the goods and services, which Unicomer will provide to the Guyanese public…Guyana has been growing, but there is still a lot more to be done,” Hinds said. Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, who also spoke at the occasion, said Guyana has been growing rapidly over the past 20 years, and praised the contribution of the furniture giant to the national economy. “Courts has made enormous contributions to the landscape of Guyana and they have done a lot more than to simply furnish house-

holds, they did not only pioneered retail trade, but also introduce the line of consumer credit,” he said. He noted that collaboration with the private and public sectors have led to thousands of young Guyanese being able to acquire a home and enjoy easy access to credit. Dr Singh said there is need for continued growth, but citizens have to become more productive, both individually and collectively. “One of the things aimed at in this new facility is an increase in productivity,” Dr Singh said, as he underscored the importance of growing and developing the nation. He maintained that greater productivity comes from higher levels of education and skills training, as well as the health of the country’s

citizens. G e o r g e t o w n Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President Clinton Urling said the investment is positive sign of a bright for Guyana. “This will see employment, improvements in efficiency and landscape. It will give small business the opportunity to use the facility as storage in busy season.” He added: “Despite having foreign investors, we see them as one private sector and as Guyanese companies, because they are providing services and goods for a Guyanese population and domestic purposes.” The Courts chain remains the largest furniture retailer in Guyana and the Unicomer brand is one of the largest retailers in the Caribbean, operating in 90 stores in 11 territories. (Guyana Times)

National Geographic Explorer docks in Guyana T he National Geographic Explorer cruise ship on Tuesday docked in Guyana for a two-day tour of the country, enhancing the growing profile of the local tourism sector. The 110 visitors on board the state-of-theart, 148-passenger vessel was scheduled to visit sites such as the Kaieteur Falls, Georgetown, and the Essequibo and Mazaruni rivers. During a visit to the ship anchored in the Essequibo River, Captain Oliver Kruess disclosed that the cruiser visited Guyana more than 18 years ago, when it passed through the Orinoco River, but could not have stopped in the country as it had lacked the infrastructure to host guests and entertainment activities. “Traditionally, we would sail by, the ships would visit the Orinoco and en route to the

Amazon, they would only visit French Guiana’s Devil Island, they always looked along Guyana’s coast and it was always, gosh! One day we would really like to come and explore! And this year, it becomes a reality,” he said. Captain Kruess said the massive infrastructural development the country has experienced during the past 20 years prompted the visit, noting that Guyana is a prime destination for cruisers. Wilderness Explores Director Shaun Mc Grath said after years of lobbying the cruise ship, the company finally assented to come to Guyana, adding that one of the major challenges of bringing ships into the country is that the rivers are not deep or large enough to facilitate big vessels. He disclosed that the tour company is constantly at trade shows push-

ing for persons to visit Guyana, and said with the National Geographic Explorer’s visit, it will be able to market Guyana as a prime destination. Guyana’s acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali encouraged the tourists to enjoy the beautiful country, which is known for its breathtaking and abundant flora and fauna. The journey is part of a 38-day cruise, visiting eight countries, including Guyana. Onboard the National Geographic Explorer is a team of experts, including resident explorer Wade David and pioneering conservationist and National Geographic fellow Thomas Love Joy. The ship carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac motorised landing craft, as well as sophisticated video equipment that allows access to the underwater world. The public areas include a lounge and bar, a spa, a fitness

centre, a sauna and a se-

lection of dining options.

(Guyana Times)

News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending September 26, 2013

Caribbean making big strides in fighting HIV/AIDS – UNAIDS

NAIDS on Monday reported that the Caribbean has made significant progress towards meeting several targets that were set to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS. According to a UNAIDS report, in 2000, the global community agreed to work towards meeting several health and development objectives by 2015. Through Millennium Development Goal (MDG) six, countries aimed to halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS, as well as to achieve universal access to treatment for HIV/ AIDS for all those who

need it. Ten 2015 targets were also set by United Nations member states in the 2011 UN Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS. These include reducing sexual transmission, eliminating new infections in children, increasing treatment access, eliminating gender inequalities, eliminating stigma and discrimination, and closing the resource gap for HIV.

New infections

According to UNAIDS, the annual number of new infections continues to decline. In fact, the Caribbean has experienced the sharpest reduction in

new infections since 2001 (49 per cent). “Caribbean coverage of services to prevent HIV transmission from pregnant women to their children is among the highest in the world at more than 90 per cent. Additionally, the region continues to have one of the highest rates of antiretroviral treatment coverage (72 per cent). However, in order to accelerate progress to 2015 and beyond, certain issues require urgent attention,” the UNAIDS report stated. The report finds that progress has been slow in ensuring the respect of human rights, secur-

ing access to HIV services for people most at risk infection and in preventing violence against women and girls–a key factor in vulnerability to HIV. Gender inequality, punitive laws, and discriminatory actions are continuing to hamper national responses to HIV and concerted efforts are needed to address these persistent obstacles to the scale-up of HIV services for people most in need. “We can get to zero new cases of HIV, zero AIDS related deaths and zero stigma and discrimination, if we learn to talk about sex and sexuality and refuse to dis-

criminate because of difference,” said UNAIDS Caribbean Regional Support Team Director, Dr Ernest Massiah. Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, The Dominican Republic, Guyana, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Vincent and the Grenadines are among the countries with high dependency on external financing for treatment.

Dramatic acceleration

In 2012, an estimated 35.3 million people globally were living with HIV. New HIV infections were estimated at 2.3 million in 2012, a 33 per cent reduction since 2001.

UNAIDS Caribbean Regional Support Team Director Dr Ernest Massiah

New HIV infections among children have been reduced to 260,000 in 2012, a reduction of 52 per cent since 2001. AIDS-related deaths have also dropped by 30 per cent since the peak in 2005 as access to antiretroviral treatment expands.

AFC defectors were not being listened to – Granger BY SABATINI DANIELS

Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Chairman David Granger said there is nothing vindictive about the recent move by three Alliance For Change (AFC) members to defect to his party. “These are serious academics who want to make a contribution to national unity and national development, and they felt that their opinions and advice were not being adhered to where they were before,” said Granger. Granger said he does not envisage the three AFC members who recently defected to APNU causing any challenges or rifts between the two parties. The three who crossed over to APNU are economist Dr Tarron Khemraj, Political Science Professor, Dr Asquith Rose and busi-

APNU Chairman David Granger (fourth left) and executive Joseph Harmon (right) with the three AFC defectors: Rab Mukraj (left), Dr Asquith Rose and Tarron Khemraj

nessman Rab Mukraj. Responding to questions posed at APNU’s weekly press conference at his office at Hadfield Street, Georgetown last Friday, Granger stated that he does not see the trio shifting towards

APNU as opposing the AFC, but rather as “advancing the agenda for national unity and human development”. “We are not on a hunting party, we are simply building a momentum and a move-

ment so that likeminded people from civil society or any other organisations are free to come onboard and advance these two aims,” said Granger. The AFC defectors, he disclosed, will now join APNU’s American

group, noting that they were not offered any executive positions within the coalition.

Exclusion

Khemraj Guyanese media Thursday that it the AFC that left

told last was him

and not he who left the party, pointing out that since the 2011 general election to now, the party did not seek his advice on any issue or decision it made. He said during the pre-election period, the party regularly obtained his input, but even with regard to the Amaila Falls hydropower project, it did not seek his advice. The crossover of these three members followed the resignation of Dr Shamir Andrew Ally, who was a member of the New York Chapter. Meanwhile, in a statement last Thursday evening, AFC Chairman Nigel Hughes, who himself had resigned from the party before making an about turn on the decision, said the AFC is disappointed with how the issue was handled. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Jamaican businesswoman on human trafficking charge faces court next year

Over 900 police officers have been trained to deal with human trafficking in Jamaica

aw enforcement authorities in Jamaica have charged a businesswoman and two members of her family with facilitating human trafficking. The Organised Crime Investigation Division (OCID) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force has charged Hermalinda Parker with human trafficking, facilitating human trafficking and withholding passports. She is due to appear in court early next year. Her daughter Liz Scantibury, and hus-

band Anthony Parker have also been charged. Government prosecutors reported that in May 2010, Parker visited Guyana and convinced the family of a 16-year-old girl to allow her on a trip to Jamaica. However, on arrival, the teenager was allegedly forced to become a dancer at the Latin Movement Nightclub which she operated. The prosecutors also allege that the Guyanese teenager was forced into prostitution. The Crown said the

teenager was told that she had to dance at the club and have sex with patrons in order to repay expenses incurred by Parker in bringing her to Jamaica. Members of the OCID raided the club in September 2010, and arrested the dancers, including the teenager. Several women held were from Panama and the Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, more than 20 children have been rescued from human traffickers in Jamaica since the start of the year, according to

Senior Superintendent Clifford Chambers, head of the OCID. “We have conducted in excess of 213 raids islandwide up to March of this year and they are conducted at places that include massage parlours, go-go clubs and certain areas pointed to us as locations as to where these activities are operated.” Chambers said the OCID has embarked on a sensitisation project, in which over 900 police officers have been trained. (Jamaica Observer)

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week ending September 26, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

TT mourns passing of former national security minister

Former National Security Minister and Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier General Joe Theodore (TT Newsday)

utpourings of love and condolences were sent to the family and friends of Trinidad and Tobago’s former National Security Minister and Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier General Joe Theodore, who died after suffering a heart attack Saturday morning at the West Shore Medical Private Hospital. His daughter Joanne told the media that her family was deeply saddened by the passing of her father, who played an instrumental part in their lives. She said her father had gotten his Canadian visa just a few days ago and was planning to go visit friends and family he hadn’t seen in a long time. She said he was also excited to be inducted into the Hall of Fame at his alma mater St Mary’s College. Theodore is survived by his daughters and three grand children, his wife having passed away five years ago. As the senate paid tribute to the late Brigadier General on Monday, TT’s National Security Minister Gary Griffith said: “He is arguably one of the most successful national security ministers for being able to lock crime down to such an extent. Based on his leadership and the policies, we were able to have the murder rates below 100. If I can accomplish half of what he accomplished, I would have succeeded in my mission. It was a privilege to have followed in his footsteps.” Former opposition leader Basdeo Panday

also praised Brigadier General Theodore for the many contributions to Trinidad and Tobago. Theodore served as national security minister in the Panday administration. “As part of that team which I had set up during my tenure as prime minister to combat crime, he did a very good job at bringing the crime rate down across the board, and there are statistics to prove it. So I want to express my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family, and I pray that they would have the strength to make through this difficult time and their period of mourning,” Panday said. In a press release, TT Defence Force, via its Civil Military Affairs Officer Major Al Alexander expressed deepest condolences on the passing of the Brigadier General. General Theodore was the Commanding Officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment from 1979-1990 and later served as the third Chief of Defence Staff during the period 19901991, and it was he who in 1990 lead the successful charge against the Jamaat al Muslimeen in defence of TT’s democracy, the release noted. “He is fondly remembered for his astute leadership and brilliant military mind while at the helm of the Force,” it added. Brigadier General Theodore later served as minister of national security from December 1995 -December 2000. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

Guyana ranked high in youth development index G

uyana has been ranked 10th among 107 countries for youth well-being in the first Commonwealth Youth Development Index (YDI), which was recently released. The YDI was designed to measure the development of youths between the ages of 15 and 24 based on: education, health and well-being, employment, and political and civic participation in Commonwealth countries. Guyana was ranked 31 overall in the development index. In the other sub-categories, Guyana was ranked 21 (education), 18 (employment) and 27 (political participation). Australia, Canada and New Zealand topped the YDI. Guyana’s ranking has placed it in the medium category of youth development, making the country one of the highest-ranked nations in the Caribbean region. The report stated that youth development is related to, but not heavily dependent on

Guyana’s Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony, Permanent Secretary Alfred King and Assistant Youth Director Devanand Ramdat with the Sophia Training Centre 2013 graduating class. Youth development is one of government's priorities (file photo)

income per capita. This means that low-income countries can make significant advances in youth development by providing young people with opportunities to seek quality education and training, and to participate in their country’s social, political, and economic life.

Significant strides

Guyana has been making significant strides in this area, and has recorded many suc-

cess stories, where hundreds of youths are trained annually in various fields. The Board of Industrial Training (BIT) is one institution that has been involved in the training of young people. Government also continues to invest in many other youth related projects that have seen optimum participation. Additionally, many Guyanese youths have

been sent overseas to study in various fields at the post-graduate, master’s and doctorate levels, improving the country’s human resource capacity. The culture, youth and sport ministry, with the support of international agencies, is also currently looking to redraft a new youth policy that will help to further strengthen youth development. (Guyana Times)

Jamaican gov't to press ahead with - despite mounting criticisms logistics hub

amaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has made it clear that her administration will be pressing ahead with the proposed multibillion-dollar logistics hub, despite mounting criticisms. "As it relates to discussions about a port for logistics operators, we will do everything in our power to secure the investments that will expand our economy, always remaining aware of the importance of our environment for sustainable development," Simpson Miller told jubilant supporters crammed inside the National Arena in Kingston for the public session of People's National Party's (PNP's) 75th annual conference Sunday. Following an announcement last month by Environment Minister Robert Pickersgill that the Goat Islands—located off the coast of Old Harbour Bay, St Catherine—are being seriously considered for the site of a logistics hub to be built by the Chinese gvernment, environmentalists have been up in arms about the plan,

arguing that any form of industrialisation of the islands will have a devastating impact. But Sunday, Simpson Miller emphasised that a number of Jamaica's important landmarks, including the two international airports, the National Stadium, New Port West, the cruise ship pier in Trelawny, Montego Bay Convention Centre and Portmore housing development, would not have been built had the government of the day listened to the critics. "We are taking the environment into consideration, but at the same time we are going to be lifting the standard of living of the masses of the Jamaican people," she said. Securing more than Ja$150 billion in investment, she insisted, is nothing to scoff at. Instead, she noted that it is all part of a grand design for growth and development. "No matter what, this government, this party, will be going for growth and development," she said. Simpson Miller said the global logistics hub

People’s National Party President and Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller prepares to embrace Richard Azan, the embattled member of parliament for North West Clarendon, at Sunday’s public session of the party’s annual conference at the National Arena in Kingston. Azan was last Friday forced to step down as junior minister in the ministry of transport and works following a damning report by the contractor general on the illegal building and renting of several shops at the Spalding Market in Clarendon. At right is Wykeham McNeill, minister of tourism and entertainment and MP for Western Westmoreland. (PHOTO: BRYAN CUMMINGS)

remains a priority of the government and party. She noted that it has received broad support from a wide cross-section of the local business community as well as multilateral agencies. She explained that although major projects are important planks of the hub, it is not an initiative created only for participation of owners of big capital, but that the gov-

ernment will ensure inclusion of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. Announcing that Jamaica's credibility has been restored, Simpson Miller said renewed interest is being shown in the island once more and everything will be done to secure investment to expand the economy. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending September 26, 2013

Guyana condemns terrorist attack in Kenya

Gov’t minister hints at health-care fees for Barbados’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta

Guyana’s President Donald Ramotar

resident Donald Ramotar has extended condolences to Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and the people of that country on the killing of scores of persons at the Kenya Westgate Shopping Mall by militants. Ramotar in a message said, “I wish to convey sincere condolences to the government and people of Kenya for the loss of innocent lives as a result of the siege at the Westgate Shopping Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. "We express our full solidarity with the

Kenyan authorities in their efforts to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice while ensuring the safety and swift rescue of those held captive. “During this painful time, I would also like to convey my sympathy to the families of the innocent victims of this despicable attack and to you too excellency, for your personal loss,” the message said. Ramotar said the government of Guyana unequivocally condemns this atrocious terrorist act and will continue to support the initiatives of the international community to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Explosions and

heavy gunfire were reported earlier this week as soldiers stormed the Westgate Shopping Mall. Three “terrorists” were killed and soldiers combed the building floor by floor “looking for anyone left behind,” officials said Monday. The Kenyan Red Cross has told the BBC that 63 people remain unaccounted for. The official death toll stands at 62 and more than 170 have been injured. There are fears the death toll will rise further. The Somali Islamist al-Shabab movement has said it carried out the attack in retaliation for Kenyan military operations in Somalia. (Guyana Times)

Albouystown man gets 78 years for 2010 murder in Guyana

otorious criminal Tyrone "Cobra" Rowe was on Tuesday jailed in a Guyana court for 78 years after a jury found him guilty of murdering a Plaisance resident in August 2010. Rowe, 21, of Lot 268 Independence Boulevard, Albouystown, Georgetown, was indicted with the murder of Troy Collymore, called “Collie” and “Nelly” on August 7, 2010 during the robbery of a business at Plaisance Railway and Embankment, East Coast Demerara. He was represented by Attorney Hukumchand Parag. The trial of Rowe began last Wednesday before Justice Navindra Singh and a 12-member jury. State Counsel Teshana Lake prosecuted the case and presented nine witnesses, including two eyewitnesses. The first witness, Constable Neil Thornhill testified that he was off duty and at the business place on the night in question when three armed men attacked. The officer said he recognised “Cobra”, who was standing outside the premises with another

accomplice, since he was a known character to the police. The accused was 17 years old at the time. The other eyewitness, Chandrika Datt, the owner of the business, testified that after the robbery, he was called to pick out the perpetrators during an identification parade; however, the person that he pointed out was not Rowe. He stated that the person he picked out was the one who held him at gunpoint in his pharmacy and took away a quantity of cash and eight laptop computers.

Closing addresses

The prosecutor initially had 13 witnesses; however, she only managed to call nine and closed her case on Monday after which the accused was called upon to lead his defence. The young man elected to give an unsworn statement from the dock, declaring that he is innocent of the offence and knows nothing about it. Afterwards, both the defence attorney and the prosecutor made their closing addresses to the jury. Then on Tuesday, Justice Singh summed

up the evidence presented during the trial before the jury panel retired to the jury room to deliberate on a verdict. Some three hours later, the panel returned with a unanimous verdict of guilty. Before the sentence was imposed, the defence attorney made a plea for mitigation, asking the court to be lenient to his client. However, the prosecutor requested the maximum sentence to be imposed, since the accused has other matters pending in court. The trial judge, in delivering the sentence, started with a standard 60 years and added an additional 18 years taking all the aggravating factors into consideration. When Justice Singh informed the accused that he was being sentenced to 78 years, the entire courtroom was stunned and wails from the accused’s family filled the air. As he was escorted to the prison’s holding area at the court, Rowe was overheard telling his mother “it hit me to my heart”. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Health Minister John Boyce (centre) and principal of the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies Sir Hilary Beckles sealing the signatures with a handshake as Permanent Secretary in the Health Ministry Tennyson Springer looks on

he Barbados government has not ruled out the introduction of user fees for services offered at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Speaking at the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the health ministry and the University of the West Indies, Health Minister John Boyce, said that the objectives set out by the government in the 2013 Budget

were “real” and had to be met. To this end, he added that all areas of revenue restructuring would be examined. “It is a question of making sure that this country is here for us and for our children, 10, 15, 20 years down the road…I think it is clear that all Barbadians from all walks [of life] will be asked to join in this very important struggle. We have done well so far, in relative terms… These are real targets

which the government has set in terms of fiscal prudence in Barbados which we know must be met,” Boyce posited. The minister added that those persons who were experiencing social hardship would not be overlooked in the process. “[They] will be dealt with in a proper programme of social care attached to any arrangements that are made,” Boyce stated. (BGIS)

PM Mitchell says amendments will be made to Grenada’s Electronic Crimes Bill

he Grenada government said Monday that it would make the “necessary changes” to the Electronic Crimes Bill after the legislation was criticised by regional and international media groups as curbing free speech on the island. “I have agreed to make the necessary changes, after having discussions with members of the local and regional media, so that there will be no doubt about the intention of the country,” Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell said. Earlier, the Parisbased media group, Reporters Without Borders (RWB) said it had written to Governor General, Dame Cécile La Grenade, urging her to veto the legislation that critics say would punish the sending of “offensive” electronic communication with up to one year in prison. “We do not dispute the principle of this law or some of its provisions. The Internet should not escape the authority of the law altogether and we believe that it is perfectly legitimate to sanction such crimes and offences as the theft of documents or data, online identity theft or, even more serious, child pornography,” RWB general secre-

tary Christophe Deloire wrote in the letter. The Vienna–based International Pres Institute (IPI) and the Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM) had also expressed expressing concern over the legislation. The Electronic Crimes Act had been withdrawn in early July after IPI and other groups had expressed concern about a potential chilling effect on free speech in Grenada. But last month, the government, which controls all 15-seats in the elected House of Assembly and 10 of the 13 seats in the Senate, passed the legislation after holding a national consultation on the matter. The legislation covers information that is “grossly offensive” or that is known to be false, but is reproduced in order to cause “annoyance,” “insult”, and “ill will,” among others. It defines electronic stalking as “intimidating, coercing, or annoying another person using an electronic system” with offenders risking three years in jail. Mitchell, speaking at a public forum in rural St Andrew’s insisted also that “criminal libel has gone and is not coming back.”

Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell (Nation News file photo)

ACM president Wesley Gibbings had called the section “a contravention of the principle and guarantee of free expression”, but Prime Minister Mitchell said that was never the intention of his government. “You don’t have to worry, we will deal with that appropriately. We have no intention of limiting free speech or any types of comments. That was never the intention of the act, and if that gives that impression, we will deal with it,” Mitchell said. IPI said also that “laws criminalizing insult are superfluous in an open society” and Mitchell’s Senior Advisor on Communications, Hamlet Mark, said the prime minister had spoken to him recently about “some of the genuine concerns raised. (CMC)

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week ending September 26, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Fly Jamaica begins Guyana service this week - first Toronto-Guyana flight scheduled for October 8

these non-stop flights will mean less time spent getting to destinations, with an estimated three hours flying time.

Easy connections

Passengers from Guyana will arrive at terminal one at the John F Kennedy Airport in the U.S., allowing for easy connections to other international destinations throughout Europe. Speaking at a press conference at the Fly Jamaica head office at the Ogle International Airport on Saturday, Finance and Commerce Director Roxanne Reece said the airline will be providing services not offered by traditional airlines. “Passengers will be

treated to complimentary meals, in-flight entertainment and shopping, spacious seats and a signature warm, friendly service,” Reece said. She noted that Fly Jamaica is not just waiting on passengers to come to it; the airline is reaching out to them. Fly Jamaica is a private airline with no financial arrangements with any government. Currently, the airline operates with six aircraft and will soon add another to its fleet, which will result in increased routes. According to the airline, in addition to boosting regional tourism, the new routes will open up opportunities for businesses

at its destinations in Georgetown, Guyana; Kingston, Jamaica; New York, U.S.A.; and Toronto, Canada. On a different note, Reece said the company is a bit concerned about incidents of drug trafficking at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). She was quick to point out that the situation is not unique to Guyana, but noted the need for a more effective security system at the country’s main airport.

Security system

She said Fly Jamaica will put systems in place to guard against security breaches. However, CJIA Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Ghir in a re-

lease said it is very disappointing and unfortunate that a director of Fly Jamaica would choose to publicly address her concerns about drug incidents at the airport without first engaging the airport authorities about such anxiety. “As chairman of the Airport Security Committee and head of the airport corporation, I can safely say that no such concern was ever raised with us; not even at the level of the board of directors. “We will be happy to engage the staff and directors of Fly Jamaica to address any security related questions that they may have. The airport’s corporation and

Fly Jamaica Finance and Commerce Director Roxanne Reece

its security committee remain steadfast to continuously working with its stakeholders to improve passengers’ experience. We remain very excited and look forward to Fly Jamaica getting on board!” Ghir said. (Guyana Times)

Canadian firm gets booted from TT’s billion dollar Penal hospital project

TT’s Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal (TT Guardian photo)

he Trinidad and Tobago government has decided to pull out of its planned arrangement with the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) to have Canadian conglomerate SNC-Lavalin build the TT$1 billion Penal Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre, according to media reports. This follows a meeting with chairman of

the Urban Development Corporation (Udecott) Jearlean John, Canadian High Commissioner Gérard Latulippe and a delegation from the CCC, a crown corporation of the government of Canada, which supports Canadian trade by helping Canadian companies maximise export opportunities, particularly with government markets. The delegation in-

cluded the CCC’s vice president of strategy and organisational development Mariette FyfeFortin and regional director Luc Allary, who flew in for the meeting on Sunday night. During the meeting, officials from the Canadian delegation presented the CCC’s recommendations from a due diligence report, which was completed early this month and forwarded to Udecott last week. The meeting lasted for almost two hours and took place at John’s office, South Quay, Port-of-Spain.

Due diligence report

In an interview afterwards, John said the delegation sought to prove that SNC-Lavalin had put in place a new structure of governance to mitigate against corruption.

“They told us that they had developed enhanced management standards, ethics in governance as well as improved compliance, governance, quality, health and safety standards,” John added. She said the CCC had encouraged the government to enter into a contract with SNC-Lavalin to build the hospital on the basis of its improved managerial standards. However, John said, a decision was taken not to enter into another contract with SNC-Lavalin and for the CCC to nominate another contractor. Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal, who was also part of the meeting, said signing a contract with SNC-Lavalin could harm TT’s international reputation. “Since the story broke we have

been asking for a due diligence report, which was late in coming. This matter was widely discussed and in light of the latest international reports of corruption, bid-rigging and poor ethical conduct, we requested due diligence,” Moonilal said. He added: “We received a delegation from the High Commissioner’s office in Port-of-Spain and the CCC today (Monday) and they presented some conclusions from a due diligence report. After a discussion, we invited the CCC to nominate another contractor.”

No risks

Moonilal is expected to brief Cabinet on the issue later this week. Asked whether there will be any legal ramifications from the decision not to use SNC-Lavalin

on the project, Moonilal said no. He added that: “There is a reputational risk involved in SNCLavalin and strong public-interest sentiments about conducting business with companies that have difficulty in passing the test of confidence.” He noted that the first phase of the contract was the design and TT$2.2 million had been spent on it so far. “We don’t think there will be any significant cost to the State if we do not proceed because we do not have a contract with SNC-Lavalin for the construction phase,” Moonilal added. He pointed out that the decision to pull out of the arrangement would not strain TT’s relationship with Canada. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |week ending September 26, 2013

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Tobago man tries to burn woman, daughter in Port-of-Spain home

wo women had to jump almost 20 feet out of a window Sunday morning in Port-of-Spain to escape the burning inferno of their home. The women, 50-yearold Sherma McPherson, and her daughter 20-year-old Jamila Roberts, were both at their Dundonald Street, Port-of-Spain, home, when at about midnight they were awoken by loud noises and the smell of smoke. When they ran outside, a 23-year-old man who is known to the family was seen in the living room, which was on fire. The man, on seeing the women, reportedly then jumped out of a window and escaped. Police said the ladies ran to the door of the apartment, and were horrified to discover that it had been sealed shut and would not open. Panicked, and fearful for their lives, the women made the decision to jump out of one of the windows to their home. The apartment where they lived was on the first floor, and said to be about 20 feet above ground. Both women made the jump, however, McPherson was said to have sustained some

injuries to both her legs upon landing. Roberts, police said, had rolled when she landed, and luckily only sustained soft tissue damage to her skin. The police were notified and a party of officers from the Port-of-Spain Division visited the scene. Appliances from the Wrightson Road Fire Station also responded, and the officials, were able to contain the blaze within minutes. The officers conducted inquiries and were told that Roberts had an argument with the 23-year-old man, who was said to be from Plymouth, Tobago, sometime during Saturday afternoon. Following this argument, Roberts returned to her home along Dundonald Street, and informed her mother of the altercation. The two women subsequently locked their home and retired to bed at about 9pm, but were eventually awoken by the commotion The suspect was then taken to the Portof-Spain CID and questioned. He was expected to be charged for a variety of offences. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

Engineers look at three possible sites for new harbour bridge in Guyana

pre-feasibility study has been completed for the construction of a new Harbour Bridge in Guyana which would assist greatly in the reduction of traffic congestion in that area of the East Bank corridor. According to Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) General Manager Rolston Adams, a general study was conducted that looked at all the different types of bridges that could be constructed, but government is looking to build a fixed structure. “We have looked at locations, one being the existing location where the bridge is, or at New Hope on the East Bank of Demerara and that is behind Patentia, and the third site is at Versailles in Houston,” Adams disclosed. He explained that suggestions in retaliation to the study were given to a consultant and feedback should be available by month-end. This report will then be handed over to Public Works Minister Robeson Benn after which it will be sent to Cabinet for ap-

The existing Demerara harbour bridge in Guyana

proval. “We have studied all types of bridges because this is what you do when conducting a feasibility study, but we want to build a fixed high level bridge,” he added.

Ongoing upgrade

This aside, works are moving apace to change eroded pivots that hold the existing floating bridge in place, and is expected to be completed soon. Adams said too that dredging works have been completed, facilitating ad equate flotation for temporary pontoons. He explained that the pontoons were already latched onto the bridge to provide a

form of support during the entire construction period. The current replacement project will see too, the changing of six pivots on span one and two of the 61 span links of the bridge. This has not been done since the bridge was opened some 35 years ago.

Costly maintenance

Meanwhile, when asked about the revenue being collected from users of the bridge and if it was enough to carry out the various rehabilitations works on the structure, Adams said without government’s subvention, the revenue collected would not do much. The DHB’s revenue has seen an eight

per cent increase in the past four years, and according to Adams, this is still not enough. Approximately Gy$ 1 billion is spent every year to maintain the bridge while the revenue collected is around Gy$400 million. On a different note, Adams said there is not much that could be done to reduce the constant build up of traffic on the East Bank of Demerara and leading up to the bridge. “The only thing that could be done is to construct a new bridge to assist in this regard,” he said. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |week ending September 26, 2013

Jamaica’s private sector body Guyana gov’t to press launches revised economic road map opposition on passage of anti-money laundering bill T

residential Adviser on Governance Gail Teixeira said the Guyana government is cautiously optimistic that the combined opposition, the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) will see the importance of passing the amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Financing Terrorism Act (CFT) before the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force’s (CFTAF) November meeting. During a post-Cabinet news conference last Thursday, Teixeira said she will be convening a meeting at the end of Parliament’s recess to see if the parties can come to a tripartite agreement on the matter. “We would just have to taste the pudding and see what happens, or as they say, test the waters,” Teixeira said.

“Bogus deadlines”

But APNU’s leader David Granger last Friday during his coalition’s weekly press briefing said they will not be moved by government’s “bogus deadlines”. He said APNU has already stated its position and the party will continue to strive to ensure that the AML/CFT is properly scrutinised before clearing the House.

APNU’s leader David Granger

number of other bills. We are doing a lot of corrective surgery to these acts over the last 20 years,” he added. Meanwhile, Teixeira recalled that even after missing the deadline given by the CFATF for the second time, Guyana still submitted its report. But the taskforce deemed it as incomplete, to which end, the country will be faced with a series of financial challenges from the international community.

“APNU has already stated that it is not bound by bogus deadlines, but by the precepts of good governance and we want to ensure that the errors in the existing Financial Intelligence Unit and the existing act do not repeat in the future,” Granger maintained. He argued that his party has an obligation to the people of Guyana to ensure that amendments are made, all loopholes are plugged and a water proof is drawn up. “The current act is porous and that is why we are taking our time and listening to civil society so that we could get the best advice and incorporate best practices,” Granger said. “The APNU will not be rushed into another bad act… we are now correcting problems that have been found within a

“Despite being aware of Guyana’s position with regards to sanctions and submission of the final report to CFATF, the Parliamentary Select Committee went ahead and postponed deliberations until October. Yet CFATF still insisted on a definitive date of enactment by the time officials again meet in November,” she said. However, the taskforce commended Guyana for the implementation of the nonlegislative interventions by the government, and urged further progress in this regard. “They noted with some satisfaction that Guyana was making progress in the non-legislative interventions, which were about 20 per cent of the recommendations under CFATF,” Teixeira stated. (Guyana Times)

Sanctions

he Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) last week unveiled its revised Economic Policy Framework, which recommends how the country's challenges for economic growth should be addressed. The private sector perspective on the Macroeconomic Framework for Jamaica gives a realistic set of policy recommendations, which can produce high rates of sustained economic growth and job creation, and improve the standard of living for Jamaicans, said Christopher Zacca, president of the PSOJ. Jamaica is expected to come up with a conceptual framework for a fiscal rule that will help lock the gains from fiscal consolidation over a longer term, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Some key elements of the programme that are expected to be met by next March have been assessed by the private sector, which has in turn made recommendations in its policy framework. That programme includes a fundamental tax reform, a broadened tax base, a simplified tax system and lower tax rates, strategies to improve the business environment and pursue strategic investments, actions to make the financial sector more resilient, including phased reforms of the securities dealers sector

From left) Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) President Christopher Zacca and CEO Dennis Chung share a laugh with Dean of New York University's Leonard N Stern School of Business, Dr Peter Blair Henry, at the PSOJ’s Fifth Annual Economic Forum, in collaboration with Jamaica Money Market Brokers, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel last week (Jamaica Observer photo)

and strengthening the social protection framework. In keeping with the Fund's expectations, the PSOJ supports a more competitive tax regime that will see lower rates and a wider tax base. "More focus should be placed on the administration of the tax system, and the promotion of tax registration," said Brian Denning, a member of the PSOJ Economic Policy Committee (EPC). Invariably, administrative challenges, and the issue of compliance must be addressed, he said. The PSOJ recommends that a government e-portal be established to serve as a one-stop shop for doing business with the government and Internet banking be considered as a means of increasing the number of channels to pay taxes.

To move the economic infrastructure forward, public private partnerships will have to be developed, according to Keith Collister, EPC member. "There needs to be viable projects, value for money and PPPs that are marketable," he said. The private sector also suggested that the number of ministries, which currently stands at 20, be cut to 11. A reduction will allow the government to focus on its core mandate and will set the tone for a leaner and more effective public bureaucracy, said Adrian Stokes, the EPC member who presented on public sector reform. Moreover, a cut in the ministries will not suffice, in that vein there also needs to be a reform of the government structure. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

TT’s President warns Caribbean students against cyber-bullying

T’s President Anthony Carmona has urged university students to desist from cyber-bullying by using social media on the internet to harass or degrade persons with whom they have a dispute, but to use information communication technology (ICT) a tool, which will make their studies pleasant and productive. “Websites such as Facebook, Twitter and You Tube,” Carmona, who was himself a graduate of the Mona, Jamaica and Cave Hill Barbados campuses, said last Thursday evening at the Matriculation ceremony of first year students at University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, “should not be used to harass, degrade and denigrate others with whom you have a dispute, or with whom you disagree.”

Jehue Gordon, right, winner of the men's 400-metres hurdles at the World Athletics Championships, 2013, strikes his winning pose as he is presented a portrait of himself by UWI Pro Vice Chancellor and Campus Principal Clement Sankat at the UWI Matriculation and welcoming ceremony last Thursday. President Anthony Carmona at extreme left, applauds, while Prof. Rhoda Reddock, deputy Campus principal, centre, looks on with a smile. Jehue is a second-year student at UWI. (TT Newsday photo)

Some 5,000 new students, including one third of whom were post graduates, were matriculated at the UWI

St Augustine Campus bringing the student population to 17,000 according to Campus Principal Professor,

Clement Sankat. In the feature address Carmona said that ICT was a tool of great benefit to students, but

like any other tool, it can be abused. While technology was a tool to enhance their education, he said that some students under the cloak of anonymity were using the tool on the Internet through social media to bully other students. And this, he said, results in emotional psychological harm. “Where have our manhood gone? Where have our womanhood gone? You must come out of the shadows, look the other person in the eye, and discuss your beef,” he advised as the students acknowledged his cautions with a round of applause. “I ask of you, don’t add to this generation of cowards,” he said relating examples in the USA and in England where students, who were victims of cyber-bullying, committed suicide. In a wide ranging

address he called on Caribbean leaders to make a plug for studentsparticularly for students of the University of the West Indies—with the region’s local and regional airlines, to be given students airfare as is done in Europe and other parts of the world. He also called on the university students to look out for each other, and not watch others stumble and fail, because they were not immune from the challenges of life. On the issue of students’ airfares, Carmona said the airlines should make it affordable for students to go to Barbados, Jamaica, or one of the other islands for long weekends. During his stay at Mona Campus, he said he could not travel home on holidays, because the airfare was unaffordable. (TT Newsday)

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week ending September 26, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Mother of mixed up baby seeking TT$5 million in compensation

awyers representing the family of a baby who had been switched at birth are seeking TT$5 million in compensation from the Trinidad and Tobago government. In a letter sent to Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan, attorney Ingrid Melville said her clients experienced emotional trauma and great shame when they took home a baby of Indian descent believed to be theirs. The mix-up occurred at the Mount Hope Women’s Hospital on March 10, 2013, when two women--one of African descent and the

other of Indian descent-underwent Caesarean section operations. They were later discharged from the hospital and it took five months later for the mix-up to be discovered after DNA tests. Melville, who wrote to Dr Khan on behalf of the parents and paternal grandmother of the African woman, said “our client instructs that following the operation, when she woke up after the effects of the anaesthetic began to wear off, she was shown the baby girl that she had given birth to. This baby was in a cot next to her bed and tagged with her name”.

The mix-up occurred at the Mount Hope Women’s Hospital on March 10, 2013

The letter said that the mother and her family “noticed that the infant’s hair did not show any signs of developing

small curls as is normal with children of African descent”. It added that this raised a number of

questions, particularly among the extended family of the baby on the paternal side—including suspicion of infidelity. The attorney said that the mother was interrogated with regards to her friendships with East Indian families. “Our instructions are that even during the christening, the godparents, friends and other family members kept commenting that the baby looked like an East Indian, only to the embarrassment and dismay of the parents.” The letter outlined a number of other concerns suffered by the client and requested an ex-

gratia compensation of TT$5 million plus legal fees to cover a range of matters including exemplary damages due to organisational failure by Mount Hope Women’s Hospital as evidenced by the mix-up of the babies; emotional distress, pain, humiliation and suffering caused to the mother, father and paternal grandmother since the birth of the baby and baptism-related expenses. The babies were returned to their biological parents in August 10. The parents of the other baby are also said to be seeking compensation. (Jamaica Observer)

Pilot’s error caused CAL plane crash at CJIA – final report

he final report on the Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) plane crash, which occurred in Guyana back in July 2011, has laid the blame for the incident squarely at the feet of the pilot. The final report, which was completed after a thorough investigation into the Flight 523 crash, shows that the incident occurred as a result of the pilot’s own negligence. Presidential Adviser on Governance in Guyana, Gail Teixeira last week read the report to the media during Cabinet’s weekly

press briefing. She said the report was similar to the conclusion that was drawn by officials at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) sometime after the accident. “And I quote, causes for the crash was because the aircraft landed far beyond the touching down zone due to the captain maintaining excess power during the flight,” Teixeira shared. “Not using the airplane’s full deceleration capacity, resulting in the airplane over running the pavement....,” she stated. The investigation was

conducted by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Trinidad’s Civil Aviation Authority, Bowen Aircraft Company, and Caribbean Airlines itself.

Airport not a factor

“This is exactly what initial investigations had revealed, which claimed that the pilot mis-averaged and could not bring the plane to a halt on time,” she informed. Teixeira said the full report on the crash will be made public soon. On July 30, 2011, the plane crashed and broke

into two on landing at Guyana’s main airport, causing several passengers injuries, but no deaths. The Boeing 737-800 from New York had 163 people aboard. During the incident, a few passengers sustained bruises, with one suffering a broken leg. The plane halted near a 61-metre (200 ft) ravine that could have resulted in dozens of deaths. There were 157 passengers and six crew members aboard the plane when the accident occurred at 01:32 local time.

Flashback: An aerial view of the crashed CAL aircraft, which over shot the runway at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport in July 2011

The final report has dismissed allegations made by Trinidadian offi-

cials that the airport was the root cause of the accident. (Guyana Times)

TravelSpan ready for December operations in Guyana By Michael Younge

ravelSpan says it is ready to commence commercial operations by December this year, with the aim of providing the Guyanese market with “affordable”, “honest” and “transparent” fares. Speaking with Guyanese media last week, the company’s president, Nohar Singh, said TravelSpan remains committed to improving the quality of service being offered to the Guyanese public and has taken note of the hardships and challenges caused by unfair fare structures, poor service and discrimination. He said while some regard the company’s announcement that it will be offering weekly flights from Guyana to New York route at affordable prices as welcome and refreshing news, it must be noted that the company is expanding its operations because of the high level of confidence it has in the Guyanese

Nohar Singh

market and the economy. Singh was upbeat about TravelSpan’s planned multimilliondollar investments in Guyana following a meeting with acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali and Transport and Hydraulics Minister Robeson Benn earlier last week. The first flight to the John F Kennedy International Airport in New York is slated for December 14. This service would be offered primarily on Thursdays and Saturdays and would increase based on demand especially during peak season. TravelSpan has al-

ready signed a contract with U.S. carrier Vision Airlines, which is based in Las Vegas and will be using a 767 widebody aircraft. In cases of emergencies, repairs and other contingencies, TravelSpan will benefit from a spare aircraft. Singh’s company has also been approved by the United States Department of Transportation and has been selling these flights in the U.S., but will have to wait until it gets approval to do the same in Guyana. TravelSpan will now be offering 214 economy seats and 18 business class seats and in addition to the New York-Guyana route, will operate the New YorkTrinidad route.

Superior service

“Our intention is to build the customer base that we have. Continue to give good reliable and superior in-flight service,” Singh stated, saying TravelSpan has transported more than

100,000 people to their respective destinations per year. Singh, who also has vast experience in the

aviation sector, said the discussions with the Guyana government have been encouraging and were focused on pri-

marily joining efforts to maximise the benefits of packaged tourism. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending September 26, 2013

Azurest to pay US$6.9 million deposit for Jamaica’s 360mw energy project

Guyanese businessman opens three new fast food franchises in Georgetown - including Canada’s Dixie Lee Chicken and Sea Foods, Papa Pete’s Pizzeria

Consortium members take a group photo at a press conference held at the Jamaica Pegasus last week. (Joseph Wellington/Jamaica Observer photo)

he Azurest consortium said it would fulfil the US$6.9million (Ja$703M) bond deposit required as preferred bidder for the construction of the 360 megawatt energy project in Jamaica—the largest single investment in the island. The energy regulator, Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR), requires payment in the next two weeks otherwise the opportunity will cede to runner-up Energy World International to supply the project. The OUR insisted that it would not grant any extension. Azurest will "absolutely" meet the financial requirement, stated Azurest managing director Kenneth Allen immediately following the recent OUR press conference held at the PCJ Auditorium in Kingston. He added that a team in the US was currently coordinating the transfer of funds. The consortium includes Azurest Partners, a US-based business strategy/capital-raising firm; Cambridge Project Development Corporation, a US-based engineering, energy and environmental consultancy; Inergix Corp, a US-based energy sectorfocused project management consultancy; and Waller Marine, a USbased ship engineering company. "We are pleased to have been chosen by the government of Jamaica. We think we have an incredible solution," Allen added in a quick address to the media about its liquefied natural gas project. The OUR indicated at the press briefing that none of the four shortlisted entities for the project met its financial threshold. The evaluation process, however, proceeded in the national interest to reduce electricity prices, currently amongst

the highest in the hemisphere. Azurest's project will cost some US$690 million to construct, which would represent the largest single investment on the cash-strapped island. The OUR avoided revealing estimated price savings to consumers with the Azurest model when integrated into the grid by 2016. The reported key to the Azurest proposal relates to sourcing smaller ships that economically transfer gas from the US to Jamaica. Azurest partnered with Waller Marine to specially manufacture cost-effective LNG ships of one-fifth of the size, or approximately 40,000 cubic metres compared with usual 200,000 cubic-metre fleet size of LNG ships. The ranked bidders included Azurest, Energy World International, Energise Jamaica and Optimal Energy. All four bidders offered liquefied gas solutions ranging between roughly US$0.14 and US$0.22 per kilowatt hour. The OUR avoided disclosing Azurest's pricing immediately to the public, which it considered confidential at the moment. It, however, indicated each penny difference represented billions in savings to consumers. "[The] cost to the Jamaican consumer for every cent difference in the price of generation per kilowatt hour is something in the order of Ja$3 billion annually," said Hewitt. The OUR retained the services of overseas consultant Mott MacDonald to evaluate the four proposals. MacDonald's draft report raised concern of the failure of all bidders to meet the financial threshold. The government will now conduct due diligence on the principals of Azurest. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

ast food lovers in Guyana are now afforded the option of choosing from three new fast food franchises that opened last Friday at Lamaha and Albert streets in Georgetown. The three new franchises are owned by Guyanese businessman Alfro Alphonso and are housed on the ground floor of his 704 Food and Entertainment Bar. The franchises, all foreign, are Dixie Lee Chicken and Sea Foods (a Canadian franchise); Papa Pete’s Pizzeria (a Canadian franchise), and Miami Subs and Grill (an American franchise) and have created some 90 jobs thus far. Upon completion, the multimillion-dollar building will also house a sports bar, which is expected to be complet-

704 Food and Entertainment Bar Owner Alfro Alphonso and Chief Operations Manager Kurt Taylor with managers of the three outlets

ed by year-end, as well as a nightclub and a sky lounge that are expected to be completed a few months after. Additional jobs will be created with the opening of the sports bar, nightclub and sky lounge. At a special sampling event for media opera-

tives and special invitees earlier last week, Alphonso noted that the selections available at the bottom floor are not necessarily fast food, but food with a difference–food that was never available in the city before. “We offer something for the vegetarians, meat lovers, for the workout addicts who want something extremely healthy…so that’s what we are trying to accomplish here and offer the Guyanese public a franchise service with a difference,” he said.

Customer service

The bottom flat of the 704 Food and Entertainment Bar

Customer service, he added, will be key to the success of the new establishment. “Our motto is customer satisfaction; it is our best asset…so we will pay special interest through the service.” Meanwhile, Chief Operations Manager

Kurt Taylor praised the policies of the administration, noting that the economy is progressing in the right direction. He said it was because of the expanding economy that the Alphonso Group has invested heavily in the business. The property when completed will be worth some US$3 million. “With regards to these franchises, we also have other properties in Georgetown that we are hoping to develop so by the end of next year, there is probably going to be a few more of these outlets throughout the Georgetown area.” Dixie Lee Chief Operations Manager Noele Murano said the company has been in existence since 1964 in Canada, while disclosing that two years ago the food franchise opened an outlet in Charity, Essequibo Coast. Since then, it has opened other franchises in Dubai, Ukraine, and Jamaica. He stated that all items on the company’s menu are seasoned with secret spices from Canada. Miami Subs and Grill Chief Operations Manager Ambrose Whyms promised that Guyanese will enjoy eating at the establishment. Guyana’s Prime Minister Samuel Hinds was also present at the media event. (Guyana Times)

Schoolboy arrested on rape charge in Trinidad

16-year-old student who obtained eight CXC passes is among 57 people arrested over the weekend by Eastern Division Police in Trinidad. The teenager was arrested on Saturday and is expected to be charged with several counts of sexual offences. He is accused of raping a nineyear-old child. In addition, Eastern police officers issued 295 fixed penalty traffic tickets, confiscated illegal drugs valued over TT$50,000, seized two fire arms and ten rounds of live ammunition. The police exercises were carried out separately by police officers attached to the Crime Investigation Department (CID), Warrants, Traffic Section of Sangre Grande Police and Eastern Task Force. The exercise conducted by members of

Some officers of the Eastern Task Force look at the haul of firearms,marijuana and cocaine. (TT Newsday photo)

CID netted nine persons, three of whom are charged for rape, one of them the schoolboy, four persons were held for robbery, one for car theft and one for house breaking and larceny. This exercise was carried out in the Sangre Grande and environs and included Cpl Keith ‘Castro’ Leon, Ag Cpls Shawn Jones, Darren de La Rosa, PCs Kerry Ramnarine, Keron George, Keron Joseph and WPC Giselle

Jones. Eastern Task Force in their exercise, which was conducted in the entire Eastern Division arrested 27 people. Two females were among the 27 arrested, one of whom is a shopkeeper. Both women were held with marijuana and cocaine which carries a street value of TT$50,000, two for firearms possession and ammunition, the other 23 were arrested for offenc-

es which included robbery, indecent assault, resisting arrest, larceny, house breaking, and larceny of a vehicle. Eastern Division Task Force exercise was led by Sgt Kenneth Lutchman. Officers from the Warrants Section were successful in executing 21 warrants for offences like failing to pay maintenance, not appearing in court, larceny, and robbery. While police officers attached to Eastern Traffic Branch led by Cpl Boodoosingh issued a total of 225 fixed penalty tickets to motorists for various offences, which included driving without DP, no certificate of insurance, illegal lights, loud music, overcrowding, no ID lights, illegal number plates, no head lamps, driving without seat belts, smooth tyres, etc. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

News

week ending September 26, 2013| www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Antigua and Barbuda experiences its worst summer ever - tourism official

espite the accolades received during the recently held World Travel Awards and the country’s involvement in major promotional events, Antigua and Barbuda struggled through the summer months. General Manager of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotel and Tourism Association Neil Forrester, Sunday revealed that the twinisland state “has just encountered the worst summer yet.” Forrester, while speaking on a local radio programme in Antigua on Sunday, said it was a good summer for events, but not visitor arrivals. “Things have not been rosy and we have been through a very difficult summer. It is great to have some awards, but you have to have the visitors behind it from the land-based side. We just encountered one of the worst summers in a long time,” Forrester indicated. He reported that oc-

General Manager of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotel and Tourism Association Neil Forrester (Antigua Observer file photo)

cupancy rates for the summer months were unusually low, and there were no apparent reasons for the decline in numbers. The first three months of the year was “great” for some hotels while “others suffered.” There was an 11 per cent drop in US markets, while there was an increase in arrivals out of Canada. “It is very difficult to pinpoint why. Antigua, as we have seen from the awards, does have

some very good product,” Forrester continued. The country was involved in a number of promotional events during the summer including the Ex-Factor and the filming of the ABC’s series ‘The Bachelorette’. Forrester believes nothing much can be gained from these exposures unless it is incorporated as a marketing tool for the destination. Forrester noted a primary example of a positive marketing tool is the Staycation Expo promoted by the tourism ministry. The initiative is used to sensitise residents as to the varying offerings in the hotel sector with a view of encouraging a “Staycation” rather than travelling for a vacation. The twin-island state was awarded the Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination at the International Travel Awards held in Antigua recently. (Excerpted from Antigua Observer)

Police says prostitution major problem in St. Lucia

ess than 48 hours after the authorities in St Lucia warned of an increase number of people, including children, were now engaged in prostitution, Police Commissioner Vernon Francois said the issue remains a major challenge for the island’s Police force. “It is not easy, it is a serious challenge for us, but we remain committed to dealing with it. We are hoping that we can work with government agencies, which must be involved in dealing with prostitution,” Francois said. Earlier last week, Head of the Human Services Department, Antoinette Joseph, said high unemployment, a lack of job opportunities and rising commodity prices have forced many women into the sex trade. She said that prostitution and child sexual abuse have become significant issues on the island, warning that the situation was getting worse. “We are aware of reports of children of both sexes being pushed to the edge, these incidents are most common in low income homes primarily in the capital, but it’s

St Lucia’s Police Commissioner Vernon Francois (St Lucia Star file photo)

now commonplace across the island. We have made several reports to the police, so that they are well aware of the situation,” she said. But Francois said measures have been put in place to deal with the problem, which may involve human trafficking. However, he said obtaining evidence remains a problem. “This is an issue that has to be evidence based; we have to make sure we come up with the evidence. As a result, we have put intelligent systems in place so as to infiltrate any prostitution that may be present in the

country. “We don’t want to speculate on this but, we do have our suspicions, and it’s just a matter of putting things in place to tackle the scourge, which was one of the matters mentioned in the latest human trafficking report,” he said. Francois said there was also the issue of white collar prostitution, where business people bring persons into the country for purposes of prostitution. He said there have been several cases where individuals went into the country posing as entertainers, dancers, and tourism workers. “We need to be able to separate the two, there are those who genuinely enter for purposes of work while others do work, but their activity is linked to prostitution, at the moment that is still a crime on our books so we need to stamp it out,” he said. However Commissioner Francois said that prostitution “is not your everyday crime, but requires monitoring and gathering of information, as there are many technicalities involved in making a case that will stand up in court”. (Excerpted from CMC)

President Ramotar lauds Mexico’s investments in Guyana

Guyana's President Donald Ramotar and Mexican Ambassador to Guyana Francisco Olguin toast on the occasion of Mexico’s 203rd Independence anniversary reception at the Georgetown Club

ith graduate and under graduate scholarship offers and major private investments in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector, Mexico has been hailed for supporting Guyana’s efforts at improving the quality of its most valued resources, its people. During a reception to mark the 203rd anniversary of Mexico’s Independence, President Donald Ramotar last Friday evening at the Georgetown Club, said he was pleased to see the growing collaboration between Guyana and Mexico in tertiary level training. Recently, the Mexican embassy announced a new scholarship programme whereby 600 graduate scholarships in engineering and science will be allocated to Organisation of American States’ member countries. Of this number, 50 will be reserved for the Caribbean. In the recent past, a significant number of

Guyanese students received scholarships under the Bicentennial Scholarships for Professional Technicians offered to the Caribbean Community (Caricom) by the Mexican government. The scholarship offer came with a full package that entailed waived enrolment fees, monthly allowance of US$400, a four-month Spanish course prior to the beginning of the studies, full medical insurance coverage from the Mexican Social Security Institute, and international air transportation at the beginning and end of the scholarship.

Single largest employer

In the business arena, the single largest employer in Guyana is the Mexican company Qualfon, a private global provider of call centre back-office and business process out sourcing services. Qualfon Guyana has employed in excess of over 2000 and intends to create 6000 more jobs with plans to con-

struct the world’s largest multi-building campus at Providence, East Bank Demerara. Company officials said the decision to invest in Guyana was influenced by the country’s high calibre workforce, diverse culture and a strong government leadership with unwavering dedication to economic growth. Diplomacy has been cordial and growing with the establishment of an embassy in 2009, adding impetus to the two countries’ 40-year relationship, and partnerships at the level of the CaricomMexico Cooperation Programme. The abolition of visas for holders of diplomatic and service passports has also been agreed. Mexican Ambassador to Guyana Francisco Olguin, who toasted with Ramotar on the anniversary occasion and the threefold shout “Viva Mexico”, spoke of the country’s efforts to promote bilateral trade and investment cooperation. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

18 News 360 receive house lots in Essequibo under Guyana’s ongoing home ownership drive S www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending September 26, 2013

ome 360 house lots were distributed to residents of Essequibo when Guyana’s Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) of the housing ministry held yet another One Stop Shop exercise last Friday. The beneficiaries received house lots at the Onderneeming Housing Scheme on the Essequibo Coast. Housing Minister Irfaan Ali reiterated government’s commitment of ensuring equal access for all to proper housing, pointing out that not only has the housing programme helped to increase home ownership, but it has also aided in the social and economic transformation of Guyana. The ministry has already dealt with all applications from Region Two before 2013. Applications this year are now being looked at, and once a per-

son meets the requirements, a house lot will be awarded.

Open governance

Ali explained that the One Stop Shop is a demonstration of the ministry’s, and to a wider extent the government’s focus on open governance. “Whatever we do, must be open to public scrutiny, dialogue and public criticisms,” he asserted. On that note, Ali urged the residents to report any case of fraud in the region, notably persons receiving house lots when they already own one.

Agreement

He said because of the successes of the One Stop Shop, the ministry has now placed a clause in the agreement of sale for land that states that anyone who misrepresents information in the application, especially when the person may be the owner of a land, ad-

Region Two residents making their payments to staff of the Housing and Water Ministry for their new house lots

vance payments will be forfeited. Meanwhile, Ali noted that the One Stop Shop provides integrated services, whereby the new homeowners have access to banks, and hardware companies where they

can get discounted prices. He encouraged the beneficiaries to make optimum use of these and other offers. The minister also reminded the allottees about the first time homeowner policy that

PM Portia warns of stringent measures to protect Jamaica’s children from molesters

amaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller Sunday used the platform of the People's National Party's (PNP) 75th annual conference to warn child molesters that more stringent measures will be coming to deal with them, even as she again appealed to communities to help in protecting the nation's children. "I say to those of you who believe that you can

just be worthless and prey on the little children, stop it (because) I have spoken to the minister of justice that we should craft legislation so that DNA can prove a rape or molestation so that no one can go free when they molest our children," Simpson Miller said, as she made a passionate plea for Jamaica's children to be protected. Noting that enough is enough, Simpson Miller said now that Jamaica

is being led by a woman, strong action will be taken to protect the children against these predators. "We cannot allow our children to be abused and at times murdered by these cruel, evil and wicked people," she told the packed audience of hornblowing supporters inside the National Arena in Kingston. She cited the recent case of a 15-year-old girl, who was raped and then

viciously chopped by her father. That incident, she said, brought tears to the eyes of the women in the Cabinet. "I want to appeal to those possessing evil, brutish minds; take your eyes of those little girls, those children," she urged.

government recently introduced. This policy provides rebates on taxes on interest paid on loans offered by various banking institutions. Government has spent more than Gy$182

Trinidad’s port authority to get TT$25 million scanner by Christmas

Community involvement

She further appealed to parents to stay close to their children so they will know and be able to take action if they are being abused. "How can anyone look at a child and hurt that child?” The prime minister questioned. Gone are the days, she noted, when communities would seek to look out for the well-being of children. "I want to appeal to communities to look out for the children...as a child growing up I was protected by the adults and a child [older] was protective of me, so let us protect the future of our country," she told the PNP supporters. She also spoke out against men who continue to prey on school girls. She used the opportunity to commend parents who take care of their children and offer them all the love and care that they need. She also singled out for commendation young men who can be seen taking their children to school. (Jamaica Observer)

million on infrastructure at the Onderneeming Housing Scheme. This adds to the more than Gy$400 million spent between 2003 and 2011 in Region Two. Together, these investments have created approximately 3500 house lots, benefiting more than 14,350 persons. Additionally, Gy$60 million was spent to upgrade roads in the old Onderneeming Housing Scheme. Government has also set aside Gy$22 million for the provision of electricity, which will become effective once the occupancy rate reaches 60 per cent. Meanwhile, Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud commended the government’s vibrant housing programme, and urged persons to make optimum use of the lands allocated to them. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

TT’s Trade, Industry and Investments Minister Vasant Bharath (TT Guardian file photo)

rade, Industry and Investments Minister Vasant Bharath says by December this year the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago will have the capacity to scan some 200 containers per hour. He said the government recently purchased the TT$25 million scanner through a grant funded by the government of China. “We expect delivery and operation of the scanner by Christmas 2013,” he told legislators. Bharath was contributing to last Friday’s Senate debate at Tower D, Waterfront Centre, Wrightson Road, Port-ofSpain, on the 2014 national budget, which was presented earlier by Finance and the Economy Minister Larry Howai. He said the funds were available to the government for more than ten years, but not accessed by former govern-

ments. Bharath noted too that the government was about to establish seven industrial parks at central and south Trinidad. The industrial parks are to be “rolled out by December 2014.” The minister reported that they were plans to establish dry docking facilities at Sea Lots. The project was being undertaken with Trinidad Dry Dock Company Ltd. China Harbour was conducting a feasibility study for the project and the report will be available at the end of this month. Meanwhile, Bharath said that the Solid Waste Management Company Ltd was looking at a joint venture and a private sector company for the disposal of all waste. He did not name the joint venture company but, said the project related to the removal of waste at the Beetham, Forres Park and Guanapo landfill sites. The lands were expected to be returned to the government after six years. The minister revealed further that the former Business Development Company approved more than 878 loans over its ten-year existence but, only 157 were repaid. He the total value of the loans was TT$58.8 million and only TT$2.18 million was recovered. (TT Guardian)

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week ending September 26, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

271 Berbice youths equipped with employable skills in Guyana B e l l a d r u m Secondary School toped Regions Five and Six, taking eight of the 23 awards at Guyana’s education ministry’s Secondary School Competency Certificate Programme (SCCP) graduation held last Thursday. The exercise, which was held in the auditorium of the St Francis Community Developers Centre, saw 271 students from 12 schools receiving certificates after successfully completing the programme, which featured seven subject areas. The SCCP commenced in 2009 and caters for grades nine and 10 students. It utilises the Competency-Based Modularisation approach to Education (CBME) for delivery in secondary schools and practical institution centres (PICs). At the end of the two year programme, each

successful student would be equipped with the requisite skills to pursue higher education or become entrepreneurs. SCCP Coordinator Unit Aubrey Overton said upon completion of the Grade Nine programme, students are awarded a certificate. Those who completed the Grade 10 programme are in a better position to obtain employment or pursue higher learning.

Apprentice training

“It also allows for apprentice training and the opportunity to become self employed.” The programme allows students to pursue studies in joinery, fabric decoration, crops and soils, catering, garment construction, carpentry and electrical installation. There are 11 technical subjects and four core subjects, namely mathematics, language and communication, general

Grade 10 Best Graduating Student Yuganie Prashad receives her award from Region Five Education Officer Bashir Khan

studies and integrated science. Each student is required to complete the four core subjects and one technical subject of their choice. All five subjects must be passed in order for students to graduate. “At the end of the

first cycle of the programme in March 2013, 271 of the registered students from three schools in Region Five and nine schools in Region Six were verified as having successfully completed the programme.”

Participating schools

B e l l a d r u m

Secondary, Number 29 Primary and Fort Wellington Secondary of Region Five, along with Canje Secondary, Manchester Secondary, Port Mourant Secondary, Skeldon High, Tutorial Academy, Vryman’s Ervin Secondary, Winifred Gaskin Secondary and Black Bush Polder Secondary of Region Six participated in the programme. Overall, 106 students successfully completed the programme in crops and soils studies; 43 in joinery; 12 in fabric decoration; 87 in catering; nine in garment construction; eight in carpentry and seven in electrical installation. Yuganie Prasad of Port Mourant Secondary was the best Grade 10 graduating student followed by Allia Khan of Tutorial Academy. In the Grade Nine programme, Romel

Sampson of Manchester Secondary was adjudged the Best Graduating Student with Rohanie Ramcharritar as the runner-up. Region Six Education Officer Bashir Khan urged the graduating students to be committed and embrace good work ethics.

Determination, passion

Meanwhile, Region Five Education Officer Volika Jaikishun highlighted the need to move forward and urged the students do so with “determination and passion”. “The job is yours to make the skills you have acquired work for you and to realise the true meaning of accomplishment,” Jaikishun stated. A similar exercise was held in Region Three last week and another has been organised for students of Region Four this week. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

TT$2.4 billion to complete Trinidad’s Caribbean lagging in wireless broadband Government Campus Plaza

ore than two billion dollars has been allocated to complete the fivebuilding Government Campus Plaza in Port-ofSpain, Trinidad. Detailed in both the 2013 and 2014 State Enterprises

and 2012. In the months between April 2012 and September 2013, a further TT$779.5 million was allocated under “projected expenditure.” In the 2014 SEIP, the total cost of the project dipped to TT$2,419.96

now the extension to the San Fernando General Hospital cost almost TT$28 million more than initially budgeted. Both figures can be found in the 2014 SEIP. This staggering TT$2.4 billion figure for

Construction and fit-out of the almost decade-old buildings carry the hefty price tag of TT$2.4 billion (TT Guardian photo)

Investment Programme (SEIP) folders, construction and fit-out of the almost decade-old buildings carry the hefty price tag of TT$2.4 billion. According to the 2013 SEIP between October 2011 and March 2012, TT$1.3 billion was spent on the buildings, even though the project managers, the Urban Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago, stalled construction for two years between 2010

million, but actual and projected expenditure totalled TT$1,069.61 million, which leaves TT$1,350.35 million unaccounted for in the 2014 allocation documents. While both the public and politicians have been focusing on these five buildings, other construction at the Ministry of Education Tower has quietly racked up over TT$100 million in costs overruns and the Chancery Lane Complex,

Government Campus Plaza was marked down from TT$2.5 billion after Udecott stepped in with valuators and was able to save more than TT$100 million in duplicated invoices from contactors and consultants. By 2014, the SEIP noted that the expenditure for the period October 2012 to March 2013 was TT$24 million with a projected expenditure for the period April to September 2013

standing at TT$45.5 million, and for fiscal 2014 standing at TT$181.8 million. Udecott’s Media, Events and Community Outreach manager Roxanne StapletonWhyms said while the base building was 100 per cent completed, the 2014 SEIP noted that the expenditure for the period October 2012 to March 2013 was TT$0.9 million and noted that the projected expenditure for fiscal 2014 is TT$259.2 million. The eight-storey car park, according to the 2013 State Enterprises Investment Programme, “completed in December 4, 2006, at a cost of TT$310.8 million” yet still received an “outstanding” TT$160.4 million payment by March 2012, and needed “additional infrastructural works” to bring it to a “state of readiness.” By 2014, the SEIP listed the projected expenditure on the car park for the period April to September 2013 at TT$8.8 million and once again stated that “however, additional infrastructural works are required to bring the commercial spaces to a state of readiness for leasing.” Completion date on all five buildings have now been set for 2015. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

use — UN report

ith nearly two out of every five people in the world expected to be online by the end of the year, more than twothirds of those living in developing countries, including the Caribbean, will not have access to the Internet, says the United Nations in a global survey of broadband access. The report, the second produced by the UN Broadband Commission for Digital Development, surveyed broadband access in 160 economies around the world. It reviewed progress on price, household and individual access, government broadband policy and gender, and access to high-speed technology. According to the report, while Internet penetration globally will reach 38.8 per cent by the end of 2013, more than two-thirds of people in developing countries will still remain unconnected. The findings also reveal that more than 90 per cent of people in the 49 least developed countries, including the Caribbean, are without broadband access. Mobile broadband subscriptions, which allow users to access the web via smartphones,

The report stated that 90 per cent of people in the 49 least developed countries, including the Caribbean, are without broadband access.

tablets and WiFiconnected laptops, are growing at a rate of 30 per cent per year, according to the report. By the end of 2013, there will be more than three times as many mobile broadband connections as there are conventional fixed broadband subscriptions, making mobile broadband the "fastest growing technology in human history." The top 10 countries in the world for Internet use are all located in Europe, with the exception of New Zealand in 8th place and Qatar in 10th, the top seven— headed by Iceland and Norway—have Internet access of over 90 per cent, the report says. The ITU figures confirm that women worldwide are less likely to have access to technology than their male counterparts. (CMC)

feature

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending September 26, 2013

Guyana’s historical St Andrew’s Kirk

From Dutch Reformed to Scots Presbyterian Church The architecture of St Andrew’s was achieved by numerous changes over the years

early one hundred and ninetyfive years ago, on September 27, 1818, a new church was opened in Georgetown, finally satisfying the spiritual needs of the growing number of Scottish inhabitants and signalling the beginning of the Scots Presbyterian Church community in the country. This new church was St Andrew’s Kirk, currently the oldest religious building (and

Gothic Revival Architecture of St Andrew's

probably the oldest building) still in use in Georgetown. The commencement of the construction of the building itself was much earlier, however, the first foundation sill being laid with much pomp and ceremony on August 12, 1811, but for a Dutch Reformed Church (Kerk). With the restoration of Demerara to the Dutch in 1784 and the renaming of the new town to Stabroek, the Dutch

Reformed Kerk established itself. Though the Dutch finally lost the colony in 1803, the Dutch Reformed Kerk acquired the present site in 1810a gift from the government-for the building of a church. Funding for the proposed building was achieved mainly through public subscription and the building–framework only–was opened for service in 1812. Unfortunately for the Dutch, they experienced financial difficul-

ties, and the unfinished building was sold under the Marshall’s hammer on May 4, 1813. The structure was bought by two members of the Consistory, the Hon F P van Berckel and Mr V A Heyliger, the former purchasing all the shares save one and the latter the remaining share. Nothing further was done to complete the building, however, the timber framework left exposed to the weather for over two years.

About the middle of 1815, a suggestion was made that the Dutch and Scottish populations come together and finish the building, but it was not then taken up. With some resolve from the Scotsmen, there was eventually an agreement with van Berckel and Heyliger about the transfer of the shares and in June 1816 the transport was passed. Following its opening in September 1818, the Dutch remained cousers of the building for many years afterwards, but their numbers began waning, some joining the Scots congregation. Eventually, in April 1871, the Scottish Minister, Rev Thomas Slater, reported that the Sacramental Service of the Dutch Reformed Kerk was handed over to him, making St Andrew’s Presbyterian sole owner of the building. The architecture of St Andrew’s was achieved by numerous changes over the years. The original building was at about 15 percent smaller than present, and it was planned along the lines of the Romanesque Revival architectur-

al style (called Norman in England) rather than the Gothic Revival Architecture we now see. From its early days, St Andrew’s played an important part in the social and cultural life of the community. As early as 1819, for example, slaves were admitted as members, and during the period 18191821 fifty-five slaves were admitted to the congregation. The Church held the first sacred concert in the Colony, when on December 11, 1822, music from the choir accompanied by a new organ and the 21st Fusiliers band, filled the church hall at a well-attended public concert. The building also saw “military service” when in late 1823, during a major slave uprising, it was requisitioned as the barracks for the Provisional Battalion of the Demerara Militia because of the church’s close proximity to the Guard House opposite. This “occupation” lasted for about five months. (LJ Hernandez, Senior Lecturer, Department of Architecture, University of Guyana)

Tessanne Chin scores on ‘The Voice’

Jamaican singer wows coaches on US talent show J

amaican singer Tessanne Chin blew away the four celebrity coaches on America's top vocal competition show, ‘The Voice’, with a powerful rendition of US singer Pink's hit song ‘Try’. The audience at the blind audition show, aired Tuesday night on NBC, erupted in wild cheers and applause when coach Christina Aguilera hit her power button to turn her chair around, signalling her interest in having Chin on her team, approximately five seconds after she started singing. The audience erupted again when fellow coaches CeeLo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton turned their chairs around before Chin had even finished the first verse of the song. At the end of her performance, Chin was

praised by the coaches, all of whom are top musicians. "You could easily win ‘The Voice’ this year, I don't have a doubt in my mind," said Levine, the lead singer of pop rock band Maroon 5. Shelton, a country music singer, in his bid to woo Chin to join his team of competitors, said: "I won't lie to you like Adam and tell you, you could easily win... it's very hard to win this. It takes a lot of hard work, but you're so far ahead of the game." Aguilera, in her attempt to get Chin on her team, told the Jamaican: "We're all pretty desperate to have you on our team... What I'm getting from you is just so much passion and so much heart for what you do, and you're such a powerhouse and unbelievably talented vocalist; but

Tessanne Chin (left), her sister, Tami and their father, Richard, celebrate in Kingston Tuesday night after watching Tessanne’s performance on ‘The Voice’ on NBC television. (Jamaica Observer photo)

you have such a kind, warm sense about you and I just want to be

given a chance to bond with you, work with you and help you in any way

that I can." Blake, in his sales pitch, told Chin that he

was fascinated by her. However, when he asked her who she would pick as her coach, Chin chose Levine. "I'm a fan of music, period," she said, "and I just want to be the best vocalist, and I'm very interested in learning how I can better evolve, and for me I think I'm gonna go with Adam." Chin, in her post-audition interview, said "I tried to just give a good show, but when I saw those chairs turn, boy, I had to remain in the show, and not go oohh." Chin will now go into the battle rounds, getting advice from Levine. The competition gets more difficult with each round, leading up to the final live performance. The eventual winner is named 'The Voice' and rewarded with a recording contract. (Jamaica Observer)

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week ending September 26, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Skills training for vulnerable women in Guyana F

ocused on empowerment, the Women P r o g r e s s i v e Organisation (WPO) of Guyana has held a vital training programme to equip women with necessary skills and the earning power to come out of poverty and get on the path of self-development.

mothers, single parents, teenage girls, and women, who are victims and survivors of domestic violence, were provided with skills training in areas that empowered them to save and to earn, receiving a certificate of participation upon completion. They hail from Georgetown, East Coast, East Bank and West

was in preparation for the upcoming Christmas holidays. The skills learnt will allow beneficiaries of the training programme to sell their individual creations to earn for themselves and families. “Those earnings will go a far way to reduce poverty in their families. This programme

Some of the women who participated in the skills training programme

Sheila Veerasammy, WPO’s general secretary, said a group of 25 women who are wives,

Coast Demerara. Veerasammy added that the strategy behind the training programme

was held as part of WPO celebrations of its 60th anniversary. Through this skills training pro-

gramme for women, we aim to help them subsidize and economize. We are also providing training for women groups at grassroots levels. Those classes are kept under bottom houses and at schools; we are providing resources so that they can teach other women to empower themselves. We hope the women who participated in this programme take what they learnt back to their communities and help to empower other women,” she explained. At the end of the training programme, an exhibition was organised to showcase the women’s creations. The exhibition was held September 10 at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (Red House) High Street. The feelings of achievement among students were reflected in their demands for such training programmes to be taken around the country so that women who are WPO members can also benefit. Several of the students indicated that they will be pursu-

Creative cakes by the participants

ing courses to enhance what they already learnt at other institutions such as the Board of Industrial Training and the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute, Veerasammy recalled. Curtain making, nail artistry, floral arrangements, handicraft (decorative dolls, clothes pin arrangements, fabric painting) and cake decoration were taught, with facilitators Padmini

Singh, Nandani Singh and Sharon Singh. WPO was founded in May 27, 1953, and has more than 150 groups across the country. The organisation boasts more than 5,000 women members, with membership expanding across all administrative regions. The current president of the group is women’s activist Indra Chandarpal. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Jamaican producer/director glows with wins at CaribbeanTales Toronto Film Showcase

Jamaican producer/director Mary Wells (Jamaica Observer photos)

‘K

i n g s t o n Paradise’— written, produced and directed by Jamaican Mary Wells-secured two prizes at the eighth annual CaribbeanTales Toronto Film Showcase in Canada. The event was held from September 4-14. Wells' debut garnered the Best Feature Film and Audience Award. "I am excited. I believe this award proves that our films can be competitive and do appeal to that wider audience," she said. ‘Kingston Paradise’, an urban drama shot in Jamaica, stars Christopher 'Johnny'

Daley and Munair Zacca. For Wells, it showcases the talent that exists in Jamaica and the need for a structured film in-

should be. This needs the full support of the governments of the Caribbean, as this hit or miss strategy we are now under, is not good enough," she stated. "The arts must be seen in the same light as we do sports. A Usain Bolt does not just fall from the sky, but takes years of development to take him to the level he is now at." She added that members of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) must have dialogue with stakeholders to establish systems such as tax in-

Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley in a scene from Kingston Paradise.

dustry. "Systems must be put into place. We are nowhere near where we

centives for companies interested in making films in the Caribbean.

Wells is wary of revealing the budget for ‘Kingston Paradise’, but let on that it is in the region of US$40,000. "This is not a realistic budget and I don't want to give the wrong

impression as it was only possible because I could draw on contacts I have in the industry. To create a film of this nature you are looking at a budget of US$200,000 to US$250,000."

She, therefore, sees this level of collaboration among players in the industry as a way to produce small, but viable productions from Jamaica and the Caribbean. (Jamaica Observer)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending September 26, 2013

New features Corriverton Town added to Miss Week 2013 wraps up Caribbean Canada Pageant - organisers

rganisers have officially announced that the 2013 Miss Caribbean Canada Pageant (MCCP) gala affair will be held on December 1, 2013 at the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA), 995 Arrow Rd, under the theme “Ladies, it’s your time to shine.” “After many fantastic years of tremendous success, we have decided to take advantage of new opportunities,” a release from the organisers stated. It added that, “this year you will see a splendid and dazzling array of beauty, talent, cultural and awareness.” The MCCP committee will be focusing on the rich heritage of the Caribbean and Canada with special emphasis on education, talent, business and tourism through the representation of the contestants. The contestants will showcase and represent different business while focusing on different Islands and Province of their rich history and cultural heritage. “The location that we have selected for this gala event will be making some changes. The production has been revamped to make every seat feel like a front row seat and special VIP area has been designed for consulates representing each Island and special dignitaries in attendance,” the release further explained, “With the shift away from the traditional pageant, the Miss Caribbean Canada Pageant is happy to open modeling, acting opportunities and volunteer positions to the entire Bay,” the organisers announced too. The beneficiary of the Miss Caribbean Canada Pageant of 2013 will be the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario. “We look forward to continuing our great relationships with sponsors, designers, press, and all of our fans—and with only 79 days until show time, our staff has kicked into full gear,” the organising committee related.

Guyana's President Donald Ramotar examining samples of packaged sugar at the Corriverton Town Week activities

uyana’s President Donald Ramotar on Saturday urged Berbicans to reflect on the gains the country has made during the past two decades, as he brought down the curtains of Corriverton

Town Week 2013. The president said Corriverton is known for its aggressive business entrepreneurs and other outstanding citizens “who have made lots of contributions to the development of the commu-

nity and Guyana”. Ramotar said too that he would like to see Guyana achieve the status of a developed country in his lifetime. “We can do it because we have the resources. The most important resource we have is that of our people and the quality of our people is known throughout the world,” he said. The president spoke of the country’s gains over the last 20 years in terms of healthcare, housing and water, but reminded those in attendance that more developments still remain to be achieved. “We have the people, we have the resources, but we need the infrastructure to go to that level,” he stated. He noted that the Amaila Falls Hydro Project was a step in this direction as cheap, reliable power was nec-

essary for industries to move forward in the production of goods and services, and the creation of more jobs. The issue of crime, which recently surged in the Berbice area, was also highlighted by Ramotar. He reported that ways are being examined to see how much more resources could be deployed to combat this problem. The academic achievement by students was also touched on by the president, as well as the performance of world rated powerlifting champion, 18-year-old Gumendra Shewdas. According to Corriverton Town Week Committee Chairman Mohammed Razack, the observances began with an interfaith service, flood light football competitions, a Family Fun Day, cycle races and a mini-exposition and stage show.

A section of the crowd at the Corriverton Town Week activities

At-risk youths find army life rewarding in Jamaica

hree young Jamaican men who, in the past, were characterised as 'at-risk youth' from volatile and vulnerable communities, have now joined the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and are committed to the nation's fight against crime and violence. Last year, the Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the JDF for hundreds of at-risk youth to receive on-the-job training in the force. The three young men were involved in this programme, which the CSJP reports as one of their most successful and productive initiatives. Under the programme, the youngsters completed vocational skills training and worked alongside soldiers in the JDF's Engineering Regiment. "I am extremely ex-

cited and very proud of the accomplishments of these three men. It just shows what determination can do. It also proves to me that there are other youngsters like them who have potential, and all they need is an opportunity," said senior community action officer with the CSJP, Denise Adams. Nehru Brown, now Private Brown, recalled how he and others initially viewed the programme and how he was transformed. "We went to an orientation at Cassia Park Community Centre, and for most of us it was very hard to work with soldiers, because we are not accustomed to people telling us what to do. Later we started to see their way of life and that they were not just men with big guns. They are disciplined persons, so I got more interested," he said. He added that he was

encouraged by some soldiers to use his skill, which is electrical technology, and to join the army where he could

not interested in becoming a soldier. When I got the official call, I really gave it some thought and finally accepted. I

pating in the CSJP has catapulted him into a future that he never dreamed about. In addition to pro-

New recruits (from left) Privates Brian McKenzie, Nehru Brown and Jermaine Ellis, who joined the Jamaica Defence Force through an initiative spearheaded by the Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP). (JIS photo)

make a positive contribution. "I was given an opportunity to do the test, passed it, but still was

believe it is one of the biggest steps I have made thus far," Private Brown related He said that partici-

viding job experience, the programme has also changed the way participants view the security forces.

"Some of the soldiers were my mentors. The transformation for me from a civilian to a member of the JDF is a great feeling, thanks to the CSJP," confessed Private Brian McKenzie, another CSJP participant. He is from Mountain View in Eastern St Andrew. For Private Jermaine Ellis, joining the JDF means that he can now provide for his family, and he is seen as a respected member of his community. "Persons congratulate me, and others express how proud they are. That has made a tremendous difference in my life," he said. Privates Ellis, Brown and McKenzie said that they are eternally grateful to the CSJP, and encourage other youngsters to get involved in the programmes that are made available to them through the CSJP and other social groups. (Excerpted from JIS)

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week ending September 26, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Trinidad to import agoutis, wildhogs from Guyana for model windfarm

ive wild animals, including agoutis and wildhogs, will be imported from Guyana to stock a model wildfarm at Brigand Hill, Manzanilla in Trinidad. TT’s Minister of the Environment and Water Resources, Ganga Singh Sunday paid a visit to the facility, which belongs to the Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago (ZSTT). The wildfarm will be a joint exercise with the environment and water resources ministry. The ZSTT has been one of the first among the environmental non-governmental organisations reported in the media as being strongly supportive of the recently announced two-year moratorium on hunting made by Singh. President of the Society, Gupte Lutchmedial confirmed that this is their official position, indicating that it must be understood that this viewpoint is in fact representative of the board and the general membership.

TT ban

Lutchmedial explained that the Society was extremely pleased that the minister took this landmark decision, which he saw as a win-win

for conservation. “I am so happy that come October, the animals in the forests would not be terrorised by hungry dogs and gun and cutlass-toting hunters who venture into the animals’ own territory and extract them under the guise of sport,” he lamented. Continuing, he stated, “Trinidad and Tobago has been known to have a more than generous hunting season of five months, where game species are easy target for the thousands of legal and illegal hunters, and it is time that we put the animals first and give them refuge and peace all-year round.” Sundar Seecharan, who is a ZSTT Board member, with over 40 years experience in the agricultural sector, took the opportunity to provide information on the tangible means of support the Society would be providing to ensure the moratorium achieves a successful outcome. “The Society is engaging in a partnership with the ministry of the environment and water resources to establish a model wildlife farm that would be used for demonstration purposes to others interested in setting up their own wildlife farms,” he said.

take place there on a large-scale basis.

Negotiations with Guyanese

TT’s Minister of Environment and Water Resources, Ganga Singh, gets a thrill from holding a wildhog in Manzanilla, Sunday (TT Newsday photo)

Details provided on this initiative reveal that establishment of this model wildlife farm has already started at the Society’s 360-acre offsite facility at Brigand Hill, Manzanilla and farming of agouti, deer, lappe and wildhog will

Seecharan was able to confirm that the Society is currently engaged in negotiations with wildlife suppliers in Guyana for stock, which if approved for importation by the regulatory bodies, would avoid further pressures on TT's diminishing wild populations with the added value of introducing new gene pools. When asked to respond to the views of several persons that during the moratorium, the government is not obliged to provide alternative sources of wildmeat, Lutchmedial indicated that availability of wildmeat is only one of the benefits to come out from such an initiative. In his response, he added, “We are looking at the longer term benefits of having animals to replenish populations where they are in decline, making the progeny available to farmers out there looking for stock enhancement and hopefully, to reduce hunting pressures brought upon the animals by those commercial hunters who profit all-year round from their illegal spoils.” (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

Jamaican Olympian moves from selling 'bag juice' on Kingston streets, back to the classroom

nstead of selling bagged juices on the streets of Kingston, these days Jamaican Olympian Olivia McKoy has her arms filled with books and markers, as she heads to teach classes at the Hydel Group of Schools. McKoy, who was in July spotted at the intersection of Oxford Road and Knutsford Boulevard in New Kingston peddling bagged juices in a desperate attempt to make a living, has been given a place in the classroom by Hyacinth Bennett, director of the group of schools after her story was published in the Sunday Observer on July 21.

essary for the future," she said. The Olympian, who represented Jamaica at the national level as a javelin thrower, said that she is settling comfortably in her new roles. She said that other staff members are happy for her and have embraced her progress at the school so far. McKoy, who lives on the campus, said that she tries to make herself as comfortable as pos-

McKoy pays special attention to a student as she tries to further explain the transposition of formulae in Algebra.

Last Friday, when Jamaican media visited the school, McKoy stood

in front of 32 students in a grade eight classroom, eloquently delivering the Mathematics formula to eager students bent on grasping just what was being written on the board. McKoy's professionalism and method of putting across the information resulted in the students positively responding to her questions after being shown an example in the transposition of formulae in algebra. That was just one of McKoy's classes.

Back to teaching

FLASHBACK: Up to last July, McKoy was selling juice on the streets of Kingston

She later explained that she teaches Mathematics and Literacy to grades seven, eight and nine students, while also helping out in the coaching

Olympian javelin thrower Olivia McKoy teaching Mathematics to grade 8 students at the Hydel Group of Schools. (Bryan Cummings/Jamaica Observer photos)

of javelin throwers. “…everything is going fine. You know, getting back into what I'm actually used to—teaching and helping the young people—is challenging, because the young people of today are in their own world so you have to help them with the vision that they have and try to help them to realise that what you are telling them is actually nec-

sible, while doing her preparation for classes.

Transformation

The transformation of the athlete was a vast contrast to the battered and bruised woman who was forced against the ropes, having to sleep on the streets with her fouryear-old son. McKoy was later forced to send him overseas with a friend in an attempt to keep him

safe. He is still living overseas. McKoy represented Jamaica at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia and returned eight years later to participate at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. She has been to numerous Commonwealth Games, winning a bronze medal in 2006, and also represented Jamaica at the Pan American Games and the Central American and Caribbean Championships. The veteran javelin thrower placed second at the National Senior Championship in June. McKoy attended Tulloch Primary School, Crescent All-Age, Bog Walk Secondary, St Jago High, and Northern Caribbean University (NCU) before taking up an overseas scholarship to Louisiana Tech University. She lived in Atlanta for 15 years while attending university and representing Jamaica. She was a pre-school teacher and a high school teacher, teaching for a year and a half at St Mary's College. McKoy holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Louisiana Tech University and is also pursuing a Master's degree. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |week ending September 26, 2013

LCDS projects in Guyana I

n the previous article, we discussed Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS –one of the biggest steps taken in Guyana to address climate change and national development. This week we will continue to explore the LCDS and the major projects that are being implemented.

LCDS priority projects

In 2009, the LCDS identified a number of priority projects to support Guyana’s transition

territory is owned by Amerindians. This project aims to facilitate and fast track the ALT process.

Expanding the digital economy and avoiding a digital divide

Fibre-optic cable: Investments are being made into enhancing broadband connectivity between the coast and the hinterland, as well as connections to Brazil’s telecommunications network. One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) project:

payments and a low carbon grant scheme will be established to assist vulnerable persons with viable business propositions. The lack of skills will be addressed through a training voucher scheme, which will enable MSEs to obtain the skills they require at existing training institutions. Sector specific training will also be provided.

Centre for biodiversity research and curriculum development Centre

for

The LCDS is supporting Amerindian development through several strategic initiatives

to a low carbon economy. Since that time to now, many of these projects have been developed and implementation commenced. These are identified below:

Amerindian development

The LCDS is supporting Amerindian development through several strategic initiatives: Hinterland renewable energy: To support the energy needs of households without access to the national electricity grid, solar photovoltaic systems were distributed to Amerindian and other hinterland households. As of March 2013, approximately 11,000 solar panels were installed in almost 200 communities. Investments are also being made into smallscale hydropower resources in the hinterland. Socio-economic development: An Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) has been set-up to support the socio-economic and livelihood development of Amerindian communities through the implementation of their Community Development Plans (CDPs), which identify the communities’ own priorities to meet social and economic development objectives. Amerindian land titling (ALT): In excess of 14 per cent of Guyana’s

The project is providing Internet-connected mobile computers to families throughout Guyana who otherwise might be excluded from the opportunities presented by the modern ITC sector. As of March 2013, 26,832 laptops were distributed, supported by on-going training. Telecommunications liberalisation: In an effort to modernise the sector, several pieces of legislation have been tabled in the National Assembly including a Telecommunications Bill.

Support for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSES), and vulnerable groups

Low-carbon livelihoods: This project aims to address two of the major bottlenecks that constrain the development of MSEs and the ability of vulnerable groups to build alternative livelihoods in Guyana, which are i) limited access to finance and ii) limited technical and business skills. Access to finance will be addressed through a credit guarantee facility, which will be used to guarantee part of the collateral of a loan, thereby enabling a MSE to obtain a loan at an affordable rate. In addition, an interest support facility will help with interest

Biodiversity Research: The international centre for biodiversity research and low carbon development will be dedicated to researching Guyana’s biodiversity and assessing its economic value and how this can be maximised. Curriculum development: Steps are being taken to integrate low carbon development concepts into the primary school curriculum.

Climate resilience and adaptation

Several initiatives have been targeted to improve Guyana’s resilience to climate change and its capacity to adapt. One of the first priorities addressed was the rehabilitation of canals to improve the management of water in the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC). The next stage in the low carbon transition (2013-2015) - during this period to the end of 2015, the priority projects are expected to continue utilising resources already allocated. In parallel, and subject to revenues from climate services and other sources continuing as planned, the government of Guyana intends to address a further five priorities in the period to 2015:

Climate resilience, adaptation and

Professionalism

water management

This will include initiatives to improve Guyana’s ability to cope with climate change and will likely include some or all of the following measures: Upgrading infrastructure and assets to protect against flooding through urgent, nearterm measures: This will include maintaining and upgrading Guyana’s drainage and irrigation (D&I) system, empoldering as well as dredging and de-silting major rivers, expansion of the use of mangroves as natural sea defences, and significant upgrades to the EDWC. Hinterland adaptation: This will include the development, reproduction and distribution of plant varieties and crop management techniques that are suitable for hinterland communities, thereby ensuring the sustainability and further development of their livelihoods. In addition, allweather roads and bridges and new D&I systems will be constructed, with a focus on particularly vulnerable areas. Adaptation readiness programme: This could include significantly revamping Guyana’s early warning system and improving the timely and accurate collection and dissemination of data and information on weather-related events and their impacts on the ground.

Supporting high potential low-carbon sectors

This will involve the development of priority low carbon sectors. It is expected that the priorities to 2015 will be business process outsourcing, aquaculture, ecotourism, and fruits and vegetables. In parallel, work to strengthen the sustainable forestry and mining sectors will continue. Hinterland and Amerindian development: Much of the work that has started, including land titling initiatives, will continue up to 2015. The ADF will continue to be capitalised to provide financing for all CDPs. Alongside the existing programmes; further measures will also receive investment to support the following: Hinterland adaptation measures; improving Information and Communication Technology (ICT) access and facilitating Hinterland Distance Learning through ICT.

By Anu Dev

e’ve all had those experiences: going to the doctor’s office, shopping in some store or visiting a travel agency where we probably went through the worst ordeal of our lives because of the way we were treated. It sucks to go somewhere to do whatever chore you’re on and you end up being treated as some lesser being. Call me “melodramatic” but after some jarring encounter with a sales clerk I started paraphrasing Shylock’s speech from Merchant of Venice to myself: “Hath not an Anu eyes? Hath not Anu fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases?” As I rise up in righteous indignation, vowing never return to that store (at least not until next week!). It can really leave a bad taste in your mouth (as bad as Karilla) and makes you wonder if that offensive person had an over abundance of bile. But the thing I don’t understand is it’s not like they’re doing you a favour. You’re paying them for the service. If it’s a doctor, it’s not like he/ she is diagnosing you for free. You’ve already had to wait an hour in the waiting room inhaling everybody else’s germs and now the doctor is treating you like you’re an errant three-year- old? What? That’s not being a professional. And professionalism goes beyond treating your patrons like they’re actual human beings. It includes things like punctuality, accountability and being able to carry out your tasks efficiently. We really need to break the mould of things always starting half of an hour late in Guyana (and the rest of the “Third World”). Sure it’s a running joke that always manages to get a few laughs, but in reality, it’s a sad reflection of how we’ve accepted our tardiness and aren’t prepared to do anything to change. In whatever profession we choose, we must always also have accountability. And not just being able to account for finances – we should be able to account for our actions. We’re not living in our own personal vacuums. Our actions and decisions affect the people around us, sometimes more than we could ever imagine. Nothing has disproved Aristotle’s dictum that we’re social beings. (Incorrectly interpreted nowadays as “political beings”) But it can be difficult; sometimes you’re just having an “off day”. Some days you can’t be all bright-eyed and bushytailed. But in some professions, that’s exactly what’s expected of you. To be a true professional, you have to be professional in the way you dress, the way you carry yourself, the way you relate to the people around you. It could’ve been that little girl in the bank who came in with her mom might’ve gotten inspired by the way you carried yourself and now she wants to work in a bank when she grows up to be just like you. As professionals, you’re representing your profession. You’re the ones who either inspire us to want to do what you do, or who make us swear never to touch, for instance, law with a 10-foot pole. And in some professions, you only ever meet some of your patrons for once in your life. Do you really want to be remembered as the late, scruffy, sales clerk? Or like Dr J, who can still soar and dunk the ball at 63?

Bollywood

week ending September 26, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Sonakshi Sinha catches the fancy of Pakistan

he trailer for ‘Krrish 3’ has got the highest hits that any Bollwood film has got ever. And Hrithik Roshan surprised the public when he said, 'Priyanka's honesty lead to this trailer.' According to Hrithik, “We made the trailer and were getting great reactions, but there was one person who had seen the film and was honest enough to

say she did not like it as much, and her reaction was very unsettling. She was sure that it could be and would be better if we made the changes. “At first, I brushed it off, but she persisted and was jumping very animatedly. The trailer was to be launched the next day and we had no time. But, it ignited thoughts in my head. I quickly went to the edit room, as I believe that nothing can be perfect and why should I not give it a try, if there is something left that can make it as good, as it is destined to be.” The actor further stated that “I recut the trailer without telling anything to my dad. He would have hit the roof had he known I was changing it. I managed to change it and showed him the finished product. The trailer was late by 15 minutes, but that is the trailer we see. I appreciate honesty and listen to people and you can't really say how much the change would have impacted, but we are even more happier with it now and the numbers speak for themselves.” (TOI)

Anushka talks about her ‘kiss’ with Aamir Khan

hile the media is going frantic about AamirAnushka's "longest kiss" in Rajkumar Hirani' 'P.K.', the pretty actress denies it. At a promotional event, Anushka rubbished reports that she will be locking lips with her ‘P.K.’ co-star Aamir. She said that these are just rumours and the movie will have

many more things to watch, but not this socalled kiss. The actress also ridiculed gossipmongers and said that to make such a record, the filmmakers would have to first watch all Bollywood films that have kissing scenes, record the time of the kiss and shoot accordingly. That's a smart answer Anushka! (TOI)

‘I am not against nudity’ - Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra

akeysh Omprakash Mehra says he is not against nudity in films, but he has strong views against exploitation of women.

"I don't see art there," Mehra said while talking about the current trend of raunchy item songs. "I am not against nudity. If that's a part of the story, please go ahead. It's beautiful...our bodies are beautiful. But exploitation for money and exploitation on the part of the audience and society for titillation...," added the filmmaker. "Filmmakers and performers are a part of the society. There is no reason to objectify. The only reason as I can think of is the lust for glamour, and greed for money, and you also get eyeballs. That has to be discouraged," said the 50-year-old. (TOI)

he people of Pakistan have always been fascinated with Bollywood and its many stars. And the latest actor to catch their fancy is Sonakshi Sinha, who, apparently, has been receiving a lot of fan mail from the neighbouring country. In fact, a journalist flew down to Mumbai to interview the actress for a Pakistani television channel. "Sonakshi is the third Indian artiste after Gulzar and Lata Mangeshkar to be interviewed on that programme," a source informed Indian media. (TOI)

Amitabh Bachchan reveals his love for pets

mitabh Bachchan has revealed that dogs and pets are an essential part of his family. Speaking at Pawsitive People's Awards for dog lovers in Mumbai recently, the ‘Zanjeer’ star said that he has had a whole series of pets in his life, but unfortunately they all left him at some point. "It was a very sad occasion when I lost my dog Shanouk a few months ago. But there is always space time and occasion to get another one and make them a part of your family," the veteran actor said. (TOI)

Karisma not ready for another film right now

fter an unsuccessful comeback with 'Dangerous Ishq' in 2012, Karisma Kapoor is not ready for another film, but doesn't deny the possibility of signing a project in future. "I have not decided anything yet. I have just released my book, and I enjoy doing different things. I like doing new things," the 39-year-old said, when asked about her next big screen project. "My children are still very small, but you nev-

er know, I will definitely do something, but I don't know when," Karisma told reporters at an award event. A mother of two,

‘Saif advises me to get married at 40’ - Soha Ali Khan

Ranbir Kapoor prefers to stay away from Twitter

ollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has revealed that he isn't a big fan of the popular micro blogging site, Twitter. The 30-year old grandson of Raj Kapoor said, "There is too much negativity on Twitter and I want to stay from it. I don't have anything intelligent to say. Whatever I want to say, I will say it through my movies and interviews". "Half the time people will be abusing me on Twitter and half the time somebody will be praising me. So either it will go to my head or I will take it to my heart. So better I stay away

A from it", the ‘Besharam’ actor added. (TOI)

Karisma recently released ‘My Yummy Mummy Guide’, a book that doles out tips to pregnant women and new mothers. (TOI)

ctress Soha Ali Khan, who has been in a relationship with actor Kunal Khemu for quite some time, says though her mother keeps asking her to settle down, brother

Saif advised to take the plunge at the age of 40. Soha and Kunal recently moved into a new house and are living together, but it seems marriage is not on cards yet. "My mother tells me ev-

ery day I should get married and if I would have gone by her way, then by now I should have had 20 children. She tells me all the time ‘get married, get married’ but now she has resigned, she is tired, fed up of telling and is like, do whatever you want," Soha said. On the other hand, brother Saif feels people should get married at 40. "He says marriage is very serious commitment and you are genuinely not ready for it until you are 40. He advised me to do it. When my mother called him and told him to talk to us why we are not getting married this is what he told her," she said. (TOI)

hollywood

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |week ending September 26, 2013

Friends worried Jennifer Aniston can't about Jim Carrey wear red lipstick

ollywood actor Jim Carrey has left his friends worried. They feel that he is heading towards a breakdown. Sources feel that the 51-year-old is feeling down about his career and love life, reported showbizspy.com. "Jim has suffered from severe depression in the past, and you have to worry those fearful days are coming back again," said a source. "When you talk to him, he's not as animated as he used to be. He seems at a low point-like a ship without a rudder," the source added. They also said that the ‘Dumb and Dumber’ star still longs for the love of his life, former Playboy girl Jenny McCarthy.

"Jim thought he and Jenny were going to be together for a lifetime. He was like a father to her autistic son Evan and even hoped to have a child with her someday," the source said. (TOI)

ctress Jennifer Aniston says she cannot pull off a red lipstick, whereas she believes that actresses like Gwen Stefani can flaunt it with panache. "Super bleached blondes-like Gwen Stefani-can get away with it, but it's tough to pull off with my colour," showbizspy.com quoted Aniston, 44, as saying. Aniston, who is engaged to Justin Theroux, was recently caught amid rumours that she is pregnant. The rumours followed her appearance in a fitting dress to her movie premiere. It showed of her belly, but she laughed off the rumours of the baby bump. While on the "The Kyle and Jackie O Show", a popular Australian breakfast radio show, she said the belly may have been showing because she has gained a couple of pounds. "There's nothing to announce.

‘I made all my mistakes before I was famous’ - Tom Hanks Jada Pinkett Smith battled addiction

om Hanks, who was a victim of a broken home, has revealed that the reason behind his untarnished reputation in Hollywood, is the fact that he made all his mistakes out of public view before he was known. The 'Forrest Gump' star told the Daily Express that he does

not want to admit to the world that he is a bad

person nor does he want anyone to have false expectations from him. The 57-year-old actor, who was involved in a nasty divorce with his former wife and mother of his two children, Samantha Lewes, added that he wasn't caught up in any fallout from early fame, simply because he was not famous. (TOI)

‘I would eventually forgive infidelity’ - Gwyneth Paltrow

ctress Gwyneth Paltrow, who is happily married to Chris Martin, says dealing with a cheating partner won't be easy, but

eventually she would forgive. The 40-year-old and Martin have been married for almost a decade. Paltrow said that cases of infidelity can raise questions on an individual's existence, reports femalefirst.co.uk. "I think it would be hard for me to be one of those wives who finds out there's been something going on behind my back 20 years in. I'd imagine you'd begin to question your life," said Paltrow. "It would definitely make things harder, but I believe that if there's authenticity and honesty right off the bat things will be okay," she added. The actress believes that every couple faced different kinds of challenges. "I think that if the idea of being committed to someone is important to you, you begin to value certain parts of your social life over another. No couple is the same, and as such, every couple takes on different challenges," Paltrow said. (TOI)

That's just a couple of lbs (pounds)," she said. (TOI)

ada Pinkett Smith once battled with addiction. The 42-year-old actress, who has a son, Jaden, 15, and daughter Willow, 12, with her husband Will Smith, has revealed she developed a problem and began relying on ''many addictions, of several kinds'' to help her deal with her emotional issues when she was younger. The 'Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted' star opened up about her past struggles in a new post on her Facebook

page to celebrate her birthday on September 18, writing: ''What I learned about myself is this, when I was younger I was not a good problem solver, meaning I had a very difficult time with

dealing with my problems in life. ''I had many addictions, of several kinds, to deal with my life issues, but today, at 42, I have my wisdom, my heart and my conscience as the only tools to overcome life's inevitable obstacles. I have become a good problem solver with those tools, and I am damn proud.'' Jada did not say whether she was addicted to alcohol or drugs, but she said she is now strong enough to overcome her problems. (TOI)

Kim K "bored" of new life post baby with Kanye West

im Kardashian has reportedly been missing the media attention post the birth of her baby North West. Sources revealed that though the 32-year old American television personality loves being a mom and spending time with her baby, she is missing her old life and is "bored" without the at-

tention, Radar Online reported.

Sources added that the new mom who has changed her look with blonde hair and is trying to shed her baby weight "really likes the attention she gets from people, but since her boyfriend Kanye West wants her to be more selective about what she's doing, it isn't as interactive for her and she misses her old life". (TOI)

Hugh Jackman values Mila Kunis' 'first kiss was family more than career

with Ashton Kutcher'

aura Prepon has revealed that Mila Kunis' first kiss was with her current boyfriend and their former co-star, Ashton Kutcher. The 'That '70's Show' star also asserted to Us magazine that she wasn't surprised when she heard that Kunis and Kutcher were dating. The redheaded beauty, who starred on the comedy with the couple for eight seasons from 1998 to 2006, insisted that the duo is like her family. The 33-year-old actress added that the pair is incredible together. (TOI)

ugh Jackman has revealed that his family means more to him than anything else, while insisting that fame and fortune aren't important to him. The 44-year-old actor, who is married to actress Deborra-Lee Furness, told a UK publication that his family "is what matters", giving him stability while his career, fame and fortune remain unpredictable, Contactmusic reported. He appreciated his wife, saying that Furness has strength and a lot of courage. He said that there'll be time when he is flavour of the month and times when he is not, but his wife and kids are what matters to him. (TOI)

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week ending September 26, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

New documentary puts focus on Grenada revolution A

lmost 30 years have passed since a bloody coup in Grenada saw the assassination of the leader of the People’s Revolutionary Government, Maurice Bishop, along with his colleagues. As that island readies itself to observe the 30th anniversary of the coup next month, director and producer Bruce Paddington has focused his lens on that island with ‘Forward Ever: The Killing of a Revolution’—a 2 1/2 hour long epic documentary, which highlights the revolutionary government of Grenada that came to power by a coup in 1979, and its demise with the bloody killings of October 19, 1983. The documentary tells the story of the Grenada revolution as never before. ‘Forward Ever: The Killing of a Revolution’ 2013), is a feature length documentary (150 minutes) di-

Director and producer Bruce Paddington (TT Express photo)

rected and produced by Paddington. It explores the achievements and shortcomings of the People’s Revolutionary Government (1979-1983) as it attempted to forge a new revolutionary society. It focuses on the year 1983 through use of ar-

chival footage and first hand recollections of persons who witnessed the events of October 19; the execution of prime minister Bishop and his close colleagues whose bodies were never recovered. This was followed by the American invasion and over twenty

years later the gradual release of the prisoners from jail. The film, with it’s multiple perspectives and different narratives, explores this key event in the history of the Caribbean. The eloquence and passion of Maurice Bishop is apparent as he defends the revolution on such critical issues as human rights and the need for a true peoples’ democracy. The film also includes excerpts from a feature address by George Lamming at a memorial service for Bishop in 1983 as well as the music of calypsonian Brother Valentino. Paddington felt compelled to create this documentary. He was in Grenada just two months before the coup working on a documentary commissioned by United Nations on Science and Technology. He met with Jacqueline Creft, who was Grenada’s Minister

of Education. Creft was killed alongside Bishop at the confrontation at Fort Rupert. At the time, Paddington was impressed with what he saw in Grenada. He

Leader of the People’s Revolutionary Government Maurice Bishop, who was assassinated along with his colleagues

described the island as a “different type of Grenada”. “They wanted democracy. I had dinner with the Minister of Education Jacqueline

Creft, and there seemed to be a type of feeling of hope and the building of a new society. The minister was confident and hopeful. She wanted to promote what was happening with Grenada. This was in August. There were major problems, but she wasn’t discussing the government. There was no threat of anything in the air. Two months after my meeting with Jacqueline Creft she was machine-gunned down. I was shocked to find out what happened,” Paddington said. Three decades later, Paddington has completed the film, which he hopes will be a tool for healing and education. The world premiere of ‘Forward Ever: The Killing of a Revolution’ was screened at the University of the West Indies during the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival last week. (Excerpted from TT Express)

It has never been easier to discover Curacao from Toronto!

“B

on Bini” to Curacao! More Canadian visitors than ever will be saying those words as they touch down in Curacao beginning this October. That’s when the first of three airlines will begin additional flights from Toronto to Curacao. The flights have been added as demand for the destination has increased in recent months and visitors clamor to spend more time on the island. Airlines flying from

Toronto to Curacao include WestJet, Sunwing and Air Canada. WestJet and Sunwing will fly nonstop on Sundays, while Air Canada will fly every Friday. It is a schedule that accommodates many different vacation itineraries. “The Curacao Tourist Board has been working diligently to increase air lift from Canada to Curacao because we know how important it is to accommodate eager travellers,” says André

Rojer, Curacao Tourist Board Marketing Manager North America. “The decision of these carriers to schedule these flights and to increase the number of available seats demonstrates a clear demand for the destination and also benefits the number of tourists, who are keen to visit Curacao and experience our unique country and its culture.” The first flights from Toronto–on WestJet--begin on October 27 through April

Canadian film ‘Home Again,’ inspires two new songs from Jamaican artiste

hough he knows persons who have been sent back to Jamaica for illegal activity in other countries, Brian Brown was unaware of the challenges deportees face. Brown, who has a feature role in the movie ‘Home Again’, has released two songs from his album ‘Skitsofreenia’ called ‘Coming Home’ (with Toya) and ‘It's All Music’ (with Vdezdra). He said they are inspired by the movie which focuses on three persons deported to Jamaica from Canada,

the United States, and the United Kingdom. ‘Coming Home’ is produced by Delroy Green and ‘It's All Music’ co-produced by Brown and Doneida Simpson. A past student of Cornwall College, Montego Bay-born Brown stated that he knows several deportees, some of whom have been deported more than once. "Being a deportee doesn't mean one has committed a major crime. I am not saying that one should not

be punished for his/ her crime but imagine a person that migrated as a toddler and is sent back to the country of his birth...a country which is really foreign to him," he reasoned. Brown argued that the government should put in place proper systems for deportees to reintegrate into society. ‘Home Again’ was written by Jamaicanborn Jennifer Holness and directed by David 'Sudz' Sutherland, a Canadian of Jamaican descent. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

20, 2014. Sunwing will offer its flight service from December 15 through April 27, 2014 and Air Canada’s flights are scheduled from December 20 through April 25, 2014. Hotels and resorts in Curacao are offering special early booking deals. With its pristine dive sites, secluded beaches, championship golf course and rich local cuisine, Curacao offers a little something for everyone–from the adventure

traveler who wants to dive and hike to the leisure traveler who simply wants to unwind and enjoy the ideal climate and beautiful beaches. Curacao also boasts an eclectic mix of history and culture with the UNESCO Heritage capital city of Willemstad and the first Jewish synagogue in the Western Hemisphere among many other sights. It’s an unexpected place, ripe for a multitude of experiences. (CaribbeanNews)

feature

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending September 26, 2013

Maestro Fresh Wes rocks on stage at special concert in Toronto By Nadia Hussein

apper and actor Maestro Fresh Wes, who is of Guyanese heritage, recently headlined Toronto’s Massey Hall stage along with several other artistes, who are also of Caribbean background. Titled ‘Maestro Fresh Wes and Friends,’ the concert celebrated the 25th anniversary of Wes’ groundbreaking career and included a performance of his entire Juno award-winning debut album ‘Symphony In Effect.’ The album went double platinum when it was released in 1989 and remains one of the bestselling Canadian hip hop albums of all time. In honour of this milestone, Maestro turned back time in his concert fashion, dusting off the signature bowtie and black tux-

edo style that marked the iconic album cover of ‘Symphony in Effect.’ In addition, Maestro per-

Offishall, who is a rapper of Jamaican decent, and often called Canada’s hip hop ambas-

A poster of Maestro Fresh Wes at Massey Hall where his concert took place

formed tracks from his new 2013 collaborative album ‘Orchestrated Noise.’ Special guests who joined the concert included Kardinal

sador. Saukrates, who is a rapper and singer of Guyanese descent, also hit the stage. As well, rapper k-os who used to live in his parents homeland of Trinidad took

part. The ‘Maestro Fresh Wes and Friends’ concert was part of Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival and was termed “unforgettable” by one of the organizers. “Maestro Fresh Wes and Friends bring a high-energy level of excitement to Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival, and we are honoured to have some of Canada’s more recognized hip hop names join our stellar roster this year,” said Randy Lennox, President and CEO of Universal Music Canada and Talent Chair, Board of Directors, Canada's Walk of Fame. Maestro Fresh Wes, whose real name is Wesley Williams, was born in Toronto and is popularly known as the ‘godfather of Canadian hip hop’. “My father was the photographer for the al-

Maestro Fresh Wes promotional photo

bum and first single cover (‘Let Your Backbone Slide’). We shot that in the basement. He was cool,” Williams has previously stated. “Mom isn't really a big rap fan but you know—Guyanese parents, they are kind of old-fashioned.” Williams is more than a rapper as he currently plays the role of Paul Dwyer on the show ‘Mr. D’ which airs on CBC Television. The Gemini-nominated actor has been seen in series including ‘Instant Star’ and ‘Blue Murder’ and films such as ‘Honey’ and

‘Four Brothers.’ In 2010, he released a motivational book with his wife titled ‘Stick to Your Vision: How to Get Past the Hurdles & Haters to Get Where You Want to Be.’ The 45-year-old Williams have had a long career and is clearly still a versatile entertainer with a lot more left in him. “The reason I’m still here is ’cause of hard work,” he has said. “I got talent, I can do a couple of rhymes, whatever. But I put a lot of work into it.”

Star of the Week

Mark Kazim From his debut on stage at Carifesta X in 2008 to being awarded the 2012 Best Actor at the National Drama Festival, Mark Kazim is well on his way to etching his name in Guyana’s drama history. Prior to 2008, drama was not an interest, although he always had an enthusiasm for directing. However, he was encouraged to apply for prospective dramatists to take part in workshops as Guyana prepared for Carifesta. Joining other dramatists, Mark completed acting courses offered by the ministry of culture, youth and sport and has since been in the spotlight. He is well-known for his roles in “Nothing To Laugh About”, Link Show, Mori J’von Comedy Jam and Chow Pow Comedy Jam- just to name a few. Mark enjoys portraying various characters, making people laugh or cry, and entertaining. His favourite play to date is “83 Million Gees” because he was able to learn a lot about theatre from veteran actors. That play also earned him the 2012 Best Actor award at the National Drama Festival. Currently, Mark is busy touring with “Nothing to Laugh about 6” in Berbice and Essequibo, acting in a few plays in the National Drama Festival, mentoring a school play and a Theatre Guild one-act play. The actor continues to perfect his talent in order to give his best on stage, and hopes to try his hand at directing.

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week ending September 26, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Forde, Tanner retain Courts 10k titles in Guyana By Treiston Joseph

leveland Forde has to be considered the face of distance running in Guyana with yet another 10k win on Sunday Morning. “Little Kenyan” as he is called, tactically ran away with the Courts 10k road race to retain his title in 33:02s and bagged the Gy$100,000 first place prize. Nathaniel Giddings, as usual went out hard trying to push the pace of the race. However, the experienced Forde followed before making his move to go ahead of the six-kilometre mark before pulling clear ahead with the final three kilometers to win comfortably. Cleveland Thomas got ahead of Giddings to finish second in 33:16s

Forde crosses the finish line comfortably ahead of his competition

while Giddings clocked in at third with a time 33:19s. Winston Missenger finished in fourth with a time of 34:09s while Dennis Horatio was fifth in 34:39s. On the distaff side, Euleen Jossiah-Tanner retained her Courts 10k title as well, clocking 38:57s for the top spot. Three-time 1500m junior Carifta gold medalist was a distant second, finishing the event in 43:07s. Ashanti Scott was third in 46:26s, finishing ahead of fourth place finisher Carlissa Atkinson, who clocked 48:22s; Sharon Boyer was fifth in 50 minutes. The male junior event was won by Grivon Grant in a time of 36:07s who outpaced Rupununi’s Samuel Kaitan who fin-

Euleen Jossiah-Tanner receives her winning trophy at a prize giving ceremony after the 10k event

ished second in 36:26s. Kevin Nicholas was third in 36:43s. Cassie Kirton, out of Linden, topped the female junior event in a time of 43:54s while Abdemi Roberts was second 45:11s.

Shontel Hinds was third in 54:38. The Master’s women category was won by Carleen Phillips in 50:29s to top Denise Jeffrey who clocked 55:19s for second while Simone Baburan was

third in 57:14s. Ian Archibald topped the field in the men’s 40-55 Master’s category winning in a time of 38:17s. Errol Wade was second in 42:23s while Linden Harrison was third in 43:22s. The 55 and older Master’s men was won by Llewelyn Gardner in 41:19s while Maurice Fergundes was second in 47:47s. Meanwhile, at the prize-giving ceremony held after the event Manager Director of Courts Guyana Clyde Diaz, noted that the 10k was superb and congratulated the participants. President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) thanked Courts along with all the officials for organising the event. (Guyana Times)

on high after TT wins opener in CLT20 Russell history-making feat T rinidad and Tobago opened their account in the Champions League Twenty20 with a 25-run victory over Brisbane Heat at the JSCA International Cricket Stadium Sunday. Skipper Denesh

the pitch to restrict the Australians 110 all out in reply. With 61 runs needed off 51 balls and the Brisbane Heat on course for victory, the mystery man Sunil Narine arrived on the scene to bring the fight back. He

well when he sent back top scorer Joe Burns for 45 off 43 balls with two fours. The returning pacer finished with 4/14 and skipper Ramdin in paying tribute said, “Ravi told me that he wanted wickets on his return to

Ravi Rampaul celebrates a wicket

Ramdin (48) used his strength to carry his team on his shoulders to an eventual 135 for nine off their 20 overs. The much talked about bowling jaggernaut used their wisdom and acquired knowledge of

grabbed two wickets in one over on his return and things started to change. That winning belief came alive and Ravi Rampaul and Rayad Emrit started to shatter stumps. Rampaul delivered

help this side and that is exactly what he did for us.” Earlier, the Red Force flattered badly in mid-innings, as a good start and finish could not be supported by a steely middle perfor-

mance. Lendl Simmons and Evin Lewis came out as two men under attack and they retaliated much to the delight of the fans at the ground. Simmons, was slamming balls into the fence and Lewis was matching him at the other end. However, confidence turned to arrogance and Simmons after hitting Alister McDermott for three consecutive fours fell next ball, bowled off the inside edge. He fell for 14 off just seven deliveries and his dismissal caused a collapse that saw Darren Bravo bounced out for a duck and Lewis for 19 off 19 balls, with four fours. Red Force slipped to 38 for three and it took a sober partnership between Jason Mohammed and Ramdin to bring the innings back on track. Ramdin was excellent with his timing and placement, and played some very attractive shots. Mohammed on the other end was rotating the strike nicely, until he fell for ten. Again this dismissal triggered a collapse and men were walking to and from the dugout regularly—much to the disappointment of team mentor Brian Lara, who was clearly not amused. Ramdin motored on, however, and finally fell for a 38-ball 48 that included four fours and two sixes. Towards the end of the innings, Samuel Badree gave it the necessary push with two great sixes off the last over to end on 15 off seven balls. (TT Guardian)

Andre Russell completed a remarkable feat of four wickets in four balls to become the first West Indian to have taken a beaver-trick in T20 format (Jamaica Observer photo)

llrounder Andre Russell is still on a high as he continues to celebrate his history-making feat playing for West Indies A against India A in the lone T20 match of their tour on Saturday. Russell completed a remarkable feat of four wickets in four balls to become the first West Indian to have taken a beaver-trick in T20 format. He ended with four for 45, but could not prevent West Indies A from suffering a 93-run loss to India A at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. "It was enjoyable for me...a great feeling to get four in four balls. We did not win the game and that was disappointing for me, but to have such a great effort with the ball gave me something to celebrate," said Russell. "You have to take the good things when they come. It's pretty tough bowling here in India. When you miss your lengths it's gone." Russell took the wickets of Kedar Jadhav, Captain Yuvraj Singh, wicket-keeper Naman Ojha and the dangerous

Yusuf Pathan in the penultimate over to enter the record books. It was the third time in his career the 25-yearold took a beaver-trick. The first came during the Jamaica National Trials back in 2009 and the second while playing for Barnard's Green in the Worcester League in England. "I had two beavertricks before, but this was the most prestigious for me as it came in a West Indies shirt and at a higher level than the other two. They (India A) were flying and we needed some wickets so I just ran in hard and looked to hit my lengths," said Russell, a key member of the West Indies teams which beat Sri Lanka to win the ICC World T20 Championship in Sri Lanka 11 months ago. "When I got Yuvraj out that was the key wicket as he is a dangerous player. He was looking to push on and go big so I tried to use my variations and counter what he was doing. I wasn't really thinking about a hattrick. I was just looking to stop them from scoring," said Russell. (Jamaica Observer)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending September 26, 2013

FIFA World Cup trophy tour visits Guyana on October 30

he FIFA World Cup trophy will arrive in Guyana on October 30 as part of the FIFA World Cup tour by Coca-Cola, title sponsor of next year’s event in Brazil. The tour is being labeled the world’s most “inclusive, participatory experiential event ever” by Coca- Cola. According to a release from FIFA, the World Cup trophy tour by CocaCola will give more than one million people across the world the chance to experience the FIFA World trophy in their own communities. The release added the tour will be the largest and longest global tour of the FIFA World

Cup trophy, visiting 89 countries, with events planned in 39 of those countries. Fifty new countries will also have the opportunities to host the trophy. The tour is an exhibition of the real, one-ofa-kind, solid-gold FIFA World Cup trophy. The tour officially started in Brazil on September 12, its first international stop. It then moves to Fiji, Vanuatu and Tahiti in the South Pacific to get to Costa Rica on September 24, as the first point of its appointment in the Americas. On the other hand, the tour arrives at the Cheddi Jagan

International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, at 09:00h on October 30 and dignitaries will get a first look of the trophy before, the media event. Banks DIH Limited Sports Club at Thirst Park will be the venue for an exclusive experience where the trophy will be on display and invitees will get a chance to have their picture taken. The tour continues through Central America and the Caribbean to November 7 and from there will travel to Africa, Middle East, Asia, South and North America and Europe, before returning to Brazil in late April next year, in time for the start of the World Cup.

Brazilian singer Gaby Amarantos poses during the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on September 12. The trophy, 36.8 cm high made of solid 18-carat gold, will travel through 89 countries in 267 days (AFP PHOTO/YASUYOSHI CHIBA)

Wilson, Edwards crowned Singles champs in Tobago

arenage Blasters’ Aaron Wilson and UTT’s Aleena Edwards were crowned champions of the men and women’s Singles division respectively on Sunday, as the curtains came down on this year’s edition of the Tobago Open Championships. Wilson, who also copped the boys Under-18 and Under-15 Singles trophies, dethroned last year’s winner Roopnarine (Arima Hawks), in the keenly contested men’s final. The 14-

year old took an early lead by winning the opening match 118. Roopnarine however, would valiantly fight back to level the game with a 6-11 second match win. But, Wilson buckled down and took the third 11-4 and completed his victory with a strong 11-8 showing to hoist the 2013 title. In their semi-final encounters, the Carenage Blasters player overcame heavy resistance (20-18, 12-10,13-11) from D’Abadie’s Everton Sorzano

while Roopnarine got the better of multiple national champion, Curtis Humphreys (UTT). Wilson went on to add two more titles to his Tobago Open haul when he once again disposed of Roopnarine in the Under-18 final. The youngster held off a late charge from a determined Roopnarine, and went on to win 11-9, 11- 8, 1311. He also won the Under-15 crown with yet another dominant display. In the women’s Open equiv-

alent, UTT’s Edwards showcased her youthful talent when she ousted her mother, Verna Edwards, in the championship match. Verna’s experience saw her win the opening match 9-11. However, the strength of the younger proved too much as Aleena took control of the next three games, winning the trophy 11-2, 11-6, 11-6. In the “semis”, Verna eliminated the division’s highest ranked player Linda PartapBoodan (Arima Hawks) 11-9,

11-6, 13-11 while Aleena battled to end against Brittany Joseph (Arima Hawks), emerging victorious 6-11, 11-6, 1412, 7-11, 11-7. Joseph would still snatch a title on the day as she outclassed all in the girls’ Under-21 Singles division. Bishop’s High player, Jasher De Gannes bagged a double-crown as she topped the field in the girls Under-15 and Under-13 Singles. (TT Newsday)

Bolt renews deal Guyanese ladies lose to Canada with PUMA Pan American Hockey Federation Cup…

The Guyanese girls lined-up for the playing of the national anthem prior to the start of the game

he Guyana ladies endured a tough debut match at their first ever Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) Cup being staged in Mendoza, Argentina, going down to Canada 0-8. On a freezing cold evening, with temperatures hovering around 0oc and strong gusts of winds, the Guyanese ladies braved the unfamiliar conditions to face the tough opposition of Canada at the newly opened Mendocino hockey stadium in Mendoza. The Canadians, ranked 23rd in the world, would have been confident in knowing that in a recent warm-up tour to Canada, the 58th ranked Guyanese had difficulty managing their provincial teams. Canada piled the pressure onto the Guyanese deep defense from the opening whistle, making it difficult for Guyana to outlet the ball comfortably from the back. The strategy worked for Canada as the Guyanese struggled to find some composure and suffered an opening goal when Canadian striker Hannah Haughn scored her team’s first goal with a powerful reverse stick strike five minutes

into the match. With the pressure producing several counterattacks for Canada, Guyanese sweeper Ulrica Sutherland and goalkeeper Alysa Xavier were called upon several times to rescue the team with some brilliant individual tackles and goalkeeping respectively. Canada would continue the pressure as the half wore on by scoring three more field goals through a ‘tip in’ from Thea Culley, a kind rebound finish by Abigail Raye and a swift strike by Jessica Barnett. Guyana looked a more organised unit in the second half, but still had difficulty penetrating a cohesive and well-rehearsed Canadian defense. Midfielders Marzana Fiedtkou and Leigh Sandison were steady in the midfield, but the Canadians were able to reduce their passing options and smother Guyana’s attacks quickly. While the field goal opportunities for the Canadians in the second half did not come quite as easily, they still managed to score four more goals in the second half with two being field goals and two

by way of penalty corners. Thea Culley managed to put her name on the score sheet once more in the second half haul, while teammates Caashia Carrington, Brienne Stairs and Stephanie Norlander completed the list of scorers with one each. According to coach Philip Fernandes, while the result was disappointing for Guyana, the team took away a lot of positives from the match. Fernandes indicated that the last time Guyana played against Canada in an international competition was in the 2012 World League where Canada won 10-0. The coach indicated that the team was incrementally better against opposition who has better facilities and resources which in itself is a success. He went on to mention that while he was hoping for a closer score line, it was unrealistic to reverse such a great disparity in one year under the given conditions of the two countries. In the other pool, the U.S.A defeated Mexico 6-0, while Chile and Uruguay played to a nil-all draw. (Guyana Times)

Usain Bolt (left) with PUMA CEO Bjoern Gulden (PUMA photo)

print sensation Usain Bolt has inked a renewed endorsement deal with PUMA that is to go beyond the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil, according to a release from the sports goods manufacturer Tuesday. “PUMA has been with me since the very beginning. They recognised my talent at an early age and have supported me throughout, especially in the early years when I had some difficult times due to injuries,” Bolt is quoted as saying in the release. “Their work and com-

mitment to Jamaica is also very important to me. I have always been very happy to be a part of the PUMA family. I am proud to represent them and delighted to continue with them for the years ahead.” Describing Bolt as the "perfect ambassador”, Bjoern Gulden, CEO for PUMA, said that Bolt will play a crucial role in the future product concepts of PUMA as well as brand communications leading towards the Olympic Games in Rio 2016 and beyond. (Jamaica Observer)

sport

week ending September 26, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Pepsi Inter-County One-Day Tournament in Guyana…

Demerara beat Berbice by three wickets By Rajiv Bisnauth

wo contrasting half centuries from captain Christopher Barnwell and Rajendra Chandrika guided Demerara to a nervy three-wicket win over Berbice in the second round Pepsi InterCounty 50-over competition on Tuesday at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda. The duo’s whirlwind partnership of 117 set the stage for the chase, one which was eventually achieved after several heart-stopping moments. Demerara finished on 252 for 7 with an over to spare, chasing the 250. Barnwell and Chandrika came together after Demerara were reduced to 49 for 3, and

Christopher Barnwell on the attack

managed to turn the game on its head. The pair almost immediately, settled into a free-flowing rhythm. They went about eliminating the dot balls, ran

the fielders ragged, picked off boundaries at will and set Demerara up for the victory. Barnwell, who was adjudged Man-of-the-Match, slammed 72 off 65 balls,

inclusive of six fours and five sixes to complement his 101 in the opening round against Essequibo on Saturday. The righthanded, Chandrika made a 91-ball 62 with three

fours. Derwin Christian made 26 not out, Zaheer Mohamed, 18, and Shaquil Williams, 14 not out, played useful cameos to secure the victory at the end. Robin Bacchus and Steven Jacobs contributed 16 runs each. Fast bowler Keon Joseph and leg spinner Devendra Bishoo picked up two wickets each while Eon Hooper, Gudakesh Motie and Devon Clements had one wicket apiece. Earlier, Berbice rallied from a commanding unbeaten 72 from Bishoo and a sixth wicket stand of 63 runs that eventually guided them to the respectable total. Berbice were reeling at 137 for 6, but Bishoo’s

late counter-attack along with all- rounder Romario Shepherd-DeJonge, gave life to the lower-middle order. The left-handed Bishoo slammed four fours and two sixes in his 63-ball innings while Shepherd-DeJonge made 38. Devon Clements (30), Anthony Bramble (26), captain Sewnarine Chattergoon (18) and Shimron Hetemyer (12) were the other batsmen to reach double figures. Bowling for Demerara, Christopher Barnwell was the pick of the bowlers, snapping up 4 for 59 off his 10 overs, while Paul Wintz, Kellon Carmichael, Jacobs, and Trevon Griffith, picked up one wicket each. (Guyana Times)

Jamaica’s ‘Axeman' Walters signs with Top Rank's Bob Arum

he long wait for World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight champion Jamaican Nicholas 'The Axeman' Walters has ended. After months waiting for a promoter to sign him to an agreement to make his first title defence, he has now inked a deal with worldfamous promoter Bob Arum and his Top Rank organisation to fight an opponent to be named shortly, on November 9 in Corpus Christi, Texas. This will be on a card featuring two other world title fights. Jacques Deschamps, who manages Walters, told Jamaican media Tuesday that the contract with Top Rank is now "signed, sealed and delivered”. Deschamps added, “he (Walters) is anxious to get back into the ring

Nicholas 'Axeman' Walters (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)

after a nine-month layoff and he will now be able to show the world that he is the best feath-

erweight boxer in the world." Walters won the title on December 8, 2012

East Coast emerge as...

from back page

struck a four and six in his 28 while Balwant reached the boundary on a solitary occasion during his 17-ball 14. Andy Persaud and Anil Persaud grabbed two wickets for 22 and 24 runs respectively off their allotted four overs while Most Valuable Player Anand Gurdial took one for 10 from his four-over spell. Gurdial took two spectacular catches. Duffield was adjudged the MVP for the losers, for his top score and received a trophy. At the simple presentation ceremony after the match, president of the League, Albert Ramcharran, congrat-

ulated both teams for their entertainment. He promised that, the grand finale would be exciting. The Guyanese Ramcharran highlighted the importance of discipline, and assured that he and his executives will continue to work hard to make the game of softball go from strength to strength in North America. Meanwhile, the victorious captain Rakesh Dyal stated that he was very satisfied with his team’s performance and is very confident the guys will lift the championships trophy on Sunday. Cricketers Cove is the defending champion and senior player

Ejaz Mohamed, a former Guyana youth player expressed optimism that his players will maintain their winning record. He declared that several experienced players are anxious to make an impression. His former Guyana under-19 player Troy Gobin is expected to play a pivotal role while Vijay Persaud and Kumar Doodnauth are the other players who are capable of dominating. The presentation of trophies and prizes will be done on November 2 in Scarborough and Consul General for Guyana in Toronto Sattie Sawh is expected to grace the occasion.

at the National Indoor Sports Centre by scoring a dramatic seventhround technical knockout over Daulis Prescott of Colombia. Plans were for him to make his first title defence in Jamaica, but negotiations dragged on for months and finally ended without resolution. Deschamps said that he negotiated with both Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions for several weeks and Top Rank came up with the best offer. The contract is for five fights in two years, and to keep up his end of the bargain, Walters has to keep winning. "Nicholas has to win to keep the con-

tract alive, and if he performs well, Jamaica's boxing fans will be able to see him on HBO," Deschamps pointed out. "The purse money that he will command will depend on his performances and his success, and if he does well, he can be a headline fighter." In a statement after the signing, Arum said that he was pleased to add Walters to his camp because there were some good fighters in that weight class. Walters said he is thrilled that the negotiations had ended on a positive note because he is anxious to get into the ring. "I have waited a long time for this to happen and feel great that the

wait is over. This has been my longest lay-off since I turned professional, and I am happy to end the drought," said Walters. "Now that I have signed a contract, I hope that everything will work itself out and that I will know who my opponent is in a matter of days. I want a good fighter so that I can show off my boxing skills, and my only regret is that I will not be doing it at home,” the boxer noted. He assured, “I will be ready, regardless of who they put in the ring against me, and I want to score a big victory for my many fans, especially those in Jamaica and Panama." (Excerpted from Jamaica Gleaner)

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INTERNATIONAL WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 26, 2013

East Coast emerge as East Division champion in OSCL tournament - will face West Division champion, Cricketers Cove, on Sunday By Ravendra Madholall

ast Coast Cricket Club emerged with a thrilling two-run win over arch-rivals Caribbean Sensation on Sunday at the Ellesmere ground in the East Divisions final. They will now meet West Division finalist Cricketers Cove on Sunday at Lancaster Public School ground in the grand finale to round off the 2013 Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) 20-over softball tournament. East Coast batted

The victorious team strikes a pose just after the game on Sunday at Ellesmere ground (Photo: Rivera Madholall)

first and scored a challenging 104-7 from the allotment of 20 overs while Caribbean Sensation were agonisingly left hanging at 102-9 when the overs expired. Mark Moosaie and Ray Moosaie began things nicely for the East Coast combination, putting on a solid 50-run opening stand while former Guyana un-

der-19 cricketer Krishna Deosaran also chipped with a contribution of 12. Mark top scored with 27, which counted two sixes while Ray supported with 14 runs as Manbolall Doodnauth captured two wickets for 22 runs from his maximum four overs. Gavin Glasgow also nabbed two wickets for 23 runs from four overs.

When Caribbean Sensation batted they began their chase dangerously losing three quick wickets until skipper and the experienced Richard Duffield and Anand Balwant participated in fighting 38-run fourth-wicket stand. But once they were separated, the innings further decline. Duffield

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