Jamaica’s continued ban on beef imports still troubles Canada Page 3 THE BEACON OF TRUTH
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ISSUE NO. 56
CANADA EDITION
CN $1.00
WEEK ENDING June 27, 2013
Major investments underway to support Guyana’s growing economy - President Ramotar assures Canadabased Guyanese See story on page 5
SNC-Lavalin still being reviewed for construction of Penal hospital in Trinidad Page 6
- Canadian High Commissioner to TT
CPL signs title sponsorship agreement with NEW Page 32 GPC/Limacol President Donald Ramotar shares a photo with patrons at the Guyana 47th Independence Festival in Toronto on Sunday at the Centennial College facility in Scarborough. (Photo courtesy: Bobby Ramlagan)
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NEWS
www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending June 27, 2013
Guyana’s economic climate favourable to investors – finance minister reaffirms G uyana’s Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh said government has been instrumental in maintaining macroeconomic stability and is responsible for ensuring declining interest rates, adequate external reserve while attracting investors. Dr Singh made the remarks at the annual general meeting of the Small Business Development Fund (SBDF) on Monday at the Pegasus Hotel. According to Dr Singh, macroeconomic stability is not an insignificant dimension to the small business environment, but is relevant to the sustainability of businesses and the average person. He noted that government is not only concerned about creating a stable economy, but generating more value-added as well as producing more economic efficiency. The finance minister said government has always put the creation of an environment which is
conducive to the growth and prosperity of small businesses at the centre of its policy framework. Dr Singh stated that both small and large investors would not show interest in an economy
to support such activity. Dr Singh remarked that government has created an environment where key macroeconomic indicators are encouraging to businesses in order to ensure the local business
Guyana’s Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh
Hamley Case
which fails to display stable macroeconomic growth and favourable prospects in the future. He said it is critical to have adequate external reserves, as in an open economy such as Guyana, which imports goods and services, it is necessary to have adequate external financing
environment is stable. He reaffirmed government’s commitment to creating, maintaining and enhancing an environment conducive to investment and stressed the importance of having consistent standards and quality attractive to both foreign and local firms. Dr Singh noted that Guyana has made considerable progress in
this area; stating that the country has been achieving uninterrupted economic growth since 2006. He lauded the efforts of the SBDF and its creators and singled out Managing Director Manjula Brijmohan for her visionary leadership and resilient determination in pursuing the initiative of promoting small businesses in Guyana. Dr Singh indicated that the accomplishment of 10 years of existence is a noteworthy occasion, especially since the entity has proven its value and worth on the nation-
al landscape, starting from the most humble beginnings. Referring to statistics mentioned in the SBDF 2012 annual report, Dr Singh said the number of loans funded by the entity is testimony to an extremely significant and commendable achievement. He remarked that all large corporations would have started as small businesses, pointing out that a successful business requires hard work and perseverance. According to the minister, every investment made in Guyana is of relevance to small businesses as they serve as
a supply link to large investors. Former People National Congress Reform (PNCR) Central Executive Member Hamley Case highlighted the role of small businesses to an emerging economy, and urged owners to ensure their businesses do not remain at that level. He stated that small and micro enterprises must be seedlings destined for growth into productive businesses, but this requires an enabling environment. Case likened small businesses to developing plants and the funding agencies as the nurturers. He added that some persons may have the finances to start a business, but may not have an idea and some may have bountiful ideas without the necessary financing capital. Case encouraged small businesses to seek out opportunities to work with big entities and examine ways of networking and developing a supply-demand chain. (Guyana Times)
Jamaica to spend Ja$5 billion for community intervention programme
- with funding support from CIDA, other agencies
T
he Jamaican government intends to spend Ja$5 billion over the next four years on interventions in communities across Jamaica, as the Ministry of National Security launches the Citizen
Security and Justice Programme (CSJP) III. The CSJP is a multifaceted crime and violence prevention initiative of the Ministry of National Security which focuses on building community safety and security. The programme provides crime and violence prevention services to vulnerable and volatile communities and conducts institutional strengthening of the ministry. Jamaica’s Security Minister Peter Bunting, who provided details during his recent Sectoral Debate presentation, said this third phase of the crime and violence prevention initiative will be much improved over the previous two segments. He said that the programme will be funded by the government through inter-national partners such as the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the United Kingdom Department for International Development, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The present programme, which has been working with at-risk youth in some 50 volatile communities, will come to an end in December. Bunting said his ministry has commissioned an evaluation of the previous two phases to ensure that the initiative will build upon the successes, as well as ensure that the interventions will provide sustainable opportunities for the growth and development of the country's citizens. He said that CSJP III will maintain the basic elements of the original programme, but will be redefined to include a national crime prevention focus. This, he said, will expand its reach beyond volatile inner-city areas to address early signs of social dis-organisation in communities across the island. As such, the number of beneficiaries under the skills development and job placement component, being undertaken in collaboration with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), will be widened to include vulnerable youth from rural communities islandwide.
"The results include the transformation of the attitudes of these young people, who have been exposed to some of the best role models that our country has produced. CSJP III will incorporate a new element that will help to provide many of our youth with alternative options," Bunting stated. Another major component of CSJP III will be a renewed focus on support for activities to change the socio-economic circumstances of high risk groups and communities, and to reduce the negative socialisation processes, which lead to crime, violence and disorder. To this end, the programme will provide additional support for business/entrepreneurial development that will enable community members to access critical resources designed to boost small community-based enterprise. In addition, CSJP III will strengthen support for inter-agency interventions in communities islandwide that have experienced extreme trauma caused by violence. (JIS)
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week ending June 27, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com
Jamaica’s continued ban on beef imports still troubles Canada
T
here appears to be no resolution on the horizon to a 10-year-old ban on the importation of beef and beef products from Canada, with the Jamaican government disclosing that the risk assessment process is yet to be completed. Jamaica imposed the ban in May 2003 in the immediate aftermath of news of the presence of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) — the medical name for mad cow disease — in a single cow on a Canadian farm. At the time, Jamaica was only importing a small amount of beef from the North American country. "The importation of animal products into Jamaica is subject to risk assessment. Jamaica's attempts to complete the risk assessment process relating to Canadian beef — by way of visiting and reviewing the disease surveillance procedure, which is conducted in Canada to safeguard humans against the variant of mad cow disease, known as the Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease — have not yet been satisfied," an official at Jamaica's
Ministry of Agriculture told Jamaican media Tuesday. Variant Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease, according to the World Health Organisation, is a rare and fatal human neurodegenerative condition. It causes dementia and eventual death. But Canada is declaring that Jamaica stands alone in maintaining the ban, and not recognising the technologies developed to fight BSE, as Canada finds ready markets for its beef in nearly 60 other countries annually. At a breakfast meeting Tuesday, Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica Robert Ready told senior journalists that the restriction continues to be an "issue" for Canada. "...Frankly, from our perspective, the restriction on importation from the Jamaican side should have probably been lifted some time ago, but we continue to work on that," he said, referring to the ongoing dialogue between the two countries. He, however, said the hiccup will not af-
fect Jamaica-Canada relations, brushing it off as merely an irritant in the "very diverse, deep and long" relationship the two countries share. "There's no way this will affect us," he declared. At the end of 2012, bilateral trade between the two countries stood at Cdn$589.6 million — Cdn$237.6 million for merchandise trade and Cdn$352 million for services. Of the merchandise figure, Jamaica paid Cdn$135.8 million for Canadian cereals, pharmaceutical products, fish, paper, board, plastics, and other merchandise. Canada paid the remaining Cdn$101.8 million in chemical, rum and food products from Jamaica. In terms of the services trade, exports from Jamaica accounted for just over 64 per cent, or Cdn$226 million, of the overall figure. Meanwhile, Tuesday, Ready praised Jamaica for its move towards selfsufficiency with the 'eat what you grow campaign' — which encourages citizens to eat locally grown
foods — but cautioned against such a campaign leading to protectionism. "...I guess, as a trade person, I worry that sometimes those drives towards self-sufficiency, in any country, can ultimately (build into) forms
of protectionism, which may come at the expense of foreign suppliers," he said. "... There are international trade commitments around access to markets, and we would certainly encourage the
Jamaican government to remember those as they move towards selfsufficiency. We are all for competition in markets, but would hate to see barriers [to competition]," he added. (Jamaica Observer)
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EDITORIAL
A global environmental advocate
B
harrat Jagdeo has had, without a doubt, a remarkable tenure as president of Guyana and indeed more extensively as a member of the Cabinet of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government. That period of his administrative involvement, first, as a member and then, as leader of government, would have begun when democracy was restored to Guyana in 1992 and ended when his two successive and highly successful terms of presidency came to an official conclusion in 2011. Now more than a year and a half since he demitted office, Jagdeo is still highly admired around the world and has become one of the most sought-after speakers on environmental, social, and economic issues, particularly those faced by poor and developing countries. Late last week, the Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma announced that Jagdeo will lead a high-level team of experts to identify solutions for unlocking resources to enable small, poor, and climate-vulnerable Commonwealth countries to combat climate change. Prior to this, on June 13, Guyana’s revolutionary Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) was lauded by British High Commissioner to Guyana Andrew Ayre, who described the initiative as a definitive model of what is possible in a densely forested developing country. After becoming one of the youngest heads of state ever, Jagdeo pioneered the strategy, and the country embarked on one of the world’s most environment-friendly sustainable development programmes, while maintaining 99.5 per cent of its rainforest. During that same week, the government, through the Agriculture Ministry, was preparing to dispatch a shipment of rice and paddy to Venezuela. Guyana and Venezuela would have signed the latest rice agreement, worth some US$ 130 million, on May 3, but the original pact was initiated in 2010 between Jagdeo and the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez as part of an overall rice for-oil deal. Earlier in June, as president of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Jagdeo, addressing world leaders, pointed out that a combination of robust analysis, proof of action, and an informed and critical mass of countries which advocate for systemic international policy change can transform global policies into a reality rather than a vision. He was at the time speaking to member countries at the Green Growth Summit in Songdo, South Korea, and stressed that the world can ill afford failure at addressing global climate change. Recently, the Guyana government has been continuing its quest to equip every household with a laptop through its One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) programme. During one such distribution exercise, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds fittingly attributed the OLPF’s success to former President Jagdeo, who, during his tenure, recognised the need and importance of exposing the Guyanese population to ICT. On June 5, the former president received the honorary doctorate conferred upon him by Trent University in the United Kingdom (UK), which was his fifth such honour in recent years. Trent University, with a world-class reputation in environmental and resource sciences, water science and biomaterials, conferred the honour on Jagdeo in recognition of his global advocacy for averted climate change through avoided deforestation. Two days before that, Jagdeo, again on his global campaign to fight climate change, told a high-level Canadian audience that there must be incentives and strong regulations to fix the energy mix, decarbonise sectors, and chart a different pathway to development through a new global agreement. He was at the time one of several panellists at a Trent Centre for Biomaterials Research event. As a consequence of Jagdeo’s initiatives, Guyana is on track to become the world’s number one user of clean energy by 2017. Recognising a global champion of the environment, TIME magazine named Jagdeo a “Hero of the Environment” in 2008. In 2010, he was a recipient of the United Nations (UN) Champion of the Earth Award, and was asked to serve on the UN Secretary General’s High Level Advisory Group on Climate Finance. In 2012, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) appointed him high-level envoy for sustainable development in forest countries and a patron of nature. He is also now roving ambassador for the Three Basins Initiative. A very common notion exists about people sometimes not being respected on their own turf, but Jagdeo continues to be honoured and admired not only at home in Guyana, but also in the Caribbean region and beyond, although there are those few , sometimes subtle, sometimes overt, who are bent on tarnishing his image. But clearly such efforts have been unsuccessful. All the while, Jagdeo has continued to make significant strides postpresidency and gain even more international recognition as a global ambassador for the environment and for his native Guyana and the Caribbean region from which he hails.
Hindu devotees of Trinidad and Tobago fill this yellow silk sheet with their offerings before sending it down the Marianne River, Blanchisseuse, Trinidad, in devotion to Mother Ganga at the recent Ganga Dharra celebrations. (TT Guardian photo)
UK launches Gy$409 million agri project in Guyana
- targets non-traditional industry
T
he Agriculture Ministry has collaborated with the Department for International Development (DFID) to launch the Guyana Agricultural Diversification Project (GADP) as it seeks to ramp up production of nontraditional and aquaculture produce for export. The diversification project was launched on Tuesday at the Satyadeo Shaw Aquaculture Station at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara in Guyana. The aim of the initiative, according DFID Deputy Head Matt Butler, is to create over 1000 jobs for Guyanese and increase tilapia exports from 1000 kilogrammes to 12000 kilogrammes per week and non-traditional crops from 1000 kilogrammes to 16000 kilogrammes per week. DFID will be providing £1.3 million to support the project. However, there is an overall UK bilateral assistance to the Caribbean to the tune of £75 million between 2011 and 2015. He said the £75 million project is split into three categories. “One is governance and security, one is disaster risk reduction and climate change and one which this project sits under, that’s job creation.” Butler pointed out that the approach being used will
see Gy$4 billion being paid out based on results achieved from indicators that have been set out. “This is a very new type of working for us where payment by results will guarantee value for money,” he said. Meanwhile, Guyana’s Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy, delivering the feature address at the launching ceremony, said the availability of markets is what drives production. “Critical in this project is being able to enter the markets that exist at our door steps. The U.S. has just announced that utilising all their total capacity and the capacity that exist in American own aquaculture interest outside of America, they will still need more that 100,000,000 tonnes to meet their local demands, that’s a huge market. I just need a fraction of a per cent of that market for Guyana,” the minister noted. However, this means that Guyana has to build certain capacities such as sanitary and phytosanitary requirements so that local produce can be marketable on the international stage. The minister said Guyana also has to consider how in this environment, farmers can produce at a cost that still allows them to be com-
petitive. “The Ministry of Agriculture has mandated the Fisheries Department, the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute NAREI), the Guyana School of Agriculture, the Guyana Livestock Development Authority, to work together and I’m inviting CARANA as part of the DFID project to join us in the research to develop a locally produced feed that will allow our producers to be competitive at the market,” he pointed out. British High Commissioner to Guyana Andrew Ayre believes the programme will help Guyanese exporters to maximise their potential to tap into markets in the Caribbean, North America and Europe. He also highlighted that DFID will provide up to US$2 million in support for new investment in non-traditional agriculture and aquaculture, which will be disbursed in relation to the size of the area under cultivation. The GADP is expected to work at three levels, namely with farmers to introduce new technologies and raise productivity, streamlining the paperwork for investors and exporters and helping to build relationships with new markets and buyers. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)
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Major investments underway to support Guyana’s growing economy - President Ramotar assures Canada-based Guyanese
G
u y a n a ’ s President Donald Ramotar on Saturday updated members of the Caribbean media in Toronto on recent economic and political developments in his country. He explained that sustaining Guyana’s continued economic growth and maintaining political stability are key factors that help determine his administration’s approach to governing the country. He made the remarks at a press conference held at the Guyana Consulate in Toronto on Saturday, where he was accompanied by housing minister Irfaan Ali, who is also acting as tourism minister. The media briefing was chaired by Guyana's High Commissioner to Canada Harrinarine Nawbatt and facilitated by Sattie Sawh, Honorary Consul General of Guyana in Toronto. Ramotar was at the time in Toronto to attend the Guyana Independence Festival, which took place at Toronto's Centennial
Park on Sunday. Commenting on Guyana’s current political situation, Ramotar reminded that this is the first time in the country’s history that there is a minority government even though the number of seats gained by the combined opposition is just one more than the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP). This, he pointed out, places Guyana in a new political territory and presents a unique set of challenges. He lamented various constitutionally illegal attempts by the combined opposition to act as if they are one party when it suits their agenda. When asked what event or set of circumstances could make him seriously consider calling snap election, the president said if the rulings of the chief justice are not respected then this will leave him with limited choices. Turning his attention to economic development, the president noted that despite the
severe economic downturn brought about by the financial crisis in the major western countries, Guyana’s economy continued to grow very respectably over the past seven years. During this time the diversification of the economy resulted in the traditional sugar, rice and bauxite playing less significant roles. However, rice production is presently at its highest level in Guyana’s history. Mining in the gold sector continues to outperform other sectors of the economy. There has also been emergence of manufacturing, tourism, non-traditional agricultural and a rapidly growing service sector that is fueled by increased tourism. Minister Ali who currently holds responsibilities for tourism predicted that within the next five years tourism can be catapulted to the number three spot in terms of contribution to GDP. Meanwhile, Ramotar pointed out that existing infrastructure has its limitations but in-
vestments are ongoing to build new and improved network. These include the Marriott hotel, now under construction; expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport; a second roadway between Georgetown and Timerhi; a paved road from Linden to Lethem; a deep water harbor and electricity generation by the Amalia Falls hydro project. The completion of these projects, the Head of State assured would provide some of the necessary increase in infrastructural capacity needed for continued economic growth. He also emphasized that Guyana allocates 30 percent of its annual budget to the social sector which includes health and education. By comparison with the rest of the Caribbean, this is the largest budget allocation for these sectors, Ramotar boasted. He indicated that the establishment of the Guyana Learning Channel provides addi-
tional access to educational programming to the remote interior locations and greatly enhances the educational possibilities in these areas. Further, the president highlighted that Guyana has progressed from being a ‘heavily indebted’ country to ‘lower middle income’ according to statistics generated by the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) and the World Bank. More so, earlier this
month, Guyana was recognized as one of the few countries that have achieved its millennium goals to reduce poverty by halving hunger. Prime Minister Samuel Hinds was invited to headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome on June 16 to accept a special award in recognition of combating hunger and making outstanding progress in guaranteeing food security for its citizen.
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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending June 27, 2013
SNC-Lavalin still being reviewed for construction of Penal hospital in Trinidad - Canadian High Commissioner to TT
C
anadian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago Gérard Latulippe says a contract has not yet been awarded to SNC-Lavalin to build the Penal hospital because a due diligence review of the company is still ongoing. Latulippe, who returned to TT Monday, said the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) was doing a review of SNC-Lavalin, after which a decision would be taken about whether the company will be used for the multi-million-dollar project at Penal. He said: “The CCC is a crown corporation of the government of Canada and acts as Canada’s international contracting and
procurement agency. It supports Canadian companies to access international markets through government-to-government arrangements.” According to its Web site, the CCC reports to Parliament through the Minister of International Trade under Canada’s Financial Administration Act. Latulippe said where there was a business opportunity, the CCC would work with the Canadian company and a foreign government to execute government-to-government arrangements. However, he said, before the CCC went ahead with a project, it did a due-diligence review. “This consists of a thorough review of the
Canadian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago Gérard Latulippe
company in terms of financial, managerial, technical and corporate social responsibility capabilities as well as its commitment to ethical business practises. There must be a duediligence review before the contract is signed.
CCC’s participation in any arrangement is conditional to a positive result of the corporation’s due diligence of the company,” Latulippe said. He explained that the CCC had been working with the TT government over the past few years to develop the Penal hospital. “This facility falls under the auspices of a framework agreement signed between the TT and the Canadian governments to expand the corporation with regard to health care in 2012. Under the agreement the CCC and Udecott are designed as project co-ordinators for their respective countries,” Latulippe said. He added: “CCC and Udecott have worked together in development
of various options for the design and construction of the Penal hospital. The government of Canada, through the CCC, have put forward a proposal to the government of TT and that proposal was to be discussed and analysed. It was up to the Canadian government and Udecott to make a decision according to the framework agreement.” He added that the design phase of the project was almost completed. He said: “The CCC and Udecott are working on the development of a contract for phase two which is the construction and equipping of the hospital itself. It is important that the contract will not be signed until the CCC has com-
pleted its review on this company, as well as their commitments to ethical business practices.” He added that, “the review is ongoing and there will be no contract signed until it is completed.” He said too that citizens of TT would benefit from having a stateof-the-art facility. “They will have the highest international standard because Canada’s health services are highest in the world. It is expected that the construction part of the contract, including the sourcing of materials and labour will be done locally so this will create a significant number of jobs in the local economy,” Latulippe said. (Excerpt from TT Guardian)
Jamaica's 'first' crowd-funding website to be launched next month
J
amaica’s National's microfinance arm will next month launch a crowd-funding website that will allow entrepreneurs to access financing from people all over the world. The global portal,
isupportjamaica.com, was unvieled by JN Small Business Loans Limited (JNSBL) to hundreds of overseas-based Jamaicans at the recent 2013 Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay, St James.
According to JNSBL, the website will be launched to the public in July. The company said it is the Island's first crowd-funding website and will assist Jamaicans wanting to start a micro business to
Saniah Spencer, operations and development manager for community banking at the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) right, introduces a patron who attended the recent 2013 Diaspora Conference, to the new I Support Jamaica website, established by JNSBS’ microfinance subsidiary, JN Small Business Loans Limited. (Jamaica Observer photo)
raise funds to do so. With investors and venture capitalists scarce, enterprising business people are adopting the concept of crowd funding, which allows individuals and groups with good ideas to raise sizeable sums of money in small amounts from people around the world. JNSBL general manager Philip Bernard said the project is being implemented and managed through a strategic partnership between the company and the JN Group's philanthropic arm, the JN Foundation. He said the website emphasises the company's mandate to promote the development of the micro and small business sector, through access to financial services, and by extension, the Jamaican economy. "Our Jamaican landscape is lush with bright ideas that only require the necessary seed funding so that they can be
explored and realised," Bernard said, pointing out that many micro entrepreneurs continue to find it difficult to access start-up funds from traditional institutions because of their perceived high risk. "Therefore, as a social organisation, JNSBL has developed this approach to broaden access for all our micro entrepreneurs, because this is a critical sector of the economy that will indeed play a major role in shaping the future of Jamaica," he added. The site, which will also provide a platform for charities and philanthropists to raise funds for community projects, will allow civic-minded people anywhere in the world to donate funds or to lend money to entrepreneurs, the company said. Crowd funding reportedly got started in the late-1990s when the fans of Marillion, a
British rock band, raised money for a US tour. A wide range of industries, including alternative energy and even journalism, has adopted it. Foreigners have also used crowd funding to raise money for projects in Jamaica. All funds loaned will be monitored and managed by JNSBL, which has been in the business of lending to the micro and small business sector for more than a decade. Over this period the company has disbursed some 286,000 loans, valued at more than Ja$14 billion over the past 14 years. "There are many entrepreneurs with great ideas who simply need people and organisations that believe in them and are willing to provide support, hence we have established this facility to assist in honing those ideas into successful businesses," Bernard added. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
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week ending June 27, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com
Thousands attend Guyana Independence Festival in Toronto By Ravendra Madholall
C
anadian-based Guyanese came out in thousands to be part of their country’s 47th Independence Festival in Toronto on Sunday at the Centennial College facility in Scarborough. In attendance was President Donald Ramotar, who expressed profound pleasure to be a part of the commemoration and also told the overseas-based Guyanese that Guyana is making significant progress since his administration came in power in the country. In his feature address, Ramotar acknowledged that Guyana had passed through difficult times but through perseverance and support of the people, the economy has grown tremendously. “It [is] a great pleasure to be in Toronto and be part of the celebration; 47 years of independence really demonstrated the great people Guyana has produced and their hard work and commitment has paid
A section of the crowd that gathered on Sunday to be part of the Guyana Independence Festival in Toronto (Bobby Ramlagan photo)
great dividends; we have struggled but today and for the past two decades, there are a number of progresses being made, so we will continue to aspire for the betterment of our country,” the president said. He reflected on the harsh financial challenges that once plagued the country. “Over the last seven years the economy continued to grow though many countries were facing finan-
cial crises. During this time, the economic base broadened and we have moved rapidly away from the traditional sectors and saw the emergence of new segments of the economy, including manufacturing, agriculture and services,” Ramotar pointed out. While stating that, his administration continues to invest heavily in the social sector including areas of health, education, hous-
ing, water among others, the President explained that focus is being placed on upgrading infrastructure to aid emerging sectors. On this note, he referred to ongoing efforts in Guyana to upgrade and expand “new hotels, transportation system, the expansion and improvement of existing roadways (LindenLethem road) and the airport expansion, the deep water harbour,
cheap energy through the Amelia Falls Hydro Project among others.” Accompanying Ramotar to Toronto was Acting Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Irfaan Ali, who encouraged Guyanese living overseas to return home and explore the beauty of their native homeland. “Come back home and explore our beautiful country; we have abundance of natural beauties for you to come back and see; we have worked hard over the years to make Guyana a better place in all aspects of life; we have made tremendous progress in the field of tourism and infrastructure, health, education and many more so come back home to experience the changes we have made,” Ali urged. The Minister was also accompanied by a team from the Guyana Tourism Authority and several tourism operators in Guyana including representatives from Roraima Airways, Hurakabra Resort, and representatives from Fly
Jamaica, which will be operating out of Guyana at the end of the summer. Former West Indies captain and cricketer Sir Clive Lloyd was also part of the visiting delegation. Lloyd is now part of the country’s tourism sector as an ambassador. New GPC (Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation Ltd), Fly Jamaica, Banks DIH, Edward B Harry, Sterling Products, CGX, and Mohamed Enterprises were among the sponsors of the Guyana Tourism and Trade promotion. Meanwhile, Guyana’s High Commissioner to Canada Harrinarine Nawbatt and Honorary Consul General Sattie Sawh both expressed gratitude to President Ramotar and his team that travelled from Guyana to be a part of the event. The day’s activities included performances stage-show activities including the display of Indian, African, Amerindian and Chinese culture.
PM Kamla hands over electronic equipment as email probe continues requested a specific time frame for when the devices were used to send and receive emails. He also pointed out that information contained in the computer was very sensitive and confidential and it was the responsibility of the Prime Minister to preserve such information. It was at this point
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar talks with her attorney, Senior Counsel Israel Khan, left, and Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal on the stairway leading to the Police Administration Building after meeting with DCP Mervyn Richardson on the “Emailgate” affair Tuesday. (Kristian De Silva/TT Guardian photo)
I
n an act to show she had nothing to hide, Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar Tuesday made her way to the Police Administration Building, Port-of-Spain and handed over computer equipment and a cellphone to investigators probing the email controversy. Accompanied by American information technology (IT) expert Jon Berryhill, senior counsel Israel Khan, two advisers, and Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal, PersadBissessar spent close to two hours assisting the police. Persad-Bissessar received a letter last week from Deputy Police Commissioner Mervyn
Richardson requesting information on the type of equipment she used to send and receive emails between September 1 and September 31 last year. In response to the letter, Persad-Bissessar wrote to the police through Khan, her attorney, indicating that while she was willing to share information with them she wanted to have her IT expert and Khan present when she handed over the equipment for examination. The Prime Minister made good on her promise Tuesday when she arrived at Police Administration Building in her official vehicle, at about 2 pm, and was greeted by Richardson.
Two advisers Barry Paradath and Raydan Boodan assisted in carrying the equipment, which TT media reported as being two computer central processing units (CPU) and a Blackberry cellphone to the police. Persad-Bissessar and her team made their way to the fifth floor where they met with Richardson, Superintendent Baldeo Nanan, acting Inspector Sylvester and others. During the meeting, Persad-Bissessar was not interviewed but when the police requested that they be allowed to copy everything on the CPUs’ hard drives and her cell phone, Khan intervened and reminded the police that they had
that the request was turned down and Khan agreed, along with Berryhill, to allow the police to only copy the information they required as stated in their letter to the Prime Minister. While this was being done, the exercise was carefully monitored by Berryhill, who was hired by Khan to exam-
ine email documents disclosed by Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley last month alleging a conspiracy involving government officials, including the Prime Minister, and to ascertain if they were authentic. The report from Berryhill revealed the email documents were fake. (Excerpt from TT Newsday)
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University of Guyana workers begin indefinite sit-in T
he University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) began a sit-in exercise on Monday demanding a decision on unpaid contributions, untimely payment of salaries, and a slew of other issues affecting the effective functioning of the campus. University Vice Chancellor, Dr Jacob Opadeyi met with senior members of the association shortly, after they held a press conference last Friday where a number of issues were ventilated. Dr Opadeyi has since left the country and has indicated an interest in addressing those issues on his return. UGSSA President, Dr Patsy Francis told the media on Monday, however, that the unions
will go ahead and file the class-action lawsuit as indicated, since most of the problems are structural and inherent. UGSSA Vice President, Dr Melissa Ifill said the association had engaged the parliamentary political parties by starting a petition asking for a review of the structure and statutes of the university, particularly to address the deficient composition and functioning of the council. Dr Ifill stated that this intervention is proceeding apace. “We met with the parliamentary committee, we made oral presentation and our lawyers are currently preparing a written presentation to hand over to that parliamentary committee,” she explained. Dr Ifill said the asso-
Cash flow woes at LIAT
UGSSA President, Dr Patsy Francis
UGSSA Vice President, Dr Melissa Ifill
ciation will continue the process of requesting a bipartisan approach to resolving the problems at the university. “It’s a national entity that is critical to the country’s human resources. It’s absolutely essential that all hands come on deck to rescue this campus,” the researcher highlighted. Last Friday, the as-
sociation threatened to take legal action against the university’s administration for the nonpayment of several contributions deducted from salaries, including NIS, health insurance, pension schemes, PAYE, and credit union contributions. “All of these payments are not up-to-date and has had a negative
F
ollowing last weekend’s fanfare and celebration surrounding LIAT’s acquisition of the first of eight new ATR aircraft, cash flow problems resulting from the re-fleeting exercise have surfaced. According to reports from Antiguan media, LIAT management warned staff that June salaries may be paid late because of “severe cash flow constraints” – a direct result of shareholder governments’ failure to keep their promise to finance the purchase of LIAT’s new fleet. CEO Ian Brunton also put the various unions representing LIAT workers on alert last week that salary payments for June may be up to a week late. “While every effort is being made to process normal salary payments, there is a strong possibility that the company will not be able to effect salary payments for all categories of staff as scheduled,” a letter from Brunton to LIAT staff read. The memo continued that should payments be late, the delay was ex-
pected to be a few days but “certainly not exceeding one week.” Captain Carl Burke, chairman of Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA), said his organisation told LIAT’s management that it would only accept up to a two-day delay in payment; from June 26, when pilot’s salaries are due, to the 28th. “The month ends on Sunday 30th, and for individuals who have mortgage, loan payments, credit card payments, etc, they would start accruing unnecessary interest from July 1. As a trade union we can’t expose our members to that sort of hardship,” Burke said. “Failure to (make payment) and I am going to have to revert back to my membership to get some guidance on how we should proceed.” Chairman of the LIAT Association of Trade Unions Chester Humphrey said the Grenada-based Technical and Allied Workers Union, of which he is president, was also concerned about banks’ late fees. (Antigua Observer)
nouncement was met by widespread protest and a decision to embark on a sit-in until payment was made. However, at 11:30h last Friday, the staff was informed that salaries were payable as at 15:30h that day. In addition to payment, the researcher pointed out that there remains some very sore issues affecting the proper functioning of the university, including the unsanitary condition of the campus. “We will also reinforce our disgust by staging a picket daily from Monday to Friday until the deadline for a response from the university and if we receive no response, we will reassess and take further action,” Dr Ifill said. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)
THA seeks TT$4.95 billion for 2014 financial year
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CEO Ian Brunton put the various unions representing LIAT workers on alert last week that salary payments for June may be up to a week late
impact on the lives, livelihood, and benefits we were to be receiving,” Dr Ifill said. She stated that monies have not been turned over to staff in relation to leave passage, book, and research-related-allowances. Dr Ifill revealed that subsequent to a meeting with staff members, the association has also decided to stand in support of temporary staff, some of whom have not been paid since 2012 and others since February. “For some, this is their only source of income and they are in a crisis mode and we stand with them,” the union vice president said. She disclosed that it was only last Thursday that the staff was informed they would not be paid until June 25. She said this an-
he Tobago House of Assembly (THA) is seeking just under TT$5 billion from central government to run the islands affairs for the 2014 financial year. According to finance secretary, Joel Jack, TT$2.97 billion is proposed for Recurrent Expenditure and TT$1.98 billion under Development. Jack, in a near three-hour presentation Monday, unveiled the THAs 2013/2014 Estimates of Expenditure at a special sitting of the THA at the Assembly Chamber in Scarborough. The recurrent expenditure is broken down into four main areas: Personnel Expenditures TT$729.1 million; Goods and Services - TT$949.8 million; Minor Equipment Purchases - TT$71 million; and Transfers and Subsidies - TT$1.2 billion. In terms of the various Divisions of the THA, taking the largest chunk - TT$845.7 million - of the recurrent expenditure is the Health/Social Services Division. Other proposed allocations under the recurrent portfolio include TT$536.2 million. Division of Education/Youth Affairs/ Sport; TT$409.8 million Infrastructure/ Public Utilities; TT$381.5 million Tourism/Transportation;
TT$215.2 million Finance/Enterprise Development; TT$195 million Office of the Chief Secretary; TT$186.8 million Agriculture/Marine Affairs/Marketing/ Environment; TT$123.2 million Community Development/Culture; TT$31.5 million Settlements/Labour; TT$28.8 million Planning and Development; and TT$18.6 million Assembly Legislature. Jack told the House the recurrent estimates reflect an increase of TT$476.8 million over what was sought by the Assembly for the 2013 fiscal year, and some TT$1.2 billion over the actual revised estimates. He said three Divisions account for some 70 per cent of the increase in the recurrent portfolio Health/ Social Services, with an increase of TT$360.1 million; Tourism/ Transportation (TT$236 million); and Education/ Youth Affairs/Sport, an increase of TT$167.8 million. This increase can be explained by the additional appropriations needed for existing programmes; for expenditures that were previously excluded from the recurrent estimates for purely administrative reasons; and for new initiatives that reflect (the Assembly’s) development imperatives, the finance secretary asserted. In this regard, he
Joel Jack (TT Guardian photo)
said a significant portion of the overall recurrent budget for fiscal 2014 is derived from the fact that the Communitybased Environmental Protection and E n h a n c e m e n t Programme (CEPEP) and Senior Citizens Grant which were previously excluded from the THA budget package, have now been included. Together, these two areas account for some TT$161.2 million, he said. Additionally, Jack noted that transfers to the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA), which, like CEPEP and the Senior Citizens Grant, fall under the purview of the Health/Social Services Division, had increased by TT$105.8 million to TT$443 million, largely due to the further operationalisation of the new Scarborough General Hospital at Signal Hill.
Jack said the proposed TT$1.98 billion being sought by the Assembly under Development Expenditure, also reflects an increase of TT$255.9 million over the request for 2013 fiscal year, and TT$1.5 billion over the revised estimates. He argued that the Development Expenditure figures reflect the vision of the administration, as articulated in its election manifesto, and in the desire to accelerate the development of Tobago to new frontiers and horizons. Included in the proposed development estimates are TT$436 million for a housing and settlements programme, as well as TT$246.3 million for an islandwide roads and bridges development programme. (Excerpt from TT Newsday)
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Guyana-based Beharry group to sign major deal with Canadian company T he Beharry Group of Companies of Guyana will soon sign a multimillion-dollar partnership with a top company out of Newfoundland, Canada, a deal which the local business conglomerate was able to broker during a four-day Newfoundland Offshore Industries conference (NOIA) – Atlantic Canada’s largest offshore oil and gas conference. NOIA brings together more than 1200 delegates featuring leading global experts, top companies, and speakers to discuss opportunities for sharing best practices and exploring collaborative opportunities and the global future of oil and gas development. The Beharry group was part of a delegation, led by Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana and Suriname, David Devine, which included representatives from Suriname. As part of the NOIA visit, the delegates attended networking events and high-level meetings with key business and government interlocutors such as Newfoundland and Labrador’s Premier Cathy Dunderdale,
port the oil and gas sector in Suriname and Guyana. Understanding these needs is paramount for any country looking to equitably develop their offshore oil and gas sectors.
Valuable insight
At the NOIA Conference from left to right: CGX’s Tarachandra Khellawan, Suriname Port Authority head Andreas Talea, Beharry Group’s Suresh Beharry, Surinamese Natural Resources Minister Jim Hok, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana and Suriname David Devine, Suriname state oil company’s August Nelson, Adviser to Surinamese Natural Resources Minister Jay Bachoe, Neal and Massy’s Deo Persaud, Suriname state oil company’s Marny Daal Vogelland and Beharry Group CEO Anand Beharry
Natural Resources Minister Tom Marshall and St. John’s Mayor Denis O’Keefe. In a statement from the Canadian embassy in Guyana, Beharry Group Chairman Anand Beharry noted that the Beharry consortium was delighted to once again attend the oil and gas conference. He highlighted that the group’s attendance at the conference was important and would help to prepare Guyana to equitably exploit its oil and gas potential for the benefit of all Guyanese. Beharry pointed out that his company was impressed by the struc-
ture of the benefits and fiscal packages that the Newfoundland government had put in place. He also announced that the Beharry group was in negotiations to sign the partnership with the Newfoundland company. The group noted that a formal announcement would be made in the coming weeks. High Commissioner Devine coordinated the mission which included Suriname’s Natural Resources Minister Jim Hok, representatives from the state oil company STAATSOLIE, international conglomerates like Neal and Massy Group of
Companies, the Beharry Group of Companies, the Suriname Port Authority, CGX Energy Inc, and the Purple Consulting Group.
Oil and gas sector growth
As part of the visit, the delegation also attended technical presentations and toured worldclass facilities such as the Marine Institute Safety and Survival Centre that specialises in training for the offshore oil and gas sector and the marine terminal offshore facility, which services all of Newfoundland’s multibillion-dollar offshore companies. The delegation received first-hand in-
formation that would aid both Suriname and Guyana in preparation to staff the development of their respective oil and gas offshore sectors. Other top facilities visited by the delegation included the St John’s port facilities, the College of the North Atlantic, and the petroleum show which featured various businesses that evolved from local industries to service the growing needs of the Newfoundland oil and gas sector. Through this visit, members of the delegation were able to familiarise themselves with the support facilities that would be needed to sup-
Six Caricom countries put on human trafficking watch list
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ven as Caribbean Community (Caricom) governments, during the past year, have seemingly made efforts in addressing human trafficking, the United States says many of them have still not done enough in tackling the issue. In this nexus, in its 2013Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, the US Department of State placed six Caricom countries Barbados, Guyana, Haiti, St. Lucia, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago - on its Tier 2 Watch List. Another four - Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines - have been listed on the Tier 2 List. In distinguishing the two “lists” Washington defines countries on the Tier 2 Watch List as those whose governments “do not fully comply” with the minimum standards in its Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) but are making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with those standards, and the absolute number of victims of severe forms of trafficking is, among other things, “very significant or is significantly increasing”.
The US State Department has placed six Caribbean countries on its Tier 2 Watch List, with another four appearing on the Tier 2 List.
Countries on the Tier 2 List, on the other hand, are those whose governments do not fully comply with the TVPA’s minimum standards but are simply making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with those standards. The State Department said Haiti is a source, transit and destination country for men, women and children subjected to forced labour and sex trafficking. It says most of Haiti’s trafficking cases comprise the estimated 150,000 to half a million children in domestic servitude in households throughout the French-
speaking Caribbean country. In addition to experiencing forced labour, the report says these children are vulnerable to beatings, sexual assaults and other abuses by family members in the homes in which they are residing. Washington said “dismissed and runaway children” from domestic servitude make up a “significant proportion” of the large population of street children who end up forced into prostitution, begging or street crime by criminal gangs in Haiti. The report notes of documented cases of Dominican women in forced prostitution
in Haiti, and that Haitians are exploited in forced labour in the neighbouring Dominican Republic and elsewhere in the Caribbean, as well as in the United States. The report claims that Barbados is a source and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labour, stating that evidence suggests foreign women are “forced into prostitution” in the country. It said that in the past, foreigners reportedly have been subjected to forced labour in Barbados, with the highest risk sectors being domestic service, agriculture and construction. The State Department said legal and illegal immigrants from Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Guyana “appear to be vulnerable to trafficking” and the prostitution of children is “known to exist” in Barbados, where local and immigrant children engage in transactional sex with older men for material goods, “a phenomenon documented by UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) throughout the Eastern Caribbean.” (Excerpt from CMC)
Business leaders such as the Beharry Group and Neal and Massy also met with local entrepreneurs to gain valuable insight into how they grew their businesses to meet the supply demands of the oil and gas sector. Meetings with industry leaders also allowed the delegation a window into how the government and industry work together to effectively manage, promote, and regulate the oil and gas industry. High Commissioner Devine commented that he was pleased that the delegates took the time out to pursue the knowledge sharing that was gained from attending the conference. He stated that the best gift that countries could give to their citizens is the gift of equitable resources development whereby all citizens can share the wealth. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)
TT’s President Carmona to meet Pope Francis in Rome
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resident Anthony Carmona is due to meet Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic Church, on a State visit to Vatican, Rome, Italy next week. Carmona is scheduled to leave for Rome next Thursday, July 4, and will have an audience with the Pope on Saturday, July 6. According to reports from TT media, Carmona was invited to meet the Pope when he was listed by the Vatican as being among the few Heads of State who are followers of the Catholic faith. Carmona will make the official visit with his wife, Reema. It is reported too that Archbishop of Port-of-Spain Joseph Harris was last month notified by the Vatican of the invitation to Carmona to make the State visit. Carmona attends the Church of the Assumption, Maraval and St Theresa’s RC Church, Woodbrook, Trinidad. It will be the Vatican’s first invitation to a Head of State in Trinidad and Tobago, to visit the Holy See. Carmona will be afforded all of the protocols associated with a Head of State’s visit to the Vatican. Coincidently, Carmona leaves for Italy on the day his father, Dennis Stephen Carmona celebrates his 88th birthday. (Excerpt from TT Newsday)
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TT’s Integrity Commission members appointed; embattled chairman stays put F our members were appointed to the Trinidad and Tobago Integrity Commission on Monday; however, embattled chairman Ken Gordon remained in place. In a news release, President Anthony Carmona revealed the names of the members that will constitute the newly appointed commission. Retired Justice Sebastian Ventour; chartered accountant Seunarine Jokhoo; petroleum and environmental engineer Deonarine Jaggernauth, a returning member from the previous commission; and ophthalmologist and surgeon Dr Shelly-Anne Lalchan will join Gordon to get the business of the commission going. According to the statement from the President’s Office, “The oath of office will be ad-
ministered to the new members of the commission soon.” The new commissioners will have two main challenges on their hands as soon as they get down to work. The first is to investigate the controversial email scandal and the second will be to ensure they can carry out the business of the commission free of the ruckus and scandals that plagued previous commissions. The term of the last four members expired in March of this year and, as usual, appointing new commissioners has been as daunting a task for this president as it was for former President George Maxwell Richards, mainly because of the public scrutiny to which members in that position are subjected and citizens are often reluctant to volunteer to serve in that capacity.
TT’s President Anthony Carmona (TT Newsday file photo)
Former chairman of the commission Eric St Cyr resigned prematurely after disclosing information to the media of an investigation into Housing Development Corporation managing
director Jearlean John without first letting her know. Gordon succeeded St Cyr in the post. Another member of that previous commission, Ann-Marie Bissessar, became a con-
Opposition gets guided tour of Guyana’s hydro project site
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epresentatives of the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) which have both expressed reservations about Guyana’s Amaila Falls hydropower initiative were on Saturday given a guided tour of the project site and the access road. Describing the visit as timely, APNU parliamentarian Dr Rupert Roopnaraine said the coalition was pleased to have the opportunity to be on the ground, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said. “You see reports but it is only if you’re coming here to see what is actually happening, especially with some of the difficulties involved, that you grasp the project. From what I see reasonable progress is being made,” Roopnaraine is quoted by GINA as saying.
Excellent opportunity
APNU parliamentarian Joseph Harmon remarked that they had been afforded an excellent opportunity to see the road and challenges facing the contractors. “The fact that we have been able to see sections of the road has highlighted the need for government to make this kind of opportunity available
for us as members of parliament so that we can get a better understanding of the challenges they face in completing the project… We have asked questions and received appropriate responses.” The visit was deemed a signal of “gov-
progress on sections completed and his party will pronounce on its findings after a due diligence report is completed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and a second follow-up visit is done in the next three or four months.
troversial figure when it was discovered that she was the cousin of the husband of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, making her the prime minister’s relative (cousin-in-law). The opposition called for Bissessar to step down or to recuse herself from matters that were before the commission to investigate the prime minister. Bissessar recused herself when such matters came up. And now calls are being made from several quarters, including former deputy chairman of the Integrity Commission Gladys Gafoor, for Gordon to recuse himself from the email scandal matter which was brought before the commission by opposition leader Keith Rowley for investigation. The calls follow revelations that Gordon and the opposition lead-
Jamaican police force continues to root-out corrupt members
project. In April, the parliamentary opposition voted to cut funding for the Low Carbon Development Strategy programme under which money was allocated for the Amaila Falls project. Prime Minister Samuel
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Public Works Minister Robeson Benn briefing the opposition parliamentarians about the Amaila Falls Project at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport prior to them travelling to the site
ernment’s willingness to be more open with opposition members as it was unreasonable to expect their buy-in on a project of such magnitude”, without questions being asked, according to APNU parliamentarian Ronald Bulkan. For the AFC’s David Patterson, the site visit was “a timely and interesting effort to review the progress on the project and it was much appreciated”. He said he was pleased with the
Public Works Minister Robeson Benn, accompanied by his ministry’s top engineering staff, said it was essential for stakeholders to be aware of the efforts that are being undertaken to ensure Guyana’s largest ever project is successful. Minister Benn said the visit was put forward by President Donald Ramotar as a way to let the opposition members have a ‘look-see’ and understand the challenges faced in completing the
er met at the home of the chairman to discuss the purported email exchanges that allegedly took place between email addresses said to belong to Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan, works and infrastructure and local government minister Suruj Rattan Rambachan and Captain Gary Griffith, adviser to the prime minister on national security matters. While Rowley has made it clear he did not think Gordon should resign over the controversial meeting, he has not stated his position on whether or not Gordon should recuse himself from investigations into the email scandal that left both the opposition and the government in uproar and the country divided on the issue. (Excerpt from CaribbeanNews)
Hinds, who has oversight for the energy sector, had pleaded with the opposition not to cut the budget and explained why such a huge project should not be jeopardised. At the last post-Cabinet briefing, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon stated that amid significant challenges, the end-of-year deadline to complete the all-weather road to the project remains a target. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)
Jamaica’s National Security Minister Peter Bunting (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)
he Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Anti-Corruption Branch last year arrested and charged 51 of its members, as it continues to weed out corrupt members within its ranks. A total of 91 persons were charged, with the remaining 40 persons being civilians. National Security Minister, Peter Bunting, who made the revelation while contributing to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives recently said the move is in keeping with the JCF’s commitment to remove and eradicate the “blight of corruption from the Force’s reputation”. He noted that the JCF is dedicated to ensuring that those charged with upholding law and order “in our society demonstrate the highest lev-
el of professionalism and integrity in the performance of their duties”. Bunting added that some 14 members were retired in the public interest and 50 persons were removed from the force for acts that were considered unethical, or which breached the organisation’s Code of Conduct. He said this brings the number to about 400 persons, in the last four to five years, who have been separated from the JCF based on the efforts of the Anti-Corruption Branch. Additionally, Bunting noted that, in accordance with the vetting policy initiated by the Strategic Review, ethical interviews and polygraph examinations are conducted routinely, in order to facilitate promotion and placement of personnel in sensitive areas within the JCF. (JIS)
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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending June 27, 2013
APNU says it will restore GPL subsidy if progress is seen A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) said it will restore the Gy$5.2 billion subsidy for the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc only if progress is guaranteed. APNU’s Executive Member Dr Rupert Roopnaraine told a news conference on Monday that the coalition held meetings with the power company to discuss the restoration of the funds which were cut from its allocation. After the funds were cut, GPL said
it needed to raise tariffs to make up for the shortfall in financing for its capital project by an initial 17 per cent, but that percentage ballooned to a whopping 26.7 per cent. Amid public outcry at the proposed steep hike in rates, President Donald Ramotar instructed the GPL board not to implement the hike at the end of May, as it threatened, as he was sure something would be worked out with the parliamentary opposition.
Dr Rupert Roopnaraine
“The president’s instruction to GPL betrays a strong indication by
the administration that something may be yet done. And obviously, it would have to be done at the level of Parliament and I might take the liberty of identifying that engagements have been made with the parliamentary opposition and would have to continue,” Government spokesman Dr Roger Luncheon had said in announcing that the administration will re-engage the joint parliamentary opposition with the aim of restoring the axed funds from the
2013 national budget. Dr Roopnaraine made it clear that the APNU will continue to demand that GPL’s board of directors answer critical questions posed by the opposition. “We do believe that for us to come to a logical and national conclusion in relation to what we were asking of GPL is essential; … explain to us why over this length of time they have not make the kind of progress in relation to reducing commercial and
technical losses that one might have expected,” the APNU vice chairman explained. He reiterated that the coalition will not restore the funds if the power company continues to withhold crucial information regarding its operations. GPL Chief Executive Officer Bharat Dindyal maintains that the subsidy from government is critical in completing a number of outstanding projects at various locations countrywide. (Guyana Times)
Sagicor faces ratings downgrade Disgruntled Jamaican air traffic controllers to challenge gov’t MoU S
tandard & Poors Rating Agency has placed Sagicor Life and Sagicor Finance on CreditWatch with negative implications because of the inability of the Barbados-based insurer Sagicor to reduce its property and casualty business by selling its U.K.-based subsidiary, Sagicor at Lloyd’s. The rating agency has signalled that it would be prepared to downgrade the financial institution if it does not sell Sagicor at Lloyds within three months. In assessing Sagicor Life as ‘BB+’ Sagicor Finance as ‘BB’ rating (CreditWatch with negative implications), Standard & Poors said: “If Sagicor completes the sale in the following three months, we could affirm the ratings on the company. We would downgrade Sagicor if it fails to do so.” According to a statement from Standard & Poors, “On June 13, 2013, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services
Sagicor is a Barbadosbased insurer operating in several Caribbean countries
placed its ‘BB+’ financial strength and counterparty credit ratings on Sagicor Life Inc. and its ‘BB’ rating on Sagicor Finance Ltd.’s $150 million, 10-year senior unsecured notes on CreditWatch with negative implications. Our ratings incorporate our expectations that Sagicor will be able to significantly reduce its property and casualty (P&C) business. So far, the company failed to sell Sagicor at Lloyd’s, which specializes in P&C, but the company is still pursuing the sale. We would downgrade the company if the sale doesn’t materialize over
the next three months. Based on our analysis, if the sale is not completed within that period, our capital adequacy calculations will erode and the company’s bottomline results will continue to suffer losses in this business. If the sale is completed, our capital calculations and operating performance should remain in line with our expectations, and we could affirm the rating. However, due to the company’s large exposure to Jamaica (CCC+/ Stable/C), which recently restructured its debt amid a stalled economy, the outlook will most likely remain negative. We expect to resolve the CreditWatch on Sagicor within the next three months. We could downgrade the company if it fails to formalize the sale during this timeframe. On the other hand, if this transaction is completed we could affirm the ratings.” (Excerpt from TT Guardian)
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People check in at the Norman Manley Airport in Kingston, Jamaica, on Sunday. (Corey Robinson/Jamaica Observer photo)
he Supreme Court in Jamaica Sunday granted an injunction to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security putting an end to a near twoday strike by disgruntled air traffic controllers, which forced the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) to call out its contingency response team. The injunction came late Sunday afternoon, hours after controllers assigned to the Kingston Air Traffic Control Centre (KATCC) and the Norman Manley and Sangster international airports began calling in sick or 'unable to report for duties' — a pattern which began with the 7:00 am shift on Saturday. The Jamaica Air Traffic Controllers Association (JATCA) said its members were protesting against the "inequity created and the severe stress which has arisen from the imposition of the Heads of Agreement (2013) for public sector workers" on them. "After hearing an application filed by the minister of labour and social security today (Sunday), the Supreme Court granted orders against all the members of the Jamaica Air Traffic Controllers Association and its executive mem-
bers. The court granted orders restraining the Respondents and all members of the Association from commencing or continuing any industrial action in the form of withdrawing their services or otherwise," the JCAA said in a press release. However, Jamaican media reported Tuesday that the air traffic controllers were gearing up to mount a legal challenge to the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the government and nearly all categories of public-sector employees as a critical component of the standby agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). JATCA, through its president Kurt Solomon, acknowledged the move could have implications for the country, but said it has secured external "consultants" who have started researching the legality of "an agreement signed by other parties that we have no knowledge of or input in". "If needs be, it (MoU) may need to be challenged. Let's get real, it has afforded another group the privilege of negotiating on our behalf," Solomon told journalists Monday during a press conference at the St Andrew offices of JCAA. "It has removed and
stripped our rights as an association to negotiate for our members. So it is a step that has been made, as far as we are concerned, in the wrong direction," he continued. In 2010, the government signed an MoU that ran through 2012 with the unions, representing up to 81 per cent of all public-sector employees and again in March this year, covering the financial years 2012-2015. This allowed the Portia Simpson Miller administration to secure a labour agreement that enabled the country to meet one of the critical planks of the IMF deal to lower the country's wage bill to nine per cent of gross domestic product by 2016. But speaking against the backdrop of its current wage impasse with the government, Solomon argued that the MoU should have been prepared with careful examination about the impact it will have on all stakeholders. After a two-day sick out on the weekend which reportedly resulted in the cancellation of one flight out of the United States, air traffic controllers were back on the job Monday, in keeping with an order from the Supreme Court. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
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Canada helping to upgrade TT’s prison security T
rinidad and Tobago’s Justice Minister Christlyn Moore and Commissioner of Prisons Martin Martinez Monday met with senior officials from the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) to continue discussions on how to improve operations in TT’s prisons, implementation of restorative justice and the use of cellphone jammers to prevent inmates from making illegal calls. It’s all part of on-going co-operation between CSC and the Trinidad and Tobago Prisons Service, as per the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both parties in May 2012. Moore spoke with reporters shortly after meeting with CSC officials at the Justice Ministry, Tower C,
International Waterfront Centre, Port-of-Spain. “One of our critical matters is to develop a proper data collection matrix, a proper performance measure, that will allow us to account to the public for what is going on in the prisons, how the resources are spent, how they are allocated.” Moore also noted the importance of learning from CSC’s experiences when it implemented a restorative programme in Canada’s prisons, as well as the pros and cons of cellphone jammers. “We are interested in the Canadian model of restorative justice and how that was being implemented...As you know, we are moving towards jammers and grabbers. They have an interim position on this and so we were interested in seeing what could be used in
TT’s Prisons Commissioner Martin Martinez, right, speaks with Minister of Justice Christlyn Moore and Commissioner, Correctional Service of Canada Don Head at a press conference following biennial meeting between both countries (Abraham Diaz/TT Guardian photo)
conjunction with the jammers and grabbers, or what could be used prior to the implementation,” Moore stated. TT has nine prison facilities — Port-ofSpain, Carrera Island, Golden Grove, Arouca, Maximum Security Prison, Arouca, Youth Training Centre, Arouca
Guyana gov’t launches special training programme for hinterland youths
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he Youth Apprenticeship and Entrepreneur programme of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry was officially launched on Sunday in Santa Rosa, Moruca, Region One by the subject minister, Pauline Sukhai. The Gy$200 million programme will target more than 160 youths between the ages of 18 and 40 from the Mabaruma, Moruca and Mattakai sub-districts who will be engaged in training in a number of areas, including governance, health, education, sport, culture, and infrastructure. In the long term, the programme is set to not only aid selfdevelopment but community and national development. Minister Sukhai explained that community service officers will be at-
tached to areas of interest and competency they wish to develop. It is anticipated that at the end of the sixmonth attachment, the participants would have enough skills to set up their own business, secure a job, or even pursue higher education. They will be attached to health, education, sport/ culture, governance, and infrastructure agencies in their respective regions, and receive a Gy$30,000 stipend – the same as a volunteer teacher. For Region One, health and education garnered the most interest from prospective students. Minister Sukhai said that it is hoped that a new culture of volunteerism, support and solidarity will emerge from this initiative.
In this regard, the participants were urged to learn their native language or another indigenous language. This charge is in keeping with the ministry’s five- year strategic plan which has a language and culture component. Additionally, several persons from each community will be charged with developing sport and culture in their villages. Amerindian Affairs Ministry Permanent Secretary Nigel Dharamlall emphasised that the programme is a way of transforming, main streaming and integrating youths into the developmental process. This, he stated, is an approach that best describes a democracy. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)
and Tobago Convict Depot in Scarborough. The Justice Minister noted CSC’s advice was being sought on “strategic direction (for) physical plant.” “We are ‘drilling down’ there because we have been persuaded that some of our solutions in the prisons could be brought about by architectural changes...It is no secret that conditions at some of our nation’s prisons could be improved. Increasing prison populations coupled with outmoded prison rules and legislation have given rise to less than adequate conditions of confinement,” Moore said. Pressed for details on these changes, the
Justice Minister replied “some are minor and some are major. I don’t know that you can expect a new prison next year but I’m happy to continue this conversation with you in or about October.” “What I can say,” she added, “is that CSC travels to Tobago to look at the plant (prison) there and the site for the proposed new prison. They’ve also assisted by forwarding to us some of their layouts, so we are looking quite directly at the future of the prison plant.” Moore also told reporters some of the ongoing upgrades in the prisons would lead to improvements “to the security of the day-to-day ex-
perience.” Meanwhile Martinez noted CSC has used “cell phone-sniffing dogs” to find illegal cell phones, which was of interest to TT authorities. However he later said “this would require new training for our sniffer dogs and their handlers, perhaps new dogs, so that is not something we would be considering implementing anytime soon. Right now we are focused on getting the jammers and grabbers installed but I can’t give you a time frame on that.” Martinez noted that “the need for training in leadership and other competencies (and) the issue of a proper offender management system” were among the other issues discussed at Monday’s meeting. According to Moore, CSC will work with the Prisons Service to improve its correctional policies; correctional technologies; security intelligence; correctional programs; facility planning, layout and control; research and evaluation mechanisms, as well as provide training and leadership development for our prison officers. (TT Newsday)
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Gov’t courting COPA Airlines to ply Guyana route By Sabatini Daniels
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truggling to find an alternative to Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL), which has recently hiked its fares, the Guyana government is now courting COPA Airlines to service the local market, acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali said last Friday. At a press conference Ali announced that government has approached COPA Airlines, which is based in Panama, to examine the possibility of having that airline operate in and out of Guyana. He stated that there have been initial discussions with the airline
and as a result, a team from COPA Airlines is expected to visit Guyana soon, to analyse the market and to confirm its interest in a possible collaboration. The tourism minister also disclosed the possibility of a fourth airline coming into the country to operate before the end of the year as well; however, he remained tightlipped on the identity of the airline. Ali also noted that Fly Jamaica has indicated that before the end of July, it should commence operations in the country, which will ease the burden of Guyanese who are now wholly de-
The Guyana government has approached COPA Airlines, which is based in Panama, to examine the possibility of having that airline operate in and out of the Caribbean country
pendent on Caribbean Airlines. The minister said since CAL will be facing more competition, the air carrier should utilise this time to build customer loyalty, rather than focusing on taking advantage of the situation to increase travel rates. “So regardless of what happens, you will have a loyal customer base who knows that you are a good carrier and who know they can get a good price out of you… you can’t create an atmo-
sphere now where the prices are ridiculously high that persons lose trust and confidence in you, just because of your fares,” he stressed. Ali noted that the hike in CAL’s prices has been challenging, since summer is one of the peak visitor periods. However, he expressed hope that Fly Jamaica will pick up the slack, once it becomes operational in the country. “I’ll be very frank, I cannot wait until the competition comes in,”
he declared. In light of CAL defending its prices by saying late bookings mean passengers pay more, the minister added, “If you book late, early, half year, there is no way you can be paying US$1400 for economy-class tickets to the U.S., there is no way you should be paying US$800 for economyclass tickets to Trinidad. The Trinidadians don’t pay it – we should not be asked to pay it, it’s clear as that.” He said the government has received informal requests for CAL to be taken before the Caribbean Competition Commission for the hike in airfares, but did not disclose if it was contemplating doing so. Updating the media on ongoing talks between the governments of Guyana and Trinidad spurred by the fare hike, Ali said these discussions are coming along with mutual respect. Minister Ali also not-
ed that CAL should be congratulated in certain positive aspects of its operations. “When the gap was created when EZjet and Delta exited, Caribbean Airlines added on almost four to five additional flights and triple up the seats which come into Guyana,” he reminded. When questioned if Guyana is contemplating taking flagship carrier status from CAL, he said the issue should not be looked at giving and taking away. He underscored that Guyana derives certain benefits from the arrangement, such as direct flights out of Guyana – something tourists has been calling for a long time now. “So it doesn’t have anything to do with flag carrier… it has to do with the business model and it has to do with understanding how important this Guyana market is,” the Minister said. (Guyana Times)
Jamaica Teachers Association’s president bats for flogging in schools
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resident of the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA),
Clayton Hall, believes flogging should be retained in schools as a form of punishment in specific circumstances. Choosing his words carefully, Hall told the Rotary Club of Mandeville last Tuesday night that 18 years as an educator had taught him that corporal punishment was a useful disciplinary tool. "I am not indicating that all children should be flogged and I am also not saying that flogging must be the solution to all the problems we have. I am merely indicating that flogging or corporal punishment is for me a great deterrent to unwanted behaviour," he said. Hall told Jamaican media following his speech at the Golf View Hotel that in his view "no child over 15" should be flogged and the punishment should not be carried out by the class teacher or anyone "emotionally involved in the situation". Also, he said it should not be carried out immediately but only after a "process" to determine the appropriate measure and also to explain to the student the reasons for the punishment. In a question-and-answer session at the tail end of his presentation, Hall — who is principal of Spanish Town High in St Catherine — confirmed that he was voic-
ing his personal views on corporal punishment. He also made it clear that the Ministry of Education has a clear policy against flogging although the law still allows it in schools. He said the JTA has instructed its members to refrain from flogging children in order to avoid the possibility of legal action against them. He noted, however, that "there is illegality and then there is policy. The ministry's policy is to ban corporal punishment, so the association (JTA) has instructed its members not to perform corporal punishment because whenever it is done we recognise that whoever is the administrator ...could find him or herself on his own, without... legal backing". Late last year the Kensington Primary School in St Catherine was shrouded in controversy following a complaint by a parent that her nine-year-old had suffered corporal punishment. Down the years there have also been isolated reports of children suffering serious injury, as a result of accidents during flogging. Three years ago, a child lost the use of his eye after the buckle of a belt being wielded by a teacher accidentally hit him. That case is before the courts. Following the lat-
ter incident, then education minister in the Jamaica Labour Party Administration of the day, Andrew Holness, pledged that his government would seek to pass legislation rendering corporal punishment illegal in schools. Holness and others noted that corporal punishment is in breach of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child to which Jamaica is a signatory. Current Education Minister Ronald Thwaites, who took over as education minister following the People's National Party's election victory in December 2011, has been less assertive on the issue. In response to the case at Kensington Primary last year, Thwaites said: "A clear policy has been given to schools that corporal punishment is not allowed with the normal running of the school and this is consistent with the laws and regulations." In seeking to explain his own views on the matter, Hall told Rotarians in Mandeville last Tuesday that the formal removal of corporal punishment had left a "vacuum" in the system of administering discipline and had fuelled the practice of "reprisals" in schools. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
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Cops smash diesel racket in TT Guyana gov’t setting up
team to tackle cybercrime
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In the company of Customs and Excise officials, a national Petroleum official takes samples of the diesel found in buried bunkers in Sea Lots Saturday. (TT Newsday photo)
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olice in Trinidad and Tobago Saturday swooped down on Pioneer Drive, Sea Lots, and held two suspects caught transferring diesel from an unmarked white truck into one of four bunkers found buried just beside the seashore. Inspector Sahadeo Singh of the Besson Street Police Station said the police received information several weeks ago that persons from National Petroleum Marketing Company Limited (NP), gang members and other persons were stealing diesel from NP and supplying Caricom ships in
exchange for guns and narcotics. After weeks of surveillance, the police trailed a tanker (company named called) from San Fernando to Sea Lots and held the men while they were in the process of transferring the diesel to the bunkers at about 11 am. NP board member Rabindranath Lakhan, who was also at the scene of the illegal bunkering operation Saturday, estimated some 25,000 gallons of diesel in the bunkers. He said NP chairman Neil Gosine said the diesel was worth TT$4 million.
Singh said Saturday that police officers were conducting investigations in other parts of the country with regards to similar diesel operations. The exercise was co-ordinated by DCP Mervyn Richardson. Lakhan suggested that the suspects were selling the diesel via lines leading from the bunkers to the seashore. The suspects may have bought the diesel from NP and Unipet stations at TT$1.50 per litre to sell at US$1 per litre, he said, adding that this kind of thievery only served to bankrupt the country. (TT Newsday)
Jamaica, US team up on climate change
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amaica and the United States last Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will see greater cooperation between both countries on matters related to climate change and environmental best practices. The agreement will see the ministries of water, land, environment and climate change and science, technology, energy and mining collaborating with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to develop and promote environmental best practices. The programme of assistance will include a framework for the development of a Climate Change Policy, on which the Jamaican government is working. A Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) and a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) will also be developed under the agreement. J a m a i c a ’ s Environment Minister Robert Pickersgill and Energy Minister Phillip Paulwell signed the agreement on behalf of the government
of Jamaica at Jamaica House. Pickersgill noted that work has already started on the Climate Change Policy, adding that the Low Emission Development Strategy and the National Adaptation Plan would be developed quickly. "Under the Agreed Work Programme, the US government has pledged technical and manpower assistance to the Climate Change Advisory Committee; on the establishment of climate change focal points; a technical expert to conduct analyses and provide guidance towards a climate finance policy; knowledge sharing to facilitate government of Jamaica participation in International fora on climate change and sustainable development; and advice on trilateral co-operation with other countries in Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS)," Minister Pickersgill stated. The US government will also assist in identifying possibilities for joint collaboration and co-ordination in enhancing capacity for LEDS. Meanwhile, Minister
Paulwell pointed out that in addition to facilitating opportunities for Jamaica's development toward effective climate change and environmental protection, the MOU will facilitate greater collaboration between various agencies and the ministries. US Ambassador to Jamaica Pamela Bridgewater, who also addressed the signing ceremony, noted that her government was very happy to establish a partnership agreement with Jamaica and be part of a global movement where countries are taking practical approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Mission Director of the USAID, Denise Herbol, said the project is a flagship programme under US President Barack Obama's Global Climate Change Initiative. The initiative is tailored to each country's needs and has so far partnered with 21 countries, including Jamaica. "The programme will build on existing climate change related plans and strategies in Jamaica…," the mission director said. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
u y a n a ’ s E-governance Project Director Alexei Ramotar said that government is in the process of protecting itself against possible instances of cyber crimes. Ramotar disclosed that the Home Affairs Ministry is currently building a cybercrime team of experts with the intention of protecting government institutions. This move is in anticipation of the country being on the verge of an Information Communication Technology (ICT) revolution. According to Ramotar, government is also working closely with Caricom countries in putting together a legal framework that would be utilised throughout the Caribbean in an effort to establish a common platform of prosecution. Ramotar acknowledged that steps are also being made to iron out issues relating to the electricity sector, with the power company paying 35 U.S. cents per kilo watt per hour. “This is incredibly expensive, which is why government proposed the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project and also wishes to pursue a natural gas plant in the near future.” Ramotar mentioned that the idea behind it is to lower the cost of electricity to encourage major manufacturers and production industries which are utilising their own generators at a cheaper cost. Commenting on the reason the projects are only now being implemented,
Alexei Ramotar
Ramotar said the state is now in the financial position required for the funding of such projects. The e-governance programme started in 2006 when a plan was hatched for the development of the ICT sector in Guyana. “There was a big requirement for infrastructure and government came up with a plan to boost the infrastructural and human resources. The OLPF (One Laptop Per Family project) was designed to enhance this with the planned training programmes.” The aim of that project is to improve the infrastructure, to lower the cost of investment, improve access to the Internet, and the ability to access high speed Internet. Government decided to use fibre optics as the fastest way of transmitting through a highcapacity 2.5 gigabyte network, which can easily be upgraded. Huawei Technology, one of the leaders in fibre optics, was chosen to provide all the equipment for the project. In order to improve electricity in Guyana, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has a fibreoptic cable to be utlised for tele-
metric purposes. It is this that would allow the E-governance Project to “piggyback” on GPL’s fibreoptic cable and connect through routers in densely populated areas. Ramotar revealed that one of the hindrances that prevent industries from getting in is the ability to use fibre. “If you use free spectrum, you will have interference and if you buy spectrum, then it’s too expensive. So by eliminating the cost of investment, companies can provide services for the people instead of spending money on infrastructure,” Ramotar explained. Similar projects have been undertaken in Rwanda and Australia. Ramotar pointed out that government recognises the necessity of developing the ICT industry since traditional exports such as rice and sugar may not be as viable in the future. He revealed that the project is expected to be finished by September as teams are currently doing field tests at installation sites as well as checking for sites that require reinstallation. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)
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Guyanese-born man cops Canadian immigration award
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uyanese-born Canadian citizen Narine Dat Sookram has been named among the 25 top immigrants to Canada at the fifth annual 2013 RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards, presented by Canadian Immigrant Magazine. The awards celebrate the inspiring stories and achievements of immigrants to Canada. Sookram is wellknown in the Waterloo Region area as a social activist for his many years of providing assistance to newcomers to Canada, as well as for his longstanding cultural leadership within the CanadianCaribbean community. Founder and president of Active Vision Charity Association, which provides books and school supplies to Guyanese youth and promotes the West Indian’s rich culture, Sookram
said the secret to the immigration journey is all about balance. “You really don’t want to give up your own personal rich cultural values, but rather you want to respect and adapt the Canadian culture and be as open as possible, because the more open you are, the more possibilities you are giving to yourself,” he said.
Bright future
A winner of the Waterloo Region 40 under 40 Award and Guelph 40 under 40 Award, Sookram feels that empowering youth, in particular, is the key to ensuring a bright future for any country. “Youth are the leaders of tomorrow and this is something we have to be conscious of. Youth, especially in today’s world, are full of fresh ideas and, as a social service worker, it is my obligation to empower them,” he said.
Narine Dat Sookram
But he passes on his wisdom to newcomers of all ages, urging them to move out of their comfort zone and meet new people. “There are many resources available although sometimes they can be hidden. The key point is to know what you want and work toward it to achieve that goal through ongoing networking, keeping in mind that you will not be successful at every first try. Which is okay, because it gives you time to see what works and
what does not work. The bottom line is we are in control of own lives and the choices we make will determine [our] failures and successes,” he signs off. Meanwhile, NBA AllStar and philanthropist Steve Nash, dancer and choreographer Wen Wei Wang, physician and activist Izzeldin Abuelaish are also among the winners of the awards. “Winners are a diverse group, ranging from artists to philanthropists to entrepreneurs from a variety of ethnicities across the country,” said Margaret Jetelina, editor of Canadian Immigrant Magazine. “Each of these winners has an inspiring story about overcoming challenges and making their country a better place to live. We are proud to present our top 25 award to these very deserving recipients.” Over 600 nomina-
tions were received in just two months, from which 75 finalists were shortlisted by a panel of judges comprised of past winners and dignitaries. More than 30,000 votes were cast online, the highest number received in the award’s history. The Top 25 winners were slated to be honoured at awards ceremonies on June 20 in Toronto and on June 26 in Vancouver. The programme is proudly supported by title sponsor RBC Royal Bank and associate sponsor Chevrolet. The awards programme is also supported by the Toronto Star, Metro, Sing Tao, CBC Toronto and South Asian Focus.
Valuable contribution
“These winners are role models, not just for new Canadians, but for all Canadians who will be inspired by the valu-
able contribution these individuals have made to their communities,” said Multicultural Markets, RBC Director Paul Sy. “These extraordinary individuals are living proof that anyone can make a difference and contribute to the rich fabric of Canadian life.” The RBC Top 25 award winners will receive a commemorative plaque and a Cdn$ 500 donation towards a registered Canadian charity of their choice. “The Canadians recognised by the RBC Top 25 Immigrant Awards are passionate, innovative and resourceful,” said General Motors of Canada, Sales, Service and Marketing Vice President Marc Comeau. “At Chevrolet, we are proud to celebrate these remarkable individuals and their ability to inspire others to reach for their dreams.”
Guyana eyes coconut water brand T
he Agriculture Ministry is looking to establish a Guyanese brand of coconut water recognised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) as a health drink.
According to Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy, Guyana is presently working with the FAO, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and
the governments of Brazil and Mexico to develop the coconut industry, which utilises the third largest acreage of cultivated land after rice and sugar.
Training programme
Noting Mexico’s suc-
cess in the area, Minister Ramsammy stated that Guyana is presently concluding arrangements with IICA to send a Guyanese professional to that country to undergo a two-month training programme in all aspects of the coconut industry. He noted that in the streamlining of the coconut industry, there is the possibility of developing virgin coconut oil for export and using shells to develop energy so that there is no wastage. In this regard, a coconut exposition was planned to further promote the commodity locally. The inaugural Coconut Exposition hosted by the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (New GMC), brought together agencies and departments within the Agriculture Ministry, as well as other stakehold-
ers, to promote products and services in the coconut industry. The expo saw participation from agencies such as the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), the Craft Producers Association, and coconut farmers. It was noted that the objective was to create greater awareness and promote the market opportunities that exist for coconut and coconut products. Some of the products that were on display included extra virgin coconut oil, coconut water, canned coconut cream and milk, coconut craft, wine and coconut dishes among others. Coconut industry in
Guyana has been identified as one of the sectors with huge potential for further development. The coconut already exists in Guyana as one of the key non-traditional crops and its production relies on Guyana’s comparative advantages in terms of land, water and labour. Coconut delivers a very wide variety of products, including coconut water, coconut oil, coconut milk and dried coconut, which are all in demand regionally and internationally. Guyana, at the beginning of this year had produced between 90 and 100 million coconuts per year, which approximates to some 70,000 tonnes and the world export market for coconut products, is about US$6 billion, while Guyana exports nearly US$ 3 million in coconut products. (Guyana Times)
Jamaican gov’t to earn big bucks from the sale/lease of state lands
Jamaica’s State minister for Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change, Ian Hayles
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he government of Jamaica stands to earn some Ja$64 million in potential revenue from the sale or lease of state lands to 38 applicants whose submissions have been approved. State minister for Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change,
Ian Hayles, made the disclosure while making his contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in the House last Tuesday under the theme 'The Urgency is Now!' Hayles disclosed that the 38 approved applications were shortlisted from 71 processed by the government's Land Divestment Advisory Committee during the 2012/13 fiscal year. He explained that 41 were originally shortlisted from which the 38 were recommended and two were not. He said that the outstanding applications of the 41, along with the remaining 30, "were deferred for further information or clarification." Hayles assured that as the administration seeks to "broaden the land ownership base," steps have been taken to ensure that the divestment process is undertaken in a "fair and transparent manner". (JIS)
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Antiguan urologist performs breakthrough medical procedure
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e n o w n e d A n t i g u a n Urologist Dr Dwayne Thwaites has made history in the British Virgin Island (BVI) by successfully conducting the island’s first double surgery to correct severe erectile dysfunction and a urinary problem. The operation was
the second part of a double procedure on the patient. Both procedures were conducted at the Bougainvillea Clinic in the BVI last week. Thwaites first implanted an artificial sphincter to control the urinary continence. Erectile dysfunction has many causes such as diabetes, increasing
Urologist Dr Dwayne Thwaites (Antigua Observer photo)
age, and radical prostectomy or radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Thwaites said the procedure is a very good one and satisfaction rates with the prosthesis are very high. Typically 80-90 per cent of men and their wives are satisfied by the results. He, however,
stressed that a patient must be very careful after an operation to avoid infection. “The most important thing is to make sure that they are infection free. That is the downside to many of these procedures,” he added. The prosthesis is implanted with an antibiotic coating to prevent
an infection. BVI authorities report that the surgical procedure went smoothly and the patient was discharged the same day. The British Virgin Islands is the only territory in the Eastern Caribbean to attempt such a medical procedure. (Antigua Observer)
Guyanese scholar now president of university in Georgia
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r Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith, provost and senior vice president at York College of the City University of New York, has been named as the ninth president of Fort Valley State University by the board of regents of the University System of Georgia. The board’s vote was unanimous, a release stated. Griffith will assume his new post on July 22, according to board chairman “Dink” NeSmith. “Dr Griffith was the outstanding candidate,” said NeSmith. “He has this board’s full support to provide the leadership Fort Valley State University needs at this moment. We are excited about his presidency and delighted he will become the university’s next president. This is a great day for Fort Valley.” University System of Georgia (USG) Chancellor Hank Huckaby said, “The board of regents has made an outstanding selection for the next president of Fort Valley State University. Dr Griffith is an accomplished scholar
Dr Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith
whose career and academic training will take this institution to a level of achievement and quality so critical in the global world of tomorrow. I and the other members of my staff are totally committed to supporting President Griffith
as he leads the students, faculty, and the extended Fort Valley community into the future. I know all who are committed to assuring a successful future for the university will lend their support to President Griffith’s administration.” Griffith has served as provost at York College since 2007 and during his tenure has increased the number of full- time faculty by 30 per cent, reorganised the academic division, and enhanced the research and scholarly climate by creating a Provost Lecture Series and a companion Distinguished Scholar Lecture Series, among other initiatives. Griffith also has established an undergraduate student research programme. Before being named provost at York College, Griffith, in addition to his teaching duties as a tenured professor of political science, served as provost at Radford University in Radford, Virginia. He was budget dean of the College of
Arts and Sciences at Florida International University in Miami, as well as dean of the FIU Honours College.
Studies in Germany. He has testified before the United States Congress on Caribbean security matters.
Griffith is a specialist on Caribbean security, drugs, and crime. In this capacity, he has been a consultant to Canada’s Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ministry, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and other organisations. He also has spoken at military academies across the United States and in the Caribbean, and serves on the editorial board of the journal Security and Defence Studies Review, which is published by the Centre for Hemispheric Defence Studies, in Washington, DC. A past president of the Caribbean Studies Association, he has been a visiting scholar at the Centre for Hemispheric Defence Studies, the Royal Military College of Canada, and the George Marshall European Centre for Security
Griffith has published seven books and more than 50 articles on his area of expertise. The research for his highly acclaimed book, ‘Drugs and Security in the Caribbean: Sovereignty Under Siege,’ was funded by the MacArthur Foundation, and his eighth book, ‘Challenged Sovereignty,’ will be published next year by the University of Illinois Press. Griffith earned a bachelor of social sciences from the University of Guyana, a master of arts degree in political science and public administration from Long Island University, New York; and a master of philosophy and doctorate in political science from the City University of New York. He also is a graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s educational leadership programme.
Distinguished
Publications
Thieves clean out former Jamaica football head's bank account
I
dentity thieves ravaged the bank account of a prominent Jamaican senior citizen, hitting it 38 times over one weekend recently. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were extracted from the account of former president of the Jamaica Football Federation, Locksley Comrie, when his debit card was cloned, a situation that has pushed him against the ropes as he now struggles to survive. To compound the problem, there has been bad blood between Comrie and the bank which holds the account, as the institution had initially, in the victim's view, not been co-operating. Things have apparently improved since Comrie retained the services of one of Jamaica's prominent lawyers, he told the Jamaican media last week. Not only was money withdrawn from the ac-
count, but several pointof-sale transactions were made against his account between May 18 and 19. Comrie only found out that something was amiss when he went to withdraw money from the account on May 20. "There was no money in the bank account when I went there," Comrie said. Cash withdrawals were made from four Automated Teller Machines (ATM), and business conducted at point-of-sale locations in wider Portmore, St Catherine, with a heavy concentration on the Port Henderson section of the populous community. The senior manager, who spoke on condition that his name is not mentioned in this article, said that identity theft was affecting almost every financial institution in Jamaica, adding that Comrie's case, though
unusual regarding the regularity of the transactions over the period, was among an increasing trend of skulduggery. "We are looking into the matter and hope to have it settled soon," the official said. Last year, former head of the Fraud Squad, Senior Superintendent Clifford Chambers, said that identity theft was rising rapidly in Jamaica. "The biggest issue right now is identity theft. It is big. It's not because of money, but because of the implications that it has on a person. It's like taking over one's persona," said Chambers, who now heads the Organised Crime Investigation Division. "Persons who do not effectively secure their PIN (personal identification number) are susceptible to that. There was a system where-
Hundreds of thousands of dollars were extracted from the account of former president of the Jamaica Football Federation, Locksley Comrie, when his debit card was cloned
by they would put some kind of device at some of these machines to capture your PIN when you enter it. What we find is that the reconfiguration of some of the ATMs [now] guard against that," Chambers said. Police statistics re-
vealed that there were 549 reported cases of fraud in 2010, 574 in 2011, and 602 last year. There is an average clear-up rate of 44 per cent, although in 2011 the clear-up rate was 68 per cent. A cleared-up matter is one in which
an arrest has been made. Fraud-related complaints, according to the police, amounted to over Ja$2 billion in the last four years, and more than US$6.5 million over the same period. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
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Jagdeo to lead Commonwealth Non-energy sector to drive growth group on climate finance
C
ommonwealth Secretary General K a m a l e s h Sharma has announced that former President of Guyana Bharrat Jagdeo will lead a high-level team of experts to identify solutions for unlocking resources to enable small, poor, and climate-vulnerable Commonwealth countries to combat climate change. Sharma said Jagdeo will be joined by eight others to press the international community to help identify practical solutions for those countries most vulnerable to climate change. “I am pleased to announce that His Excellency, former President Bharrat Jagdeo has accepted to chair a new Commonwealth Expert Group on Climate Finance,” Sharma said, according to a Commonwealth Secretariat release. “Together with eight others, the group will tackle how best to access resources to support low-emission and climate-resilient development in small and cli-
Former President Bharrat Jadgeo
mate-vulnerable states,” he added. The secretary general said that the Commonwealth Expert Group on Climate Finance, convened under his good offices for the environment remit, will present its report to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka in November 2013. Speaking from Georgetown, Jagdeo said he was delight-
ed to accept the invitation. The former president said: “Some of the most climate-vulnerable people in the world are in our Commonwealth. Millions of people are in danger – the magnitude of the challenges they face is overwhelming and they cannot face those challenges solely from their own resources. “Over the years, many pledges of assistance
have been made – but we have not seen enough action. I hope that the Expert Group can identify ways, both to identify financing at a scale that matches the problem, and also to enable Commonwealth heads of government to take specific actions to enable financing to be deployed in a way that rapidly gets to the people who need it.” Sharma said that the Commonwealth Secretariat is facilitating the gathering of evidence on good practices in climate finance through its online workspace for professional communities of practice, Commonwealth Connects: www.thecommonwealth.org/climatefinancecfe. To provide further opportunity for dialogue with the Commonwealth Expert Group on Climate Finance, there was an official launch of the Commonwealth Network on Environment and Climate Change at Marlborough House, headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat, in London from June 25 to 26.
2010 census reveals declining Caribbean population – Caricom T he Regional S t a t i s t i c s Programme of the Caricom Secretariat has released worrying figures which indicate a steadily decreasing population within certain Caribbean territories. Senior Project Officer Hortense Fraser presented the key findings from the 2010 round of censuses in the Caribbean as part of the observances of International Year of Statistics 2013. She stated that any decreasing population size will amplify the effects of an ageing population consequentially affecting the dependency ratio. Fraser noted that a decline in population numbers also translates to a diminished workforce and an abandonment of infrastructure as demand decreases. According to the project officer, this also means an increase in taxation as well as possible social, demographic and economic problems. She disclosed that the social policy problems may be related to addressing the underlying causes, particularly emigration, as well as low and declining fertil-
ity rates. Fraser noted that the findings highlight the need for further in-depth studies into the causes of the population decline.
Preliminary results
The findings are largely based on preliminary results and there was no data available for Haiti, Barbados,
was the only country to experience a population decrease in the year 2000-2010. Jamaica recorded a significant population increase of almost 200,000 people between 1990 and 2000 and another increase of just under 100,000 people between 2000 and 2010. The
into the year 2010, with the female population outnumbering the male. Belize was the only country recording a greater number of males than females. Fraser revealed that Jamaica and Trinidad continued to have the largest populations in the Caricom, while
Jamaica recorded a significant population increase of almost 200,000 people between 1990 and 2000 and another increase of just under 100,000 people between 2000 and 2010 (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)
Guyana, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in 2010. Fraser detailed that the population sizes increased over each successive census in all countries except Montserrat, Dominica, and St Vincent whose populations all declined in the 10- year period 1990-2000. St Kitts
Bahamas and St Lucia also recorded significant population increases, as well as Bermuda and Anguilla.
Gender
The population of girls and woman was greater in most countries in 1990 and the same pattern obtained with respect to the year 2000. This trend continued
Montserrat, Anguilla, and the Turks and Caicos continued to record the smallest populations. The total population increased in each successive census in all countries except Dominica, Montserrat, St Vincent, and St Kitts, which was the only country with a negative net growth in 2010.
in TT - banker
Marla Dukharan, Group Economist for RBC Caribbean, speaking at the bank's breakfast seminar for the Chaguanas business community recently at Kampo Vibes Restaurant, Chaguanas. (TT Newsday photo)
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his year, growth in the Trinidad and Tobago economy is likely to be driven by higher output from the non-energy sector, as the energy sector continues to underperform. Marla Dukharan, Group Economist for RBC Caribbean, speaking at the bank’s breakfast seminar for the Chaguanas business community last Friday, said the non-energy sector’s growth during 2012 was encouraging and was expected to continue in 2013. “Prior to 2008, there was a stronger growth correlation between the energy and non-energy sectors. Post-crisis, we are seeing declines in the energy sector alongside relatively stronger growth in non-energy,” Dukharan said. Output from the nonenergy sector has been displaying a lot less volatility and more positive growth since 2011, as opposed to the declines that we are seeing in the energy sector, which are mainly due to maintenance related shutdowns. Additionally, a greater proportion of central government current revenue has been derived from the non-oil sector over the past few years.” She said that the government’s expenditure could be responsible for the positive momentum TT’s seeing in transport, storage and communication, manufacturing, construction and agriculture. “It is possible that economic diversification is taking root, or it could be that high levels of government expenditure are propelling economic activity in the non-energy sector. We have seen central government expenditure on transfers and subsidies
reach TT\4.5 billion for the month of March 2013 alone, while capital expenditure is just a fraction of this,” she said. At RBC, globally and in the 20 markets across the Caribbean that it serves, the bank has placed more focused care and attention to individual and business clients as part of its ongoing commitment to serve their needs. The breakfast meeting is part of a wider series of events being hosted by RBC’s Business Banking unit which is headed by Patrick Kelly. Also speaking at the event was Natalie Mansoor, Head — Asset Management, RBC Investment Management (Caribbean) who provided key insights to the attendees on the importance of diversifying their portfolios. “It’s good to look at your portfolios, particularly when they include businesses and properties to see what the common risks are. When looking at your portfolio you can use financial assets to help you diversify, so that you can mitigate against some of these risks,” Mansoor said. “One of the risks you can consider is geographic exposure, you can have very diversified business, in terms of the type of businesses, but if they are all in the same geography then you have a common risk. If anything happens within that geography it will affect all those businesses regardless of the type of businesses that you have.” Mansoor highlighted the differences between bonds and equity investments giving clients a clearer understanding of how to decide which option was best for them and how they can be used to diversify their portfolios. (TT Newsday)
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Canadian-funded Caribbean initiative resumes as new director takes charge
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he Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)-funded Caribbean Local Economic Development Project (CARILED) is back on stream after it was suspended when its former head Dr Naresh Singh was caught up in a conflict of interest scandal. Guyana has since appointed its own local director and has been advertising for local development officers to work in the various regions as part of the programme.
New appointee
The new head of the Caribbean project is Alix Yule. Yule has more than 20 years of experience in the field of international development in the continents of South America,
Africa and Asia. During an interview, Guyana’s Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud said Yule took office in March 2013 and is stationed in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. He said the transition in directors had taken a toll not only on Guyana, but participating Caribbean states. On the local arena, Guyana has appointed a new national coordinator for the CARILED initiative, Dhanraj Singh after Parmanand Chandernauth demitted office. Currently, the CARILED national coordinator is in the process of recruiting local economic development officers (LEDOs) who will form a critical part of the programme when it
ing to www.rp-canada. net, some of the recent allegations made against Dr Singh have been confirmed as false, unfounded and misleading. Dr Singh is very pleased to know that his name is being restored. After several months of being dragged through the mud, at considerable cost to his career and reputation, things are getting cleaned up. Dr Naresh Singh
comes into full swing. Interested persons have until June 27 to apply for the positions of LEDOs in Regions Two, Three, Four and Six. According to the minister, the selection process for LEDOs across the selective regions will be completed by July 15. Meanwhile, accord-
False allegations
A series of allegations has been found to be completely false, unfounded and misleading. Relevant parties have dispelled the malicious accusations. These are: funding to CARILED being suspended as a result of the investigation into Dr Singh. Actually, the
CARILED work is proceeding normally; Singh may have been in conflict of interest when he accepted a Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) post as director; on fact, Dr Singh won out fair and square in an open competition that had almost 200 applicants; and Singh left his job with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) under a cloud. In truth, he was highly recommended by these employers to his new position. CIDA referenced Dr Singh’s outstanding work for them and provided a solid reference for Dr Singh’s application to the post of deputy secretary general at the Caribbean Community (Caricom). Recent negative
claims refer to Dr Singh’s work at CIDA in 2010. Ironically, this was the year that saw a host of nominations for Dr Singh to be considered as an Outstanding Canadian Public Servant. The nods were given by colleagues as well as senior Canadian and international public officials. Dr Singh is now looking forward. His plans for the future include visiting professor at O P Jindal Global University in India; collaborative projects in the realm of international development on the legal empowerment of the poor, local economic development and sustainable livelihoods; and writing a book about inclusive and equitable prosperity. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)
Caribbean needs true partners
Guyana, Jamaica, TT among Caribbean states to get IDB help to improve crime data - bankers urged at CIBC FirstCaribbean forum
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uyana is among six Caribbean countries that will conduct victimisation surveys in an effort to improve the scope and depth of their crime statistics, with the aim of securing better information to implement evidence- based policies that combat violence. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) announced last Thursday it will provide a US$ 1.1 million donation to bolster the capacity of Barbados, Jamaica, The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Suriname to gather and process data on crime. The programme will also determine where the data gaps are and, if needed, conduct additional surveys to fill these gaps. The announcement came as top officials from the ministries of security and health gathered for a two-day seminar in Washington to discuss using data to design, implement, and evaluate public policies on crime prevention.
Violence
Violence has become a key obstacle to human and economic development in Latin America and the Caribbean region, and is cited by citizens in surveys as a top concern for their wellbeing, surpassing the jobs, healthcare and other issues. The IDB has provided over US$ 90 million to support citizen security programmes in the Caribbean region in recent years, but countries lacked the data to design
programmes whose effectiveness can be measured and corrective steps taken if necessary. “The availability of survey data, and of data that is harmonised among countries, is limited and difficult to obtain,” said Nathalie Alvarado, who coordinates the IDB’s citizen security programmes. “Victimisation surveys and data from hospitals, for instance, can complement traditional datasets from the police. This will give us a much better picture of the causes of violence and its impacts, including intra- familial violence.” The initiative will provide data that allows policymakers to take into account gender and age issues in their programmes to prevent violence. “While crime in general is a major challenge for the Caribbean region, women and youths have been disproportionately impacted and will be a central focus of this project,” said Gerard Johnson, the manager of the Caribbean Department of the IDB. Johnson said many women and youths are reluctant to denounce abusers, making it difficult for policymakers to enact effective programmes based on hard data. In addition, the programme will provide funding so that two Caribbean countries can join the IDB’s Regional System of Standardised Citizen Security Indicators, which aims to harmonise data among 18 countries and cities in Latin America.
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nternational commercial banks with a presence in the Caribbean have been urged to be true partners to the government and people of the islands in which they operate. Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Perry Christie, made this appeal as he addressed the first CIBC FirstCaribbean Infrastructure Conference last Thursday at The Atlantis Resort in The Bahamas. The event brought together representatives from government and government agencies, multilateral institutions, financial advisors, developers and investors to discuss strategies in pursuing private-public partnerships. He later insisted, “While the government must necessarily play a pivotal role going forward, I do believe that there is a critical need for involvement of the private sector in the further development of our economy and society which, in many respects, can be characterised as a social responsibility. CIBC describes infrastructure as a “core business” globally and the bank has received several awards for its work in infrastructure and project finance. This month, CIBC was once again named as the strongest bank in Canada and North America and the third strongest bank in the world by Bloomberg Markets Magazine.
Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Perry Christie
Since 2006, CIBC has been the majority shareholder, with a 91.5 per cent stake in CIBC FirstCaribbean, the largest, regionally-listed bank in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. It is a track record that is expected to lend significant support to the subsidiary’s infrastructure undertakings in the region. During her welcome remarks to open the conference, CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Managing Director for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, Marie Rodland-Allen, outlined the regional bank’s role as a lender in a US$55 million senior secured credit facility for new
Curacao wind park, a project that represents a total investment of US$74 million in a renewable source that generates almost 20 per cent of Curacao’s annual energy demand, she said. “Additionally, CIBC played a major role as joint lead arranging bank and local placement agent in the US$265 million financing for the re-development of the Sir Lynden Pindling International Airport right here in the Bahamas,” she continued. “Through our capital market and corporate investment teams, we have been at the forefront of providing many of the solutions to large
corporates and sovereigns that have been recognised as among the most creative and impactful to our region. The expertise that exists in the Caribbean is backed by the strength and experience of our parent CIBC.” Meanwhile, the Bahamian PM further appealed to the private sector to be sympathetic to the political dimension in which governments must operate. According to him, each side must understand the limitations and the challenges of the other and respect the issues on which there could be no compromise. (Excerpt from Barbados Advocate)
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unday turned out to be a full day of fun and excitement for thousands of Canada-based Guyanese who gathered with their friends and family to be a part of the Guyana 47th Independence Festival held at the Centennial College Progress Campus, Markham Road & Progress Ave., Toronto. The day’s attraction included a packed cultural show, exhibition showcasing a variety of Guyanese products, businesses, craft, foods and more as well as cricket competition. Head of State Donald Ramotar, Firstlady Deolatchmee Ramotar, Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali and several other government functionaries were present at the event along with Honorary Consul General Sattie Sawh and her staff, which spearheaded the festival in Toronto. Here are a few scenes from the festival. (Photos courtesy: Bobby Ramlagan)
President Donald Ramotar and Firstlady Deolatchmee Ramotar share a light moment with patrons at the Festival.
An Amerindian dance troupe from Guyana perform a cultural item on stage
Beharry Group of Companies exhibitors showcase some of their products in Toronto
Patrons turned out in full numbers to be part of the day of fun
President Donald Ramotar shares a photo moment with members of one of the cricket teams that participated in the day’s activities
An Indian cultural performance
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week ending June 27, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com Pestle from nigeria (Jamaica Gleaner photos)
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eople from different parts of the world can respond to the same story if it says something to them about their own history and their own experience," said Nigerian author Chinua Achebe. A small fable from his homeland is being etched in a section of the African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica in downtown Kingston. It's a story of the African nation's rich history, the artefacts reminiscent of the tribal rituals, prehistoric caricatures, culture and usage. "Jamaica has inherited a lot from other cultures, particularly the African culture," said Maxine Watson, librarian at the African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica/ Jamaica Memory Bank. "The commonalties can be seen in the food, dance, music, and even some of our beliefs and proverbs," Watson continued. "The exhibition captures symbols of Nigerian cultural retention in Jamaica, specifically the Ettu people of Westmoreland and the Naggo of Hanover." The exhibition, 'Unearthing a Legacy: Nigeria Uncovered', has a collection of West African masks, including the Gelede masks which are said to embody the spirits of Egungun (ancestral spirits of the Yoruba that play a role of protection and guidance in daily life). The Egungun masks are an important feature of the Yoruba masquerade in Nigeria. Also on display are a selection of oil and bead paintings, Benin bronze figures, Ibeji figures, craft, and hunting implements. "One of the objectives of this exhibition is to deepen public awareness of the cultural diversity of Jamaica and the large presence of the Nigerian culture in our everyday life," said Watson.
Star of the Week
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wenty-two-year-old Christel Mittelholzer, originally from the West Coast of Berbice, is currently vying for the coveted Miss Guyana Jamzone 2013 crown. The beauty is a past student of the Berbice Educational Institute where she graduated top of her class. She thereafter attended New Amsterdam (Multilateral Senior) Secondary School, and then later graduated with a degree in Business Management. Blessed with both beauty and brains, Christel is presently an ACCA student at Cacique Inc. Her desire to become a finance mogul has influenced her ambitions to become an accountant or business consultant. The philanthropist, who has been involved in charitable work over the years, has a great desire to open a soup kitchen and homeless shelter. A free-spirited individual, Christel is family-oriented and enjoys spending quality time her friends. Her statuesque beauty, eloquence and debonair persona set her apart from the other contestants. Using her pageant’s platform, Christel wants to showcase that inner beauty complements outer beauty. The competition, focusing on tourism, furnishes Christel with the opportunity to highlight her country’s beauty, not only its landscape but also its people. In her leisure time, Christel enjoys outdoor activities and board games. To join Christel on her journey in the competition go to Christel Mittelholzer for Miss Guyana Jamzone 2013 on Facebook.
Nigeria is home to more than 250 ethnic groups enhancing its rich and diverse artistic expressions, which trace their roots to more than 2,000 years back. The focal points of the artwork manifest divine, mystique and the grassroots influences of Nigeria's culture.
Gelede masks
These wooden masks are used predominantly as mediating objects. They form a part of ritual with a primary focus to protect man from witches (the Yoruba word for 'witch' is aje) by use of magic, percussion, sculpture, dress and dance. Gelede masks are worn by men but may portray a wide range of male and female characters. Worn in formal dances, the masks are tilted over the forehead, allowing the dancer to see beneath the rim through a veil of cloth.
The talking drum
The talking drums (often with an hourglass shape) are used in African music recordings. Similar to the smoke signals of native Americans, the African tribes used talking drums to communicate generic messages. Talking drums can approximate the spoken language, and can communicate complex dialogues between drummers as far as 20 miles away. Conversations only take place between drummers who are approximately five miles away and then passed from drummer to drummer to the villages farther away. The drums communicate highly developed thought because the spoken languages of African tribes have a tonal component in which each syllable in a word contains a different pitch.
The Benin bronze
Bronze pieces from the Benin kingdom are sculpted
by hand then cast in bronze in a lost wax process used by metallurgists in coastal West Africa, since the mid15th century. This process has been adapted and is widely used today to create bronze structures from models of clay in Jamaica. The core is covered with beeswax into which a design is etched, the wax is then covered with two or three layers of smoothed clay and left to dry then fired. During the firing process, the wax melts and drains from the base of the statue. The clay mound is turned upside down and liquefied bronze is poured inside and left in sand to cool. Finally, the layers of clay are chiselled away to reveal the art. Almost all art was created to honour the king or oba, who has reigned, with his ancestors, from the 15th century. (Excerpt from Jamaica Gleaner)
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TT-based film ‘A story about Wendy’ to debut in Zanzibar
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Adrian Dutchin
Michelle “Big Red” King
Jumo Primo
n a continued quest to ensure that Guyanese music is recognised worldwide, Kross Kolor Records is set to spearhead and launch a network that it believes will set the way forward for Guyana and Guyanese musicians. The company owned and managed by long time veteran Burchmore Simon has over the years played a major role in the entertainment arena in Guyana, contributing to the high standard quality of music being produced in the country to date. The Guyana Music Network, a Kross Kolor Records initiative, is the first step designed to change the way people look at the music industry in Guyana and to reorganise and consolidate for its growth and commercialisation. Among the countries of the Caribbean, Guyana cuts a lonely figure in the music industry. Over the years many attempts have been made to form and stabilise an organisa-
tion that would secure the affairs of musicians in the country all to no avail. Even as studios have improved their equipment and engineers their skills, songwriters their writing and performers have upped their game, the music industry is almost nonexistent. There are no associations, no unions, no copyright society, absolutely nothing indicating that this industry is ready to rival any of its sister countries in the Caribbean much less farther afield. This state of affairs has resulted in frustration, poverty, and stagnation of an industry that has the potential to out sell rice, sugar and bauxite. In other words, after decades of the likes of Jonny Braff, Mark Holder, The Yoruba Singers, Adrian Dutchin, Jumo Primo, Big Red, Fiona, The mighty Intruder, Celia Samaroo, Mighty Canary, Mighty Rebel, Charmaine Blackman, Dave Martins, Terry Gajraj, Joyce Harris,
Bonny Alves, Keith Waithe and other stalwarts; and being ahead of the other Caribbean nations in the 50’s- 60’s where music was concerned, Guyana has been relegated to last position and struggling to survive. One can agree that over the years Guyanese artistes have faced many hardships; being disrespected by promoters who have constantly given them little or no preference when promoting events or not advertising them even if they are booked, or who want to pay little or nothing for their services; shunned by some djs who will play only foreign recordings 24/7 without playing a song from a Guyanese artiste, preferring to feed children trash and feel good about it than aid in the positive development of their own. The introduction of the Guyana Music network will be done on Thursday 27th June, 2013 at the Umana Yana at 1730 hours. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)
gest.
the competition. "This is the only international pageant that Jamaica is proud to be the official host," he said. Sunset Resorts is the event's platinum sponsor. For more than a decade the Miss Global International Pageant has been promoting tourism through beauty. (Jamaica Observer)
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iss Global International Beauty Pageant is scheduled for the Sunset Beach Resort in Montego Bay, St James, Jamaica, on Saturday, September 28. According to pageant director Lachu Ramchandani, this staging — now in its ninth year — will be the big-
"This year we're expecting more than 40 countries. It's gonna be the largest staging," Ramchandani told Jamaican media over the weekend. The director said contestants from North America, South America, Europe and Asia will be arriving in the island for
is degree was not in film-making but that did not stop environmental and geography major, Sean Hodgkinson, from making his first film, ‘A Story About Wendy’, starring Heidi Walcott, sister of former Miss TT, Gabrielle Walcott. Today he believes it’s a good thing he followed his passion, as the 40-minute long film has been accepted into the prestigious 16th annual Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), which starts on June 29. In an interview, an obviously elated Hodgkinson could not stop smiling as he told his story. “I always wanted to do film, but I was kind of shy,” said the Diego Martin native. The 36-year-old said when he returned to TT from studies at Brock University in Canada, he pursued a certificate in film-making from the London Film Academy. “I also met up with director and producer Lisa Wickham who took me under her wing and really showed me the ropes when it came to directing and filmmaking. I had hands-on experience with her— working on some of her actual projects,” said Hodgkinson. The director, producer and writer of ‘A story About Wendy’ said his “big break” came when he was working on a Norwegian film as an extra casting co-ordinator. “I remember the director of that film asked me if I could write and I was like, ‘Yeah I can write.’ The next thing I know I am sending off a script to the TT Film Company. I had forgotten all about it and a couple months after, I got a call from the film company notifying me that my script was eligible for funding. Just getting that call made
Heidi Walcott as Wendy, in a scene from ‘A Story of Wendy’. (PHOTO COURTESY SEAN HODGKINSON)
me feel like I had won an Oscar already,” said Hodgkinson. Once that was in the bag, Hodgkinson began searching for characters to bring the script to life. One person Hodgkinson had no ambivalent feelings about though, was lead actress Heidi Walcott. "I did not know who would play the other characters but I wrote that script with Heidi in mind," said Hodgkinson. "I remember directing a music video that Walcott was in. During one of the shooting breaks, I suppose she was tired and she went to one of the cars on location for a quick nap. When we started back shooting, I went to wake her up and her red lipstick was smeared all over her mouth. I thought she was extremely fitting for the role," recalled Hodgkinson with a chuckle. He said the movie which wrapped filming in March 2012, tells the story of a young woman, whose life spirals out of control after her fiancé leaves. Forced to move back in with her parents, Wendy hopes that landing a job with famed TV presenter Simone Davies (played by Catherine Emmanuel), will help get her back on her feet. Simone, however, has other plans for Wendy.
"The film is really bits and pieces of real life experiences—stories often told through the people in your life. It is no heavy European drama, but it is a film everyone can relate to," said Hodgkinson. ‘A Story About Wendy’ was shot at various locations in TT including Stone Haven in Tobago, Cotton Hill in St Clair, Diego Martin and Valencia. Hodgkinson said he wanted people to see another side of TT— a side that does exist. "Films are subjective but I try to tell a story that is universal. Often times when Caribbean films are made it depicts gangster and thug life, but that is not what we're all about. I am not saying that those films are bad but I just feel that so much more about our people can be told in a film, other than decay, gangster-type killing stories," said Hodgkinson. He said that his company, Quirky Films is already in post production of Part 2 of the film which is scheduled for release in late 2013. Hodgkinson who left over the weekend for the Zanzibar Festival, said he was a bit disappointed that the cast members could not go with him, but funding for the trip only covered him. (Excerpt from TT Guardian)
Lachu Ramchandani (centre), organiser of the Miss Global International Pageant, is flanked by Roshelle McKinley (left), Miss Jamaica Global 2013, and first runnerup Leshari Bryan, at a recent event.
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week ending June 27, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com
- says TT’s Calypso King David Rudder as he gets ready to awe at 6.0 concert
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ailed as King David Michael Rudder, the internationally acclaimed son of Trinidad and Tobago, promised his fans “shock, awe and the familiar” while celebrating his 60th birth-
said that a few Roots players will be involved. Questioned as to who else will share stage with him and if there will be any surprises on the night Rudder quipped: “I don’t usually let out on my guest
David Rudder performing at this year’s Soca Monarch finals in TT
day with them at his first major concert in ten years. Entitled Rudder 6.0, the concert will take place at the Grand Stand Queen’s Park Savannah on Saturday in TT. In an interview last Thursday, while on his way to Barbados to perform at a concert, he was asked how it feels to get to that birth milestone (60 years old). He responded: “It makes you marvel at the speed of life and the work to be done.” And what can patrons expect from you at that show that is being produced and managed by Pepper Events? “Shock, awe and the familiar,” was his answer. Rudder will be backed by his band led by Wayne Bruno, but
artists but I feel patrons will be pleasantly surprised.” With his vast repertoire of music to delve into he was asked how long will he be on stage to which he replied: “Who knows?” However it is expected that Rudder will be doing songs from the 60s right up to the present. “People will expect the tried and tested so I’ll go there, but they will also experience the hidden gems. Let’s just say they’ll hear a David that few have heard before,” said Rudder. He continued, “Sixty is the new 40 for me. When I hit 40 I felt nothing, and 50 was the same. Sixty makes you sit up and think, though. I want to write more
now, as well as return to painting, drawing, sculpture. I also want to continue and expand my little outreach with the youth, now that my little ones are getting big.” Over the decades of Rudder’s music and performances he had successfully bridged that gap between classic calypsoes and the soca music in his own inimitable style that many described as controversial, educational, exciting, moving and just plain sweet. Like the calypso greats of the past such as Kitchener, Pretender, Roaring Lion, Atilla the Hun, Terror, Spoiler, Duke and the Mighty Sparrow, who sang on any topic whether it related to TT or international events, so too did Rudder in a way that it related to the younger listener, as well as the foreign audience. His music simply transcends culture, race and class. Rudder was born in Belmont, Trinidad, on May 6, 1953. One of five children born to his mother, he spent much of his early childhood with his grandmother, a spiritual Baptist. He grew up near a pan yard and a Shango yard in a neighborhood where boys dreamed of being entertainers. Rudder began singing at the age of 11 with a group called The Solutions. Later, together with Carl and Carol Jacob he was backup singer in the Calypso Revue tent. But in 1977, he joined music band Manhattan Charlie’s Roots led by Pelham Goddard, then somewhere in the 90s left for a solo career. Rudder has been featured in a number of international publications including Germany’s Gorgenpost and Stern Magazine, Jamaica’s Gleaner newspaper that described him as the “Bob Marley of Soca”, in the US in the Boston Globe, New York Times, Village Voice, Newsweek Magazine and Cosmopolitan, was a cover story for Class magazine and featured artist in Ebony Magazine. (Excerpt from TT Newsday)
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& B Legend R Kelly will be performing live at the Guyana National Stadium on August 24 when Hits and Jams Entertainment hosts its annual Jamzone Summer Break international concert! Robert Sylvester Kelly, better known by his stage name ‘R Kelly’, will headline this show and promises to make it an unforgettable evening for fans of great soulful music as he is often referred to as the ‘King of R& B’. This artist is an American singer/songwriter and record producer who has been on the entertainment scene for more than two decades. A few of R Kelly’s biggest hits are “Bump n’ Grind”, “Your Body’s Callin’”, “I Believe I Can Fly”, “Gotham City”, “Ignition (Remix)”, “If I Could Turn Back the Hands of Time”, “The World’s Greatest”, “I’m a Flirt”, and “Trapped in the Closet”. He won three Grammy Awards for “I Believe I Can Fly”
in 1998. R Kelly has worked with many great artists in his industry including the late Aaliyah for whom he produced her 1994 debut album ‘Age ain’t nothing but a number’ and in 1996, he was nominated for writing ‘You are not alone’ made popular by the late Micheal Jackson. R Kelly is also known for collaborations with Rapper Jay-Z and Hip Hop artists like Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs, Fat Joe and Nas. This superstar has been recognised by the Recording I n d u s t r y Association of America (RIAA) as one of the bestselling music artists in the United States with 38.5 million albums sold as well as only the fifth black artist to reach the top 50 of the same list. More recently in March 2011, R Kelly was named the most success-
ful R& B artist of the last 25 years by Billboard. He has released 10 studio albums in total, sold 38.5 million albums in the U. S. and over 54 million albums worldwide making him the most successful R& B male artist of 1990s!
Kingston on show
Reggae singer Courtney John (centre) performing at opening night of the KOTE 2013 in St Andrew last Friday night. (Photo: Redbones Archive/Jamaica Observer)
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his year marks the sixth staging of the Kingston on the Edge (KOTE) arts festival staged in the Corporate Area in Jamaica. The event, which began last Friday, will run until next Sunday. It is scheduled to see approximately 25 events covering all areas of the arts including music, poetry, fine arts and dance. Omar Francis, member of the organising team, told Jamaica media that this year's theme is ‘Renewal’ and, as such, a number of the events have this as part of their sub text. He said the festival continues its thrust of unearthing and exposing some of the artistic jewels which exist in Kingston. "Generally speaking, we just want to shed
light on what happens in the city artisticaly. It is the largest of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean and we just want to show that some amazing things are happening which the general public and even artists themselves are not aware of." Shying away from fingering a must-see event, Francis said there is something for everyone in the schedule of events. Sunday continued with a number of events including an exhibition featuring members of the Potters' Association of Jamaica inside the lobby of the Bank of Jamaica in downtown Kingston. Among the potters showing were David Pinto, Margaret McGhie and Phillip Supersad. Monday, the events
shifted to the Liguanea Club in New Kingston for a short film festival where film enthusiast David Morrison guided a night of 'shorts' highlighting the Jamaican film scene. Other activities include the monthly meeting of the Poetry Society of Jamaica at the Edna Manley College, an informal forum based on photography at the Alhambra Inn and an open Jam session at Tony's Bar on Chelsea Avenue. KOTE 2013 wraps up on Sunday, June 30 with five evnts including the National Gallery's last Sunday, open house at Studio 74 and the the festival's closing party — Kgn Dub Club. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)
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Toronto-based Guyanese Lal Balkaran unveils new documentary on Rupununi
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s part of his ongoing quest to promote his native Guyana, Toronto-based Guyanese Lal Balkaran recently launched a new documentary that showcases the North and South Rupununi with over 300 spectacular images that capture scenery, the way of life and people of the mountainous regions. The documentary titled: ‘The Rupununi Savannahs of Guyana: A Visual Journey,’ according to Balkaran is for all readers with an interest in Guyana. It is a photojournal of the southwestern part of the country that borders Brazil. The documentary covers rock carvings; the Shiriri mountain – a majestic landmark; Shea Rock (half the size of Uluru or Ayers Rock in Australia); the Kanuku mountains; giant ant hills; the curatella trees (known locally as kai n’bay) and everyday life such as school and church activities; vac-
Toronto-based Guyanese Lal Balkaran
queros or cowboys in action; preserving beef into tasso and making food from bitter cassava. “Depicting the essence of the area, this documentary, with appropriate South American music in the background, brings out a vivid and visual journey throughout this grassland region of Guyana,” a release from Balkaran described the documentary. “Over three years in the making, it is over 40 minutes long with
stunning pictures taken with a Nikon D-80 digital camera and information well researched from a range of sources,” Balkaran indicated. He added that “it will broaden and enrich viewers’ own knowledge of Guyana as well as bring a flood of memories of this scenic part of the country for those who have either lived or worked there.” Over the years, Balkaran, an internal audit, risk, & corporate governance consultant in Canada, has researched and produced several publications and documentaries promoting various areas, issues and aspects of life in Guyana. Some of the other documentaries he has done and which are available in the National Library, University of Guyana library and the Guyana Post Office Corporation archives include ‘A Photojournal of the Guyanese Amerindians,’ ‘Guyana: A Photographic
Journey Across All Four Geographic Regions,’ and ‘Stamps of British Guiana and Guyana.’ He has also written several books including ‘Immigrant #99840 and Canecutter #7074: The Story of an East Indian Family in Guyana (AuthorHouse: Bloomington, 2006),’ ‘Encyclopaedia of the Guyanese Amerindians & Other South American Native Terms (LBA Publications: Toronto, 2007).[World’s first encyclopaedia of the indigenous peoples of Guyana],’ and ‘Bibliography of Guyana and Guyanese Writers, 3rd ed. (Seaburn Publishing: New York, 2010).’ ‘Timelines of Guyanese History: 14982006 – A Chronology of Key Events (LBA Publications: Toronto, 2007)’ and ‘A Photojournal of the Guyanese Amerindians (LBA Publications: Toronto, 2007)’ are also some of Balkaran’s work.
Former Jamaican transport Minister Mike Henry launches new book
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ormer transport and works minister of Jamaica, Mike Henry, says he welcomes the recent admission by Mayor of Portmore George Lee that the Statistical Institute's (STATIN) 2011/12 census population figure for the municipality is more than 60 per cent off target. "This is further proof of what I have been saying all along," the publisher and Member of Parliament gloated, as he thanked dozens of guests who filled the Red Bones Blues Café in Kingston last Tuesday for the launch of his new book, ‘Many Rivers to Cross’, on his 78th birthday. Lee told Jamaica Observer’s editors and reporters at last week's Monday Exchange that the 182,000 residents accounted for in the census is wrong, and suggested that the figure is closer to 300,000. Those who know Henry well must be fully aware of his political passions — accurate statistics, especially population figures which, he insists, are basic for planning growth and development; his vision of a multimodal system of transportation for Jamaican commuters; and his promotion of reparations for
Mike Henry signs a copy of his book.
slavery in Jamaica. "A country cannot develop without proper population figures, so without that we are bound to fail the IMF targets," Henry said. While some readers may be disappointed that the book, sub-titled, "A Political Journey of Audacious Hope", is not full of juicy political gossip, it certainly puts into perspective his vision, experiences and achievements after 33 unbroken years in the nation's House of Representatives
as MP for Central Clarendon. The book covers what he considers his important parliamentary speeches, as well as "parts of my unfinished political life", he says, reminding the reader that — as far as political representation is concerned — he is not yet finished despite his 78 years. "Given good health and an undying belief and hope in Jamaica, much is left to be done and doesn't hope spring eternal?" he asked.
"This book assesses how consistent I have been in my pursuits; and, in my analysis, how much did I seek to change and how much of an impact I had," he added. Henry says that the trilogy he has been writing, which will also include his memoirs, will be completed over the next few years. The function attracted a number of friends and political colleagues, including Opposition and Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Leader Andrew Holness, Chairman Robert Montague, former deputy leader Derrick Smith, among other JLP executives. Professor Dr Oswald Harding, dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Technology, was the main speaker, while Dawn Henry, wife of the author, brought greetings from their company, LMH Publishing. Dr Norman Marshall did the same for the Book Industry Association of Jamaica. LMH has planned a "meet and greet" island tour, which will include May Pen, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, to promote the book. The first print has also sold out and the book is now in its second print. (Jamaica Observer)
Procrastination
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By Anu Dev
e all do it sometime or the other. Some of us do it more than others. It’s so easy to say that you’ll be able to do whatever it is you’re supposed to be doing tomorrow, or next week, or even next month. It’s the habit that we all wish we could quit. It’s probably one of the hardest habits to quit. Because there’s no equivalent of a nicotine patch to slap on to aid us in kicking this habit. For this, the change has to come from within. Everything – self-discipline, self- motivation – has to come from within. And we’re all different. We all put off things for different reasons. We might put off confronting someone because we’re afraid of their reaction. We might put off other things because we mightn’t be confident in our ability to get them accomplished. We might put off things because we feel sorry for ourselves and we want to give ourselves a break. We might put off things because it’s sometimes easier to completely avoid something than dealing with it right away. It’s easier to say you’ll do something tomorrow than to actually do it right now. It’s so much easier at the time to procrastinate. It’s easier to push things away to the back of your mind to deal with later. And we all like to take the easier route at some point or the other. So it’s very difficult to deal with procrastination. However, since we can’t avoid things forever, (there’s that inexorable “moving hand of time”) there’s the inevitable mad rush to get everything done before time runs out. And it’s an adrenaline rush sometimes, where you’re on autopilot racing to finish. And then there’s the stage of regret where you know you would’ve done much better if you’d started earlier. You would’ve had so much more time to perfect things. (Sigh) Or you would’ve been able to clarify things sooner. We all have different ways that we deal with procrastination. I like making lists and planning out things, and making schedules. But I still need a nudge sometimes. Other people might have different ways of dealing with procrastination. And that’s the important thing – dealing with your problem of procrastination. Because the worst thing you can do is allow your procrastination to define you and constantly get the better of you. And we all already know that we shouldn’t procrastinate. But as Portia says in ‘The Merchant of Venice’ , “I can easier teach twenty what were good to be done than be one of the twenty to follow mine own teaching.” To know what you should be doing and actually doing it are two very different things. But it’s worth it to make the effort to stop procrastinating. So stop putting things off. Get up, get out, and find ways to deal with your procrastination. Find a way to motivate yourself to get things done. Don’t allow procrastination to define you – because then you’ll probably feel like a “failure by design”. And that’s the worst feeling in the word knowing that you could have been so much better if you had tried harder. Fight procrastination!
25 Ranveer hopes moustache Sridevi paints brings him luck MJ portrait as gift to daughter T Bollywood
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ctor Ranveer Singh feels cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Ravindra Jadeja's handlebar moustache proved lucky for the Indian cricket team in the ICC Champions
Trophy. He hopes his own moustache reaps gold for him at the box office. "I hope my handlebars are as lucky for me as they have been for Team India. I am glad and if I may say so, I may have started a trend," Ranveer said recently. His moustaches are for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film ‘Ram Leela’, where he is been paired opposite Deepika Padukone. Ranveer says if he could, he would love to continue sporting the look. "If I was left to be, I would have grown hair this long, a similar beard... if I wasn't playing characters in my line and was left to be. That's how I would have been in my personal life. I'm very attached to my moustache, I love twirling it," Ranveer said. (Times of India)
Would be a pleasure to direct Aamir again - Kiran Rao
he Michael Jackson portrait, which occupies a pride of place in the bedroom of Sridevi's eldest daughter Jahnavi, has been painted by the actress herself. The teenager is a diehard fan of the late pop legend and so, mommy dearest decided to gift her Jackson’s portrait. According to reports from Indian media, Jahnavi considers it to be the best gift her mother has ever given her. It is known that Sridevi is also an ardent MJ fan. It seems that one of her biggest regrets is that she never got a chance to meet him. A source close to the actress said, "It took Sri months to get over the grief of MJ's death. She would somehow manage to incorporate his signature
step in her dance sequences. One got a glimpse of it even in English Vinglish." It was MJ's fourth death anniversary on Tuesday. (Times of India)
Amitabh regrets not being in ‘wonderful’ films like ‘Raanjhanaa’ of.
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iran Rao is working on her second film and would love to direct her husband Aamir Khan if the need arises. She had earlier directed Aamir in her maiden venture ‘Dhobi Ghat’ where Aamir played the role of an artist. The director says, "It would be my pleasure to direct him again. I'm hop-
ing. Let's see. I haven't actually written my next film fully and I don't know if there is any part he can play. But if the opportunity arises, I'd love to". For now, Kiran will be presenting Anand Gandhi's acclaimed film ‘Ship of Theseus’ to Indian audiences which hits theatres on 19th July. (Times of India)
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egastar Amitabh Bachchan says he feels jealous whenever he watches wonderful films like ‘Raanjhanaa’, which he is not part
The 70-year-old veteran saw the Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor-starrer in celebration of India’s victory at the Champions Trophy Sunday night. “It was a delight. I get so envious after seeing all these wonderful films, and lament and regret that I am not in them, even in a small capacity, for I love the immense talent and finesse that today’s cinema with its young brigade brings to the world,” Big B posted on his blog. The actor also has a few movies in his “to-watch” list. “I shall be seeing some other unreleased films given to me by Anurag Kashyap, by some talented directors and actors … a joy always,” he wrote. (Celebden)
I am very close to my Forget girlfriend, I'll now find mother - Sonam Kapoor myself a wife - Varun Dhawan
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arun Dhawan, in a recent interview, shared his experience on life, love and other chance encounters. When asked what he would prefer, a sexy car or a sexy girlfriend, the actor responded “Definitely a sexy girlfriend!”
He went on to add “in fact I think I should now like to graduate to finding myself a wife. There is a famous line that we live once and we die once, but I believe we can live many lives but die only once- and that is by getting married.” (Times of India)
I haven't made my mark anywhere - Shruti Hassan
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ctress Shruti Hassan, who has made a place for herself in the southern film industry, says she was not avoiding Bollywood and commitments down south kept her busy. Shruti made her debut in Hindi films with a cameo appearance in her father Kamal Hassan's 'Hey Ram' in 2000. She was seen in a full-fledged role in 'Luck' (2009) and then in Madhur Bhandarkar's 'Dil Toh
Baccha Hai Ji' (2011). However, both the films did not fare well at the box office. The actress feels that she was yet to make
a mark in any film industry. "I haven't made my mark anywhere. I am very young and still starting out in the industry," Shruti said. The actress is now looking forward to the release of two Hindi films -Prabhu Deva's 'Ramaiya Vastavaiya' and Nikhil Advani's 'D-Day'. However, Shruti said that through these films, she is not looking to make a foothold in the Hindi film industry. (Times of India)
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onam Kapoor is happy about the success of her film ‘Raanjhanaa’ and also received lot of praises from her father Anil Kapoor. The actress revealed that her mother kept her away from glam world in the beginning which made her more sensible. On being asked about her relation with her mother, she said, "I am
very close to my mother and I tease my father that thank god I just got smile from you and I am just like mother." "She doesn't like to be in glam world, she feels awkward. My mother says that I'm not an actress, why should I be in limelight just because I am Anil Kapoor's wife. She also kept us away also for little more time
and that made us sensible," concluded Sonam. (Times of India)
Sonakshi Sinha's mom supervises her sex scene in Lootera
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onakshi Sinha's rule of thumb: ‘mummy knows best’. The 26-yearold actress made sure she was chaperoned by her mother Poonam during her first-ever lovemaking scene in the film ‘Lootera’, reported ‘Mid-Day’. In what must have been a horribly embarrassing encounter between Sonakshi, her mom and Ranveer Singh, the co-stars filmed their sex scene while mommy dearest just hung around. "Sonakshi, who has a strict no-kissing policy in her films, is known to be accompanied by her mom to almost all her sets," the tabloid reported. (Hindustan Times)
26 hollywood Jada Pinkett Smith Alec Baldwin reads pregnancy guide with wife believes cheating can A make love stronger www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending June 27, 2013
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ill Smith's wife Jada Pinkett, has apparently justified infidelity, saying that it can ac-
tually strengthen relationships rather than break them, in her Facebook post. The 'Matrix Revolutions' star wrote that if someone, who truly loves you, cheats on you then they have hurt themselves as much as they have hurt you, the Daily Express reported. The Hollywood actress, 41, asserted that situations like these make a great opportunity to deepen the relationship with thorough honesty. The mum-of-three, who has been married to Will for the past 16 years, insisted in the post that it's the time when love gets real, true and illuminates what you are made of as a couple and as individuals. She wrote that such situations could be the windows to a deeper commitment. (Times of India)
Ryan Reynolds wants to be a dad?
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ctor Ryan Reynolds, 36, reportedly wants to start family with wife Blake Lively.
However, the 25-year-old "Gossip Girl" actress isn't as keen on the idea, and wants to focus on her career right now, reported showbizspy.com. A friend of the couple shared that "Ryan is getting quite impatient about it". "Blake promised Ryan he'll be a daddy by the time he's 40. You can't blame her for wanting to wait, because she's so young, but he's hell-bent on changing her mind. He's wanted to start a family for years. It was one of the main reasons he split from Scarlett Johansson - because she wasn't interested," the source added. (Times of India)
My son doesn't think I'm funny - Sandra Bullock
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ctress Sandra Bullock's threeyear-old son Louis does not find her mother funny. The 48-year-old actress, who is known for her comic roles, said Louis does not laugh at her jokes, reported Contactmusic. "He doesn't find me funny at all! The only time he thinks I'm funny is when I go, 'You know you need to go to bed.' He goes, 'You so funny mamma. You so funny.' "He knows exactly what he's doing. But he's hilarious. He is hysterical. I'm just here to change diapers and feed him and make money for school. That's my purpose here and it's worth it," she
lec Baldwin's wife Hilaria has revealed the couple has been reading pregnancy guide, 'What to Expect When You're Expecting,' together as they prepare for the arrival of their first child. The '30 Rock' actor's spouse, Hilaria, is currently expecting their first child together and she said they love to read the pregnancy self-help book so they know that everything is progress-
ing normally, reported Contactmusic. "We read parts of 'What to Expect When
You're Expecting' together every day. He'll point things out and ask 'How are you feeling? Are you having that?," she said. Baldwin, 55, already has a 17-year-old daughter, aspiring model, Ireland, with his former wife, Kim Basinger, and Hilaria, 29, says he can't wait to have another child. "He's learned a lot of lessons and is going to be a great father this time around.”(Times of India)
Oprah tops Forbes most powerful celebrity list A fter two years as a runner-up, Oprah Winfrey was named the most powerful celebrity on Wednesday by Forbes, heading the six women and four men who make up the top 10. It was the fifth time the former talk show host who runs her own TV network has headed the annual ranking of 100 celebrities. Singer Lady Gaga came in second, followed by director/producer Steven Spielberg and singers Beyonce and Madonna. "There is nobody else
with that kind of consistency and power," said Dorothy Pomerantz of Forbes.com. "There are only three people who have been on every single one of our lists since 1999. It is Oprah, Howard Stern and Steven Spielberg." Singer and actress Jennifer Lopez, who was No. 1 last year, dropped to 12th place. With earnings of US$77 million from June 2012 to 2013, Winfrey was not the highest earning celebrity, an honor that went to Madonna who made US$125 mil-
lion. But Forbes said Winfrey's position in Hollywood and her presence in the press, on television and in social media propelled her to the No. 1 spot. (Times of India)
Winslet prefers anti-ageing products over cosmetic surgery
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itanic’ star Kate Winslet says she is in favour of anti-ageing products and is opposed to cosmetic surgery. The 37-year-old prefers elegant, fresh-faced and powerful look which anti-ageing gels and creams can provide, reported Contactmusic. "I don't believe in cosmetic adjustments, yet
they are becoming more and more popular so I
find it very reassuring that there is a luxury brand like Lancome developing new anti-ageing products all the time that actually work," said Winslet. "They are not trying to alter the face, but to celebrate the natural ageing process and the changes in our environment," she added. (Times of India)
Brangelina want eight kids
A Jason Statham doesn't said. (Times of India)
mind being gay icon
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ollywood hard-man Jason Statham has said that he is happy to be a gay icon. The 45-year-old action hunk, who is playing a character of a gay in his upcoming movie 'Hummingbird', was surprised to know about his homosexual fans, the Daily Star reported. The actor said that he is very happy to have fans of any kind and anywhere. (Times of India)
ngelina Jolie and hubby-to-be, Brad Pitt are reportedly planning to add to their brood and have two more children. The pair, who has three adopted and three biological children right now, apparently wants to have one more biological child and adopt another little girl from Jordan, the Sun reported. A source told the publication that the soon-to-be married couple's attitude towards kids is ‘the more the better’ and that once you have several, a few more makes no difference. The insider asserted that the 'Salt' star has been particularly touched by the situation in Syria and wants to adopt a child from Jordan to do her bit to help. The source insisted that the twins, Knox and Vivienne, are now four and
the duo has agreed that it's time for more kids. The insider told the tabloid that the Hollywood stars are crossing their fingers that they'll bring their next child home soon, but they both want one more biological child so the actress is eating a diet rich in potassium. (Times of India)
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week ending June 27, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com
- Guyana’s MP Bibi Shadick talks about her life and simple approach to its challenges
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ember of Parliament in Guyana, former government minister, advocate and patriot, Bibi Shadick has ardently used her office to help others; something she feels very passionately about. Shadick, the fourth of nine children was born and grew up in Leguan, Essequibo, where she attended primary school. In 1956, Shadick enrolled at the Bishop’s High School on a government county scholarship and completed O’ Levels exams but could not move on to A’ Levels because of family responsibilities. Her mother was experiencing a phase of illnesses and Shadick was needed at home to take care of her siblings. Her mother did not have any formal schooling but she valued education and placed great emphasis on her children to be educated. In order for this to happen, Shadick recalled her mother working industriously, selling eggs and chickens to pay for her daughter’s lessons.
School years
With the government county scholarship for Essequibo, Shadick had to leave her home in Leguan to live in Georgetown to attend Bishop’s, an all girls’ high school at the time. First she stayed with her grandmother and aunt in Alexander
By the time she went to the teachers training college in 1969, she was already getting a salary that was equal to a trained teacher’s salary then– about Gy$156. In 1971, Shadick became a trained teacher. She taught at various schools in and out of Georgetown, and never stopped developing herself academically. In 1978, she enrolled at the University of Guyana to pursue a certificate in education. She then went on to do her bachelor’s and graduated in 1981. After graduating, she was appointed Maths lecturer at the Cyril Potter College of Education until 1995. At age 50, she retired from teaching. In 1993, she began law studies and graduated with a LLB in 1996. She then went on to Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad, graduated in 1998, and was called to the bar in Guyana that same year.
Bibi Shadick comforting a distressed family during her service as Minister of Human Services in Guyana (GINA file photo)
Village, and would walk to and from school. Later, she stayed with her father’s relatives in Windsor Forest on the West Bank of Demerara, and would take the train to the ferry to reach school. These long, challenging journeys made getting an education even more important and valuable. Education, she noted, was not something that was handed to her, it was something she worked very diligently for. After completing school
Political career
Shadick passionately makes a presentation in parliament
at age 15, Shadick became a pupil teacher at her primary school in Leguan. There she earned what she called a “princely salary” of Gy$65 per month, and every year wrote qualifying exams, which added more money to her salary.
Shadick’s father was always a member of the PPP party. When Dr Jagan would visit Leguan, he would have a meal at their home. However, while her family was “politically astute” Shadick was never involved in political activities, she was just a member. But when a PPP representative from Leguan decided to retire, the
party asked Shadick to take his place. “I accepted and began a very hectic political life.” When elections came in March 2001, she was selected to be a Member of Parliament. She then received a call from the president and was asked to be installed as the minister of Human Services and Social Security. She served in that position until 2006. After serving as minister, Shadick requested to just focus on her legal practice, but would make herself available for her country. Presently, although she has her own private law practice, Shadick spends many hours daily fulfilling various duties for her party.
Private life
Speaking about a family of her own, Shadick divulged, “I have no children but have lots of nieces and nephews who view me like a mother. I was never married; not because of lack of opportunity but of choice. I don’t think I could be doing all these things if I had to take care of a husband. I’m a mother to lots of persons and I don’t regret not having a family of my own. I’m not short of children, but it’s just that I don’t have any of my own.” (Excerpt from Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
Jamaica’s Corinaldi Avenue Primary tops international poster competition tional and local competitions over the years. He and Salmon expressed their joy at the results of the competition. "It is not only that we won, but we gained the two top places in the competition, which is a first for the competition itself, so we were overwhelmed," Salmon said. The students received US$100 and US$50 respectively. The prize also included US$1,000 based
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on Malcolm's achievement and US$500 based on Humphrey's achievement being given to Corinaldi Avenue Primary to put towards developing the school. Principal Cynthia Munroe said that she and the entire school population felt very excited to have outdone the many schools from around the world that entered the competition. "We had done it before and we knew that
we could do it again," she said, while praising the art teacher at the institution for the continued success of the students. "Our teachers are highly motivated and committed, and they transmit this commitment and motivation to our students; and so our students know that when they get out there they have to excel — they want to achieve at the highest," she said. (Jamaica Observer)
Posing with framed copies of the winning pieces in the 2013 World Plumbing Day International Poster Competition are (from left) Corinaldi Avenue Primary Grade 3 Teacher Dane Julius; Grade 5 student and 2nd place winner Nakelia Humphrey; Grade 5 student and 1st place winner, Andrew Malcolm; and Grade 6 Teacher Donette Salmon. (PHOTO: JIS)
ompeting against e l e m e n t a ry and primary schools from the United Kingdom, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States of America, Corinaldi Avenue Primary School in St James, Jamaica, emerged victors in the 2013 World Plumbing Day International Poster Competition. The competition, sponsored by the United States-based World
Plumbing Council, saw Andrew Malcolm and Nakelia Humphrey, both 5th grade students at the school, walking away with the coveted first and second place prizes respectively. The school decided to participate in the competition when Donette Salmon and Dane Julius, teachers at the school, saw the information on the Internet and decided to enter two students. "We have very tal-
ented students here at Corinaldi, and so we decided that Nakelia Humphrey and Andrew Malcolm would be good choices (to do entries), seeing that they have more experience in entering poster competitions and doing very well at them," Salmon said. Julius said this was not the first poster competition that the school has won, and their achievements have spanned both interna-
Hundreds of visiting travel agents got a taste of Kadooment last Friday when the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) hosted a Kadooment-styled “jump-up” in St. Lawrence Gap. (Picture by Sandy Pitt/Barbados Nations)
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Benedictine Monastery, Bartica
Bartica today from the air
he Preamble to an 1887 ordinance in British Guiana stated that it had become necessary for the “establishment and regulation of a town” at the confluence of the Essequibo, Mazaruni (Massaruni) and Cuyuni rivers. The point, known as Bartica Grove, was chosen for the new town. In 1829 the Church Missionary Society established the area to conduct missionary work, and it was known for its quiet environment surrounded by palms and mango groves. The name was later shortened to Bartica, which is said to mean “red earth” in one of the Amerindian languages, as the community developed into a town. It was the discovery of gold in the Essequibo, Guiana interior that focused imperial eyes on Bartica Grove to establish a central location to register, monitor and manage the influx of labourers entering and leaving the region’s gold lands. The area was soon divided into rectangular grid lots, and its avenues given the simple names of First, Second, Third etc., de-
spite being mostly unoccupied and surrounded by sheer jungle then. However, two or three hostels were soon providing room and board and a market was added, though few marketing activities flourished and it was considered mainly thriving with rum shops at the time. A hospital and new police station were also added later. As the land nearest the river was relatively low, a draining trench was soon dug and a koker installed. Further inland however, the lands become hilly, and in modern times people often resort to taking taxis to travel up and down its distant hilly slopes. Bartica Grove was one of the earliest Anglican missionary settlements in British Guiana where the land was originally obtained from Sir Benjamin D’Urban. The mission was moved from its original site – a mile westward – to the present Bartica site in 1837 which was obtained from the Crown. A church dedicated to St. John the Baptist had been built after a visit from the Bishop of Barbados
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in 1836, which was consecrated by the Bishop of Guiana in 1843. During the mid 19th century, a monument was erected on the avenue leading to the church, in memory of a Reverend Pierce and his family who all died on the rapids of the Essequibo when the area served a small church and Amerindian community. There were also plans to construct a railway from Bartica to Potaro. That however, never materialised. Bartica has been given the title “Gateway to the Interior” though it is often bypassed by gold companies’ air transporting workers. However, smaller categories of miners do establish bases at Bartica today still. There is also another memorial today called the “Monument of Hope” in memory of the Feb 17, 2008 Bartica massacre that left 12 persons dead and four wounded. A plaque located in the compound of the Bartica Police Station was also unveiled in honour of the policemen killed in that attack. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
he Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe Pageant will this year feature new and exciting elements that include a reality television series, game challenges and a fashion extravaganza at the final. Screening for the competition takes place at the Hilton Trinidad, St Ann’s on July 6 and 7 from 9 am to 3 pm and 9 am to noon respectively. Twenty contestants will be selected to compete in the lead-up series of events towards the final on September 7. After producing the pageant for the first time last year, the team from Tribe Carnival led by Dean Ackin is ready to move away from the traditional pageant style and introduce a new concept for the brand and show. The changes have been approved by the Miss Universe International Incorporated who liked the ideas put forward by Tribe. The contestants will participate in a series of challenges. Each challenge will result in the elimination of one or two competitors. There will be four challenges, the first three being; a photo shoot on location at and in tandem with the shoot for Tribe’s 2014 presentation. Contestants who
perform the best here will move forward. For the second challenge contestants will be tested on skills learned in the training sessions for interviews, walking, posture, movement, physical fitness and other areas. The third challenge is based on a charity project that the participants will be engaged in. The last challenge will be incorporated into the final night when contestants will have to put the training they received in hair, makeup and fashion to the test. The final will take the form of a fashion and beauty show. The aim is to depart from the traditional and transform the Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe into an interactive event. The challenges and other preparations will be filmed to create a reality television series to air in the month leading up to the pageant final. This will allow the public to get to know the contestants and to decide which one they will root for on the final night. This TV series is designed to create excitement and also to drum up greater support for the eventual winner who will represent TT at the International Miss Universe Pageant in Moscow on November 9. (TT Guardian)
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week ending June 27, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com
Pumping up - Bolt Facebook fan in Barbados skips European meet chooses name for CPL mascot for serious gym work
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Usain Bolt
AAF World Championships 200m defending champion Usain Bolt was back at work in the gym Monday as he continued preparation for the biennial event set for Moscow, Russia, in August. Three days after winning the men's 100m title in a seemingly effortless 9.94 seconds on the second evening of the JAAA/Supreme Ventures National Senior Championships at the National Stadium, Bolt was back at work Monday morning, as he had promised in postrace interviews last Friday night. Pace Management, Bolt's management company headed by Ricky Simms, posted a video on the social network Twitter Monday showing the six-time Olympic gold medallist lifting weights at a Kingston gym. Bolt had told reporters after last Friday's race that he had some more work to do to get back in top shape. "I have a lot of things to work on; my start, my drive phase needs a lot of work I am not getting the power that I want; I probably need to get back in the gym and do some core work and then everything will come together," he said then. Bolt, who had won the sprint double at the IAAF World Championships in Berlin in 2009, before his sensational disqualification in the 100m two years later in Daegu,
South Korea, skipped the 200m last week as he had a bye as the defending champion. Bolt's training partner and Olympic bronze medallist Warren Weir won the 200m on Sunday in a new personal best 19.79 seconds. This tied Bolt's season best and is second in the world to American Tyson Gay, who ran 19.74 seconds earlier Sunday to complete the sprint double at the US Trials in Des Moine, Iowa. On Sunday it was announced that Bolt and his Racers teammates had withdrawn from a meet in Ostrava, Czech Republic, set for Thursday to allow for more training in Jamaica. "I want to apologise to my fans in Ostrava, but this year I will not be coming to the Golden Spikes meeting. Instead, I will stay in Jamaica with my coach for an extra week to focus on training before coming to Europe," said a statement from Bolt. Earlier last Friday, Gay had won the US Trial men's 100m in a worldleading 9.75 seconds and after suggestions that the American, who also ran 9.86 seconds at the Jamaica International Invitational in May, was setting the standard in the 100m so far, Bolt responded by saying: "I have run 9.63 seconds and 9.58 seconds, so I have set the standard already." (Jamaica Observer)
ouncer” is the name that has been chosen for the Caribbean Premier League’s mascot after a social media competition where Facebook and Twitter fans were asked to submit their suggestions for names for the huge purple and green ball that forms part of the CPL logo. After sifting through hundreds of submissions, five names were shortlisted by the CPL marketing and event team, with David Ross’ idea emerging as the favourite. Ross, who is from Barbados, posted his winning name on Facebook and explained his reasoning behind the label. “I listened to the CPL theme song which is very bouncy; I saw the mascot video on YouTube and the mascot was bouncing and it just hit me,” said Ross. The West Indies is known for bouncy wickets, and our brand of cricket and music is full of bounce. It is also catchy for children. Plus if you follow the ball it will bounce.” CPL Event Director Rhonda Kelly agrees. “Bouncer is such a fun name and CPL is all about fun. It is very simple and as David said, it’s catchy for the children.We wanted to involve the
Introducing “Bouncer”, the Caribbean Premier League’s mascot
fans in this process since our mascot is the face of CPL and will be interacting with fans at matches. I don’t think we could have come up with a better name ourselves.” The mascot is a cricket ball with horns. While the ball is selfexplanatory, Kelly explains that the horns are a reference to the J’ouvert celebration that is such an important part of Carnival revelries around the Caribbean. J’ouvert marks the official
start of the Carnival festivities, and it usually takes place in the wee hours of the morning before the sun rises. It is a ritual that is accompanied by mud, oil, pitchforks, horns and pointed tails, particularly in Trinidad and Tobago, and is said to symbolise rebirth, newness of life and freedom, all associations that are reflective of the Caribbean Premier League messages. For submitting the winning name, Ross will receive VIP tickets for the three matches being held in Barbados, and a brand new Samsung Galaxy S3 mini, courtesy of CPL sponsor, Digicel. Bouncer will personally hand over the new smartphone to David at the opening ceremony which he will attend with his family. “I am elated about winning but even happier to just contribute. I was already planning to attend all the matches in Barbados with my family and now I have more reasons to.” The first ever Caribbean Premiere League, sponsored by Digicel, begins on Tuesday, July 30 with 24 matches played across 6 Caribbean countries: Antigua, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago. (CPL)
TT’s sprint champion Baptiste sets new national records
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e l l y - A n n Baptiste underlined her superiority as Trinidad and Tobago's top female sprinter by setting two national records in two days as the curtains came down on the National Track and Field Championships at the Hasely Cawford Stadium on Sunday. Baptiste completed the sprint double by racing to victory in the 200 metres on Sunday after breaking the national 100 metres record with a world-leading 10.83 seconds on Saturday. The 26-yearold smashed fellow Tobagonian Semoy Hackett's time of 22.55 en route to a 22.36 clocking in the half lap on Sunday. Baptiste, representing the club Zenith, opened up a wide gap over her rivals, with club-mate Hackett in second spot in 22.98 and
TT sprinter Kelly Ann Baptiste (centre) pulls away from Kai Selvon (L) and another runner on her way to claiming gold in the 200 metres women’s final yesterday and setting a new national record.
Kai Selvon of Air Bon Sonics third in 23.05. All three made qualifying times for the IAAF World Championships, which is carded from August 10-18 in Moscow, Russia. Double Olympic bronze medallist, Lalonde Gordon, who placed fourth in the 400m on Saturday,
made amends with a gold medal run in the 200m the following day. Gordon, representing Club Tigers, earned the qualifying time for the World Championships with a 20.26 clocking, after a powerful surge from the bend. Jehue Gordon made the qualifying stan-
dard for the World Championships when he won the men 400m hurdles in 49.25. Also, Shakiel of Waithe threw a distance of 65.63 metres to become the new national javelin champion in the absence of injured Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott. (TT Newsday)
TT crowned Caribbean Street football champions
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he ball weavers from Trinidad and Tobago have been crowned the 2013 Guinness Caribbean Street Football champions as last year’s runner-up Guyana failed to advance to the semi-finals in this year’s regional tournament held last weekend in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The Trinidadians defeated Dominica 2-0 in a penalty shootout in the final after the game was tied at 1-1 at the end of regulation time.
The Guyana side, competing in Zone A of the preliminary round, recorded one win when they beat Antigua and Barbuda 2-0. They lost to eventual winners Trinidad and Tobago 1-0 and bowed out to St Lucia in a penalty shootout 2-1 in the battle for a semi-final place. Daniel Favorite scored Guyana’s only goal in the penalty shootout. The Guyanese finished a disappointing fifth, one place behind last year’s winners and host St Vincent and the
Grenadines, who also failed to impress as new teams emerged in the regional event. Dominica will be one of the teams to watch in the future after they lost in the final. They had beaten St Lucia 1-0 in the semi-final. Trinidad and Tobago needled St Kitts and Nevis 1-0 in the other semi-final match. The Trinidadians secured a first prize of US$ 4000 and the opportunity to be a part of a Futsal coaching course in
Jamaica for the players and a team official. Dominica took home US$2000, while St Lucia who defeated St Kitts 3-0 in the third place play off won US$ 1500 with the St Kitts side receiving US$1000. Eight regional teams participated in the second annual Guinness Street Football Challenge. The inaugural tournament was held in Guyana last year. The Guyana team arrived home Sunday morning..
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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending June 27, 2013
NEW GPC INC renews support TT’s Njisane Phillip pedals for powerlifting in Guyana to gold, silver in US
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Marketing executive for NEW GPC INC Livasti Bhooplall is flanked by strongmen John “Big John” Edwards (left) and Winston Stoby
resh on the heels of acquiring the Guyana franchise for the 2013 Caribbean Premier League, NEW GPC INC on Saturday renewed its commitment to powerlifting by renewing its alliance with the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF). At a simple ceremony at its Farm, East Bank Demerara, head office, the company provided sponsorship to Guyana’s strongest man, John “Big John” Edwards, for his attendance at the 14th Pan American and seventh Caribbean Powerlifting Championship set for July 1-7 in Orlando, Florida. Since 2008, super heavyweight contender Edwards (120kg weight class), competing in both the Open and Masters categories at the Caribbean, North American, Pan American and South American levels, has the phenomenal distinction of being undefeated, with his only blunder being at the 2011 World Masters where he captured the bronze medal.
Edwards will be using these championships as a warm-up for this year’s World Masters Championships along with fellow gym mate and current 74kg weight class World Masters and deadlift record holder Winston Stoby, who incidentally also received sponsorship from NEW GPC INC last year. In an invited comment, Marketing Executive for NEW GPC INC, Livasti Bhooplall, said, “We are extremely pleased and happy to play a role in the development of the sport of powerlifting which has performed outstandingly on the international stage in so short a time [2008 to now], and wish to encourage others to come on board and support this team to make this participation a reality as they represent the nation with distinction on the world stage. We take this opportunity to wish them the best.” President of the GAPF, Peter Green, was loud in praise for the significant gesture, which he said was timely as with just one week to go, the federation has only
met the half way mark of two million dollars. Team Guyana has the added bonus of vying for the Pan American Men team honours on account of fielding a full strength team as compared to previous years when depleted teams represented due to lack of financial support. Over 11 of the region’s top teams from North, Central, the Caribbean and South America will be vying for supremacy. Green said, “Guyana simply should not be left at home with this magnificent opportunity which sees them lifting just once in each lift for the chance of simultaneously medaling in two international championships, as well as the opportunity to enter the 2013 World Rankings based on their totals. With the American Embassy endorsing their confidence in the national team by the successful approval of athletes’ visas, the local business community is being pleaded with to support them tangibly as well.” (Excerpt from Guyana Times)
rinidad and Tobago’s Olympic cyclist, Njisane Phillip had a perfect start to his 2013 international campaign when he powered to gold and silver in the Men’s Sprint and Keirin events respectfully, at the International Cycling Union’s (UCI) Festival of Speed event which pedalled off at the Valley Preferred Cycling Centre in Pennsylvania, USA last Friday night. This was Phillip’s first major meet since the London Olympics and the prolific rider has proven to the world that he has still got it. In the Men’s Sprint finals, Phillip rode to glory over American cyclist, Matthew Baranoski. In the opening lap, Phillip opted to stay closely behind the American and bide his time to go for the sprint. As the bell rang to alert the cyclists for the final lap, the 22-year old national sprint ace immediately increased his momentum, going ahead of Baranoski with approximately 200m to go. With about 150 metres to go, the multiple national champion burst into life. Baranoski tried to keep up and gave a valiant fight with the final few metres remaining but Phillip, a fourth place finisher in the match sprint at the 2012 London Olympic Games showed why he is one of the better cyclists in the world by out sprinting him in an all-out dash to the finish line. Looking on at the event was Phillip’s father Mickey Phillip, who travelled to Pennsylvania to surprise his son at his first major competitive meet since the 2012 Summer Games. After his victory, Phillip dedicated
TT’s Olympic cyclist Njisane Phillip (TT Newsday file photo)
his golden performance to his father, who celebrated his birthday last Friday. In his semi-final ride, the Siparia-bred cyclist outrode two-time Junior European champion, John Paul of Great Britain. The duo has a good personal and competitive history together since Paul was the lone English rider to visit TT for the Njisane ThreeDay Cycling Festival earlier this year. Following in Phillip’s footsteps and producing another shocking ride was young national Kwesi Browne. The youngster, in his first major international meet, made use of his composure he got
by finishing sixth in the men’s sprint. In the 5-8 final, national riders Browne and Azikiwe Kellar finished sixth and seventh overall. In this race, they rode against Canadian Joseph Veloce and American David Espinoza. However, Baranoski would taste sweet revenge in the Men’s Keirin final as he blasted to gold ahead of silver medallist Phillip. Receiving bronze in this division was Argentinian athlete, Leandro Bottasso. But, Browne would once again send shockwaves throughout the Pennsylvania venue as he bravely held onto fourth position in the Keirin. (TT Newsday)
Lloyd united the West Indies, says Greenidge
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ordon Greenidge told Cricket AM how Clive Lloyd united the West Indies in a way that the politicians couldn’t. The former opening batsman was part of a golden era for Caribbean cricket in the 1970’s and 1980’s where he swept past allcomers in the company of players such as Desmond Haynes, Michael Holding, Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner and Andy Roberts. And speaking on Cricket AM he paid tribute to former skipper
Lloyd for bringing together such a powerful group of players from across the Caribbean islands, despite the political in-fighting that existed in the region. Greenidge said: “It was overheard someone saying how would other teams feel going in to play the West Indies when they know they are going to come off second best? “We came from different territories within the Caribbean and there’s a lot of animosity and insularity when that hap-
Clive Lloyd
Gordon Greenidge
pens. Some islands feel their players should be better suited to this position or the team and so on. “It doesn’t always
turn out that way and when the players came together as a West Indies team, we just gelled beautifully. Whatever troubles and problems
that faced us off the field, when we came together as a team on the field all of those things were put aside and we just focused on the job at hand. “It was a nice way of letting the people know we can work together, but I think the politicians were really the problem in the whole situation. They don’t seem to live together well at all and were always at loggerheads. “We gelled well, we played well together, we helped each other, we
supported each other, we discussed the game a lot off the field and we had many team meetings where we had battles off the field of play. But having a person like Clive Lloyd, who was at the helm then, was excellent. “He really afforded the players to perform the way they wanted to, uninhibited: You go out there and play the way you want to and we know you’ll be successful.The players were not restricted at all in the way they played.” (windiescricket)
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week ending June 27, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com
TT's Olympic champ escapes serious injury
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Keshorn Walcott
rinidad and Tobago's Olympic javelin gold medallist Keshorn Walcott reportedly escaped serious injury following a vehicular accident last Friday. Walcott's manager, Sean Roach, said that the athlete was heading to the Hasely Crawford Stadium when a car
collided with his SUV which triggered another collision, according to the Trinidad Express newspaper. Roach said Walcott did not sustain any injuries, but out of an abundance of caution he was examined by his physiotherapist. Media reports in Trinidad stated that Walcott would not contest the javelin event at the National Senior Track and Field Championships Tuesday. Walcott won Olympic gold at the 2012 London Games, the second Trinidadian to achieve such a feat, following Hasely Crawford's Olympic 100m gold at the 1976 Games in Montreal, Canada. (Jamaica Observer)
Deonarine stars as Windies A draw level W
est Indies A defeated Sri Lanka A by 90 runs in their second ODI at the Grenada National Stadium on Tuesday. Guyanese player Narsingh Deonarine starred with the bat and ball, scoring 34 when WI A batted first before returning with the ball to grab 3 for 25 from his 10 overs. His 345 was in support Nkrumah Bonner’s 64 and Lendl Simmons’ 40 as the Caribbean side amassed 240 for 9 in 47.1 overs. Chathuranga De Silva (3- 43) and Suranga Lakmal (2- 59) were the principal wicket-takers for Sri Lanka A, who were later bowled out for 150 in 42.1 overs. Dimuth
Narsingh Deonarine
Karunarathne scored 51 and Niroshan Dickwella chipped in with 41. Nikita Miller and Sheldon Cottrell were the other destroyers with figures of 2-32 and 2-25 respectively.
Horrobin is first Fraser-Pryce embraces 200m challenge Jamaican to qualify for US Senior Open T
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resident of the Professional Golf Association of Jamaica (PGAJ) Orville Marshall has announced that history was made recently when a Jamaican qualified for the US Senior Open Championship, which will be held between July 11-14 at the Omaha Country Club in Nebraska, USA. Long-time professional golfer Peter Horrobin qualified for the US Senior Open Championship and will represent Jamaica at
the championship in July. According to Horrobin, "I am extremely happy to have qualified for the US Senior Open Championship and to be the first Jamaican to do so. I will do my best to represent my country and myself and to make everyone proud." Horrobin gained one of two qualifying spots after coming second with a score of 71 at the Legacy Golf and Tennis Club in Port Lucie, Florida, recently. (Jamaica Observer)
Courts stores sign on as CPL sponsor
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OURTS, the largest furniture, appliance and electrical retailer in the Caribbean, has joined the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) as an official partner, and plans to engage fans to bring the CPL excitement home. Courts currently operates 80-plus stores in 10 Caribbean countries - Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and The Grenadines, St Lucia and Trinidad - and will be using these locations to sell tickets to CPL
wo-time Olympic 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce now seems stronger for longer, as she is taking the 200m and making it her own after having initially been reluctant to tackle the half-lap event. With the taste of international success in the event still fresh on her lips following her silver-medal performance at last year's London Olympics, the 'Pocket Rocket' appears hungry for more. She showed her desire with an impressive run at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association/ Supreme Ventures Limited National Senior Championships on Sunday evening inside the National Stadium, to capture the women's 200m in a world-leading 22.13 seconds. "As a 100m sprinter, which I am primar-
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
ily a 100m sprinter, I have to learn to do the things that will make me better," Fraser-Pryce shared. "I think the 200 (metres) has definitely made me better in the 100 (metres) and as this year continues to spring out a lot of stars you have to do something differently. And doing the 200m and a lot more of it has definitely helped me, and I am just looking forward to doing
more. I pray that God continues to give me the strength to execute." Fraser-Pryce, who by virtue of having won the 100m at last season's Diamond League gets a bye to compete in the event at this summer's World Championships, was able to focus solely on the 200m at trials. "I am very happy this evening, because I think I executed well," Fraser-Pryce shared. "I
ran the first 100 (metres) very hard and tried to stay upright and finish the race. Overall, I'm pleased with the time." She added: "The season is still young, as they like to say, many more races to come, many more executions." Stephen Francis, who coaches the 26-year-old at MVP, revealed that he expects her to dip below the 22 seconds barrier very soon. Fraser-Pryce is not putting a timeframe on when she will achieve the feat, but intends to be patient. "As an athlete, I am always confident," Fraser-Pryce stated. "I have nothing to fear once I step on the line because if is one thing I believe in is hard work and preparation and I have done that. So I'm just waiting on my time and when it comes it will come." (Jamaica Observer)
Tri-nation one-day series in the Caribbean… matches. In addition, CPL will have the opportunity to reach out to the Caribbean diaspora, whose members are expected to travel to the region for the inaugural tournament, through Courts' North American locations in Brooklyn and Queens, New York. "CPL's partnership with Courts is a very strategic and beneficial one to both parties, and we are thrilled about the possibilities that exist for us from a marketing perspective," said CPL CEO Damien O' Donohoe. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
‘We need consistency in bowling department’ - Clive Lloyd By Ravendra Madholall
A
riveting and dramatic triangular one-day series is anticipated from Friday when hosts West Indies, Sri Lanka and India will be vying for supremacy at different venues across the region. And according to former West Indies and Guyana skipper Clive Lloyd, the regional team can lift the prestigious trophy but they need to be consistent in the bowl-
ing department. He made this revelation on Sunday in Toronto where he was part of Guyana’s delegation as the country commemorated its 47th Independence Anniversary in Scarborough. The 68-year-old lefthanded batsman felt the bowling is a little erratic but once they play to the best of their abilities, winning the tournament is nothing challenging
for the team. “I believe we have a very good team but the guys have got to play to the best of their abilities; the bowling [is] a little weak, they need to work and try different bowlers; Kemar Roach is an excellent bowler and he should be the one to look at while I think they should try Guyanese fast bowler Rensford Beaton; he is very impressive,” Lloyd said. The Caribbean
Clive Lloyd
side will be led by Trinidadian Dwayne Bravo and start off their campaign against Sri Lanka at Sabina Park, Jamaica, while two days after they will match skills with India at the same venue.
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Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business
INTERNATIONAL WEEK ENDING JUNE 27, 2013
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“The coolest sporting league in the Caribbean just got cooler” – Damien O’Donohoe, CPL CEO
ays after signing on as the first Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise owner, Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop’s New GPC Inc, through its Limacol brand, has assumed the title sponsorship of the CPL. The tournament will now be called the Limacol CPL according to a CPL release. New GPC’s sponsorship is a multi-year agreement which will affect all aspects of the tournament, from branding and uniforms to advertising, marketing and promotions. New GPC is also the franchise owner for the Guyana Amazon Warriors. Limacol is a well-established and respected brand that is distributed throughout the Caribbean as well as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe and Asia. “We are pleased that Dr Ramroop and his group of companies have seen it fit to increase their level of support for the Caribbean Premier League,” said Damien O’Donohoe, CPL’s Chief Executive Officer. “The coolest sporting league in the Caribbean just got cooler. A brand that has kept Caribbean people
around the world fresh for decades has joined CPL as title sponsor. Limacol, the flagship product of New GPC, has made a significant long term commitment to ensure the sustainable future of the largest and most exciting event ever to hit the Caribbean; the product is recognised and used by thousands of consumers, both regionally and internationally and has become a popular household name. We believe that this partnership will indeed enhance Limacol’s already solid profile, and prove valuable and mutually beneficial for both the CPL and New GPC,”he said. New GPC Executive Chairman, Dr Ranjisinghi “Bobby” Ramroop, is just as optimistic about the relationship between New GPC and the CPL. “Guyana Amazon Warriors represents an investment we have in the CPL, in the sport, in the players, in our Caribbean; cricket is part of our culture. In this context, we are expanding our investment in the CPL by acquiring the title sponsorship,” explained Dr Ramroop. “We believe in the transformative potential of CPL for the Caribbean region. Not only does it promise to completely rejuvenate and revitalise cricket in the
Caribbean, it has the potential to provide a tremendous economic and social boost as well. “We feel it is important for the major corporate houses of the region to support this landmark initiative and intend to set an example by taking the title sponsorship of the event. Limacol is a product that for decades, Caribbean people have used to refresh and rejuvenate themselves. To sponsor the CPL, an event that promises to rejuvenate and refresh not just cricket in the Caribbean, but the region in general, was an obvious fit for us. “With just a few weeks left to go before the inaugural tournament, we are counting on the the energy and excitement surrounding the CPL in expanding our brand. Combined with CPL’s media reach that will span the cricket world, we aim to take the Limacol brand and its family of products owned by New GPC, into the homes of all cricket fans around the world. We thank CPL for giving us this opportunity,” added Dr Ramroop. The inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League starts on 30 July in Barbados and concludes on August 24 in Trinidad. (CPL)
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